Euro 2024

DARTS fan Phil Foden has thrown three 180s at the team hotel in Germany — but the country is still waiting for him to hit the target at Euro 2024.The Manchester City man’s performances in all four games have been hugely frustrating, not just for fans screaming at the TV back home but for the player himself.Phil Foden admits he’d rather start in midfield with EnglandFoden is yet to score in GermanyAnd it is now crucial that against Switzerland in the quarter-final on Saturday, the Premier League’s player-of-the-season delivers the type of dazzling performance we saw regularly for City.In England’s media centre at Blankenhain Castle yesterday, Foden was asked why after such a terrific campaign, he was not clicking with Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and also Bukayo Saka.Foden, 24, said: “I don’t know but I’ve been a little frustrated. I am not going to lie.“I want to score, to do better things for England. It has not worked out but it is about keeping a good mentality.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“I have not been the best player in the Premier League to come here and not show it.“I feel like every game, I have been moving forward and hopefully, I can put on some good performances and that has always been my aim for England.”Manager Gareth Southgate stands accused of not playing all of his players in their best positions and the obvious case is Foden.He has been stuck out on the left, even though he has interchanged with Real Madrid star Bellingham, 21, during games although not to much effect.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFoden’s best moments in games so far, including hitting the post against Denmark and having a goal disallowed for offside against Slovakia, have come from central positions.And he said: “For City, I have moved more centrally and the goals have gone up. SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlines”I have been influenced by more games.“I have always been honest about my position and seen myself as playing in midfield.“Even though I have started on the left for England, I’ve drifted into those other positions.“It is more how we have been on the ball. They have not been able to find me because of the way the games have gone.“We have not had many attacks in some games. We have had to dig deep and I am hoping no games are the same and that against Switzerland, I do see more of the ball and that our pressing is good.“My first game out here was very quiet. I feel that in the games after that, I grew into the tournament.“I came close a few times. I feel like my performances from the first game have improved.”The biggest question on everyone’s lips is why he cannot play well with boy wonder Bellingham.He said: “No I don’t agree with that, I feel like we do work well together. It’s just the way the games have gone.“In the last game against Slovakia, we did build on things really well in terms of keeping the ball a lot more.“We piled pressure on at the end and I feel we can click together in the next game.”One thing Foden is grateful for was Bellingham’s wonder goal against Slovakia — as it meant he could avoid baby duties for a few more days.He had returned to Germany from England after being present at the birth of his third child, a boy.Talking about Bellingham’s leveller, Foden said: “I thought I’m 30 seconds away from doing baby feeds at home . . . so thanks to Jude for that. It saved me there! It’s unbelievable what he did. It just sums Jude up — he never gives up until the end.”Foden revealed it had been planned that he would return to England in the build-up to the Slovakia game.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHe added: “It was arranged.  Gareth’s really good with things like that.“Obviously it was mad to go back home and come back out but the main focus is trying to win the Euros.”Foden, who has scored just four goals in 38 caps, knows England face a tough game against the impressive Swiss who will include his City team-mate Manuel Akanji.He added: “From what I’ve seen, they’ve been very good on the ball.“So we are going to have to get the press right.“I obviously know Akanji and he is unbelievable on the ball. He is someone who shows so much composure when he is getting pressed under pressure. He is an unbelievable player so let’s hope he has an off-day.”If England do beat the Swiss, that would set up a semi-final in Dortmund on Wednesday against Holland or Turkey.It will also mean Foden gets a few more days to challenge his team-mates on the oche.He said: “I love darts. I started playing at about eight or nine. I always had a board up in the house.“No one’s beat me here yet. It’s been going good up until now. I’ve had three 180s on this camp which I’m proud of.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve been playing Eze a lot. The more I beat him, the more he tries to play me. Which I like because that’s the mentality I’ve got.“When I’m losing I always want to play again and that’s what he’s like. Every time I beat him he’s like, ‘get your darts, we go again’.” More

LUKE SHAW is finally “ready” for action – despite his late swerve of press duties yesterday.While John Stones also took part in full training, albeit with heavy strapping on his right knee.Luke Shaw is raring to go for EnglandCredit: RexJohn Stones is dealing with a knee issueCredit: GettyShaw has not played a minute during the Euros as he recovers from a muscle injury that has sidelined him since February.He was expected to speak to the media yesterday but had a late change of heart.That was understood not to be due to any setback but because he preferred to speak publicly once he had returned to action.The Manchester United defender, 28, was involved fully in yesterday’s training along with all other 25-members of England’s squad.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSBut he is still not expected to start Saturday’s quarter-final with Switzerland after five months out, despite him being the only natural left-back in Gareth Southgate’s group.Team-mate Ivan Toney joked he was “a professional sub” now after being drafted in as Shaw’s press-conference replacement, having come on in the final minutes of Sunday’s last-16 win over Slovakia.The Brentford striker said: “He’s training well and is looking ready.“We’ll have to see what the gaffer does.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“He’s a top player and I’m sure he’ll play his part if he’s ready.”Stones was seen with a strapped up right leg after Sunday’s dramatic late win over the Slovaks – and was sporting it again in yesterday’s training session.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesThe Manchester City defender, 30, suffered an ankle injury in the last warm-up game against Iceland before the tournament, before a bout of sickness saw him holed up in his room ahead of the opener against Serbia.He has played every single minute of England’s matches in Germany this summer though, including the 120 against Slovakia.Southgate is considering switching to a back three against Switzerland.The Three Lions trained in that formation for the first time at the tournament today.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

IVAN TONEY would love it if Gareth Southgate took Jurgen Klinsmann’s advice and played two up top for England.In his exclusive SunSport column on Wednesday, legendary Germany striker Klinsmann urged the Three Lions boss to pair Toney and Harry Kane together against Switzerland.Ivan Toney and Harry Kane celebrate the win over SlovakiaCredit: GettyToney wants to be unleashed by Gareth SouthgateCredit: AFPIt followed Toney’s impressive cameo off the bench against Slovakia, as Southgate went gung-ho with his side 1-0 down in the last-16 clash.The Brentford forward helped free up space for Jude Bellingham to fire home his 95th-minute overhead kick to make it 1-1.Then Toney set up Kane for the extra-time winner, convincing Klinsmann 4-4-2 may be the way to go from the start in the quarter-final on Saturday.Toney, 28, said: “Obviously I would like to be playing as a two but that is the gaffer’s choice. We have to respect that. Everyone wants to play, whether that is a two or as one I will do my best for the squad.”READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSToney told Kane as the team prepared for extra-time that he loves getting to the far post so “just be there for the knock-downs”.That is exactly what played out within a minute of the restart, as Toney’s header across goal allowed Kane to nod home from close range.Speaking about a potential strike partnership with the England captain, Toney added: “We’ve played with each other and watched each other plenty of times.“We’ll know what each other is the best at.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“You put yourself about when there’s two up front.“I’d knock it back to H and he could just pick up seconds and he was able to do that.”SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesSouthgate revealed that Toney was “disgusted” with him at being sent on so late, with the clock already showing 94 minutes.Toney explained it was purely because he was itching to get on sooner.The ex-Peterborough and Northampton hitman said: “In the dying moments, it’s like, ‘When am I going to come on?’“You’re looking at the clock thinking, ‘Now, now’. Then it came in the dying moments. But if I wasn’t annoyed sitting on the bench, then I see it as you wouldn’t have the right attitude and don’t really want to play football.“I think my face said it all! Everything is sorted now, we’re friends — not like we weren’t friends — but we’re happy now and concentrating on the next game.”Toney revealed he leant on the advice of a sports psychologist used by Brentford to shake off his frustration and get his head into the game.The striker said: “There’s a guy called Michael Caulfield, who is always talking about controlling your emotions, and in that moment it was time to control your emotions.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY“Yes, I was annoyed but still 30 minutes to play and you’ve got to come out of that mood and focus. Because you cannot play any sport being angry, upset or annoyed.“We haven’t spoken because he doesn’t text me. He thinks he annoys me when he texts me!”That control will be vital against the Swiss, as the Three Lions walk a yellow-card tightrope. Bellingham, Phil Foden, Kieran Trippier, Conor Gallagher and Kobbie Mainoo are a booking away from missing the semi-final should England get there.Toney said: “Everybody has to be careful now.“You have to watch your step and make sure you don’t get involved in any silliness.”After narrowly escaping a shootout against Slovakia, Toney insists he would not be put off taking a penalty for fear of racist abuse if  he missed.Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were all targeted by online trolls after failing to score when England lost the  Euro 2020 final to Italy on spot-kicks.Bees star Toney said: “I’m a confident person. If I score, I score. If I miss, I miss.READ MORE SUN STORIES“For those who racially abuse a player for missing a penalty, more fool them.” More

GARETH SOUTHGATE is considering switching to a back three against Switzerland.The squad today practised a back three in training as they prepare for Saturday’s quarter-final.Gareth Southgate is considering switching to a back three against SwitzerlandCredit: GettyThe squad today practised a back three in training as they prepare for Saturday’s quarter-finalCredit: GettyIt was the first time England have practised this formation in Germany.Switzerland played with a back three and England also struggled against Serbia and Denmark who also played with the same set-up.This could see Kyle Walker switch 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.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSWith 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.Moving 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.And fans could see Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden start as two number 10s behind Kane with the depth coming from England’s wing-backs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNot to mention Jude Bellingham could be suspended after his X-rated celebration after the Slovakia game.If the Real Madrid star was to be banned this could see Southgate play a 4-3-1-2 formation with Toney and Kane up front and Foden as a No10.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland notably played with a back three at the World Cup in 2018 and also during some matches at Euro 2020 – including the final.The Three Lions still have two more training sessions this week and could stick with a back four but it is clear a back three is being seriously considered.Ivan Toney was thrown onto the pitch next to Kane in the Slovakia game but snubbed to answer when asked if Southgate had looked at two strikers in training this week.The Brentford ace said: “You’ll have to ask the gaffer.”We concentrate more on the opposition we’re coming up against, so we do more movements and repetitions on them.“I am not the manager. Obviously, I would like to be playing as a two, but that is the gaffer and his choice. “We have to respect that and go with that. Everyone wants to play, whether that is a two or as one I will do my best for the squad.” More

KWADWO DUAH’S journey to a Euros quarter final is hardly a well-trodden path.Born in London to Ghanaian parents, he moved to Switzerland at the age of two to forge a football career before ripping it up in Bulgaria last season at Ludogorets with 15 goals.Kwadwo Duah scores for Switzerland against HungaryCredit: GettyDuah’s clubs include St GallenCredit: GettyA shock Swiss call-up in May saw the striker make his senior international debut a month later.No one believed he would actually make Murat Yakin’s final Euro 2024 squad, let alone start their opener against Hungary and score in the 12th minute on just his second appearance.At 27, he is making up for lost time, and what a way to do it by helping Switzerland knock out England in Dusseldorf on Saturday to reach a first major tournament semi in the country’s history.Islington-born Duah said: “That goal against Hungary changed everything.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was a big moment for me and my family. To score the first goal for Switzerland in a Euros, not everyone does that.“It was beautiful. I’m very proud to wear this jersey – to play for Switzerland was a big goal for me.”In a parallel universe, maybe he could have been lining for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.Having started in the 3-1 group stage win over the Hungarians, Duah has come off the bench in two of their last three games with first choice forward Breel Embolo now fully up to speed after recovering from knee surgery and likely to keep his place.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSIt will not make this occasion any less special, even if he suggests facing England carries no extra significance despite his upbringing and love of the Premier League.He revealed: “I would say I am a big Chelsea fan. My idol is Didier Drogba.”Secrets to England Euros successAnd like most Blues supporters, Duah is also surprised by the lack of game time for Cole Palmer out in Germany, playing just 43 minutes in the tournament so far.Duah added: “[Palmer] was very, very good last season, so yeah, I’m also thinking: ‘Why is he not playing?’ because his stats were perfect. Let’s see if he starts on Saturday.”Fluent in four languages, Duah is a quiet but confident man, and one day dreams of playing in Serie A, falling in love with Italy while on vacations there during the off-season.DUAH’S CAREERTHE 27-year-old striker is on his eighth club2016-19 – Young Boys2017 – Neuchatel Xamax (loan)2017-18 – Winterthur (loan)2018-19 – Servette (loan)2019-20 – Wil2020-22 – St Gallen2022-23 – Nurnberg2023 – Ludogorets2024 – Switzerland (4 caps, 1 goal)His pre-match ritual on the team bus usually consists of reading comics. He explained: “I’m a big fan. Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse. It’s an unusual hobby but it calms me down.”For now, the focus is on reaching the Euros semis, with either Holland or Turkey awaiting them, and Duah is sure that England will not take this Swiss lot lightly after earning a 1-1 draw against hosts Germany in the groups and beating Italy 2-0 in the last 16.He said: “They watched the game against Italy. We were pretty good, so I don’t think they will underestimate us. We want to show what we can. We want to do our game.“We expect to face a very good team with big names. In the end, they did a good job to beat Slovakia [in the last 16].”READ MORE SUN STORIESDuah reads Disney comics before matches to calm himself downCredit: GettyDuah is looking forward to coming up against England’s “world class” talisman in Jude Bellingham, fresh off his stunning 95th minute overhead kick equaliser against the Slovaks.But Duah believes Xherdan Shaqiri’s long-range screamer for the Swiss against Scotland in the group stages was better. He argued: “It was more difficult and it was probably more beautiful.” More