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      France fans divided over size of cock on new Euro 2024 shirt as Nike finds itself at centre of fresh kit controversy

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      FRANCE fans are up in arms over a massive cock – after Nike unveiled another controversial kit.The sportswear giants were slammed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, former England stars including Peter Shilton, and fans after changing the colours of the St George’s Cross on the new Three Lions strip.The new France kit has a large cockerel on itCredit: NikeThe size of the badge is not popular with everyoneCredit: NikeFrance will wear the shirt at Euro 2024Credit: NikeBut some supporters across the Channel are also unhappy because Nike have increased the size of the traditional cockerel emblem on the chest of the replica kit they have launched ahead of Euro 2024.One fan summed up the feelings of many by describing the oversided chicken design as “totally disproportionate, uncalled-for even”.But others are sticking up for the bigger cock and are even proud of it.A supporter said: “We are often considered arrogant, so we might as well embrace it whole-heartedly”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother said the image was “galvanising”.Nike’s overall design harks back to the France kits of the 1970s, with an electric blue shirt.And at least they haven’t messed with the traditional colours of the French flag.The shirt collar is red, white and blue, to represent the Tricolore – no sign of the purple added to the England kit.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBiggest football kit fails
      Fiorentina 1992-1993: Kit was pulled after fans noticed a swastika in the pattern around the chest and shoulders.
      Man Utd 1996-1997: Sir Alex Ferguson blames grey kit for a loss to Southampton, claiming the players couldn’t see their team-mates as they blended in with the crowd.
      Cameroon 2004: Kit had no sleeves and was a vest. Banned by Fifa so designers Puma added black sleeves in the hope it wouldn’t stand out,
      Cardiff 2012-2013: Controversial owner Vincent Tan changed the club’s home shirt from blue to red as it was a lucky colour in his hometown.
      Huddersfield 2019-20: Publicity stunt gone wrong. Town play a friendly match with Paddy Power sponsor written in huge font in a sash across the strip. Broke an FA rule over the size of sponsors and Huddersfield were fined.

      France, the 2022 World Cup finalists, will go to Germany among the favourites to win Euro 2024.But after the row over the kit, their supporters will be even keener to avoid a repeat of the cock-up at Euro 2020.Dean Scoggins travels to FC Koln in Germany to find Europe’s best Away DayFrance led their last 16 clash with Switzerland 3-1 with less than 10 minutes to go, but conceded twice, including a 90th minute equaliser, before losing on penalties.France’s previous kit (left) and the new strip for 2024 (right)Nike have been criticised for changing the colour of the St George’s CrossCredit: PA More

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      Seven England stars who could still switch international allegiance before Euro 2024 including Kobbie Mainoo

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE could be handed a major England headache ahead of Euro 2024… and not just when trimming down his squad.The Three Lions boss will be trusted with the difficult task of picking 23 players for the European Championship finals in Germany as England bid to win their first major senior men’s title since 1966.Gareth Southgate could face a massive England selection headache in the summerCredit: RexA number of young stars including Kobbie Mainoo are eligible to switch allegiances before Euro 2024Credit: RexCole Palmer remains eligible to switch to Saint Kitts and Nevis despite playing twice for EnglandCredit: GettyHowever, a number of rising stars could cause a ruckus by switching international allegiance before the summer rolls around.Fifa rules on international representation, which were updated in 2020, say players can switch nationalities as long as they have played no more than three senior matches before the age of 21.There also needs to be a period of three years in between a player’s last appearance for the nation they want to switch from, with none of those games coming in World Cup or Continental finals such as the Euros.Players under the age of 21 are free to switch if they hold the nationality of the country they wish to play for.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEven if they did not so previously, a player can switch if they were under the age of 21 when they featured for the country they want to change from.England have lost players such as former Arsenal ace Folarin Balogun to switches of allegiance, with the former England Under-21 ace now representing the USA.Rising Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo is one such star who could switch from England with no issues.The 18-year-old – who is in line for his first England start against Belgium – is eligible to play for Ghana despite playing for the Three Lions in Saturday’s friendly defeat to Brazil.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREngland Under-21 stars Anthony Gordon and Curtis Jones could switch allegiances tooCredit: GettyFellow debutant Anthony Gordon, 23, could move to a Euro 2024 rival and sensationally line up against England if he were to switch to Scotland before the tournament.Tartan Army boss Steve Clarke is said to be keeping tabs on three stars, with Gordon joined by Newcastle team-mate Elliot Anderson, 21, and 18-year-old Leeds United prodigy Archie Gray.Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirtAlthough Anderson was called up to the seniors by Clarke last year, having switched between Scotland and England youth teams, but was forced to pull out due to injury.Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer, 21, has two Three Lions appearances to his name and is thus another star with a looming threat switch due to his eligibility to play for Saint Kitts and Nevis through his father. England Under-21 regulars Morgan Gibbs-White, 24, and Curtis Jones, 23, are also free to change countries, with respective switches to Jamaica and Nigeria on the cards.Of course, given England’s somewhat limited options in midfield it would be easy to imagine pathways for the pair opening up in the near future.Morgan Gibbs-White is eligible to switch to JamaicaCredit: GettyLeeds youngster Archie Gray is being eyed by Steve ClarkeCredit: GettyEngland youth star Elliot Anderson has been called up by Scotland but had to pull out due to injuryCredit: PA More

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      Euro 2024 CONFIRMED groups: England paired with Denmark, Germany play Scotland while Wales could face France

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      FOOTBALL fans are gearing up for a sensational summer as the Euro 2024 gets underway in June – and the groups have been confirmed!England will meet Denmark once again, three years on after Harry Kane’s 105th-minute strike sent the Danes home in a thrilling 2021 semi-final.England are one of the favourites to win the entire tournamentCredit: GettySpain have the chance to get their revenge on Italy in Group B following their penalty shoot-out exit during the last Euros.While Wales will be put in Group D with favorites France should they beat Poland in their play-off qualifier.What are the confirmed Euro 2024 groups?Here are the six groups for the Euro 2024 in Germany:Group ARead more on Euro 2024
      Germany
      Scotland
      Hungary
      Switzerland
      Group B
      Spain
      Croatia
      Italy
      Albania
      Group CMost read in Football
      Slovenia
      Denmark
      Serbia
      England
      England will be expected to progress as group winnersCredit: GettyGroup D
      Wales/Poland
      Netherlands
      Austria
      France
      Group E
      Belgium
      Slovakia
      Romania
      Ukraine/Iceland
      Group F
      Turkey
      Georgia/Greece
      Portugal
      Czech Republic
      When is the Euro 2024?Euro 2024 will take place on June 14, 2024.There will be 51 games and the opening match between Germany and Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich.Euro 2024 will last for one month, with the final set to be held on Sunday, July 14 at the 70,000-capacity Olympiastadion in Berlin.READ MORE SUN STORIESGermany will host and matches are set to be played at ten different venues:
      Berlin – Olympiastadion Berlin
      Cologne – Cologne Stadium (RheinEnergieSTADION)
      Dortmund – BVB Stadion Dortmund (Signal Iduna Park)
      Dusseldorf – Dusseldorf Arena (MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA)
      Frankfurt – Frankfurt Arena (Deutsche Bank Park)
      Gelsenkirchen – Arena AufSchalke (Veltins-Arena)
      Hamburg – Volksparkstadion Hamburg
      Leipzig – Leipzig Stadium (Red Bull Arena)
      Munich – Munich Football Arena (Allianz Arena)
      Stuttgart – Stuttgart Arena (MHPArena) More

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      Play our Euros Bracket Challenge game ahead of this summer’s tournament and compete for iPhone 15 Pro Max

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      PLAY Dream Team’s Euros Bracket Challenge ahead of this summer’s mouthwatering international tournament and you could win an iPhone 15 Pro Max.Much like our classic fantasy game and Score Predictor, our new game is also free to play via Dream Team’s app or website.CLICK HERE TO PLAY EUROS BRACKET CHALLENGE NOW – FREE TO PLAY, IPHONE 15 PRO MAX UP FOR GRABS!Play now!Credit: Dream TeamIt couldn’t be easier to play, simply predict the standings for the group stages and knockout fixtures from the round of 16 to the all-important final of Euro 2024.You’ll earn points for accurate predictions and if you rack up more than any other user, you’ll land the iPhone 15 Pro Max* (worth £1,199). You can alter your predictions as many times as you wish from now until the tournament gets underway at 8pm on Friday 14th June so there’s no harm submitting an early first draft and tinkering later.Competing for the top prize is only half the fun, of course.We encourage you to compete in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members, or whoever – flexing your football knowledge and claiming bragging rights makes for a satisfying prize in itself.When playing the game, you will first be invited to forecast the group standings.For example, Group A contains Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and Scotland so you would have to put these four teams in the order you think they will finish:
      1st Germany
      2nd Scotland
      3rd Hungary
      4th Switzerland
      You earn five points for each correct prediction and an additional three points if you get the entire group spot on.Using our above example, if Germany finish top of Group A and Switzerland finish bottom but Hungary edge out Scotland to claim second then this set of predictions would earn ten points (five each for Germany and Switzerland being correct).However, if the Tartan Army finish as runners-up behind Germany ahead of Hungary, this set of predictions would be worth a whopping 23 points (five for each of the four correct predictions plus three more for a perfect group).How will the Euros play out this summer?Credit: AFPHere’s a reminder of the six groups as it stands.GROUP A
      Germany
      Switzerland
      Scotland
      Hungary
      GROUP B
      Spain
      Croatia
      Italy
      Albania
      GROUP C
      England
      Slovenia
      Denmark
      Serbia
      GROUP D
      Netherlands
      France
      Austria
      Wales or Poland
      GROUP E
      Belgium
      Slovakia
      Romania
      Ukraine or Iceland
      GROUP F
      Portugal
      Turkey
      Czechia
      Georgia or Greece
      Group C looks particularly difficult to predict with Italy, Spain and Croatia all vying for top spot while Group F has a pleasing nostalgic feel to it.Once you’ve submitted your group stage predictions, you’ll be invited to select the best four of the six third-place finishers as those teams will also make it to the round of 16 alongside the six group winners and six runners-up in Euro 2024.The four best third-place finishers are determined primarily by points, then by goal difference, goals scored, most wins, disciplinary record and finally, if required, European qualifiers overall ranking.Will England succeed or fall short again?Credit: GettyAfter that, it’s time to predict the knockout stages from the round of 16 all the the way to the final.For example, if you back England to finish top of Group C and Turkey to finish third in Group F as one of the four best third-place finishers, then you’re looking at England vs Turkey in the round of 16.Knockout Round scoring:
      Correct round of 16 winner = 2 points
      Correct quarter-final winner = 4 points
      Correct semi-final winner = 8 points
      Correct tournament winner = 16 points
      The essence of the game is simple: the closer you get to accurately predicting how the Euros will play out, the more points you’ll earn.You’ll automatically appear on our overall leaderboard which will ultimately determine the winner of the iPhone 15 Pro Max but don’t forget to set up a Mini League just for you and your mates.Get involved now!CLICK HERE TO PLAY EUROS BRACKET CHALLENGE NOW – FREE TO PLAY, IPHONE 15 PRO MAX UP FOR GRABS!*Top prize paid as cash alternative if won outside UK & IrelandtalkSPORT BET Welcome offer
      Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
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      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org More

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      Wales vs Poland – Euro 2024 play-off final: Dragons face last-chance saloon match in Cardiff – stream, TV, team news

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      WALES have one last chance to secure a spot in this summer’s Euro 2024 competition – and play-off final opponents Poland stand in their way.This is familiar territory for Rob Page’s side as they travelled down the play-off route to book their place at the World Cup just two years ago.Wales humiliated Finland in their play-off semi-finalCredit: AlamyPoland thrashed EstoniaCredit: RexAnd the Welsh superstars will be confident that they’ll reign superior once again after brushing Finland aside 4-1 in last Thursday’s semi-final.However, Poland go into this match on a high after dismantling 10-man Estonia 5-1 in their last-4 contest.Furthermore, Robert Lewandowski and Co have not failed to reach the finals of a major tournament since 2014 so they’ll be eager to continue that incredible run.When is Wales vs Poland?
      Wales’s Euro 2024 play-off final against Poland will take place on Tuesday, March 26.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm GMT.
      Cardiff City Stadium is the allocated arena for this momentous occasion and it can host approximately 33,280 passionate fans.
      Poland ran out 1-0 winners when the sides last met in a 2022 UEFA Nations League match.
      What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed for FREE?
      Wales vs Poland will be broadcast LIVE on Viaplay in the UK.
      Fans can also stream the action for FREE on BBC iPlayer.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute action of the play-off final.
      What Euro 2024 group will the winners go in?The winners of this clash between Wales and Poland will be place in Group D at the Euro 2024.Group D:
      France
      Netherlands
      Austria
      Most read in Euro 2024What is the team news?Rob Page would have been delighted to escape the semi-final win against Finland with no fresh injury concerns.Captain Tom Lockyer – whose football future remains uncertain after his cardiac arrest on the pitch in December was replaced by Chris Mepham.While Harry Brooks was chosen to join the likes of Harry Wilson and Brennan Johnson in attack.Aaron Ramsey remained an unused substitute despite returning earlier than expected from a calf issue.Elsewhere, Poland gaffer Michal Probierz will be hoping Juventus ace Arkadiusz Milik can shake off his muscle injury after missing out on the Estonia thrashing.What are the odds?
      Wales to qualify 7/4
      Poland to qualify 5/6
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

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      Wales star hoping good luck charm that has seen him compared to Hollywood legend can lead side to Euro 2024

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      CONNOR ROBERTS hopes the power of the ‘tache’ will be Wales’ Euro 2024 good luck charm.The Leeds defender has been likened to American actor Tom Selleck after sporting the “Magnum, P.I” style moustache.Connor Roberts hopes his moustache can inspire Wales to reach Euro 2024The Leeds ace has been compared to Hollywood star Tom SelleckCredit: GettyRoberts is unbeaten in eight Championship games with the Elland Road table-toppers since his January loan move from Burnley.And the Wales full-back is praying his lucky facial hair can rub off on Robert Page’s Dragons, who host Poland in Tuesday’s play-off final in Cardiff, and inspire them to reach the finals in Germany.Roberts laughed: “It’s just a little bit of a joke. “My wife (Georgina) last year was like, ‘Why don’t you grow it?’ so I did and then we went on an unbeaten run at Burnley.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I’ve done the same thing this year and keep asking her if I should shave it off but she likes it so I’m leaving it there.“It’s played about 25 Championship games and never lost, so I hope that continues in the Championship and maybe it gives us a bit of luck on Tuesday night.“It’s the power of the tache, isn’t it!”But asked if he is superstitious, Roberts, 28, added: “I’ve met a lot of players who are like that but that’s not me. It’s a nice record.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“I asked my wife, ‘Should I get rid of it?’ but she likes it and she’s the boss so I’ll leave it there.”Roberts has scored one goal in nine games after linking up with Leeds at the start of the year.Dean Scoggins travels to FC Koln in Germany to find Europe’s best Away DayBefore that, he netted six times in 88 outings for Burnley.But it was his time at Swansea where Roberts really caught the eye, scoring 11 goals in 152 matches for his boyhood club. More

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      I earned just £400 a week playing in the Premier League.. now I’m set to captain my country and win 86th cap

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      BEN DAVIES has come a long way since he signed his first professional contract with Swansea — worth just £400 per week.The Tottenham defender will wear the armband for Wales tomorrow as they bid to clinch a place at Euro 2024.Davies will captain Wales tomorrowCredit: AlamyAnd on the eve of the clash in Cardiff, he confirmed a SunSport story about his meagre wage packet back in 2012 was spot on. He told the Gab and Juls Show: “My first contract was a very little bit more than my youth team contract. “It was £400 a week for playing in the Premier League. The Sun did a bit on their Goals pull-out — the front page of it.“There was a picture of me with City’s Yaya Toure and our salaries — £400 a week against £240,000 a week.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“I was getting messages on Twitter from plumbers saying ‘come and work for me for a week’. But looking back it was probably a good thing.”Davies, who has played at two Euros and the 2022 World Cup, will win his 86th Wales cap against Poland  with a place in Germany up for grabs.He made his Swansea debut against West Ham as an 84th- minute substitute for Neil Taylor back in August 2012.The left-back went on to become a regular for the Prem side and also won the Carabao Cup in 2013 with the Swans. Most read in FootballThe Sun revealed how the defender earned just £400-a-week back in 2012Credit: GoalsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDavies, 30, then joined Spurs in the summer of 2014 and has made 329 appearances for the North Londoners.He has been a favourite under Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and now Ange Postecoglou.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Davies, who hopes to have his Uefa coaching A Licence within the next month and finish his Pro Licence before he finishes playing, is now Tottenham’s longest-serving player. More

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      Connor Roberts calls on Wales team-mates to become national heroes like Gareth Bale by booking Euro 2024 spot

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      CONNOR ROBERTS has told his Wales team-mates: Become a national hero like Gareth Bale and take us to Germany this summer.Robert Page’s Dragons are just one win away from Euro 2024 ahead of Tuesday’s play-off final with Poland in Cardiff.Gareth Bale scored the winner against Ukraine to send Wales to the 2022 World CupCredit: GettyDavid Brooks set Robert Page’s men on their way to the Euro 2024 play-off final with the opener in the 4-1 victory over Finland last ThursdayCredit: GettyRetired Bale led Wales to the last two Euros and the 2022 World Cup.That included play-off winning goals against Austria and Ukraine two years ago.Now the spotlight is on the attacking firepower of Brennan Johnson, Kieffer Moore, Dan James, Harry Wilson, David Brooks and Nathan Broadhead to deliver a fourth major tournament qualification in just eight years.Roberts said: “We’ve got talent all over the pitch. Kieffer is different to Brennan and DJ, Harry and Brooksy.READ MORE FOOTBALL“They are all brilliant players and I’m just hoping one of them is our Gaz, our hero like he was against Austria and Ukraine a few years ago.“I’m not sure we relied on Gaz but he saved us a number of times.“Hopefully one of them is our hero again on Tuesday night and we can all start smiling and celebrating together.”Wales, who hammered Finland 4-1 in Thursday’s semi, have the experience of crunch ties in Cardiff.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Dragons overcame Hungary in November 2019 to reach the delayed Euro 2020 thanks to an Aaron Ramsey double.Then the Welsh roared once more at the Cardiff City Stadium when Real Madrid superstar Bale came up trumps with two superb strikes to sink Austria in March 2022.Wales 4-1 Finland: Rob Page press conferenceThree months later, ex-captain Bale delivered the greatest result in Wales’ history.Bale led his country to the World Cup for the first time since 1958 with a free-kick to leave war-torn Ukraine heartbroken.Now Leeds full-back Roberts, 28, wants to make more qualification memories against the Poles, who beat Estonia 5-1 to book a final spot and have lethal goalscorer Robert Lewandowski in their ranks.Roberts, who will win his 55th cap, added: “For Wales I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of big games – Hungary a few years ago, Ukraine.“It’s another one on Tuesday night. Life, football is about moments and Tuesday is another moment, a chance to achieve something, to make memories. “That’s what we’ll be trying to do as a team.“We’ve experienced big nights in Cardiff, tournaments, I’ve had brilliant moments at the Euros, scoring goals, playing at the World Cup but I want more.“A lot of us get greedy. We want to be better. We have to win on Tuesday and give everything to make people proud.“We’re not the biggest footballing nation, we’re not the best players in the world. But we all want to be there.“If we can look back and say it’s another qualification for another major tournament – the third one for most of us and even more for others – then we will be very proud when our football is finished.“It’s a massive chance to create more amazing moments and special memories.”Roberts was one of a number of Wales players who moved in January to keep his Euro dreams alive.The defender left Vincent Kompany’s Burnley in the Premier League on loan to Championship table-toppers Leeds.He has made nine appearances for Daniel Farke’s men in all competitions and even scored a vital goal in the 3-1 comeback win over promotion rivals Leicester at Elland Road.Roberts said: “It was strange for me because I was hoping this season would be good in the Premier League after last season and I made the decision to go somewhere where I’d get more minutes.”I’ve gone there and I’ve not played every single game but, on that side of things, I need to go in there and use my experience and hopefully get promoted again with Leeds.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I don’t need to play loads of games to be ready and stay fit. “It comes naturally to me but to go there and get a bit more game time than I was getting at Burnley is good.” More