Euro 2024

A BOOZED-UP France fan has used his body to show off the starting XI he wants against Spain.The inspired supporter has offered some advice to Didier Deschamps before the semi-final against Spain this evening.A France fan showed off the team’s predicted starting XI and tactics on his body.Credit: x @africafootutd
The supporter has offered some advice to Didier Deschamps before the semi-final against SpainCredit: x @africafootutdThe fan has called for two changes from Deschamps’ last line-up in the quarter-finalCredit: x @africafootutdUn supporter français bien inspiré a écrit le onze probable et la liste des remplaçants de Didier Deschamps 🇫🇷⚽️ face à l’Espagne 🇪🇸 sur son ventre : Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez – Kanté, Tchouameni, Rabiot – Dembélé, Kolo Muani, Mbappé.#Euro2024 |… pic.twitter.com/XvWhJnJtob— Lassana Camara (@mauritaniefoot) July 9, 2024

Les Bleus have been underwhelming in Germany and are yet to score a goal from open play.France secured their place in the last four after beating Portugal on penalties in the quarter-final.Ahead of their match against Spain, a spirited fan offered advice to manager Deschamps by displaying his predicted starting XI and substitutes — painted on to his stomach.The line-up reads a 4-3-2-1 formation with Mike Maignan between the sticks.READ MORE EURO 2024On his stomach it read “Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Hernandez, Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Dembele, Kolo Muani, Mbappe.”The fan has called for France to make two changes – dropping Antoine Griezmann for Ousmane Dembele and Eduardo Camavinga for Adrien Rabiot.France won their last clash against Spain at the 2021 Nations League final, having knocked La Roja out at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2000.They also beat the Spaniards in the Euro 1984 final, whereas La Roja’s only major tournament victory over France came at Euro 2012, which they went on to win.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLuis de la Fuente’s side beat hosts Germany in the quarters to continue their 100 per cent winning streak at this year’s Euros.However, they will need a major reshuffle after picking up a number of injuries and suspensions in their win over Germany.Pedri is definitely out with a knee injury suffered soon after the start in Stuttgart following a heavy challenge from Toni Kroos.And they will also be without Dani Carvajal, who was sent off in the final minutes against the Germans, and Robin Le Normand, who picked up his second yellow card of the tournament.Despite his side’s underwhelming start, Deschampsis delighted to see his side reach the semi-final.He said: “We have reached the semi-finals and that is an achievement, even if people expect us to get here.”For me, it is pride in my players, even though not everything has been done perfectly. I would like to seize this moment and make the most of it.” More

THE Netherlands had to call off their press conference ahead of Wednesday’s clash with England – for the most surprising reason.Ronald Koeman and his squad faced huge delays arriving due to a train blockage between Wolfsburg and their Dortmund destination.Ronald Koeman and his players had to call off their media exchange at short noticeCredit: RexLittle more than 24 hours later the Dutch will be taking on Gareth Southgate’s men for a place in Sunday’s final.It’s England’s SEVENTH semi in a major tournament as they look to better reaching the final at Euro 2020.And boss Southgate could well bow out after the tournament – whatever happens.Moment England fans chant ‘he’s got The Chase in the morning’ at ‘The Beast’ lookalike sinking pints at Euros in GermanyTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…READ MORE TOP STORIESThe Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.e train track between Wolfsburg and Dortmund More

KOBBIE MAINOO boasts the best passing stats at the European Championships since 1980.The Manchester United midfielder, 19, came into Gareth Southgate’s line-up for the dramatic last-16 win over Slovakia after Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher both struggled in the role.Kobbie Mainoo has been brilliant since getting into England’s team at the EurosCredit: GettyIt came after a positive impact off the bench against Serbia and Slovenia.In the two knockout games Mainoo then proved himself wise beyond his years.And his positive impact is supported by his 96.38 per cent passing accuracy, completing 133 of his 138 passes in the tournament.According to Opta, that is the best passing accuracy on record for a midfielder since 1980 [of those who have made a minimum of 100 passes].READ MORE ON ENGLANDHe pips Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel’s 96.06 per cent from the Euros three years ago.Also making the top 10 are the likes of Xavi, Toni Kroos, Nigel de Jong, Vitinha and Hakan Calhanoglu.Mainoo only made his England debut back in March in a 1-0 defeat to Brazil.He started a 2-2 draw with Belgium three days later and those two performances helped earn him a place in England’s provisional squad.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMainoo tops the list of passing accuracy for midfielders at the Euros since 1980After scoring the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, he then made Southgate’s final 26-man squad for the tournament.Speaking during the group stage, he said: “I just try to take everything in stride.Trent Alexander-Arnold puts England into Euro 2024 semi finals with brilliant final penalty in shootout vs Switzerland”Things have been happening quite quickly but I just try to take it a game at a time, a day at a time.”It’s been working for me so far.”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. More

FROM sneaking a rooster into the stadium to watching France in 45 different countries – Clement Tomaszewski never chickens out of an away day.The superfan unexpectedly shot to fame in 1998 when Les Bleus won the World Cup on home soil.Iconic Clement Tomaszewski shot to fame after bringing a cockerel to a France gameCredit: GettyThe superfan has followed Les Bleus for 42 yearsCredit: GettyHe is even displayed at the Fifa MuseumCredit: AFPDuring his country’s semi-final win over Croatia 26 years ago, TV cameras panned across the stands as Tomaszewski left worldwide viewers in disbelief.Sat in the front row, tied to a thin piece of string while pecking at corn was his pet rooster Balthazar.The image went viral and since then Tomaszewski and his cockerel have become unlikely icons in France.It has seen him mix with stars of the French national team and be granted access to their team hotel.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSAnd he has even become the only fan exhibited at the Fifa Museum, where they display his wooden World Cup trophy signed by the entire 1998 squad.Lifting the lid on how he first managed to get a rooster into the ground, Tomaszewski explained to The Athletic: “Nobody told me anything.”The stewards must have thought: ‘Well, his cockerel is going to bring France luck, we’re not going to forbid him from entering’.”If there was the slightest problem with the cockerel, I was to be banned permanently so I’d better watch out.”Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTomaszewski is a France superfan, who has followed his country across the world for 42 years.He has watched them play in four continents – Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett England review as ‘lucky’ Three Lions squeak by Switzerland in dramatic penalty shootoutAnd the Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain will be the 76-year-old’s 305th game in the stands.Tomaszewski and his son Christophe have not decided to bring Balthazar to Germany because they are staying in a hostel.But over the years there has been 35 different roosters that have been to games with him.He has either brought a cockerel from France or buys them while abroad. But will Kylian Mbappe and Co be able to go all the way at the Euros without their lucky charm Balthazar in the stands. More

FORMER Premier League star Jose Fonte insists Cristiano Ronaldo did NOT inspire Portugal to Euro 2016 glory.In fact, most players didn’t even realise he was ‘coaching’ from the sidelines.Former Portugal star Jose Fonte has revealed he and his team-mates were unaware that Cristiano Ronaldo was on the sidelines during the Euro 2016 finalCredit: GettyRonaldo gave instructions from the sidelines after suffering an injuryCredit: APPortugal beat France 1-0 to clinch the European Championship title eight years ago.Main man Ronaldo was forced off just 25 minutes into the match following a heavy collision with Dimitri Payet.He was carried off on a stretcher and left the pitch in tears while Ricardo Quaresma replaced him.The Real Madrid legend later returned to the sidelines and took on a temporary coaching role, instructing his team-mates throughout the second half with his knee strapped.READ MORE ON RONALDOFans praised Ronaldo for his leadership at the time, but his former team-mate Fonte has revealed that several players didn’t even notice he was there until after the match.Speaking on Uefas Legends Lounge series, the former Southampton and West Ham star said: “We were focused on trying to win the game. Only after we were watching the images.”That’s when we realised what was happening and the coach. But we were just focusing on trying to win the game to be honest.”Football fans were left stunned at the revelation, with one person taking to social media to write: “I’m in tears man, for almost a decade his fans pushed the narrative that he ‘inspired the team to win the final’ when his team-mates didn’t even know this guy was dancing on the sidelines.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother commented: “Wait so Ronaldo being the cheerleader didn’t actually have any effect on them winning? Crazy how Ronaldo fans act like Ronaldo was the catalyst of the final.”While a third said: “Euro champion with Portugal José Fonte just bodied Ronaldo and his entire fanbase 😭.”SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesWho 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.Portugal were knocked out of Euro 2024 in the quarter-finals last week following a 5-3 defeat to France on penalties.It marked a heartbreaking end to Ronaldo’s final European Championship as a player.How Portugal have performed at the Euros with Cristiano RonaldoCRISTIANO RONALDO has been a model of longevity for more than two decades in an outstanding international career.Euro 2004After making his international debut in 2003, Ronaldo’s first Euros came in 2004.Ronaldo marked his Euro debut with a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Greece – his first for Portugal.He scored his second in the semi-final win over the Netherlands, but Portugal met Greece again in the final, losing 1-0 in shock result.Euro 2008Ronaldo was Portugal captain four years later but Euro 2008 was the least impactful tournament he’s had.There was still time for a standout performance, though, as Ronaldo scored once and set up two more in a group-stage win over the Czech Republic.Euro 2012Playing at Real Madrid at the time, Ronaldo was the top goalscorer at Euro 2012, with three goals, including a brace in the group stage against the Netherlands.Portugal’s quarter-final against Czech Republic was heading towards a stalemate with 10 minutes to go and they needed a special moment from him.His powerful header in the dying minutes took Portugal to the semi-finals where they lost on penalties to Spain.Euro 2016Ronaldo scored three goals in Euro 2016, with Portugal crowned CHAMPIONS after defeating France 1-0 in extra time in the final.After suffering an injury inside the opening 16 minutes against France, he was forced to watch from the sidelines.Yet the Portugal captain became a cheerleader, and helped coach his team-mates to the historic victory.He matched Michel Platini’s record of nine goals by the end of Euro 2016.Euro 2020Ronaldo made history again with FIVE goals at Euro 2020, the most of any player at a Euros.Yet it was arguably Portugal’s least exciting affair, as they exited in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.With his goals in this tournament, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer at the European Championship with 14 goals. More