Euro 2024

ENGLAND fans hope rubbing the paws of Phil Foden’s lucky lookalike cat will spell success for the Three Lions in the Euros final.The moody moggy went viral after fans noticed its face looked like Foden after Gareth Southgate benched him at the start of England’s 2022 Qatar World Cup campaign.Mystic mog could be the key to England’s Euros successCredit: InstagramPhil Foden, 24, is yet to score in this tournamentCredit: GettyAfter Glenn Kitson – a film director who regularly posts funny celebrity lookalikes on social media – pointed out the resemblance, the midfielder earned his way into the first team.Foden, 24, was vital to helping England reach the quarterfinals and is expected to start against Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.Fans will be hoping Phil’s lookalike cat could be the lucky omen the squad needs.One supporter said: “We know black cats are supposed to be lucky but there is something very special about this one moggy.read more on football”If we use the collective positive thoughts of fans everywhere maybe we can bring about a change of luck for Phil and England. “Rub the paws! Rub the paws!”Glenn’s Instagram page has more than 180,000 followers with the pic moody moggy being one of his most successful posts with over 28K likes.The film director revealed the cat lookalike during the last major tournament with the joke caption: ” Phil Foden is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the England national team.Most read in Football”He is considered one of the best young players in the world.”Hundreds of his followers loved the gag and left comments sharing their disbelief at the uncanny resemblance.England gets ready for almighty Euro 2024 final party with fans set to spend £800MILLION on beer and pizzaActor Jonny Lee Miller commented: “Are you f****** kidding me.””Your greatest ever,” added comedian Josh Widdicombe.Alex Brooker, a comedy star, wrote: “Hahahahaha this is brilliant.””Felines on the shirt,” joked one user.Another said: “Plays lefty wing for Manchester Kitty.”The England star looked gutted after he hit the post and had a shot cleared off the line before getting subbed off against Holland in Wednesday’s semi-final.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe game looked as if it was heading towards extra-time until Ollie Watkins came off the bench to bag a 90th minute winner booking them a spot in Sunday’s final.Fans hope petting the puss will improve Foden’s fortune in front of goal as England chase down their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. More

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has told Gareth Southgate to “do it for me, Sir Bobby Robson and England” in an emotional plea.The Swede, 76, bravely revealed in January that he does not know how much longer he has left to live as he battles pancreatic cancer.Sven-Goran Eriksson has issued an emotional plea to the England bossCredit: PAGareth Southgate was a regular for the Three Lions under the SwedeCredit: GettyHe has since fulfilled a lifelong dream by coaching a Liverpool team at Anfield.One of Eriksson’s other goals is to see his adopted nation England finally end their long-wait for silverware.He enjoyed a five-year spell in charge of the Three Lions from 2001 while Southgate was still a player.Eriksson’s England record was defined by penalty shoot-outs as he was twice beaten by Portugal in quarter-finals on spot-kicks at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Brazilian legends Rivaldo and Ronaldinho also secured the Samba Boys a comeback win over the Three Lions at the 2002 World Cup, the first tournament Eriksson was at the helm for.However, Southgate, who won 16 of his 57 caps under the Swede, will lead England to a second final under his charge when they face Spain in the Euro 2024 showpiece in Berlin on Sunday.And now his former manager has claimed that he will surpass 1966 World Cup winning Sir Alf Ramsey as England’s greatest ever boss if he can secure glory this weekend.He told The Telegraph: “The job of England manager brings with it a beautiful pressure.Most read in Euro 2024“You hear so much about 1966 and what Sir Alf Ramsey’s team did, and you know how much expectation there is on you to end all those years of hurt.“I felt it. Sir Bobby Robson felt it. Every one of the 13 managers since Sir Alf will have felt it. None of us succeeded, but no one has come closer than Gareth Southgate.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett praises England as Ollie Watkins 90th minute winner puts Three Lions into Euro 2024 final“By reaching a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a Euros final in 2020, the World Cup quarter-final and now a second successive Euros final, Gareth is certainly the best English coach since Sir Alf.“Win in Berlin on Sunday and I believe he should be considered better.”Eriksson continued: “Gareth has learnt from the mistakes we made – handling the mental block of penalties, in particular – and has gone further than any of us ever did.“Now he, his players and the entire nation must know England can win. If you believe in something it can happen, and that includes beating Spain in the final.”And looking ahead specifically to the game, the stricken Swede issued an emotional plea to his former defender.Greatest English sporting moments since 1966David Platt’s last-minute extra-time winner vs Belgium at Italia 90Paul Gascoigne’s wondergoal vs Scotland at Euro 96Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal to win the 2003 Rugby World CupAshes victory over Australia in 2005Super Saturday at London 2012Ben Stokes’ heroics to win 2019 Cricket World Cup finalLionesses winning 2022 Women’s Euros at WembleyEriksson added: “Sunday’s final will be an open game and I think England have a big, big chance.“And while I have not been feeling well over the past week or so, I will be watching the game from home.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I would love to see England win. So would every one of the managers who has tried and failed to win a major trophy since 1966.“Come on, Gareth. Do what we never could.”Kobbie Mainoo: From work experience kid to England hero… and latest generational talentBy Charlie WyettAND we all thought England had just the one generational talent.Kobbie Mainoo was effectively brought to Germany as a work experience kid but has emerged as the key kid behind this country’s attempt to rewrite history.After just five senior starts, England’s new boy wonder will now have a teenage tear-up against Spain’s Lamine Yamal in the Euro 2024 final.Last night, he did not merely become England’s youngest ever player to feature in a semi-final of a major tournament, aged 19 years and 82 days.Here, he took this semi-final by the scruff of the neck, delivered a performance which was a joy to watch, particularly in the first half, and now England are in their first final on foreign soil.If Jude Bellingham thought he was certain to be England’s main posterboy over the next decade, he has someone else who has now emerged in his rear-view mirror within just a few weeks.To bag an FA Cup winners’ medal at the age of 19 was impressive. To then win Euro 2024 a couple of months later would be extraordinary.As we saw with Manchester United, Mainoo has now fitted seamlessly into the team and provided a perfect mix of both style and substance.Give it a couple of years, and you can only imagine how good this lad is going to be.For much of this tournament, the focus has been on the disappointing form of Harry Kane, Bellingham and Phil Foden.So Mainoo, to a degree, had almost been off the radar. But against the Dutch, in tight, congested spaces, he is a class apart.When he was put under pressure, remained cool, navigated his way out of difficult situations and drove forward.Despite what was at stake, Mainoo once again looked extraordinarily composed and was England’s best player in the first half. He won possession, he rode tackles and he drove forward like an old master.He nearly delivered an assist at 1-1 with some brilliant play. He received the ball from Foden, turned and drove forward before returning the ball to his team-mate but the shot was hacked off the line by Denzel Dumfries.Mainoo delivered a terrific block to snuff out some serious danger in a lightning-quick Dutch counter attack.In the second half, he had less space in midfield but nevertheless still had bags of energy and kept his discipline positionally – and then he let subs Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins deliver the business.It is still mind-boggling that Mainoo is now heading to Berlin on Sunday, when you consider Mainoo only made his United debut against Charlton in the Carabao Cup in January 2023. His first Premier League start was just eight months ago.Yet it was his dazzling midfield form in an otherwise dysfunctional United team which earned him his first cap as a substitute against Brazil in March. He was then Man of the Match in a ridiculously-good performance in the 2-2 draw with Belgium.Mainoo’s form dipped in the last few weeks of the season. It was probably because he was knackered carrying some of his team-mates. But he then saved them again in the FA Cup final against Manchester City with a Man of the Match performance in a 2-1 win.A bit like Adam Wharton, he was part of England’s 26-man squad to soak up the experience, to learn what it is like to feature in a major tournament and maybe, if needed, to have a few cameo roles off the bench.And the fact he was effectively Southgate’s third-choice to partner Declan Rice here in Germany tells you exactly where he stood in a squad of 26.The Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield failed in the two opening games against Serbia and Denmark. Conor Gallagher – despite some bright performances as a sub in those games – really struggled in his start against Slovenia.Apart from a strong appearance as a substitute by Palmer, Mainoo’s performance against Slovakia was the only bright spot in a dismal and extremely fortunate win over Slovakia in the last 16.There was always a worry about Mainoo’s movement when England do not have possession but that will come with experience, like it would for any other central midfielder.Yet Mainoo has solved the problem for Southgate and now England can continue to dream big. And it is totally unthinkable from where you consider how they played in the group stages when they stunk out Germany.In Sunday’s final, England’s experienced players will be able to draw on the pain of both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.For Mainoo, this will be a completely new experience but do not expect him to wilt. He’ll absolutely love it. More

GARETH SOUTHGATE has some massive calls to make this weekend.England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, with a huge prize up for grabs.Gareth Southgate could make some changes to his line-upCredit: GettySome fans have called for Harry Kane to be droppedCredit: GettyLuke Shaw could be in line to startCredit: GettyShould they beat Luis de la Fuente’s side, the Three Lions will secure their first major title in 58 years.They came agonisingly close in 2021 but lost out to Italy on penalties in the final at Wembley.Southgate will now look to go one step further by winning the trophy in Berlin.But to do so he will have to pick his starting line-up carefully.Read More in FootballMany fans have called for semi-final hero Ollie Watkins to get the nod over captain Harry Kane following his last-gasp strike against Holland.Some also want Luke Shaw back in the XI following his return from injury.Southgate is yet to offer any hints about his potential line-up.But SunSport have looked at three different ways he could approach the game…Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOption 1How England could line up against Spain in the Euro 2024 finalIf the England boss were to make any changes, the most likely one would be Shaw replacing Kieran Trippier.Despite being a right-back, Trippier swapped over to the left at the start of the tournament.Watch Jordan Pickford absolutely lose it as he celebrates with fans after Ollie Watkins’ England winner vs NetherlandsHe began as a left-back before switching to a left wing-back role when Southgate changed formations against Switzerland.The Newcastle star was initially put there to cover Shaw while he was recovering from injury.But with the Manchester United defender now fully fit, Trippier could be surplus to requirements.In what would arguably be the biggest shock, Southgate could also decide to drop captain Kane.The striker has appeared fatigued at times throughout the tournament, likely due to a recent back injury.But Southgate has continued to show faith in him, despite impressive substitute appearances from both Watkins and Ivan Toney.It would be unlikely, but the England boss could decide to put Watkins in contention for a start.Option 2Alternatively, the Three Lions could line up with two strikersAlternatively – and this would be even more far-fetched – Southgate could decide to tweak his formation and play two strikers.Should he do so, Kobbie Mainoo could be dropped to the bench despite his fantastic Player of the Match performance against Holland.In that situation, England could line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation with Jude Bellingham playing alongside Declan Rice in the centre of midfield and Phil Foden starring further forward.Option 3Or Southgate could start with the same XI as the semi-finalFinally – and the most likely scenario – safety-first Southgate could opt to simply keep everything the same.READ MORE SUN STORIESKane – who despite his poor form is the joint leading scorer at the tournament – could remain as England’s sole No9, with Trippier keeping his spot on the left.That would give the likes of Watkins and Shaw the chance to make an impact later in the match.You can say it hasn’t been pretty, but England are in the final… and we’re peaking at just the right time, says Jack WilshereAFTER what has been a tough tournament of times, what an opportunity Gareth Southgate and his team will have to end in the best possible way, writes Jack Wilshere.We might like a team that played better football. But it’s a results business.Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and of course Holland would love to be where we are.People will say we’re lucky because we’re on this side of the draw.But we won the group. France didn’t and then ran into Spain.You can say it wasn’t that pretty, but we’re there.Gareth and his coaches won’t have been happy with some of the performances.But I did like the way Gareth and his team have dealt with it.There was no panic coming out of the camp.Everyone gave the same message: ‘We know we can better, but we’re here still.’And on Sunday they will be in Berlin to play Spain.They will probably have to produce two halves of football as good as the first against Holland to beat them.We have improved as the tournament has gone on and that is how you win things.You want to peak in the final.If Gareth can lead England to that major trophy we’ve all been waiting for, it will be the perfect answer to the critics and a brilliant day for us all.Read Jack Wilshere’s England vs Holland verdict in full.Or check out all of SunSport columnist Jack’s Euros 2024 opinions… More

ENGLAND fans have declared Sunday’s Euro 2024 final the “battle of Benidorm” as Spanish cops deploy riot police, drones and booze bans to cope with the surge of fans.Benidorm council chiefs have put preventative measures in place for pubs and clubs showing the mammoth clash with them telling bar staff to only give England fans beer in plastic pint glasses.England fans have declared Sunday’s Euro 2024 final as the ‘battle of Benidorm’Credit: ReutersBans have already been placed on pubs serving glass bottles after 6pm this weekendCredit: ReutersBenidorm is set to deploy a number of special police operations ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster clashCredit: ReutersA whopping 70,000 litres of beer is expected to be sunk on SundayCredit: ReutersThe travelling Three Lions’s fans have vowed to transform the famous Costa Blanca resort into a battleground on the day of the final against the Spanish.To counter any rowdiness, public security councillor Jesus Carrobles has said booze served in glasses will be banned from 6pm.The game kicks off at 9pm in Benidorm – with elated England fans expected to pile into pubs as early as possible in their droves. A whopping 70,000 litres of beer is expected to be sunk on Sunday – 25,000 more than on a normal day, say local reports.read more in Euro 2024Carrobles has also banned business owners in the town’s beloved Little England area from setting up street bars on match day to avoid any escalation of trouble.Benidorm’s Rincon de Loix area, a tourist haven for Brits abroad, announced they are using drones to keep a close eye on fan zones.The security measures are all forming part of a special police operation which will also see several streets closed off and riot police on standby.Parking will also be restricted from Saturday night to help with pedestrian movement.Most read in Euro 2024If Luis de la Fuente’s impressive Spain side wins the final, the town’s Plaza de la Hispanidad square will be closed to traffic due to the expected celebrations. Benidorm Council said: “The monitoring of security and any incidents that might occur will be carried out from the Coordination Centre which will be located at the Benidorm Local Police Headquarters, where there will be local and national agents working together.”England gets ready for almighty Euro 2024 final party with fans set to spend £800MILLION on beer and pizzaBenidorm mayor Toni Perez has insisted the town has “sufficient resources and experience to be able to deal with an event of this nature”.He added overnight: “I am confident it will be a day of celebration for both fans where a fun and festive atmosphere reigns, with calm and good co-existence between Spaniards and England fans.”Desperate England fans have been priced out of attending the final in Berlin with ticket prices soaring since Ollie Watkin’s winner against the Netherlands. Up to 50,000 supporters are expected to race to the Three Lions’ first ever final on foreign soil as part of a ‘Berlin Airlift’.Leaving those who couldn’t grab a gold dust ticket already planning to jet off to a sunny location such as Benidorm to enjoy the game.Following England’s last gasp screamer fans were quick to try and snap up tickets, flights and hotels ahead of a historic Sunday 14.Ticket prices for Sunday’s final flew up on the re-sale market with the most expensive seat selling for an incredible £78,000-a-pair.Some of the lowest-priced tickets – known as “Fans First” – are now sat at £4,400 – 25 times more expensive than the £85 face value they’re worth through UEFA.Cost of hotels, flights and tickets to the Euro 2024 finalUP to 50,000 supporters are expected to race to the Three Lions’ first ever final on foreign soil – with the cost quickly adding up for fans.Tickets*Most expensive ticket – £39,000Premium resell ticket – £5,500 to £16,600Category 1 ticket – £3,100 to £6,600Category 2 ticket – £2,200 to £4,400Category 3 ticket – £1,700 to £3,500Fans First ticket – £2,045 to £4,400HotelsHoliday Inn Berlin – £345 for Sunday nightCourtyard Berlin City Centre – £606 for Sunday nightAirbnb – Upwards of £117-a-nightFlightsEasyJet flights, UK airports to Berlin – £918British Airways, Heathrow to Berlin – £782*Data from KingCasinoBonusMeaning the cost has soared by 2,456 per cent, according to data from KingCasinoBonus.UEFA have warned fans about buying tickets from outside sellers as they said: “We urge fans not to purchase tickets on the secondary market.”Not only do fans need to fork out a small fortune on tickets to the match but they also need to pay for flights and hotels.Joyous England fans have spent the night scrambling to join a ‘Berlin Airlift’ heading to Sunday’s final against Spain – with flights swiftly soaring up in price.With 21 EasyJet flights to Berlin from Birmingham, Bristol, Luton and Gatwick between Friday and the match also being fully booked.The remaining EasyJet flights going from Gatwick to Berlin in the next few days are priced at a whopping £918.The same seat will set back punters just £167 a week later.Hotel prices in Berlin have also rocketed with a one-night stay at a Holiday Inn in Berlin costing £345 on Sunday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESOver £200 more expensive than the same room a week later.The Courtyard Berlin City Centre is also charging £606 for Sunday night in its cheapest room – but just £137 the following Sunday.England vs Spain recordEngland have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result dating back to 1929…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.Fans gathered in Benidorm for the Netherlands match last WednesdayCredit: ReutersFans have been flocking out to Benidorm since England won on WednesdayCredit: Louis WoodElated Three Lions supporters are hoping for a historic win this weekendCredit: Reuters More