More stories

  • in

    What time is Netherlands vs England? TV channel, live stream and team news for Euro 2024 semi-final

    ENGLAND are looking to seal their spot in a second Euros final in a row TONIGHT when they take on the Netherlands.Gareth Southgate’s side are just one game away from taking centre stage in Berlin’s Olympiastadion – where they could face Spain.England will face the Netherlands on Wednesday in the Euro 2024 semi-finalCredit: GettyThe Dutch beat Turkey 2-1 in the quarter-finalCredit: GettyThe Three Lions head into the semi-finals after a 5-3 penalty shootout win over Switzerland on Saturday, having drawn 1-1.After an uneasy start in Germany – with two group game draws and a narrow win – the Three Lions saved their place in the tournament with a 95th-minute Jude Bellingham overhead kick and a Harry Kane extra-time goal in the round of 16 clash against Slovakia.And to avoid going out again, England came from behind in the quarter-final against the Swiss, with Bukayo Saka equalising after Breel Embolo’s opener.England will now face the Netherlands for a place in Sunday’s showpiece.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Dutch beat Turkey 2-1 in the quarter-final after Stefan de Vrij and a Mert Mulder own goal.Ronald Koeman’s side did not have the best group campaign – where they finished third in their group – but have now found their feet in this tournament.When is Netherlands vs England?Netherlands vs England will take place TONIGHT – Wednesday, July 10.Kick off will be at 8pm BST.The Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund will host.What is the team news?England have no suspensions for this game, with all their previous yellow cards now wiped too.Most read in Euro 2024Southgate has a fully fit squad to select from with Marc Guehi back from his suspension and Luke Shaw potentially in the line-up after playing his first Euro 2024 in the quarter-final.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Three Lions boss needs to decide whether he should stick with a back three or return to a four-man defence and whether to play Shaw over Kieran Trippier.The Netherlands are in the same boat and have no players suspended.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesRonald Koeman has gone for the same back four throughout the tournament with Jerdy Schouten and Tijani Reijnders also ever-presents in midfield.Fans can possibly see the Dutchman replace Steven Bergwijn on the left, with Wout Weghorst hoping to start after coming on for him against Turkey. Who will be the star men?Bukayo Saka has to be the Three Lions starboy – without his equaliser, the team may have been on their way back to England.The Arsenal star, 22, not only scored the only goal in the game but was one of the five players to convert his spot kick in the penalty shootout.It was a massive comeback for the winger who had not taken a penalty since he missed the crucial spot-kick in the Euro 2020 final.Meanwhile, for the Netherlands, Cody Gakpo is bang in form and has created 11 chances at the Euros.The Liverpool star has also scored three goals and added an assist in Germany.The forward will definitely be a threat to England’s defence on Wednesday.Head to headEngland have only beaten the Netherlands once in nine meetings since a 4-1 win at Euro 96.That is the Three Lions’ only win against the Dutch in a major tournament, alongside a goalless draw at Italia 90 and the Netherlands winning 3-1 at the 1988 Euros.Netherlands wins: 7England wins: 6Draws: 9What have the managers said?Southgate is hoping the Three Lions can see it through to the final and win the tournament after failing last time out.He said: “Our intention is to play with the ball, but you have opponents trying to stop you. “Our team has been under enormous pressure from the start and they did so well. “At the moment we aren’t able to score lots but the last three games we’ve played against five at the back. We’re through to our third semi-final in four attempts but that’s not where we want it to end.”Koeman is proud of his squad for coming this far in the tournament ahead of the clash against England.He said: “For the whole nation, it’s something special. We are a small nation and we’re in the semi-finals with England, France and Spain.”We are really proud. We had to suffer but it’s a great success to get the opportunity to play in a semi-final.”What TV channel is Netherlands vs England on and can it be live streamed FREE?Netherlands vs England will be broadcast live on ITV1.You can live stream the match for FREE on the ITVX app/website.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.What are the odds?Match resultNetherlands – 11/5Draw – 2/1England – 6/4Winner of the tieREAD MORE SUN STORIESNetherlands – EVSEngland – 8/11*Odds courtesy of William Hill and are correct at the time of publication. More

  • in

    Why is Kylian Mbappe NOT wearing a mask against Spain in Euro 2024 semi-final?

    FRENCH phenomenon Kylian Mbappe is NOT wearing a mask for France’s huge Euro 2024 semi-final clash against Spain TONIGHT.Real Madrid’s star summer signing played in the mask for the first time in Les Bleus’ final group stage game against Poland.Kylian Mbappe played in a mask for first time against PolandCredit: PAKylian Mbappe is NOT wearing a mask against SpainCredit: AFPBut fans want to know why Mbappe is no longer wearing the protective mask – SunSport has all the details below…Why was Kylian Mbappe wearing a mask?Kylian Mbappe has worn a mask in three matches since the French icon was forced off during France’s opening 1-0 win over Austria after colliding with Kevin Danso.With Mbappe’s visibly damaged, the forward was immediately sent to hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a broken nose.Mbappe suffered a broken nose in the Austria clashCredit: RexThe French forward clashed with Kevin DansoCredit: RexThe ex-PSG striker was spotted training with a new specially made protective mask – painted like the France flag.Read more on Euro 2024Uefa rules states that any protective mask has to be painted in ONE colour, leaving Mbappe having to wear a black mask when he appeared on pitch later in the tournament.Mbappe’s French mask breaks UEFA protocolCredit: ReutersWhy is Mbappe NOT wearing a mask against Spain?However, despite reports that Mbappe would have to wear the mask until the end of the tournament and, potentially, months into the future – Mbappe did NOT wear the mask in the semi-final against Spain.No official reason has been confirmed, at the time of writing.Presumably, Mbappe made the decision having struggled to reach his usual heights during the tournament in Germany.Most read in Euro 2024He has only scored one goal, from the penalty spot, at Euro 2024 and was notably subbed off in the previous round against Portugal, despite the game heading into extra-time. Without the mask, Mbappe got an assist for France inside ten minutes against Spain, floating in a superb cross for Randal Kolo Muani to head home from close range.What has been said?Kevin Danso, who collided with Mbappe which led to the Frenchman’s injury, issued an apology to France supporters on social media after the match.He wrote: “To French supporters: I am sorry that Kylian Mbappe was injured during our duel.”I wish him a good recovery and I hope he can quickly find his place on the pitch.”Mbappe himself has reacted badly to playing with the mask – before the Belgium clash, he said: “It is horrible playing with a mask.“I keep changing because there is something that bothers me“It is ­difficult to play because it limits vision, the sweat clogs up. The first few days felt like I was wearing 3D glasses — as soon as I can get it off I will but I don’t have a choice.“I hate it, it is really annoying. You have seen pictures of five masks but in the evening I’ve had different trials.READ MORE SUN STORIES“This is not an excuse for me as it is the only way I can play.”When is Spain vs France?Spain vs France will take place TONIGHT – Tuesday, July 9.The match will kick off at 8pm BST.The Allianz Arena in Munich will host. More

  • in

    Why are France wearing a white kit and not blue at Euro 2024?

    FRANCE will be wearing their white kit yet again as they face Spain in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.It is the fifth time in six matches in Germany that Didier Deschamps’ team have turned out in their change strip.France have worn their white ‘away’ kit in five of six fixtures so far at Euro 2024Credit: AlamyBut why are Les Bleus not wearing their traditional shirt?Why are France wearing white and not blue at Euro 2024?France have traditionally worn blue shirts for much of the last 100 years. The first France international match, played in 1904, saw the side turn out in an all white kit, and they played in one during the early 1920s.However, France wore a blue kit in the 1930 World Cup and that has been their official home colour ever since. The kit has nearly always been paired with white shorts and red socks – evoking the French Tricolore – although in the last decade they have regularly worn blue shorts and/or socks. Their away kit has been a variation of a white shirt with blue or white socks and red trim since the 1960s.During Euro 2024, however, France have not often been seen in blue.The match against Spain will be the fifth time in the tournament out of six matches that they have decided to pick the white ‘away’ strip.Most read in Euro 2024There has been no official reason why France are wearing white instead of blue.France are down as the away side in the match against Spain and some observers have pointed to that as the reason for France being in white.However, there is no requirement for France to wear an away kit, despite being named as the away side in the fixture, when there is no kit clash.Germany wore their white home kit when they were the ‘away’ side against Spain in the last round but also wore their pink and purple away strip when the ‘home’ side against Hungary in the group stage. Similarly, France wore their white kit against Belgium in the last 16 despite Les Bleus being the ‘home’ side and their being no kit clash with the Red Devils.France also seemingly could have worn blue against Austria (who play in red), the Netherlands (orange) and Portugal (red).Therefore, it appears that the French squad are choosing to play in white rather than blue as a preference, with any further reasoning unclear.Spain vs France – head-to-head recordSpain wins: 16France wins: 13READ MORE SUN STORIESDraws: 7Last fixture: France 2-1 Spain, Uefa Nations League Final – October 10, 2021 More

  • in

    Manny Pacquiao vs Rukiya Anpo: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard as Pacman returns to ring

    MANNY PACQUIAO is back later this month to take on MMA star Rukiya Anpo in a catchweight bout.Anpo is a former K1 super-lightweight champion as a kickboxer, but his fight with Pacquiao will take place under boxing rules.Manny Pacquiao fought DK Yoo in an exhibition match in 2022Credit: AFPPacquiao was originally scheduled to take on Chihiro Suzuki but that fight was nixed in favour of a clash with Anpo.Pacquiao vs Anpo will take place under rules defined as ‘special standing’. One would assume that means boxing rules will be enforced but there has been no confirmation so far.The catchweight will be 152lbs and the fight will be three three-minute rounds long.When is Pacquiao vs Anpo?Pacquiao’s clash against Anpo will take place on Sunday, July 28.The fight will be held at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.The main card is set to start at 5am BST, but the main event will take place much later than that.A ring-walk time for the main event has yet to be confirmed but can be expected at around 10am BST.What channel is it and can it be live streamed?Pacquiao vs Anpo will be shown live on RIZIN PPV.You can live stream the action from Rizin,tv, which is available for download onto your mobile, tablet device and Smart TV.The fight will cost $19.99 (£15.60) to order on pay-per-view.Pacquiao vs Suzuki full cardManny Pacquiao vs Rukiya AnpoMikuru Asakura vs Ren HiramotoH. Ougikubo vs Makoto ShinryuYutaka Saito vs Yuta KuboR. Ashizawa vs Koji TanakaHiroaki Suzuki vs Ren SugiyamaJohn Dodson vs Takaki SoyaTai Emery vs Charisa SigalaHideo Tokoro vs Hiroya KondoRena Kubota vs Kate Oyama More

  • in

    Nathan Heaney vs Brad Pauls 2: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard for super-bantamweight clash

    NATHAN HEANEY takes on Brad Pauls this weekend in an exciting British middleweight title rematch. The pair fought earlier this year for the Lonsdale belt but the decision was ruled a split draw. Brad Pauls and Nathan Heaney fought to a split decision draw earlier this yearElsewhere on the card, Chantelle Cameron returns as she takes on Elhem Mekhaled and Zach Parker faces Jack Arnfield. Sol Dacres is also in action against David Adeleye in an extiting heavyweight match-up. “The depth and quality of this fight card in Birmingham is unrivalled in this country,” Queensberry boss Frank Warren said. “The Magnificent Seven concept is proving hugely popular and getting stronger each time.”When is Heaney vs Pauls 2?Heaney’s big clash with Pauls will take place on Saturday, July 20.The fight will be held at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England.The main event is expected to get underway from 10pm BST, with the main card starting at 7pm.What channel is it and can it be live streamed?Heaney vs Pauls will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.You can live stream the action from the Discovery+ app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Heaney vs Pauls 2 undercardNathan Heaney vs. Brad PaulsZach Parker vs. Jack ArnfieldChantelle Cameron vs. Elhem MekhaledAshley Lane vs. Andrew CainSol Dacres vs. David AdeleyeOwen Cooper vs. Ekow EssumanShabaz Masoud vs.TBAEzra Taylor vs. TBABradley Thompson vs. Stephen Jackson More

  • in

    Spain vs France – Euro 2024: European titans clash in mega Munich semi-final – FREE live stream, team news

    SPAIN will need to turn the heat up for their huge Euro 2024 semi-final clash against neighbours France. La Roja beat hosts Germany to continue their 100 per cent winning streak in the tournament and secure their spot in the last four.Spain will face neighbours France in the Euro 2024 semi-finalCredit: GettyFrance managed to beat Portugal on penalties to secure their spot in the last fourCredit: GettySpain have been one of the few teams to put in consistently impressive performances in Germany.Luis de la Fuente’s side led for much of the second half in their clash with the hosts after substitute Dani Olmo’s goal.Mikel Merino prevented the game from going to penalties with a 119th-minute header after Florian Wirtz had forced extra-time late on.Meanwhile, France have been on the opposite end of the entertainment scale after scrapping a win on penalties against Portugal in the quarter-final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKylian Mbappe and Co still haven’t scored a goal from open play.But it does not matter as Didier Deschamps’ side are now one game away from a third major final in four tournaments. What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?Spain named an unchanged team against Germany after coming from behind to beat plucky Georgia 4-1 in the last 16.Nacho Fernandez and Ayoze Perez are both fit to return to the bench after knocks.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPedri is ruled out with a knee injury suffered just minutes in Stuttgart in a heavy challenge from Toni Kroos.Dani Olmo will be expected to start again after his goal and assist against the Germans.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesBut Spain will be without Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand due to suspensions.Meanwhile, France’s star boy Kylian Mbappe has not been on top form during this tournament after breaking his nose in the group stage clash against Austria.And Deschamps handed Randal Kolo Muani and Eduardo Camavinga their first starts in the tournament against Portugal.But neither shined in the quarter-final and Antoine Griezmann is expected to be dropped for Ousmane Dembele in the semi-final.Who will be the star men?France overall have not stood out at this year’s tournament.But former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante- who was absent from the squad national squad last year – has impressed in games for Les Bleus.The 33-year-old Al-Ittihad midfielder has rolled back the years with some eye-catching performances.Meanwhile, Nico Williams has been one of Spain’s standout performers at the Euros.The Athletic Bilbao star has formed an excellent partner shift with Marc Cucurella down the left flank.The 21-year-old winger has scored one goal and added an assist during his debut senior European Championship.Head to HeadFrance won the last clash at the 2021 Nations League final and they knocked Spain out at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2000. They also beat the Spaniards in the Euro 1984 final, whereas La Roja’s only major tournament victory over France came at Euro 2012.Spain wins: 16France wins: 13Draws: 7What have the managers said?Ahead of the clash, Spain’s Luis de la Fuente wants his side to give it their all against France on Tuesday.He said: “For me, success is the result of a lot of work and dedication but success is also about the journey. Work, dedication, effort, sacrifice. And if you give everything, you never fail.”And France’s Didier Deschamps is over the moon to see his side reach the semi-final after the journey they have faced to get here.He said: “We have reached the semi-finals and that is an achievement, even if people expect us to get here. “For me, it is pride in my players, even though not everything has been done perfectly. I would like to seize this moment and make the most of it.”When is Spain vs France?Spain vs France will take place on Tuesday, July 9.The match will kick off at 8pm BST.The Allianz Arena in Munich will host.What TV channel is Spain vs France on and can it be live streamed FREE?Spain vs France will be broadcast live on BBC One.You can live stream the match for FREE via the BBC iPlayer app/website.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.What are the odds?Match resultSpain – 13/8Draw – 15/8France – 21/10Winner of the tieREAD MORE SUN STORIESSpain – 8/11France – EVS*Odds courtesy of William Hill and are correct at the time of publication. More

  • in

    Is there a third-place play-off game at Euro 2024?

    ENGLAND are on of four sides left battling for a place in the final of Euro 2024.The Three Lions take on the Netherlands in one semi while France meet Spain on the other side.Gareth Southgate and England are into the semi-finals against the NetherlandsCredit: GettyThe two winning teams will then meet to battle it out for the Henri Delaunay Cup – the Euro 2024 trophy – on Sunday, July 14.But what happens to the losers?Is there a third-place play-off at Euro 2024?The World Cup has a third-place play-off match, usually played before the final. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Croatia beat Morocco to earn third-place. And Gareth Southgate’s England have also played in a third-place game in recent memory, losing 2-0 to Belgium at the 2018 World Cup.However, despite what your memory may be telling you, there are NO third-place play-offs at the European Championships.This isn’t a new development – there have not been any third-place matches at the Euros since 1980.That game was a 9-8 win on penalties for Czechoslovakia after they drew 1-1 with hosts Italy.Most read in Euro 2024There have been 10 Euros since without a third-placed play-off.When are the Euro 2024 semi-finals and final?Semi-finalsTuesday, July 9 – Spain vs France – 8pm BST – BBC1Wednesday, July 10 – Netherlands vs England – 8pm BST – ITV1FinalSunday, July 14 – TBC – BBC1/ITV1 More

  • in

    Netherlands vs England – Euro 2024: Southgate dealt selection headache for blockbuster semi-final clash – team news

    ENGLAND are on the hunt to seal their spot in the Euro 2024 final on Wednesday night when they take on the Netherlands.Gareth Southgate’s side are just inches away from taking centre stage in Berlin’s Olympiastadion where they could face Spain or France.England will face the Netherlands on Wednesday in the Euro 2024 semi-finalCredit: GettyHolland beat Turkey 2-1 in the quarter-finalCredit: GettyThe Three Lions head into the semi-finals after an impressive 5-3 penalty shootout win over Switzerland after a 1-1 draw.After an uneasy start in Germany with two group game draws and a narrow win the Three Lions saved their place in the tournament with a 95th-minute Jude Bellingham overhead kick in the round of 16 clash against Slovakia.And to avoid going out again England came from behind in the quarter-final against the Swiss after Breel Embolo’s opener thanks to Bukayo Saka’s equaliser.And they will now face the Netherlands in the semi-final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHolland beat Turkey 2-1 in the quarter-final after Stefan de Vrij and a Mert Mulder own goal.The Dutch have not had the best start to their European campaign but are beginning to find their feet in the tournament.What is the team news?Lucky for England they have no suspension for this game after all their previous yellow cards are now wiped.Southgate has a fully fit squad to select from with Marc Guehi back from his suspension and Luke Shaw in the line-up after making his Euro 2024 debut in the quarter-final.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Three Lions boss needs to decide whether he should stick with a back three or return to a four-man defence.The Netherlands are in the same boat and have no players suspended.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesRonald Koeman has gone for the same back four with Jerdy Schouten and Tijani Reijnders in midfield.Fans can possibly see the Dutchman replace Steven Bergwijn on the left and Wout Weghorst will hope to start.Who will be the star men?Bukayo Saka has to be the Three Lions starboy. Without his equaliser, the team may have been on their back to England.The Arsenal star not only scored the only goal in the game but was one of the five players to convert his spot kick in the penalty shootout.It was a massive comeback for the winger who had not taken a penalty since he missed the crucial spot-kick in the Euro 2020 final.Meanwhile, for Holland, Cody Gakpo has made 8 shots and created 11 chances at the Euros.The Liverpool star has already scored three goals and made one assist in Germany.And the forward will definitely be a threat to England’s defence on Wednesday.Head to headEngland have only beaten Holland once in nine meetings since a 4-1 win at Euro 96. That is the Three Lions’ only win against the Dutch in a major tournament, alongside a goalless draw at Italia 90 and the Netherlands winning 3-1 at the 1988 Euros.Netherlands wins: 7England wins: 6Draws: 9What have the manager said?Southgate is hoping the Three Lions can see it through to the final and win the tournament after failing last time out.He said: “Our intention is to play with the ball, but you have opponents trying to stop you. “Our team has been under enormous pressure from the start and they did so well. “At the moment we aren’t able to score lots but the last three games we’ve played against five at the back. We’re through to our third semi-final in four attempts but that’s not where we want it to end.”Koeman is proud of his squad for coming this far in the tournament ahead of the clash against England.He said: “For the whole nation, it’s something special. We are a small nation and we’re in the semi-finals with England, France and Spain.”We are really proud. We had to suffer but it’s a great success to get the opportunity to play in a semi-final.”When is Netherlands vs England?Netherlands vs England will take place on Wednesday, July 10.Kick off will be at 8pm BST.The Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund will host.What TV channel is Netherlands vs England on and can it be live streamed FREE?Netherlands vs England will be broadcast live on ITV1.You can live stream the match for FREE on the ITVX app/website.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.What are the odds?Match resultNetherlands – 11/5Draw – 2/1England – 6/4Winner of the tieREAD MORE SUN STORIESNetherlands – EVSEngland – 8/11*Odds courtesy of William Hill and are correct at the time of publication. More