Euro 2024

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

JORDAN PICKFORD doesn’t pull any punches with his England rivals.The Three Lions’ No1 has added a Floyd Mayweather-style challenge to what’s rated the toughest training regime for goalkeepers at Euro 2024.Goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson works stoppers Aaron Ramsdale, Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson hardCredit: RexPickford and his goalkeeping rivals face a shooting barrage in trainingCredit: RexPickford has kept fellow stoppers Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson at arm’s length as he remains boss Gareth Southgate’s clear first choice.But the sparring over the keeper’s jersey intensifies an incredible spirit of unity as they drive each other on in training.Stoppers’ coach Martyn Margetson is the spur – and a first trophy since the 1996 World Cup the target.However, ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final with the Netherlands, it’s Pickford who inspires his colleagues to go the distance – and beyond.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Pride of place goes to shot-stopping practice – a ruthless, rat-a-tat-tat routine of 50 efforts from all angles and all degrees of pace.And Pickford demands a “Mayweather” – a reference to the American boxing legend registering 50 wins from 50 fights.And if a keeper falls one short of perfection, it’s labelled “a San Francisco” – as in NFL team the 49ers.Maybe after the Euros if anyone falls one less than that it will be called a 48 – after the record number of teams competing in the 2026 World Cup.Most read in Euro 2024Pickford made the only save needed in shootout glory vs SwitzerlandCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland 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.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThe Athletic explained how Three Lions’ goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson masterminds the sessions and their emphasis on shot-blocking.The former Manchester City, Huddersfield and Cardiff stopper, 52, who won a single cap for Wales, imposes the 50-shot challenge twice in each session.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashAnd Henderson told the Lions’ Den YouTube channel: “With the sessions Marge (Margetson) puts on, I would be surprised if another country’s goalkeepers are working at a better level every day. “We aim for 700 saves a week. That’s the aim and then we’re prepared for every outcome.” Crystal Palace’s ex-Manchester United man added: “We’re all pushing in the right direction and it’s really good.“We work as a unit, so hopefully we’re all helping Jordan in goal.”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