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      Jude Bellingham felt like Cristiano Ronaldo when he scored against Slovakia and singles out ‘humble’ England team-mate

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM revealed he felt like Cristiano Ronaldo when firing home his instantly-iconic overhead kick against Slovakia.But when watching it back he realised his effort was not quite as acrobatic as the Portuguese legend famously pulled off for Real Madrid in the Champions League in 2018.England superstar Jude Bellingham scored a wondergoal against SlovakiaCredit: GettyBellingham felt like Cristiano Ronaldo after his overhead kick against Juventus in 2018Credit: Getty Images – GettyBellingham praised England team-mate Marc Guehi for his assist against SlovakiaCredit: RexEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYRonaldo’s effort back then against Juventus saw him jump six feet in the air and is widely regarded as one of greatest bicycle kicks this century.Talking through his own wonderstrike on the FA’s Diary Room show, current Real icon Bellingham said: “It was really instinct more than anything, it kind of fell in the perfect spot, it was a little bit behind me.“When I was in the air, I thought, ‘My God, I’m like, six feet off the ground, and it’s like, Ronaldo’, but I watched it back and I’ve still got one arm on the floor, so it wasn’t the most acrobatic!”Bellingham was spotted on Tuesday with his family at a restaurant in Erfurt, about half an hour from England’s camp in Blankenhain, eastern Germany.Read More on FootballThe players were given a day off to relax with their families by boss Gareth Southgate.Some of the squad, including Kyle Walker, Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer, watched a short game between the England media team, who were managed by Kieran Trippier, and the press.Bellingham’s brilliant goal against Slovakia came from Walker’s long throw, which was flicked on by Marc Guehi.Guehi, who is suspended for Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland, went in for a handshake at full-time with Bellingham, who was having none of that and hugged the Crystal Palace defender in appreciation.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Real Madrid megastar praised Guehi – or “gave him his flowers”, as Bellingham put it – for his crucial role during the tournament.The 21-year-ol added: “Marc probably made the best flick-on header in England history, and he’ll never take any credit for it, but it’s important he knows how appreciative I am and the team is for his contribution.Jude Bellingham takes selfies with fans as England star prepares for Switzerland clash”He’s the most humble geezer, he thought I’d let him get away with a little handshake [at full-time] but he’s just set up the most important goal of my life.”I’m really big on giving people their flowers, especially when they’ve been as good as he has so far this tournament.”He’s only a little bit older than me, but when you speak to him or are around him, you get the idea that he’s like 40 and played three careers!”He’s such a nice guy, you forget about his physical presence and playing against him. Whenever I see him going for headers, I think it’s nice-guy Marc and then boom, it’s not-so-nice Marc!”He’s a brilliant guy, uncle Marc!”Bellingham led England to a comeback victory over Slovakia at Euro 2024Jude 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.” More

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      Shocking moment ex-Man Utd ace Sabitzer falls to ground after he is struck in face by object in Austria’s loss to Turkey

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      MARCEL SABITZER fell to the floor after a coin struck his face during Austria’s 2-1 shock defeat to Turkey.The former Manchester United star had several items thrown in his direction as he went over to take a corner kick in front of a section of Turkey supporters.Marcel Sabitzer fell to the floor after he was struck by an object during Austria’s defeat to TurkeyThe ex-Man Utd star repeatedly had items thrown in his direction by Turkey fansThe Austrian captain was preparing to take a corner kickAustria were battling to make a comeback against Turkey to win the last 16 clashTurkey managed to beat Austria 2-1 to secure their spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finalsAustria failed to make their first ever quarter-final after a crushing loss against in Leipzig on Tuesday night.And for Sabitzer it was even worse after he had cups tossed at him during the clash.He was then felled after a smaller item appeared to hit the midfielder as he prepared to take a corner.A number of Turkey players went over to the Austria captain before telling the crowd to stop.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Piles of cups were spotted being cleared off the pitch during the second half of the last 16 clash.Sabitzer, who now stars for Borussia Dortmund, spent last season on loan at United while he was at Bayern Munich.The abuse he suffered is just one of a number of incidents of crowd trouble at the Euros this summer, with Uefa handing out nearly £1m in fines.Turkey fans were involved in a pre-match brawl with Georgia before the group game in Dortmund.Most read in Euro 2024The Scottish Football Association, meanwhile, was fined £7,640 for two incidents of fans “throwing objects” earlier in the competition.Turkey will head into the quarter-final against the Netherlands on Saturday.Shocking moment stewards punch and kick fan during Portugal’s Euro 2024 win over SloveniaA double strike from defender Merih Demiral – and a wonder save from keeper Mert Gunok – was enough to see Vincenzo Montella’s side reach the last eight at a major tournament for the first time in 16 years.Demiral’s first goal after one minute was the fastest-ever strike in a last-16 clash at the Euros.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      How Switzerland plan to exploit England’s ‘weaknesses’ in Euro 2024 quarter-finals after upsetting Italians

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      ENGLAND have been warned by Swiss boss Murat Yakin: We rattled the Germans and the Italians – and now we’re coming for youThe Three Lions take on Switzerland in their Euros quarter-final on Saturday in Dusseldorf – having avoided an embarrassing last-16 defeat to Slovakia with a 95th-minute equaliser and extra-time winner.Switzerland are ready to upset EnglandCredit: RexManager Gareth Southgate has been heavily criticised for his side’s woeful form, while Yakin’s Swiss group are on cloud nine after their superb 2-0 win over the Italians to reach the quarters.Switzerland also came close to beating hosts Germany and nicking a group stage top spot but for Niclas Fullkrug’s injury time equaliser.And Yakin said: “We played well against Germany and were good against Italy, another big team, so why can’t we beat England? It’s a good challenge.“My team is ready to fight against England. We know their strengths, and we also know their weaknesses.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“We saw that playing against certain teams in the groups is difficult, with a big block in the defence, and we also had problems with this.“When you see the squad from England and the squad of my team, the value of England is much bigger than our team, but we have an opponent who wants to play and that’s good.“We are in a good situation. We have played well and have good results. We have a good spirit in the team.”However, Yakin understands that England are capable are clicking into gear at the right time after a poor tournament so far – especially with their star-studded squad.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYYakin continued: “They have big players. The expectation is great and they need this tournament.“You see someone like Jude Bellingham and you see a guy who has won a Champions League, but we have to focus on all their players because they can make a difference.The Sun’s Martin Lipton on Jude Bellingham’s potential ban as UEFA investigate gesture vs SlovakiaSwiss 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”.England are struggling for formCredit: Getty More

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      Southgate must trust his gut and make bold formation change if he needs to – defeat to the Swiss is not acceptable

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      IT might be time for England to try something different at these Euros.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.Gareth Southgate watches on during England’s nervy clash with SlovakiaCredit: AlamyI 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.READ MORE ON EURO 2024England are facing the best Swiss team of all time on Saturday.They will be difficult opponents and this is certain to be another real drama, perhaps as dramatic as Sunday’s emotional rollercoaster against the Slovaks.I understand there can be snobbery about playing a 4-4-2 but sometimes you have to do something different. And I liked the look of Toney when he came on against Slovakia.The 4-2-3-1 has now become the standard formation — since Spain who won three tournaments in a row in 2008, 2010 and 2012.Most read in Euro 2024Most clubs and countries have adopted it but what if it’s not working? You always have to have an open mind. If you change formation and it doesn’t work, you can switch back.I lived my whole career as a striker playing in a 4-4-2 system. For instance, when I played up front with Teddy Sheringham at Spurs, I was the happiest man in the world having my mate next to me.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHarry Kane reveals genius tactic England worked on before Slovakia that helped pull off epic Euro 2024 comebackFor a real No 9 like Harry Kane to have a strike partner takes a lot of the physical work away. It is a great freedom to have.It can still be a fantastic system — two hard-working frontmen like Kane and Toney can be a real threat to the opposition.Toney is a menace in the air he can bring a different dynamic to the team.Gareth said Toney “had the hump” with him for bringing him on so late in injury time against Slovakia but he set up Kane’s winner with an excellent guided header and he looked a handful.Giving him his first involvement in injury time was a test. You don’t know whether he can cope with it until you try it — but Toney coped well.The best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.Like a lot of people, I was surprised Gareth didn’t make substitutions earlier against Slovakia although, as the boss, you have more knowledge than anyone about your squad.If you stick to your starting XI and are 1,000 per cent convinced they will turn it around, that’s fine.But if there is one doubt in you, then that’s what you’re the national team manager for. You have got to make a switch, because what happens right now is not coming back again.Every game is a final now and you will regret it if you have a gut feeling to bring on Toney or Cole Palmer or whoever and you don’t act decisively.Harry Kane applauds after England’s comeback win against SlovakiaCredit: AlamyGareth Southgate brings on Ivan Toney for the final few minutes against SlovakiaCredit: GettyYou can’t have too much respect for those you started.This is what you live for, to make those decisions and Gareth is very capable of doing so — he brought off his front three against Denmarkand he replaced Conor Gallagher at half-time against Slovenia.Personally, I don’t like being able to use five subs. It was a rule brought in during Covid and I think we should go back to three. Being able to change half the team is too much and it usually disrupts the flow of a game.The Slovakia match was crazy. England were seconds away from elimination, then a couple of minutes later they were 2-1 up and into the quarter-finals.Their big players — Jude Bellingham and Kane — stepped up. England didn’t play well but they didn’t stop believing, they didn’t stop working.Germany, France and Portugal have all suffered similarly to get into the last eight. Even Spain in the first half against Georgia.People underestimate how difficult it can be to break down teams who park the bus. Especially if you go a goal down as England did.Moments like Bellingham’s equaliser can give some players extra energy for the rest of the tournament, others will be drained by the drama.Gareth will be monitoring who sucks it up in a positive way and who sucks it up in a negative way.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.Based on what you see from breakfast until late at night, the manager will make his decisions on the team selection for Switzerland.You have to have the courage to make those decisions even if they could hurt one or two big names.You have 56 million managers back home who all want you to make different decisions.You cannot allow yourself to be distracted by any of them. The team which starts the tournament will never be the team that ends it, should you make it all the way.It always depends on who pushes through mentally and physically — and who pushes the team through in difficult moments, like when you are booed off at half-time?Switzerland are going to be very tough opponents.Over the past couple of years they have developed into a special side.They have great chemistry, they have forward players with the quality to hurt you and in Granit Xhaka, a midfielder who was so important in Bayer Leverkusen’s incredible unbeaten title season. For me, he was the Bundesliga’s player of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESI think England need to surprise the Swiss, to try something different.And that just might be a good old-fashioned 4-4-2. More

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      Train passenger appears to accidentally watch stream of someone playing England vs Slovakia on Fifa instead of real game

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      WE’VE all had to put up with England’s rather dire performances at Euro 2024 – but one train passenger tried to tune in on his journey.But the footie fan hoping to watch England’s 2-1 victory over Slovakia couldn’t tell the difference between gameplay from Fifa and the real thing.A train passenger was streaming a FIFA game opposed to the real England matchThe passenger tried to tune into the match via stream and appeared to find exactly what they were after.However, upon closer inspection, it turned out the footage was actually low-resolution tape from the popular computer game Fifa.The England fan’s hilarious blunder was caught by another passenger who was sitting directly behind.The video has already racked up more than five million views.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSThe fake videos can generate huge revenue for the channel owner.Vietnamese outlet VNExpress previously revealed such tricks had been common since the Qatar World Cup in 2022.The train passenger was one unfortunate victim of the scam when he or she found the YouTube video that seemingly showed the England vs Slovakia game.But the real game was hardly any more exciting.Most read in FootbalBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe real England team offered 95 minutes of shambolic football and looked to be heading home from Germany in embarrassment.But Gareth Southgate’s men somehow muddled through to a quarter-final tie against a solid Switzerland side.Watch fuming England fans storm out of Slovakia game early and launch X-rated rant at Southgate BEFORE epic comebackJude Bellingham’s brilliant bicycle kick equaliser in the final minute of injury time forced extra time.And Harry Kane’s header – assisted by Ivan Toney – then put the Three Lions in front just 53 seconds after the restart.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. More

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      Austria 1 Turkey 2: Demiral’s double and ‘Banks’ save dump Rangnick’s red-hot side out as Turks reach Euros quarters

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      IT was the greatest international save since Gordon Banks denied Pele 54 YEARS ago.Gravity-defying brilliance by Mert Gunok to ensure Leipzig remained a suburb of Istanbul — with Austria boss Ralf Rangnick admitting: “It’s difficult when they have Gordon Banks in goal. It was a remarkable save.”Mert Gunok’s stunning save denied Austria the chance to take the game to extra timeCredit: RexEngland legend Gordon Banks’ infamous save to stop Pele’s effort 54 years ago is considered to be one of the greatest everCredit: Allsport – GettyMerih Demiral scored twice to see Turkey through to the quarter-finalsCredit: GettyThe Turkish star scored the fastest-ever goal in a last-16 clash at the EurosCredit: GettyDemiral second goal sealed the deal for TurkeyCredit: GettyThere were just seconds left, with Turkey hanging on for grim death. Austria floated the ball to the far post and it was met with power and downward precision by Christoph Baumgartner. Every single person in the Red Bull Arena was waiting for the net to ripple. Yet somehow, some way, as the ball bounced almost past him, 35-year-old Besiktas keeper Gunok flung out a huge hand to turn it behind — just like Banks at the 1970 World Cup.On a night which looked set to be all about 19-year-old sensation Arda Guler — who had a hand in both goals for Merih Demiral — the name on the world’s lips ended up being Gunok.READ MORE IN EURO 2024Al-Ahli defender Demiral, 26 said: “Mert made a truly magnificent save, the best I have ever seen. After he put it behind me, I went up to Mert and asked him, ‘How did you save that?’“We are so proud to be here for our country. The fans created an incredible atmosphere for us and we responded.“We experienced incredible moments thanks to our supporters.“I may have been named man of the match but this one is for the team, for every one of us.“I am very happy and very proud. We have done something special.”Most read in Euro 2024Demiral’s double ensured Turkey will now face Holland in Berlin on Saturday night, as Gunok’s inconceivable athleticism ensured Michael Gregoritsch’s close-range finish was only a consolation.Shocking moment ex-Man Utd ace Sabitzer falls to ground after he is struck in face by object in Austria’s loss to TurkeyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTurkey coach Vincenzo Montella said: “It was a spectacular save and I’m happy for him, the team and the country, the group we have created here and what we produced on the pitch.“Well done to Mert. That’s his job and we’re very happy he made a match-winning save in the final seconds.”Hero Gunok added: “We still have a long way to go. If it’s God’s will we will go to the very end. We believe this.“This win took us to the next level in terms of morale and confidence.“I thank everyone who supported us, I thank our fans, people and citizens who continued to support us and prayed for us.”While this was an evening in which Guler showed Jude Bellingham is not the only Real Madrid kid who we should be discussing, Gunok, even more than Demiral, was the real hero.Gunok’s save was the fitting climax to a match that thrilled from the start.In an atmosphere transferred from the Bosphorus, Turkey went in front after just 57 SECONDS.Guler’s inswinging corner caused chaos, with Baumgartner smacking a clearance against team-mate Stefan Posch.Keeper Patrick Pentz clawed the rebound off the line but Demiral thrashed into the roof of the net before running to the corner to leap up, then sinking to his knees in a mixture of delirium and disbelief.Austria, though, were twice so close to a rapid leveller.First Baumgartner was a fraction wide of the far upright from 20 yards as he shot back across goal.Then more defensive befuddlement as Romano Schmid’s corner rolled along the goal line, eluding everybody, with Demiral somehow preventing Baumgartner from making amends.It was frantic and fabulous fun with Austria controlling possession but always susceptible as the Turks broke in numbers.Rangnick needed more from Marko Arnautovic, and his two interval changes saw Gregoritsch join the ex-Stoke and West Ham striker up top.Suddenly, it was ALL Austria.Gregoritsch had two close efforts within a couple of minutes before Arnautovic failed to squeeze the ball in.Austria were now pouring forward, Konrad Laimer scuffing past the post.But it was Turkey who struck just before the hour mark — Demiral rising once again, his touch only ever ending in the back of the Austrian net.Austria looked dead and buried but when Marcel Sabitzer’s corner was flicked on by Posch for Gregoritsch to side-foot home they had life.Turkey, stretched to near breaking point and dropping to the edge of their box, held on, Gunok breaking Austrian hearts with seconds left as he denied Baumgartner’s header with a truly stunning stop.Ex-Manchester United boss Rangnick added: “I can’t believe we’re going home. We thought we would be getting ready for the next game.“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.READ MORE SUN STORIES“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.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAustria’s Michael Gregoritsch kept the game alive with a goal in the 66th minuteCredit: GettyGregoritsch’s strike was not enough to see Austria through to the quarter-finalsCredit: Reuters More

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      Shocking moment fan is punched and kicked by group of stewards during Portugal’s Euro 2024 win over Slovenia

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      SHOCKING footage has emerged of a football fan being brutally punched and kicked by Euro 2024 stewards. The footage was taken from Portugal’s last 16 match against Slovenia in Frankfurt on Monday night. Shock footage shows a football fan being brutally punched and kicked by Euro 2024 stewardsThe footage was taken from Portugal’s last 16 match against Slovenia in FrankfurtIt is believed to have been when Portugal were awarded a late penaltyCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe fan is pummelled with blows by a group of security even while he is on the floorAnd it is believed to have been when Portugal were awarded a late penalty – which Cristiano Ronaldo went on to miss. The horror clip shows one fan being detained on the floor by a security guard. But meanwhile another is being pummelled with blows by a group of security – even while he is on the floor. Ronaldo was left in floods of tears after his spot-kick was saved by Slovenia stopper Jan Oblak. READ MORE ON EURO 2024But he got redemption in the subsequent penalty shootout when he scored past Oblak to send Portugal on their way.Ronaldo’s team-mate Diogo Costa was his shootout saviour as he stopped a European Championship record three penalties to send Portugal through. The Manchester United legend – who lifted the trophy in 2016 – is playing his last Euros this year. And after progressing into the quarter-finals, he said: “Even the strongest people have their [bad] days. Most read in Euro 2024“I was at rock bottom when the team needed me most. I was sad at first but now I’m happy. That’s what football is. Moments, inexplicable moments.”Ronaldo, 39, added: “When I think of my family, I feel emotional because they are unique moments that I cannot express in words.Why Cristiano Ronaldo cried at Euro 2024″They are people I love, the fans who are always with us and especially with me, and I am very happy about that.“I hadn’t missed a penalty kick all year. I missed it, but the most important thing is that the team won. “I lost twice on penalties this season and won the third time. We deserved to qualify.“I will always give my best for this shirt, whether I fail or not, but you have to take responsibility when the team has to. “I have never been afraid to face things head on. Sometimes I do things right, sometimes I don’t, but giving up is something you will never hear from me.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Watch as Laura Woods is surprised on set by ITV staff in heartwarming moment for her birthday

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      LAURA WOODS was surprised on set by ITV staff with a birthday cake. The presenter was celebrating her big day while on duty in Germany for Euro 2024. Laura Woods was surprised on set by ITV staff with a birthday cakeWoods was celebrating her 37th birthdayIn heartwarming footage shared by ITV, Woods, now 37, thanks her colleagues before blowing out the candles. Fans rushed to the comment section as one said: “Happy birthday to an amazing trail blazing woman! Big love.”Another added: “Happy birthday Woodsy.”One joked: “Working on your birthday? Shocking.”READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSWoods had been separated from her former Love Island star Adam Collard while out working the Euros. But the couple reunited when the TV host returned back to the UK. EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWoods again had to go back to Germany as the knockout stages commenced but Collard paid tribute with a birthday Instagram post. He shared ten snaps of the loved-up pair on dates and captioned his post: “Happy birthday you rockstar x.”Most read in FootballThe former Love Island contestant began dating Woods in September and they made things official soon after.And he was actually in Berlin with Woods on her birthday, revealing a behind the scenes look at ITV’s studio set up. Adam Collard was in Berlin with WoodsCollard shared loved-up snaps on Woods’ birthdayCredit: InstagramThe couple pose for the cameraCredit: InstagramCollard shared several holiday snapsCredit: InstagramThe two looked smitten togetherCredit: InstagramWoods holds Collard by the face in a loved-up pictureCredit: InstagramEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More