Explainers

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

ROMANIA kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against fellow tournament underdogs Ukraine on Monday.The two sides are set to meet at the Allianz Arena in Munich.Romania were undefeated in qualifyingCredit: EPAUkraine booked a spot in the group stages through the qualification play-offsCredit: GettyRomania failed to qualify for the European Championships four years ago, but they managed to book a spot this time around by topping Group I.Edward Iordanescu’s side came through the group unbeaten, easing past Switzerland, Israel, Belarus, Kosovo and Andorra.Meanwhile, Ukraine earned a place through the play-offs earlier this year.Serhiy Rebrov’s side beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 in the semi-finals before earning a 2-1 win over Iceland in the final.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Both teams go into Group E with Slovakia and Belgium.And both will fancy their chances of a spot in the knockouts.Path to the EurosRomania managed an invincible record in qualifying with six wins and four draws in 10 games.They won Group I with a five-point advantage over Switzerland.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUkraine finished third in Group C, behind England and Italy.However, they beat Bosnia and Iceland in the play-offs to secure a spot.Jack Wilshere, Jurgen Klinsmann and Gordon Strachan pick their ultimate Euro 2024 Dream TeamTeam NewsBoth teams are expected to have a full squad available for the match, with no injury concerns in either 26-man squad.Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin is set to star for Romania, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mykhailo Mudryk in line to start for Ukraine.Radu Dragusin is set to star for RomaniaCredit: GettyOnes to watchRadu Dragusin is arguably the biggest name in the Romania squad.The defender joined Tottenham in a £21.5million transfer from Genoa in January and has since made nine appearances.Despite being just 22-years-old, Dragusin has already earned 17 senior international caps.As for Ukraine, Mykhailo Mudryk is the man to watch.He scored the winning goal in the play-off final to send Ukraine through to Euro 2024 and is capable of great speed and great frustration.The 23-year-old has made 21 appearances for the Ukraine senior squad and scored twice.Head-to-HeadThese two sides have faced each other six times.They remain completely equal, with three wins each.SunSport predictionRomania have caused a few upsets over the last year, but Ukraine arguably have a bit more quality throughout the squad and could narrowly take the win.Prediction: Romania 0-1 UkrainePLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
When is Romania vs Ukraine?
Romania’s opening group stage game against Ukraine takes place on Monday, June 17.
The game kicks off at 2pm BST.
Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena in Munich, 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! Romania vs Ukraine will be shown live for FREE on BBC One, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
Romania – 27/10
Draw – 12/5
Ukraine – 21/20
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

SLOVENIA kick off their Euro 2024 campaign with a tough match against Denmark on Sunday.The two sides are set to meet at MHPArena in Stuttgart to begin proceedings in Group C.Slovenia have never made it past the group stagesCredit: GettyDenmark are tipped to be dark horsesCredit: EPASlovenia will be looking to get past the group stages for the first time ever, but they face a difficult task against the likes of Denmark, England and Serbia.Meanwhile, Denmark have been tipped by many to be the dark horse of the tournament.The Red and Whites made it to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 but lost 2-1 to England at Wembley.Many fans fell in love with Kasper Hjulmand’s side after they produced one of the tournament’s most incredible tales, overcoming Cristian Eriksen’s devastating cardiac arrest to reach the final four.READ MORE ON EURO 2024They have now been tipped to go the distance in Germany, with the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Andreas Christensen set to play key roles.However, it will not be an easy task.Path to the EurosDenmark booked a place in the tournament after topping Group H in qualifying.The Red and Whites took 22 points from 10 games along the way.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSlovenia secured the second automatic promotion spot in Group H after finishing with the same amount of points.Both teams managed seven wins, a draw and two defeats from 10 games.Jack Wilshere, Jurgen Klinsmann and Gordon Strachan pick their ultimate Euro 2024 Dream TeamTeam NewsJosip Ilicic has returned to the Slovenia squad for the first time in two-and-a-half years.The striker, who has 81 caps for the national side, hadn’t received a call-up since November 2021 due to mental health issues.As for Denmark, Andreas Christensen and Alexander Bah have both overcome injury setbacks to be ready for the opening match.Andreas Christensen is expected to startCredit: AFPOnes to watchBenjamin Sesko has enjoyed an impressive debut season with RB Leipzig since joining from RB Salzburg last summer, scoring 18 goals in 42 appearances.His form has even attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.Rasmus Hojlund scored seven goals in Denmark’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.The striker has also impressed for Manchester United since joining from Atalanta last summer.Hojlund can cause problems for defenders with his tireless work ethic and clinical finishing.Head-to-HeadThese two sides have met six times in the past, with Slovenia yet to beat the Red and Whites.Denmark have won on five occasions, with one fixture ending in a draw.SunSport predictionSlovenia are yet to beat Denmark, but given the outcome of the qualifying group this could be a very close game.Denmark arguably have a slightly stronger overall squad than their opponents, which could give them an edge.Prediction: Slovenia 1-2 DenmarkPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
When is Slovenia vs Denmark?
Slovenia’s clash with Denmark takes place on Saturday, June 16.
The game will kick off at 5pm BST.
The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart will play host to the Group C clash.
What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Denmark’s Group C clash against Slovenia will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV 1 HD in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes! The game is available to watch for FREE on ITV 1 or on the streaming app, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
Slovenia – 4/1
Draw – 27/10
Denmark – 8/11
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More