Euro 2024

PASSIONATE England fans are cheering on the Three Lions as the must-win Euros quarter-final clash with Switzerland gets underway.Gareth Southgate’s side have just kicked off against the talented Swiss team in Dusseldorf at 5pm.It’s currently 0-0 with all to play for in the must-win quarter final clash.Southgate has switched to a back-three for the England’s quarter-final showdown.Ezri Konsa replaces suspended Marc Guehi in an otherwise unchanged line-up.Supporters packed out the streets of Dusseldorf ahead of the must-win game.Read More EurosThree Lions supporters gathered 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.Most read in Euro 2024The 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.Fans have also been spotted out and about this afternoon in Newcastle city centre.England get off to a good startSouthgate’s men have had most of the early possession and have already had two decent chances.It’s impressed these fans in Leeds.England fans at Millennium Square in LeedsCredit: PACopy linkCopiedAll to play forEngland fans are in fine form – belting out chants in a bid to get the Three Lions off to an energetic start.England fans chanting some classics in the Dusseldorf ArenaCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedFans backing England at home and awayBack home in England, fans are cheering on the Three lions at Boxpark Wembley.Excited fans are already chucking their beers as the game gets underway.Supporters are already spraying the beer at Boxpark WembleyCredit: i-ImagesCopy linkCopiedHere we go…England fans belt out God Save the King in the Dusseldorf Arena.COME ON ENGLAND!Come on England…Credit: EPACopy linkCopiedEngland fans bring the noise in the Dusseldorf ArenaBanging atmosphere here inside the Dusseldorf Arena.The stadium itself may resemble a breezeblock from its dull, grey exterior, but inside it is vibrant.The St George’s flags are out in force all over the England section, with names of clubs and areas from all over our green and pleasant land.While the wall of red from the Swiss army of fans is something to behold.Capacity crowd of 46,533 expected in here this evening – with England bringing far more than their official 7,000 allocation.It has been an overcast and intermittently drizzly day here in this city on the Rhine, but the sun is now peering through the clouds and it’s a pleasant temperature.England being put through their rondo paces, with Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa – making his first start at a major tournament – currently the men in the middle.England fans belting out chants in the Dusseldorf ArenaCredit: EPACopy linkCopiedEngland Wags look tense ahead of kick-offWags have been pictured looking tense in the stadium ahead of the Three Lions’ clash with Switzerland in Dusseldorf.Megan Davison, the wife of England keeper Jordan Pickford, was seen smiling in the stands.As was Love Island star Dani Dyer – the girlfriend of West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen.Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan DavisonCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP).Copy linkCopiedPrince William in the standsPrince William is in the crowd to support England as they take on Switzerland in the crucial Euros quarter-final.The heir, 42, has jetted over to join fans at the Dusseldorf Arena for tonight’s quarter-final clash.Prince William in the Dusseldorf ArenaCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedFans get ready at Boxparks across LondonHere are some snaps of fans at Boxpark Wembley and Boxpark Croydon:Excited England football fans gather at Boxpark CroydonCredit: Story Picture AgencyA pair of fans are excited for the game at Boxpark WembleyCredit: w8mediaCopy linkCopiedSwitzerland fans teasing the Three LionsMany Swiss football fans fancy their nation’s chances tonight after a strong start to the tournament.A few have been teasing the Three Lions – with one seen brandishing a sign saying: ‘England’s coming home”England’s coming home’, says one Swiss fanCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedEngland’s youngest fansThe future of the Three Lions fanbase is in safe hands – with these two youngsters in Dusseldorf for the game.Fans are now entering the Dusseldorf Arena ahead of the 5pm kick-off.Two England fans in DusseldorfCredit: PACopy linkCopiedDavid James doesn’t believe in jinxesDavid James is on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.People who believe in any kind of superstition, or hate overconfidence, look away now.He said: “The issue with Switzerland is goalkeeper Yann Sommer has had nine draws in his last 13 internationals. “He is an expert on drawing but I think England will go through. I’m very confident.”What happened at the end of England’s game with Slovakia – not just the goals but also the reaction of the supporters and the players – is going to be the key for England’s success.”Copy linkCopied More

PHIL FODEN is hoping to become a central part of England’s success against Switzerland – having moved positions. The Manchester City star has struggled to impact the game after starting out on the left in the opening four matches. Phil Foden starts centrally against SwitzerlandBut manager Gareth Southgate has started his side in a new look back three formation with two wing-backs. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka starts at left wing-back with Kieran Tripper on the the right for the first time. Trippier had been resorted to the left in the absence of the injured Luke Shaw. But for the first time in the tournament, England will have a left-footed full-back. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd, it means Foden will play in a more central role next to Jude Bellingham while accompanying captain Harry Kane. Foden told the BBC: “We changed formation to match what they do and get pressure up the field and to try retain the ball – let’s see if it works, I am looking forward to it.”For me it will be I’ll be more centrally and staying inside. I think it will suit me a little bit better today.”If we get the formation right and press right it will give us a lot of confidence.Most read in Euro 2024England’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 8CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSouthgate has utilised a 4-2-3-1 formation from the start of the Euros in Germany. But with centre-back Marc Guehi missing through suspension, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa comes in as a replacement. Switzerland fans chant England’s Going Home in huge pre-match march through streets of DusseldorfKyle Walker will line up with them in a back three to allow Saka and Trippier to occupy the wing-back roles. Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo pair in midfield with a front three of Foden, Bellingham and Kane. Foden added: “We have worked hard and in training it has been working really well – hopefully we can get rewards from it.”I feel we want to win for him [Gareth Southgate] and for the big occasion that it is.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

JAMIE CARRAGHER has been left baffled by Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for England’s Euro 2024 crucial quarter-final tie.The Three Lions face Switzerland this evening in what has shaped up to be their toughest test of the tournament so far.England boss Gareth Southgate has changed his formation due to the absence of Marc GuehiCredit: AFPKieran Trippier will start at left back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in a makeshift back threeCredit: GETTYJamie Carragher has been left baffled by Alexander-Arnold’s omission from the starting XICredit: SKY SPORTSSouthgate has changed formation for the Dusseldorf dust-up as a result of Marc Guehi’s suspension, opting to switch from 4-2-3-1 to 3-4-3.Kieran Trippier is expected to continue, but by moving over to right-back, a decision which has baffled Liverpool legend Carragher.The Sky Sports pundit said: “Kieran Trippier has done a decent job at left-back.”He’s picked him over Trent Alexander-Arnold, which I just cannot fathom at all.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”I mean, that’s not the Liverpool fan in me.”Carragher, however, agrees with Southgate’s selection of Kyle Walker ahead of Alexander-Arnold at right back – which is what he’s gone for in the first four games.He said: “For a long time, I’ve always felt it was right that Kyle Walker played right-back for England.”I thought it was right that Gareth experimented with Trent in midfield because he’s got, obviously, world-class ability on the ball. Most read in Euro 2024England’s expected XI vs SwitzerlandEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEngland’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.””It didn’t quite work and he had to be taken out of the team.”But the reason that you’d play Trippier over Trent, I just can’t get my head around. Switzerland fans chant England’s Going Home in huge pre-match march through streets of Dusseldorf”The only reason would be that Kieran has played maybe a few more games, maybe he trusts him.”But when you say defensively, the whole point of playing three at the back is to release your wing backs.”And you’ve got Kyle Walker behind you, he’s the quickest player in the squad to mop up anything if you get caught out defensively.”So to not put Trent in that position, I cannot believe that one. I must be honest, I can’t.”I can only imagine where his head is right now in this tournament. But Kieran Trippier is a player who Gareth trusts, he puts him in.”Whether it be left back, right back, right wing-back, left wing-back, he always seems to find a place for him. “But I would have played Trent in that position.”Carragher has immense sympathy for Alexander-Arnold, which comes from being in the 25-year-old’s shoes when he was an England international.”I do [ feel sorry for him],” he said. “But, listen, I played in the era when there was a lot of great centre-backs.England’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″I very rarely played for England and Trent has come through in an era where there was a lot of great right-backs.”Now, Kyle Walker’s obviously getting older and I think after this tournament, Trent Alexander-Arnold has to be England’s right back, whether that’s in a back four or a back five.”You have to give him his head because he’s too good of a player.’But, Kieran Trippier, as I said, he’s a good player. He hasn’t had a great season at Newcastle. He’s done okay for England.”He’s done a really solid job at left-back, as well as he could possibly do. But, to play ahead of Trent, I just don’t see that at all.”Trent has got world-class ability. Kieran Trippier is just a very good player who at times had a difficult season for Newcastle.”So, yeah, I do feel for him in this one. A lot of people were saying they felt for him in terms of going into midfield and then getting dropped.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But, you know, he was given his chance in two games in midfield and he didn’t really produce. Or the rest of the team didn’t produce as well.”So, I felt, you know, you have to accept that he’s taken out the team. But, this one I think will be a really tough pill to swallow for him.”Jamie Carragher can’t help but feel sorry for Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: Getty More

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