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      John Stones wants beers flying for the right reasons again as England star calls for return to spirit of 2018

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      JOHN STONES wants  beers flying for all the right reasons again — by bringing back the feel-good factor against Switzerland.The defender hopes a storming quarter-final win can get the pints flowing, just like when fans fell back in love with England in 2018.John Stones outlined his vision for getting supporters back onsideCredit: RexThree Lions fans would love to spray it again with quarter-final victoryCredit: EPAStones and Phil Foden hope England get to grips with SwitzerlandCredit: GettyHarry Kane and Co must reach a higher gear on SaturdayCredit: GettyBoss Gareth Southgate is keen for Jude Bellingham to produce magic for the whole game after his wonder-goal saved England against SlovakiaCredit: GettyAnd Stones feels boss Gareth Southgate is even more thirsty for success tomorrow, having  had plastic pint cups thrown at him by supporters after the goalless draw with Slovenia.The nation partied when Southgate surprisingly led us to the 2018 World Cup semis.  And Stones declared: “We’ve got to bring that back, which comes with winning, playing well and exciting the nation. We know they are behind us, that’s an incredible feeling in itself.“But to not be performing at our peak, or as good as we know that we can, is frustrating.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“We just have to try to get ourselves back to where we were — with that fluid, exciting football and creating more chances.“Which is what we all want as  players and I’m sure everyone at home and in the stands does as well.“That’s a point that I’ve made and wanted to get across to everyone.“That we have got to do better to keep improving and progressing  in this tournament.Most read in Euro 2024Fans back home in England hope for beers of joy, not tears of despairCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY“This week’s been great and I’ve seen a shift already.“Sometimes in these games — in these tournaments — to win when it  is not pretty is a positive.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesSouthgate looks deep in thought as he watches Stones and his squad-matesCredit: Reuters“I know that everyone won’t see it this way.“But to get over the line in difficult moments, when not playing well,  only leads us to improve and keep striving to play better.”England scraped past Slovakia in the last 16 with a 2-1 win but it was in the final group game against Slovenia when some supporters turned on Southgate.Manchester City star Stones, 30, said: “I have only heard about the criticism he’s been receiving.“I saw some supporters after one game throwing bottles in his direction. I am sure that will have motivated  him that bit more.“Everyone has spent time with him and knows him as a person and  how hard he and his backroom staff work.“So we definitely want to win for them, ourselves and our families  — and everyone in the nation.”England were embarrassingly facing defeat by Slovakia before Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp overhead kick, with Harry Kane grabbing an extra-time winner.And Stones believes this lucky escape could mark a huge change in England’s fortunes in Germany.He added: “It is a turning point emotionally, to do it in such a  high-pressure moment.Ivan Toney would love the weight of responsibility on his shoulders with a starting role up front against SwitzerlandCredit: GettyStones admits England need to rediscover ‘fluid’ footballCredit: Getty“I believe it is going to change  a lot of things for the team.“There is a great picture of us  celebrating that goal and everyone on the bench were off their feet and staff were off their seats in the stands. It shows you that unity as a team.“When you have done these things, you believe even more that you can do better when it gets tough.”England could switch to a back-three against Switzerland — and Stones believes this would not be an issue.He said: “Opposition-wise, it causes them a problem. We’ve done it in  previous tournaments, though.“I remember playing Germany in the last Euros, previously to that in 2018.“It’s a great thing to have in the locker for us as a team.“If we need to go to that and play that system, it’s something that shouldn’t be underestimated that we can do it so easily and seamlessly, and kind of click together.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re really fluid in both systems and that comes down to us that  when we get out on the pitch, we put  it into practice.” More

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      Don’t Take Me Home song: What are the lyrics and why do they sing it at football and darts?

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      ENGLAND fans have been in fine voice so far throughout Euro 2024, despite some of the nervy results. The Three Lions topped their group with five points and beat Slovakia in the last 16. England fans have been cheering the team on throughout Euro 2024Credit: GettyJude Bellinghm’s equalising overhead kick in the 95th minute of that game sent England fans into raptures. England supporters have en entire library of songs they recite at games during major tournaments. And ‘Don’t Take Me Home’ is certainly one of them. What are the lyrics to Don’t Take Me Home?Don’t take me homePlease don’t take me homeI just don’t wanna go to workI wanna stay here and drink all your beerPlease don’t please don’t take me homeDon’t take me homePlease don’t take me homeI just don’t wanna go to workI wanna stay here and drink all your beerPlease don’t please don’t take me homeThe song is sung to the tune of Billy Ray Cyrus’ Achy Breaky Heart.Why do football and darts fans sing it?Well, the answer’s in the lyrics.Thousands of England fans have had to take time off work to travel to major tournaments over the years, with numerous games taking place on week days.Most read in DartsAnd the longer England stay in the tournament, the longer those fans can support the Three Lions in person.England supporters are pretty fond of beer, too.The song is also sung at darts events, most notably the World Championships at the Alexandra Palace in London. More

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      Turkey defender Merih Demiral to get two-match BAN for controversial Grey Wolves salute – in potential England boost

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      UEFA is set to confirm that Turkey defender Merih Demiral has been banned for the Euro 2024 quarter-final with Holland for his controversial “Grey Wolf” goal celebration.Demiral’s gesture after scoring against Austria was widely condemned as he was accused of supporting a far-right cause.Merih Demiral will be banned for the Euro 2024 quarter-finalCredit: RexTurkey’s ambassador to Germany was even summoned to the Euro 2024 host country’s Foreign Office for a dressing down after backing Demiral’s behaviour.But UEFA had already launched a disciplinary case after hitting the former Juventus centre-back with FOUR charges.And it is understood Demiral will be told today that he has been banned for Turkey’s next TWO competitive matches, alongside a likely five-figure fine.That immediately rules him out of tomorrow’s last eight clash with the Dutch in Berlin. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Grey Wolf symbol saw Demiral raising the index and little finger of each hand above his head.It is a gesture associated with an extremist group linked to Turkey’s Nationalist Movement Party, part of controversial President Reycip Erdogan’s ruling coalition.The gesture has been banned in both Austria and France – although not in Germany – as an act supporting terrorism.Turkey’s Grey Wolves paramilitaries have been accused of murders of minority Kurds, Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYTurkey face Holland in the quarter-finals on Saturday at the Olympiastadion Berlin. England play Switzerland in the other side of the round in their bid to reach the last four. Why Xhaka is Football’s Greatest Comeback More

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      Toni Kroos avoids unemployment with new project as star, 34, looks to become Germany’s first clubless Euros winner

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      TONI KROOS joked he is looking to avoid unemployment after announcing his retirement from football.The German legend leaves the Spanish capital after his contract expired and in turn the game for good. Toni Kroos is looking to avoid unemployment after announcing his retirementCredit: GettyKroos won four LaLiga titles and five Champions League medals during his time at the Bernabeu. But after his deal expired, the midfielder looks set to hang up his boots following the conclusion of Euro 2024. It means he could technically become the first German to win the Euros while not contracted to a club. Kroos is now looking for his next venture, as discussed on the podcast he runs with his brother Felix. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPer Bild, Former football Felix said: “From today on, you are without a club.” Older brother Kroos, with a laugh, replied: “It’s good that you call it without a club and not unemployed. “That gives me a good feeling until the end of the tournament.”Felix added: “But I read that you could become Germany’s first clubless European champion. That’s a goal, too.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSKroos responded: “I haven’t really thought about that.”The former Bayern Munich star could now turn his attention to his small-field “Icon League”.Kroos launched the league with YouTuber Elias Nerlich with footballers, entertainers and content creators to play against each other. The Sun’s Tom Barclay gives England squad update from training ahead of quarter final clash with Switzerland More

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      Luke Littler tells Gareth Southgate to ‘pick what the fans want’ as darts star explains how England can beat Switzerland

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      LUKE LITTLER claims England will KO Switzerland if Gareth Southgate selects the players and formation the fans want.The Three Lions have spluttered through to Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final.Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, Ivan Toney, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden are fighting for England starting places against the Swiss this weekendCredit: GettyLuke Littler has told Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate what to doCredit: PAAnd the darts sensation, 17, is urging boss Southgate to check out demands from supporters after four disappointing performances in Germany.However, some fans are scratching their heads – as they reckon Littler’s message is not clear enough.Luke the Nuke told Sky Sports: “I think Gareth just needs to pick what all the fans want.”And we all know what we want, what players we need – and that’s what he needs to do.”READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSLittler nodded in agreement when it was put to him that Southgate has a tough time choosing the team when so many opinions are flying around.But the whizkid added: “Well, yeah, but if we get the right players in and do the right formation for the Switzerland game then we’ll be alright.”Southgate is tipped to ditch 4-3-3 for three defenders and two wing-backs this weekend.But England legend Alan Shearer believes the key could be replacing Phil Foden with a more orthodox wideman in Anthony Gordon.Most read in DartsSouthgate has hinted at changes by training with a new formationCredit: ReutersEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYWhatever Southgate decides, he will be without arguably the Three Lions’ most consistent player at the Euros – because Marc Guehi is suspended.It means Kyle Walker and John Stones could be joined in a three-man backline by Ezri Konsa.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesAnd with so much uncertainty, it’s not surprising fans had conflicting verdicts on Littler’s input.”Who are the right players?” asked one – with many supporters doubting there was a common view on the team Southgate should name.The most ungenerous observer posted: “But they are all bad.” However, one fan wrote: “Luke Littler’s confidence is encouraging! England will need to step up their game, just as Phil Foden suggested. A strong formation is key.” More

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      Abandoned Euros stadium bigger than Villa Park shadow of its former self with overgrown grounds and shattered turnstiles

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      A STADIUM which once hosted Champions League and European Championship matches looks completely different after it was abandoned. The historic Donbas Arena used to seat more 52,000 fans when it served as the home stadium of Shakhtar Donetsk, making it bigger than Villa Park.The Donbas Arena was abandoned by Shakhtar Donetsk in 2014Credit: AFPIt came as the Ukraine conflict escalatedThe ground once hosted Champions League and Euro 2012 matchesCredit: Twitter/Shakhtar_uaBut war has left the ground strew with debris including shattered glass and broken turnstilesCredit: Twitter/FCShakhtar_engThe ground took three years to build from 2006 until opening in 2009, costing an estimated $400million (£313.4m). The ground served as the home of the Ukrainian giants Shakhtar as they won five titles in a row.In the Champions League the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all failed to come away with three points.On the international stage it hosted five games at Euro 2012, including the semi-final between Portugal and Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuring this game alone, superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez all took to the hallowed turf.The England national team even had the chance to play there twice, first in a 1-1 draw with France before a goal from Wayne Rooney secured a 1-0 win over the host nation in a second Group D match.However, as a result of the growing conflict in Ukraine, in 2014 the ground was abandoned.That came despite it playing host to a “Peace March” against the violence of the 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine and the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe stadium cost £313m to buildCredit: AFPBut reported artillery shelling has hit the infrastructureCredit: GettyAnd this has left the ground looking completely unrecognisable from its heyday.As early into the conflict as 2014, the ground was hit by reported artillery shelling.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesPictures of the ground today show the mess it has become, with shattered glass, overgrown vegetation and broken turnstiles all visible features.Following the expansion of the conflict in 2022, the old football infrastructure has continued to sustain damage, with drone footage from February this year showing the damage that has been inflicted.Shakhtar have moved four times since abandoning the Donbas Arena.Between 2014 and 2016 they played in the the Arena Lviv, before moving to the Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, some 155 miles to the northwest of Donetsk.The Stadion Wojska Polskiego in Warsaw, Poland, then played host to the club’s home European matches in 2022/23, with the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany hosting games last season.And they are set for a fifth new home next season after it was announced the club will play their European home games at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen for the 2024/25 season.A club statement said: “Our new European Cup home.”Shakhtar will play the home games of the Champions League for the 2024/25 season in Gelsenkirchen in the Veltins-Arena.”Club CEO Serhii Palkin has hailed the deal and argued that the decision was made due to the club’s support in the country.He said: “We are glad to hold our Uefa Champions League matches at one of the best stadiums in Germany.”The positive experience of the last season shows that Shakhtar has a strong support of the fans in this country – both local residents and Ukrainian refugees.”This factor is of great importance to our club.”We thank the management of Schalke 04 and the city of Gelsenkirchen for solidarity and do not doubt the mutually beneficial cooperation.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We are looking forward to the Uefa Champions League matches.”The move to the Veltins-Arena is 1,582 miles from the club’s original home.The stadium could host some 52,000 people, making it bigger than Villa ParkCredit: PA:Press AssociationA drone showed the damage from the expanded conflict in 2022Shakhtar will play their home European games next season at the Veltins-Arena in GermanyCredit: AFP More

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      Holland vs Turkey – Euro 2024: Get £40 in free bets plus 50 free spins with Tote

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      HOLLAND and Turkey clash in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at the Olympiastadion Berlin on Saturday.And bookmakers Tote are celebrating with a superb bonus offer.New Tote punters who register an account and stake a tenner will receive a £20 free bet to spend on football, a £20 bonus on horse racing plus an extra 50 free spins in the casino!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHolland vs Turkey: Get £50 welcome bonus – Claim here*Holland vs Turkey – Euro 2024: Get £40 in free bets plus 50 free spins with ToteCredit: TOTEHolland vs Turkey: Get £50 welcome bonus – Claim here*How to claim..Tote special offerVisit the Tote website HERE*Register a brand new account using the Promo Code: B10G50Deposit and place your first bet of at least £10 on either racing pools or Euro 2024 footballOnce your Qualifying Bet is settled you will receive a £50 welcome bonusHolland vs Turkey: Get £50 welcome bonus – Claim here*Are you ready for Tote’s new adventure?Tote have always been synonymous with racing, but they are entering a new frontier with a brand new sportsbook!From a bet on European Championship football to a punt on the next Major winner in golf, Tote have a full range of sports markets available from across the globe, each and every day.Tote also have a fantastic promotion available for brand new customers with a colossal £50 welcome bonus including 50 free spins up for grabs.It’s easy to claim. Simply visit the Tote website and register a new account using the Promo Code: B10G50Once that’s sorted, deposit and place your first bet of at least £10 on either racing pools or football.Once your Qualifying Bet is settled — win or lose — you will receive a £20 free bet to spend on football, £20 bonus on horse racing plus an extra 50 free spins!Holland vs Turkey: Get £50 welcome bonus – Claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*Tote. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G50 on registration. £/€10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £/€10 Place). Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€20 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org. More

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      Holland vs Turkey: Get £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on Euro 2024 with BetMGM

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      HOLLAND and Turkey clash in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Saturday, with the winner set to face either England or Switzerland in the final four.And bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a whopping £60 in free bets when YOU register an account and stake a tenner on the European Championship encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHolland vs Turkey: Get £60 in free bets to spend on Euro 2024 with BetMGMCredit: BETMGMHow to claim..BetMGM £60 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsHolland vs Turkey: Get £60 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. Remember, you must do this within seven days of opening your account.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Holland vs Turkey: Get £60 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 6x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 2 x £10 Bet Builder, 2 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More