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      England game at Euro 2024 looks set for huge Glastonbury headliner clash with BBC facing potential scheduling dilemma

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      ENGLAND’S round of 16 clash at Euro 2024 could clash with a Glastonbury headliner if they qualify from their group.The Three Lions will take on Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in group C at this summer’s tournament in Germany.England’s last 16 tie at the Euros could clash with Glastonbury, if Gareth Southgate’s side make it that farCredit: RexGlastonbury is scheduled for June 26 to 30 and will take place at the same time as the EurosCredit: AlamyA top two finish would see their last 16 tie take place the same weekend as Glastonbury Festival.Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA are set to headline at Worthy Farm in Somerset as music lovers descend on the site between June 26 and 30.The headliners are usually broadcast live on BBC1, which will also show matches from the Euros.As a result, the BBC could be left with a scheduling dilemma if England’s first knockout match clashes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLITV will also share the broadcasting rights with the BBC this summer.If England finish second in group C, they will face the winner of Group A at 8pm on Saturday June 29, the same time as Coldplay’s headline slot.Meanwhile, topping the group will set up a clash against one of the best third-placed sides at 5pm on Sunday June 30.Although this will not clash with a headliner, that match would take place at the same time as Shania Twain’s “legend slot” performance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlternatively, progression as one of the four best third-placed sides would avoid a clash altogether.In that instance, Gareth Southgate’s side would play on either Monday July 1 at 8pm or at 5pm on Tuesday July 2.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024The Three Lions continue their countdown to the tournament with friendlies against Brazil and Belgium on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively.Meanwhile, warm-up matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland are scheduled for June ahead of England’s opening match of Euro 2024 against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen. More

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      Wales legend Rob Earnshaw warns ‘undroppable’ Premier League star ‘has to play’ in Finland play-off clash

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      ROB EARNSHAW reckons Harry Wilson is undroppable for Wales.The Fulham star, 26, has been a key man for Robert Page’s Dragons ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 play-off semi-final with Finland.Wilson struck a double to pull off a famous win for Wales over Croatia last yearCredit: RexThe Fulham midfielder is enjoying a good season in the Premier LeagueWilson scored twice on his 50th cap to down Croatia last October.And, with Page having a selection headache over his front line with Kieffer Moore, Dan James, Brennan Johnson and David Brooks all in contention, ex-Wales striker Earnshaw is adamant Wilson must start.Earnshaw, who won 59 caps for his country, said: “Harry has to play.”Over the last year and a half he has been the one key player. Never mind the Croatia game. READ MORE IN FOOT”He brings creativity in terms of assists and little passes.”That performance against Croatia showed exactly what he is capable of. The stage is set for him. I’d play Harry over Dan James.”Earnshaw, 42, reckons ex-Liverpool ace Wilson should start alongside Ipswich hitman Moore and Tottenham’s Johnson in attack as Wales bid to reach next Tuesday’s final.The ex-Nottingham Forest and Cardiff forward added: “It’s a tough but nice decision for Rob. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”He has quality and whoever he leaves out will be class off the bench.”Kieffer has to play. He’s in good form. He’s playing well for Ipswich and he’s done well for Wales.”Victory for Wales tonight would set up a final against either Poland or Estonia in Cardiff.He said: “I’m confident. It’s a  must win and a cup final mentality for Wales.”They are capable of doing it. I like the fact two games are in Cardiff. “It’s a big thing for Wales. The Welsh crowd and noise gives so much to the team.” More

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      Incredible omen suggests Kobbie Mainoo could be England’s hero at Euro 2024 after meteoric rise to Southgate’s squad

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      YOUNG stars have a history of bursting onto the international scene in an England shirt.While many nations rely on their experienced players to carry them through to the latter stage of tournaments – that’s different for the Three Lions.Kobbie Mainoo was a late inclusion to the England squadCredit: GettyGeoff Hurst was an inexperienced international ahead of his 1996 final heroicsCredit: PAMicheal Owen was just a teenager when he scored an incredible goal at the 1998 World CupCredit: The TimesEngland will be hoping to end their 58-year wait for a trophy at Euro 2024 this summer.It last came home in 1996 as Sir Geoff Hurst scored a World Cup final hat-trick as Sir Alf Ramsey’s legends beat West Germany 4-2.Coming into the tournament, the West Ham hero was an international rookie with just one cap to his name.Hurst earned his second in the 1-0 victory over Argentina in the quarter-final, only a week before his final heroics.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMartin Peters scored England’s other goal that day and he was an uncapped star on the eve of the 1966 tournament.At the 1998 World Cup, Michael Owen grabbed the headlines with his unforgettable solo goal against Argentina.Before heading to France for the tournament, the striker had played just once for England.Then at Euro 2004, Wayne Rooney was the breakout star as he netted four goals before getting injured as the Three Lions crashed out to Portugal on penalties.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe did have 11 caps prior to the first match but it was still a huge call by Sven Goran-Eriksson to put his faith in an 18-year-old.Most recently, England made the final of Euro 2020 as they lost on penalties to Italy.Fans praise ‘gentleman’ Kobbie Mainoo, 18, for heartwarming gesture to grief-stricken Man Utd fan’s emotional storyBukayo Saka may have missed one of the crucial spot-kicks – but he was an unexpected star of the tournament, forming a frightening front-three with Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.Therefore, perhaps Kobbie Mainoo will be the latest wonderkid to be the hero on the biggest stage.The Manchester United ace was not even called-up to the squad by Gareth Southgate when he first announced his side for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.However, fans are now calling for the 18-year-old late inclusion to start in a midfield trio with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice at the Euros.England have have just four games until they kick-off their campaign against Serbia, meaning Mainoo will likely be the least experienced in the squad should he make the cut.Yet boss Southgate should have no hesitancy to play him as back at Euro 1996, he was an international novice pushed into the side by Terry Venables.He had appeared in four friendlies games for his country prior to the competition – although it ended in heartbreak as he missed a penalty in shootout defeat to Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESCould Mainoo follow in these ex-players’ footsteps and be this team’s inexperienced sensation?England always need one.Wayne Rooney was aged 18 when he was the star at Euro 2024Credit: GettyGareth Southgate was a rookie at Euro 1996Credit: Getty More

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      Ex-Wales manager reveals his pride at two stars reaching 50 caps in crunch Euros play-off

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      CHRIS COLEMAN has revealed his great pride at Ethan Ampadu and Dan James winning their 50th Wales cap against Finland tonight.The ex-Dragons boss handed midfielder Ampadu, 23, his debut against France in a November 2017 friendly.Ampadu made his Wales debut against France in Paris at the age of 17Credit: Alamy Live NewsJames was called up before a World Cup qualifier in Serbia back in June 2017 but scored his first international goal against Slovakia in March 2019.Credit: GettyAmpadu was invited by Coleman as a 15-year-old prior to Euro 2016 to train with the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Ashley Williams.And Coleman, who led Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, also called up winger James, 26, for the first time ahead of a World Cup qualifier in Serbia in June 2017.Coleman said: “Ethan is a lovely lad. He was very focused even at a young age.”When he was 15 playing for the youth team we could see what was about to happen. READ MORE FOOTBALL”The thing we weren’t sure about was if he’d be a central defender or midfielder.”He’s leading Leeds from the back with Joe Rodon and they both look great together. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I included both Ethan and Dan, along with Joe and David Brooks into our training camps to see if they could cope with being around the senior players.”They have all achieved what we thought they would. Most read in Football”And it’s so pleasing to see them driving Wales forward and performing on the big stage. I wish them all the best of luck.”Coleman, 53, managed Fulham, Coventry, Larissa, Sunderland, Hebei China Fortune and Atromitos at club level.Coleman was Wales manager when Ampadu and James burst on to the sceneCredit: EPA More

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      England ‘will take their own special SCENT to Euro 2024’ as Southgate goes to epic lengths to make stars feel at home

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      ENGLAND will travel to Euro 2024 with their own SCENT to make the players feel at home.The Three Lions have been drawn in a group with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.England will bring their own scent to their Euro 2024 baseCredit: GettyThe Three Lions will stay at Golfresort Weimarer LandCredit: golfweimarerlandThe base is in a quiet town outside LeipzigCredit: golfweimarerlandThe smells around the resort will replicate St George’s ParkCredit: golfweimarerlandAs they head to Germany hoping to end their 58-year wait for a trophy, the England team will stay at the luxury Golfresort Weimarer Land, near to the quiet town of Blankenhain. According to the Daily Mail, the FA will pack special fragrances in their bags to spray around the hotel in order to give the players a sense of familiarity.The scents are the same ones used at England’s St George’s Park training base.A mix of bergamot, lily and jasmine will be sprayed around the main areas of the accommodation that is “fresh and distinguishable”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the gym, a smell that aims to energise will be implemented.And in the bedrooms, a lavender aroma will be dispensed to help the players relax.England will also reportedly take their own posh bed linen and bath robes to create a home from home.Gareth Southgate is desperate for his side to secure glory this summer and will do all it takes to give his men a competitive advantage.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThere has been scientific studies that claim smells can improve performances as they help mental well-being and promote relaxation away from the pitch.England are staying at the five-star Golfresort Weimarer Land, which is in a remote location an hour-and-a-half drive from Leipzig.Kobbie Mainoo reacts to getting first senior England call-upThe facility has football pitches and 45 golf holes to play.England stars will also have access to a swimming pool, snooker, table tennis and table football.There is also a gym, wellness centre, spa, treatment rooms, multiple conference areas and seven restaurants.It costs £300-per-night to stay there.QPR and Werder Bremen have used the base for pre-season training camps in the past.The resort has 45 golf holes across three coursesCredit: golfweimarerlandThere are plenty of luxury facilities to help the players unwindCredit: golfweimarerland More

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      Inside Luxembourg’s football factory as perennial underdogs go from 9-0 drubbings to the brink of Euro 2024

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      LITTLE Luxembourg, for so long the laughing stock of international football, are two wins away from having the last laugh.Incredibly, the nation once ranked 195th out of 205 by Fifa, are on the brink of a footballing miracle as they close in on a shock place in this summer’s European Championship.Luxembourg are closing in on a place at Euro 2024Credit: GettyIf they beat Georgia tonight they will face either Kazakhstan or Greece in a Play-Off final matchCredit: GettyVictory for head coach Luc Holtz’s battlers against Georgia in Tbilisi tonight would send them through to a final Play-Off match against either Kazakhstan or Greece.Win both and they will be lining up in a major football tournament for the first time, taking their place in Group F alongside Turkey, Portugal and the Czech Republic in Germany.It’s a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the Red Lions, who were more like the Red Lion for most of their history.As recently as 2006 they were regarded as the pub team of international football when they played eight internationals, lost eight – including a 7-0 drubbing by Germany – and failed to score a goal.Read More in FootballAt that point they had failed to win a game for a decade – a record winless stretch of 83 matches!FIFA ranked them 195th out of 205 nations, just one place above Montserrat – a Caribbean island that had been destroyed by a volcano – and American Samoa, who had suffered a world record 31-0 defeat to Australia!The turning point for the nation of 600,000 inhabitants came in 2004 when the Grand Duchy drew up a grand plan for the future.Paul Philipp, Luxembourg manager between 1985-2001, took over as President of the Luxembourg Football Federation.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe sent out scouts to scour the country for the best 400 eight to 11-year-olds and placed them in regional centres of excellence,The best progressed to the recently built National Youth Academy at Mondercange where the top 250 of Luxembourg’s young talent between the ages of 12 and 19 are trained by professional coaches every day.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseThey play one international match a week and for their clubs at the weekend. The pay-off came when Luxembourg qualified for the Uefa Under-17 Championship in 2022.Luxembourg now exports their talent and only one of the squad who beat Liechtenstein in the Euro 24 qualifiers play locally, while the rest ply their trade in Germany, Italy, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.Luxembourg beat Bosnia and Herzegovina home and away, drew in Slovakia, took four points off Iceland and six off Liechtenstein to finish third in their qualifying group. Losing 6-0 at home to Portugal and 9-0 away from home was a painful reminder of the past – but at least it is the exception now rather than the rule.”We are small and we will always be small,” said Philipp.But that won’t stop Luxembourg from dreaming big tonight. More

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      Wales star Joe Rodon shows off horror eye injury… but is ready to KO Leeds team-mate and reach Euros

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      JOE RODON will be sporting a black eye in Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off bid tomorrow – but the defender hopes to deliver a KO to club team-mate Glen Kamara.The Leeds centre-back, 26, picked up his shiner after clashing heads with Junior Firpo during Sunday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.Joe Rodon is coming into the game with a nasty eye injuryCredit: AlamyThe Leeds loanee showed off his shiner in the press conferenceCredit: AlamyAfter the Whites went top of the Championship, Rodon wasted little time in starting the mind games with Finland’s Kamara by giving him the silent treatment.Rodon, who plays with Wales pals Ethan Ampadu, Connor Roberts and Dan James at Elland Road, said: “I didn’t speak to Glen after Sunday’s game on purpose.”I told him beforehand, “I don’t want to speak to you after the game’. It’s just the way I am. I’m sure we will catch up after the game on Thursday.”There’s been a bit of banter because we all play for the same club team.”Read More on FootballRodon claims Leeds boss Daniel Farke will support Kamara because the midfielder is outnumbered by four to one in the semi-final showdown at the Cardiff City Stadium.The on-loan Spurs star added: “The boss has been teaming up with Glen. It’s been quite funny. “There’s four Welshmen versus one from Finland so the numbers are unfair for him. I hope we have the bragging rights when we go back.”Rodon played at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup but feels in the form of his life with Wales needing two wins to qualify for the Germany finals this summer.Most read in Euro 2024Victory over Finland would set up a final against either Poland or Estonia in Cardiff next Tuesday.And Wales boss Robert Page reckons the former Swansea ace, who will win his 43rd cap, is now a real defender after getting the bruises to prove it.Joe Rodon says he hopes he can help the team with his defence and ball skillsRodon laughed and said: “The manager said to me on Monday morning that I look like a proper centre-half now! I’ll take that.”It was a physical game but I got it from Junior. It was from a corner, I headed the ball and the back of him too. It’s not an ideal situation.”I’m just delighted I didn’t reopen it on Sunday. All I can do is put vaseline on it. Hopefully it heals up quickly for Thursday.”I’ve had a few this season, unfortunately. It’s worse than it looks. Rodon has played at a Euros and World Cup but is desperate for Wales to qualify for Germany this summerCredit: GettyWales bid to reach a major tournament for the first time without star man Gareth Bale, who retired from football last yearCredit: Getty”The one I got at Millwall away was a nasty one. It’s part of the game and it’s what I love doing. At least we came away from the game with a clean sheet.”Wales, with Ampadu and James set to both win their 50th caps, are bidding to qualify for the first time without key men Gareth Bale and Joe Allen, who retired following Qatar.Rodon added: “We’ve lost superstars with Gaz and Joe. It was always going to be difficult for us in transition for the group. I can’t speak highly enough of Gaz and Joe. “They are icons of Welsh football and the game and it’s going to have an impact on any team. If you know Gaz as well, any room he walks into everyone knows he’s there.”The players coming up to 50 caps have been around quite a bit now and have that experience in tournaments. It’s not new to us. It’s looking good.”Rodon played alongside Bale for club and country and joked he is happy Wales’ record caps holder and goalscorer with 111 and 41, no longer bullies him.Two years ago, the pair had a bizarre argument over whether aliens exist during a Tottenham Youtube video.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe quipped: “It’s quite nice he doesn’t bully me anymore! He does get on to me when I don’t speak to him. I’m sure Gaz is always watching. You all know how much he loves Wales. “I’m sure he will be watching the game. Gaz has done so much for me. I do miss him a lot. I’ll be in touch with him otherwise I’ll be in trouble!” More

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      Chelsea set to have just FOUR players at Euro 2024 – fewer than Bournemouth and Fulham – despite spending £1BILLION

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      CHELSEA’S less than stellar season may end up being summarised best by the lack of stars who go to the Euro 2024 this summer. Despite splashing out £1billion on new talent the Blues find themselves 11th in the Premier League table, 14 points behind 5th place Tottenham. Some Chelsea stars are shoe-ins for a Euro 2024 spotCredit: GettyHowever, many are unsure whether they will make it to the tournamentCredit: RexThis includes a host of talent from Europe – though some of the most pricey purchases such as Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez hail from South America. Despite the huge outlay, Chelsea may have just four players heading to Germany for the Euros this summer, potentially fewer than Bournemouth and Fulham.The likes of Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher and Ben Chilwell are all expected to be named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, while goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic has been involved in the last couple Serbia squads. But that might be it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn comparison, Marco Silva’s Cottagers and Andoni Iraola’s Cherries both have five players who are expected to make the cut for their national teams at the Euros, including stars such as Joao Palhinha and Philip Billing.However, there is a chance more Chelsea players will be on the plane to Germany this summer.Raheem Sterling has now not been called up to an England team since the 2022 World Cup, but the former Southgate favourite could still be in the frame.Also in with a shout are Levi Colwill, who is currently sidelined with a return date unclear, while Reece James faces a race against time to be fit before the end of the season.Most read in FootballChelsea’s French contingent led by Christopher Nkunku have also been struggling with injury this term.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERA squad as competitive as France can afford to lose the considerable talents of Nkunku without being too heavily impacted. Fringe players such as Axel Disasi missed out on the lastest squad, while the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu and Wesley Fofana have all struggled with injury.Conor Gallagher’s life as a footballer from loan moves to potential Chelsea exitEven in the Belgium camp, Roméo Lavia has missed out through injury.Ukraine star Mykhailo Mudryk has been in and out of Chelsea’s team this season, and while he is a mainstay when fit for his nation, they face a challenge to qualify.Mudryk and Co face Bosnia Herzegovina in the playoff semi-final and before a final against the winner of Israel and Iceland.The number of players from each club who could be at the Euros this summerManchester City are expected to have as many as 14 players going to the tournament, six more than the next highest teams in Arsenal and Manchester United, according to research from BetFootball.com.Beaten FA Cup quarter-finalists Liverpool are set to have six along with Tottenham.READ MORE SUN STORIESAt the other end Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest and Burnley are all expected to have one.Euro 2024 playersTHE Premier League players expected to be going to Euro 2024…

      Manchester City: 14. Kevin De Bruyne Belgium, Mateo Kovacic Croatia, Bernardo Silva Portugal, Kyle Walker England, John Stones England, Manuel Akanji Switzerland, Rúben Dias Portugal, Rodri Spain, Nathan Aké Netherlands, Jack Grealish England, Phil Foden England, Josko Gvardiol Croatia, Jérémy Doku Belgium, Matheus Nunes Portugal.
      Arsenal: 8. Jorginho Italy, Declan Rice England, Kai Havertz Germany, Bukayo Saka England, Leandro Trossard Belgium, William Saliba France, David Raya Spain, Aaron Ramsdale England.
      Manchester United: 8. Bruno Fernandes Portugal, Harry Maguire England, Marcus Rashford England, Scott Mctominay Scotland, Luke Shaw England, Diogo Dalot Portugal, Rasmus Højlund Denmark, Altay Bayındır Turkey.
      Liverpool: 6. Virgil van Dijk Netherlands, Andrew Robertson Scotland, Dominik Szoboszlai. Hungary, Trent Alexander-Arnold England, Cody Gakpo Netherlands, Ibrahima Konaté France.
      Tottenham: 6. James Maddison, England Pierre-Emile Højbjerg Denmark, Timo Werner Germany, Radu Drăgușin România, Micky van de Ven, Netherlands, Guglielmo Vicario, Italy.
      Bournemouth: 5. Ryan Christie Scotland, Enes Ünal Turkey Milos Kerkez Hungary, Philip Billing Denmark, Andrei Radu, Romania.
      Fulham: 5. Saša Lukić, Serbia, Timothy Castagne, Belgium, João Palhinha, Portugal, Marek Rodák, Slovakia, Bernd Leno, Germany
      Aston Villa: 4. Youri Tielemans, Belgium, John McGinn, Scotland, Pau Torres, Spain, Ollie Watkins, England.
      Chelsea: 4. Ben Chilwell England, Conor Gallagher England, Cole Palmer England, Djordje Petrovic, Serbia.
      Brentford: 3. Mathias Jensen, Denmark, Thomas Strakosha, Albania, Mark Flekken, Netherlands
      Brighton: 3. Billy Gilmour, Scotland, Bart Verbruggen, Netherlands, Pascal Groß, Germany
      West Ham: 3. Tomas Soucek Czech Republic, Vladimir Coufa, Czech Republic, Kalvin Phillips England.
      Wolves: 3. Nélson Semedo, Portugal, Pedro Neto, Portugal, José Sá, Portugal
      Newcastle: 3. Fabian Schär Switzerland, Martin Dúbravka Slovakia, Sven Botman, Netherlands
      Luton Town: 2. Jacob Brown, Scotland, Thomas Kaminski, Belgium
      Everton: 2. Jordan Pickford, England, Nathan Patterson, Scotland.
      Sheffield United : 1. Ivo Grbic, Croatia
      Nottingham Forest: 1. Matz Sels, Belgium
      Crystal Palace: 1. Joachim Andersen, Denmark
      Burnley: 1. Zeki Amdouni, Switzerland. More