Explainers

CRISTIANO RONALDO and Portugal face a tough start to the Euro 2024 campaign.Roberto Martínez’s side take on the Czech Republic in their opening game of the tournament.Portugal take on the Czech Republic in their Euro 2024 openerCredit: GettyTomas Soueck (right) will captain the Czechs at the tournamentCredit: EPAPortugal won the Euros back in 2016 as they beat France in the final at the Stade de France.They failed to replicate their success in the following tournament, as Belgium sent them packing in the round of 16.Portugal reached this year’s finals by topping Group J ahead of Slovakia and Luxembourg.The team won all ten of their group matches, scoring 36 goals and only conceding two.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Euros in Germany could also be Ronaldo’s last in international football with the star now 39 years old.The five-time Ballon d’Or winner would love to add another international trophy to his esteemed trophy cabinet.They have had a mixed bag of form leading up to the tournament.Out of Portugal’s last five games they have won three but lost two to Croatia and Slovenia.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHowever, it is a tough start to the tournament for Portugal as they face the Czech Republic.The Czechs qualified for the Euros from Group E as runners-up behind Albania.Inside the ten stunning Euro 2024 stadiums including historic final venueThey are also in good form in their recent matches having won five from five, including a 7-1 drubbing of Malta.Team newsPortugal are without Raphael Guerreiro for the tournament due to injury.While Renato Sanches and Manchester City ace Matheus Nunes were not picked by Martinez.The former Everton manager did opt to stand by veterans Pepe and Ronaldo with the pair expected to start the match.The Czech’s big injury blow came to Michal Sadilek who had to pull out of the squad after falling off a bike during training.What has been said? Ahead of the tournament, Martinez has hailed his captain Ronaldo’s commitment to the team.He said: “His commitment as captain is unbelievable. I really enjoyed his work.”He shows solidarity and companionship, and they are important values in a dressing room when you’re going to the Euros.”Czech coach Ivan Hasek  is aiming to take his side as fare as possible.He said: “I will do everything possible to take the team as far as I can in this competition but success and failure are both possible.”I believe in our team, our players, the people around me and in our ability to create a strong, competitive team that can make it out of the group and then, come what may.”I will be satisfied when we advance from the group stage, the fans agree that we gave it our all, and our play pleases them.”That’s important for us. We need to pick the players that will best please our demanding audience and we will try to play football that pleases the fans.”SunSport prediction?Portugal 3-1 Czech RepublicPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
When is Portugal vs Czech Republic?
Portugal’s opening group stage clash with Czech Republic will take place on Tuesday, June 18.
The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
The Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany will play host to the big clash.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Portugal vs Czech Republic will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
You can live stream all the action from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
Portugal – 8/15
Draw – 10/3
Czech Republic – 5/1
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

TURKEY will kickstart their Euro 2024 campaign with a clash against underdogs Georgia.The team will have the chance to redeem themselves after being tipped as dark horses for Euro 2020.Georgia will be making their Euro bow in GermanyCredit: ReutersThey face Turkey in their opening matchCredit: GettyTurkey disappointed at the tournament as they exited the group stage without winning a single match.This time around, they will face Portugal, the Czech Republic and, of course, Georgia in Group F.Massive underdogs Georgia will be Turkey’s first game of the tournament on Tuesday.Turkey come into Euro 2024, having topped their qualification group ahead of the likes of Croatia and Wales.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVincenzo Montella’s side, however, is not in the best form, having lost three of their last four fixtures.This run includes a 6-1 hammering by Austria back in March.Georgia caused a massive shock by sealing qualification to the tournament.Willy Sagnol’s side reached the finals after finishing fourth in Group A.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSHowever, they managed to win their playoff qualifiers against Greece and Luxemburg to book their ticket to Germany.It is the nation’s first appearance at the Euros in its history and is currently ranked no.75 in the world.Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024Georgia should not be underestimated, however, as they have a few stars in their team.Key players include Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.Team news?Bournemouth striker Enes Unal will miss the tournament for Turkey.Other big misses will be former Premier League stars Caglar Soyuncu and Ozan Kabak.Georgia however appear to have a clean bill of health with the main focus being on stars Kvaratskhelia and Mamardashvili.The duo have attracted a lot of interest in the transfer market and could put themselves in further in the shop window with a good performance.What has been said? Georgia talisman Kvaratskhelia has insisted that the team’s aim is to make it out of the group stages.He said: “Preparations are at maximum intensity because there is not long to go before our dream – the first match in the EURO for Georgia’s national team, and we are loaded with emotions.”But we are trying to control these emotions. We are preparing as best as we can for the first game, which is the most important because we will keep on going with the same mood as we begin.”Our first goal, just like every other team probably, is to go past the group stage and we will do everything to achieve this.”I hope the game ends in our favour and our goal will be achieved.”Turkey boss Montella believes that this edition of the Euros will be even harder than in 2021.He said: “In my opinion, this competition is more difficult than previous ones because the bar has been raised and even the mid-level teams have improved their level.”So the team must do its best and have conviction but absolutely not arrogance.”SunSport prediction?Turkey 1-1 GeorgiaPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
When is Turkey vs Georgia?
Turkey’s big clash with Georgia takes place on Tuesday, June 18.
The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany will host the game.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Romania vs Ukraine will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
You can live stream all the action from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on the BBC so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
Turkey – 4/5
Draw – 13/5
Georgia – 15/4
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

FRANCE start their Euro 2024 campaign with a clash against Austria.Les Blues will be hoping to improve on their efforts in the previous tournament.France start their Euro 2024 campaign against AustriaCredit: AFPRalf Rangnick will be in charge of the AustriansCredit: GettyPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
France were knocked out in the round of 16 by Switzerland on penalties despite leading the match 3-1.The Swiss scored two goals in the final ten minutes to tie the match and force penalties.France also suffered heartbreak in the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.They lost in the final to Argentina again following a penalty shootout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCoach Didier Deschamps’ side come into the competition as hot favourites due to the abundant quality in the squad.The team eased through qualification and have been boosted by the return of N’Golo Kante to the squad.However, Raphael Varane will not be playing part following his retirement from international football.The match against against Austria will not be straightforward.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFormer Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has got the Austrians playing some brilliant football.The team is unbeaten in their last seven games, a run that includes wins over Germany and Turkey.BBC VS ITV: Who wins in battle of Euro 2024 teamsFrance, on the other hand, has not lost since September and has won six of their last eight matches.Team newsFrance will be without Lucas Hernandez who picked up a knee injury before the tournamentKingsley Coman is a doubt after suffering from illness during the week.Austria will not have star David Alaba as he picked up a knee injury during the season.Midfielder Xaver Schlager will also miss the match due to injury.Austria Euro 2024 guideFORMER Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has transformed Austria since taking the job two years ago.
But they face a tough task to get out of a group containing France, Holland and Poland.
MANAGER: Ralf Rangnick
Played for Southwick in the Sussex County League and ended up managing Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
STAR MAN: Christoph Baumgartner
The RB Leipzig midfielder has excelled under Rangnick and scored the quickest goal in international history after six seconds against Slovakia in March.
How Austria attack
Austria are one of the most interesting tactical teams at the tournament.
They will play aggressively and take risks in possession, rotating the midfielders and also playing longer passes to the target man/
How Austria defend
Austria will play Rangnick’s trademark aggressive gegenpressing style as they look to win the ball high up the pitch.
However, they will also set traps and encourage the opposition to use the ball in central areas before surrounding them.
Read the full Austria Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups and latest odds

What has been said?Kylian Mbappe has insisted that he is keen to complete an international hat-trick of tournament wins with France.He told CNN Sport: “I want to win the Euros. I have to be honest. I won the World Cup. I won the Nations League.”That’s the only one that missed me with the national team after I did everything with the national team. I really want to win this.”My first competition as captain, so it’s really important for me and it’s always important for the country and we want them to be proud of us.”[It’s] another opportunity to write the history of my country.”Austria coach Rangnick is aware of the challenge his side faces when coming up against France.He said: “With France we might have the strongest opponents of all right at the start [of the tournament].”They are the absolute favourites for the title, not only at this EURO, but also in two years at the World Cup.”France surely must be the nation with the highest quality.”Even if the starting XI are injured, the 11 substitutes are not much weaker.”So the first match will be a huge challenge.”SunSport prediction?France 3-1 AustriaPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
France Euro 2024 guideFRANCE are the one nation all England fans are truly afraid of.
They are many punters’ favourites after knocking the Three Lions out of the 2022 World Cup and will be hoping to do much better than at Euro 2020, when they lost to Switzerland in the last 16.
MANAGER: Didier Deschamps
Coming up to 12 years in the job, the only thing missing from his CV is a European Championship.
STAR MAN: Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe’s PSG may have underachieved on the European stage but he remains France’s most deadly threat, with a World Cup trophy and a World Cup final hat-trick to his name.
How France attack
Expect to see France play in a fluid 4-3-3 – which becomes 4-2-3-1 in possession – throughout the tournament.
Giroud acts as the focal point in the attack with the two wide players and Griezmann as No 10 supporting.
How France defend
We can expect to see France defend high with an emphasis on winning back possession as far up the pitch as possible.
France will stagger their defensive shape when the opposition are in possession.
Read the full France Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

When is Austria vs France?
France’s clash with Austria will take place on Monday, June 17.
The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
The Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany will play host to the big game.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Austria vs France will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD in the UK.
You can live stream all the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on ITV 1 and the ITV X app, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
Austria – 11/2
Draw – 7/2
France – 1/2
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

BELGIUM kick off their Euro 2024 game with a tough but winnable game against Slovakia.The Red Devils launch their bid for glory in Frankfurt against a Slovakia side managed by former Napoli caretaker boss Francesco Calzona.This is likely to be Kevin De Bruyne’s last EurosCredit: AFPBut the Belgium squad still features several starsCredit: RexSlovakia now play a more attacking brand of footballCredit: GettyIt’s a case of a ‘last dance’ for many of the stars of Belgium’s golden generation with the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku seeing this as their final chance to win something for the Red Devils.Gone are stars such as Eden Hazard, Axel Witsel and Toby Alderweireld but there is a feeling of renewal for the Belgians.Previous boss Roberto Martinez, who guided Belgium to a World Cup semi-final in 2018, a quarter-final at Euro 2020 and a group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, has gone, and so has his three at the back system.Former RB Leipzig coach, Domenico Tedesco, who plays a high-pressing brand of football, has come in and introduced a 4-3-3 system.The side have not been beaten under his stewardship.Not only has the system changed but the Italian has introduced fresh blood to the ailing golden generation.Johann Bakayoko, 21, Dodi Lukebakio, 26, and Orel Mangala, also 26, have all become important members of the side.Jeremy Doku, who was introduced to the squad by Martinez, is also flourishing into a great player at Manchester City and will be a key man for the Belgians.Most read in Euro 2024Tedesco has been in charge since March 2023 with the side collecting 20 points from 24 in a qualifying group that included Austria and Sweden.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBelgium come into the tournament as eighth favourites with the bookies but are ranked fourth in the men’s Fifa rankings.Slovakia are light on stars but could be a decent watch under Calzona, after developing a reputation for disciplined football under previous managers. Inside the ten stunning Euro 2024 stadiums including historic final venueHe is a disciple of Maurizio Sarri, having previously been his assistant at Napoli so expect pretty-passing patterns and possession-based football.PSG’s Milan Skriniar and Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka are the side’s stand-out players.Path to the EurosBelgium arrive at the tournament unbeaten in qualification and without a loss so far under Tedesco.They opened qualifying with a statement 3-0 win over Sweden and also beat Germany 3-2 away in a friendly in his second game in charge.Slovakia’s qualifying form was also impressive, winning seven, drawing two and losing one.Both of those losses came against Portugal, which could be indicative of how this game will go against quality opposition.Team NewsThibaut Courtois, 32, is the most glaring omission from the Belgium squad.Felt by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, he misses out through a combination of injury and bad blood between him and Tedesco. The keeper tore his ACL in August last year and declared himself out of the Euros then, but returned for Real Madrid as they won LaLiga and the Champions League.Courtois was angered not to have been made captain during Belgium’s home qualifier against Estonia which would have celebrated his 100th Belgian cap – he has not spoken to Tedesco since.Elsewhere they are struggling greatly to field a defence, with Thomas Meunier, Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate all doubts.Slovakia enter the tournament with a clean bill of health.Ones to watchThere can only be one answer for Belgium and that’s Kevin De Bruyne.At 32, this could be his final Euros tournament and he’s coming off the back of a Manchester City season where he missed the first half with injury – meaning he should be fresh for this tournament.He’ll be spoilt for choice when threading balls through to the front line, with Tedesco being able to pick a front-line from Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, Johan Bakayoko and Romelu Lukaku.Slovakia’s strongest player is Milan Skriniar, who was a rock for Inter Milan but has struggled at PSG, but there’s nothing very interesting about a star centre-back.Stanislav Lobotka is a lovely central midfielder in the Jorginho mould and will keep things ticking over – he’s the sort of midfielder England could really do with.Hellas Verona winger Tomas Suslov is tricky if a bit too mercurial – his lack of tracking back has angered Calzona in the past but who doesn’t love a maverick?Head-to-HeadBelgium and Slovakia have only met twice in their history with both of those coming in friendlies.The two drew 0-0 in their first meeting in 2006.Belgium got the better of the Slovaks in 2013 with a 1-0 win.SunSport predictionDespite their two previous meetings yielding one goal in 180 minutes of football – Tedesco’ pressing football and wonderful attack should be too much for Slovakia.Prediction: 3-0PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
When is Belgium vs Slovakia?
Belgium’s opening group game against Slovakia will take place on Monday, June 17.
The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany will host the clash.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Belgium vs Slovakia will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD in the UK.
You can live stream all the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download on to your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE on ITV 1, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
Belgium – 1/2
Draw – 7/2
Slovakia – 11/2
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More