Euro 2024

LAMINE YAMAL’S team-mates will throw a small party to celebrate his 17th birthday on Saturday – hoping for an even bigger one just 24 hours later.The Spain sensation turns 17 tomorrow, having already claimed a slice of history at Euro 2024.Lamine Yamal turns 17 tomorrowCredit: GettyTeammate Dani Olmo has explained the Spanish side’s plans to celebrate his birthdayCredit: ReutersYamal became the youngest ever goalscorer at a European Championship with his stunning semi-final strike against France.By simply starting the game the Barcelona youngster also beat Pele’s record as the youngest player to appear in a major tournament semi-final.Teammate Dani Olmo said: “We’re going to celebrate with a cake, probably, and with a song.”He added: “Lamine is an amazing player. He has shown already what, at 16 years, I think not many players in history did.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“What is most important is his mentality, his way of thinking.”He’s calm, he’s a good guy, he’s a good team-mate as well.“He’s working for the team, bringing the individual quality to the team, which is the most important thing.“At the end, everything that’s coming will be good for him and for us.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInside 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…Fellow winger Nico Williams, who is Yamal’s closest friend in the Spain squad, celebrated his 22nd birthday on Friday.The two close pals could even end up playing together at Barcelona next season, with the Spanish giants looking to sign Williams from Athletic Bilbao.Amazing footage shows Spain star Lamine Yamal holding hands with Sergio Ramos as mascot at iconic El ClasicoTogether the pair have notched up six goal contributions in Germany this summer and have looked like the biggest threats for Spain’s red hot side.But they will have the tough task of facing off against England’s resolute defence on Sunday.Yamal became the youngest every goalscorer at a European Championship with his stunner against France in the semi-final on TuesdayCredit: AP More

BITTER German press have accused England of “cheating” their way into the Euro 2024 final.Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions will face off against Spain in Berlin on Sunday as they look to lift a major trophy in the men’s game for the first time since 1966.Bitter German media have claimed England have ‘cheated’ their way into the Euro 2024 finalCredit: RexIt’s not been an easy journey for England as they’ve battled through every game, relying on penalties, extra time, injury time goals and their own resilience to force their way into this weekend’s showpiece.And German media have claimed that Southgate’s side have “cheated” their way to the bright lights of Berlin, hinting that England should not have progressed past the Netherlands on Wednesday.Ollie Watkins’ 90th minute winner against the Dutch was the goal that sealed a second shot at European glory for Southgate’s Lions.Watkins had built upon Harry Kane’s first half spot-kick equaliser, which left Dutch players and staff fuming after Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to have fouled the England skipper in the box.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The Oranje players were adamant that the penalty should not have stood with many suggesting the referee got the decision completely wrong after a VAR check.And German outlet BILD has since labelled England as cheaters in their build up to Sunday’s showpiece clash with Spain.A post on their website reads: “Only two days left until the 17th European Championship final between Spain and England will take place in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.”The signs on Sunday are clear: While the British cheated their way into the final, the Spanish impressed throughout the entire tournament.”Most read in Euro 2024Denzel Dumfries’ high challenge caught the foot of Harry Kane to give England a penalty in the semi-finalCredit: GettyKane netted the controversial penalty to level the scores for EnglandCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile another post on the site bills the game as “the team that plays the most beautiful football against the team that plays the most pragmatic football”.Following England’s dramatic 2-1 win over the Netherlands, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk also hinted that the penalty awarded to the Three Lions shouldn’t have stood.England vs Netherlands Player RatingsIn a post-match interview he took aim at referee Felix Zwayer, saying: “I don’t know what I should say, I don’t know if I should say something about this.”I said it outside to our Dutch media, it says it all that the ref went in quite quickly after the game and we had no time to shake his hand.”It is what it is, the game is done, it’s very tough to take.”Certain moments it’s obvious that it [decisions] should’ve gone our way, it didn’t. I don’t know what to say, it’s difficult to accept this.”It’s been a very long year, a tough year. We had a big dream and we felt like we could’ve achieved it as a team, unfortunately, it didn’t happen.”While Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman gave a similar assessment in his interview following their exit.He said: “This is not a penalty. His only intention was to block a shot. Harry Kane then shoots and their feet collide.”Football is getting broken with these types of calls by VAR.”Virgil van Dijk was left fuming with the decision to award a penalty to EnglandCredit: ReutersRonald Koeman was also dumfounded by the referee’s callCredit: RexBut Dumfries, who fouled Kane for the penalty, held his hands up and took responsibility for the decision.He said: “I take all responsibility for the penalty moment. I didn’t do it on purpose. I just wanted to block the shot.”Sections of the English media even thought that the Three Lions were lucky to get the decision themselves, as Gary Neville described the penalty call as “a disgrace”.But others thought the decision was spot on, with Ian Wright labelling Dumfries’ intervention as “reckless”.England’s hard work has earned them a spot in Sunday’s final and they have continued to look better and better as each game has gone by.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will play in their first major final on foreign soil this weekend against Spain, who Southgate has claimed have been “the best team” at Euro 2024.Germany were knocked out by the Spaniards themselves in the quarter-finals – losing 2-1 after a 119th minute winner from Mikel Merino got Spain over the line.Ollie Watkins scored a 90th minute winner to book England a spot in the finalCredit: GettyThe Three Lions have left it late a number of times as they’ve grafted their way to BerlinCredit: GettyGareth Southgate has warned of a tough challenge against Spain on SundayCredit: Rex More

ENGLAND fans have spotted a stark similarity with 2016 European champions Portugal that points towards them triumphing in Berlin on Sunday.Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute strike against Netherlands has sent Gareth Southgate’s men into the final against Spain.England are one game away from a first major trophy in 58 yearsCredit: GettyPortugal reached the final in an eerily similar way to England before winning Euro 2016Credit: ReutersThe Three Lions are the underdogs heading into the showpiece event as Luis de la Fuente’s men have lit up the tournament with wins over Germany and France.But England supporters are now pointing towards their team’s mirroring of Portugal’s run eight years ago as a reason to believe they can claim victory over Spain.Southgate’s side beat Slovakia after extra time in the last 16 as Jude Bellingham’s dramatic late overhead kick saved them from being knocked out.They then beat Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals, before a win in 90 minutes over the Dutch in the last four.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThat is exactly the same path Portugal took to the 2016 final in Paris.Fernando Santos’ team beat Croatia after extra time to seal a quarter-final place, before they beat Poland on penalties.A 2-0 victory over Wales in the semis then set up a final with hosts France – who were the favourites heading into the match.And Eder’s extra-time goal clinched Portugal’s first ever major trophy in front of a stunned Parisian crowd.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMuch like the Portuguese, England are the underdogs heading into the final.But the likeness of their run with the Euro 2016 winners is giving Three Lions fans hope of an upset.Meet Euro 2024 final ref who SLAPPED HaalandReacting to the comparison on social media, one fan said: “England will also beat the favourites. England to beat Spain 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿.”Another added: “We’re going to have a massive f***ing party. England will not be working on Monday.”A third replied: “The record of the underdog who’s mugged its way through the tournament winning the final is untouchable. Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Greece, Portugal…”While a fourth responded: “The final is gonna be the story of Portugal in 2016. England is winning it!”England vs Spain recordEngland have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result…May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain. More

ENGLAND battle with Spain for the ultimate prize in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin.And bookmakers BetMGM are celebrating the blockbuster encounter with a blockbuster price boost for all customers with England now available at a colossal 9/1 to win in 90 minutes!Wait, there’s more… Brand new BetMGM customers who register an account and stake a tenner on the football will be rewarded with £60 in free bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereTop price boost!Spain vs EnglandIs it coming home? If you think Gareth Southgate’s England will clinch the trophy inside 90 minutes on Sunday then you should take advantage of BetMGM’s amazing price boost!Was 13/5Now 9/1You can add this straight to your slip by clicking HERE!£3 max bet.BetMGM: Get £60 in free bets – CLAIM HERENot got a BetMGM account? No problem!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football – including Spain vs England – at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater.Remember, you must do this within seven days of opening your account.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £60 in free bets to spend on the following:1 x £10 horse racing free bet1 x £10 football free bet2 x £10 Bet Builder free bets2 x £10 Acca free betsEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHow to claim..BetMGM £60 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £60 in free betsBetMGM: Get £60 in free bets — claim yours here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply. More