Euro 2024

ITALY suffered from a broken dressing room during Euro 2024, according to reports.The defending champions were dumped out by Switzerland in the last 16 on Saturday.Italy were dumped out of Euro 2024 by Switzerland in the last 16 on SaturdayCredit: GettyLuciano Spalletti’s players were left confused by his tactics and training methodsCredit: ReutersManager Luciano Spalletti made multiple excuses for their exit after the defeat.Meanwhile, his future has been clarified, with his contract running until after the 2026 World Cup.The news may come as a blow to several Italy stars, though, amid reports of unhappiness within their camp in Iserlohn.According to La Repubblica, part of the squad felt distanced from Spalletti and his ideas during the tournament.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Several players are said to have been left confused by his tactics and training methods, leading to a lack of commitment during sessions.The report adds that multiple small groups formed within the dressing room, with Spalletti lacking a leader to bring the squad together.Other players accused Spalletti of a lack of preparation and claimed there was no intensity in his style of play.It came after they were left shocked by a series of tactical alterations to the team just two hours before their final group match against Croatia.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpalletti’s late decision is understood to have left some players feeling excluded from the side.Meanwhile, several members of the team were privately unhappy with the inclusion of Nicolo Fagioli.Albania fan cheekily snaps spaghetti in front of horrified Italy supporters at Euro 2024The Juventus midfielder was allegedly seen as a “snitch” after exposing Sandro Tonali’s involvement in a betting scandal.Fagioli was handed a seven-month ban in October for breaching betting rules before returning in May.However, Tonali was banned for 10 months by the Italian FA, causing the Newcastle star to miss Euro 2024.Spalletti named Fagioli in his squad following his return to action, with the 23-year-old playing nine minutes off the bench against Croatia before starting the Switzerland defeat.Italy began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Albania, but were then beaten by Spain.Mattia Zaccagni’s 98th minute equaliser against Croatia sealed progression as group runners-up at the expense of their opponents.Nicolo Fagioli was allegedly seen as a ‘snitch’ for exposing Sandro Tonali’s betting breachesCredit: RexDefending champions Italy won just one of their four matches at the tournamentCredit: EPAGoals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas sealed a comfortable victory for Switzerland in the round of 16, though.Spalletti has been in charge since September, winning seven of his 14 matches as manager.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe will now turn his attention to the Nations League before Italy bid to end their World Cup exile.The Azzurri have failed to qualify for either of the last two tournaments, their longest ever absence from the World Cup.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

CRISTIANO RONALDO was left in disbelief by the referee’s antics during Portugal’s clash with Slovenia.The veteran forward and Bernardo Silva were both left puzzled by Daniele Orsato in Frankfurt on Monday night.Cristiano Ronaldo was left in disbelief by the referee’s antics during Portugal vs SloveniaCredit: BBCBernardo Silva was equally surprised by Daniele Orsato’s decisionCredit: BBCOrsato forced Ronaldo and Silva to move the ball before taking a free-kickCredit: BBCPortugal had been awarded a free-kick near the corner of the opposition penalty area during the first half.With the ball placed down, Ronaldo had stepped back as he lined up an optimistic effort on goal.However, Orsato was left unhappy with the position of the ball and sprinted over to move it to the correct position.He shouted to Ronaldo as he protested the decision, with Silva seen putting his hands on his head.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The pair were able to see the funny side, though, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner turned and pointed to a pitch-side camera.Once the ball was positioned to the referee’s liking, Ronaldo lined up to shoot again, only for his effort to whistle comfortably wide.The 39-year-old endured a frustrating afternoon in front of goal as he chased his first strike of the tournament.After a series of near misses, he was presented with a golden opportunity in extra-time when Portugal were awarded a penalty.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, Jan Oblak denied Ronaldo from 12 yards, causing the former Manchester United man to break down in tears on the pitch.His blushes were spared during the penalty shootout, though, as Diogo Costa saved three spot-kicks to send Portugal through.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s incredible history with Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo had placed the ball and lined up ready to shoot at goalCredit: BBCHowever, Orsato sprinted over and demanded the ball be positioned correctlyCredit: BBCRonaldo also dusted himself off to score his side’s first penalty before Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva converted.The Al-Nassr forward has yet to open his account at Euro 2024, despite starting each of his side’s matches so far.He does have an assist to his name, however, after unselfishly teeing up Bruno Fernandes to score in the 3-0 win over Turkey.Ronaldo is playing at a record sixth Euros this summer, having first appeared at Euro 2004 on home soil.As well as holding the record for most tournaments, Ronaldo has also played the most matches and scored the most goals in Euros history.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

KEVIN DE BRUYNE stormed out of an interview after a “stupid” question following Belgium’s defeat to France.De Bruyne & Co crashed out of Euro 2024 in the group stages. Kevin De Bruyne stormed out of an interview after a ‘stupid’ questionDe Bruyne was fuming after Belgium’s loss to FranceJan Vertonghen’s own goal split the sides and saw Belgium bail out with more international heartache. And captain De Bruyne did not take kindly to a question over Belgium’s so-called “golden generation” of players.He was asked: “How does it feel that your golden generation never reached a final?”The Manchester City star said: “And you say that France and England and Spain and Germany is not a golden generation? OK, thank you.” READ MORE ON EURO 2024De Bruyne, 33, then walks off and mutters “stupid”.Journalist Tancredi Palmeri, who asked the question, hit back: “Ahah DeBruyne just called me stupid.”Hey Kevin, little memo for you: the golden generation you mentioned of France, England, Germany and Spain they ALL REACHED A FINAL!”Usual footballer that wants only question telling him how good they are. Spoiled brat.”Most read in FootballFormer Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, who led the Red Devils from 2016 to 2022, famously had stars including Vincent Kompany, Toby Alderweireld, Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens in his squad.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDe Bruyne ‘stops Belgium flops from acknowledging fans’ after they’re booed off following dire draw at Euro 2024Jan Vertonghen, De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Axel Witsel and Yannick Carrasco still remain from their heyday and make up some of the star-studded Euro 2024 squad.Belgium came third in the 2018 World Cup – their best finish in a major tournament and were Fifa’s highest-ranked team that year.But they were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Euros three years later before failing to make it out of the group stage in the 2022 World Cup. And following even more misery, De Bruyne’s international future will now be in question after six trophyless tournaments.The Premier League and Champions League winner, who has 28 goals from 104 caps, said: “It’s too early to answer.”Let me process this loss. It’s a been a very long season. I need to rest my body. I will make my decision after the summer.”The midfielder also came under fire after telling his team-mates not to acknowledge disgruntled Belgium fans following a 0-0 draw to Ukraine. Vertonghen saw Randal Kolo Muani’s shot deflect off him for France’s winnerEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

DECLAN RICE passionately defended Gareth Southgate following England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia.The Three Lions just about managed to book a spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals thanks to late goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.Declan Rice has jumped to the defence of Gareth SouthgateCredit: PASouthgate was heavily criticised throughout England’s match against SlovakiaCredit: AlamyIvan Schranz fired Slovakia into an unprecedented 1-0 lead midway through the first half.England struggled to find a breakthrough, but managed to equalise thanks to a last-gasp Bellingham bicycle kick.It then took just a few minutes for Kane to complete the comeback in extra time.Southgate faced criticism from England fans inside the stadium and on social media for the performance.Read More in FootballBut Rice was eager to jump to the manager’s defence at full-time.He told BBC Sport: “There’s that inner-fight and spirit in us, a few Slovakian players before the game said we didn’t have.”We’ve got that togetherness. We proved that tonight.”We’ll die for each other out there. We’ll do anything to protect this manager, to protect each other.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland 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.”Keep going, keep fighting. And what we’ve got as a group tonight I think showed out there.”It’s an honour to be a part of it. We’re going to keep going, we’re going to keep giving it everything.”The Sun’s Charlie Wyett gives his thoughts as England scrape passed Slovakia by ‘skin of their teeth’England qualified for the last-16 after topping Group C with five points from a possible nine.The Three Lions beat Serbia 1-0 before dropping points to Denmark and Slovenia.Some fans threw plastic cups at Southgate following the Slovenia match, which ended goalless.In response, the manager said: “I understand it. I’m not going to back away from it. The most important thing is we stay with the team. I understand the narrative towards me.”That’s better for the team than it being towards them but it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar. I’m not going to back away from it.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More