More stories

  • in

    What are the England squad numbers for Euro 2024?

    ENGLAND will be hoping to finally secure their first trophy since 1966 at Euro 2024 this summer.Gareth Southgate has left a few big names out of his 26-man squad for the huge tournament in Germany.Harry Maguire wasn’t deemed fit enough to make the list after battling a calf injury in recent weeks.Southgate has also opted not to select Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, with the England gaffer preferring the options of Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze and Jarrod Bowen for this summer’s tournament.The Three Lions begin Euro 2024 with a Group C clash against Serbia on Sunday, June 16.SunSport has the all-important shirt numbers ahead of this summer’s tournament in Germany.READ MORE IN EURO 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEngland squad numbersHere are the Three Lions’ squad numbers for Euro 2024:1 Jordan Pickford2 Kyle Walker 3 Luke Shaw4 Declan Rice5 John Stones6 Marc Guéhi7 Bukayo Saka8 Trent Alexander-Arnold9 Harry Kane10 Jude Bellingham11 Phil Foden12 Kieran Trippier13 Aaron Ramsdale14 Ezri Konsa15 Lewis Dunk16 Conor Gallagher17 Ivan Toney18 Anthony Gordon19 Ollie Watkins20 Jarrod Bowen21 Eberechi Eze22 Joe Gomez23 Dean Henderson24 Cole Palmer25 Adam Wharton26 Kobbie MainooFULL England fixture list at Euro 2024Sunday, June 16 – Group C: Serbia vs England (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen – kick-off 8pm BST, BBC)Thursday, June 20 – Group C: Denmark vs England (Waldstadion, Frankfurt – kick-off 5pm BST, BBC)Most read in Euro 2024Tuesday, June 25 – Group C: England vs Slovenia (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne – kick-off 8pm BST, ITV)Round of 16If England finish top of Group CSunday, June 30: Group C winners vs third-placed side in Group D/E/F (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen)If England finish runner-up in Group CSaturday, June 29 – Group A winners vs Group C runners-up (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)If England finish as one of four best third-place teamsOne of:Monday, July 1 – Group F winner vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C (Waldstadion, Frankfurt)Tuesday, July 2 – Group E winners vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C/D (Allianz Arena, Munich)Quarter-finalsIf England finish top of Group C and win their round of 16 gameSaturday, July 6 (Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf)If England finish runner-up in Group C and win their round of 16 gameFriday, July 5 (MHPArena, Stuttgart)If England finish as one of four best third-place teams and win their round of 16 gameOne of:Friday, July 5 (Volksparkstadion, Hamburg)Saturday, July 6 (Olympiastadion, Berlin)Semi-finalsIf England finish top of Group C, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalWednesday, July 10 – kick-off 8pm (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)If England finish runner-up in Group C, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalTuesday, July 9 – kick-off 8pm (Allianz Arena, Munich)If England finish as one of four best third-place teams, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalOne ofTuesday, July 9 – kick-off 8pm (Allianz Arena, Munich)READ MORE SUN STORIESWednesday, July 10 – kick-off 8pm (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)FinalSunday, July 14 – kick-off 8pm (Olympiastadion, Berlin)PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

  • in

    Soccer Aid 2024: Line-ups, TV channel, kick off time and FREE stream as England look to end torrid run against World XI

    SOCCER AID is back TOMORROW with the huge charity match returning to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2019.That match – won by the World XI 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw – sparked a five-game winning run for the visiting stars.Eden Hazard has signed up for Soccer Aid and Mauricio Pochettino is back at Stamford BridgeEngland will be desperate to win the charity game for the first time since 2018 and even have a new manager in the dugout to help them.Frank Lampard is back for a third spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, only this time he has swapped the likes of Raheem Sterling and Conor Gallagher for Robbie Williams and Bobby Brazier.There could also be some potential awkwardness on the World XI bench – Mauricio Pochettino is charge for the second consecutive year just weeks after he left Chelsea.Here’s everything you need to know about Soccer Aid 2024.READ MORE ON SOCCER AIDWho is playing at Soccer Aid 2024?Plenty of football legends and celebrities have already confirmed they will be playing in the charity match. Although the squads may be subject to change, due to injury for example, this is how they are shaping up at the moment:England: Frank Lampard (Co-Manager), Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager), Take That singer Robbie Williams (Co-Manager), Lionesses star Jill Scott (Captain), TV host Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), footie ace David James (Professional Goalkeeper), former Arsenal keeper David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach), footballers Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, and Joe Cole, TV pundit and ex-footballer Karen Carney, footballer Gary Cahill, singerTom Grennan, Dragons’ Den’s Steven Bartlett, actress Erin Doherty, Olympic champ Sir Mo Farah, comedian Alex Brooker, former cricketer Stuart Broad, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, Jungle King Sam Thompson, footie star Ellen White, footballer Theo Walcott, actor Danny Dyer, YouTuber Miniminter, sports promoter Eddie Hearn, former hockey star Sam Quek, and Night Manager actor Tom Hiddleston.World XI: Mauricio Pochettino (Manager), Jesus Perez (Coach), Olympic star Usain Bolt (Captain), former Chelsea star Eden Hazard, footballer Roberto Carlos, Line Of Duty actor Martin Compston, comedian Maisie Adam, One Show host Roman Kemp, 1% Club presenter Lee Mack, boxer Tommy Fury, Gladiator Diamond, footballers Michael Essien, and Patrice Evra, former Chelsea keeper Petr Cech, funnyman Jason Manford, footie ace John Obi Mikel, footballer Kaylyn Kyle, YouTuber Theo Baker, boxer Tony Bellew, footballer Alessandro Del Piero, actor Emmett J Scanlan, Spain footballer Olga Garcia, and France footballer Kheira Hamraoui.Most read in FootballSidemen star Billy Wingrove is also taking part as soccer and skills coach for both sides.When is Soccer Aid 2024?Soccer Aid takes place on Sunday, June 9, 2024.’I’m not playing anymore’ – Gary Neville reveals why he won’t play in Soccer Aid again after ‘shocking’ eventsKick-off will be at 7.30pm BST.The match, which was held at Old Trafford in 2024, has moved back to Chelsea’s home, Stamford Bridge – the first time it has been held in SW6 since 2019.General admission tickets have all sold out.England will also wear a special kit that replicates the Three Lions’ outfit from Euro 96.Where can I watch Soccer Aid 2024?Soccer Aid will once again be shown for FREE live on ITV1 (England and Wales) and STV (Scotland).It can also be streamed online with ITVX.Unicef ambassador Dermot O’Leary and England and Arsenal legend Alex Scott will present the programme, with Sam Matterface on lead commentary and comedian Iain Sterling on co-comms.There will also be a full half-time show.How much has Soccer Aid raised for Unicef?The charity football match is the biggest in the world and since 2006 has raised more than £90million in total for global children’s charity Unicef.The 2023 tournament was the most successful on record, raising a record-breaking £14.6m.What’s been said?England manager Frank Lampard said: “Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge is special – for any player, on any occasion.”I’m excited to be doing that again – this time with Soccer Aid for Unicef.”Managing the Soccer Aid England team with Harry [Redknapp] will be a proud moment and great fun – but the main focus is rightly on the millions of pounds we can all raise together.”Frank Lampard will be back in the Chelsea dugout – this time as manager of England at Soccer Aid on June 9Chelsea legend Eden Hazard said: “My Chelsea family – I am coming home on June 9!”I can’t wait to see you all again. Playing at Stamford Bridge was always amazing. “We won so many trophies together there. “Some of the very best memories I have in football – seven brilliant years. I miss them.”As I enter a new chapter, we can write new history with Soccer Aid for Unicef. “Together, we can and will raise millions of pounds for children across the world.”Soccer Aid statsSOCCER AID has been played since 2006.
    It was founded by Robbie Williams and his pal Jonathan Wilkes.
    It started out as a biennial event but since 2018 it has been played every year.
    The match is between England and a World XI.

    I’m a Celeb winner Sam Thompson said: “From watching Chelsea in the stands throughout my life, to walking out at Stamford Bridge and playing in front of thousands of fans.”As pretty much everyone knows, I am a massive Chelsea fan, so I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. “I know everyone must say this – but this is my actual dream coming true.”I live around the corner from Stamford Bridge and have been to so many Chelsea games over the years, watching my heroes – I can’t quite believe I’m about to play with some of them. “I mean Frank Lampard is a living legend and he’s my manager – it’s insane.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As you all know, I’m a pretty excitable character but this has put me on a new level.”This is a brilliant family day out which I am honoured to be part of.” More

  • in

    Who is Marco Guida? Meet the Italian referee officiating at Euro 2024

    MARCO Guida is an elite level referee who usually plies his trade in Serie A.He has been selected to officiate at Euro 2024 — here’s everything you need to know about the Italian.Guida has averaged 4.41 yellow cards per game in his career so farCredit: GettyWho is Marco Guida?Marco Guida was born in Pompeii on June 7, 1981, and currently lives in Torre Annunziata, located on the gulf of Naples. Although he started refereeing in 1996 as a teenager, he didn’t become a Fifa official until 2014.He made his first league appearance on January 31, 2010 when he took charge of the Serie A clash between Chevio and Bologna, which ended in a 1-1 draw.During his debut, he only handed out one yellow card, while throughout his career so far Guida has averaged 4.41 yellow cards per game.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He also averages 0.24 red cards and 0.33 penalties every match.Has Marco Guida officiated at major tournaments before?Although Guida is 42, yet he has never refereed at a major international tournament.Despite this, he has impressed Uefa enough to be selected for Euro 2024 this summer.However, Guida was at the helm for two international friendlies last year — Slovenia v Northern Ireland and Austria v Sweden.Most read in Euro 2024England make their official Euros 2024 squad announcement He has also taken charge of five Champions League matches, the biggest of which being the quarter-final between Atletico and Dortmund on April 10, 2024, which the Spanish giants won 2-1.What else has Marco Guida done before?Aston Villa fans might not be too happy to hear that Guida has been selected to referee at Euro 2024.The Italian refereed the first leg of Villa’s 6-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Olympiakos in the Europa Conference League semi-final on May 2, 2024.A number of Villains supporters took to social media after the match to complain about Guida disallowing Leon Bailey’s first half goal — a decision held up by VAR.One posted: “Crazy, how was that ruled out?!”While another wrote: “Why didn’t VAR take a proper look at that?”And a third said: “Absolutely no idea why that’s been disallowed.”Has Marco Guida used VAR before?VAR was introduced into Serie A during the 2017-18 season — a year earlier than it was incorporated into the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESOut of his 200 appearances in Italy’s top league, 80 have been since VAR’s introduction.So it’s fair to say that Guida is somewhat of a veteran of the technology.How England will line up after big names axed from Euros More

  • in

    When is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson? NEW date CONFIRMED, ring-walk time, TV channel and live stream as boxing legend returns

    MIKE TYSON will return to the ring for the first time since 2020 to face internet sensation Jake Paul – but it will be later than expected.The Problem Child overcame Ryan Bourland with a brutal first round knockout in back March.Jake Paul will take on Mike Tyson at a new dateCredit: @Netflix / XPaul has won his last three bouts since his defeat to Tommy Fury last February.The internet sensation will now face one of the greatest boxers of all time, with Mike Tyson set to return to the ring at the age of 58.Tyson’s last bout came in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr in 2020, of which Paul was on the undercard against former NBA player Nate Robinson.When is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson?
    Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson has been rescheduled for Friday, November 15.
    The fight was originally set for July 20 – but was moved back after Tyson’s health issues.
    The bout will be hosted at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
    READ MORE IN BOXINGWhy has Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson been postponed?Mike Tyson’s health issues mean he has had to put his training on hold.The former world champion suffered a medical emergency on board a flight in May as a result of an ulcer flare up.Netflix, who were set to show the fight, released a statement announcing the cancellation.It reads: “Unfortunately Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will not face-off on July 20 as planned. Tyson’s recent ulcer flare up has limited his ability to train fully for the next few weeks.Most read in Boxing”The fight will be rescheduled for a date later this year after Mike’s able to resume training with no limitations and both fighters can have equal time to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup!”Tyson required medical assistance from paramedics on board a flight from Miami to LA.He felt nauseous and dizzy though his publicist said he was feeling “very good” after treatment.What TV channel is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson on and can it be live streamed?
    Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix.
    It will be the streaming giant’s first venture into combat sports.
    Jake Paul confirmed on X that the bout with Mike Tyson will be available to all Netflix subscribers at no additional cost.
    What’s been said?On the announcement of the huge fight, Paul said: “It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard. “Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons.”Within just two and a half years of founding MVP, we’re about to produce the biggest fight in history, a fight in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world – a testament to all we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time.”Whether you’re tuning in on Netflix or showing out in person, whether you’re team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event.”Mike Tyson has also spoken about the fight with Paul on July 20, he said: “I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones Jr and now I plan to finish him.” More

  • in

    Who is Daniele Orsato? Meet Euro 2024 referee

    REFEREE Daniele Orsato is set to hang up his whistle at the end of Euro 2024.The vastly experienced referee, 48, took charge of his final Serie A match last month, receiving a standing ovation from Atalanta and Fiorentina fans – he also broke down in tears after his final Champions League game. Italian Daniele Orsato is one of the world’s most respected and experienced referees but will retire after Euro 2024Credit: GettyWho is Daniele Orsato?The Italian made his first World Cup appearance in 2018 and also officiated at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.Orsato had before officiated a series of international friendlies and World Cup qualifying fixtures, including the first leg of the World Cup play-off between Honduras and Australia.He’s also been a senior referee in Serie A since 2010, officiating 290 games before retiring.Orsato made his Serie C debut in 2002, moving to the premier Serie A division for the 2006-07 season. He has gone on to make nearly 200 appearances in the division.Since 2012, the Italian has been involved in Champions League fixtures. Orsato went on to referee the 2020 Champions League final and multiple semi-finals.Most read in sport He faced huge criticism from Croatian legend Luka Modric in the last World Cup.The Real Madrid star branded Orsata as “one of the worst” and said his performance was a “disaster” as Argentina beat Croatia in the sem-final.Modric said: “Argentina were a fair winner of the match, they were better, they deserved to win, but these things have to be mentioned, I generally don’t do them, but today they have to be done.”‘I don’t like to talk about referees, but this is one of the worst. I don’t have a good memory of [Orsato], he’s a disaster. For me it wasn’t a penalty.”Despite this, I don’t want to detract from Argentina. The penalty killed us. We have to recover for third place and win that match.” More

  • in

    Who is Michael Oliver? Premier League referee officiating at Euro 2024

    PREMIER LEAGUE referee Michael Oliver is one of the English game’s most experienced officials.And he’ll be the man in the middle throughout Euro 2024 as one of the top refs in the game.English referee Michael Oliver will be in the middle at Euro 2024Who is Michael Oliver?Born in Ashington, Northumberland, , on February 20, 1985, Michael Oliver began refereeing at the age of 14 after being introduced to it by his father.By 2007 he had become the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley stadium when he whistled the Conference National play-off final.Oliver continued to break records becoming the youngest-ever Football League referee and youngest Premier League fourth official.In 2010, Oliver became the youngest ever Prem referee at the age of 25 years and 182 days old when he officiated Birmingham City’s game with Blackburn Rovers.READ MORE ON MICHAEL OLIVERHe is one of the most experienced referees in the Premier League having taken charge of 372 matches in the top flight.He was used as an official in both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup and has officiated over 50 Champions League and Europa League matches.Oliver was also in charge for the 2018 FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United – which was notable for the absence of Prince William who was attending the wedding of his brother Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.He officiated again in the 2021 final in which Leicester defeated Chelsea.Most read in Euro 2020He has also taken charge of matches in the United Arab Emirates Pro League.In 2023 he officiated the game between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal for a reported £3,000.Italy football legend Marcello Lippi sympathises for Gianluigi Buffon after being sent off in final ever Champions League match by Michael Oliver In the 2023/2024 season, the referee came under huge scrutiny after failing to award Liverpool a penalty during the 1-1 draw with Man City at Anfield.He made headlines again in April 2024 over a penalty decision during a London derby between Arsenal and Spurs.In 2024, it was revealed he was one of the main referees at the Euros in Germany.His assistants have been named as Stuart Burt and Dan Cook.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

    Michael Oliver (England)
    Anthony Taylor (England)
    Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
    Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
    Marco Guida (Italy)
    Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
    Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
    Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
    Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
    Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
    Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
    Daniele Orsato (Italy)
    Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
    Daniel Siebert (Germany)
    Clement Turpin (France)
    Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
    Felix Zwayer (Germany)
    François Letexier (France)
    Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

  • in

    Who is Danny Makkelie? Meet the Dutch referee officiating at Euro 2024

    OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage for Euro 2024 and is seen as one of the best referees around.The Dutchman, 41, has huge experience in the middle – having first taking up the job in 2005 and being placed on the Elite list in 2014. Danny Makkelie was in charge during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark when he awarded a controversial penaltyCredit: PAWho is Euro 2024 referee Danny Makkelie?A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in Germany.He was first listed as a Fifa referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of mathches under his belt.Having taken charge of 47 Champions League matches in his career – including Bayern’s 1-0 win over Arsenal in the quarter-finals this year – he also has experience at two international tournaments.Makkelie refereed games at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.England fans may remember a controversial penalty against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final that helped the Three Lions reach the final.Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 300 appearances since.Most read in sportHas he used VAR before?The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored. More

  • in

    Who is Euro 2024 referee Istvan Kovacs?

    ISTVAN KOVACS Istvan Kovacs is used to brushing away nonsense from footballers – given he deals with rowdy pupils in his day job as a PE teacher.The 39-year-old Romanian has been picked to officiate at Euro 2024, having also reffed in Euro 2020.Istvan Kovacs, who will referee at Euro 2024, was blasted by Xavi after sending the ex-Barcelona coach off in the Champions League earlier this seasonCredit: AFPKovacs was appointed as an 2010 and nominated to the elite list in 2020.Who is Istvan Kovacs?Kovacs, a native of Carei, grew up a sports fanatic and turned his attention to officiating from a young age.After following his dream, he was appointed as a professional referee in his homeland ahead of the 2007/08 season.In his debut season, Kovacs officiated 17 Romanian top-flight fixtures and within three years he took charge of Europa League matches.He has since become a fixture at the top level of European football, taking charge of numerous games in the Europa League and Champions League.Most read in FootballHe had a perfect view as Ademola Lookman scored a brilliant hat-trick in the final of the Europa League last month.However, he was in Xavi’s crosshairs in April after Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.The ex-Barca coach was sent off after complaining over Ronald Araujo conceding a penalty against PSG.Xavi said: “The decision completely changed the game. It was too much to give a red card.”I told the referee his performance was very bad. He was a disaster. He killed the tie.”What games will he officiate at Euro 2024?Uefa have not yet revealed which games will be officiated by which referees.That information will be updated as the tournament approaches. More