Euro 2024

GARY LINEKER has insisted that Jordan Pickford must DITCH his water bottle cheat sheet for the remainder of Euro 2024.The England goalkeeper saved Manuel Akanji’s spot-kick during the shootout win over Switzerland in the quarter-final.Jordan Pickford made a crucial save in England’s penalty shootout against SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersHis water bottle had a cheat sheet written on itCredit: GettyGary Lineker has urged Pickford to change up his tacticCredit: APThe Three Lions netted five penalties from five during the shootout as they sealed their spot in the semi-finals.After the victory it was spotted that Pickford had a cheat sheet on his bottle.The sheet had a list of all the Swiss players and where they were most likely to shoot.Akanji’s name had “dive left” next to it, which led to Pickford’s heroic save.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Lineker has now suggested that the Everton goalkeeper must change up his tactic.The retired footballer believes that future opponents may try to sneak a look at the sheet so they can change their penalty tactics.Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: “One player is going to look at that bottle.”If you are listening do it differently, do it on a different piece of paper or do it on the post.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPickford was hailed by fans after his heroics as they saw his attempts to put off Akanji.The goalkeeper could be seen staring dowing the Manchester City star with his eyes and mouth wide open.Quick-thinking England hero Jordan Pickford was forced to change penalty shootout routine at last minute vs SwitzerlandEngland’s penalty shootout recordTHE dreaded penalty shootout.England’s nemesis at no fewer than EIGHT major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.But the perfect shootout win over Switzerland at Euro 2024 gives 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 4-3Nations League third-place play-off vs SWITZERLAND, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2Euro 2024 last-16 vs SWITZERLAND, 06/07/24 – WON 5-3OVERALL: Played 11, Won 3, Lost 8He also claimed that he was unable to perform his “usual process” as he was stopped by referee Daniele Orsato.He told ITV: “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.”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.”Gareth Southgate’s eye for detail is one reason behind the penalty shootout success.He and his team went above and beyond to overcome what had become England’s hoodoo in major tournaments.Six years ago, a five-man penalty project team was established, including Chris Markham – the then game insights lead for The FA.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe 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 speak to him and get his insights.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

BUKAYO SAKA says the England players are “in awe” of Ivan Toney’s no-look penalty technique.Toney fired home the fourth spot-kick in Saturday’s shootout win over Switzerland without even glancing at the ball.Three Lions’ hero Ivan Toney takes spot-kicks in a unique styleCredit: AlamyEven England’s star performer Bukayo Saka is astounded by ToneyCredit: GettyLuke Shaw rates Toney’s penalties even more ‘mad’ when seen replayedCredit: GettyHero Saka, whose 80th-minute equaliser took the quarter-final to extra-time before he also netted third in the shootout, said:  “It’s crazy. We’re all just in awe, I don’t know how you cannot look at the ball.“When we see him practising in training, he does the same thing.”Left-back Luke Shaw added: “I cannot believe it. It is crazy, especially when you watch back the video. There’s one just showing his face and it’s mad.”Toney, 28, also practises penalties from 13 yards instead of 12 so that when he takes one in a match the goal looks bigger.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSHe has missed only one of his last 31 and vowed to continue his no-look approach.Toney said: “Some people may see it as crazy but it is just my routine and I’ll stick to it. It’s been working and it can work whenever it is needed.”Toney was one of five perfect takers for The Three Lions along  with  Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Keeper Jordan Pickford saved Switzerland’s first effort — from Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji — as England won the shootout 5-3 with the game ending 1-1 after extra-time.Most read in FootballEngland’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.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYPickford, whose side now face Holland in Wednesday’s semi-final, had direction advice for all the Swiss takers printed on his water bottle.But Shaw revealed Kyle Walker, a City team-mate of Akanji’s, also helped by pointing to Pickford’s left.Tom Barclay England Player RatingsMeanwhile, Declan Rice was “calming everyone down” and telling people “to do their breathing techniques” ahead of the end-of-game showdown.Shaw, who saw his first action since February, paid tribute to boss Gareth Southgate for naming him in the squad despite his long-term injury issues.He said: “We all thought I’d have been back a bit sooner but unfortunately there were a couple of setbacks along the way.“It made me want it even more, to get back out there. I owe Gareth a lot for the faith he’s shown me.”Shaw joked that Prince William had become “part of the squad” too as the future king was again there to cheer on the team.But it was the support of football royalty that had Saka swooning — after England icon David Beckham’s Instagram post.With a pic of a beaming Saka, Goldenballs wrote: “That’s the smile we all needed to see. Courage & happiness @bukayosaka87, well done to the lads.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShaw teased that Saka had been going on about Becks’ message all day.Saka backed him up, adding: “I was buzzing when I saw it.” More

GRANIT XHAKA has received criticism from fans after Switzerland’s penalty shootout loss to England.The Bayer Leverkusen captain, 31, did not take any of the Swiss’ four spot kicks as they lost 5-3 to Gareth Southgate’s men on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.Granit Xhaka did not take a penalty in Switzerland’s shoot-out loss to EnglandCredit: ReutersFans have accused Xhaka of wanting to perform a ‘gimmick’Credit: APNeymar has faced similar accusations in the pastCredit: SplashManchester City defender Manuel Akanji was the only player to miss as Jordan Pickford’s save proved decisive.It is not known whether Switzerland captain Xhaka was set to take the fifth penalty for his country as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s winner put the game to bed before he could step up.But some fans believe the ex-Arsenal ace made a decision reminiscent of that taken by the likes of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have both been left red-faced in the past by opting to take a fifth penalty that never happened.At Euro 2012, Cristiano Ronaldo was scheduled to take the fifth kick against Spain, but Portugal lost the semi-final penalty shootout before he was able to step up.READ MORE ON EURO 2024And the same thing happened at the 2017 Confederations Cup, when the Portuguese were beaten 3-0 on penalties by Chile.Then at World Cup 2022, Neymar was accused of “doing a Cristiano Ronaldo” as Brazil lost 4-2 on penalties to Croatia in a shootout that saw the Selecao beaten before a fifth spot kick could be taken.Following Switzerland’s defeat, one social media user posted: “Xhaka trying to be the hero by taking the 5th penalty”While another added: “Xhaka did 5th penalty taker gimmick nooooooooooooooooooooooo.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother fan wrote: “Xhaka and Neymar [handshake emoji] shying from a penalty shootout”And a fourth responded: “Granit Xhaka still waiting to kick. Joins Neymar on that list.”England fans at Boxpark go wild as Trent scores winning pen to put Three Lions into Semi finalsHowever, Xhaka has never been a regular penalty taker for any of his clubs.The Swiss captain has taken four penalties in normal time in his career, scoring three and missing one.He did not take a spot kick in Switzerland’s shootout win over France at Euro 2020, although his side did score all five.He was then suspended for their quarter-final defeat to Spain which also went to penalties.Xhaka did, however, take one against England in the 2019 Nations League, scoring the second Swiss penalty as they lost the shootout 6-5 in the third-place play-off. More

JUDE BELLINGHAM embraced Switzerland man Manuel Akanji and swapped shirts with the defender after his missed penalty in the shoot-out against England.Jordan Pickford decisively saved Akanji’s spot kick in their quarter-final clash in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening as Gareth Southgate’s men claimed a 5-3 win on penalties after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes. Manuel Akanji saw his penalty decisively saved by Jordan PickfordCredit: ReutersJude Bellingham comforted his former Borussia Dortmund team-mate at full-timeBellingham offered to swap shirts with the Manchester City defenderThey traded jerseys and then embraced once moreThe Manchester City centre-back, 28, was understandably gutted after the game as he hung his head in disappointment.But Real Madrid playmaker Bellingham, 21, attempted to lift him by shaking hands and giving him a hug.He then offered to swap shirts with his former Borussia Dortmund team-mate and Akanji accepted.They then shook hands again before going their separate ways.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But that was not the end of their interaction as Akanji took to social media.He posted: “Brutal end to our @euro2024 campaign.”What remains is pride in our achievements and gratitude for the overwhelming support from our fans and families, both in the stadiums and back home in Switzerland!”To which Bellingham simply replied: “What a player.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt came after journalist Ryan Taylor quoted Akanji as saying: “I let my team down and let my country down.”Switzerland finished second in their group after beating Hungary and drawing with Scotland and Germany.England’s penalty shoot-out secretsEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThey then beat defending champions Italy 2-0 in the last 16, before being eliminated by England.The quarter-final exit equals Switzerland’s best performance at a Euros after they also reached the last eight three years ago when they lost to Spain.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

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