Explainers

ENGLAND take on Belgium at Wembley in their final match before Euro 2024.But the Three Lions will have a different look about them thanks to their choice of kit.England are sporting their away kit at Wembley against BelgiumCredit: REXENGLAND VS BELGIUM LIVEInstead of traditional white, England will line up in their brand new purple away kit.The new kits were released by Nike last week to much furore, as both home and away kits feature an amended St. George’s flag feature shades of blue and purple instead of red.England wore their new home kit in the 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Sunday.And now the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney will get a chance to impress in an unfamiliar purple top, which will also feature no names on the back for the second half as the match has been dedicated to the Alzheimer’s Society.Why are England wearing their away kit against Belgium?Manufacturer Nike are keen to promote the new strip ahead of the Euros this summer.England showed off their new white jersey against Brazil and so this is the last remaining chance they can give fans to see the away top.Belgium have a choice of red and light blue kits, so there is no chance of a clash with the Red Devils.Most read in FootballWill it feature at Euro 2024?England rarely wear their away kit at major tournaments – the last time they did was at the 2018 World Cup.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd with Serbia and Denmark coming up in the group stage, England will likely wear white as both teams wear red for their home shirts.England’s final group fixture is against Slovenia, who wear white, but since England are the designated ‘home’ team for the clash, they get preference and will likely pick their home top.That means England are only likely to wear their purple strip if they reach the knock-out rounds, but with Austria, Italy and France potential opponents, we might not see the away kit at the Euros at all.Die-hard England fan cuts message into grass for Southgate and Co ahead of Euro 2024 that can be seen from SPACE More

DECLAN RICE had to be convinced to switch sides from Ireland to England – and now he will captain the Three Lions TONIGHT against Belgium.The decision was made after a series of chats with England boss Gareth Southgate. Declan Rice once we played for IrelandCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunSouthgate said: “Well, first we had to convince him that it would be a good decision.“I think that’s being borne out by the tournaments we’ve been in, and the huge matches he’s played in.“If I think back to some of the early big games which, almost every match was the biggest match of his life, now he’s won a European trophy, he’s now involved in big matches with his club.”And now on his 50th appearance, Rice will lead the Three Lions out in a thrilling Belgium friendly.READ MORE IN EURO 2024But what some fans don’t know is that Rice has represented Ireland several times before the switch.How many Ireland caps does Declan Rice have?Declan Rice has won three Ireland caps across friendlies in 2018. Ironically, Rice’s last match for Ireland came against Belgium before making the England switch three days later.Declan Rice played youth level matches for IrelandCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionRice is set to skipper the Three Lions in absence of Harry Kane on Tuesday night marking his 50th appearance in English colours.Most read in Euro 2024The Arsenal ace also played all of his youth-level matches for Ireland.What’s been said?Rice said: “When he (Southgate) told me last night I was going to be captain, I gave him a hug, shook his hand and said thank you very much.”50 caps, it is a pinch me moment, it will be an honour.”On my 50th cap, to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it is a great honour, I’m a bit speechless.”As for Southgate, he said: “I think that’s being borne out by the tournaments we’ve been in, and the huge matches he’s played in.“If I think back to some of the early big games which, almost every match was the biggest match of his life, now he’s won a European trophy, he’s now involved in big matches with his club.”When is England vs Belgium?
England vs Belgium will take place on Tuesday, March 26.
Kick off will be at 7.45pm GMT.
Wembley Stadium will host. More

WITH Euro 2024 around the corner – Wales will be desperate to be on the plane to Germany.The Red Dragons take on Poland in a huge Euro 2024 play-off final with a Euro spot up for grabs.Wales beat Finland to progress to the Euro 2024 Play-Off FinalCredit: APWales will be have the wind in their sails following an emphatic win against Finland in Thursday’s semi.While Poland go into this match confident after thrashing ten-man Estonia 5-1.But fans want to know what group Rob Page’s men will enter if they go through.What Euro 2024 group will Wales go in?Wales will go into Group D with Euro 2024 favourites, France should they qualify.READ MORE IN EURO 2024Group D:
France
Netherlands
Austria
When is the Euros 2024?The UEFA Euros 2024 will kick of on Friday, June 14 in Munich and ends in Berlin for the final Sunday, July 14. What are the other Euros 2024 groups in full?Group A:Most read in Football
Germany
Scotland
Hungary
Switzerland
Group B:
Spain
Croatia
Italy
Albania
Group C:
Slovenia
Denmark
Serbia
England
England are expected to top their groupCredit: GettyGroup D:
Play-off Winner Path A
Netherlands
Austria
France
Group E:
Belgium
Slovakia
Romania
Play-Off Winner Path B
Group F:READ MORE SUN STORIES
Turkey
Play-Off Winner Path C
Portugal
Czech Republic More

FOOTBALL fans are gearing up for a sensational summer as the Euro 2024 gets underway in June – and the groups have been confirmed!England will meet Denmark once again, three years on after Harry Kane’s 105th-minute strike sent the Danes home in a thrilling 2021 semi-final.England are one of the favourites to win the entire tournamentCredit: GettySpain have the chance to get their revenge on Italy in Group B following their penalty shoot-out exit during the last Euros.While Wales will be put in Group D with favorites France should they beat Poland in their play-off qualifier.What are the confirmed Euro 2024 groups?Here are the six groups for the Euro 2024 in Germany:Group ARead more on Euro 2024
Germany
Scotland
Hungary
Switzerland
Group B
Spain
Croatia
Italy
Albania
Group CMost read in Football
Slovenia
Denmark
Serbia
England
England will be expected to progress as group winnersCredit: GettyGroup D
Wales/Poland
Netherlands
Austria
France
Group E
Belgium
Slovakia
Romania
Ukraine/Iceland
Group F
Turkey
Georgia/Greece
Portugal
Czech Republic
When is the Euro 2024?Euro 2024 will take place on June 14, 2024.There will be 51 games and the opening match between Germany and Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich.Euro 2024 will last for one month, with the final set to be held on Sunday, July 14 at the 70,000-capacity Olympiastadion in Berlin.READ MORE SUN STORIESGermany will host and matches are set to be played at ten different venues:
Berlin – Olympiastadion Berlin
Cologne – Cologne Stadium (RheinEnergieSTADION)
Dortmund – BVB Stadion Dortmund (Signal Iduna Park)
Dusseldorf – Dusseldorf Arena (MERKUR SPIEL-ARENA)
Frankfurt – Frankfurt Arena (Deutsche Bank Park)
Gelsenkirchen – Arena AufSchalke (Veltins-Arena)
Hamburg – Volksparkstadion Hamburg
Leipzig – Leipzig Stadium (Red Bull Arena)
Munich – Munich Football Arena (Allianz Arena)
Stuttgart – Stuttgart Arena (MHPArena) More