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    Moment furious Benidorm driver goes on punching rampage after rowdy England fans slap car while celebrating Euros win

    THIS is the shocking moment a raging driver goes on a punching rampage attacking rowdy England fans in Benidorm.Joyous Three Lions supporters were chanting in the streets of the Spanish holiday hotspot and banging on cars after Gareth Southgate’s side sealed a place in the Euro 2024 knockout rounds.The moment a Benidorm driver swung a punch at an England fan after his car was slapped by boozy BritsCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsThe local ended up going on a punching rampage on the streetCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsEngland supporters were seen slapping the man’s car as he tried to drive pastCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsThe fuming bloke quickly squared up to a number of England fansCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsThe boozy England supporters were partying after the tense match against Slovenia last Thursday with many topless or sat on people’s shoulders. One local had grown tired of the streets being blocked as he tried to drive his car through the jubilant crowds.Footage shows the motorist squeezing past the herds of people as football fans banged on the roof of his silver car.The angry man quickly got out the car and squared up to a group of the fans outside the Queens Arms English Pub.read more in Euro 2024After a brief shouting match erupted between the frustrated driver and a man in an England shirt a quick slap was thrown followed by a sharp jab from the Benidorm local.He then turned his rage onto the rest of the shocked blokes who had formed a circle around the carnage.Two more men were whacked before the man whipped off his glasses and returned to the original lad he had thumped. He delivered another three clubbing blows as the young man backed away.Most read in Euro 2024By this point the circle had opened up with the aggressor still baying for revenge for his car being tapped.After more punches were thrown a second scrap breaks out between another group of men on the street.Pints go flying as Jude Bellingham scores last minute leveller for England against SlovakiaA motorbike was knocked over in the ensuing melee.The viral video quickly did the rounds online with one England fan joking: “I would rather be in a pile of horse poo for a week than in Benidorm right now.”Another said: “Picked on wrong bloke there.”After the bore draw with Slovenia in England’s final group stage match last week they went on to play Slovakia Sunday night.A lackluster performance left Southgate’s men on the brink of elimination before a last gasp Jude Bellingham overhead kick took the game to extra time.Just seconds into the added on time, Harry Kane sent a header flying into the back of the net to seal the victory. They now face Switzerland on Saturday July 6 in the quarter finals.Spain has been a haven of footy fans since Euro 2024 kicked off last month.Sun-loving Brits flocked to bars in Magaluf over the weekend to watch England’s first knockout game against Slovakia.Pub owners were happily seen pouring barrels of beer as holidaymakers sank huge numbers of pints before the big match.Thousands of people in England shirts also headed to pubs and fanzones across the UK.READ MORE SUN STORIESSnaps showed fans in St George costumes, lion onesies and patriotic hats posing with their pints before kick-off.One of the busiest venues was Boxpark Wembley where pints were sent flying when England scored their crucial two goals.Another group of fans were hit by the angered driverCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsThe brute of a man ended up whacking several England supportersCredit: Jam Press Vid/@footbalIfightsEngland fans went crazy at Boxpark Wembley when England scored two late goals against Slovakia on SundayCredit: Darren FletcherEngland’s Jude Bellingham scored a wondergoal to help take his side through to the quarter finals of Euro 2024Credit: PA More

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    France 1 Belgium 0: French reach Euro 2024 quarter-final without scoring in open play after freak late goal

    CAN that be the eureka moment France have been searching for?Les Bleus had chopped and changed and still wasted a monumental amount of chances before one finally found a way in.Randal Kolo Muani’s strike deflected off Jan VertonghenCredit: AFPFrance are now through to the quarter-finalsCredit: PAFrance had 19 shots but just two were on targetIt was not attractive, deflecting off of Randal Kolo Muani’s standing leg before going in off of Jan Vertonghen. Own goals are having a fine tournament for France.But at this stage, who cares? It was enough to send France through and the last remaining vestiges of Belgium’s golden generation back over the border.Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku could have done so much more here, but fell short once again.France stumble on, scoring with their 19th effort of what had until then been another deeply frustrating afternoon.The two-time champions are into the last eight without scoring a goal from open play.But, true to Didier Deschamps mantra, they can reset once more, move on to the quarter-finals in Hamburg and go again.Deschamps is often criticised for his conservative approach but when it comes to finding a fix for France’s troubles in front of goal he is hardly sticking with what he knows.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKylian Mbappe struggled to find the targetCredit: GettyMomentum was in France’s favour for the majority of the matchThe boss has become le bricoleur – the tinkerman – in Germany, with this being his fourth different forward line in four games.Griezmann and striker Marcus Thuram were restored in Dusseldorf with Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola dropping out – though it was sub Kolo Muani who got them over the line.Kylian Mbappe reveals how he is adapting to mask as France star says it’s ‘like wearing 3D glasses’Belgium’s Domenico Tedesco also mixed things up, pairing Lukaku and Lois Openda together up top for the first time in the tournament.The first 25 minutes provided what hipsters would call an intriguing tactical battle. For the rest of us it was plain dull.France flirted with moving forwards on a couple of occasions and Belgium appeared to have decided De Bruyne’s best role was as a holding midfielder.But it was the Manchester City man’s free-kick which finally added some life to this tie.His effort from wide almost caught out Mike Maignan, bouncing and forcing an awkward save from the keeper.The Red Devils seemed to realise then that they too could try and create things – a fine move minutes later teeing up Yannick Carrasco, who saw his effort blocked by Theo Hernandez.Jules Kounde was proving a threat for the French down the right and bent a delicious cross towards Thuram, whose header went narrowly wide.The striker would have had a tap in from Hernandez’s cutback moments later too had Belgian keeper Koen Casteels not pounced on the cross just before it reached Thuram’s boot.France were starting to take a firm grip, but still wasting their openings.William Saliba impressed once againAurelien Tchouameni flashed a shot wide from 30 yards before incredibly blasting over the bar inside the box when he should have hit the target at the very least.It was another 45 minutes during which Deschamps will have been pleased with almost all aspects but the most important one – finishing.The trend which has blighted them throughout their time in Germany continued after the break.Real Madrid midfielder Tchouameni continued to cause problems – his deflected strike tipped wide by Casteels at full stretch before Thuram headed over from Kounde’s cross.Belgium were still playing within themselves. Lukaku left to feed on scraps with De Bruyne trapped in his baffling deeper role. Imagine having one of the world’s greatest midfielders and opting to lump it over his head.Some like to poke fun at Lukaku for his misfortune but it was hard not to feel sorry for him at times here, no one helping out by backing up his selfless work.For all the French chances that were stacking up, Mbappe remained on the fringes.But the masked man finally entered the fray – beating Carrasco before skipping inside De Bruyne only to send his strike narrowly over the bar.Kounde then picked out his captain in the box, only for the No10 to mistime his strike well wide – another good chance spurned by Les Bleus.Belgium decided now was the time to try and make France pay for their profligacy.De Bruyne finally advanced up the pitch, stealing the ball from N’Golo Kante’s toes and opening his legs up before feeding a fine ball through for Carrasco who was only stopped by Hernandez’s last ditch challenge.That opening prompted Tedesco to change things, push De Bruyne up behind Lukaku and see what they could muster.France were still creating – Tchoumeni sent another high over the bar – but Belgium looked more dangerous – Lukaku getting space in the box and firing at Maignan.You wondered at what point Deschamps might start simply laughing at the chances coming and going, as William Saliba found space after a set piece but also missed the target before Mbappe sent another high and wide.It was feeling ripe for a sucker punch – and De Bruyne almost delivered it with a low drive, though Maignan managed to deny him.READ MORE SUN STORIESJust two minutes later the breakthrough finally arrived.Despite their wasted chances, France were still doing things properly, moving the ball well and not rushing and they were finally rewarded with a touch of luck as Vertonghen’s deflection leg sent the ball in and Les Bleus through.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Fans shocked as footage of Kylian Mbappe’s ‘classless’ celebration against Belgium emerges during France’s Euro 2024 win

    KYLIAN MBAPPE was labelled “classless” for taunting Jan Vertonghen over his own-goal woe – after the duo clashed earlier in France’s 1-0 win over Belgium.Masked marauder Mbappe celebrated his coutry’s Euro 2024 last-16 victory over Belgium by racing over to have the final word with the ex-Spurs defender.Vertonghen clashed with Mbappe after the French striker went downCredit: PAThe exchange came as tensions rose before France broke through late onCredit: GettyVertonghen saw Randal Kolo Muani’s shot deflect off him for France’s winnerCredit: APMbappe then took time out to confront VertonghenTrouble between the two had first flared midway through the second half of a tie that rarely lived up to high expectations.Mbappe tumbled in the box under a challenge from Vertonghen and appeared furious with the 37-year-old’s response.The Anderlecht centre-back had sneaked out a leg from behind and got the ball just before the Real Madrid new boy tried to turn.Mbappe went crashing down but Vertonghen seemed to reckon the ex-PSG striker’s fall was a little late, a little too theatrical.READ MORE ON EURO 2024In turn, the hitman was unhappy with whatever words were swapped and continued to verbally snap at his rival as they walked away.Referee Glenn Nyberg intervened to cool the situation. But for Vertonghen things only got worse in a scrappy contest.And if he was in the right place for his tackle on Mbappe, he was in the wrong position later for the defining moment of the match.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt was Vertonghen who deflected a late French winner into his own goal, following a fierce shot from Randal Kolo Muani.He stuck out a knee as Kolo Muani fudged a left-footed attempt – and the resulting ricochet wrong-footed Belgian No1 Koen Casteels for the only goal.Mbappe appeared to think he had a decent shout for a penaltyCredit: GettyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYBut fans on social media demanded to know if Uefa will “investigate” Mbappe for then appearing to mock Vertonghen.The 25-year-old chose to run over to the ex-Prem ace first before joining his team-mates rejoicing behind the goal. SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesOne viewer posted: “That’s embarrassing. Unprofessional, especially from the captain.”Other online verdicts included “No need” and “stay classy”.The icon’s action was also compared to controversial behaviour from fellow superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Jude Bellingham earlier in the tournament.Ronaldo, 39, pumped his fist towards Czech Republic stopper Jindrich Stanek and shouted in the ear of midfielder Petr Sevcik as Portugal completed a 2-1 comeback win in their group opener. And Uefa are investigating Bellingham for appearing to make a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after his wonder goal sparked England’s dramatic 2-1 triumph in the last 16 on Sunday.  Deschamps says Kylian vision affected by mask KYLIAN MBAPPE is struggling to see under his mask as France’s goal scoring struggles continue, writes JACK ROSSER.It took another own goal for Les Bleus to get past Belgium into the quarter-finals, the second one they have scored from in Germany.Didier Deschamps side are yet to score from open play all tournament and Mbappe was on the fringes as he returned to the stadium where he broke his nose on the opening day.Asked how the mask is impacting his star man, Deschamps said: “He is getting used to it, what is important is that he is able to consolidate wearing a mask.”He is getting more used to it, you’ve got the sweat aspect and we know it can get into his eyes.”He is getting used to it, it is his vision. I haven’t tried it on but from what he said he feels like he is seeing images in 3D.”Even if it is tenths of milliseconds the vision is off.Everything in front of him is fine, but there’s a delay with his peripheral vision. But he’ll have to get used to it over the coming weeks or months.”France had 19 shots against Belgium but just two found the target and it took a deflection off of Belgium’s Jan Vertonghen for them to sneak into the last eight.The France boss said he will always take an own goal sending his side through but knows there must be an improvement.There is confidence things will change considering chances are still being created, but Deschamps was frustrated with the number of punts from range.He added: “If it is deflected, even if it is an own goal someone had to shoot. If it finishes in the back of the net so be it.”The best teams are here, even when there are differences on paper on the pitch there is high intensity.”Even if today the goal is enough we’ve always got the capacity and capability to score more.”The number of shots we had, some of them were punts, that is the only thing we want to work on.”It was another case of huge talent falling short for Belgium. Eden Hazard may be gone but Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are still here and offered too little.Manchester City star De Bruyne, 33, has refused to rule out retiring from international football after the latest disappointment.He 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.” More

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    Portugal vs Slovenia LIVE RESULT – Euro 2024: Ronaldo and Co WIN on pens after legend missed spot kick in extra-time

    PORTUGAL are THROUGH to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after beating Slovenia on penalties. The game was a frantic one and saw Cristiano Ronaldo miss a penalty in extra-time.Ronaldo stepped up to score in the shootout, however, Portugal keeper Diogo Costa was the hero after he saved three spot kicks to put his side through.Roberto Martinez’s side will now face France in the quarter-final on Friday, July 5.Match result: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia (3-0 pens)EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Martinez celebrates nervy winThere must have been times in Frankfurt where Roberto Martinez wondered how safe his role as manager was.However, his keeper came through for him and it was all smiles as they progressed to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.Portugal can take confidence from this victory and use that to go as far as they can in this tournament.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDad’s Army continue to chase silverwareFor Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo, there is no doubt that this will be their last appearance at a Euros tournament,It almost went pear-shaped for both of them, Ronaldo seeing his penalty saved before a Pepe slip allowed Sesko clean through on goal.Fortunately for the pair, it was not to be and they will celebrate long into the night as they now have a Euro 2024 quarter-final to look forward to.Credit: ReutersCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSlovenian hearts broken in FrankfurtThey have impressed everyone at Euro 2024 and done their country proud.Playing in their first-ever knockout match at a major tournament, Slovenia did not look out of place against Portugal.They had a chance to win the game in the final moments of extra-time but Diogo Costa saved Benjamin Sesko’s effort.Credit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedPortugal keep dreams alive in GermanyIt was an emotional night in Frankfurt as it seemed that Roberto Martinez’s side were heading towards an upset.They kept their cool and scored every one of their penalties in the high-pressure shootout.You could see as Bernardo Silva’s effort nestled in the back of the net just how much it meant to these players.Credit: APCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRonaldo makes up for missYou had to wonder if he was in the right frame of mind to step up and take another penalty after missing one in extra-time.True class shone through as he showed his mental strength and stepped up to take Portugal’s first penalty.After Slovenia’s spot-kick was saved, the evergreen Ronaldo stepped up and slotted home in style.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedPenalty misses Costa lot for SloveniaDiogo Costa is the hero of Portugal.He saved all three of Slovenia’s spot-kicks.They are through to the quarter-finals where they will now meet France.Absolute drama in Frankfurt.Credit: GettyCredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedPortugal win 3-0 on penaltiesCopy linkCopiedGoal – Bernardo Silva (Portugal) 0-3Copy linkCopiedMissed penalty – Benjamin Verbic (Slovenia) 0-2Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) 0-2Copy linkCopiedPenalty missed – Jure Balkovec (Slovenia) 0-1Copy linkCopiedGoal – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 0-1Copy linkCopiedPenalty missed – Josep Ilicic (Slovenia) 0-0Copy linkCopiedPenalty shootoutCopy linkCopiedFT: Portugal 0-0 SloveniaJan Oblak has the chance to become a national hero.They may even name an airport after him if he can continue his penalty heroics this evening.Huge pressure on ten players now to do their stuff from 12 yards out.Copy linkCopiedFT: Portugal 0-0 SloveniaPortugal had a corner in the final moments but it was superbly defended from Slovenia.The referee brings the match to a close, we are heading to penalties.If anyone ordered drama, here it comes.Copy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia118. Semedo and Neves replace Pepe and Cancelo.Last throw of the dice for Roberto Martinez.We are into the dying embers of the game now.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia116. What a chance for Slovenia to win this game.Pepe miscontrolled the ball and Sesko was clean through on goal with only the keeper to beat.Costa saved his centre-back, making the save with his leg to deny the Slovenian forward.Copy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia114. The effort goes straight into the wall and is cleared.Bit of a letdown after all the build up for that set piece.Slovenia are looking the more comfortable of the two sides right now.Copy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia112. Jota is penalised for a foul in a dangerous area.It is a chance for Slovenia to work the Portuguese keeper.The Slovenian manager has been shown a straight red card and is now in the stands.Copy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia110. Palhinha flicks on the free kick towards goal and Oblak tips it over the crossbar.As the resulting corner comes in, Ronaldo is penalised for a foul on the keeper as he punches clear.Slovenia will be in no rush to take this now.Copy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia108. Ilic has come on for Elsnik at the break.Balkovec is shown a yellow card for a cinical shove on Cancelo.It was almost like a rugby tackle that.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia106. For a goalless draw, this has been a good game.Everyone thought we were finally going to see a goal but Oblak had something to say about that.If this goes all the way to penalties, you wonder if Ronaldo is in the right headspace to take one now.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Portugal 0-0 SloveniaWe are back underway at the Frankfurt Arena.Slovenia will just not give up in this game.Matjaz Kek’s side get us restarted.Copy linkCopiedHT: Portugal 0-0 SloveniaJan Oblak keeps Slovenia in Euro 2024.Cristiano Ronaldo’s drought in major tournaments cotinues.The former Real Madrid man was almost in tears after the Slovenia keeper saved his effort.He is now crying on the side of the pitch.Copy linkCopied More

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    Watch thousands of Belgium fans jump around in unison and create incredible atmosphere ahead of France Euro 2024 clash

    THOUSANDS of dancing Belgium fans whipped up the mood for tonight’s clash against France with an awesome display of synchronised supporting!Belgian manager Domenico Tedesco would love to see such unity and energy on the pitch in what many reckon will be the best clash of the last 16 at Euro 20124.Supporters whipped up the mood ahead of the last-16 clash with FranceKevin De Bruyne & co also enjoyed strong support inside the stadiumCredit: APFans in a Dusseldorf park near the stadium somehow managed to sway and revel as one ahead of kick-off.Astonished viewers labelled the performance “impeccable”.But a few claimed the dancing had originated in a neighbouring country.”Copy cats from Netherlands,” joked one.READ MORE TOP STORIESAnd another posted: They may dance like the dutch, but they still play like Belgians.”But a third viewer write: “God forbid other teams have the same club and dancing culture with a popular move in clubs. “Belgium are facing a strongly-tipped France side who are again including masked striker Kylian Mbappe from the start.And one fan said of the Belgian dancers: “We’ll see if they’ll dance like that at 8pm.”MOST READ IN FOOTBALLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    France 0-0 Belgium LIVE SCORE – Euro 2024: Last-16 clash on NOW as Mbappe and Griezmann START – latest updates

    FRANCE are taking on rivals Belgium in a tantalising Euro 2024 last 16 clash RIGHT NOW.And the headline team news is that Antoine Griezmann returns to the starting line-up for Les Bleus after starting on the bench last time out.France have received much criticism back home after failing to win their final two group matches and finishing second in Group D.Belgium also finished runners-up in Group E and only achieved one victory – a 2-0 win over Romania.The winner of tonight’s last-16 clash will play the winner of Portugal vs Slovenia in the quarter-finals on Friday, July 5.TV channel: ITV1FREE live stream: ITVXFrance team: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Thuram, MbappeBelgium team: Casteels; Theate, Vertonghen, Faes, Castagne; Carrasco, Onana, De Bruyne; Doku, Lukaku, OpendaEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…France 0-0 Belgium7. Belgium triple up on Thuram as he tries to weave his way to the byline on the right.In the end, Theate grows tired of the cat-and-mouse game by the corner flag and flattens his opponent with a shoulder barge.Copy linkCopiedFrance 0-0 Belgium5. A steady start from the French in possession.Griezmann is floating about between the lines as Les Bleus look for space to exploit.Copy linkCopiedFrance 0-0 Belgium3. On the volley, Rabiot arrows an early half-chance wide of the target.The early observation is that Belgium are operating with three centre-back while Castagne and Carrasco slot in as wing-backs.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – France v Belgium1. It’s on! Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg blows his whistle, and it’s France that get this Last 16 tie underway.The French are back in their changed strip of white shirts with blue pinstripes while the Belgians wear their dark red tops and black shorts.Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!A capacity crowd at the Dusseldorf Arena welcome the players of France and Belgium to the pitch.The 47,000 inside here include at least 8,000 from France, and one of those is a certain Paul Pogba.The former Manchester United man watches the fans morph into a French Tricolore at one end of the stadium, while a red wall has been assembled at the other.After the anthems, two of the most well-known faces in the game greet each other in the centre-circle for the coin toss, but only one of Kylian Mbappe and Kevin De Bruyne can lead their side into the last eight.Kick-off comes next.Copy linkCopiedWasteful outfits’ need to fireThis evening’s encounter in Dusseldorf pits together two of Euro 2024’s most wasteful teams in front of goal.During the group stage, only Serbia (3.8%) had a poorer shot conversion rate than both Belgium and France (both 4.2% – 2 goals from 48 shots).Indeed, the Red Devils have scored just three goals in six games across the last two major tournaments, scoring from just 3.6% of their shots (3/83) and underperforming their expected goals by 6.15 (3 goals from 9.15 xG).Copy linkCopiedKante king of the midfieldMany would have been forgiven for thinking N’Golo Kante’s international career was over after two years out of the fold.But the experienced midfielder was recalled by Didier Deschamps for this summer’s tournament, and he has not let his country down.During the group stage, Kante ranked top among his French teammates for chances created (7), tackles (7) and pressures applied (216), while he was joint-top for interceptions (3) and line-breaking passes under pressure (15).The 33-year-old has never ended on the losing side for France in a major tournament match (P18 W12 D6).Copy linkCopiedKevin key to unlocking French defenceDuring the group stage of this European Championship, Belgium were the team with the highest share of their line-breaking passes being those that broke the opposition’s defensive line (18%).And that’s hardly a surprise when you have the magnificent Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings.Indeed, the Belgium captain broke the opponent’s defensive line on more occasions than any other midfielder during the groups (11).Copy linkCopiedMasked man eyeing milestonesAfter coming through 90 minutes against Poland on Tuesday, France captain Kylian Mbappe has been deemed fit enough to start in the Round of 16 today.The man in the mask netted his first ever goal at a European Championship from the penalty spot against the Poles, and now stands on the brink of some major milestones.That spotkick to his tally to 13 at major international tournaments with only the great Michel Platini (14 in 19 games) ever having scored more for France at the World Cup and Euros.Mbappe is also only two goals away from becoming the third French player to net 50 goals in all competitions after Olivier Giroud (57) and Thierry Henry (51).Copy linkCopiedBelgium bring in Carrasco and OpendaDomenico Tedesco also makes two changes to his team to face France.The Belgium head coach brings in Yannick Carrasco and Lois Openda in place of – surprisingly – Youri Tielemans, and – less surprisingly – Leandro Trossard.It means that Dodi Lukebakio, available after suspension, is only named among the substitutes.There is some discussion as to whether the Belgians line-up with a back four, or a back three that sees Timothy Castagne and Carrrasco operate as wing-backs.Belgium (4-3-3): 1 Casteels; 21 Castagne, 4 Faes, 5 Vertonghen, 3 Theate; 7 De Bruyne, 24 Onana, 11 Carrasco; 20 Openda, 10 Lukaku, 22 DokuSubs: 12 Kaminski, 13 Sels, 2 Debast, 6 Witsel, 8 Tielemans, 9 Trossard, 14 Lukebakio, 16 Vranckx, 17 De Ketelaere, 18 Mangala, 19 Bakayoko, 23 Vermeeren, 25 De CuyperCredit: @BelRedDevils on XCopy linkCopiedGriezmann and Thuram back for BleusDidier Deschamps makes two changes to his French side after a disappointing draw with Poland in the final group game.The head coach recalls Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram to his attack as he shuffles his system to go with two up top; Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola drop to the bench.Thuram will play alongside masked captain Kylian Mbappe with Griezmann in behind, ahead of a midfield three marshalled by the magnificent N’Golo Kante.France (4-3-1-2): 16 Maignan; 5 Kounde, 4 Upamecano, 17 Saliba, 22 Hernandez; 13 Kante, 8 Tchouameni, 14 Rabiot; 7 Griezmann; 15 Thuram, 10 MbappeSubs: 1 Samba, 23 Areola, 2 Pavard, 3 Mendy, 6 Camavinga, 9 Giroud, 11 Dembele, 12 Kolo Muani, 18 Zaire-Emery, 19 Fofana, 20 Coman, 21 Clauss, 24 Konate, 25 BarcolaCredit: @equipedefrance on XCopy linkCopiedBelgium bringing the partyWe’re still more than an hour from kick-off in Dusseldorf, but the Belgian supporters have been in the mood since this morning.These scenes from a local fan park earlier today shows just how pumped up and ready to party that the Red Devils masses are.Either that or their side-to-side movement is a tribute to England’s style of play at this tournament.Copy linkCopiedLes Bleus a shade of odds-onFrance have failed to convince at Euro 2024 so far, but the bookies are banking on class being permanent despite the questionable form; as a result, Les Bleus are the slightest touch of odds-on while the Belgians can be backed at more than 3/1.France win 19/20Draw 23/10Belgium win 16/5To reach quarter-finals:France to qualify 2/5Belgium to qualify 7/4Odds from William Hill correct at time of post publication.Copy linkCopiedNeighbours ready to renew rivalryThis teatime’s clash will be the 76th encounter between France and Belgium in all competitions.It means the Red Devils are the French’s most frequent opponent of all time, having faced them nearly twice as much as any other team – Italy and Switzerland are next in line with 39 fixtures each.Meanwhile, Belgium have only faced the Netherlands (129) on more occasions than the French.Les Bleus have won all four of their previous matches against Belgium at major tournaments, scoring 13 goals and conceding only three in the process.Their only previous meeting at a European Championship was 40 years ago in 1984 – the French won 5-0 in the group stage courtesy of a Michel Platini hat-trick and goals from Alain Giresse and Luis Fernandez on their way to winning their first major trophy.Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon from DusseldorfWelcome to live SunSport coverage of France against Belgium in the Last 16 at Euro 2024.After the Sunday stress of England and the last-night swagger of Spain, it’s now time for the French and Belgians to show their European Championship credentials.Neither Les Bleus or the Red Devils clicked in the group stages, both faltering in front of goal to finish second behind unfancied opponents.Didier Deschamps’ side are yet to score from open play with superstar Kylian Mbappe confined to playing in a face mask after breaking his nose in his country’s opening game.Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium, meanwhile, blanked in two of their three group games with record scorer Romelu Lukaku troubling the linesmen and VAR officials more often than opposing goalkeepers.Both nations will be determined to click into life today, but only one can make it through to the quater-finals.It’s a 5pm kick-off at the Dusseldorf Arena, and news of the starting line-ups will be with us shortly.Copy linkCopied More

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    Moment England supporter is ‘caught on camera putting white powder up his nose’ – sparking Sky Sports review

    THIS is the bizarre moment a football fan appears to put a mystery powder up his nose while celebrating England’s extra-time goal. The footage captures the moment hundreds of fans at Newcastle’s Times Square reacted to Jude Bellingham’s last-minute kick against Slovakia. A bearded man dressed in black appears to hold a spoon up to his noseCredit: TwitterHe then brings the utensil up again, this time putting it into his mouthCredit: TwitterDuring the video, a bearded man dressed in black appears to hold a spoon with a substance on it up to his nose, before returning it to a container. He then brings the utensil up again, this time putting it into his mouth.The man then proceeds to sing along to Neil Diamond’s hit song “Sweet Caroline” – a popular anthem among England football fans – jumping up and down with the crowd in jubilation. The clip, posted on X, formerly Twitter, has raked in more than 13million views. Read more SportSky Sports are now understood to be reviewing their use of fan footage and urging staff to be “more vigilant”, with a more thorough approach taken in future, MailOnline reports. The footage was aired on Sky Sports News at 6.57pm while former England boss Sam Allardyce discussed the dramatic events of last night’s game. It came after Jude 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.Most read in Euro 2024But 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.Inside England’s first training after win over Slovakia as Southgate faces selection headacheBut another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, when Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minuteCredit: RexHarry Kane celebrates scoring the winning goal against SlovakiaCredit: Rex More

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    Why is Kylian Mbappe wearing a mask against Belgium at Euro 2024?

    FRENCH phenomenon Kylian Mbappe will be all masked up for France’s Euro 2024 last 16 clash against Belgium tonight.Real Madrid’s summer signing played in the mask for the first time in Les Bleus’ final group stage game against Poland.Kylian Mbappe played in a mask for first time against PolandCredit: PAKylian Mbappe is set to wear a mask for the foreseeable futureCredit: AFPBut fans want to know why Mbappe is wearing the protective mask – SunSport has all the details below…Why is Kylian Mbappe wearing a mask?Kylian Mbappe is wearing a mask as the French icon was forced off during France’s opening 1-0 win over Austria after colliding with Kevin Danso.With Mbappe’s visibly damaged, the forward was immediately sent to hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a broken nose.Mbappe suffered a broken nose in the Austria clashCredit: RexThe French forward clashed with Kevin DansoCredit: RexThe ex-PSG striker was spotted training with a new specially made protective mask – painted like the France flag.Read more on Euro 2024However, UEFA rules state that any protective mask has to be painted in ONE colour which is the reason for Mbappe not being able to wear his fancy French one.Mbappe’s French mask breaks UEFA protocolCredit: ReutersWhat has been said?Kevin Danso, who collided with Mbappe which led to the Frenchman’s injury, issued an apology to France supporters on social media after Monday’s match.He wrote: “To French supporters: I am sorry that Kylian Mbappe was injured during our duel.”I wish him a good recovery and I hope he can quickly find his place on the pitch.”Most read in Euro 2024Mbappe himself has reacted badly to playing with the mask – before the Belgium clash, he said: “It is horrible playing with a mask.“I keep changing because there is something that bothers me“It is ­difficult to play because it limits vision, the sweat clogs up. The first few days felt like I was wearing 3D glasses — as soon as I can get it off I will but I don’t have a choice.“I hate it, it is really annoying. You have seen pictures of five masks but in the evening I’ve had different trials.“This is not an excuse for me as it is the only way I can play.”When is France vs Belgium?France’s clash with Poland takes place on TONIGHT – Monday, July 1.The game will kick off at 5pm BST.The Dusseldorf Arena, Germany, will host the clash. More