Euro 2024

UEFA have made a major change ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-finals.A new ball will be used for Spain vs France and Holland vs England in midweek.Uefa and Adidas have unveiled a new version of the Fussballliebe for the Euro 2024 semi-finalsCredit: x / @adidasfootballA white edition of the ball had been used up until the end of the quarter-final stageCredit: GettyAdidas have unveiled a new-look version of the Fussballliebe to be used for the last four and the final in Berlin on July 14.The silver ball features black, red and yellow details in a nod to the colours of host nation Germany.Meanwhile, silver represents the Euro 2024 trophy the four semi-finalists are competing for.Prior to this stage of the tournament, a white version of the Fussballliebe has been used.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The previous ball included red, green and yellow accents in a contrast to the new-look ball.Both balls are made up of a polyurethane skin with ‘micro and macro textures’ and a 20-piece panel exterior to enhance aerodynamics.Ahead of the semi-finals on Tuesday and Wednesday, Adidas say the new ball has been tested with players.Tests were carried out to make sure it stands out on the pitch without reflecting light back off the playing surface following the switch of colour from white to silver.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe ball will also include technology providing data to match officials, working in tandem with semi-automated offsides.As a result, the position of the ball and players at crucial moments can be accurately judged.England’s penalty shoot-out secretsEngland 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.A sensor inside the ball is powered by a rechargeable battery similar to those found in smart phones.The technology has been in operation throughout the tournament, the first time it has been used at a Euros.However, it had already been successfully implemented at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. More

ENGLAND’S perfect penalty shootout has been six years in the making.The five takers and keeper Jordan Pickford are the heroes, but there has been an immense amount of work behind their success.England produced the perfect penalty shoot-out against SwitzerlandCredit: APCole Palmer got the Three Lions off to the perfect start in the shoot-outCredit: GettyFrom bottles to breathing and buddies, England covered everything.Gareth Southgate’s eye for detail is famed and touches every aspect of tournament football with the Three Lions.But he and his team went above and beyond to overcome the greatest of English hurdles.In 2018, a five-man penalty project team was established, including Chris Markham – the then game insights lead for The FA.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Markham reached out to Geir Jordet – a Norwegian sports psychologist who is a leading expert on spot kicks, dubbed ‘The Penalty Professor’.Markham and his team had read Jordet’s comprehensive book, Pressure: Lessons from the psychology of the penalty shootout, and were keen to pick his brains.Jordet’s influence on England’s development from there has been at arm’s length – he has not talked with Southgate – but the signs that they have learned from him were all over Saturday’s nights shootout.He told SunSport: “I was very impressed that they started this project back in 2018.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJude Bellingham calmly slotted home England’s second spot kickCredit: AlamyBukayo Saka brilliantly dispatched his penaltyCredit: AlamyPenalty shoot-outs are not a lotteryBy Charlie WyettAfter England beat Colombia on penalties at the 2018 World Cup, one of the first people that Southgate texted was the FA’s game insights lead, Chris Markham, to thank him for all his efforts.In Geir Jordet’s book – Pressure: Lessons from the psychology of the penalty shoot-out, Markham said: “I think I found quotes from each of the last five England managers before Gareth Southgate, not including Sam Allardyce, that said either the penalty shoot-out was a lottery, penalties are all down to luck, or that you can’t practise that kind of pressure.“From a psychological perspective, speaking about a lottery takes ownership away from the players. And that was the thing for me to give them back.“To take control of not just the kick itself but the whole process.“Initially it was about the perceived control. How can we increase the level of perceived control for the players and the staff and everybody?“Luckily for us, Gareth and his staff were extremely open-minded and respectful of good quality work. But they don’t suffer fools gladly so we knew it had to be at a really high standard.“Talking about run-up steps, angle, pace, you know everything from breathing techniques, optimal areas of aiming, goalkeepers, looking at gaze masks and goggles.“I went into Gareth’s office, we basically printed out and cut into bits of paper all the different topics and Gareth then prioritised, literally on the floor and table, which ones he thought were important and which ones he thought were less of a priority.””That they took those steps to gain control over a part of the game that, not just the English but the English maybe more than others, have not really embraced before.”What they did back then, I’m incredibly impressed. Because that is still to this day the most rigorous penalty preparation that I have ever seen anyone do.”Bukayo Saka’s reaction after Luke Shaw claims Arsenal star is a Man Utd fan and says ‘ask anyone in the England squad’EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland’s penalty heartbreak is incredibly well documented and scarred onto the mind of every fan, player and coach.Defeating that history requires control.Slowing things down controlled momentumThere is little players can do about nerves and pressure – they will always be there in a shootout, but controlling that small moment is key.The way England did that was time.Whether it be Pickford dragging out the time Manuel Akanji, who saw the first Swiss penalty saved, stood over the ball or the takers making Yann Sommer wait, going through their own individual routine and run-up to feel as comfortable as possible.Jordet said: “A penalty shootout is about control.”It’s about controlling the situation which essentially means controlling the other person and it’s about controlling yourself.”The ideal way to obtain control, according to Jordet’s research, is taking your time before striking the ball.He added: “It often is an indication of a team or a player doing something deliberate to control themselves at the moment.”Ivan Toney maintained his superb penalty record all while not looking at the ballCredit: RexTrent Alexander-Arnold lashed in the winning spot kick to send England throughCredit: GettyOn average, the England players took 5.2 seconds from the whistle to taking their shot. Switzerland took just 1.3 seconds.When it came to stopping the crucial kick from Akanji, Pickford strolled to the corner, apologised for his delay and stretched out every second.Jordet added: “What Pickford showed particularly leading up to the Akanji penalty was a very smart move.”This was all part of his plan.”He had him wait for 14 seconds. This is one of the most consistent findings in my data on goalkeeper involvement.”If goalkeepers are able to stall or delay so that penalty takers have to stand in that position and wait eight or more seconds then these players score on just 44 per cent of their kicks.”Jude Bellingham, one of the five successful scorers, referenced the plan and process when speaking afterwards as being key to the success.Jordet said: “Overall we saw penalty takers who had a very structured pre-shot routine.Jordan Pickford yet again produced a save in a crucial penalty shoot-out for EnglandCredit: GettyHe made Akanji wait before saving the Manchester City man’s spot kickCredit: EPAEngland’s penalty shootout recordTHE dreaded penalty shootout.England’s nemesis at no fewer than SEVEN major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.But two shootout victories before the Italy defeat give some reason for optimism…1990 World Cup semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 04/07/1990 – LOST 4-3Euro 1996 quarter-final vs SPAIN, 22/06/1996 – WON 4-2Euro 1996 semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 26/06/1996 – LOST 6-5Friendly vs BELGIUM, 29/05/1998 – LOST 4-31998 World Cup last 16 vs ARGENTINA, 30/06/1998 – LOST 4-3Euro 2004 quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 24/06/2004 – LOST 6-52006 World Cup quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 01/07/2006 – LOST 3-1Euro 2012 quarter-final vs ITALY, 24/06/2012 – LOST 4-22018 World Cup last 16 vs COLOMBIA, 03/07/2018 – WON 4-3vs SWITZERLAND – Nations League third-place play-off, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2OVERALL: Played 11, Won 3, Lost 8″This is never a guarantee. You can miss and have a perfect set-up and a routine.”But we know from decades of research in sports psychology that having a well-rehearsed routine where you know exactly what to do leading up to your shot.”‘Buddy system’ formed after past heartbreaksEngland have not only learned from Jordet but their own mistakes.Southgate sent on his selected takers earlier in extra time to get a feel for the game before the big moment – as opposed to the last minute changes in 2021, when Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford went on at the last second and England lost to Italy.After each of Bukayo Saka, Sancho and Rashford missed they walked back alone – another thing England addressed.A buddy system was introduced. Each of those standing on the halfway line who were not taking a spot kick was paired with a taker, told to march out and greet them if needed.Jordet said: “I love that. Because that means, we make mistakes but they learn from it, recover from it, and come back and do better.”That’s a very nice innovation that they came up with, which was brilliant.”The penalty expert also praised Cole Palmer for stepping up and filling the boots of Harry Kane, making it “maybe the highest pressure penalty of them all”.He added: “Bellingham is just beautiful to watch. It’s very deliberate the way he walks back and takes a step to the side.”Saka, you can tell that he’s nervous in his face, of course, who wouldn’t be?”But still he falls back on the routine. Despite the anxiety which will be going through him, he’s able to execute what he plans to do.”And Toney, what a beautiful penalty.”Ivan Toney, who practices penalties from 13 yards in training, is the one he really wants to talk about.That technique, of staring down the keeper and not looking at the ball, is only used by the very best.Jordet explained: “Does not looking add pressure? Yeah, but that’s one of the reasons why this style is so beautiful.”I mean, can people imagine the pressure of taking a No4 penalty kick for England in the Euros quarter-final and you kick the ball without watching it?”It’s just such an insane concept to not look at the ball.”I have so much admiration for players who do this technique.”Toney is one in a growing group of players who resort to this technique because they just discovered that sacrificing some, let’s call it short-term discomfort in the sense that they don’t look at the ball, will still give them that ultimate outcome.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a technique that requires very high proficiency to execute.”That’s part of the beauty, of course, that this is trained over years and then it looks simple at the end.”Southgate changed his system… now he has to change the players if England are going to win Euros, writes Charlie WyettGARETH SOUTHGATE changed the system… but he now needs to start switching his players, writes Charlie Wyett.And that not only means for his starting XI for the semi-final in Dortmund on Wednesday, but also during the match itself.Not for the first time, Southgate nearly paid the price for his bloody-minded refusal to react with substitutions and you have to wonder if he is ever going to learn.Probably not.At least the England manager reverted to a three-man defence which served him well at the World Cup in 2018 and, on occasions, during Euro 2020.Kyle Walker, John Stones and Ezri Konsa generally did well at the back with Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka the wing-backs.But England still had a complete lack of balance as they had Trippier, a right-footer on the left, and Saka, a left-footer on the right.It really made no sense whatsoever. Southgate will have his reasons but it was still a case of putting a square peg into a round hole.Although Saka was England’s most dangerous player for long periods, not for the first time, playing Trippier on the left simply did not work.And this is why Luke Shaw, if fit, simply HAS to start the next game.England are through by the skin of their teeth and maybe their name is written on the trophy.Southgate is actually England’s second most successful manager behind Alf Ramsey although today, it still does not feel like it.In his eight years as manager his England team have won eight tournament knockout games, compared to six in half a century before him.This is the most sustained period of success in the history of the men’s England football team.Ultimately, though, Southgate will only be celebrated as a true success if England – despite being rubbish for most of this tournament – come home with the trophy.Read all of Charlie Wyett’s Euro 2024 articles. More

BUKAYO SAKA was left stunned by Luke Shaw’s claim he is a Manchester United fan.The England left-back even said he could “ask anyone in the squad” and they would agree with him.Bukayo Saka was stunned by Luke Shaw’s claim he is a Manchester United fanCredit: Youtube / @EnglandShaw joked he could ‘ask anyone in the squad’ to back him up on the claimCredit: Youtube / @EnglandSaka was having none of it, though, as the pair enjoyed a light-hearted exchange on the latest episode of the Lions’ Den.Fresh from scoring a stunning equaliser against Switzerland on Saturday, Saka revealed the strike was the most important of his career.However, he felt another goal was the best he has scored for Arsenal or England.When asked, he suggested his favourite effort was against United by smiling and looking at Shaw.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He had previously joked about scoring against the Red Devils man earlier in the show.Saka even burst out laughing as he teased his team-mate, who quipped: “It’s because B supports United, that’s why it’s his favourite…”In response, Saka protested: “You’re lying bro.”Shaw then added: “B, come on, be honest, we can ask anyone in the squad.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSProtesting the claim, Saka called on Shaw to “ask Dec” (Rice) in order to get a final answer to their jokey argument.Saka has scored three goals against United for Arsenal in his career, including a long-range strike into the bottom corner in January 2023.Bukayo Saka reacts to England’s penalty shootout victory over SwitzerlandHis goal against Switzerland similarly saw the 22-year-old cut inside onto his left foot before firing the ball in off the post.The strike levelled the match for the Three Lions, with Saka also converting his penalty during the shootout in a man of the match display.He has now scored 12 goals in 38 caps for England since making his debut in October 2020.Meanwhile, Shaw came off the bench to make his first appearance of the tournament after recovering from injury.Saka scored a stunning equaliser and converted his penalty in England’s win over SwitzerlandCredit: AlamyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

JORDAN PICKFORD unveiled a new celebration with understudy Aaron Ramsdale after England’s penalty shootout win.Pickford made the only penalty save needed as the Three Lions sunk Switzerland 5-3 on spot-kicks following a 1-1 draw.Jordan Pickford unveiled a new celebration with fellow goalkeeper Aaron RamsdaleCredit: itvThe two goalkeepers made the pose after England’s victory against Switzerland in the quarter-finalCredit: itvThe England star’s celebration was influenced by US streamer @therealsketch poseCredit: tiktokThe Everton shot-stopper saved Manuel Akanji’s first kick that led to Switzerland being booted out of Euro 2024.All five of England’s takers – Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold – hit the target.And immediately afterwards, Pickford was spotted in previously unseen footage celebrating the victory with his fellow Three Lions team-mates.And one celebration of Pickford’s that stood out was with fellow keeper Ramsdale.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The Arsenal star went over to Pickford and pointed his finger in the air with the Toffees No1 copying him moments later.While many questioned the celebration one eagle-eyed fan spotted that the pose was influenced by US streamer Kylie Cox who is known as “thesketchreal”.The social media star, 25, who has over 2million followers on TikTok, is known for his iconic hand movements, in particular pointing his finger up.Sketch’s followers have picked up on his bizarre hand movements and in an interview, the American Twitch steamer said he does it “to get energy out”.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans have praised Pickford’s shootout antics as a key moment in helping England go through to the semi-finals.But little did they know the referee Daniele Orsato prevented him from following his “usual process”.Quick-thinking England hero Jordan Pickford was forced to change penalty shootout routine at last minute vs SwitzerlandAnd lucky for the star his water bottle had all the information needed on where and how the Swiss players take their spot-kicks.He said before kick-off: “History of winning major tournaments shows that you’ve got to go into extra time, maybe win a penalty shoot-out.“It was the Nations League for third place and the bronze medal but you’ve got to learn from them experiences and take them experiences into major tournaments.“It was a good feeling back then to get those experiences under our belt.”In fact, Pickford had also issued what might now be seen as an ominous warning for the Swiss.He said: “I enjoy the pressure. You’re playing on the biggest stage in football and I’m loving it.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

GERMANY fans have launched a petition for their Euro 2024 clash with Spain to be replayed.The quarter-final tie ended in controversy on Friday night following extra-time.Germany fans have launched a petition to replay their Euro 2024 loss to SpainCredit: GettyThe hosts were denied a penalty after the ball struck Marc Cucurella’s hand in extra-timeCredit: GettyAnthony Taylor waved play on before VAR agreed with his on-pitch decisionCredit: GettySpain progressed as 2-1 winners thanks to Mikel Merino’s 119th-minute header.However, it came after Germany felt they should have been awarded a penalty.Jamal Musiala’s shot struck the hand of Marc Cucurella earlier in extra-time.Referee Anthony Taylor waved play on, though, despite the appeals of the host nation’s supporters.READ MORE ON EURO 2024VAR also stuck with the English official’s on-pitch decision, prompting supporters to launch a petition.It has since been revealed that a penalty should have been awarded based on Uefa’s rules for the tournament.The movement is pushing for the match to be replayed due to “many wrong decisions”, most notably the penalty claim.Almost 350,000 fans have already signed it, with the next goal of 500,000 signatures already being close to being achieved.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGermany manager Julian Nagelsmann discussed the decision after the match as he called for a change to the handball rule.He told reporters: “There is a rule and I hope there is no wrong decision. They applied the rule and it was not a penalty. I do not feel cheated.Toni Kroos left ‘crushed’ in centre circle as Germany legend’s illustrious career ends in most heartbreaking fashion”For me the question is about making it more practical, more logical, in terms of how this [handball] rule is assessed. I say this for football [in general] not today.”You look at the hand, if it is at 3 o’clock, if it is a bit higher or a bit lower. But there are people with bigger muscles than me, different movements.”Meanwhile, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente instead highlighted Toni Kroos escaping a red card for a challenge on Pedri.The midfielder was forced off as a result of the tackle, with his manager explaining: “I think it was a red card challenge.Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has called for the handball rule to be changedCredit: Getty”Whether he is on the pitch or off, Pedri will continue to contribute. There are games that are like that, when you are playing so much, at this point, you have to use your whole squad.”Spain’s reward for beating Germany is a semi-final against France in Munich on Tuesday.The winners will face either England or the Netherlands in the final in Berlin on July 14.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More