Euro 2024

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Tributes flood in for ‘wonderful’ Terry Venables after legendary Euro 96 football coach dies aged 80

      by

      TRIBUTES have flooded in for “wonderful” Terry Venables after the legendary Euro 96 coach died aged 80.”El Tel” led England to the semi-finals in the 1996 European Championships.
      Terry Venables has died at the age of 80Credit: PA:Press Association
      Venables consoling Gareth Southgate after England were knocked out of Euro 96Credit: PA
      Terry Venables with a young David Beckham who paid a glowing tribute to the late England legendCredit: Instagram/davidbeckham
      Venables’ family paid tribute to him in a statement released this lunchtime.
      It said: “We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness.
      “We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.”
      Gareth Southgate led tributes to Venables, who famously consoled him after he missed a penalty as England crashed out of Euro 96.
      Read More Sport
      Southgate said: “Any player will have great affinity with the manager that gave them their opportunity, but it was quickly evident playing for Terry Venables that he was an outstanding coach and manager.
      “He was open minded, forward thinking, enjoyed life to the full and created a brilliant environment with England that allowed his players to flourish and have one of the most memorable tournaments in England history.
      “A brilliant man, who made people feel special, I’m very sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with Yvette and all of his family.”
      Former England captain David Beckham paid a touching tribute to Venables, and posted a picture on social media of when he met him when he was an aspiring nine-year-old player.
      Most read in Football
      Beckham said: “So sad to hear the news that Terry Venables has passed away. I met Terry in Barcelona and whilst training at Tottenham at the age of 9… He was one of our greatest England managers and loved by players and fans , Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
      Three Lions legends including Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Gary Neville, Paul Gascoigne and Stan Collymore also paid tribute to Venables on social media.
      Match of the Day host Lineker said: “Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died.
      “The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for.
      “He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend.
      “He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry.”
      Spurs players Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker with Terry Venables in 1992Credit: David Davies / Getty Images
      Alan Shearer with then England manager Terry Venables in 1995Credit: REUTERS/Kevin Coombs
      Manager Terry Venables holding a cup of tea at an England training session in 1996Credit: Phil Cole/Getty Images
      Shearer said: “Extremely sad news the great Terry Venables has passed away.
      “RIP Boss. I owe you so much. You were amazing.”
      Neville said: “So sorry to hear the news of my very first England coach, Terry Venables.
      “A man who gave me a chance to play for my country and became without a shadow of doubt my number one England coach in my whole career.”
      Collymore said: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Terry Venables today.
      “Our thoughts are with Terry’s family and friends at this sad time.”
      “He made my dream come true of representing my country which I could never really thank him enough for.
      “Vivacious, funny, a superb coach, multi talented, a man who really lived life to its fullest. Rest in Peace, Terry.”
      Gascoigne said: “Such a sad day, cheers boss.”
      England’s official Twitter account posted a tribute to the Three Lions legend.
      It read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Venables at the age of 80.
      “Having won two senior caps as a player, Terry went onto manage the Three Lions between 1994 and 1996 – proudly leading us to the semi-finals of Euro 96.
      “Our thoughts and condolences are with Terry’s family, friends and former clubs.”
      Venables’ former team Tottenham Hotspur will wear black armbands during their clash with Aston Villa this afternoon.
      Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Spurs, QPR and Coventry City paid tribute to Venables along with broadcasting stars Piers Morgan, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Kamara.
      Palace said: “We are mourning the loss of influential former midfielder and manager Terry Venables, who has passed away at the age of 80.
      “The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Terry’s family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace, Terry.”
      Tottenham Hotspur said: “The Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player and manager Terry Venables.
      “Our deepest condolences are with Terry’s friends and family at this incredibly difficult time.
      “In tribute, we shall hold a minute’s applause prior to kick-off and our players will wear black armbands during this afternoon’s fixture against Aston Villa. Rest in peace, Terry.”
      Chelsea FC said: “Everyone at Chelsea Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Blue, Terry Venables, aged 80.
      “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Club are with his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Terry.”
      Queen’s Park Rangers also paid tribute to its former player and manager.
      QPR said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former QPR player and manager Terry Venables.
      “All our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly sad time. May he rest in peace.”
      Coventry City said: “Everyone at Coventry City are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Venables at the age of 80.
      Figures from the world of sports broadcasting and showbiz also hailed Venables.
      Piers Morgan said: “RIP Terry Venables, 80. Great manager, great character.
      “Sadly suffered from a long illness but when I bumped into him several years ago, we had a lovely chat in the sunshine, and he seemed very happy and content.
      “‘I’ve got no complaints,’ he said. ‘I’ve really enjoyed my life.’”
      Chris Kamara said: “Gutted to hear Terry Venables has passed away.
      “Top player & a fantastic manager – I got to know the person & he was a great bloke.
      “Great memories of being with him in his club Scribes in Kensington back in the late 90s. RIP Terry.”
      Paddy McGuinness said: “RIP Terry Venables. Charisma by the bucket loads and one of England’s most popular managers.”
      And Venables’ former club teammates from Chelsea and Spurs also offered their tributes.
      David Speedie said: “Sad to hear former England manager and ex Chelsea FC and Spurs legend Terry Venables has passed away.
      “It was an honour for me to wear his legendary no 10 shirt at Chelsea.
      “He was ahead of his time as manager and never got the credit I felt he deserved.”
      Spurs star Cliff Jones said: “Sad to hear of the passing of teammate & friend Terry Venables.
      “A man of many talents. Condolences to family & friends.”
      “El Tel” had a distinguished career on the pitch playing for Chelsea, Spurs and QPR in the 1960s and 70s, and winning two Three Lions caps at international level in 1964.
      He started his managerial career with Crystal Palace who won the Second Division championship in 1979.
      Venables also steered QPR to the 1982 FA Cup Final  and won the Second Division in 1983.
      He then took over the helm at Barcelona in 1984 – where he earned the nickname El Tel.
      Under his leadership, Barca went on to win La Liga in 1985 and reached the European Cup final in 1986.
      Venables then returned to the UK in 1987 to take over at White Hart Lane and guided Spurs to victory in the FA Cup in 1991.
      Then Tottenham Hotspur manager Terry Venables, right, with Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough leading the teams out hand in hand before the 1991 FA Cup FinalCredit: David Cannon /Getty Images
      He was a hugely popular choice to take over as England head coach in 1994.
      In the group stage of the 1996 European Championships, England beat Netherlands 4-1, a game he would describe as “perfection – my most thrilling experience in football” after his retirement.
      Having beaten Spain in the next round they were eventually knocked out by Germany on penalties following an agnosing 1-1 draw.
      Alan Shearer, who was part of the Euro ’96 squad, said later: “Terry’s knowledge and tactical know-how were spot-on and he knew how to get the best out of us too.
      “We responded to him, believed in him and played some outstanding football in that tournament.”
      Gareth Southgate, who was also part of the squad, said:  “Terry opened my eyes to things that no one else has.
      “He has fantastic tactical awareness. Every senior player in the group went away having learnt a lot from him, which is an achievement.”
      Terry Frederick Venables was born in Dagenham, east London on January 6 1943.
      He was the only child of Royal Navy petty officer Fred Venables and his Welsh wife Myrtle.
      Venables grew up with his grandparents Ossie and Milly after his parents moved to run a pub in Romford, Essex.
      He credited Ossie with fostering his lifelong love of the beautiful game.
      Venables started out at the age of 15 as an apprentice at Chelsea, with his dad joining the Blues as a part-time scout.
      He only turned professional when he was left out of the Great Britain squad for the 1960 Olympics.
      During his playing and managerial career, Venables was known as a “players’ man”.
      He gave his players freedom off the pitch and usually kept his half-time team talks brief and light to maintain good spirits.
      After managing England, Venables went on to coach Australia, and then Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Leeds.
      His last job in football was a brief stint back with the England team in 2007, as assistant to new manager Steve McClaren, before they were both sacked for failing to qualify for Euro 2008.
      Venables had two daughters with his first wife Christine McCann, who he married in 1966.
      He met his second wife Yvette Bazire in his father’s pub in Chingford in 1984 and she went with him to Barcelona. They married in 1991.
      Venables tried his hand at a number of different business ventures besides his football career.
      He opened a West End tailors with his Chelsea teammates George Graham and Ron “Chopper” Harris.
      Together with Yvette he later ran a Kensington dining club and a boutique hotel and restaurant in Alicante, Spain.
      Venables also wrote five novels and occasionally moonlit as a singer – after Chelsea blocked him from performing as a crooner at Butlins when he was 17.
      In 2010 Venables reached no. 23 in the charts with a cover of Elvis Presley’s song “If I Can Dream”, which he recorded in association with The Sun. More

    • 200 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Pubs could stay open till 1am if any home nations make it up to Euros semis

      by

      PUBS could be allowed to stay open until 1am if any of the home nations make it to the semis or final of next summer’s Euros.Ministers will consult on extending licensing hours for boozers in England and Wales if UK teams get through.
      Ministers are looking at extending licensing hours for pubs to make sure footie fans can come together to cheer their nation on in the EurosCredit: AP
      The Scottish government will make its own decision.
      But with host nation Germany one hour ahead of UK time, it will mean fans can watch evening kick-offs over a pint without the fear of having to exit the pub if a game goes to extra-time or penalties.
      England — runners-up to Italy two years ago at Covid-delayed Euro 2020 — will be at next summer’s finals after topping their group with captain Harry Kane banging in eight goals.
      Scotland also qualified, while Wales are in the play-offs.
      READ MORE ON EUROS 2024
      Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “There are few things that bring a country together more than the prospect of winning an international tournament.
      “That is why we are looking at helping pubs and bars stay open longer if we reach the semi-finals or final, and ensure families, friends and communities can come together to cheer their nation on.”
      England are one of the favourites to win the competition.
      If Gareth Southgate’s squad manage to storm to victory it will be England’s first major trophy since 1966.
      Most read in Football More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Seven stars who desperately need January transfer to save Euro 2024 dream including forgotten Man Utd flop & Arsenal ace

      by

      PLAYERS will have to consider their futures in January with some keen to keep their dreams of playing at Euro 2024 alive.Most of the nations that will compete in Germany next summer have sealed their spaces while others must still go through a round of playoffs.
      Aaron Ramsdale is one player that could seek out a transferCredit: Reuters
      Many players will be on the lookout for a move in the upcoming transfer window in an attempt to boost their hopes of a call-up to their national teams.
      This could be a concern for their clubs who may not want to lose certain players and the depth that they provide.
      SunSports have identified seven players who need to try and get a transfer should they want to play at the Euros.
      Aaron Ramsdale
      The Arsenal goalkeeper has struggled for game time this season thanks to the arrival of David Raya.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Aaron Ramsdale was one of the club’s best performers last season and earned himself a spot in the England set-up.
      It was expected that he would push Jordan Pickford for the starting role at the Three Lions, however, his place is now at risk in the team.
      Gareth Southgate may look at stoppers who have played more regularly than Ramsdale which could see the places handed to the likes of Nick Pope, Sam Johnstone or Jason Steele.
      Ramsdale has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Newcastle.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Kalvin Phillips
      Kalvin Phillips’ England spot is at riskCredit: Getty
      Kalvin Phillips is another England player who could lose their spot due to a lack of playing time at his club.
      The midfielder has only played four times in the Premier League this season.
      Phillips has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium with the likes of Newcastle and Juventus reportedly interested.
      Donny van de Beek
      Donny van der Beek is thinking about his future at Man UnitedCredit: Rex
      Donny van de Beek has been a fringe player at Manchester United pretty much since his arrival at the club in 2020.
      The midfielder has since lost his spot in the national team, having not played for the Netherlands since 2021.
      The 26-year-old has admitted that he will be on the lookout for a new club should his playing time under Erik ten Hag not increase.
      Anthony Martial
      Martial has failed to produce for United this seasonCredit: Getty
      Sticking at Old Trafford, Anthony Martial is another player who could make a move in order to save his international career.
      Once hyped as the next Thierry Henry, Martial’s career has stuttered in recent times at Man United due to various reasons.
      The forward should look to make a move in the January window if he hopes to be in the French team alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe in Germany.
      Jorginho
      Jorginho is on the fringes at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Jorginho could be at risk of losing his spot in the Italy national team as they look to try and retain their title.
      The midfielder has become a back-up option at Arsenal following the arrival of Declan Rice in the summer.
      Jorginho has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium with the likes of Barcelona interested.
      The Italian’s contract is up at the end of the season so Arsenal could look to cash in while they have a chance.
      Noni Madueke
      Noni Madueke has barely played for Chelsea this seasonCredit: Getty
      Noni Madueke arrived at Chelsea last January from PSV and a lot was expected from the exciting youngster.
      However, under Mauricio Pochettino, the winger has barely featured in the Premier League having only made five appearances.
      The Englishman has featured for the England U16, U17s, U18s and U21s so far in his career.
      A move to a different club, on loan or permanent, that would guarantee him game time could see him become a late contender for a spot in the England squad.
      Bryan Gil
      Bryan Gil was highly-rated before his move to TottenhamCredit: EPA
      Bryan Gil has never really had a chance to succeed at Tottenham since his £20million move from Sevilla.
      The wide midfielder has only played 15 times in the Premier League since 2021, twice this season.
      The once highly-rated Spaniard has played four times for the national side and a return to his homeland could boost his chances of a call-up for the Euros. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Micah Richards leaves Shearer and Lineker in stitches with pronunciation of Guehi as trio pick England Euro 2024 line-up

      by

      MICAH RICHARDS left Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker in stitches as the trio revealed their England Euro 2024 teams.That’s by mispronouncing the name of Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.
      Micah Richards left Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker in hystericsCredit: The Rest is Football
      The trio picked their teams for Euro 2024Credit: The Rest is Football
      Richards butchered saying Marc Guehi’s nameCredit: EPA
      The centre-back has become a mainstay in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad since making his debut last year.
      Guehi has already clocked up nine appearances for his country.
      And he got the seal of approval from Richards after the ex-Man City star named Guehi in his team for Euro 2024.
      However, Premier League title winner Richards left mates Shearer and Lineker doubled over as he proceeded to butcher Guehi’s name by saying “Ger-hi.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      This led Lineker to exclaim through tears of laughter: “Ger-hi? Who’s Ger-hi?!”
      Lineker also had Guehi in his Euro XI, along with John Stones, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier.
      With Jordan Pickford in goal, he then plumped for a midfield three of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and James Maddison.
      Lineker completed his team with an attack of Phil Foden, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS

      Richards then went for the same goalie and back four.
      But he shook up the midfield by swapping Maddison for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      Richards also opted to include Jack Grealish ahead of Foden in the front three.
      As for Shearer, he agreed with Richards’ attack.
      However, he plumped for Foden in midfield alongside Bellingham and Rice.
      And Shearer also axed Guehi from his defence, instead opting to bring in Harry Maguire. More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2024 play-off draw LIVE: Wales could meet Robert Lewandowski’s Poland in final after big draw

      by

      THE EURO 2024 playoff draw has taken place – and Wales could be in for a tough final.Robert Page’s men have been drawn into Path A and face Finland at home in the semi-final, and then either Robert Lewandowski’s Poland or Estonia await in their final.
      The semi-finals take place on March 21, 2024 with the finals on March 26.

      Path A: Poland vs Estonia, Wales vs Finland
      Path B: Israel vs Iceland, Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Ukraine
      Path C: Georgia vs Luxembourg, Greece vs Kazakhstan
      Live stream: UEFA.com
      One team from each path will advance to Euro 2024

      PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – Get £40 in free bet builder bets
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Wales vs Finland
      Wales’ last meeting with Finland came back in September 2021 in Helsinki.
      The two sides played out a goalless draw as Harry Wilson missed a penalty.
      Wales enjoy positive play-off memories
      Wales can take strength from their World Cup play-off success last year.
      Rob Page’s side beat Austria and Ukraine to make it to Qatar.
      Now they will have to do the same against Finland and one of Poland or Estonia.
      Full draw

      Wales/Finland vs Poland/Estonia
      Bosnia and Herzegovina/Ukraine vs Israel/Iceland
      Georgia/Luxembourg vs Greece/Kazakhstan

      Which three teams will make it to the finals in Germany next summer?
      Wales vs Finland
      Wales missed out on automatic qualification after finishing third in their group – four points behind second-placed Croatia.
      But they are unbeaten in four competitive matches so they could be quietly confident they can reach a third successive major tournament.
      They will also be encouraged by the fact they are unbeaten in their four previous meetings with Finland dating back to 2013.
      However Markku Kanerva’s side have won six of their last nine matches and recently thrashed Northern Ireland 4-0.
      Wales to face Finland
      So, Wales will host Finland in their Path A semi-final on March 21.
      If they win, they will take on Poland or Estonia for a place in the Euros on March 26.
      Euro 2024 play-off draw
      In Path C, Georgia or Luxembourg will play their final at home against either Greece or Kazakhstan.
      For Path B, either Bosnia and Herzegovina or Ukraine will host the play-off final, against one of Israel or Iceland.
      Wales will play final at home
      The last part of the draw has seen Wales drawn as the home side if they make it through their semi-final.
      Wales or Finland will host Poland or Estonia in the Path A final.
      Path A draw

      Wales vs Finland
      Poland vs Estonia

      Path B draw
      Here we go then. The Path B draw is…

      Israel vs Iceland
      Bosnia and Herzegovina v Ukraine

      Path C already decided
      No draw is needed for Path C as we already know that it is the following:

      Georgia v Luxembourg
      Greece v Kazakhstan

      Euro 2024 play-off draw
      Here we go then. Former Tottenham man Stephen Freund is helping out with the draw.
      A few regulatory things and we will be ready to find out the play-off draw.
      Draw to allocate paths
      There is also a draw to determine which paths Finland, Iceland and Ukraine are in.
      One will join Poland, Wales and Estonia in Path A, with the other two in Path B with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Israel.
      Euro play-off draw
      Not long to go now.
      Around 10 minutes until we find out who will face one another in the Euros play-offs.
      Are the play-offs new?
      There have been play-offs for six of the last seven Euros.
      The Euro 2020 play-offs offered a different format.
      For the first time, teams had to come through more than one round and, unlike all previous editions, sides qualified to participate via the Nations League, rather than the European qualifiers.
      When are the play-off fixtures?
      There will be six semi-final fixtures played on March 21, 2024 followed by three final matches on March 26, 2024.
      The winning teams of the finals complete the 24-team Euro 2024 in Germany.
      How does the play-off draw work and what is the pathway?
      Three draws will be held to determine which semi-final pairing within each play-off path is given the right to host the play-off final.
      Semi-finals – Path A: Poland vs Estonia, Wales vs Finland / Ukraine / Iceland
      Semi-finals – Path B: Israel vs Ukraine / Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Finland / Ukraine
      Semi-finals – Path C: Georgia vs Luxembourg, Greece vs Kazakhstan
      Finals – Path A: Poland / Estonia vs Wales / Finland / Ukraine / Iceland (hosts to be drawn)
      Final – Path B: Israel / Ukraine / Iceland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina / Finland / Ukraine (hosts to be drawn)
      Who will be in the Euro 2024 play-off?

      Poland
      Finland
      Estonia
      Ukraine
      Iceland
      Israel
      Bosnia and Herzegovina
      Georgia
      Greece
      Luxembourg
      Kazakhstan
      Wales

      When is the Euro 2024 play-off draw?

      The Euro 2024 play-off draw will take place TODAY – Thursday, November 23.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 11am GMT – 12pm local time.
      The House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland is the chosen venue for the play-off draw.
      Twelve teams will be drawn out of a hat for the play-offs but only three teams can qualify for the tournament in 2024. More

    • 150 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2024 playoff draw revealed as Wales learn fate after qualifying heartbreak

      by

      WALES will play Finland in their Euro 2024 play-off semi-final.If Rob Page’s side win that encounter they will play Poland or Estonia for a place in the Euros.
      Aaron Ramsey will be hoping he can fire Wales to another major tournamentCredit: AP
      Finland stand in the way of Wales qualifying for Euro 2024Credit: Reuters
      Ukraine narrowly missed out on an automatic qualification spotCredit: Getty
      Wales will play Poland or Estonia in the final if they beat Finland
      Wales missed out on automatic qualification after finishing third in their group – four points behind second-placed Croatia.
      But they are unbeaten in four competitive matches so they could be quietly confident they can reach a third successive major tournament.
      They will also be encouraged by the fact they are unbeaten in their four previous meetings with Finland dating back to 2013.
      However Markku Kanerva’s side have won six of their last nine matches and recently thrashed Northern Ireland 4-0.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      A potential final clash with Poland is also a cause for concern as Wales have only beaten them once in ten attempts – and that came in 1973.
      Elsewhere Israel face Iceland in Path B, with the victor playing the winner of Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Ukraine in the final.

      While in Path C two previously confirmed ties see Georgia vs Luxembourg and Greece vs Kazakhstan battle it out for a place in Germany.
      The semi-final ties will take place on March 21 with the three finals set for March 26.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Ukraine will also fancy their chances of qualifying after narrowly missing out on automatic qualification from a group containing Euro 2020 finalists England and Italy.
      In fact, some fans felt they were robbed of a place after VAR failed to award them a penalty against Italy – a match they drew 0-0 which meant they missed out on second place due to goal difference. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      When is the Euro 2024 play-off draw? Dates revealed as Wales learn pathway to Germany tournament – stream FREE, TV, pots

      by

      TEAMS have been handed one last chance to book their spot at Euro 2024 through the play-off – and Wales is one of them.Robert Page’s men finished behind Turkey and Croatia in qualifying Group D having failed to beat the Turkish opposition in their final fixture.
      Wales will have to qualify through the play-offsCredit: Getty
      And Wales will hope to join England and Scotland on that plane to Germany next year, along with 17 other already-qualified nations.
      However, it won’t be easy as Robert Lewandowski’s Poland could be one of the teams they have to face to get there.
      But that is dependable on the path Wales has been allocated for the play-off.
      When is the Euro 2024 play-off draw?

      The Euro 2024 play-off draw will take place TOMORROW – Thursday, November 23.
      It is scheduled to get underway at 11am GMT – 12pm local time.
      The House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland is the chosen venue for the play-off draw.
      Twelve teams will be drawn out of a hat for the play-offs but only three teams can qualify for the tournament in 2024.

      Read more on Euro 2024
      How can I watch the Euro 2024 play-off draw and will it be for FREE?

      Fans can watch the Euro 2024 play-off draw for FREE in the UK via UEFA.com
      Alternatively, football lovers can head to the official Euro 2024 app to live stream the entire event.
      SunSport will have coverage of the draw as the teams are announced through our live blog.

      Who will be in the Euro 2024 play-off?

      Poland
      Finland
      Estonia
      Ukraine
      Iceland
      Israel
      Bosnia and Herzegovina
      Georgia
      Greece
      Luxembourg
      Kazakhstan
      Wales

      How does the play-off draw work and what is the pathway?
      Three draws will be held to determine which semi-final pairing within each play-off path is given the right to host the play-off final.
      Semi-finals – Path A: Poland vs Estonia, Wales vs Finland / Ukraine / Iceland
      Most read in Football
      Semi-finals – Path B: Israel vs Ukraine / Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Finland / Ukraine
      Semi-finals – Path C: Georgia vs Luxembourg, Greece vs Kazakhstan
      Finals – Path A: Poland / Estonia vs Wales / Finland / Ukraine / Iceland (hosts to be drawn)
      Final – Path B: Israel / Ukraine / Iceland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina / Finland / Ukraine (hosts to be drawn)
      When are the play-off fixtures?
      There will be six semi-final fixtures played on March 21, 2024 followed by three final matches on March 26, 2024.
      The winning teams of the finals complete the 24-team Euro 2024 in Germany. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Three ways England could line-up at Euro 2024 in what could be Gareth Southgate’s final tournament as Three Lions chief

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE will already have his thinking cap on when it comes to how England could line-up at Euro 2024. The Three Lions cruised through qualifying and attention now turns to the tournament that begins on June 14.
      Gareth Southgate has a selection dilemma on his handsCredit: Getty
      That means players have the remainder of the season to force their way into the England squad.
      Southgate has been on the receiving end of criticism after some dull performances in qualifying and his contract is up after the Euros.
      However, he has a solid record when it truly matters, guiding England to the semi-final, final and quarter-final in the three major tournaments he has been boss at.
      Ahead of the draw for Euro 2024 that takes place on December 2, SunSport have taken a look at how England’s starting XI could look in eight months time.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      1. Southgate’s line-up
      Trent Alexander-Arnold is regularly being used as a midfielder by Southgate in recent games – perhaps hinting it could be his place at the Euros.
      He has looked accomplished further up the pitch and with the ability the Liverpool man has in possession and at set-pieces, it makes him a serious contender.
      With Kavlin Phillips on the bench every week, Jordan Henderson in Saudi Arabia, Conor Gallagher being arguably just short of quality and James Ward-Prowse often overlooked – Alexander-Arnold will fancy his chances.
      Southgate does not like to take too many risks in big games and a centre-back partnership of John Stones and Harry Maguire seems his preferred duo.
      Most read in Football
      Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw offer tournament experience at full-back.
      The gaffer might also value the pace of Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka on the counter-attack against stronger opponents.
      Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are certain picks.
      This could be Southgate’s preferred team
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      2. No Maguire
      Harry Maguire has been in and out the Manchester United team this season.
      If he cannot nail down a place at his club then Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi may come in.
      The 23-year-old has earned the trust of Southgate, starting three of the last four competitive fixtures.
      Henderson’s experience and leadership is also liked by the gaffer, who shows no signs of dropping him.
      Phil Foden’s talent makes him a potential starter should Rashford’s goal drought continue.
      Guehi could be the replacement centre-back
      3. No Kane
      England fans dread an injury to skipper Kane – but what does Southgate do just in case?
      The back-up striker race is impossible to call with Ollie Watkins, Callum Wilson, Eddie Nketiah and maybe even Jarrod Bowen making cases to be the sub No9 at the Euros.
      And don’t forget Ivan Toney’s betting ban is over in January and he has the second-half of the season to force his way into the Three Lions manager’s thinking.
      At the moment, Watkins seems to be leading the race with six goals and five assists in 12 Premier League games.
      Meanwhile, Phillips, Ben Chilwell and Kieran Trippier could all remain rotation options as the tournament progresses.
      Here is how England could look if Kane doesn’t play
      4. Three at the back
      Southgate deployed a back-three as England nearly went all the way at the 2018 World Cup.
      There’s not many better wing-backs in the game than Reece James and he is a viable option should he overcome persistent injury problems.
      Walker has tucked into a back-three before and impressed.
      Southgate has used a back-three in the past
      5. Attack Attack Attack
      Many fans have demanded more attacking football from England to get the best out of our array of talent in forward areas.
      Trippier’s crossing ability would help with that and Rice can sit deep in midfield to allow Bellingham and James Maddison to run the show and create in midfield, with the help of Phil Foden or Jack Grealish.
      With players like this in the starting XI, England will want the ball as much as possible.
      Lewis Dunk is comfortable in possession and can when start attacks by playing passes through the lines into the exciting front line.
      This attacking line-up could get fans off their seats More