Euro 2024

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

THE Dutch are expecting up to 80,000 Oranje fans in Dortmund ahead of their Euros semi-final with England on Wednesday.Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands came from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 in Berlin and set up a tantalising clash with the Three Lions in a bid to reach the final on July 14.Netherlands supporters, seen here against Turkey in the semis at Berlin, are set to change the ‘wall’ colour of Dortmund’s famous south standCredit: RexThe Signal Iduna Park is most famous for its ‘Yellow Wall’Credit: GettyThe famous Oranje fans have produced some of the tournament’s great sights on their road to the semis – swarming German cities with their impressive side-to-side chant.It will be no different in Dortmund. The Dutch FA has 8,000 tickets for the match against England at the 80,000-capacity Signal Iduna Park.Uefa has also sold an extra 1,5000 tickets to Dutch fans.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But Dutch authorities are estimating between 75,000 and 80,000 will make the short trip across the border to Germany.Oranje supporters can be in Dortmund in less than two hours if they travel by car from Eindhoven.Speaking after the victory over the Turks, boss Koeman said: “For the whole nation it’s something special.“We’re a small nation and to play in the semis with England means we’re really proud.”Most read in Euro 2024A full south stand is said to scare opponents with ‘unbelievable power’Credit: RexEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYDefender Stefan de Vrij – who cancelled out Samet Akaydin’s first half opener before Mert Muldur’s own goal – added: “The fans are very important for us.“It was a nice atmosphere. We have seen the pictures from home and the videos in the stands. It’s great to see the Oranje wall. Cole Palmer hijacks Declan Rice’s Instagram post with hilarious Love Island post after England’s win over Switzerland”It’s nice to see that football can bring a country together.”The famous “Yellow Wall” – of course changing colour on Wednesday thanks to Netherlands supporters – is the core of Signal Iduna Park’s aura.The Südtribüne  – south stand – was built in 1974 and holds 25,000 in one of football’s most intimidating structures when full.Former Dortmund striker Norbert Dickel summed up what he calls its “unbelievable power”.He said: “Many opposing players are afraid of these people and this tremendous noise.“When the game starts and the south stand sings, it’s very special.” 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

ENGLAND’S perfect set of penalties was no accident, according to their players and staff.The five from five record was the result of careful practice, mental preparation and the help of a former top Dutch striker.Bellingham’s stuttered run up saw his back foot go completely flat on the approachCredit: RexBellingham credited Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with helping the England squad prepare for their pensCredit: PASpeaking after England’s dramatic quarter-final win, Jude Bellingham pinpointed the influence of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for helping England’s spot-kick stars set up a semi with the Netherlands.Former Chelsea and Leeds star Hasselbaink, 52, joined Gareth Southgate’s backroom staff as an assistant coach in March last year.The 23-cap Holland striker, who was a lethal finisher in his day, played a key role in preparing England’s takers in Saturday’s shoot-out victory over the Swiss – teeing up a last-four clash with his nation.Bellingham, who stroked home the second of England’s five perfect penalties, told 5 Live: “I was really confident in my preparation and the things I’d talked through with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“He’s stepped up for us massively.“It’s the work he does behind closed doors with the lads willing to take on that information that put us in those situations to be able to win.”Southgate spoke glowingly after the game of his five takers – Cole Palmer, Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold – as well as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who saved Switzerland’s first spot-kick from Manuel Akanji, despite not being able to follow his “usual process”.All of England’s quintet of takers finished with aplomb as the Three Lions showed their practice and preparation had paid off.Most read in Euro 2024Palmer opened the scoring for EnglandCredit: PAAnd Saka showed nerves of steel as he converted England’s third and banished his nerves of yesteryearCredit: AlamyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPalmer, fresh off the back of scoring ten penalties in ten for Chelsea nonchalantly struck the ball into the net to open before Bellingham’s stuttered run up sent the keeper the wrong way for his.Saka, who was England’s brightest spark in normal and added time then bravely dispatched England’s third, banishing the painful memories of his miss in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.Toney’s fourth then stunned everyone as he took a no-look penalty in which he did not break eye contact with the Swiss keeper.The Brentford striker utilised his trademark two-step run up – which it was revealed he honed last summer with a coach in the US.Quick-thinking England hero Jordan Pickford was forced to change penalty shootout routine at last minute vs SwitzerlandBob Jeffrey, a goalkeeping director at Tennessee Soccer Club revealed the two honed a technique that saw Toney practice from 13 yards rather than 12.Speaking to The Times, Jeffrey explained: “[His training] was fascinating to watch.”Because in practice he takes them from 13 yards, not 12 yards.“I asked him: ‘Ivan, why are you taking them from 13 yards?’ He said, ‘Well, when it comes to a game, and I take them from 12 yards, the goal looks bigger.’”He added that Toney piles pressure on himself in training to help him prepare for the big moments and said: “But the thing that impressed me most was the detail in everything [Toney] did. He never went through the motions. It was like every single shot was to win the World Cup.”The crucial final penalty fell to Trent Alexander-Arnold, on as a sub in the 115th minute purely to take a pen, to finish it off for England.Alexander-Arnold’s strike looked like one of his free-kicks, whipped across his body into the top left corner.The full-back said the secret to England’s success was the fact that so many of their takers are also designated takers for their clubs, making them immune to pressure when it comes to stepping up for England.He said: “A lot of practice goes into that moment. When the gaffer tells me I am taking one, my belly does not drop. I enjoy it. I practise it. I knew what spot I just needed to execute it.”Southgate highlighted the role back-up goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson, as well as training stopper Tom Heaton, for helping prepare the team for the pressure-cooker situation of a shootout.Toney did not look at the ball as he sent the keeper the wrong wayCredit: AlamyAnd Trent whipped the ball into the top cornerCredit: GettyBellingham, 21, echoed those comments by saying: “This is a massive team effort.“Dean Henderson, Aaron Ramsdale and Tom Heaton, who have been with us this camp, have been huge in helping us practise the penalties.“They won’t get the credit they deserve but essentially if they don’t put in the right effort we don’t get to practise properly.“And in those moments you don’t have the right practice to go out and execute.“There is so much that goes into it now. You are always trying to find the edge in every game.”Speaking after the game, Pickford revealed his usual penalty routine had been interrupted.He said: “Firstly, the referee didn’t let me do my usual process so I had to adapt tonight, I like to give the lads a ball for a bit of calm and focus.”I could only do it on the first one and luckily I saved it.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.”I trust my process and what I do and I’ll save one but massive respect to the lads they stepped up to score all five the way they did – huge credit.”Images also emerged of Pickford’s extensive list of data showing where all 26 players in the Swiss squad like to put their pens.Tellingly, one of the instructions was “Akanji, dive left” which the 30-year-old did to crucially deny the Swiss the first penalty.Bellingham also revealed how the “awful memories” of England penalties of yesteryear also contributed to his motivation in the shoot-out.The midfielder said: “It’s a first for me to be involved in one, to take one.“I have awful memories kind of growing up and I think the first Euro that I was really interested in was the one against Italy [Euro 2012] with the dink from [Andrea] Pirlo.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It kind of stains your memory a little bit, you always think ‘England in penalty shoot-outs, I’m not sure’, but it’s really nice to have that experience to add to the locker now.”England’s perfect shootout sets up a tantalising encounter with Holland in the semi-finals of the Euros on Wednesday. England’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More