Euro 2024

I’M really proud of Luke Shaw.For him to go through what he’s been through in his career and come out the other side is amazing.Luke Shaw must start for England in their Euros semi against the NetherlandsCredit: AlamyShaw brings two key things to the table that Kieran Trippier doesn’tCredit: GettyAll of a sudden England are in the semi-final of a European Championship and we’re crying out for him to be fit.I remember the first time I played against Luke. It was on my birthday, New Year’s Day, in 2013. I think I was playing alongside Mikel Arteta in midfield. As usual at St Mary’s, we went 1-0 down but came back to get a draw.Southampton have always had a reputation for bringing through players like Gareth Bale and for having a relationship with Arsenal.Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were in the team that day, later on we bought Calum Chambers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLI had heard about Luke and after playing against him, I thought: ‘There’s another one off the production line – this kid can play.’We had our first tournament with England together. He went to the 2014 World Cup as a really young lad, just 18. He was probably quite shocked he was there.I was still quite young at that point. We struck up a really good relationship and he played a big part in my experience. We went to America before the tournament and when we had free time, we went to the beach or played golf together.The group was really good with me and with Luke in particular. Joe Hart, James Milner and Jordan Henderson, they all really looked out for him and tried to help him.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSYou’re buzzing to be part of the England squad. You don’t know the pressures from what’s gone before.Luke played in the last game against Costa Rica and did well. That was a really disappointing tournament, so he will have learnt quickly about handling the pressure and what it was like to play for your country.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesAfter that, I would be injured or he would be injured and we weren’t often in the same squads. We went through similar things, had the same frustrations.Like me, he was pushed from a young age and made it to the first team. We played a lot and were living our dream. Then all of a sudden, bang, it happens and then the problems start.Just to come back from that broken leg he had would be amazing. But to have been able to play at the level he has for the last ten or so years —   World Cups, European Championships, Champions League — is incredible.You have to be so resilient.And you have to have a big belief in your ability. A belief bordering on the naive. Because when you are injured, the game moves on.Players come into your club and try to take your position. You have to trust your ability and the process.Look at the period the doctor gives you, six weeks or whatever, and try to work within that.Make sure that when that six weeks are up, you are back and at your best. Then it’s down to you when you get on the pitch.  Manchester United have been through a lot while he’s been there.People have said they weren’t good enough and needed a new left-back.Jose Mourinho battered him, but Luke stuck it out and came through it. For England, people have talked about Ben Chilwell and others replacing him.But Luke’s resilience and belief are why he is still there. That’s why Gareth keeps calling him up, for those qualities and his leadership.In my opinion and Gareth’s, he’s the best left-back in the country.It was worth the gamble taking him to this tournament.Whenever I see someone come back from long-term injury, I look for two things.Number one is how they manage the ball. You can do all the training, all the rehab drills you want, but then you are in a game.Everyone is moving, there is 360-degree pressure. You have to find your rhythm straightaway.Wilshere on Harry KaneHARRY 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.Luke did that really well against Switzerland. He didn’t give the ball away. He was clean. He made good decisions. The second thing is fitness. We didn’t really get to see that because of the state of the game when he came on.What I remember from when I used to come back is that you have a three or four-game buffer where adrenaline gets you through. After that, you’re telling yourself, ‘I need to get fitter, and work on this’.But the initial comeback is ‘I’m back, I’ve been waiting for this for ages’. I’m hoping that he can feed off that.England need him. The biggest thing he brings is the natural width and balance. Both those things were better against Switzerland.Kieran Trippier can’t really use the width because he’s right footed.Shaw brings width you can use, he can get round the outside. His crossing is under-rated. He is also aggressive in duels. He naturally wants to press forward.I think Luke would be fit enough to play as a wing-back. If you’re playing a back four and you are full-back, you have be really fit and hit certain markers.But if you are playing as wing-back, you have that natural cover in the left centre-back.Wilshere on Bukayo SakaTHERE are good reasons why Bukayo Saka is known as The Starboy at the Arsenal Academy.What you see is what you get with Bukayo — the most humble superstar.He’s someone that the players look to and look up to.The question I ask my Arsenal Under-18s the most is: “Yes, Bukayo goes away with England and achieves all that he does but why?”Because consistently, he is Arsenal’s best performer.He earns the right to step up and take a penalty and steps up against the Swiss after missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final.There aren’t many players who would do that.But why is he Arsenal’s most consistent player?It’s the work he does, the time he puts in on the practice pitch, the type of person he is off the pitch, open to learning, being coached and suggestions of different ways of doing things.He practises his weaknesses but also practises his strengths.Bukayo has set the standard at our academy and keeps getting better, so we keep using him as an example.You don’t go every time, you pick your moments.I expect the Netherlands semi-final to be similar to the Switzerland tie, a game of spells. We must make the most of ours.I’m so pleased Luke has the chance of playing.When you go things like he and I have been through, it’s not easy.People think, ‘It doesn’t matter, he’s on loads of money. He’s injured, but he’s still getting paid’.But when you have the mentality we have, it’s not enough. You just want to play.People are quick to forget players when they are injured. Luke will want to show how good he is.I can’t believe he is still only 28.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe has experienced it all. Bad World Cup, good World Cup, Euros, being injured, people writing him off.Luke deserves everything he gets.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

GARETH SOUTHGATE admits his squad were gripped by a fear of failure in the group stage of these Euros.But ahead of the semi-final against the Netherlands, the England boss is adamant that his side have shaken off the weight of expectations and are focused on reaching a first ever major final on foreign soil.Gareth Southgate has declared England have grown into the tournamentCredit: GettyHe admitted Harry Kane and Co started out with a fear of what could go wrongCredit: PABut they have rallied together and have shook off the weight of expectationCredit: ReutersSouthgate claims he had to pick his players off the floor after the 1-1 draw with Denmark – and the deluge of criticism that followed it, which included Gary Lineker branding England’s performance as ‘s**t’.The Three Lions boss said: “We know we didn’t start the tournament well.“And for me it’s been a fascinating experience to see that the team had been fearful in the opening part of it – almost concerned about what could go wrong.“We haven’t had that for a few years. Maybe that was the added expectation – but now they’re very much in a ‘what’s achievable? what’s possible?’ sort of mindset.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Sometimes, as a coach, you take a step back and observe. One of the strengths of us over the last eight years has been having less fear, less inhibition.“But at the beginning of the tournament, the expectation weighed quite heavily and the external noise was louder than it has ever been.“I felt we couldn’t quite get ourselves in the right place and in the end, what was impressive was that the players found a way to grind out results.“That shifted once we got into the quarter-final, we saw a better version of ourselves with the ball, we were freer.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSouthgate has tried music and booze to help his players bond – but says there is no better way to instil team spirit than scoring dramatic late goals, like Jude Bellingham’s equaliser against Slovakia, or stoically defending a lead.He said: “We had Ed Sheeran in to sing and it was great. The players had a couple of beers before the last game.England’s penalty shoot-out secrets“You can bond in that way but when you are having to head the ball out of the box in the 92nd minute and to try to find a goal in the 96th minute, there is nothing stronger than that for building the spirit of a team.”It was quite some admission from Southgate to state that his players had been fearful – given that his entire eight-year reign had been built on sweeping away the toxic culture which made quality players terrified of representing their country.The England boss says he was quick to jump on the problem by urging his players to have more perspective.Southgate said: “We definitely spoke about it (the fear). When you can sense that feeling you need to confront it. It’s no use avoiding it and hoping it will go away.“After the Denmark game, there’s a picture of the players looking distraught.“They’ve got a point that essentially ensured us qualifying. Every other team was celebrating with their fans at that point and we were on our knees.“So I had to correct how they were viewing things. That feeling was being reinforced so vocally and actively outside and they were picking up on that too much.”England player ratings: Saka the saviour for Three Lions but subbed Kane stuggles in penalties thriller vs SwitzerlandBUKAYO SAKA showed huge courage as he dug England out of a hole and through on penalties against Switzerland, writes Tom Barclay.The Three Lions looked to be going out when Breel Embolo had put Swiss ahead on 75 minutes.But Arsenal star Saka dragged England back into five minutes later with a stunning effort off the post.To penalties it went – just like it did between these two sides five years ago in the Nations League.And just like back then, Jordan Pickford made a save – repelling the Swiss’s first effort from Manuel Akanji.England were perfect from then on, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellignam, Saka, Ivan Toney and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold sending the Three Lions into the semi-final.Here’s how the players rated…Jordan Pickford: 7Had his heart in his mouth when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner deep into extra-time hit the post and bar, but then pulled off a smart stop to take it to penalties.Saved Manuel Akanji’s first spot-kick by diving low to his left.Kyle Walker: 6Spent most of the game on the right side of a three which meant he could not get forward. Embolo got in front of him for Switzerland’s opener. Won the toss so the penalties were taken in front of the England fans.John Stones: 6Crisper passing in the first half, much better than his sloppy Slovakia display, but his deflection on Dan Ndoye’s cross diverted it to Embolo.Ezri Konsa: 6Was decent in the first half of his maiden start at a major tournament but, like the rest of the team, went into his shell after the break.Kieran Trippier: 6Had been expected to play right wing-back but was once again on the left.Solid defensively but, as has been the case throughout the tournament, offered little going forward on his unnatural side.Declan Rice: 7Anticipated, and subsequently, won a number of 50-50s at the base of England’s midfield.It was his decoy run that opened up the space for Saka to find the corner, before his 25-yard wonderstrike was denied by a flying Yann Sommer save in extra-time.Kobbie Mainoo: 6Some decent drives forward from midfield. Looked as if he would fire home an opener just before the break afterBukayo Saka’s nice cutback, but was denied by Granit Xhaka’s excellent block.Bukayo Saka: 8 and STAR MANDid not play at left wing-back as expected, but was England’s most dangerous attacking player throughout – and none more so when he came to the rescue with his 80th-minute leveller which flew in off the post.Showed huge courage in the shoot-out as he stroked home his penalty beautifully, three years on from missing in the last Euros final.Jude Bellingham: 6Produced a few graceful dribbles which showcased his quality in the first half but pretty quiet.Looked knackered but showed big cojones with his low penalty.Phil Foden: 6Admitted before the game that his central role would suit him better and it seemed to in the first 20 minutes, but faded after that.Harry Kane: 4This system just does not suit him. He needs runners, but does not look like he is going to get them.Just could not get into the game and was subbed out of it in extra-time, seconds after he was sent crashing into his manager on the touchline.SUBSCole Palmer (for Konsa, 78): 7One of three players to come on in reaction to Switzerland’s opener – why did it take so long, Gareth? Dispatched England’s first spot-kick with aplomb.Luke Shaw (for Trippier, 78): 6First minutes of football since February, slotting in on the left side of back three as Southgate went for broke.Eberechi Eze (for Mainoo, 78): 6Carved out a nice bit of space for himself in the dying moments but fired wide.Ivan Toney (For Kane, 109): 7It was no surprise to see him come with the prospect of penalties on the horizon – what was more of a shock was that it was for spot-kick maestro Kane. Was knocked over in the box right at the end of extra-time, but nothing was given. Confident penalty.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Foden, 115): 7Thrown on late into extra-time. Belted home his spot-kick to win it.Gareth Southgate: 4The adjusted back three system worked to a certain extent, but still the approach looked to be to keep it tight and rely on a moment of magic.Saka provided that for the leveller, but given the talent at his disposal, it seemed very limited.Took an age to make a change – prompted only by Switzerland going ahead. But got his subs right when it came to the penalty shoot-out.Southgate says England have had to adapt since his first campaign in charge, at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when a single knock-out victory, over Colombia on penalties, was considered a success.England have now reached three tournament semi-finals under Southgate – as many as they had achieved in their entire history up until 2016.And Southgate said: “I suppose in Russia winning a knock-out game was the first target and it felt from that moment on, the change of mindset was there.“Because we’ve gone further in more recent tournaments,nobody is thinking a quarter-final is anywhere near enough.“Now we’re in the real business end of the tournament – which given our history, is not to be underestimated.“But the great thing is we’re not sitting here happy with a semi-final, we want to go further. Our aim is to come here and win it and we’re now two games away from doing that.”While England’s display in the quarter-final victory over Switzerland was an improvement on the shambolic last-16 clash with Slovakia, Southgate is still being heavily criticised for his side’s lack of entertainment value.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.The clash with the Dutch is likely to be a more open contest, with Ronald Koeman’s side having scored nine goals and looking far less defensively-minded than England’s previous five opponents.Southgate played in the 4-1 victory over the Netherlands at Euro 96, widely regarded as England’s finest tournament performance.But he is a lifelong admirer of Dutch football – especially his rival boss, and fellow former centre-half, Koeman.Southgate said: “They played incredible football in the 70 and 80s, they were in two World Cup Finals and won the European Championship. I loved watching the Dutch teams.“Ronald Koeman was a player I admired very much. We didn’t really see centre-backs stepping out with the ball and spraying passes around the pitch in that way.“We see that more in the English game now but that was unique when I was growing up.“I’ve got huge admiration for the Netherlands. They have a fairly small population but their football culture for decades has been phenomenally good.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Our semi-final tally looks healthier now – more like what we’d hope an England history would look like.“But there are a lot of nations who have won the European Championship and we haven’t. We want to correct that and redress that balance.”I know we needed penalties… but England showed vs Switzerland why they can WIN Euro 2024, says Jack WilshereIT TOOK penalties to put us through but, before the drama, England showed us why they have the ingredients to do something special, writes Jack Wilshere.It was a win by the narrowest of margins but this was overall our best performance of Euro 2024.If we can build on the progress we made, especially in the first half, we could WIN the tournament.It was not a complete display. There were nervy moments and waiting so long to make changes could have cost us.But we saw what a good team England can be if they do the right things and put players in the right positions.The first half was England’s best since the first 45 against Serbia. Maybe even better.One of the keys to that was our press and the effect it had on Granit Xhaka.For the first time in four games we were pressing high, winning the ball back in better areas and putting Switzerland on the back foot.In previous matches, our forwards were pressing but the gaps between our lines were too big.That was leaving huge gaps for Declan Rice and whoever was partnering him to cover.This time there was better structure and organisation.There seemed to be more of a plan for when to drop into a block and when to jump out to press.Now England have the opportunity to build momentum and show why they can win this tournament.Read all of SunSport columnist Jack’s Euro 2024 articles. More

A member of Spain’s OWN security team accidentally injured Alvaro Morata during the celebrations as Spain reached the final of the Euros.It came after a pitch invader ran on the pitch to try and join in with the Spanish team’s celebrations after they beat France 2-1 in the semi-final.A team security member slipped into Alvaro Morata when trying to stop a pitch invaderCredit: RexThe collision left Morata falling to the groundCredit: PAMorata winced in pain immediately afterwardsCredit: PAHe was seen hunched overCredit: RexMorata was seen hobbling afterCredit: GettyA member of the team’s security moved to try and stop the pitch invader, but in doing so slipped and launching himself into a slide tackle on the former Chelsea striker.The contact looked nasty, with Morata’s leg appearing to get stuck in the turf.Morata appeared to be in considerable pain, and was seen hobbling about the pitch while his team-mates celebrated.There will now be concerns that the Spain captain will miss the final on Sunday in which they will play England or Holland.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said after the match: “We will wait until tomorrow.”We don’t think it’s anything. His leg hurt but we hope he’s going to be okay.”Morata captained his side to a 2-1 victory over France , which saw Lamine Yamal make history.His wonder strike, from 25 yards drew Spain level after France took the lead.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd it also made him the youngest goal scorer in Euros history, at the age of 16 years and 362 days.The strike means he has gone above previous holder Johan Vonlanthen, who was 18 years and 141 days old when he netted for Switzerland at Euro 2004.Lamine Yamal sends brutal message live on TV after being called out by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final Morata had been named captain of his side before the tournament by Spain coach Luis De La Fuente.While never the most prolific forward, his selflessness has helped the likes of Lamal and Nico Williams shine.The celebrations of captaining his side to a Euros final should have been the pinnacle of his career, but he will now be sweating over his fitness.Earlier this week he threatened to quit playing international football, due to criticism over his performances at the Euros.He said: “It could be [my last tournament with Spain].”It’s a possibility that I don’t want to talk about too much, but it’s probable.”Morata went on to explain that he prefers playing outside of Spain as he insisted there is “no respect” in his homelandHe added: “In Spain it’s hard for me to be happy.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Without doubt [I’m happier outside of Spain]. I’ve said it many times. Above all, because people respect me.”In Spain there’s no respect for anything or anyone.” More

LAMINE YAMAL delivered a dose of footballing justice as his record-breaking stunner sent Spain to their first final in 12 years and France home.The entertainers defied the pragmatists in Munich as Yamal became the youngest goalscorer in Euros history with an instant classic.Lamine Yamal celebrated becoming the Euros youngest ever goalscorerCredit: PAThe 16-year-old netted a stunning curler from rangeCredit: GettyQuarter-final hero Dani Olmo then came up with the goods again by netting their secondCredit: ReutersThe two goals secured Spain’s spot in the finalCredit: APAnd sent Kylian Mbappe and co homeCredit: GettyBarcelona’s next big thing cancelled out Randal Kolo Muani’s opener, before Dani Olmo grabbed the winner four minutes later.France did show they could attack here, with Kylian Mbappe dangerous again having decided to cast away his mask and expose his broken nose – but it could not get them over the line, too little too late.The French star had knocked out his hero Cristiano Ronaldo to reach the last four, but was upstaged here by a winger who is probably young enough to have grown up idolising Mbappe.At a tournament largely known for big teams failing to deliver to this point – this was an almighty clash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeschamps had fiddled with his forward line once more in a bid to finally get them firing at this tournament.Antoine Griezmann was dropped to the bench – the first time he had not started a knockout game at a major tournament in ten years.Having unmasked himself, Mbappe started looking his old self once more.The Parisian was darting in behind after seven minutes, only stopped by a sliding Jesus Navas.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRandal Kolo Muani nodded France into an early leadCredit: ReutersIt was France’s first open play goal of the tournament that wasn’t an own goalCredit: AFPTwo minutes later he set up the opener. Found in space by Dembele on the left, Mbappe lifted a lovely cross to the far post where Kolo Muani drifted off the back of Aymeric Laporte to head in.It was a carbon copy of a chance Spain had crafted not long before, only Fabian Ruiz headed over from Yamal’s cross when he should have hit the target.Watch highlights as ITV edge BBC in crunch football match with Roy Keane bossing it and presenter scoring stunnerMbappe’s resurrection caught Spain off-guard. They looked unsure on the ball and short of confidence.The France captain drifted inside Navas from the left but saw his drive blocked by Nacho.It looked like Les Bleus had turned up at just the wrong time for Spain.But it only takes a moment to turn games of this magnitude, a flash of inspiration can change everything.The thing is, those moments – in the pressure cooker of a semi-final – do not usually come from the boot of a 16-year-old. But this teenager is a bit different.Spain managed to push forward but were stuck in front of France’s formidable defence, which had shipped just one goal before now – from the spot.Records like that are merely challenges to some players.Yamal twisted and turned, ignored the call of Nico Williams to clip the ball his way, cut inside Rabiot and bent an all-time great goal past Mike Maignan – clipping the far post on the way in for a final flourish.It was a moment to make everyone watching feel inadequate, wondering where they were at 16.Not here, not doing that.In fact, no one has. Yamal is the youngest ever player to appear in a Euros or World Cup semi-final and he did that.France were now the ones in a daze – and La Roja took advantage. After a blockbuster from Yamal, there was a show of class from Olmo.Yamal watched on from the side as his team-mates saw out their 2-1 resultCredit: GettyFrance had no answer’s for Spain’s new generationCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba headed a Navas cross powerfully towards the midriff of the RB Leipzig man, who flicked it up and left to gain control, then right to skip past Aurelien Tchouameni with his second touch and fired to the far corner with his third.Jules Kounde swung a leg towards the ball and watched it settle in the back of the net – a staggering turnaround in the space of four minutes.France managed to slow the red wave until the break from there, but could have been two down within minutes of the restart.Williams was set loose, racing down the left and was half a second from beating Maignan – who flew from his area – to the ball.France improved after the scare. Tchouameni headed a Dembele corner into the hands of Unai Simon before Mbappe tested the keeper from an angle.That opening was enough for De la Fuente to swap 38-year-old Navas for central defender Dani Vivian up against the France skipper.France defender Jules Kounde could not do enough to divert Olmo’s shot away from goalCredit: GettyThere was danger on the other flank, however, Simon’s reflexes just stopping a Dembele cross before it reached Mbappe for a tap-in before Dayot Upamecano headed wide at the far post from a corner.This was as dangerous as France had looked all tournament. It turns out they can do the fun stuff after all.Spain were in a fight, having to show the sort of solidity France had found so easy to this point.They were stretched incredibly thin at times, Dembele particularly dangerous, while Theo Hernandez sent a golden chance over and into the French mass behind the goal.Mbappe, on another brilliant break, did exactly the same with five minutes to go.Spain held on and looked to take the sting out of the game by keeping the ball when they could – Rodri conducting. Yamal even showed he can do the dirty stuff as he bodied Hernandez in added time. Again, 16.READ MORE SUN STORIESLa Roja, finalists for the first time since they won Euro 2012, have shown they can do the lot.Pray for whoever awaits them in Berlin.But the goal was later awarded to the SpaniardCredit: APAnd it resulted in Spain securing their spot in the finalCredit: AFP More

AN incredible video has emerged showing Lamine Yamal scoring a goal against France’s U17s last year that was almost identical to his wonderstrike in the Euros semi-final – and possibly better.The 16-year-old became the youngest goalscorer in Euros history with his brilliant goal against Kylian Mbappe’s France.Lamine Yamal scored an incredible curling strike against France from the edge of the areaCredit: GettyA video has emerged showing he scored the exact same goal against France’s u17s last yearCredit: XToday isn’t the first time Lamine Yamal has scored a wonder-goal against France in a Euro semi-final.Here’s his effort from last year’s Under-17 Euros. pic.twitter.com/GjOYgASvOl— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) July 9, 2024

His goal drew Spain level after Randal Kolo Muani fired his nation ahead after eight minutes.But Yamal, who had yet to net at the Euros despite shining throughout the tournament, responded in style.The Barcelona teen dummied the ball outside France’s box before cutting inside on his left foot and curling a gorgeous shot into the top corner of the net.It meant he is now the youngest ever scorer at a Euros final at the age of 16 years and 362 days.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd a video that surfaced on X shows the winger has shown form for scoring that exact goal before.It came last year at the under-17 Euros and remarkably, it was against France in the semi-final too.The winger was seen in the video dummying to go inside before unleashing a rasping effort into the top left corner of France’s net.Yamal spent the entirety of last season as Barcelona’s first choice right-winger.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut his success at this tournament has still come as a surprise due to his young age.His goal in the semi-final against France means he has gone above previous holder Johan Vonlanthen, who was 18 years and 141 days old when he netted for Switzerland at Euro 2004.Watch brilliant moment Spain stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams play rock, paper, scissors ‘to decide who gets bottle’ His youthfulness is perhaps best captured by the fact that he found out he passed the equivalent of Spain’s GCSEs while at the Euros.Many have speculated that his greatness in football was pre-destined after images emerged of Lionel Messi giving Lamine Yamal a bath when the winger was a baby for a charity calendar.It led some to joke that Yamal had been “baptised” by Messi.Lamal’s goal helped Spain to a 2-1 victory, ensuring they will play either England or Holland in the final in Berlin. More

FANS weren’t impressed by Kylian Mbappe’s half-time antics during France’s Euro 2024 semi-final loss to Spain.The Frenchman could be seen swapping shirts with a Spain player as he left the pitch at half-time, despite France trailing 2-1.Kylian Mbappe has been criticised for his half-time antics during France vs SpainCredit: GettyThe star could be seen swapping shirts with a Spain player at half-timeCredit: bbcFans weren’t happy with the unusual act and one joked that Roy Keane would have been fuming about itCredit: GettyMbappe, 25, got things off to a good start for his French side when he set up Randal Kolo Muani in the eighth minute to put France 1-0 up.But Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo quickly struck back for Spain to wipe the smiles of French supporters watching on and make the score 2-1 before the half-time whistle.So fans were even more confused when they saw that Mbappe was swapping shirts at the break while his side were trailing.Many took to social media to voice their opinions with one supporter even suggesting that famous straight-talker and Manchester United hero Roy Keane would be fuming at the idea of a half-time shirt swap.READ MORE ON EURO 2024One wrote: “Mbappe swapping shirts at half time, somewhere there is a Roy Keane screaming at a TV.”While another added: “Mbappe swapping shirts at HT, a bit weird given your team is down.”Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSA third commented: “Kylian Mbappe swapping shirts at half time. What’s that all about?”And a fourth joked: “Mbappe swapping shirts at half time – give him and the Spanish player life time bans now.”Most read in Euro 2024Roy Keane told ‘you’re so nasty’ as he makes savage jibe about Gary and Phil Neville being in the ‘Ugly XI’It wasn’t clear who Mbappe had swapped shirts with from the Spain side, with footage just showing the star heading down the tunnel topless with a Spanish shirt in his hand.But the unusual act had certainly caused a stir online.Mbappe’s premature shirt swap was made worse come the full-time whistle after France were knocked out of the competiton.Spain played spectacularly to hold onto their 2-1 lead and book a spot in Sunday’s final. More