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      Why is Jack Grealish not in the England squad at Euro 2024?

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      ENGLAND kick off their Euro 2024 campaign TONIGHT against Serbia.But one Three Lions regular will be missing the match as he did NOT make Gareth Southgate’s final England squad.Jack Grealish is NOT in the England squad for Euro 2024Credit: Sunday TimesJack Grealish was the biggest name missing from the 26-man Euro 2024 squad as Southgate named a new-look squad for the tournament earlier this month.Why is Jack Grealish not in the England squad?England boss Southgate said that for Grealish, it ultimately came down to his recent club form.The winger has struggled to consistently break into the Man City team in recent months and Southgate revealed he preferred the likes of Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon as they had been bang in form in the Premier League.Southgate said: “The fact is we’ve got some players who have been playing extremely well all season in the league and we just feel other players have had stronger seasons – particularly in the past six months or so.”We saw some fantastic performances the other night which underlined some of that and in the attacking area of the pitch we’re blessed with a lot of options and they’re all slightly different.”What Southgate said about axed England stars
      WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
      Harry Maguire
      “The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
      “Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
      “Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
      “It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
      Jack Grealish
      “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated.
      “I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.
      “You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
      “We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”
      James Maddison
      “Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
      “They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
      “We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
      “It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
      Jarrad Branthwaite
      “It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
      “But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
      Jarell Quansah
      “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
      “Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.”

      He added: “[James Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.”They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.”We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.Most read in Euro 2024″It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”What did the players say about Jack Grealish’s omission?England players were apparently “shocked” by Grealish not making the squad, according to Man City team-mate Kyle Walker.Walker said: “Shocked because I know what Jack can do. Was I shocked because of the players that he’s [Southgate] brought in? No.”Because I think they’re all at a great quality and they’ve all had fantastic seasons. “I think Jack would be the first one to say he could have had a better season.”I think he’s come out publicly and said he could’ve had a better season. So what does the manager base it on?”Form or people that he knows and that has had good tournaments or a good season, the season before, . “You’re here on merit and I believe always it should be like that. That you’re in this team because you’ve played well for your club which then puts you into the England fold.” More

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      Who is BBC Euro 2024 commentator Guy Mowbray?

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      The BBC has revealed it’s commentary and pundit line up for Euro 2024.The presenters include the likes of Mark Champman, Gary Lineker, Alex Scott and Gabby Logan.Guy Mowbray is BBC Sport’s lead commentatorCredit: PAMeanwhile, big name pundits such as Rio Ferdinand and Jermaine Jenas will feature among others.Guy Mowbray is one of the commentators who will be part of the broadcaster’s team in Germany.Who is Guy Mowbray?Mowbray is the BBC’s lead commentator going into the Euros.He has been the broadcasters main commentator for more than a decade. Born in York in 1952, Mowbray began his career at ClubCall network in the mid 1990s before joining BBC Radio York covering rugby league, cricket and football.Mowbray eventually moved into broadcasting in 1997 with Eurosport, where he became their primary commentator in little over a year.At the 1998 World Cup at the age of 26 he became the youngest broadcaster to commentate on the World Cup final for television and won the Newcomer of the Year award from the Royal Television Society.Mowbray joined ITV in 1999, where he covered Champions League Football League and Italian matches over five years.Most read in FootballIn 2004 Mowbray turned to freelance work which saw him employed by the BBC as one of their Match of the Day commentators. When the late John Motson retired from live commentary duties before the 2010 World Cup, the BBC appointed Mowbray to succeed him.He has been a regular feature for BBC Sport since and is regularly heard on International and FA Cup matches. Mowbray’s commentary work has also seen him employed by BT Sport – now TNT Sports – for Champions League matches and for IMG English language world feed for Champions League and Europa League matches. He also covered Wrexham’s FA Cup ties for ESPN.Mowbray’s portfolio of work has also seen him commentate for the return of game show Gladiators. An avid cricketer, Mowbray lives in York and is a York City supporter. More

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      Who is ITV Euro 2024 commentator Jon Champion?

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      ITV have revealed it’s line up for coverage of Euro 2024.There will be big name presenters such including Laura Woods and Mark Pougatch as well as a host of big name pundits such as Ian Wright and Roy Keane.Jon Champion is on ITV’s commentary of the EurosCredit: RexBut who will be covering the live match action?Jon Champion will be one of the broadcaster’s commentators in Germany. Who is Jon Champion?Jon Champion is a British commentator who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.He has worked for ITV, BBC, ESPN and NBC Sports. Champion is a household name for those who have played Pro Evoluation Soccer or PES for short. He worked with ITV on their Champions League coverage from 2001 before signing with ESPN UK in 2009.Born in Harrogate on May 23 1965, Champion’s distinguished career has seen him work on the last seven World Cups.In 2014 he was nominated as Best Newcomer in American Sports Broadcasting for his ESPN work at the Brazil World Cup.Most read in FootballIconic moments of his include Eric Cantona’s leap into the crowd and Michael Owen World Cup wonder-goal against Argentina.He reportedly lives in Gloucestershire with his wife and four children.Champion is a York City fan. More

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      Who is Christian Eriksen’s girlfriend Sabrina Kvist, and does he have children with her?

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN has had a miraculous football journey in the last three years and will star for Denmark at Euro 2024.On June 12, 2021, Danish star Eriksen collapsed on the pitch in the game against Finland, to the distress of friends, family and his long-term partner Sabrina Kvist Jensen. Christian Eriksen and his partner Sabrina Kvist JensenCredit: InstagramEriksen completed his remarkable turnaround by scoring Denmark’s first goal of Euro 2024 in the 1-1 draw against Slovenia.Who is Sabrina Kvist?Born in the town of Tommerup in Denmark, Sabrina currently lives with Eriksen.A trained hairdresser, she prefers to keep a low profile and isn’t one to hog the public limelight.Sabrina originally stayed on the continent to complete her hairdressing education whilst Eriksen earned his stripes with Spurs, before moving to England where she worked for a clothing company.The pair bought a house in Hampstead back in 2016, as the former Tottenham midfielder emerged as one of Europe’s leading playmakers.But the great Dane admitted that he’d found it hard to adjust to life in London and moved to Inter Milan. The Danish couple live in London with their young sonHe said in 2016: “You have to learn how to cope physically and mentally, but I can handle the pressure and the demands because I live seven days a week for my job.“That is very tough for my girlfriend. Of course, I would like to go out in the city with her and friends, but it just doesn’t fit in with playing in England.”What happened to Christian Eriksen in the Denmark vs Finland Euro 2020 game?Christian Eriksen collapsed in the 43rd minute during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener with Finland.The shocking scenes happened towards the end of the first half of the teams’ opening match.His distraught team-mates formed a circle around the Inter Milan ace, with some in tears.Uefa announced the Group B match has been suspended due to a “medical emergency.”The stadium announcer told fans that the game had been suspended due to a medical emergency and to stay in their seats.Sabrina Kvist Jensen was seen in tears and being consoled by Danish players after she rushed down to the pitch.It was confirmed afterwards that the star had suffered a cardiac arrest, from which he has since made a full recovery – but is yet to return to action. Sabrina consoled by Eriksen’s team-mate Simon KjaerCredit: EPAHow long has she been with Christian Eriksen?One of football’s quieter couples, the pair like to keep their private life behind closed doors.Neither are often seen out in the hustle-bustle of London life and instead prefer quieter meals with friends.They have been together since 2012.FOOTBALL LATESTDo the pair have children?Eriksen and Sabrina have one son and one daughter.Who did Christian Eriksen play for after his cardiac arrest?Christian Eriksen mutually terminated his contract with Inter Milan before 2022 following his cardiac arrest at the Euro 2020 – with the Danish icon banned from playing in Italy whilst having a heart defibrillator.However, in the latter stages of the January transfer window, London outfit Brentford confirmed the signing of Eriksen on a six-month contract.And in that time, the midfield maestro managed five goal contributions in 11 matches, quickly becoming a fans favourite at the Brentford Community Stadium.Who does Christian Eriksen play for now?Brentford reportedly offered Eriksen a contract to stay on in London however, the Danish magician verbally AGREED a deal in principle to join Manchester United on a free transfer.He became a fan favourite in his first season at Old Trafford, playing 44 matches under Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils won the League Cup and qualified for the Champions League.His second season was slightly less successful, as he was hit with injuries and managed just 28 appearances – with United finishing with their lowest points total in the Premier League era.With Ten Hag on the brink of being sacked, United stunned local rivals Man City to win the FA Cup.Eriksen was an unused sub in the game. More

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      Slovenia vs Denmark LIVE SCORE: Euro 2024 latest as Janza rocket LEVELS it for Slovenia after Eriksen’s emotional opener

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      CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN opened the scoring for Denmark before Slovenia fought back to draw in their Group C opener.Christian Eriksen gave Denmark the lead with a stunning solo strike – exactly 1,100 days since suffering a cardiac arrest at the last European Championships.The Danes lost to England in the semi-finals of the last Euros and will be looking for revenge next week, but they first need to move past a tough Slovenia side.
      Kick-off time: 5pm BST
      Stream/TV: ITV 1
      Slovenia XI: Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza; Stojanovic, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko
      Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard; Kristiansen, Hjulmand, Eriksen, Hojbjerg, Bah; Wind, Hojlund
      EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSDenmark with tough test ahead
      The next obstacle for The Danes will be a match-up with England at Deutch Bank Park on Thursday.
      There is no doubt that they will have looked at this as the toughest test of their fixtures in this group.
      Slovenia meanwhile, will play Serbia in the Allianz Arena.
      Copy linkCopiedRasmus struggles to make impact
      Rasmus Hojlund put in a shift for Denmark today but it seemed to be a common theme which we saw in the Premier League.
      He likes to drop deep into pockets of space and work the channels but far too often is not in the penalty area.
      This drastically effects his numbers and some would say is why he is not hitting 20 goals a season as when he receives the ball, he is in positions where he cannot hurt the opposition.
      Copy linkCopiedDragons show they have fight in them
      Slovenia will have impressed many this evening with their effort levels right up until the final whistle.
      Despite going behind to Denmark, they gave up hope that they could find a way back into this game.
      At one stage, having got their goal, you even wondered whether they would go on to win the match.
      Credit: AP
      Copy linkCopiedEriksen controls the show for Danes
      Christian Eriksen showed us just how much he still has to offer this Denmark team this afternoon.
      Despite not having as much game time as he would have liked at Old Trafford this season, Eriksen put in a man of the match performance.
      Everything that Denmark did well was as a result of the playmaker.
      England beware.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Slovenia 1-1 Denmark
      It was a thrilling end to the game in Stuttgart.
      Denmark failed to put the game to bed and Slovenia finally found the equaliser they craved.
      They looked the more likely to get a second towards the end of the game but a draw seemed a fair result.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Slovenia 1-1 Denmark
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      Slovenia and Denmark share the spoils in Stuttgart.
      It is a result that will be music to the ears of Gareth Southgate and his squad.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 1-1 Denmark
      90+2. If the result stays like this, it will mean both sides start their campaign unbeaten.
      Confidence can be a huge tool for success in these tournaments.
      Slovenia will extend their unbeaten run to seven games.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 1-1 Denmark
      90. Slovenia try a long range effort but it whistles over the crossbar.
      Time is running out in Stuttgart now.
      We are going to have four additional minutes.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 1-1 Denmark
      88. Neither side will be content with a draw in this one.
      With matches against Serbia and England to come, both sides will be looking to get a late winner.
      As to who will get it, that is anyone’s guess.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 1-1 Denmark
      86. Slovenia will feel they have done enough in this game to get something out of it.
      Denmark on the other hand, will feel they have controlled the game from start to finish.
      They have just struggled to create enough clear-cut chances to put the game to bed.
      Credit: EPA
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 1-1 Denmark
      84. It is Denmark’s turn to ring the changes as they try to bring some fresh legs on to find a late winner.
      Wind, Hjobjerg and Hojlund all makes way for Norgaard, Poulsen and Dolberg.
      This should be end to end stuff for the remainder of the game now.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 1-1 Denmark
      82. Slovenia have turned this game on its head now.
      It is ‘The Dragons’ who are piling all the pressure on now.
      Sporar ghosts in behind Vestergaard but he cannot beat Schmeichel in th Denmark goal.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 1-1 Denmark
      80. This should be some finish to this game now.
      After just hitting the woodwork, Janza strikes a superb half-volley towards goal but his effort takes a deflection that wrong foots Schmeichel in the Danish goal.
      You could see on the faces of the Denmark fans in the crowd just how much that sucker punch goal hurt them.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Erik Janza (Slovenia)
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      76. As Slovenia come forward once again, the ball breaks to Sesko.
      He hits a shot from some thirty yards out and it thunders back off the woodwork.
      So close from the Slovenian front man.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      74. Janza puts a sublime ball into the box from a free kick in a wide position.
      The ball drops to Sporar on the edge of the six yard box but somehow he volleys wide of the post.
      That might just be their best chance of a goal this evening.
      Credit: EPA
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      72. Slovenia look to ring the changes as they try to find that elusive equaliser.
      As the game goes on now, they will have to throw more bodies forward.
      It will give Denmark the chance to pick them off on the break.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      70. Wind comes charging forward and lays it off into the path of Eriksen.
      He holds off the challenge from the Slovenian defender and plays in Hojlund.
      As the striker looks to run towards the byline, it is put for another Danish corner.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      68. The game is starting to come to life a little more now.
      We have had two excellent chances, one for either team, in the space of a few minutes.
      While Denmark will feel they are the better of the two teams, while the scoreline remains only a onee goal lead, Slovenia are very much still in this game.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      66. Slovenia have themselves a massive chance to equalise.
      As a cross is clipped into the box, Cerin makes a late run and the defender does not even see him coming.
      He rises to meet the ball with his head but puts it wide of the goal.
      What a chance.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      64. What a chance for Denmark to double their lead.
      Kristiansen puts a brilliant ball across the six yard box.
      Hojlund is there to meet, with a goal looking certain, but Oblak does well to block the effort.
      Credit: EPA
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      62. This game has struggled to come to life in this second half so far.
      Denmark are happy to pass the ball around and patiently wait for an opening.
      Slovenia are putting crosses into the box from deep positions but are struggling to penetrate the Danish defence.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      60. Slovenia need to find a way to get Sesko into the game more.
      He is without doubt their star player but has been pretty anonymous in this game so far.
      Not that Denmark will be complaining about this currently.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      58. Am not sure with under two hours until the kick-off in their own game whether any of the England squad will be watching this one.
      One thing is for sure that Gareth Southgate will be replaying this to his squad before they meet either team.
      In the previous Euros, it was England who knocked out Denmark at the semi-final stage.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-1 Denmark
      56. Hojlund has been busy in the final third, makes runs into the channels but never seems to spend enough time in the box.
      This is a big contributory factor in his goal return.
      Eriksen whips in another corner but Slovenia head the ball clear.
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      Slovenia vs Denmark LIVE SCORE: Euro 2024 latest as Kasper Schmeichel and Christian Eriksen start Group C clash

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      DENMARK are taking on Slovenia RIGHT NOW in the opening game of Euro 2024’s Group C – which also contains England.The Danes lost to England in the semi-finals of the last Euros and will be looking for revenge next week, but they first need to move past a tough Slovenia side.
      Kick-off time: 5pm BST
      Stream/TV: ITV 1
      Slovenia XI: Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Janza; Stojanovic, Elsnik, Gnezda Cerin, Mlakar; Sporar, Sesko
      Denmark XI: Schmeichel; Andersen, Christensen, Vestergaard; Kristiansen, Hjulmand, Eriksen, Hojbjerg, Bah; Wind, Hojlund
      EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSSlovenia 0-0 Denmark
      5. The Danes are dominating possession in the early stages.
      Slovenia are really struggling to win the ball back from the opposition.
      Denmark play some nice, crisp, passing football.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-0 Denmark
      3. Hojlund is in the wars early on.
      As he looked to chase down the ball, he slips slightly and flies into the body of the defender.
      He is fine to continue but seems a little rattled by the impact.
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia 0-0 Denmark
      1. There is very little between these two sides.
      Only one goal separated them in their two games in qualifying.
      Denmark look to go on the offensive early on.
      Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Slovenia vs Denmark
      We are underway in the MHPArena.
      It is a packed-house for this opening match.
      Slovenia get the game started.
      Copy linkCopiedKick-off looms in Stuttgart
      As the players gather in the tunnel, all that can be heard is a cauldron of noise coming from the pitch.
      Slovenia has a population smaller than Greater Manchester, what an honour this must be for every player in that squad.
      Jan Oblak, despite being one of the best keepers in the world for some time, is making his first appearances in a major finals.
      Copy linkCopiedDanes cannot under-estimate threat
      While Denmark go into this game as favourites, they need to be wary of the threat of their opponents.
      Slovenia are on a six-game unbeaten streak coming into this game, which included a 2-0 victory over Portugal.
      They also amassed 22 points in qualifying and expect to compete in every game they play in Germany.
      Copy linkCopiedCarnival atmosphere in stadium
      As edge closer to kick-off, fans of both teams are getting into the party mood.
      It is a sea of colour in the MHPArena as Slovenia and Denmark look to go toe-to-toe as they did in qualifying.
      They know each other well and will need to utilise that in order to get a favourable result this afternoon.
      Credit: EPA
      Credit: EPA
      Credit: EPA
      Copy linkCopiedHopes rest on young prodigy
      Benjamin Sesko has given Slovenian fans hope that they can do the unthinkable in Germany.
      With the young striker playing his domestic football in the country, having scored five goals in qualifying, the eyes of the world will be on him.
      RB Leipzig will not have to worry about losing their prized asset, with him having signed a new deal before the tournament.
      Copy linkCopiedHistory favours Danish attack
      Having won the tournament previously, Denmark also reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
      The country has a love for this tournament and will be hoping to surprise many again.
      In a group with both England and Serbia, they will be seeing this as a key game to get three points in the bag.
      Copy linkCopiedDenmark starting XI:
      A host of Premier League talent features in this Danish side that kicks off the tournament against Slovenia.
      1. Schmeichel, 3. Vestergaard, 6. Christensen, 2. Andersen, 17. Kristiansen, 23. Hjobjerg, 21. Hjulmund, 18. Bah, 10. Eriksen, 9. Hojlund, 19. Wind
      Credit: @xFootballWorld_
      Copy linkCopiedSlovenia starting XI:
      This is the side ‘The Dragons’ have chosen to start their Euro 2024 campaign this afternoon.
      1. Oblak, 2. Karnicnik, 6. Bijol, 9. Sporar, 10. Elsnik, 11. Sesko, 13. Janza, 17. Mlakar, 20. Stojanovic, 21. Drkusic, 22. Cerin
      Credit: @nzs_si
      Copy linkCopiedHead to head record
      Slovenia and Denmark have met each other on six occasions.
      The Dragons have yet to beat The Danes to date.
      Denmark have won five of the previous encounters, with one ending in a draw.
      Copy linkCopiedDanes fancied for early victory
      Having previously won this tournament, the bookies cannot see past a win for the red and whites this evening.
      Slovenia – 4/1
      Draw – 21/10
      Denmark – 4/7
      All match odds brought to you by Betfair.
      Copy linkCopiedDanes looking for positive start
      Stuttgart is awash with a sea of colour as we head towards the game.
      Danish fans are out in force to lend their passionate support as ever to the national team.
      They know that it is the form in the tournament that is key and have upset the odds before, anything is possible.
      Credit: EPA
      Credit: EPA
      Copy linkCopiedExperience could be key to success
      Christian Eriksen has nothing to prove in footballing circles, the quality of the midfielder is undeniable.
      However, his last appearance in the tournament was a very emotional one for all involved and he will see this time as the opportunity for him to have a swansong in a Denmark shirt.
      His intelligence, vision and passing ability could be key for the Danes if they are hoping to make it out of the group and cause an upset in the latter rounds.
      Copy linkCopiedA tale of two strikers
      Both Slovenia and Denmark will be looking to young forwards to impress in Germany.
      Much has been said of Benjamin Sesko as he has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs due to his fine form with RB Leipzig.
      Despite having a tough first season at Old Trafford, Rasmus Hojlund will be hoping to show Europe what he is really made of as he leads the line for the Danes.
      Copy linkCopiedBoth sides with no pressure to feel
      Neither of these sides will be fancied to progress far in Euro 2024.
      This takes so much pressure off the teams and allows them to play with a freedom that could see them spring an upset.
      Denmark did this before in the tournament when they shocked the world in Euro 1992, beating Germany 2-0 in the final.
      Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Slovenia vs Denmark
      Two teams hoping to make the knockout stages of Euro 2024 meet at the MHP Arena as Slovenia and Denmark get their campaigns up and running.
      Benjamin Sesko will lead the line for Slovenia with the in-demand forward having turned down interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd before signing a new contract with RB Leipzig.
      Josip Ilicic has been brought back in from the international wilderness after being left out of the national team for three years. However, he scored a late winner against Armenia in their warmup matches and will be hoping to play a big part in Germany.
      Andraz Sporar is expected to play alongside Sesko however while Atletico Madrid number one Jan Oblak takes the captain’s armband between the sticks.
      For Slovenia, winger Benjamin Verbic was unable to complete the full training session on Wednesday and is a slight doubt but right-back Peter Stojanovic has made a full recovery from the muscle injury that forced him to miss both of their recent friendlies this month.
      Denmark boss Hjulmand was forced to make a late change to his squad as Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson succumbed to injury and had to be replaced by Zanka, one of four Brentford players in the squad.
      Christian Eriksen is fit and raring to go and will be hoping to put his nightmare Euro 2020 behind him, where he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch. He recently scored a late winner against Sweden which sent the Danish fans wild.
      Bees’ midfielder Christian Norgaard missed training on Thursday but this was thought to be just a precaution to ensure that he was fit for this opening match of the tournament.
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      Why isn’t Robert Lewandowski playing for Poland against Netherlands?

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      POLAND will be hoping they can reach the knockout stages of Euro 2024 later this month. They have a tough group with Holland, France and Austria also looking to make the round of 16. Robert Lewandowski has been Poland’s best player over the last decadeCredit: GettyPoland are up against Netherlands in their first game, but are without their star striker Robert Lewandowski. The Barcelona striker is Poland’s all-time top goal-scorer and has been a stalwart at major tournaments for them over the years. But he may miss the entirety of their Euro 2024 campaign in Germany. Why isn’t Robert Lewandowski playing for Poland against Netherlands?The former Bayern Munich man isn’t in Poland’s starting XI because of a thigh injury he picked up before the tournament started. “Lewandowski suffered a rupture of the biceps femoris muscle, which will exclude him from the first match of the tournament,’ Poland said in a statement.”We are doing everything so that Robert can play in the second match against Austria.”Lewandowski could miss remaining games against Austria and France if he fails to recover in time. With Group D being such a tricky one to navigate, the 35-year-old miss the entire tournament. Most read in Euro 2024Poland take on Austria on June 21 in their next game before finishing their group stages campaign against France on June 25. If Lewandowski does manage to get back to full fitness, it will be his sixth major tournament for Poland. More

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      Who was Uefa General Secretary Henri Delaunay and why is the Euro 2024 trophy named after him?

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      HENRI Delaunay was such an influential footballing figure that he had one of the most coveted cups in the beautiful game named after him.With Euro 2024 already lighting up our summers, here’s everything you need to know about the former Uefa general secretary.The late Henri Delaunay is often referred to as the founder of the EurosCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskWho was UEFA General Secretary Henri Delaunay?Henri Delaunay was the first general secretary of Uefa and one of the biggest advocates for the European Championship.Often referred to as the founder of the Euros, his vision and dedication were instrumental in the competition’s creation.Born in Paris in 1883, he embarked on his football career when he was 20, taking on the role of secretary at French side Etoile des Deux Lacs.In 1906, at the tender age of 23, he was named as general secretary of the forerunner of the French Football Federation (FFF) — the French Interfederal Committee.read more on euro 2024By the age of 26 he was the club’s president and a big player in the FFF.In 1920, he was appointed by Fifa to help establish the Referees Committee.He was also heavily involved in the founding of Uefa in 1954, spearheading a move towards forming a group of Europe’s national football associations.Why is the Euro 2024 trophy named after Henri Delaunay?Throughout Henri’s life, he dreamt of an international competition comprised of just European nations.Most read in Euro 2024Few men have left such a distinct mark, by the sheer force of their personality, on such a universal activity as football, as Henri Delaunay50 Years of Uefa (2004)But before his dream came to fruition, he passed away in 1955 at the age of 72 — three years before the inaugural Euros (then called the European Nations’ Cup).This is why both versions of the trophy have been named after him.As the 50 Years of Uefa book published in 2004 put it: “Few men have left such a distinct mark, by the sheer force of their personality, on such a universal activity as football, as Henri Delaunay.” Who designed the Henri Delaunay cup?The original Henri Delaunay trophy was created by French jeweller Michel Chobillon in 1958.In 2008, Uefa commissioned a new version of the trophy, which was redesigned in 2008 by Asprey, London.Despite being bigger and heavier than its predecessor, the redesign retained the classic design elements of the original.It weighs in at 8kg, stands 60cm tall and features a wider base than the previous incarnation to support the extra weight.The new Henri Delaunay cup was first awarded in 2008 when Spain won the title.READ MORE SUN STORIESHeidi Beckenbauer blew a kiss to the sky after placing the trophy down before the Euro 2024 opener between Germany and ScotlandPrior to kick off in the Euro 2024 opener between Germany and Scotland in Munich, the late, great Franz Beckenbauer’s wife Heidi was tasked with bringing out the Henri Delaunay trophy.She fought back tears as she headed out onto the pitch at the Allianz Arena while fans clapped in appreciation.How England will line up after big names axed from Euros More