Euro 2024

DECLAN RICE went “full Ben Stokes” as he bowled out Harry Kane playing cricket during England training on Wednesday.The Three Lions are preparing to stump Switzerland in the last-eight of Euro 2024 on Saturday.Declan Rice showed he is a true all-rounder at England trainingCredit: X @EnglandHe enjoyed a spot of cricket with his captainCredit: X @EnglandRice bowled Kane straight outCredit: X @EnglandHe then celebrated wildly with Aaron Ramsdale after getting Kane outCredit: X @EnglandA brilliant bicycle kick by Jude Bellingham – or should that be Baillingham? – rescued them from elimination at the death against Slovakia on Sunday before Harry Kane’s winner in extra-time.Boss Gareth Southgate faces an anxious wait to see whether talisman Bellingham, 21, will be available against the Swiss.That is after Uefa opened an investigation into the England man’s crotch-grabbing goal celebration.They may only discover his fate hours before taking on the Swiss in Dusseldorf.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But while they nervously wait for that news, it was all laughs elsewhere as midfielder Rice, 25, and captain Kane, 30, swapped their boots for a bat and ball at training.And the Arsenal ace showed that his delivery just just as good with a cricket ball as it is with a football.Rice’s medium-pacer left Kane swinging at air as he got the Bayern Munich ace before the all-rounder raced off to celebrate with keeper Aaron Ramsdale.England’s official account posted the clip on X and tagged in the country’s Test cricket captain Ben Stokes, 33.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd it did not take long for the comments to come flooding in.One fan asked: “What can’t you play, Dec?”BREAKING: Watch moment Declan Rice held back by Aaron Ramsdale as heated scenes unfold after England survive Euro 2024 scareAnother wrote: “That’s Jimmy Anderson’s replacement sorted @englandcricket.”Another said he had gone “full Ben Stokes” while a fourth called him the “perfect all rounder”.Meanwhile, Ramsdale had to pull back his Gunners team-mate from Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona after the whistle on Sunday.Calzona had stormed onto the pitch in a bid to speak to referee Umut Meler at the end of extra-time.However, as he approached the official, Rice could be seen gesturing to Calzona not to bother.England ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time.The Slovakia boss responded by pushing Rice, before another member of the coaching team shoved the England man away.A furious Rice then had to be held back by Ramsdale as his team-mates diffused the situation.Calzona was later asked about the incident during his post-match interview.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe told reporters: “Rice was supposed to go to the referees and leave.”I had to speak to the refs and he wasn’t leaving, he carried on. But then he apologised and it was all fine.” More

JUDE BELLINGHAM may not know until Friday if he will be cleared to play in England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland.Uefa launched a probe into Bellingham’s crotch-grabbing goal celebration 24 hours after the comeback win over Slovakia that kept the Three Lions’ Euro dream alive.Uefa are investigating the crotch-grabbing celebration from Jude BellinghamCredit: APThe star won’t discover his fate until just hours before the Switzerland gameCredit: RexThat cast a cloud over the England camp at their Erfurt base.While Uefa has refused to make any comment, it is understood that Nyon chiefs contacted Bellingham through the FA on Tuesday.They are believed to have given Wembley bosses and Bellingham a three day period to provide a response.That will take the matter up to the eve of the showdown in Dusseldorf.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The Slovakian FA have also been contacted for their observations about the incident.Bellingham has defended his celebration as “an inside joke” and denied making fun of plucky Slovakia.Bellingham went onto social media to describe it as: “An inside joke towards some close friends who were at the game.“Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt has been noticed that Bellingham has previously made a similar gesture after big goals for Real Madrid this season.And that came without any punishment from the Spanish FA.The Sun’s Martin Lipton on Jude Bellingham’s potential ban as UEFA investigate gesture vs SlovakiaThe likely proximity of the conclusion of the investigation until so close to the game against the Swiss has raised hopes from fans that the case will be parked until after the last eight game.But working on a similar timetable, Uefa banned Albania’s Mirlind Daku from their final group game against Spain just 24 hours before the match.Jude Bellingham is like David Beckham – Emile HeskeyEXCLUSIVE by Tom Barclay in ErfurtEMILE HESKEY witnessed up close the David Beckham phenomenon.And in current England hero Jude Bellingham, the former striker sees a kindred spirit to Goldenballs who too possesses a power to transcend football.Ex-Leicester and Liverpool forward Heskey played with Beckham for many years for the national team.They competed together at Euro 2000 in Belgium and the Netherlands, World Cup 2002 in Japan and South Korea and Euro 2004 in Portugal.Beckham mania was at its height during that period and Heskey had a front row seat to it all, so is well-placed to observe if man-of-the-moment Bellingham is following a similar path.Heskey, 46, told SunSport courtesy of 888Sport: “Beckham was an icon. He took the world by storm, not just football.“He was the very first figure that took it outside of football. Transcend not just being a footballer, but being this big icon.“I was at the 2002 World Cup and everyone was sporting Beckham haircuts, from kids to grown-men, to women.“You’re a huge superstar when you’re doing that, especially in places like Japan.“We had 3,000 watching training sessions and that was because of him.“He’s a fantastic and wonderful icon. You can see where Jude is going with that with some of the stuff he’s doing.”The similarities between Beckham and Bellingham are clear – both are trend-setting pin-up boys who revel in the limelight.First and foremost, as Heskey pointed out, is their ability on the pitch which is capable of lifting an entire team with one moment of brilliance.Beckham had it with that unforgettable, last-gasp free-kick against Greece in 2001.Bellingham had his three days ago in Gelsenkirchen with THAT overhead kick against Slovakia.Heskey was captained many times by Beckham for England. He recalled: “Becks was quite quiet to be honest.“He was a fantastic captain because he led by example. You can see that in Jude.“He’s the one that really wants to take the game by the scruff of the neck, whether it be technically, physically or emotionally.“He’s the one getting the crowd going, he’s the one that is willing to put his foot in where it hurts. He’s a great all-round leader.“Becks was that. He was fantastic as a captain for me in the sense of what a captain does. He was the first one there, he led us by example. If there were any problems, he’s the one we can go to and he sorted all that out.“You can see the similar sort of traits in Jude. A wonderful, wonderful player, a great character who is doing tremendous things on the pitch.”Heskey is confident his fellow former Birmingham man Bellingham will be able to handle the ever-brightening spotlight that is on him, thanks to the strength of his support network.And Michael Owen’s old strike partner has been so impressed with how the Real Madrid midfielder speaks publicly despite only turning 21 on Saturday.Heskey added: “Jude’s family nucleus is very strong.“His dad is an ex-footballer, a policeman as well. His mother is a role model in the sense of being his mum. You see how strong they are as a family.“That’s when you’re getting a real grounded and well-versed child who is growing into an amazing man. I think he’ll be able to handle all that.“Football clubs have all these different ways of helping players with certain things that are going on, even down to media training.“I doubt Becks would have had any media training. I never had any media training, so you get thrust into that.“But when you look at the likes of Jude, you see how well they talk on the mic and the television.”England are still sweating on if Bellingham will escape a ban for Saturday’s quarter-final with Switzerland.Uefa are investigating a “potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct” after he made what seemed to be a crude gesture when celebrating his amazing leveller against the Slovaks.Heskey admits missing Bellingham in Dusseldorf would be a huge blow, but pointed to how back-up players led England to glory the last time we won a major trophy in 1966.The ex-Aston Villa and Wigan forward added: “Hopefully we don’t lose him.“Then again it’s then for others, having the opportunity that they might not have had, to step up to the plate.“We’ve seen it so many times. Even when talking about the last time we won a trophy, I believe that Jimmy Greaves was the one who was supposed to be playing.“Then you have an injury or a setback and you’ve got to step up to the plate. And the rest is history.”That was after he picked up a megaphone to incite supporters with a provocative chant at the end of the draw with Croatia.It means Gareth Southgate, Bellingham and the rest of the England squad will face an anxious three days.And they could only discover if the star is available shortly before they make the trip to Dusseldorf for the pre-match press conference on Friday. More

UEFA have launched an investigation into alleged “inappropriate behaviour” by Turkey’s Merih Demiral.Demiral was his nation’s hero as he netted two goals in their 2-1 win over Austria to book them a spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.Merih Demiral’s celebration has been placed under investigation by UefaCredit: GettyThe gesture allegedly relates to the far-right extremist group, the Grey WolvesCredit: RexDemiral could now be handed a suspension by UefaCredit: RexBut the 26-year-old’s celebration, in which he raised the index and little finger of each hand above his head, has prompted an investigation by Uefa.And it means he could face a potential suspension for the quarter-final.It comes after Demiral appeared to perform a “Wolf’s Salute”, a gesture associated with the Grey Wolves group, a far-right extremist group in Turkey.The gesture caused outrage among Austrian fans as it is BANNED in that country and France – although not in Germany – as an act supporting terrorism.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA Uefa statement said: “Match: 2024 UEFA EURO Round of 16 match between Austria and Türkiye played on 2 July 2024 in Leipzig, Germany.‌”In relation to the 2024 UEFA European Championship Round of 16 match between Austria and Türkiye played on 2 July 2024 in Leipzig, Germany, an investigation has been opened in accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations in relation to the alleged inappropriate behaviour of the Turkish Football Federation player, Merih Demiral.”The Grey Wolves, officially called Ulku Ocaklari, is the youth movement of the Nationalist Movement Party which is in coalition with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party.The paramilitary group have been accused of murders of minority Kurds, Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians.Most read in Euro 2024Supporters of the group are considered extremists by Germany’s Constitutional Protection Agency, as well as the European Union and United States of America.Performing the gesture can result in a fine of up to €4,000 (£3,390).Shocking moment ex-Man Utd ace Sabitzer falls to ground after he is struck in face by object in Austria’s loss to TurkeyAl-Ahli star Demiral explained why he performed the gesture after when questioned after the match.He said: “I had a specific celebration in mind, something connected to my Turkish identity. I am incredibly proud to be Turkish, and I felt that pride deeply after scoring.Why is the ‘Wolf’s Salute’ gesture bannedThe gesture is associated to the Turkish far-right extremist group, the Grey Wolves. The Grey Wolves, officially called Ulku Ocaklari, is the youth movement of the Nationalist Movement Party which is in coalition with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party.The paramilitary group have been accused of murders of minority Kurds, Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians.Supporters of the group are considered extremists by Germany’s Constitutional Protection Agency, as well as the European Union and United States of America.The gesture is banned in Austria and France, but not Germany.”I wanted to express that, and I’m very happy I did. Our fans are proud of us. I saw them doing the gesture in the stands, and it made me want to do it even more. I am very happy.”Demiral also posted a picture of his celebration with the slogan “How happy is the one who says I am a Turk!”That was originally said by Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, but has taken on a more sinister meaning since being appropriated by right-wing and nationalist extremists.Uefa have also recently launched an investigation into England star Jude Bellingham for an alleged crotch-grabbing celebration he made after scoring in the Three Lions 2-1 win over Slovakia on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESA two-game ban was handed out to Albania’s megaphone man Mirlind Daku after he was found guilty of inciting supporters to chant nationalist songs that denigrated Serbia.The Serbian FA were so angry that they threatened to QUIT the tournament if Uefa did not take action, prompting a full enquiry.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

FORMER Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick appeared to take a dig at England and other top nations after revealing he’s found it “difficult to stay awake” during some Euros matches.The Austria gaffer saw his side dumped out of the tournament in yesterday’s last-16 defeat to Turkey.Ralf Rangnick took aim at some Euros teams, claiming he struggled to ‘stay awake’ at timesCredit: GettyEngland have been among the top nations putting in some dull performancesCredit: GettyRangnick’s Austria crashed out of the Euros with a 2-1 defeat to TurkeyCredit: PARangnick’s men had impressed throughout the group stage, finishing top of a group containing France and Holland while scoring six goals in the process.But Austria appeared slightly sluggish in the final third on Tuesday as they lost 2-1 to Turkey.Rangnick’s side conceded with less than a minute on the clock and also saw a last-gasp header, which looked destined to seal an equaliser, palmed away by Turkey’s keeper.It was arguably the most thrilling match of the last 16.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Rangnick, who managed United between December 2021 and May 2022, pointed out that Austria had consistently entertained throughout the tournament as others struggled to impress.The likes of England and France have both found goals hard to come by, despite being the two favourites for the tournament.While other nations like Portugal have also relied on a patient possession game, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side needing a penalty shootout to get past Slovenia on Monday.Rangnick did not target any specific nations as he played up Austria’s attacking intent while lamenting their late saved header.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut he did let slip that he had dozed off on more than one occasion while watching certain sides in action.Rangnick, who won 11 of his 29 United games, said: “I can’t believe we’re going home. We thought we would be getting ready for the next game.Watch fuming England fans storm out of Slovakia game early and launch X-rated rant at Southgate BEFORE epic comeback“If the Baumgartner header had gone in we would have won this game.“We didn’t have the luck we needed. I believe if the game had gone into extra time we would have won because they were exhausted and we had a physical advantage.“But we should be proud. All our games were super intense because of the way we played.“I’ve seen other games where it was difficult to stay awake and that was not the case with our matches.”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 More

AT Euro 2004, Switzerland Murat Yakin had the unenviable task of marking England’s explosive new teenage sensation Wayne Rooney.It did not go well. Like an unruly force of nature, 18-year-old Rooney netted twice in a 3-0 win out in Portugal to make his mark on the competition. Yakin never stood a chance.Swiss boss Murat Yakin is ready to end England’s run in GermanyCredit: GettyYakin came up against England and Wayne Rooney at Euro 2004Credit: AFPBut two decades on and Yakin is out for revenge, using those painful memories as fuel to the fire.Asked about that encounter 20 years ago, the 49-year-old coach said: “It was a crazy situation. We didn’t behave well in advance and during the tournament.“There was unrest. If you lose 3-0, it’s not pleasant. I was a player so I don’t have to explain it, that’s the coach’s job.“There were players who made the difference like Michael Owen and Paul Gascoigne…”READ MORE EUROSA local journalist is quick to correct him. Not Gazza, but Wazza. Yakin smiles: “I am not a historian”. Perhaps he has chosen to wipe any trace of Rooney from his mind.But as Yakin points out, a lot has changed with Swiss football since then. He said: “Today we practically have no background noise. You can’t compare it to that time.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“We have developed as a team and learned from our mistakes. It was worth experiencing. I can benefit from it as a player and coach.”Right now, Yakin is reaping the rewards of a stunning turnaround with the Swiss national team. Weeks before the Euros started, many were calling for him to resign.Most read in FootballIt has been a tough period for Yakin, losing his mother last Autumn while dealing with the fallout of a below par Euros qualification campaign, drawing five of their 10 group games and finishing second behind Romania.Now, he is the man of the moment. The man who is taking on the big nations with brave tactics and big ideas and more often than not coming out on top – just ask Germany and Italy.Jude Bellingham felt like Cristiano Ronaldo when he scored against Slovakia and singles out ‘humble’ England team-mateAnd even if he is yet to extend his contract beyond this summer, he is also the man who has successfully blocked out the haters and emerged victorious.He wants Southgate to do the same. The pair have developed a friendship over the years after meeting up at international manager conferences.England boss Gareth Southgate is under pressure this EurosCredit: GettyJude Bellingham and Harry Kane saved England from an embarrassing last 16 exitCredit: APYakin said: “Over the last few years, I’ve had good discussions with Gareth. I think we are on the same level. We understand each other too.“When you have great players and you can choose from a lot of players and you see the results, of course there are problems in England.“That’s why you have to concentrate on the football, nothing else. That’s the only thing we can do as coaches. I have experienced this personally over the past year too.”Yakin is sympathetic towards Southgate’s situation, and admitted that most teams would have struggled to break down Slovakia’s low block that saw England needing some late, late magic from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane to get them over the line.But do not mistake that sympathy for weakness. Whatever their relationship, Yakin is ready to end England’s Euros dream, and subsequently Southgate’s eight-year reign as boss.Yakin said: “We are excited to see what solution they will have against us. With what formation, with what system, with what strategy they play against us.“England have to take a bit of a cue from us. That makes us very dangerous, but it is up to us how we approach the rhythm. England can have an intensity if we allow them too.“They have full-backs who tend to go higher, offensively, and that makes them dangerous. Long balls, second balls, that’s the style of play we also saw against Scotland.“It can be a bit unpredictable. Random situations, you can’t train for that. You can’t predict that. One can only explain such situations. If that is the case, we simply have to be ready.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSwiss skipper Granit Xhaka is expected to start against England despite struggling with an adductor injury which required a scan on Monday.Former Arsenal midfielder Xhaka, 31, required injections to get through the Italy win and trained away from the squad yesterday, but the Swiss say his starting place is “not in danger”.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More