Euro 2024

ENGLAND fans should be filled with faith – not fear – if Phil Foden and Cole Palmer take penalties against Holland tonight.Manchester City defender Luke Mbete grew up playing around the two Three Lions playmakers so he knew super-sub Palmer would slot home his opening spot-kick against Switzerland.Luke Mbete and Cole Palmer came up through Manchester City youth ranks togetherCredit: GettyAnd the 20-year-old Etihad ace – who has represented England from U15-U21 level – shows no signs of the penalty phobia most fans are riddled with when Gareth Southgate’s wonderkids walk up to the spot.Centre-back Mbete told SunSport: “If the last game taught us anything, it was to teach us to have even more faith in our boys.“All five of them stepped up and executed in an extremely professional manner.“You cannot recreate that sort of pressure in any training ground situation or environment but they are professionals at the peak of their game.Most read in Football“So I trust them and I hope the whole nation trusts them if they are called upon again.”Mbete has just completed a loan to Den Bosch in Holland but the West Londoner returned to his childhood school of St Gregory’s Catholic Science College in Harrow on Tuesday to host an awards evening and donate £5,000.Staying true to his roots is crucial for the centre-back and he revealed it’s a huge part of both Foden and Chelsea hero Palmer’s classy careers so far.He explained: “I played with Cole from a young age and I first played with Phil when I first got called up to play with the first team.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLuke Mbete (second from left) has played and trained alongside City’s stars like Phil Foden“The best thing about Cole and Phil is that they both do their talking on the pitch and that has helped them both go on to have incredible seasons.“They are really good people and really relaxed too, what people are seeing on TV is what they are like in real life.Gareth Southgate admits England stars gripped by fear of Euro 2024 failure – but reveals huge change in last matchInside Jordan Pickford’s penalty saving technique as he bids to be England’s Euros heroJORDAN PICKFORD has regularly been the hero when it comes to a penalty shootout for his country, writes Jon Boon.The England and Everton goalkeeper, 30, saved Manuel Akanji’s effort for Switzerland to hand the Three Lions an advantage in their shootout win in their Euro 2024 quarter-final.Now, with the help of Goalkeeper.com, we’ve uncovered Pickford’s penalty-saving technique.USES HISTORIC TRENDSPickford is well prepared when it comes to facing the ball from 12-yards.His water bottle trick has become infamous with the list of penalty takers and direction of shot taped on to it.But you cannot always listen blindly to most probable placements, and a goalkeeper’s intuition should also play a role.That human element remains important.UTILISES A MIXED STRATEGYBeing a goalkeeper is often called the ‘loneliest job’ in the world.And when it comes to penalties, your team-mates are solely reliant upon your strategy to save one.Often, we’ve seen goalies who prefer to favour one side – and continuously dive one way.However, Pickford adopts a mixed strategy.Sometimes, he will dive to the power side – saving from Jorginho in the Euro 2020 final.His save from Akanji in the Swiss shootout was made on the placement side.TECHNICAL EXECUTION OF DIVEGoalkeepers are hindered during penalty shootouts – with the Fifa rulebook meaning they have to stay on the line until the shot is taken.That means the lift off of your dive has to be executed a certain way.Pickford launches himself from his back foot behind the line, pushes his body weight forwards, makes no large negative step and keeps both hands active to make the save.This was put into effect when he made saves from Italy’s Andrea Belotti in 2020 and Colombia’s Carlos Bacca at the 2018 World Cup.France’s Mike Maignan, by comparison, takes a large negative step, and struggles to reach his posts.CLUB VS COUNTRY METRICSInterestingly, Pickford is better at saving penalties in shootouts for England than in his overall career average, and better at saving in shootouts vs in game.Clearly, Pickford performs better in an England shirt and when there is bigger pressure.Read our full analysis of Jordan Pickford’s penalty-saving techniques…“They are both really relaxed people, as well as players, and that allows their talent to just come through on game day.”Mbete, who made FA Cup and Champions League appearances for Pep Guardiola before his most recent loan spell, is aware of the criticisms the England performances have faced.But he’s sure his City colleagues, like John Stones and Kyle Walker  – as well as the rest of the squad – are all desperate to succeed for the nation.“Representing your country, wearing that England shirt, is always a huge honour,” he said. “That brings great pride and you can see the boys feeling that.“There’s been a lot of talk about the quality of the performances but you can’t debate their effort or dedication, to reach the stage they have.”Mbete and Palmer won the FA Youth Cup togetherEngland can’t take their eye off the ball… you’ve NEVER cracked penalties, warns Jurgen KlinsmannTHE key to winning penalty shootouts is to never think you’ve cracked it, writes Jurgen Klinsmann.England were so impressive from the spot against Switzerland on Saturday — all five penalties were exceptional.That will bring confidence to Gareth Southgate’s team but there is no guarantee they will win another one, in the semi-final against Holland or in the final.Do not expect the next shootout to be the same. Thinking like that is very dangerous.If a game goes to extra-time, don’t just believe you can get all the substitutions right and manage the game, then win on penalties — that’s when you take your eye off the ball.And, unless you’re Ivan Toney, that’s usually a bad thing.After so many bad experiences with shootouts over the years, it always plays on your mind.It’s tragic when you keep losing that way and I know the whole English nation used to dread penalties.Gareth and his staff have changed all that, thanks to excellent preparation. They know shootouts are no lottery.The German national team haven’t lost a shootout since 1976 — and, of course, we beat England on penalties in the semi-finals of 1990 World Cup and Euro 96.Here, our approaches were actually very different.In 1990 we were full of players who were extremely confident in moments like that — players like Andreas Brehme, Lothar Matthaus and Rudi Voller, with extremely big personalities.We were so convinced we would win that tournament in Italy, so we didn’t spend much time practising penalties.Six years later, it was very different. We knew we didn’t have the same quality as England and we prepared for penalties methodically.We got through because of an extreme desire to win, a willingness to suffer and, yes, being good at penalties.As a manager, you have to read every player.If he’s totally confident in his approach to taking a spot-kick, then he doesn’t have to shoot five penalties every day. Others need constant repetition.I’ve always prepared my team for  shootouts as if they would be crucial.We never felt embarrassed about saying that. It’s part of preparation for knockout matches.Read all of SunSport columnist Jurgen Klinsmann’s Euro 2024 opinions. More

ENGLAND made sure to celebrate their quarter-final victory over Switzerland.The Three Lions reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after beating the Swiss after a penalty shootout.England’s dressing room after the win over SwitzerlandA couple of wine bottles were found in the coaching areaThere was also a document showing England’s kit orderBukayo Saka netted England’s equaliser in the match following Breel Embolo’s opening goal.England then scored all five of their penalties in the shootout, with Trent Alexander-Arnold sealing the victory.After the game, the players returned to the dressing room to celebrate moving on in the tournament.The players were treated to pizza as there was a leftover box found left behindREAD MORE ON EURO 2024There were also two bottles of £20 Pouilly-Fume white wine found in Gareth Southgate’s coaching room.That was not the only alcohol there as there was also some cans of Bitburger beer, according to Bild.And the Three Lions put some effort in to tidy things up at the end of it all – rubbish appeared to be swept into a refuse bag and placed under the table.A document was also discovered which showed how many kits are ordered for the players.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe players spent 90 minutes celebrating before heading to Dusseldorf airport to travel to Erfurt.It shows that captain Harry Kane and star Jude Bellingham are allowed five shirts each.Gareth Southgate admits England stars gripped by fear of Euro 2024 failure – but reveals huge change in last matchThe players have been lucky enough to have some beer before the Switzerland game.England’s Harry Kane dilemma laid bare as stats show MAJOR problem before Holland clashGARETH SOUTHGATE has a Harry Kane dilemma ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-final, writes Kealan Hughes.England face the Netherlands on Wednesday night as they bid to reach back-to-back Euros finals with their captain the subject of huge scrutiny.Kane, 30, was taken off in extra-time against Switzerland after a lacklustre performance which saw the striker barely involved in play.In 109 minutes, he completed just EIGHT passes – only one of which was in the final third.Kane also made just four touches in the opposition penalty box, with critics lamenting his failure to get into the area to get on the end of one of Bukayo Saka’s many crosses.Alan Shearer has advised Kane to do his work in the box rather than dropping back.In fact his average position against Switzerland was DEEPER than wing-backs Saka and Kieran Trippier.That might be understandable, with the pair bombing on to provide width.But Kane was also, on average BEHIND Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and even holding midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice.Read SunSport’s analysis on Southgate’s Kane dilemma in full.Southgate revealed that the players shared a drink when they were visited by popstar Ed Sheeran.He said: “We were lucky that Ed Sheeran sang for us (in the team hotel).”It was great that the players had a few beers before the last game.”They can bond that way.”England are back in action tonight as they take on the Holland in the semi-final at the Signal Iduna Park.Should the Three Lions make it to a successive Euros final, then they will face Spain for the chance to end the nation’s 58-year wait for a trophy.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spanish booked their spot in the final with a 2-1 win over France last night.Lamine Yamal stole the headlines in the match as he became the youngest-ever player to score at the Euros.England’s six tournament semi-finalsENGLAND will play their seventh tournament semi-final in Dortmund on Wednesday, writes Martin Lipton.Sun Sport recalls the other six – and remembers where it went right and wrong for the Three Lions1966 Portugal (Wembley) W 2-1This was the big test for Alf Ramsey’s “wingless wonders” and one they passed thanks to a masterclass by Bobby Charlton. Charlton steered home the opener from outside the box after Roger Hunt chased down Ray Wilson’s ball over the top and keeper Jose Pereira blocked.His second was slammed into the bottom corner after Geoff Hurst pushed into his path. Portuguese superstar Eusebio pulled one back from the spot after Jack Charlton handled off the line but England held on.1968 Yugoslavia (Florence) L 1-0Alan Mullery became the first England player to be sent off as this European Championship semi-final descended into a kicking match. A forgettable game saw Alan Ball force one panicky clearance against the Yugoslav bar but few real chances before Dragan Dzajic sneaked in behind Bobby Moore to prod the winner past Gordon Banks with four minutes left.Mullery was then dismissed for kicking out at Dobrivoje Trivic. Goals from Charlton and Hurst earned a 2-0 win over the Soviet Union in the third place game.1990 West Germany (Turin) D 1-1 (West Germany won 4-2 on penalties)Arguably England’s best performance under Bobby Robson ended in heartache and tears. Chances came and went at both ends in a whirlwind game before Andreas Brehme’s free-kick looped off Paul Parker to drop beyond a helpless Peter Shilton.But Gary Lineker then turned Parker’s hopeful ball forward into an assist as he fired past Bodo Illgner. Paul Gascoigne was in bits after the booking that would have ruled him out of the Final and shoot-out misses by Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle were fatal.1996 Germany (Wembley) D 1-1 (Germany won 6-5 on penalties)Another story of what might have been as Gareth Southgate joined the long list of shoot-out victims. Terry Venables’ side made the perfect start when Gascoigne’s corner was flicked on by Tony Adams for Alan Shearer to score. But Germany soon levelled through Stefan Kuntz and both goals had narrow escapes in normal and extra-time.Penalties again and while Shearer, David Platt, Pearce, Gascoigne and Teddy Sheringham all scored, Germany were equally strong. Southgate’s shocker made Andreas Moller the one to win it.2018 Croatia (Moscow) L 1-2Another near-miss for England, who ran out of legs and smarts just when it mattered most. Kieran Trippier’s sensational free-kick put Southgate’s side in front and they had the chances to put the Croatians away in the first half.But they all went begging and Luka Modric and Co wrested control. Ivan Perisic stole in front of Kyle Walker to nudge the leveller and in extra-time Mario Manduzic ran in behind a slow-reacting defence to beat Jordan Pickford. So near, so far.2021 Denmark (Wembley) W 2-1“Sweet Caroline” has never been sung so loud and so long than after this epic evening. The Danes went in front from a terrific Mikkel Damsgaard free-kick but Simon Kjaer put through his own goal as he tried to prevent Raheem Sterling converting Bukayo Saka’s cross.Extra-time brought the key moment, when Sterling went down in the box under pressure from Mathias Jensen. Skipper Harry Kane’s penalty was saved by Kasper Schmeichel but he knocked home the rebound to earn the first England Final since 1966. More

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN walked out of a press conference after a question about his France future – while firing a subtle dig at Didier DeschampsGriezmann featured in all six of France’s Euro 2024 games before crashing out in the semi-finals to Spain. Antoine Griezmann walked out of a press conference after a question about his France futureCredit: XGriezmann sighed and let out a little laugh as he walked offCredit: XThe Atletico Madrid star started in the opening two, and in the two knockout stages before being benched in the semis.Griezmann did come off the bench against Spain but could not prevent his nation from slipping to a 2-1 defeat. And he appeared to take a thinly-veiled swipe at under-fire boss Deschamps for leaving him out. He said: “I started badly. Afterwards, I felt better and better, and I ended up on the bench. READ MORE FRANCE NEWS”We’ll come back. I tried to give my all with a lot of tactical and positional changes. You had to adapt all the time.”Griezmann – who won the 2018 World Cup with France and has 44 goals in 135 matches – was then asked if he will consider international retirement. But the former Barcelona forward sighed and let out a little laugh as he walked off. Griezmann was not the only one to get pressed on his future within the French national side with manager Deschamps also pressed. Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he snapped back: “Ask my president. I’ve just lost a semi-final. Do you think I’m already going to answer?”I respect you, but try to respect the people who have responsibilities too.Moment Deschamps snaps ‘you shouldn’t have even asked this’ at journalist after France’s Euro 2024 semi-final defeat Inside Jordan Pickford’s penalty saving technique as he bids to be England’s Euros heroJORDAN PICKFORD has regularly been the hero when it comes to a penalty shootout for his country, writes Jon Boon.The England and Everton goalkeeper, 30, saved Manuel Akanji’s effort for Switzerland to hand the Three Lions an advantage in their shootout win in their Euro 2024 quarter-final.Now, with the help of Goalkeeper.com, we’ve uncovered Pickford’s penalty-saving technique.USES HISTORIC TRENDSPickford is well prepared when it comes to facing the ball from 12-yards.His water bottle trick has become infamous with the list of penalty takers and direction of shot taped on to it.But you cannot always listen blindly to most probable placements, and a goalkeeper’s intuition should also play a role.That human element remains important.UTILISES A MIXED STRATEGYBeing a goalkeeper is often called the ‘loneliest job’ in the world.And when it comes to penalties, your team-mates are solely reliant upon your strategy to save one.Often, we’ve seen goalies who prefer to favour one side – and continuously dive one way.However, Pickford adopts a mixed strategy.Sometimes, he will dive to the power side – saving from Jorginho in the Euro 2020 final.His save from Akanji in the Swiss shootout was made on the placement side.TECHNICAL EXECUTION OF DIVEGoalkeepers are hindered during penalty shootouts – with the Fifa rulebook meaning they have to stay on the line until the shot is taken.That means the lift off of your dive has to be executed a certain way.Pickford launches himself from his back foot behind the line, pushes his body weight forwards, makes no large negative step and keeps both hands active to make the save.This was put into effect when he made saves from Italy’s Andrea Belotti in 2020 and Colombia’s Carlos Bacca at the 2018 World Cup.France’s Mike Maignan, by comparison, takes a large negative step, and struggles to reach his posts.CLUB VS COUNTRY METRICSInterestingly, Pickford is better at saving penalties in shootouts for England than in his overall career average, and better at saving in shootouts vs in game.Clearly, Pickford performs better in an England shirt and when there is bigger pressure.Read our full analysis of Jordan Pickford’s penalty-saving techniques…“I’m telling you this calmly. What happened happened. I’m here to answer your questions, but I’m not going to answer this one today.”You know very well the situation and what my president thinks. So you shouldn’t even have asked the question.”Deschamps won the World Cup and European Championship as a France international.And he took over as boss of the national side in 2012 and led them to World Cup glory in 2018 with a final loss to Argentina four years later.Deschamps last year extended his contract until 2026 with his eyes on the World Cup in North America.Didier Deschamps’ future with France came into questionCredit: Getty More

THIS is the moment a pitch invader charged towards a worried-looking Kylian Mbappe. France’s Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to Spain was briefly halted after a fan stormed onto the pitch in a huge security breach. Kylian Mbappe was charged at by a pitch invaderCredit: @itvfootballThe fan ran onto the pitch to take a selfie with the France starCredit: GettyThe fan was taken away by stewardsCredit: GettyWith Les Bleus trailing 2-1 after wonder goals from Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo, Mbappe stood waiting for La Roja to take a goal kick in the second-half. But a supporter then suddenly entered the field of play and ran over to Real Madrid’s new signing. Mbappe saw him coming and looked panicked as the man was chased by stewards.He managed to get as far as the 25-year-old superstar and tried to take a selfie with him.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe fan was then wrestled away from Mbappe by security as he desperately tried to cling onto the player.Luckily, he was able to shrug off the fan and he was then swiftly taken out of the stadium and handed over to cops in Munich.And it was not the only security breach of the game last night as another selfie-wanting supporter tried to join in with Spain’s celebrations.The pitch invader ran at Alvaro Morata and a member of security ended up clattering into the captain as he chased the supporter.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea’s former striker fell to the ground and looked to be in considerable pain.Morata then hobbled off the pitch and is now a minor doubt for the final against Holland or England.Shocking moment member of staff injures Spain star moments after reaching Euro 2024 final with victory over FranceOn his condition, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente revealed: “We will wait until tomorrow.”We don’t think it’s anything. His leg is hurt but we hope he’s going to be okay.”A security member slipped into Alvaro Morata when trying to stop a pitch invaderCredit: RexThe collision seemed to injure MorataCredit: PA More

AN incident during the post-match celebrations resulted in Morata twisting his knee after a collision with a fan.Here is everything we know about the incident and if the Spanish captain will be playing at the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday.A security guard crashed into Alvaro Morata after a pitch invader got caughtCredit: GettyAlvaro Morata was hobbling off the pitch after the incidentCredit: GettyAlvaro Morata might miss the Euro 2024 final on Sunday July 14, 2024Credit: GettyWhat happened to Alvaro Morata in the Spain vs France Euro 2024 match?In the Euro 2024 semi-final match between Spain and France, Alvaro Morata played a crucial role in Spain’s 2-1 victory, which secured their place in the final.However, during the post-match celebrations, a fan ran onto the pitch to join the Spanish team.A security guard tried to restrain the pitch invader but slipped and side tackled Morata.The crash saw Morata falling to the ground and twisting his knee.read more on alvaro morataHe was then seen hobbling off the pitch in pain.As a precaution, Morata was scheduled to undergo a medical check-up to ensure he did not sustain any significant injuries from the incident​.FIFA licensed football agent Ned shared a video of the incident on X, formerly Twitter.What has Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said about Morata’s injury?Luis de la Fuente spoke to the media at a post-press conference after the matchCredit: GettyLuis de la Fuente said about the injury after the match: “With Alvaro, we are going to wait until tomorrow.Most read in Euro 2024″We don’t think it was anything. “It was during the celebrations.”We think he’s going to be okay.”Morata has played in every game for Spain so far in the competition and has scored one goal for the team during their opening game against Croatia.He recently was criticised in the Spanish newspaper El Confidencial after Morata threatened to leave the team after the Euro 2024.The newspaper then claimed he would be an “embarrassment” for Spain.His wife Alice Campello defeated him on Instagram saying: “I hate to play the victim and stir up more controversy, but this doesn’t seem normal to me, I’m sorry. Is this normal?”The only thing I see as poor quality is being a journalist, having studied for it and writing a headline like this when Spain is one day away from playing a semi-final. “We must think before speaking about how we would feel about what we are doing.”I repeat: everyone is free to say what they think, but without offending.”It’s all a matter of taste, but we must respect if we want respect.”Will Alvaro Morata play in the Euro 2024 final?Alvaro Morata’s participation in the Euro 2024 final remains uncertain due to the injury he sustained during the semifinal against France. Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente has expressed optimism, stating that Morata is being monitored and is recovering. However, the final decision on his fitness will likely be made closer to the match day to ensure he is fully ready to play if selected​.Spain will face either the Netherlands or England on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.They beat France 2-1 during the semi-final in Munich on July 9, 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESLamine Yamal scored the equaliser goal and became the youngest player to score a goal ever in a Euro final match.He also broke the record for being the youngest player participating in the Euros. More