Euro 2024

DIDIER DESCHAMPS snapped at a journalist after his future was called into question following France’s Euro 2024 semi-final defeat.The 2018 World Cup winners were beaten by Spain 2-1 in the last four. Didier Deschamps snapped at a journalist after his future was called into questionCredit: GettyAnd in the immediate aftermath, manager Deschamps was pressed on his future in charge of Les Bleus. But 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.“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. READ MORE ON EURO 2024″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. But his football at Euro 2024 was criticised with members of the press labelling it “DULL”. Most read in Euro 2024Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDeschamps responded: “If you’re getting bored, watch another game. You don’t have to watch – it’s fine. “It’s a special Euros. It’s very difficult for everyone, with fewer goals. Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match “It hasn’t been the same as in the past, but we share the desire to make French men and women happy through the results we have been getting, especially in a period that has been hard for our country.” France scored just four goals throughout the tournament, with star man Kylian Mbappe getting just one from the spot against Poland. The incoming Real Madrid forward suffered a nose injury during his opening game – which affected his tournament. Deschamps admitted: “I will not say my players didn’t give their all, but we didn’t play as well as we could for various reason. “Kylian didn’t perform as well as he usually does. I’m not making excuses. “We tried to do our best with what we had and tried to be as efficient as possible.”Deschamps in 2023 extended his contract until 2026 with his eyes on the World Cup in North America. More

DIDIER DESCHAMPS made a dig at Kylian Mbappe after France were knocked out of Euro 2024.The French were outclassed in their semi-final defeat to Spain at the Allianz Arena last night.Didier Deschamps hit out at his players after France’s Euro exitCredit: GettyKylian Mbappe was not at his best during the tournamentCredit: GettyMbappe, 25, set up the opening goal for Randal Kolo Muani to give France the lead.But Spain hit back with two goals in four minutes, including a sublime equaliser from wonderkid Lamine Yamal.France were unable to find an equaliser to force added time as they crashed out of the tournament.Boss Deschamps was less than impressed with his team’s performance as he dug out Mbappe for not performing to his usual standards.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He said: “I will not say my players didn’t give their all, but we didn’t play as well as we could for various reasons”Kylian didn’t perform as well as he usually does.”I’m not making excuses.”We tried to do our best with what we had and tried to be as efficient as possible.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDeschamps also responded to questions over his future as he insisted that it was not the best time to speak about it.He said: “I’ve just lost a semi-final, so don’t ask me that question.Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match Kylian Mbappe ‘snaps up £15m mansion in Beckham’s old neighbourhood’ next door to Real Madrid legend and Hollywood starBy Gerard CouzensKYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly splashed out more than £15million on a mansion in Madrid.The French superstar, whose drawn-out transfer to Real Madrid has finally being confirmed, is said to have finalised the purchase late last month.Respected Spanish daily La Razon says the house he has bought is in the exclusive Madrid suburb of La Moraleja, where David Beckham spent most of his time living when he was in the Spanish capital.And it says his neighbours will include former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos and his stunning model wife Pilar Rubio as well as Hollywood star Richard Gere and his Spanish publicist wife Alejandra Silva.La Razon said Mbappe had considered the gated estate of La Finca where Jude Bellingham lives and Cristiano Ronaldo still owns property as an option.But it reported the 25-year-old, who threw an extravagant party for 250 guests at a stylish Italian restaurant a short walk from the Eiffel Tower, ended up opting for La Moraleja a 15-minute drive from Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex because it was “more comfortable.”Read more on Mbappe’s property hunt.”Ask the president of the FA. I won’t answer the question.”Maybe you shouldn’t have even asked it.”Meanwhile, Mbappe has also shared his thoughts on his performance during the tournament.The forward only managed one goal in his five appearances.He said: “In football you’re good or not good. I wasn’t good.””My Euro was a failure”.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I wanted to be European champion. I will now go on holiday, I will rest well, it will do me a lot of good.”Then I will get ready to start a new life. There’s a lot to do.”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… More

NACHO went viral for the last reason he’d want after helping Spain reach the Euro 2024 final.Even the former Real Madrid hardman himself might be abashed when he sees images of his clash with France’s Randal Kolo Muani.Nacho’s forceful action on Randal Kolo Muani shocked many viewersCredit: APAt this stage Kolo Muani looked unaware of what was to comeCredit: EPANacho, 34, was caught on camera thrusting the head of the floored striker into the ground.One fan labelled a photo of the chilling incident as the “Dirtiest football pic ever seen”.Nacho, who joined Saudi side Al Qadsiah FC last month, had a fierce look on his face.One hand was on Kolo Muani’s head as the PSG star closed his eyes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Nacho’s other hand was raised as he prepared to shove the 25-year-old’s head down.”Outrageous,” said one fan, while another called it “so wrong”.Nacho had only been called in to the Spanish side to replace the suspended Robin Le Normand.And the early exchange – for which he escaped unpunished – suggested he was keen to show he was still as intimidating a physical presence as ever.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHowever, Kolo Muani could not have dreamt of a better response.He pounced to put France in front just a minute or so later.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashUnfortunately for him, Lamine Yamal scorched a remarkable equaliser to become, at 16, the youngest scorer at any Euros.Dani Olmo then flashed Spain’s deflected winner on 25 minutes.But for Nacho, his team’s crazy rejoicing at the end might be followed by some cringing reflection of his own on his most shocking moment. More

SPANISH wonderkid Lamine Yamal gave a cheeky message to the camera after his semi-final masterclass against France.The 16-year-old helped Spain book a spot in the Euro 2024 final with a 2-1 win over France, after he was called out by French star Adrien Rabiot prior to the clash.Lamine Yamal was fired a warning by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Spain’s clash with FranceCredit: AFPYamal scored a stunning goal as Spain booked their place in the Euro 2024 final after Rabiot’s call outCredit: AFPThe teenager had a message for the camera at the full-time whistleCredit: BBCYamal has been one of the standout stars at the tournament this summer and was certainly one to watch heading into the semi-final against France.But experienced French midfielder Rabiot fired a warning to the teenager ahead of kickoff.The former PSG and Juventus star had warned that Yamal would need to do much more than he already has to be a difference maker against France.Rabiot said: “It is always complicated to manage a semi-final in a tournament like this, but it will be up to us to put the pressure on him [Lamine Yamal] above all.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″Not to let him feel comfortable and to show him that to play in a Euro final, he will have to do much more than what he has done so far.”Yamal certainly responded to that on the pitch, scoring a stunning equaliser to rule out Randal Kolo Muani’s opener for France – while becoming the youngest ever goal scorer in a European Championship in the process. And after doing his talking with his feet, he appeared to send a brutal rebuttal to Rabiot’s comments at full-time.The teenager looked straight down the camera and appeared to say: “Speak now, speak now!”.Most read in Euro 2024Yamal’s spectacular goal came after Rabiot was unable to close him downCredit: GettyEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSYamal had already sent a cryptic message out on his Instagram before kick-off, seemingly hinting that Rabiot had spoken too early.It read: “Move in silence. Only speak when it is time to say checkmate.”SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesYamal won this game of chess as his Spain side progressed into Sunday’s Euro 2024 final after Dani Olmo added a second to make the scored 2-1.Spain will now face the winner of Wednesday night’s clash between England and Holland.Yamal has had an exceptional tournament for Luis de la Fuente’s side this summer in Germany.And the youngster has been doing it all while balancing his studies. Before the tournament got underway, Yamal admitted that he had to bring his homework to Germany with him as he is still finishing high school.He said: “I have classes on the web and I’m doing well, I hope the teacher doesn’t fail me.”While his unbelievable skill at such a young age has seen him smash all kinds of records.As well as tonight becoming the youngest ever Euros goal scorer, he also became the youngest player to feature at the tournament when he started Spain’s opener against Croatia last month.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has done it next to an experienced group of players too with teammate Jesus Navas, 38, actually three years older than Yamal’s dad.Yamal has now scored one goal and registered three assists in his six appearances at Euro 2024 – an incredible return for a teenager making his major tournament debut.Yamal posted a cryptic message to his Instagram ahead of kick offCredit: instagram @lamineyamal More

SO now we know who England will have to beat to become European champions for the first time IF they can get past Holland in Dortmund.SunSport looks at Spain to assess where a final in Berlin on Sunday could be won or lost.England will have to be at their best – and beat Holland first – to stand a chance in the Euro final against SpainCredit: RexLamine Yamal and Nico Williams must be contained for any side to stand a chanceCredit: AFPUnlike the Spanish team that dominated Planet Football under Vicente del Bosque a decade ago, Luis de la Fuente’s team are more about making a real impression than concentrating on possession.The side of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Inesta and Co did not so much dominate the ball as monopolise it.They moved teams around continually, running their legs off with the Barcelona-style passing “carousel”, waiting for the moment to strike.It was successful but at times, particularly in 2012, it could become dull. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTechnically proficient but not an approach to get you off your feet.But this incarnation of Spain is VERY different – as they proved in their 2-1 semi-final win over France.STRENGTHSThey look to score every time they get the ball, playing wide and early to allow wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to attack their full-backs high up the pitch and run in behind.The twin terrors are jet-heeled, direct and dangerous. It’s hard to believe Yamal does not turn 17 until Saturday.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSIf they are allowed to run at England, it could get very messy and the back line will need support and cover to prevent them potentially being over-run.With Rodri, described by de la Fuente as a footballing “computer” programmed to make critical midfield decisions in attack and defence, patrolling deep, it gives a platform for Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz to join the front line.Lego fan uses 6,000 bricks creating stadium hosting England’s Euro showdown against the NetherlandsWEAKNESSESIf there is an obvious weakness – and the statistics that say he has scored more than 200 club goals and 36 at almost a goal every other game for Spain – it is the leader of the line.Alvaro Morata’s difficult time at Chelsea was a clear case of a fish out of water but his lack of real threat – and tendency to run offside too often – has not always endeared him to Spain fans either.Of course, he remains a fine header of the ball and it will not matter if others find the net but John Stones, Kyle Walker and Marc Guehi will all know exactly what they are up against.There will be concerns over his fitness for the final however after a bizarre incident involving Spain’s own security team.Alvaro Morata has not posed much of a threat for Spain so farCredit: ReutersPOSSIBLE VULNERABILITYAt the back, it is expected that Dani Carvajal and Robin le Normand will return after being suspended for the semi-final.So far, they have not been exploited defensively.But Croatia and Georgia certainly had their opportunities earlier in the tournament.They rocked, as well, when France put on the pressure in the second half in Munich, with Marc Cucurella looking more like the player Chelsea fans have come to know and not exactly warm to than the one he had been over the past few weeks.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere were two real chances from set-pieces, free headers from Aurelien Tchouameni and Dayot Upamecano, while Kylian Mbappe will know he should have done better after cutting inside late on.England’s aim will be to get the ball wide and see if those flaws could be exposed.Marc Cucurella could be exploited with sheer pace down his sideCredit: EPA More

HARRY KANE still has his sights set on the Golden Boot — despite his Euro woes.The England skipper, top marksman at the 2018 World Cup with six goals, has only two in five games in Germany.Harry Kane has hit back at his England criticsCredit: GettyKane said part of the reason his goal tally was low was more organised oppositionCredit: RexBut he is only one behind the leading pack that includes Holland ace Cody Gakpo — who he will aim to KO tonight — on three strikes.Kane said: “Hopefully I’ll score a couple of goals and you’re looking at me in a totally different way.“I’d be top goalscorer, through to a final and it’s a different perspective. I’d like to have scored more goals but the tournament has been a low scoring one for different reasons.“The pitches are part of that reason. Teams are more organised and, from a manager’s point of view, they are more structured and they make it difficult for the favourites or better teams to exploit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“You know that you’re never as bad as you think — and you’re never as good as you think on your good days.”Kane, who missed the end of the season with Bayern Munich due to a back problem, insists he has no injury issues, though he does not appear to be moving freely.The striker, who fired 44 goals for Bayern last campaign, added: “If you look over the last couple of major tournaments, there’s always been — at some stage — question marks over my fitness or my form.“I know everyone wants me to score three goals a game and I want to score three goals a game but it’s not always the case.Most read in Euro 2024Jack Wilshere on Harry KaneSunSport’s Euro 2024 columnist Jack Wilshere gives his verdict on the Harry Kane dilemma…HARRY KANE should start against Holland.But we need to be more pro-active with our substitutions and keep the energy in the team.In the first half against Switzerland, we saw that if you set up in a certain structure, Harry can do it.I hear people say, ‘Harry can’t press’ but of course he can.Can he sustain it for 90 minutes? I’m not sure, he may prove us wrong.But regardless of that, we have to be more front foot with our changes, rather than waiting and reacting to what the opposition are doing.People used to talk about Gareth Southgate not taking Harry off.He did it against the Swiss and it worked.We proved we can win a penalty shootout without him.So play Harry from the start and tell him: “Give me everything until you can no longer.”Harry is OK with that. He’s the captain, he wants what is best for the team.Read more from ex-England and Arsenal star Jack Wilshere.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Maybe sometimes when I don’t score, fitness  is an easy one just to throw in. People say: ‘Why? Is there a reason? Is it his fitness?’“But I felt like I had a good preparation going into it, I felt like I’m getting better and sharper as the games go along. Ultimately it’s just down to me performing.”Lego fan uses 6,000 bricks creating stadium hosting England’s Euro showdown against the NetherlandsAhead of tonight’s clash with the Dutch in Dortmund, Kane, 30, was asked why he seems to be dropping deeper during games.He said: “It’s a good question. When I’m dropping deep, it might not be to get the ball.“It might be creating space for other players around me, it might be to drag the defenders out of their positions.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.“You’ve seen in my game in recent years that I like to get on the ball and turn and play.“I criticise myself as much as anyone and I know there have been times in games when I could have done better and moved better, especially in and around the box.“There’s different reasons for dropping deep and staying high and that’s what we work on throughout the week, to exploit the other team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Ultimately I do what’s best for the team.“Of course people will judge me on goals but if you had told me before the tournament I’d have a couple of goals and be in a semi-final, I’d have bitten your hand off.” 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