Euro 2024

LUKE SHAW is set to be on the bench for England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against Holland.The Manchester United left-back was hoping for his first start of the tournament after an impressive quarter-final cameo against Switzerland.Luke Shaw is set to be on the bench for England’s Euro semi-final against HollandCredit: GettyGareth Southgate plans on making just one change for the crunch clashCredit: PABut Gareth Southgate will keep faith with Kieran Trippier as he prepares to make just one change.The Newcastle right-back has spent the tournament playing on the opposite flank.As a result, Trippier has struggled to get forward in support of Man City’s Phil Foden.And Shaw’s impact against the Swiss, as well as his declaration of fitness yesterday, suggested he was in line to regain his spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it’s believed Southgate has doubts over Shaw’s ability to last 90 minutes.He is also a fervent believer in Trippier’s defensive qualities and believes the Toon ace will be needed against the Netherland’s pacy right side.Southgate plans on making just one change to the team that overcame Switzerland on penalties.Ezri Konsa is set to drop out despite impressing in a back three.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd he will be replaced by Marc Guehi, who is available following a one-match suspension.But it remains to be seen if Southgate keeps faith with his five-man defence after going like-for-like against the Swiss.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashMarc Guehi will return in the only change to the team that beat SwitzerlandCredit: GettyThe Dutch play with a back four and England could revert to the 4-2-3-1 shape they used for the first four games of the Euros.However, the back five brought the best out of stars like Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.And it could yet be the best way for Harry Kane to regain his form after struggling in the quarters.Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ preparations were hit by major travel chaos on Tuesday.Ronald Koeman was forced to cancel his press conference after a rail-line blockage forced the Dutch to fly from Wolfsburg to Dortmund.It means they only arrived in the city less than 24 hours before kick-off against England, which could give the Three Lions an advantage.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

FANS were as stunned by crock Pedri’s reaction as they were by Lamine Yamal’s sensational goal in Spain’s comeback triumph.Yamal’s long-range equaliser – making him the youngest ever Euros scorer at the age of 16 – sparked a 2-1 semi-final victory over France.Pedri and Co were disbelieving on the sidelines after Yamal’s goalFans reckon this response to the strike spoke for them allYamal’s goal showed astonishing audacity on the biggest stageCredit: GettyAnd viewers spotted the incredulous expression of injured Pedri on the sidelines as he joined Spanish celebrations of his Barcelona team-mate’s masterful moment.Spain soon struck again as they turned a 1-0 deficit into an interval lead, before deservedly holding on for a place in Sunday’s final against England or the Netherlands.Pedri puffed out his cheeks and and put his hands to his face with a wide-eyed look when Yamal ‘s thunderbolt went in.Midfielder Pedri is out for the rest of the tournament following a fierce tackle from Germany’s Toni Kroos in the quarter-final. READ MORE TOP STORIESBut he looked as delighted as anyone by Yamal’s screamer.And one viewer claimed: “Pedri’s reaction to Lamine Yamal’s goal is everyone’s reaction.”A second posted: “Not gonna lie, that was quite the mood.”And a third wrote: “Yamal is world class and should be in contention for Ballon D’or.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThe Barcelona wing starlet has made history in his 13th international.No younger player has scored at the Euros EVER – and it must be a contender for the goal of the tournament.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashRandal Kolo Muani had nipped in to drill France in front on eight minutes.But midway through the opening period, Yamal cut in from the right, beat his man, and curved a fierce left-footer into the far top corner.Dani Olmo’s deflected cross-shot soon provided Spain’s clincher.However, Yamal’s incredible intervention lingered longest in the mind.And Uefa’s official X account posted: “A moment that will last forever.” More

FANS were convinced they knew exactly what was going to happen in France’s Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain.Supporters watching on from home were expecting big things from Kylian Mbappe after noticing that he was no longer wearing his protective mask. Kylian Mbappe played without a mask against Spain tonightCredit: ReutersThe French star has worn a protective mask for the majority of Euro 2024 after breaking his noseCredit: GettyMbappe, 25, has been forced to wear a protective mask for most of the tournament after he broke his nose during France’s opening clash with Austria. The incoming Real Madrid superstar smashed his face into the shoulder of Austrian defender Kevin Danso and was taken to hospital as a result.And since returning to action with his new accessory, he has failed to live up to his usual high standards. The Frenchman has managed just one penalty goal in the tournament and has failed to register any goal contributions in the last-16 and quarter-final ties.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Fans think that his mask may have been the reason behind his uncharacteristically poor performances.And many took to social media to hint that the former PSG man would return to his best after ditching the dodgy eyewear.One wrote: “Mbappe got rid of the mask? He is defo scoring today. We know the script.”While another added: “Mask off Mbappe. It’s long for Spain.”Most read in Euro 2024Mbappe broke his nose in France’s opening game against AustriaCredit: GettyThe superstar smacked his head into the shoulder of Kevin DansoCredit: AFPEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSA third posted: “Mbappe without the mask. Goals incoming.”And a fourth commented: “Mbappe no mask, left wing? Oh we’re in for a treat.”Kylian Mbappe reveals how he is adapting to mask as France star says it’s ‘like wearing 3D glasses’The fans at home were right in their predictions too as Mbappe registered an assist just eight minutes into the game.The rapid forward dinked a delightful ball to the back post which was greeted by the head of Randal Kolo Muani, who nodded home to put France 1-0 up.But Didier Deschamps’ side didn’t have long to enjoy their lead as Lamine Yamal, 16, scored a stunning equaliser less than 15 minutes afterwards – making him the youngest goal scorer in European Championship history.And Dani Olmo added a second for the Spaniards just four minutes later, putting Luis de la Fuente’s team 2-1 up.Spain then managed to hold on to that lead and booked their spot in the final this weekend as a result.The Spaniards will now face the winner of England’s clash with the Netherlands on Sunday,Mbappe set up Randal Kolo Muani for France’s opener after just eight minutesCredit: Reuters More

LAMINE YAMAL has become the youngest-ever goalscorer in Euros history as Spain booked their place in the final with a 2-1 win over France.And BBC commentator Steve Wilson reckons the 16-year-old’s incredible record will “NEVER be beaten” after reacting to the wonderstrike with glee.Spain’s Lamine Yamal became the youngest scorer in Euros history with a wonder-strike against FranceCredit: AFPThe 16-year-old curled home a beauty to level the score at 1-1Credit: APHis shot flew perfectly into the top corner of France’s goalCredit: AFPYamal celebrated with teammates in the Euros semi-finalCredit: APYamal needed just 21 minutes to score his first goal of the tournament, with Spain 1-0 down to France at the time before brilliantly rallying back to win in style.Randal Kolo Muani fired his nation ahead after just 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.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLYamal’s goal sparked wild celebrations among the Spanish players.And he charged towards the touchline before being embraced by teammates.Yamal is now the youngest ever scorer at a Euros final 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.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWayne Rooney had previously been the record holder at 18 years and 237 days after netting at the same tournament.But his record was shattered by Vonlanthen just four days later.Watch brilliant moment Spain stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams play rock, paper, scissors ‘to decide who gets bottle’ Yamal’s goal also prompted BBC commentator Wilson to almost leap out of his seat in excitement.He boldly declared of the new record: “That may never be beaten!”The teen’s goal certainly inspired Spain to rally following France’s earlier opener.Just moments after Yamal’s equaliser, his side went ahead thanks to a scrappy strike from Dani Olmo.The midfielder won Man of the Match in the quarter-final victory over Germany after coming off the bench to replace the injured Pedri.And he was on hand to fire home for 2-1 as Spain went into the break with a deserved lead.Yamal’s side continued to impress after the break as they kept France at bay.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Spain’s players charged the pitch at full-time as they jubilantly celebrated their win.The three-time champs will face either England or the Netherlands, who play in Dortmund on Wednesday night. More

MARC CUCURELLA’s every touch was booed in Spain’s semi-final with France.It stemmed from neutral German fans in the stadium still being angry at a handball decision from Spain’s quarter-final with the hosts.Cucurella has had every touch booed against FranceCredit: ReutersBooing stems from German fans feeling they should have had a penalty against Spain in the quarter-finalCredit: GettyGermany were not awarded a penalty in extra-time of their last-eight against Spain despite the ball striking Cucurella’s hand.The game was tied at 1-1 when the controversial call was made.It came after Jamal Musiala had a goal-bound shot blocked by the arm of Cucurella.But British ref Anthony Taylor waved away German appeals for a penalty and Cucurella was judged to be innocent by VAR.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpain would go on to win the game with a dramatic 119th minute winner courtesy of Mikel Merino.After the game, German legend Michael Ballack told Magenta TV it was a: “Clear wrong decision”He added: “All the criteria for a penalty are met. The arm is outstretched, a clear advantage, and yet there will be experts who see it differently.”German manager Julian Nagelsmann also fumed: “The penalty we got against Denmark was much less of a penalty.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I cannot understand why it was not evaluated, even though there were 48,000 replays.”Cucurella’s every touch vs France was booed, and he was also booed when the team’s were announced before the game by German fans at the Munich Arena.Lamine Yamal sends brutal message live on TV after being called out by Adrien Rabiot ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final German fans were so angry in the aftermath of the game that they even produced a PETITION asking for the game to be replayed.The petition generated over 350,000 signatures in just two days.But unfortunately for the Germans, it was unsuccessful.Cucurella played the full 90 minutes as Spain beat France 2-1 to make the final of the Euros. More

GARY LINEKER has suggested Gareth Southgate makes a major change to his starting XI against Holland.After England’s victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals, England are now just one match away from reaching the final of the Euros.Gary Lineker has called on Gareth Southgate to make a change in the semi-finalsCredit: BBCSouthgate witched to a back three last time outCredit: ReutersIt’s not been a straightforward run for England in the competition, with the Three Lions flattering to deceive despite the ample array of talent available to Southgate.Southgate switched to a back three for the game against Switzerland, with Bukayo Saka starring out of position as a right wing back and Kieran Trippier playing left wing back.England looked more fluid, but still ran into the problem of Trippier having to cut in to use his preferred right foot.Now Lineker has called on England to make a change on the left.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking on The Rest is Football podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, Lineker said that Luke Shaw should come into the team at left wing back.Shaw had gone into the tournament as an injury doubt having not played since February, with Southgate admitting his inclusion of the Manchester United man was a “long shot”.But he came on in the 78th minute against Switzerland and lasted through extra-time.Lineker said: “I think Shaw will start as left wing-back, think we will stick with the same system. I think it would be slightly odd to go back to a system that wasn’t working and have the same problem with the balance on the left-hand side which he [Gareth Southgate] never addressed in four matches.Most read in Euro 2024Luke Shaw replaced Kieran Trippier on the left last time outCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Then he did address it, even though it was Trippier, and he’s not naturally left-footed, but you put Shaw in there and he’s got a lovely balance.”Lineker also expects Marc Guehi to come back in on the left side of the defence, despite Ezri Konsa impressing in his suspension-enforced absence.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesI 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.Lineker also insisted that England should not feel like they have to stick with Harry Kane if the England captain is not playing well.He said: “He’s not going to start with someone else but even after an hour you can see how things are going and then you could bring on someone like [Ollie] Watkins which I think could release Foden and Bellingham as they constantly look behind.”It might enhance the team’s chances which I know sounds strange because he’s [Kane] your best goalscorer but there’s nothing wrong with not playing 90 minutes even if it’s your captain.”He also suggested Watkins could play from the start to “run them ragged” before bringing Kane on. More

SPAIN’S right hand side had a startling blend of youth and experience for their Euro 2024 semi-final win over France tonight.Right-back Jesus Navas and right winger Lamine Yamal occupied the right flank for the Spaniards this evening, despite a whopping 22-year age gap.Lamine Yamal is playing alongside a star who is older than his dad tonightCredit: GettyJesus Navas, 38, is three years older than Yamal’s dadCredit: GettyYamal made history with his goalCredit: PANavas, 38, earned his 56th cap for the Spanish national team, while Yamal, 16, made his 13th appearance – and has set a record after scoring a sensational equaliser to make it 1-1 in the first half.And the vast difference in age and experience has left fans with their jaws on the floor.Not least because there is 22 years between the pair, but also because supporters have learnt that Navas is OLDER than Yamal’s dad.It’s understood that the Barcelona wonderkid’s father is 35 years old, making him three years the junior of Navas.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The unbelievable stat blew the minds of fans at home, with many taking to social media to react.One wrote: “My mom told me that Lamine’s dad is 35 and I nearly fell out of my chair.”While another added: “It’s crazy how Navas still plays for the Spanish national team while most of his 2010 World Cup team-mates are retired now.”A third joked that Yamal would have to refer to his team-mate as “Mr Navas” given the age gap.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd a fourth commented: “Wow. He’s more than double his age.”The gap between the pair is even more staggering when you consider that Yamal was just two years old when Navas made his Spain debut in 2009.Watch brilliant moment Spain stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams play rock, paper, scissors ‘to decide who gets bottle’ And the youngster was only three when Navas was part of Vincente del Bosque’s World Cup-winning side in 2010.Yamal’s age certainly isn’t a barrier for him though with the highly-rated teenager already strutting his stuff on the big stage this summer.The La Masia graduate has registered three assists already and earned himself the title of the youngest ever player to score in a European Championship after netting a sensational equaliser for the Spaniards after they went one nil down to Randal Kolo Muani’s header.He has already set the record as the youngest ever player to feature in the Euros this tournament.And he’s done it while balancing his schoolwork at the same time.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.”Yamal isn’t the only one setting records either, with Navas about to set a record for himself tonight.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former Manchester City man became the oldest player to ever play in the semi-final of a European Championship.Both stars helped Spain book their place in the Euro 2024 final this Sunday as Spain beat France 2-1 with a superb performance.Navas and Yamal have already taken to the pitch together during the tournamentCredit: ReutersYamal was just three when Navas won the World Cup with Spain in 2010Credit: Getty Images – Getty More