Euro 2024

A STADIUM once used to host the Euros in Germany has been left unrecognisable after being turned into a fan park for the Euros.But some of the surrounding areas have been left to fall into disrepair after being overtaken by weeds – despite the stadium’s rich history.The Olympiastadion in Munich hosted the 1972 Olympic GamesCredit: GettyIt then held the 1974 World Cup finalCredit: PABut parts of the stadium infrastructure now lay abandonedCredit: AlamyThe S-Bahn railway station was closed in 1988Credit: AlamyConstruction of the Munich Olympiastadion began in 1968 ahead of its use as the centrepiece of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.After the games, the stadium was taken over by Bayern Munich and also used as a key concert venue in Munich.It’s seen the likes of Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses all perform there since the 1970s and will soon also see Taylor Swift and Coldplay take the stage.The stadium was also used as a key ground for the 1974 World Cup, hosting the final which was won by West Germany 2-1 over Holland.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt also hosted the final of Euro 1988 which saw the Dutch beat the Soviet Union 2-0.The stadium also played host to the European Cup final of 1979, and the Champions League finals of 1993 and 1997 as well as the Women’s Champions League final in 2012.It is now part of the wider Olympiapark Munchen, which is currently host to the biggest Euros fanzone in Munich.Some of the area has fallen into disrepair though, with the train station built to connect the stadium with the centre of Munich being closed in 1988.Most read in Euro 2024The surrounding area of the stadium has been turned into a fan park for this year’s EurosCredit: AlamyDutch fans used the stadium as a backdrop before their game against RomaniaCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat saw the once bustling station being left to fall into ruin, with its infrastructure falling down and plenty of weeds growing out of the former tracks.Bayern Munich, who used the stadium from the 1970s onwards left for the Munich Football Arena in 2005, ahead of its use as the Allianz Arena at the 2006 World Cup.Germany Fans in Stuttgart get the party started and pay tribute to Rudi VollerIt is now rarely used for football purposes, although it is occasionally used for athletics.Over 70,000 fans are expected to pack into the arena to watch Taylor Swift play there at the end of the month.The surrounding areas of the stadium have been transformed into a fan park for the EurosCredit: olympic park DEThe stadium was last used by Bayern Munich in 2005, before they relocated to the Munich Football ArenaCredit: AFP More

ENGLAND’S reward for somehow stumbling to an unconvincing win over minnows Slovakia in the last-16 is a clash with the in-form Swiss.Switzerland looked very impressive in overcoming Italy to reach this stage and they are probably the toughest opponent that England will have faced so far at the Euros.Murat Yakin’s men one of the most compact and organised nations in Germany, especially when they breezed past holders Italy last time out.This will be England manager Gareth Southgate’s 100th game in charge, and the stakes could not be higher.Southgate is considering a switch to a back three for the quarter-final tie in Dusseldorf, and they have practiced it in training.Switzerland played with a back three and England also struggled against Serbia and Denmark who also played with the same set-up.read more on the eurosSouthgate could switch Kyle Walker to central defence with either Kieran Trippier or Trent Alexander-Arnold at right wing-back.Potentially, Bukayo Saka or Luke Shaw if fit could move to left wing-back.With Marc Guehi suspended Ezri Konsa is currently first in line to replace the defender.But it could be as part of a new-look back three with John Stones in the centre and Kyle Walker on the right.Most read in Euro 2024Moving to a back three could give Southgate the option to start with two strikers although he has preferred to play with two attacking players behind Kane.Whatever the formation, 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1,  there are three key things that England must do if they are to beat the Swiss and keep their Euros dream alive.Why Xhaka is Football’s Greatest ComebackControl the midfieldThe midfield has been Southgate’s biggest headache throughout this tournament. The experiment of using the Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold as the deep midfielder partnering Declan Rice did not work out in the first two group stages. Gareth Southgate is considering switching to a back three against SwitzerlandCredit: GettyHow England could line up with a back threeSouthgate could opt to put Saka at left wing backEngland could choose to pick Luke Shaw if he is fit enoughChelsea’s Gallagher was named in the role against Slovenia in the group stage.But was hauled off at half-time and replaced by Man Utd star Mainoo, who went on to start the next match against SlovakiaIt is likely that Mainoo will again be the player chosen to play alongside Rice as the young midfielder did not look out of place against the Slovakians. The key for England in this match, regardless of who plays in the midfield positions, is to find a way to progress the ball through the midfield areas and into the final third. That means having midfielders who are comfortable in possession.But it also means having players positioned ahead of the ball who are in position to receive the pass in pockets of space that they can exploit.Mainoo is on the ball v Slovakia but the four team-,mates ahead of him are too close to each other, making it easy for the opposition to defend the spaceMainoo saw plenty of possession against SlovakiaThis has been one of the Swiss team’s biggest strengths.Switzerland have been one of the best teams in the competition when it comes to controlling the midfield and progressing through the thirds in possession of the ball. Led by the former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka the Swiss have been aggressive in possession of the ball.They are adept at stretching the play to take advantage of the pace that they have in the attack.In order for England to control and dominate the midfield areas in this game they need to be aggressive in possession, and move the ball forward.They need to push the Swiss to defend back towards their own goal. If they are not aggressive in their passing in this match and if they are not possession dominant then they will give Switzerland an opportunity to impose their style of play on the game and England will automatically be on the back foot.Xhaka has the ball v Italy and teammates are layered across the pitch ahead of him on different lines. This makes things far more difficult for the opposition to defend in a strong blockBellingham needs to be on the ball more to influence the game against SwitzerlandThe issues around the midfield for England have been one of the biggest question marks in this tournament so far. With Mainoo and Rice in the middle, hopefully Southgate and his coaching staff will have figured this out as they enter the quarter final stage.The midfield needs to be brave and be more aggressive with the ball, to put the Swiss on the back foot and force them into making mistakes.Defend togetherNumerous times in this tournament England have effectively left their back four isolated as the opposition attack. While, to an extent, this has worked out for England with the pace that they have with the likes of Walker and Guehi in the defensive line it is not an effective strategy as they go deeper into the tournament. With Guehi suspended for this match due to an accumulation of cautions it is likely that Konsa of Aston Villa will take his place, possibly in a back three.Declan Rice is adept at shielding the back fourBut England will still have to be careful given the sheer pace that Switzerland have in their attack.England have been stretched numerous times in this tournament with the midfield pressing higher and leaving significant gaps and spaces between their line and the defensive line. If they continue to play in this manner in this quarter final match then prepare to see a few races between the English defence and the Swiss attack.The Slovakians have beaten the England press and attack the exposed back four aggressivelyWith the likes of Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye, Switzerland are one of the quickest attacking teams in the tournament. They will look for opportunities to attack in behind the English defensive line wherever possible and especially on the left-side of the English defence where Kieran Trippier is not the quickest of fullbacks. Indeed, this is the side where we will see Switzerland use Ndoye as they look to stretch the pitch and attack space behind the defensive line.Ndoye attacks the space behind the Italy defence and the way the Swiss attack is spread out makes it tricky for the opposition to defendIn this match it will be important for England to keep the spaces between their midfield and defence tight in order to deny the Swiss the space to attack.Get runners around KaneThe performances of Harry Kane have attracted criticism throughout this tournament.But once again when England needed a goal in extra time against Slovakia it was the Bayern Munich man and England captain who provided it. Kane dropped deep against Slovakia too muchEngland’s attack was bunched together against SlovakiaIt is fair to say that Kane has not looked as mobile in this tournament as we have seen him previously.But he has still been effective in terms of receiving and holding the ball before linking the play.Yet at times he has looked isolated.It will be crucial for England to get players forward and around Kane in order to support the attack and make runs that will threaten to break through the defensive line for Switzerland.Kane drops deep and England have runners attacking the space behind him created by his movementThroughout this tournament Switzerland have looked solid and secure at the back.Led by the impressive Manuel Akanji from Man City, Switzerland consistently defend in a medium block that is compact with very little space between the lines that the opposition have been able to take advantage of. This is why the movement from England players to get beyond the ball when Kane drops in to receive the ball is so important. They have to find ways to stretch the game out and to give the Swiss defenders different problems to defend against. If the likes of Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden can make these forward runs then England might cause Switzerland real problems.The Swiss drop back into an organised defensive unit which has proved very hard to break downIf England are going to come out of this game with a win then it will be important that they release runners aggressively to look to disrupt and break down the defensive organisation from the Swiss.READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionEngland have not impressed so far in this tournament but they have still put themselves in a position where they are only two wins away from the final. England have the talent to overcome the Swiss in this game but they need to play as a more organised team. More

IT’S EURO 2024 quarter-final time – and ‘Robotinho’ has predicted which four nations will make the semis.That’s right, not Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, but a supercomputer from Australia.Harry Kane is hoping to fire England past Switzerland on SaturdayCredit: GettyJamal Musiala’s Germany get the quarters underway against Spain todayCredit: RexEuro 2024 hosts Germany take on Spain in a mouthwatering quarter-final this afternoon to get the action underway.That is followed tonight by another bumper showdown between Portugal and France as Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe go head-to-head.While most will be tuning in to those two today, all eyes in England will be on our own date with destiny tomorrow.The Three Lions face Switzerland in their last-eight encounter at 5pm.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd by the end of the day they will know exactly who stands between them and a second-straight Euro final.England will face the winners of Netherlands vs Turkey in the semi on Wednesday.While some have concerns over the form of Gareth Southgate’s side, confidence is still high that he can lead them to a third semi-final.But what does the supercomputer think?Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHere AI expert Robontinho has gone through and crunched all of the data.And it has produced its predictions for who will emerge victorious over the next two days:England’s WAGs: The Real Stars of Euro 2024 SPAIN VS GERMANYPrediction: 2-1It looks set to be heartbreak for the German hosts.The free-scoring Spanish have easily been the most-entertaining side to watch so far.And Robotinho expects them to be celebrating again with a fifth-straight win at the tournament.PORTUGAL VS FRANCEPrediction: 1-2It looks set to be more tears in store for Ronaldo when Portugal play later.Even though Mbappe has struggled with his broken nose, the stuttering French are tipped to march on with a narrow victory.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.ENGLAND VS SWITZERLANDPrediction: 1-0Despite their attacking powers failing to sparkle so far, defensively England have looked solid defensively.Also, they have shown an ability to grind out results, which they are predicted to do again tomorrow with a one-goal win.READ MORE SUN STORIESNETHERLANDS VS TURKEYPrediction: 2-1Turkey are missing two key men in Orkun Kokcu and Ismail Yuksek and that will scupper their plans to break down the Dutch’s organised play.And with Cody Gakpo top scorer in attack, it is the Netherlands that are tipped to go through. More

LIONEL MESSI’S difficult Copa America continued last night as he fluffed a Panenka penalty against Ecuador.Messi, 37, has been nursing a thigh complaint throughout the tournament which forced him to miss Argentina’s final group stage game against Peru.Lionel Messi’s panenka hit the barCredit: Premier SportsMessi was devastated after his missCredit: Premier SportsHe was consoled by the Ecuador keeperCredit: Premier SportsMessi has failed to score so far, with Inter’s Lautaro Martinez instead proving to Argentina’s main man with four goals in the group stage.And the Inter Miami star endured another tough game against Ecuador in the quarter-final.Argentina led for most of the game after another Martinez, Manchester United’s Lisandro, opened the scoring in the 35th minute.Former West Ham and Everton striker Enner Valencia hit the post with a penalty for Ecuador in the second half.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut Kevin Rodriguez finally found the net for the Ecuadorians in added time to send the game to a shootout.And up stepped Messi for the first kick looking to get Argentina off to a flying.However, the former Barcelona and PSG superstar was left with his head in his hands in disbelief after his attempted Panenka floated into the crossbar.Fortunately for Messi, he was saved my his team-mates.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMartinez showed again that he is one of the best in the world at stopping penaltiesCredit: GettyRonaldo broke down in tears after his penalty miss against SloveniaCredit: GettyIn particular Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez, who saved the following two Ecuador spot-kicks.He has a remarkable record of saving from the spot for Argentina, saving 12 of the 24 penalties he has faced for his country, including in the 2022 World Cup final against France.Why Cristiano Ronaldo cried at Euro 2024England’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.”Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolas Otamendi all netted for the reign world champions as they won 4-2 on penalties.They will face either Venezuela and Canada in the semis next week.Messi, like Cristiano Ronaldo, has managed one assist so far in their respective international tournaments.Both have looked their age to some extent with their team-mates stepping up to get them through their knockout fixtures.In response to Messi’s attempted Panenka, one fan on X wrote: “It’s simply not Lionel Messi’s tournament so far. He arrived with discomfort and he played this game again with discomfort.”He took Argentina by the hand in their last 2 tournaments and now his team takes him by the hand, that’s the beauty of this sport.”How 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.Another wrote: “Previous Argentina squad would have failed him but this set is unique.”A third said: “Never seen these excuses for Ronaldo. But the greatest do it regardless of their circumstances 🤷‍♂️”Ronaldo memorably broke down in tears during Portugal’s last game against Slovenia.READ MORE SUN STORIESLike Argentina, the Portuguese needed penalties to advance past their opponents.Portugal take on France in the Euros quarter-finals at 8pm on Thursday. More

FOOTBALL pundits have made some big calls after predicting England’s starting XI to face Switzerland on Saturday.Gary Neville, Harry Redknapp, Jurgen Klinsmann and Alan Shearer are among eight experts to have selected some bold line-ups as the Three Lions prepare for tomorrow’s Euros quarter-final.Pundits have urged Gareth Southgate to make big changes for England’s game with SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersSome big calls have been made as the pundits selected their starting XIsCredit: GettyGareth Southgate’s men have been off the pace so far this summer, scraping past Slovakia in the last-16 thanks to Jude Bellingham’s late equaliser and Harry Kane’s extra-time winner.And reports claim the England boss will switch to a five-man defence to match Switzerland.It could see the likes of Ezri Konsa get a first start following Marc Guehi’s suspension.While Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ivan Toney will be hoping to feature again.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the above quartet of pundits have all opted to stick with a four-man defence.And there are some bold selection choices, with Neville arguably boasting the most radical of all.He has urged Southgate to keep faith with the current 4-2-3-1 system, with Konsa replacing Guehi alongside John Stones.However, Neville wants a major change at full-back, suggesting Kyle Walker is moved to the left with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHe also feels Kobbie Mainoo should retain his place in midfield alongside Declan Rice, with Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford also automatic choices.But Neville believes Southgate must DROP Phil Foden from the side.Luke Littler tells Gareth Southgate to ‘pick what the fans want’ as darts star explains how England can beat Switzerland He doesn’t seem room for the Man City star with Jude Bellingham filling the No10 slot.And Neville feels England are best served by deploying Anthony Gordon on the left wing.Yet he also wants Cole Palmer in as well, insisting the Chelsea man should replace Bukayo Saka on the right.Meanwhile, SunSport Euros columnist Redknapp also wants England to keep their 4-2-3-1 shape.And he reckons Luke Shaw must start at left-back despite only just recovering from injury.Redknapp also wants to see Bellingham deployed as a No8 alongside Rice, allowing Foden to come in as the No10.He is eager to see Palmer start too, and feels the Chelsea man deserves to get the nod on the left.That would allow him to drift inside with Shaw providing the width that has so far been missing from England’s left flank.Fellow SunSport columnist Klinsmann has gone for an even bolder look, advising Southgate to drop his possession tactics and summon the spirits of England teams past with a 4-4-2 system.The German legend is happy keeping Trippier at left-back, with Foden and Saka either side of Rice and Bellingham in midfield.But Klinsmann reckons Ivan Toney deserves a start following his brilliant impact against Slovakia.The Brentford star’s strength and aerial dominance changed the flow of the game while allowing Kane to stay further forward.And Klinsmann feels England are best served by having the target man in from the start.Elsewhere, Shearer would like to see a 4-3-3 system with Bellingham and Mainoo playing as No8s either side of Rice.Like Neville, he also wants to see Palmer and Gordon start, meaning there’s no room for Saka or Foden.Meanwhile, former England star Ashley Young also wants a 4-3-3 with Foden coming in as a No8 alongside Bellingham, with Gordon moving to the left wing.He also feels Mainoo deserves to start, which would see Arsenal star man Rice dropped from the side.Another ex-Three Lions star, Stuart Pearce, believes 5-2-3 is the way to go though.He wants Saka at right wing-back and Alexander-Arnold on the left, allowing Foden and Bellingham to play off Kane.Elsewhere, talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy also wants the same shape and personnel but would prefer Saka and Alexander-Arnold on opposite flanks.READ MORE SUN STORIESFinally, former England star Chris Waddle has called for a radical back four featuring Walker at centre-back, Alexander-Arnold on the right and Saka on the left.That would see Palmer move into right wing, with the rest of the team staying the same.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.” More