Euro 2024

TURKISH fans have been branded “wild” after they set off fireworks outside the Holland team hotel.Turkey take on Holland tonight in a Euro 2024 quarter-final clash, with the victor facing the winner of England vs Switzerland.Turkish fans set off fireworks in the middle of the night to wake up the Dutch teamCredit: X formerly known as TwitterFans praised the effortCredit: X formerly known as TwitterRonald Koeman’s side go into the contest as favourites so Turkey fans came up with a way to try and give their side the upper hand.One group of supporters travelled to the Dutch team hotel in Berlin and set off fireworks at 2:23am.It is a tactic that has been used by fans of Premier League clubs in recent years, and fans found the disruption rather amusing.One fan reacted saying: “Turkish fans are wild man 😂😂😂”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Another added: “Genius LMAO we are definitely winning.”A third wrote: “Lol this is crazy 😭”And another commented: “The beautiful game ❤️”Turkey have been a surprise story at the Euros and celebrated their Round of 16 win over Austria by ordering over 300 kebabs from a local kebab shop.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThe owner was only too happy to oblige and revved up his mobile kebab trailer before heading to Turkey’s team base at their nearby four-star hotel.He then prepared over 100kg of kebab meat on an XXL skewer.Emotional reason for Spain hero Mikel Merino’s celebration revealed as incredible footage from 33 years ago is unearthed More

THE family of Cristiano Ronaldo posed for a picture with Kylian Mbappe following Portugal’s Euro 2024 quarter-final defeat to France.Ronaldo’s final European Championship ended in heartbreak following a 5-3 loss on penalties.Kylian Mbappe posed for a picture with Cristiano Ronaldo’s familyCredit: Instagram @elma_oficialRonaldo’s family spent time together at a Portuguese restaurant before the matchCredit: INSTAGRAM @katiaaveirooficialThey watched the quarter-final from a private boxCredit: INSTAGRAM @katiaaveirooficialWith the score at 0-0 after 120 minutes, the clash went to spot kicks.Les Bleus went on to win after substitute Joao Felix hit the post with his effort.They will now face Spain in the semi-finals next week.After celebrating the victory, France captain Mbappe spent time speaking to Ronaldo’s family.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He also took a photo with the Real Madrid legend’s mum, Maria, and two sisters, Katia and Elma.Elma shared the picture on social media with a classy comment that read: “Great player, I wish you all the best.”Ronaldo’s family spent a day in Hamburg together before the quarter-final.They enjoyed a meal at Portuguese restaurant Ola Lisboa in the afternoon before travelling to Volksparkstadion.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKatia, Elma and Co. then enjoyed the match from a private box.Earlier this week, Ronaldo confirmed that Euro 2024 would be his last European Championship.Fans convinced Cristiano Ronaldo made major mistake before penalty shootout that could have cost Portugal vs FranceHe told RTP: “Without a doubt it’s the last Euro [for me], of course it is.”But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people’s passion… it’s not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?”Roberto Martinez refused to comment on the 39-year-old’s future after the match.The Portugal boss said: “It’s too soon and raw after the match to talk about that and there have been no individual decisions made.”Mbappe grew up idolising Ronaldo and famously had posters of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on his bedroom walls.The Frenchman recently admitted it would be impossible to replicate Ronaldo’s legacy at Real Madrid, having recently completed a free transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.He said: “There will never be another Cristiano Ronaldo. He has shaped football, inspired generations, scored goals and won cups. He has known how to reinvent himself. He is one of a kind.”Me, I am following my own path. My dream to play for Real Madrid is becoming reality.”I hope to make my mark on football and be one of a kind at Real Madrid, but I am not writing the next chapter of his story.”I have total respect for him. I can only sing his praises.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Over time I’ve been lucky to brush shoulders with him, meet him and get to know him. We are still in contact. He keeps up with my life, gives me tips.”Playing against him is always an honour. Regardless of what happens after he will be a football legend.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

ENGLAND fans at home and in Germany are gearing up for the Three Lions’ crunch Euros quarter-final with Switzerland – with kick-off less than an hour away.Supporters are packing out the streets of Dusseldorf ahead of this afternoon’s knock-out game.England fans in Dusseldorf this afternoonCredit: Paul EdwardsFans gathering at Boxpark CroydonCredit: Story Picture AgencyEngland will play Switzerland in the German cityCredit: Paul EdwardsA group of England fans from MiddlesboroughCredit: Paul EdwardsTennis ace Emma Raducanu sporting an England kit in a Wimbledon training sessionCredit: PAA group of ladies brave the rain in LeedsCredit: NB PRESS LTDThe youngest generation of England fans in DusseldorfCredit: PASome Leeds Uni students taking on the Otley Run pub crawlCredit: NB PRESS LTDThree Lions supporters are gathering outside O’Reilly’s Irish pub in the centre of the German city.Many fans were seen brandishing St George’s flags or wearing patriotic bucket hats.One group of supporters has come to Dusseldorf all the way from Middlesbrough.They posed for a snap with their England flag emblazoned with the Boro crest.Read More FootballThe youngest generation of England fans are also well-represented – sporting fresh face paint and full match kit.And fan Claratte Goodhead, 34, has forked up £1,400 to fly all the way from Australia for the game, the Mail reports.At home, tennis ace Emma Raducanu was seen wearing an England top as she trains for the next round of her Wimbledon campaign.Uni students in Leeds are taking on the Otley Run pub crawl before settling down with a more leisurely drink for the game.Most read in Euro 2024Fans have also been spotted out and about this afternoon in Newcastle city centre.It comes after The Sun revealed Gareth Southgate will switch to a back-three for England’s quarter-final showdown with Switzerland.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesWith Marc Guehi suspended, Sun Sport understands the Three Lions boss is set to change formation for the first time at the Euros.Ezri Konsa replaces Guehi and will make his full tournament debut alongside Manchester City pair John Stones and Kyle Walker.Kieran Trippier will keep his place despite recent injury concerns, but will move over to right wing-back.The switch-up means Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold once again misses out.Elsewhere, Bukayo Saka will provide width at left wing-back after finishing the 2-1 over victory Slovakia there.In midfield, Red Devils star Kobbie Mainoo will once again partner Declan Rice following his impressive showing in the last-16.Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, whose stunning overhead kick forced extra-time last Sunday, will support Harry Kane in attack.Bellingham has been cleared to play after picking up a suspended one-match ban by Uefa.He was penalised for a crude gesture he made while celebrating his goal against Slovakia.Jude appeared to feign grabbing his crotch  in a move that signalled he has what it takes in a crisis.Match officials made no mention of the gesture in their match reports but Uefa still intervened.The 21-year-old was also hit with a £25,000 fine, while the ban is suspended for 12 months.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Real Madrid star defended his gesture, stating it was aimed at close friends at the game and not towards the opposition.He added: “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”Southgate needs Mainoo to help cure England’s fear, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield ­— and their team — around, writes Jack Wilshere.That’s what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat against Slovakia.I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player.He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.Mainoo alongside Declan Rice gives England better structure. In theory, at least, because for so long it didn’t look like that.You can have any structure you like but if a team, individually and collectively, lacks confidence, you cannot use that structure effectively.A fear can creep in. A fear of failing. A fear of losing the ball.It is partly because of his age that Mainoo does not have that, or appears not to have it.This was his first start in a major tournament. He does not know what it is like to have a bad one.If we want to win this tournament, starting with the quarter-final against Switzerland, we will need to control games better.Mainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time.He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.Read Jack Wilshere’s column in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 opinions.A trio of England fans in Newcastle city centreCredit: NNPThese fans got a nap in ahead of tonight’s must-win clashCredit: PAA pair of English fans cross paths with the local PolizeiCredit: Paul Edwards More

ENGLAND face a potential semi-final nightmare if they beat Switzerland tonight, with FIVE players walking a suspension tight rope.Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Kieran Trippier are three players at risk of missing the semi-final if they pick up a yellow card tonight.Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are both one yellow away from receiving a suspensionCredit: AFPTrippier is also walking a suspension tight-ropeCredit: AFPThey’re joined by Kobbie Mainoo and Conor Gallagher in having to avoid a yellow if they are to play in the semi-final against either Holland or Turkey.Of course, the Three Lions will have to beat Switzerland first before they can start thinking about that though.The Swiss themselves also have several players at risk of suspension tonight.Talisman Granit Xhaka is one yellow away from missing the semi-final should they get there, he’s joined by Remo Freuler, Dan Ndoye, Ricardo Rodriguez and Vincent Sierro.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Uefa rules state that players that have picked up two yellow cards in separate matches will receive a one game suspension.Teams’ yellow cards tallies will be wiped out from the semi-final onwards, meaning whichever team makes the semis will be able to play without the fear of a yellow card in the back of their mind.England have already been stung by a yellow card suspension for their game against the Swiss, with Marc Guehi missing through suspension.Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa is expected to step in for Guehi.Most read in Euro 2024Mainoo and Gallagher also need to avoid a yellow card tonightCredit: AFPCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSouthgate needs Mainoo to help cure England’s fear, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO has shown he is the player that England need to build their midfield ­— and their team — around, writes Jack Wilshere.That’s what I felt as it looked like we were slipping to defeat against Slovakia.I know he was not on the pitch when our goals went in.But until that unbelievable comeback, Mainoo was our best player.He has a fearlessness and an instinct to do the right things at the right times that seemed to be lacking for so much of the game.Mainoo alongside Declan Rice gives England better structure. In theory, at least, because for so long it didn’t look like that.You can have any structure you like but if a team, individually and collectively, lacks confidence, you cannot use that structure effectively.A fear can creep in. A fear of failing. A fear of losing the ball.It is partly because of his age that Mainoo does not have that, or appears not to have it.This was his first start in a major tournament. He does not know what it is like to have a bad one.If we want to win this tournament, starting with the quarter-final against Switzerland, we will need to control games better.Mainoo is the kind of midfielder England have been crying out for for a long time.He can be the glue that holds together this team for the rest of the tournament and well into the future.Read Jack Wilshere’s column in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 opinions.Guehi’s suspension is part of the reason Gareth Southgate is expected to switch to a back three tonight – with Trippier and Bukayo Saka expected to start as wing backs to provide width.The three at the back formation will also see England match up with Switzerland tactically – with the Swiss favouring a 3-4-2-1 formation.In better news for England suspension wise, Jude Bellingham has been cleared to face Switzerland after making an offensive gesture towards Slovakia’s bench in England’s last game.He’s been given a suspended one game ban and slapped with a £25,000 fine by Uefa.England must go old-school to shock Switzerland… this formation would be perfect, says Jurgen KlinsmannIT might be time for England to try something different at these Euros, writes Jurgen Klinsmann.Maybe Gareth Southgate will want to start the quarter-final against Switzerland in a 4-4-2 formation, with Ivan Toney alongside Harry Kane up front.I think it might work, and if Gareth feels the same, he should do it.This is the time when, as a manager at a tournament, you have to trust your gut instinct and never hold back from unpopular decisions.The quarter-finals are make-or-break time. Win and you’re in the last four and everyone respects you.Lose and it’s not acceptable for big nations like England, Germany, France and Spain.England are facing the best Swiss team of all time on Saturday – and it is certain to be another rollercoaster.I understand there can be snobbery about playing a 4-4-2 but sometimes you have to do something different. It can still be a fantastic system — two hard-working frontmen like Kane and Toney can be a real threat to the opposition.I think England need to surprise the Swiss, to try something different.And that just might be a good old-fashioned 4-4-2.Read Jurgen Klinsmann’s column in full.Or check out all of Jurgen’s Euro 2024 opinions. More

AT just 21 years old Serine Sanneh has already played for some of England’s biggest clubs.And he once represented the Three Lions at youth level – alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Jamal Musiala no less.Serine Sanneh currently plays for non-league side Rusthall FCThe goalkeeper recently recovered from a horrific knee injurySanneh played for England as a teenagerIn an exclusive chat with SunSport, Sanneh reveals it was a player recently released by a Premier League team who actually impressed him most during his time with the Three Lions.He also lifts the lid on what happened when Bellingham went through one-on-one against him.But Sanneh’s personal progress was rocked by a horrific knee injury that stopped him from completing a dream move to France, leaving the young goalkeeper without a club.Now, two years on, he is back enjoying his football with non-league side Rusthall FC and ready to prove the doubters wrong.Read More in Football”My ambitions are obviously to get back to where I belong and where I deserve,” Sanneh tells SunSport.”Obviously I’m working hard everyday. I’m at a club where I’m enjoying my football and the managers. I love them to bits because they’re letting me play how I play.”Everyday I’m basically training hard and luckily now I’m performing how I was before. I even think I’ve improved in terms of my goalkeeping.”I can’t really know where I see myself in the next few years but I know it’s something good because I know behind the scenes I’m working very hard to get back to where I need to be.”Most read in Euro 2024Sanneh spent the earliest years of his career at West Ham’s academy, playing for the U8s and U9s. He enjoyed ten years with the East London side before joining Crystal Palace for a season.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesBut disaster struck just as he was preparing for a life-changing move to France.”It was a meniscus tear. But because I wasn’t at a club at the time I didn’t really know what it was, so when I had pains in my knee I knew I couldn’t play football,” he explains.”So I was just rehabbing it and then after four months I tried to come back, tried to pass a ball and the pain, it felt like someone shot me in my knee.”I went to see the doctors, had an MRI scan and they said it was a meniscus tear. I had to have surgery and they removed 80 per cent of meniscus in my right knee, so I was out for another four months after the surgery.”After recovering in 2022 Sanneh went on to play for non-league sides Kingstonian and Leatherhead.He is now with Southern Counties East League Premier Division club Rustall, based near Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent.The goalkeeper is still loving his football, even though his career took an unexpected path.Up against England’s finestAs a teenager he represented England from U15s to U17s and starred alongside the likes of Euro 2024 stars Bellingham and Musiala.Recalling the day he stepped into the England set-up, he says: “It was tough! I remember the first day I went to the England camp and, obviously I’d just spent my whole life at West Ham so that was a comfortable environment.”Then all of a sudden you’re at the England camp and you’re playing the best of the best and it was just crazy. The ability that everybody had there – less mistakes, obviously the standard was a bit higher, it was crazy.”Both Bellingham and Musiala were considered among the best, but Sanneh also heaped praise on Amadou Diallo – who recently left Newcastle and is now a free agent.”Jude, he did stand out because he was a skilful player. But I remember he was training up with Musiala and there was one guy called Amadou Diallo, I think it was those three that were training up a year.”Yeah, at the time Jude, he was very good. Musiala as well. Obviously I hadn’t really played against Jude that much, it was my first time actually meeting him because he was playing for Birmingham.”But Jamal Musiala, I played against him while he was at Chelsea so I knew that he was very good.”It’s funny, I think a player at the time, we were U15s, had never gone one-v-one and dinked me. The first ever time it was Jude Bellingham!”I was shocked! I was like, ‘yeah, this is crazy!’ When you’re playing against them it’s different because their shooting is a lot better and as a keeper, you have to make an outstanding save against them.”Yeah, they just can finish. I think the best finisher out of the three was probably Diallo, but they could all finish.”Sanneh made his debut for England at U15s levelAmadou Diallo, who was recently released by Newcastle, was the stand out player for SannehCredit: GettySpecial BellinghamSanneh always knew that Bellingham in particular was special.The midfield maestro has been a key player for England at Euro 2024 this summer having already impressed during his debut season at Real Madrid.Not many could have predicted that he would go on to be as integral so quickly, just five years after breaking through at Birmingham as a 16-year-old.But Sanneh claims he oozed confidence even when playing up a year for the Three Lions.”I feel like when you have a lot of talent, when you believe, and I’m not saying Jude was ahead of himself but he was confident in a way that’s good.”He knows ‘okay, I’m good at football, it’s time to show these guys why I’m here.’ Because he was training up an age group. He was coming in and doing so well, so he was very, very good.”Sometimes it’s good to show that confidence because that’s how you’re going to play well. If you show that throughout your career, like he has done, building up his way from Birmingham City, kept going and into the first team.”He played well and just kept getting more confident, got his move to Dortmund and now looks good to show that. Otherwise I don’t think he’d be in the position he is now.”Bellingham is set to start for England when the Three Lions face Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals after being a handed a suspended one game ban and £25,000 fine by Uefa for his “crotch grabbing” celebration against Slovakia.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe midfielder single-handedly saved Gareth Southgate’s side from a shock last-16 exit last week.He scored a stunning bicycle kick with less than 30 seconds to play in added time against Slovakia to level the game at 1-1 before Harry Kane went on to net the winner.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

FOOTBALL fans are convinced that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo made the wrong decision by allowing France to take the first penalty in Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final shootout.Penalties were needed to separate Portugal and France in the last-eight clash following a goalless draw.Cristiano Ronaldo won the penalty shootout coin toss but chose for Portugal to go secondCredit: GettyJoao Felix missed his spot kickCredit: APPortugal went on to lose the matchCredit: GettyRonaldo appeared to win the mandatory coin toss before the shootout, meaning he could choose whether his team went first or second.However, despite analysis suggesting the team who go first have a far higher chance of progress, he wanted France to take the first shot.Les Bleus went on to win 5-3 after substitute Joao Felix hit the post with his effort.And many fans believe Ronaldo’s decision to forfeit the first kick played a huge part in the outcome.Read More on RonaldoOne person took to social media to comment: “I know penalties are chance and luck (except for Germans) but there’s been enough sample space to show that the team that takes first more often than not wins. Pressure easily mounts on whoever takes second. Ronaldo fumbled this.”Another was quick to point out: “The team that goes first has roughly a 60% chance of winning.”A third wrote: “Idk why Ronaldo let them go first in the penalties. It’s such a mental barrier going second.”While a fourth said: “I’m not even trolling when I say this loss is on Ronaldo. He won the coin toss before the penalties and could have easily chose to shoot first and put pressure on France.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow 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.France will now face Spain in the semi-finals.Earlier this week, Ronaldo confirmed that Euro 2024 would be his last European Championship.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesHe told RTP: “Without a doubt it’s the last Euro [for me], of course it is.”But I’m not emotional about that. I’m moved by everything that football entails, by the enthusiasm I have for the game, the enthusiasm I see in the fans, having my family here, people’s passion… it’s not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?”Roberto Martinez refused to comment on the 39-year-old’s future after the match.The Portugal boss said: “It’s too soon and raw after the match to talk about that and there have been no individual decisions made.”The next international tournament takes place in the US, Mexico and Canada in 2026.Who 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.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More