Euros

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      England ratings: Everything Three Lions do goes through Saka but Chilwell offers precious little going forward

      by

      ENGLAND made it two wins from two in their bid to reach Euro 2024.After dispatching Italy 2-1 on Thursday, the Three Lions fired two more goals past Ukraine at Wembley today.
      Goals from Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane saw England beat Ukraine 2-0Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were both on target as Gareth Southgate’s men also kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 victory.
      And there was even a debut for Brentford star Ivan Toney after Leicester’s James Maddison was handed his first-ever international start.
      But who was England’s best player on the day? And did anyone have a game to forget?
      Here, SunSport’s Jack Rosser delivers his England player ratings…
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND
      JORDAN PICKFORD – 6
      Didn’t have anything to save nor shout about ahead of him, with his back four stopping everything from coming his way.
      KYLE WALKER – 7
      Comfortably won the battle with Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk, setting the tone in the opening stages as he raced ahead of him to cut out a couple of through balls.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      The Manchester City man combined well with Saka on the front foot too, still charging forwards in the final moments.
      JOHN STONES – 7
      Had very little to do throughout the first half was sharp and alert in the penalty area when Ukraine became a little more adventurous after the break.
      John Stones saw plenty of the ball
      HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
      Was in the right spot to block a cross from Mykhailo Mudryk during a rare Ukraine break in the first half, and showed plenty of composure on the ball.
      James Maddison did well in his first start for EnglandCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      BEN CHILWELL – 5
      Started off by clattering Ruslan Malinovskyl, but on the ball was nervy early on and offered precious little going forward, with his set pieces hardly testing the visitors.
      The Chelsea man was solid at the back but far from the rampaging full-back so often seen at Stamford Bridge, only starting to get going in the final third inside the last few minutes.
      DECLAN RICE – 7
      After a stunning performance against Italy, the West Ham captain kept a tight grip on the midfield battle here.
      Rice sat at the base of a midfield three allowing Henderson and Bellingham to push further forward, while he snuffed out any advances from those in yellow.
      JORDAN HENDERSON – 7
      Straight back in the side having missed the trip to Naples, Henderson looked sharp on the edge of the Ukraine box throughout the first half, getting a reward for his efforts with an assist for Saka.
      Influence faded a touch as Ukraine stepped things up after the break but a solid showing.
      Bellingham performed well in midfield
      Jude Bellingham impressed in midfield againCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      JUDE BELLINGHAM – 8
      A quiet first half but started causing trouble soon after the break, so much so that Georgiy Sudakov lost a boot trying to stop him.
      With Phil Foden having withdrawn after surgery ahead of kick-off, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder showed versatility as he chopped and changed positions with Maddison on the left wing.
      BUKAYO SAKA – 8
      Everything went through the Arsenal man during the first half. Saka tested the Ukraine defence before timing a cross perfectly to tee-up the opener.
      Minutes later he went one better, leaving Mykola Matviyenko stranded and bending his stunning strike into the far corner.
      Bukayo Saka was England’s man of the match
      JAMES MADDISON – 6
      Constantly alive and on the move on his first start for England, but the Leicester City man will have hoped for more.
      Worked himself into a number of good positions but was just lacking the final pass or finish when it was needed.
      James Maddison enjoyed his first start for England
      Ivan Toney made his debut off the benchCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      HARRY KANE – 8
      Had a couple of swings and misses at chances early on but showed why he is so dangerous with the opener.
      Kane dropped deep and swung a long ball out to Saka, before racing to the back post where he was able to capitalise on sloppy defending and make it two in two during this break.
      SUBSTITUTES
      Ivan Toney (on for Kane, 81mins) – 6
      Not given much time to impress on his England debut.
      Jack Grealish (on for Maddison, 85mins) – 6
      The only winger left to call on following a raft of withdrawals, came close to adding a third in injury time but his low effort was too close to the keeper.
      Read More on The Sun
      Conor Gallagher (on for Bellingham, 85mins) – 7
      Came so close to a first England goal after meeting a low cross from Chilwell which was sent straight at the keeper, should have had an assist after setting up Grealish in added time. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      England 0 Ukraine 0 LIVE SCORE: Maddison STARTS as Euro 2024 qualifier gets underway at Wembley – stream FREE, TV

      by

      ENGLAND will be looking to complete a perfect start to Euro 2024 qualifying with another win as they take on Ukraine today at Wembley.Captain Harry Kane broke the Three Lions goal-scoring record in England’s huge 2-1 win over Italy in midweek, and he’ll be hoping to celebrate in style today.
      One interesting bit of team news is James Maddison is making his first start for Gareth Southgate’s side today, while Phil Foden misses out after having his appendix surgically removed.

      Start time: 5pm BST
      TV/Live stream: Channel 4/All 4
      England XI:  Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell, Rice, Henderson, Bellingham, Saka, Maddison, Kane
      Ukraine XI: Trubin; Karavaev, Svatok, Matviyenko, Mykolenko; Sudakov, Stepanenko, Zinchenko; Malinovskyi, Mudryk, Yaremchuk.

      England vs Ukraine: BEST betting odds for Euro 2024 qualifier
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      5 England 0-0 Ukraine
      Absolute madness in the away end with Ukrainian fans passionately chanting and singing for their lads.
      And Rotan’s players are listening as they control possession as well as tempo early on.
      4 England 0-0 Ukraine
      And here’s Ukraine’s line-up:
      Ukraine manager Ruslan Rotan appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation as well.
      Anatoliy Trubin starts in goal with Oleksandr Karavayev at right-back and Vitalii Mykolenko on the other side, while Oleksandr Svatok and Mykola Matviyenko team up at centre-back.
      Heorhiy Sudakov, Taras Stepanenko and captain Oleksandr Zinchenko link up in midfield.
      Ruslan Malinovskyi, Mykhailo Mudryk and Roman Yaremchuk lead the attack.
      3 England 0-0 Ukraine
      Malinovskyi is thankfully back up to his feet.
      Let’s look back at the line-ups:
      England manager Gareth Southgate appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation against Ukraine.
      Jordan Pickford starts in goal with Kyle Walker at right-back and Ben Chilwell on the other side, while Harry Maguire and John Stones team up at centre-back.
      Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice link up in midfield.
      Bukayo Saka, James Maddison and captain Harry Kane spearhead the attack.
      2 England 0-0 Ukraine
      Ouch!
      Malinovskyi picks up a head injury after bumping heads with Maddison in the air.
      Ukraine’s medical team has entered the pitch
      1 England 0-0 Ukraine
      Ukraine’s national anthem thundered across Wembley before kick-off.
      There was also a minute’s silence for England’s late World Cup hero George Cohen.
      England 0-0 Ukraine
      Peep!
      Off we go at Wembley!!!
      Here come the teams
      Wembley is ready for this big and emotional Euro 2024 qualifier between England and Ukraine.
      Three Lions captain and record goalscorer Harry Kane leads his team-mates out to the pitch.
      Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko dons his nation’s esteemed armband in a familiar ground for the ex-Manchester City ace.
      Kane will be awarded for his record-breaking goal that saw him surpass Wayne Rooney as top England scorer.
      Jack Leslie’s family will also be presented with a posthumous honorary cap.
      Leslie earned a deserved call-up back in 1925 but faced adversity because of the colour of his skin, and so he was deselected and never played for his country.
      Credit: AP
      Refugees welcome
      Ukraine will get a feeling of home after over a year since Russia’s illegal invasion.
      More than 3,000 tickets have been sold in the away end for Ukrainians living in the Uk.
      The FA have also donated a further 1,000 to refugees, who fled the horrors of Valdimir Putin’s inhumane war.
      Manager Ruslan Rotan wants his players to offer a shot of hope for those in the stands with family suffering back home, and those watching from afar.
      Credit: AP
      .
      Ukraine subs
      Here’s who Ukraine boss Ruslan Rotan opted for his bench:
      Miroshnichenko, Bondarenko, Dovbyk, Lunin, Sarapyi, Pikhalyonok, Buyalsky, Sobol, Sydorchuk, Tsygankov, Shevchenko, Konoplyanka
      England subs
      Here’s who England manager Gareth Southgate chose for the bench:
      Ramsdale, Forster, Trippier, Dier, Guehi, Grealish, Phillips, Gallagher, Toney
      Ukraine formation
      Ukraine manager Ruslan Rotan appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation as well.
      Anatoliy Trubin starts in goal with Oleksandr Karavayev at right-back and Vitalii Mykolenko on the other side, while Oleksandr Svatok and Mykola Matviyenko team up at centre-back.
      Heorhiy Sudakov, Taras Stepanenko and captain Oleksandr Zinchenko link up in midfield.
      Ruslan Malinovskyi, Mykhailo Mudryk and Roman Yaremchuk lead the attack

      England formation
      England manager Gareth Southgate appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 formation against Ukraine.
      Jordan Pickford starts in goal with Kyle Walker at right-back and Ben Chilwell on the other side, while Harry Maguire and John Stones team up at centre-back.
      Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice link up in midfield.
      Bukayo Saka, James Maddison and captain Harry Kane spearhead the attack.

      Record-breaking Kane
      Harry Kane has confirmed that he has received messages of congratulations from the likes of David Beckham and Tom Brady after becoming England’s all-time record goalscorer.
      The captain will be presented with an award ahead of kick-off and he will be joined on the Wembley pitch by his wife and children.
      Kane netted his 54th goal in his 81st England appearance to move ahead of Wayne Rooney in the standings.
      Credit: Getty
      Battle in Group C
      England will look to move three points clear at the top of Group C with a win this evening against Ukraine.
      Later on tonight, Italy face Malta with Roberto Mancini’s men the heavy favourites to win.
      North Macedonia are the fifth team in the group and they sit joint-top with England after beating Malta 2-1 last Thursday.
      This will be Ukraine’s first game in their Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
      Chat with the PM
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has heaped praise on England record goalscorer Harry Kane – hailing him as an “all-time great”.
      The striker, 29, received the congratulatory video call from the PM after bagging his 54th international goal against Italy.
      Sunak said to Kane: “Massive congratulations – for what you have achieved personally, that you are the all time great.
      “You’re a phenomenal captain, a phenomenal role model, and the entire country is very proud of you and lucky to have you.”
      The Spurs man – who will be looking to extend his record against Ukraine tonight – replied: “It has not truly sunk in yet… but it was a special night.
      “I love playing for my country so much, I want to represent it in the best way.”

      Last time they met
      England have not played Ukraine since hammering them 4-0 in the Euro 2020 quarter-final in Rome.
      A Harry Kane brace plus efforts from Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson fired the Three Lions into the semi-finals.
      Ukraine have failed to beat England in their last four attempts, with their last victory back in 2009 when they won 1-0 and goalkeeper Robert Green was sent off.
      Ukraine starting XI
      Ukraine have named three Premier League players in their starting XI to face England.
      Chelsea’s big money signing Mykhailo Mudryk starts alongside Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko and Everton full-back Vitalii Mykolenko.

      England starting XI
      Here is how England line-up to face Ukraine.
      Harry Kane wears the captain’s armband.
      Ben Chilwell, Jordan Henderson and James Maddison all start.

      England to pay respects to Ukraine
      Gareth Southgate has warned his England stars there is no room for sentiment against war-torn Ukraine at Wembley today.
      The manager said: “We all want to pay our respects and show our support — and that’s important.
      “But as soon as they enter the competition, they want to go through and it’s game on. So in a football sense we need to do what we need to do to win the game.”
      “I would be worried if our players don’t have that same level of motivation Ukraine have.
      “Our job is to qualify, to represent our country with the pride that Ukraine are going to represent their country with.
      “We’ve got to make sure our level of motivation and focus is what it was before the game in Italy. We had a lot of drive for that.
      “Because we were still smarting from the World Cup, we were smarting from previous games against Italy. Now, three days later, we’ve got to get back to that start point.”

      Maddison set to start
      James Maddison is expected to make his first start for England this evening.
      The Leicester midfielder, 26, made his international debut in a Euro 2020 qualifying match against Montenegro in 2019.
      But he has not played for the national team since despite being named in the squad for the World Cup at the end of last year.
      With Phil Foden out, it becomes likely that Maddison will take his place.
      Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell is also expected to be named on the teamsheet following Luke Shaw’s recent red card.

      BREAKING: Foden out due to surgery
      Phil Foden is out of the England squad to face Ukraine with injury.
      The Manchester City star underwent emergency surgery this morning to remove his appendix.
      An England statement read: “Phil Foden has been ruled out of this evening’s Uefa Euro 2024 qualifier with Ukraine following surgery to remove his appendix this morning.
      “England manager Gareth Southgate has not called up a replacement, meaning he has 20 players to choose from after the earlier withdrawal of Reece James and Luke Shaw’s suspension.”
      Foden, 22, was involved in training over the last few days and was in contention to play before he began to feel unwell.
      It has been an international week to forget for him after he was subbed on and then taken off against Italy – lasting just 12 minutes before being sacrificed for Kieran Trippier after Luke Shaw’s red card.
      Kane’s special boots
      England captain Harry Kane will wear special boots to celebrate him becoming the country’s all-time top goalscorer.
      The number 54 is printed on them to represent how many goals he has scored in a Three Lions shirt.
      Phrases such as “all time top scorer” and “captain” can be seen, along with several small England flags.
      Most notably of all though is the wonderful tribute Kane, 29, leaves for his three kids.
      Their names – “Vivi”, which is short for Vivienne, “Ivy” and “Louis” are visible in small black letters on the sides of the boots.
      Their dates of birth are also visible alongside their name.
      Credit: getty
      Southgate defends Rashford withdrawal
      Gareth Southgate has defended Marcus Rashford jetting off to New York after pulling out of the England squad
      Three Lions boss Southgate was surprised to see Rashford posting pictures on a mini-break following his withdrawal from the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine with a toe problem.
      But diplomatic Southgate said: “Once he’s ruled out of the squad, it’s entirely up to him how he spends his time.
      “The players don’t get a lot of breaks. They will be flying off wherever after Sunday’s game.
      “If they get 48 hours, with the schedule as it is, they have to take advantage of it.”
      Rashford’s holiday is not a great look because the Manchester United forward, 25, has now pulled out of five of the last six non-tournament squads he has been picked for.

      Friendships aside
      Ukraine star Oleksandr Zinchenko is ready to put his friendships with a number of players from the England team aside for this evening’s game.
      The Arsenal defender is set to battle it out with club team-mate Bukayo Saka and potentially run into a few old pals from his former club Manchester City.
      Zinchenko said: “I love them all so much, but unfortunately on the pitch there are no friends, so let’s see what is going to happen.
      “Bukayo has not given me the line-up yet, but I am going to push as much as I can.”
      “I got a lot of support from all of them [team-mates], for which I am so grateful.
      “I would like to also say a massive thanks to all of the UK for all of the help and support for all of us Ukrainians, for the country, our people, all of the refugees who are living here.
      “It is so important for us. Without your support, it would be so difficult and tough. We really appreciate it.”
      Credit: PA
      England vs Ukraine
      England are looking to make it two wins from two games as they take on Ukraine at Wembley Stadium.
      Gareth Southgate’s men won away at Italy 2-1 on Thursday night thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Harry Kane, getting the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign off to the perfect start.
      The Three Lions are expected to name a strong starting XI for this evening’s game with few players to choose from amid an injury crisis.
      Reece James, Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount all pulled out from the squad and were not replaced. Meanwhile, there are fitness doubts over Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham and Kalvin Phillips, but all three are expected to be fit.
      Luke Shaw is suspended having been shown at red card in Naples last week.
      Credit: Getty
      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      James Maddison ‘to make his full England debut against Ukraine’ with Ben Chilwell to start Wembley Euro 2024 qualifier

      by

      JAMES MADDISON is expected to make his first start for England this evening when the Three Lions face Ukraine at Wembley Stadium.The Leicester midfielder, 26, made his international debut in a Euro 2020 qualifying match against Montenegro in 2019.
      Maddison is expected to make his full England debutCredit: Getty
      But he has not played for the national team since.
      After impressing Gareth Southgate at the start of the Premier League season he was named in the 26-man England squad ahead of the World Cup.
      However, a knee injury saw him subjected to the sidelines for each of the Three Lions’ five games in Qatar.
      Maddison is now expected to bounce back by making his full international debut – and his first England appearance in over three years.
      Read More on England
      Numerous sources report that Southgate will name the midfielder in his starting line-up ahead of this evening’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine.
      According to The Telegraph, the England boss used Maddison in a front three alongside Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka in training earlier this week.
      So he could replace Jack Grealish, who started on the left wing during Thursday’s clash with Italy, in the line-up.
      Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell is also expected to be named on the teamsheet following Luke Shaw’s recent red card.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      England kicked off their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a sensational 2-1 win over Italy earlier this week.
      Declan Rice opened the scoring before captain Kane netted a penalty to become the Three Lions’ all-time leading goalscorer.
      After Southgate switched to a more defensive formation during the second half, the Italians got themselves back into the game thanks to a goal from Mateo Retegui.
      But England managed to hold on to claim all three points from the clash. More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      We’ll pay our respects to war-torn Ukraine but I’ll worry if we aren’t as motivated as them, says England boss Southgate

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE has warned his England stars there is no room for sentiment against war-torn Ukraine at Wembley today.The Three Lions face Ukraine for the first time since the horrific Russian invasion of their country.
      Southgate has ordered his squad to maintain high standardsCredit: Getty
      Ukraine travel to Wembley to face EnglandCredit: Reuters
      And manager Southgate declared: “We all want to pay our respects and show our support — and that’s important.
      “But as soon as they enter the competition, they want to go through and it’s game on. So in a football sense we need to do what we need to do to win the game.”
      Scotland were overwhelmed by the occasion when they lost an emotionally-charged World Cup play-off semi-final last June in Ukraine’s first game since the war began.
      And Southgate yesterday ordered his squad to  maintain the high standards displayed in Thursday’s terrific 2-1  opening Euro 2024 qualifying win in Italy.
      Read More on England
      He insisted: “I would be worried if our players don’t have that same level of motivation Ukraine have.
      “Our job is to qualify, to represent our country with the pride that Ukraine are going to represent their country with.
      “We’ve got to make sure our level of motivation and focus is what it was before the game in Italy. We had a lot of drive for that.
      “Because we were still smarting from the World Cup, we were smarting from previous games against Italy. Now, three days later, we’ve got to get back to that start point.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Ukraine beat Scotland 3-1 in June 2022 — their first competitive match for nearly seven months — although they lost the  play-off final 1-0 to Wales so did not qualify for Qatar.
      England will travel to Ukraine on September 9 but since the war started, all their matches have been played in neighbouring Poland.
      Asked about the Scotland game, Southgate said: “That was difficult. It was the beginning of the war and Hampden had a different feel. But it’s not irrelevant.”
      More than 1,000 Ukrainians — and the families who have welcomed them into their homes across Britain — will attend today’s match.
      Before kick-off both teams will feature in a joint picture with the Ukraine national flag.
      England keeper Jordan Pickford said: “It’s tough for them as a nation. It’s a massive game of football first and foremost in the qualifying group.
      “That is a tough group for us to get out of. Obviously what they are going through is not very good for the nation. For us, it is a big  step to qualify for the Euros in Germany.”
      The last time England played Ukraine was in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals in Rome in July 2021 — nearly eight months before the Russian invasion.
      The Three Lions won 4-0 with two goals from Harry Kane and strikes by Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson. More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Croatia 1 Wales 1: Debutant Nathan Broadhead sends Wales fans wild with last gasp equaliser against Modric and Co

      by

      DEBUTANT NATHAN BROADHEAD secured a superb point for Wales with a stunning injury-time leveller.Robert Page’s side looked set to start the post-Gareth Bale era with defeat to Croatia after Andrej Kramaric’s first-half strike.
      Nathan Broadhead celebrates scoring a late equaliser for WalesCredit: PA
      Broadhead taps in at the back post to give the Dragons a point in their Group D gameCredit: AP
      But supersub Broadhead tapped home at the far post after Chris Mepham flicked on Connor Roberts’ long throw.
      It sparked wild celebrations among the 1,800 travelling Welsh support in Split.
      This Group D opener was always going to be a daunting task for the Dragons with or without Bale, who retired in January, and so it proved for long parts as Luka Modric and co showed their class.
      But Wales, led by new captain Aaron Ramsey, refused to give up and gained a late leveller with just 40 seconds left on the clock.
      Read more football news
      Boss Page said pre-match he wanted to at least see a performance following a disappointing group stage exit in Qatar – and although it was tough, he got a result.
      And, despite the Dragons being dominated for large parts, the visitors will also rue Dan James’ second half sitter on their way home from the Balkans.
      The point will give Wales major hope of reaching a third successive Euros finals and a fourth major tournament in their last five attempts.
      This was dubbed as a new era post-Bale but Wales started with eight of the side that lost 3-0 to England which sent them packing from the World Cup.
      Most read in Football
      Wales lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with new skipper Ramsey given the licence to support lone striker Kieffer Moore.
      Croatia, ranked seventh in the world, had never lost a home qualifier and their only defeat from their last 14 matches came in the World Cup, where they were beaten by Lionel Messi’s eventual winners Argentina.
      The hosts bossed it from the off.
      Page, who was fuming with Nottingham Forest for their handling of Brennan Johnson’s groin injury to make him unavailable for international duty, was also gutted that Luka Modric had not called it a day after Qatar.
      And Real Madrid playmaker Modric, 37, who was winning his 163rd international cap, forced Danny Ward to turn a fizzing 25-yard shot around his post in the third minute.
      That came from Connor Roberts conceding possession and the Burnley full-back was in trouble moments later.
      Roberts was second best in a challenge with Ivan Perisic and the Tottenham star saw his dangerous cross evade Marko Livaja and hit Joe Rodon but luckily the ball flew away for a corner.
      Wales failed to keep hold of the ball, allowing Croatia to pile on the early pressure.
      Keeper Ward, dropped by Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers for Daniel Iversen last weekend, showed fine flexes to deny Hoffenheim’s Kramaric after a classy touch by Mateo Kovacic.
      Ethan Ampadu was booked for pulling back Modric and Perisic thought he had put Croatia ahead from the resulting free-kick.
      Croatia’s Luka Modric reacts after missing a chanceCredit: AP
      But Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro ruled  Livaja had fouled Roberts in the build-up before Perisic’s strike was deflected in by Chris Mepham.
      Wales had not heeded the warning and Page’s men fell behind in soft fashion on 28 minutes.
      Rodon lost an aerial battle with Livaja and then Kramaric burst through a weak challenge from Neco Williams. 
      As the attack developed, Mepham dropped off and that opened the space for former Leicester striker Kramaric to fire home from the edge of the area. 
      It had been coming.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Modric, in delightful form, volleyed wide from a Perisic knockdown before Sosa shot tamely.
      Wales had been dominated and the 1,800 travelling fans had to wait until three minutes before half-time for a first effort at goal.
      Josko Gvardiol fouled Harry Wilson and the Fulham winger saw his dipping effort, in trademark Bale territory, fly over the crossbar.
      Kramaric shot wildly over the bar after Williams gave up possession.
      In truth, Croatia, with 70 per cent of the possession in their favour and nine shots to Wales’ one, would have been frustrated they were only one goal up on their return to the dressing rooms at the break.
      Chelsea midfield ace Kovacic missed a golden chance to put the hosts two goals clear when he skied over from close range after a slick one-two with Kramaric.
      Yet for all Croatia’s dominance, Wales could have levelled on the hour mark.
      Wales players celebrate a famous resultCredit: Getty
      1,800 Wales fans went delirious when the Dragons equalised in injury timeCredit: AP
      Wilson edged a battle with Gvardiol, Ramsey recycled and Wilson’s diagonal pass found James unmarked but the winger miscued a volley wide.
      Read More on The Sun
      Just as Wales finally looked to pose a threat, Page surprisingly made a triple substitution, withdrawing Ramsey, Wilson and James for Sorba Thomas, Wes Burns and Broadhead of Ipswich.
      But, after Perisic smacked the bar with a volley, Broadhead came up trumps to bag an unlikely draw. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2024 qualifying: England’s fixtures and kick-off times as the Three Lions look to book their place in Germany

      by

      ENGLAND kicked off their Euro 2024 qualifiers in style by beating Italy 2-1 in Naples.Goals from Declan Rice and Harry Kane fired the Three Lions to victory and to the top of Group C.
      England’s Declan Rice celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring his side’s first goal against ItalyCredit: AP
      England’s Harry Kane celebrates after becoming England’s all-time record goal scorerCredit: AP
      England and Italy are joined in Group C by Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta.
      North Macedonia started in the same fashion as the Three Lions with a 2-1 win against Malta.
      While Ukraine are the only side in the group yet to play, as they travel to Wembley on Sunday.
      All of England’s Euro 2024 qualifying fixtures and results
      The Three Lions will play every team in Group C twice, once at home and once away.
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND
      Here are all of England’s Euro 2024 qualifying results and upcoming fixtures:

      Italy 1-2 England – Thursday, March 23, 2023
      England vs Ukraine – Sunday, March 26, 2023 – 5pm
      Malta vs England – Friday, June 16, 2023 – 7.45pm
      England vs North Macedonia – Monday, June 19, 2023 – 7.45pm
      Ukraine vs England – Saturday, September 9, 2023 – 5pm
      England vs Italy – Tuesday, October 17, 2023 – 7.45pm
      England vs Malta – Friday, November 17, 2023 – 7.45pm
      North Macedonia vs England – Monday, November 20, 2023 – 7.45pm

      How do England qualify for Euro 2024?
      The Three Lions must finish in the top two of Group C to qualify for Euro 2024.
      Gareth Southgate will be hoping his side can continue the way they started against Italy, as they currently sit top of Group C.
      Most read in Football
      Germany are granted automatic qualification as they are hosting Euro 2024.
      The prestigious championship gets underway on Friday, June 14, 2024.
      What are the other Euro 2024 qualifying groups?
      Here are all the Euro 2024 qualifying groups in full:

      Group A: Spain, Scotland, Norway, Georgia, Cyprus.
      Group B: Netherlands, France, Republic of Ireland, Greece, Gibraltar.
      Group C: Italy, England, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Malta.
      Group D: Croatia, Wales, Armenia, Turkey, Latvia.
      Group E: Poland, Czech Republic, Albania, Faroe Islands, Moldova.
      Group F: Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Azerbaijan, Estonia.
      Group G: Hungary, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Lithuania.
      Group H: Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Kazakhstan, Northern Ireland, San Marino.
      Group I: Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Kosovo, Belarus, Andorra.
      Group J: Portugal, Bosnia, Iceland, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Liechtenstein. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      England vs Ukraine: Three Lions look to build on gruelling Italy win in tasty Euro 2024 qualifier – stream FREE, TV

      by

      IT was the perfect night for England as they opened their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a monumental win over Italy – and captain Harry Kane wrote his name in the history books.Kane’s calmness from the penalty spot earned England all three points against the Italians.
      Harry Kane broke the men’s England all-time top goal-scoring recordCredit: Rex
      Luke Shaw was shown a red card after getting two yellow cards in 54 secondsCredit: EPA

      And it also saw the skipper become the Three Lions’ all-time top goal scorer having leapfrogged Wayne Rooney in the charts.
      However, Luke Shaw’s two yellow cards in 54 seconds was a slight blemish on an iconic win in Naples
      Gareth Southgate will be confident that his side is still more than capable of beating upcoming opponents, Ukraine.
      However Ruslan Rotan’s side are on a good run of form having lost just one of their last six matches.
      Read more on England
      They have players with a lot of Premier League know-how too, including £97million Chelsea star Mykhalo Mudyrk.
      Ukraine are captained by Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, who may be one of the few players in world football capable of keeping his team-mate Bukayo Saka quiet.
      Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko provides Prem experience on Ukraine’s other flank, and he will need to be at his best to stop the likes of Kane, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.
      This will be their first match in England since the Russian invasion last year and 1,000 refugees have been given free tickets.
      Most read in Football
      An estimated 3,000 more Ukrainians will pack out the away end at Wembley and Rotan is keen for his players’ performance to offer hope to those suffering back home.
      How are Ukraine getting on?
      Ukraine have lost just one match since their World Cup play-off defeat to Wales last June.
      However that came against Scotland in a 3-0 scoreline, while Ukraine have beat Armenia twice and the Republic of Ireland since missing out on Qatar.
      They have not played since September when they drew 0-0 with Scotland so there could be some rustiness to shake off.

      What is the team news?
      Gareth Southgate will be without Luke Shaw as the full-back is set to serve a suspension following his red card against Italy.
      And the England manager could be forced to give young talisman Jude Bellingham a rest after he limped off the field late on with a suspected knee injury.
      Elsewhere, Ukraine are set to be without Bournemouth centre-back Ilya Zabamyi and Oleksandr Zubkov.
      However, Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is all set to start at Wembley, while Mykhaylo Mudryk will likely be deployed in attack.
      Star men
      Mudryk provides electric speed in attack so Ben Chilwell or Kieran Trippier will need to be on their toes if they are picked to replace the suspended Shaw.
      Kane will be the dangerman for England and will be full of confidence after becoming record goalscorer.

      What have the managers said?
      Rotan said: “This is a match not only of players and coaches, but a match of the whole country.
      “I want to thank the people of Great Britain for supporting us in the war our country is waging against the enemy. Everyone’s support is very important to us.
      “We are very grateful to you for her. I believe this is also a match for our warriors. What is happening in Ukraine now is very scary.
      “We must be motivated to please them both with the game and the result, to give emotions that our people lack now.
      “Our boys who play in the Premier League are very emotional people who always support the country in all directions.
      “They are highly motivated, they are the leaders of the national team, an example for our young guys, for all people and athletes who take only the best from them. We should have more such players.”
      Southgate sent his side a warning after beating Italy, saying: “We have to go and get a result at Wembley now because this will be a fantastic result if we win and that’s exactly what we’ve said to the players straight after the game.
      “Then Monday they can head off wherever they want but it is going to be hard because Ukraine have had no competitive game [on Thursday].
      “If we can play as we did in the first half, then I am sure the fans will enjoy that but we are going to be playing against a very good team and we’ve got to get that right.”
      SunSport prediction
      England 3 Ukraine 0
      When is England vs Ukraine?

      England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine will take place on Sunday, March 26.
      It is scheduled to kick-off at 5pm UK time.
      Wembley Stadium in London is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host a staggering 90,000 spectators.
      The Three Lions humiliated Ukraine when the sides last met in the 2020 Euros quarter-final.

      What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

      England vs Ukraine will be broadcast LIVE on Channel 4 in the UK.
      Coverage is set to commence from 4pm UK time – one hour before kick-off.
      Fans can stream the entire action on the Channel 4 website or All 4 app.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of whole encounter.

      Can I watch it for FREE?
      Yes!
      England’s second Euro 2024 qualifier is FREE to watch in the UK for viewers who have a valid TV license.
      Read More on The Sun
      What is the odds?

      England to win 2/7
      Draw 17/4
      Ukraine 11/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Italy 1 England 2 LIVE RESULT: Harry Kane Kane breaks record as 10-man England win in Italy despite shock Shaw red card

      by

      HARRY KANE broke England’s all-time goalscoring record as the Three Lions defeated Italy 2-1.Kane became England’s RECORD scorer with his 54th Three Lions goal from the penalty spot after Declan Rice’s opener.
      Though Italy fought back in the second half of the Euro 2024 qualifier in Naples with debutant Mateo Retegui scoring before Luke Shaw was sent off for England after two yellow cards in just 54 SECONDS.

      Result: Italy 1 England 2
      Italy XI: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Acerbi, Toloi, Spinazzola, Barella, Jorginho, Veratti, Berardi, Retegui, Pellegrini.
      England XI: Pickford, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Shaw, Rice, Bellingham, Phillips, Saka, Kane, Grealish

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…

      That’s all for tonight
      Thank you for joining our live blog tonight for England’s brilliant win over Italy.
      The Three Lions will be back in action on Sunday as they face Ukraine at Wembley Stadium.
      Kane on Southgate hug after game
      He told a press conference: “He (Southgate) said to me that he was extremely proud of me and that I deserved it.
      “So a big thanks to Gareth.
      “My England journey started with Roy Hodgson but Gareth has been a huge part since 2018 and we have had some really good times.
      “I feel like we are really growing as a team. We haven’t quite achieved what we have wanted to achieve yet, but I think tonight has been a big statement.”
      ‘Maguire at fault’
      Robinson has also identified Harry Maguire as the man at fault for Italy’s goal.
      But he does think that the Three Lions should get a lot of praise for winning the match.
      He said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “England can take a lot of credit from this tonight.
      “We know Harry Maguire made the mistake that led to the goal but Gareth Southgate is a very positive manager and he’ll be keen to focus on that.”
      ‘CHECK REF’S NOTEBOOK!’
      Fans are convinced Kyle Walker was booked TWICE – but the defender stayed on as ten-man England beat Italy.
      Baffled viewers posted “you couldn’t make it up” after believing Walker picked up yellow cards in the 53rd and 71st minutes.
      Betting sites and even the BBC briefly recorded the right-back as picking up two cautions as the Euro 2024 qualifier heated up.
      But it appears the first one could have been mistakenly announced – as fans were stunned when he remained on the field after a later booking for time-wasting.
      Read the full story here.

      ‘Italy in second rebuild’
      Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has spoken about Italy following their defeat to England.
      He argued that manager Roberto Mancini is trying to rebuild the side for a second time.
      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “This is the second major rebuild for Roberto Mancini. He’s picked a squad of 30 players and we saw the goalscorer Retegui come in.
      “Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds looked good when he came on too.
      “Mancini is looking to find a balance and rebuild again. They look like a team in transition but as we saw tonight, they can still hurt teams.”
      It’s coming home?
      Gary Lineker has already suggested that England will be favourites to win the Euros in Germany next year.
      He tweeted: “Great goal from Rice and the perfect start for England.
      “Hard to see us not winning the Euros now.”
      Credit: Twitter – @GaryLineker
      HEARTS OF LIONS
      Declan Rice was England’s man of the match, not so much for his opening goal but for his consistently high standards in a real game of two halves.
      In the first, England played arguably their best football against a major footballing nation since they beat Spain 3-2 in Seville in October 2018.
      In the second, the familiar failings of not keeping possession and inviting opponents on to them almost cost them dear.
      You can read SunSport’s player ratings of the England team from the match here.
      Credit: Getty
      Match report
      Read the full match report of England’s famous win over Italy right here.
      It is also the Three Lions’ first competitive win over the Italians in 45 years.
      Credit: Reuters
      Gerrard on ‘special’ moment for Kane
      He told Channel 4: “It’s special for him [Harry Kane] and his family, especially after the world cup heart-break.
      “I’m so pleased for him and all the plaudits that will come his way.
      “He is an all-round class act.”
      Kane on overtaking Rooney
      He said to Channel 4: “I was on the pitch when Wayne broke the record and know what it meant to him and how proud I was.
      “When I presented him the boot for breaking the record he said to me that he’d be giving it back to you one day.
      “He’s a special guy, and an England legend.”
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      England’s Euros schedule
      Following the win tonight, this is what England’s schedule looks like:

      Mar 26, 2023 – England vs Ukraine
      Jun 16, 2023 – Malta vs England
      Jun 19, 2023 – England vs North Macedonia
      Sep 9, 2023 – Ukraine vs England
      Oct 17, 2023 – England vs Italy
      Nov 17, 2023 – England vs Malta
      Nov 20, 2023 – North Macedonia vs England

      Rooney on Kane’s achievement
      The former holder of the record has taken to social media to praise Kane.
      He tweeted: “Congratulations to @HKane on becoming @England ’s all-time leading goalscorer. I knew it wouldn’t take long but that was quick 🤣.
      “Great man, unbelievable goalscorer and an England legend. Congrats Harry 👏👏👏.”
      Credit: Twitter – @WayneRooney
      Kane on breaking record
      England’s leading goalscorer told Channel 4: “It means everything.
      “So excited to get back and put the England shirt back on.
      “It had to be a penalty of course, and once it hit the back of the net, there was so much emotion. It was a magical moment.
      “We haven’t won in Italy in so long, so to score and win made it very special.”
      Credit: Getty
      FT scores in Europe
      Group C
      Italy 0 England 2
      North Macedonia 2 Malta 1
      Group H
      Kazakhstan 1 Slovenia 2
      Denmark 3 Finland 1
      San Marino 0 Northern Ireland 2
      Group J
      Portugal 4 Liechtenstein 0
      Slovakia 0 Luxembourg 0
      Bosnia and Herzegovina 3 Iceland 0
      ‘Hard work’
      Robert Green has hailed England’s win but insisted that the second-half performance left a lot to be desired.
      He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “What a win for England. They made hard work of it. They were in complete control but didn’t perform in the second half.
      “They were clinging on after the red card but managed to get through it.
      “There were some really good individual performances in the first half but the players disappeared in the second.”
      Milestone for Southgate
      The win is Southgate’s 50th as England manager and gives his side the perfect start to their Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
      Credit: AFP
      FT Italy 1 England 2
      90+5mins: Rice clears from another Italy attack and the referee blows the full-time whistle.
      England wins their first game in Italy since 1961.
      Italy 1 England 2
      90+3 mins: England are standing firm as Italy pile on the pressure.
      Some half-hearted claims for a penalty as Di Lorenzo goes down in the box, but the referee says play on.
      Italy 1 England 2
      90+1 mins: Acerbi is booked for a late challenge on Kane.
      Italy 1 England 2
      90 mins: Five minutes added on for England’s ten men to see out the game.
      Italy 1 England 2
      88 mins: Italy claim for a penalty for handball but the referee gives another corner.
      England manage to clear from the second corner, but Italy come back again as we approach the 90 minute mark.
      Italy 1 England 2
      87 mins: Italy win a corner after Gallagher blocks a cross.
      Scamacca is now on in place of Veratti.
      Italy 1 England 2
      85 mins: Gallagher straight into the action as he wins a freekick to take some of the pressure off.
      Meanwhile West Ham’s Scamacca is warming up for Italy as Mancini prepares to make another attacking change.
      Italy 1 England 2
      84 mins: More changes for England.
      Saka and Bellingham are off for Gallagher and James.
      Bellingham looks to be in a bit of pain as he makes his exit from the pitch.
      Italy 1 England 2
      83 mins: England have a moment going forward but Bellingham is unable to pick out Saka.
      Load more entries… More