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      ITV pundits gush over Yamal and reveal what they did at 16 from working on building sites to drinking cider in a field

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      LAMINE YAMAL became a European Champion at just 17 years old last week.The teenager earned Uefa’s Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament award as Spain lifted the trophy in Berlin.Lamine Yamal became a European Champion at just 17 years oldCredit: GettyITV pundits Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Jill Scott recalled what they were doing at the same ageCredit: YouTube/Stick To FootballYamal played the majority of the tournament as a 16 year old, turning 17 just one day before Spain’s 2-1 final victory over England.The youngster already proved he could mix it with the big boys at club level last term, featuring in all but one of Barcelona’s 38 league games.But nobody was expecting him to be quite as impressive as he was for Spain this summer, with no player racking up more goal contributions at the tournament than Yamal’s five.While he also smashed the record for youngest goalscorer in Euros history and became the youngest player to ever start a major international final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis unprecedented talent levels at such a young age have had former pros harking back to their youth and recalling what they were doing when they were just 16.ITV pundits Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Jill Scott got together on the Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, brought to you by Sky Bet to cast their minds back to their formative years.Despite a combined 346 international caps and over 60 career trophies, none of the four retired pros were tearing it up on the biggest stage back in their teens.Discussing how they spent their time when they were 16 each of the stars explained how they were a world away from Yamal’s levels.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNeville explained: “That year I started playing for [Manchester] United and did my GCSE’s.”While Jill Scott has a similar memory as she recalled being in the youth ranks at Sunderland when she was 16.’No one gets close to him’ – Gary Neville names best striker he played with that ‘a lot of Man Utd fans disagree with’Although the former Lionesses hero explained that now colleague Roy Keane, may have been manager of the men’s team at the time.Prompting Keane to say: “That makes me feel really old that.”The Irishman himself was certainly not lifting trophies aloft, as he revealed he would have been drinking in a field with his friends at the age of 16.Keane said: “When I was 16 or 17 I was probably drinking bottles of cider in a field – living the dream.”Although that was still a lot better than what he was doing when he was 11, adding that he used to smoke cigarettes back in his youth.He added: “I remember we used to play football after the games in the evening, watching the 1982 World Cup. “I would have been 11 and we’d be playing football and we would have the odd cigarette.”I remember saying ‘I’m giving them up, I want to be a footballer’.”And Ian Wright was also miles away from the pitch when he was 16, with the Arsenal icon not turning pro until he was 21.He chimed in: “I was on a building site, I was working back then. “I was just working for a private guy who used to renovate houses, I was getting £50-a-week.”Yamal’s breakthrough tournament hasn’t been without the mundane realities of being a teenager though.With the La Masia graduate admitting that he was forced to do homework while in Germany for Euro 2024, balancing his school work with breaking records.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore the tournament began, he explained: “I brought my homework here because I’m in the 4th year of ESO [Spanish secondary school].”I have online classes too and those are going fine. I hope the teacher doesn’t get mad at me.”Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turned 17 the day before the Euros final, and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More

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      TV viewing figures for Euro 2024 final revealed as ITV see huge win in battle with BBC for England’s defeat to Spain

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      ITV had a major win in the battle for viewers during Euro 2024 – but more fans still chose the BBC for the final.The British broadcasting powerhouses both aired the Three Lions’ second successive European Championship final defeat on Sunday night.England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain was broadcast on both the BBC and ITVCredit: GettyA whopping 24.2million fans tuned into the finalCredit: PAIan Wright and Gary Neville were part of ITV’s all-star team for Euro 2024Credit: GETTYA whopping 24.2 million viewers watched England’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Spain in Berlin across both channels.Just over 22 million people watched the agonising match from start to finish.Some 26 per cent of England fans chose ITV watch the match, which was aired on ITV1 and streamed on ITVX.That represented a seven per cent points increase for the broadcaster from the Euro 2020 final in the summer of 2021.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSThe figure saw ITV set a new record for their highest-ever viewing share for a major men’s football tournament final.Euro 2024 was a resounding success for the broadcaster, who had two of the three highest rating matches.They also had the biggest audience on a single channel, with a peak of 21.6 million tuning in for England’s last-gasp semi-win over the Netherlands on all their platforms.That was in keeping with their recent dominance of the single-channel audience, which they’ve had for the last six major men’s football tournaments.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland ratings: Palmer the super sub but captain Kane struggles yet again in Spain heartbreakCOLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:Jordan Pickford: 8Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.Kyle Walker: 6Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener. John Stones: 8A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.Marc Guehi: 6Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.Bukayo Saka: 7Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.Declan Rice: 7Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout. Kobbie Mainoo: 5Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller. Luke Shaw: 7Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.Phil Foden: 6Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.Jude Bellingham: 7Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.Harry Kane: 4His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.SUBS: Ollie Watkins: 6Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.Cole Palmer: 9What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.Ivan Toney: 6Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.Gareth Southgate: 7The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.Meanwhile, 19.3 million fans tuned into the coverage on BBC One.That equates to a 63 per cent audience share.But overall, the peak audience of 24.2 million is down from the 30 million that tuned into the Euro 2020 final as England lost on penalties to Italy.Gareth Southgate drops quit hint on live TV minutes after England’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 final lossSuccess is something Gareth Southgate may never experience as the Three Lions boss.The 53-year-old hinted that he could walk away from the job before a ball had even been kicked in Germany.And the former defender dropped a huge hint he could end his reign as England manager in the coming days by referring to his players as “they” in one of his post-match interviews.He said: “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now. The age of the squad.”Most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well.”There’s a lot to look forward to but this moment is not any consolation.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen further pressed on his future, Southgate added: “I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that.”I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now.” More

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      Roy Keane makes shock admission for ‘lawyer’ Christina Unkel as he agrees with ITV’s VAR chief

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      ROY KEANE hilariously agreed with VAR chief Christina Unkel’s assessment of the refereeing standard at Euro 2024… before he claimed she is also a lawyer.Former Fifa official Unkel, 37, has been used as a refereeing and rules expert on ITV’s coverage of the Euros in Germany this summer.Roy Keane poked fun at referee expert Christina Unkel but ultimately agreed with herCredit: ITVUnkel laughed off Keane’s hilarious jibes and praised the level of officiating at Euro 2024Credit: ITVPundits have challenged the American when she has given her opinion on controversial decisions, but she has been widely praised for educating and explaining audiences about certain calls.And even Manchester United legend Keane, 52, who often takes umbrage with referees, sided with Unkel following the conclusion of the Euros on Sunday as she praised the standard of officiating.When ITV presenter Mark Pougatch asked her about the level of refereeing at the tournament, she replied: “There’s been much consistency as we saw there.”High level threshold at the last Euros, same level of threshold this time. Very few game critical decisions we had to talk about.READ MORE ON EURO 2024″Tonight [the final] you saw some of the best refereeing in this tournament with the high level of threshold of refereeing decisions that were made and just allowing the teams to play.”Cutting back to Pougatch, he turned to Keane and said: “I think we agree. Christina’s explained things very well, Roy.”To which the ex-Ireland midfielder brilliantly responded: “First time this tournament I’ve agreed with her. She beat me up a few times with her knowledge.”I never knew she was a lawyer, nobody told me that. You would have saved me a lot of hassle.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter Pougatch then joked Keane would be getting a letter through the post from “lawyer” Unkel, Ian Wright finished the segment with a glowing appraisal of the refereeing expert.The Arsenal icon said: “She’s the greatest.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett gives his thoughts on England 2-1 defeat to Spain in Euro 2024 final”She makes everything sound perfect. I’ll believe anything she says.”Maybe Kane really is cursed as trophy drought goes on… he may never get a better chance with EnglandIT now seems as though he really is cursed. Along with the rest of us, writes Charlie Wyett.Tragically, unbelievably, Harry Kane’s agonising search for a trophy still continues and you know have to wonder whether he will ever actually manage it.Certainly for England, in any case.Kane has now suffered defeat in three major club finals and two finals of the European Championships.Last night, the Three Lions captain was so ineffective that he was replaced by Ollie Watkins just after the hour.Like much of this tournament, he really struggled to make the impact when England needed him, not that he had much service.He had one shot in the first half and that was Rodri, who subsequently injured himself and went off at the break.When Cole Palmer struck that brilliant equaliser, Kane was off on his feet from the bench, only for the national team to get another kick in the bo**ocks at the end.Kane was substituted in both the games against Switzerland and Holland which England went on to win but on this occasion, he could only witness a gut-wrenching twist just when it looked as though Gareth Southgate’s team had dug their way out of trouble.The Bayern Munich striker suffered the World Cup 2018 semi-final loss against Croatia, endured heartbreak against Italy in the Euro2020 final and then missed from the spot in the World Cup 2022 quarter-final against France.He really thought that this was his time, even though England did not play well in Germany.Kane will know that he will have more opportunities with England. But not many more.The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico seems a long way away and it will surely be under a new manager. Will England be better than they are now? Probably not.And we are all left to wonder how much better England would have been with a fit and firing Kane at his very best.Read the full verdict on the curse of Harry Kane…Or check out all of Charlie Wyett’s Euro 2024 stories… More

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      Football fans in stitches at John Terry interview on GMB alongside Sam Allardyce as they say ‘dude is a meme’

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      FOOTBALL fans have been left in stitches after spotting what was in the backdrop for John Terry’s TV interview this morning.Chelsea legend Terry, 43, was a special guest alongside Sam Allardyce on ITV programme Good Morning Britain (GMB).John Terry left fans in stitches with his appearance on Good Morning BritainCredit: X formerly Twitter / @GMBHe was appearing alongside former England boss Sam AllardyceCredit: X formerly Twitter / @GMBThe pair were brought on to react to England’s defeat in the Euro 2024 finalCredit: X formerly Twitter / @GMBThe pair were on tele to discuss England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in last night’s Euro 2024 final.However, the former Three Lions captain gave fans a chuckle as he humbly displayed many of his trophies behind him while conducting the interview.Reacting to his appearance, one fan said: “John Terry was on one of the breakfast shows this morning and I swear he’s got under 18’s medals in his background (along with everything he ever won). “Dude is a meme.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA second said: “John Terry sitting in front of all his trophies,” adding a laughing emoji afterwards.Another said: “John Terry and his trophies,” again adding a laughing emoji.A fourth added: “John Terry loves to be seen with trophies.”Terry, who made 78 caps for the Three Lions, won a ton of club trophies while at Stamford Bridge.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSALL THE FALLOUTENGLAND fell at the final hurdle at Euro 2024, losing to a dramatic late Mikel Oryazabal winner as Spain won the tournament.His numerous accolades include the Champions League, five Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups and the Europa League.Terry, who also starred at Aston Villa for one season before retiring in 2018, also won a number of personal accolades, including Chelsea’s Player of the Year twice and PFA Players’ Player of the Year.Gareth Southgate drops quit hint on live TV minutes after England’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 final lossHe was also in the Premier League Team of the Year and FIFA FIFPro World XI five times each.However, despite being a part of England’s so-called “golden generation” Terry and co were never able to make it past the quarter-final stage of a major international tournament.Meanwhile, under Gareth Southgate – who is expected to call time on his time at the helm despite reports suggesting the FA want to keep him on for the World Cup – England have made the semi-finals of international tournaments three times, including back-to-back Euros finals.Terry’s old team-mate Frank Lampard is one name tipped to replace Southgate if he leaves.This felt like our time… but keep Gareth’s culture and we can win it in 2026 instead, writes Jack WilshereIT will take a while for me and every England fan to get over this, writes Jack Wilshere.To come so close to winning that trophy, only to be beaten in a second Euros final in a row, is a huge disappointment.Especially when it really felt like this was our time.It seemed that everything was coming together for us to end the long wait for a major title.But Spain deserved it. They were the better team in the final and the best team of the tournament.We will all — supporters, players, coaches, the FA — have to move on and go again.Because English football is still in a good position.Gareth Southgate has taken us to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final in four tournaments. We have never produced a run like that before.The challenge now is to maintain this level of competitiveness and make England even better.Southgate and his staff have done a fantastic job in changing the whole environment and narrative around the national team.Whether Gareth carries on or not, the wider culture he has put in place must be preserved.This tournament was the biggest test of that culture the team had to go through.They overcame the problems and went all the way, only to fall at the final hurdle.But there is every reason to believe we can challenge at the World Cup in 2026 and beyond.We’ve got a really good group of players, many of them young, who can go on playing and performing for England for years.Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — to name just five — have plenty more tournaments in them.This tournament will also be an inspiration for the next generations of players. Unfortunately there isn’t the trophy lift to take that to a completely different level.But England have delivered moments in Germany that will be replayed forever.The Bellingham overhead kick and Ollie Watkins’ semi-final winner will be recreated in playgrounds and cages up and down the country.What I would like to see now is England continuing to develop, to become a team that can consistently dominate opponents and can give a real identity to English football.We now have players who are comfortable on the ball and technically very good.The biggest disappointment of the tournament was that we didn’t see that as often as we would have liked. That leaves us with a ‘what if?’ feeling.England must not lose that old-school mentality of finding a way to win even when you’re not playing well — that never-say-die spirit which got us through this Euros more than once.But the next step is to allow other qualities to shine through, to give the players that our system is creating the platform to show  everything they can do.The job for me and for other coaches is to keep producing players that are comfortable on the ball and understand how to perform under pressure at a high level.English football is in a good place but we need to keep going. Then we will finally get over the line.Real all of SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere’s Euro 2024 columns… More

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      Gareth Southgate to be offered top punditry job if he leaves England after Euro 2024 final heartbreak

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE will be offered a punditry role by ITV if he leaves the England job, according to reports.The England man has guided England to back to back Euros finals.Southgate left England’s team hotel earlier todayCredit: RexBut after another gutting defeat, his future as England manager is now unclear.Southgate refused to make any immediate decisions on his future in the fallout of the game after England lost 2-1 to Spain.He told the BBC: “Now is not the time for me to speak about that. I need to talk to the right people and give myself a bit of time.”To get to another final… it was a privilege to have the opportunity. But to come up short is hard at the moment.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Now the Daily Mail report that he will be offered a punditry role to cover England by ITV should he leave his post.Southgate’s England contract expires in December.While the FA are keen on him to extend his deal he is understood to be considering his options.ITV’s head honchos are said to be very keen on bringing Southgate on board although it is unlikely he would be able to join for their Nations League coverage which starts in September.Most read in Euro 2024Southgate’s quit hintGareth Southgate appeared to suggest he might move on as England manager by referring to the team as “theyHe said: “I think England are in a really good position in terms of the experiences they’ve got now. The age of the squad.”Most of this squad are going to be around not only for the World Cup but the next Euros as well.”There’s a lot to look forward to but this moment is not any consolation.”When asked if he would quit by the BBC, he said: “Now is not the time for me to speak about that. I need to talk to the right people and give myself a bit of time.”To get to another final… it was a privilege to have the opportunity. But to come up short is hard at the moment.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat’s because Southgate is expected to take a break if he does step down in the immediate aftermath of the Euros.ITV have re-acquired the rights to the Nations League after it was previously shown on Channel Four.Gary Lineker destroys Gareth Southgate with brutal six-word comment after England’s Euro 2024 final defeatMaybe Kane really is cursed as trophy drought goes on… he may never get a better chance with EnglandIT now seems as though he really is cursed. Along with the rest of us, writes Charlie Wyett.Tragically, unbelievably, Harry Kane’s agonising search for a trophy still continues and you know have to wonder whether he will ever actually manage it.Certainly for England, in any case.Kane has now suffered defeat in three major club finals and two finals of the European Championships.Last night, the Three Lions captain was so ineffective that he was replaced by Ollie Watkins just after the hour.Like much of this tournament, he really struggled to make the impact when England needed him, not that he had much service.He had one shot in the first half and that was Rodri, who subsequently injured himself and went off at the break.When Cole Palmer struck that brilliant equaliser, Kane was off on his feet from the bench, only for the national team to get another kick in the bo**ocks at the end.Kane was substituted in both the games against Switzerland and Holland which England went on to win but on this occasion, he could only witness a gut-wrenching twist just when it looked as though Gareth Southgate’s team had dug their way out of trouble.The Bayern Munich striker suffered the World Cup 2018 semi-final loss against Croatia, endured heartbreak against Italy in the Euro2020 final and then missed from the spot in the World Cup 2022 quarter-final against France.He really thought that this was his time, even though England did not play well in Germany.Kane will know that he will have more opportunities with England. But not many more.The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico seems a long way away and it will surely be under a new manager. Will England be better than they are now? Probably not.And we are all left to wonder how much better England would have been with a fit and firing Kane at his very best.Read the full verdict on the curse of Harry Kane…Or check out all of Charlie Wyett’s Euro 2024 stories…They also have the rights to show England’s World Cup qualifiers.Southgate is understood to favour a punditry switch to ITV rather than the BBC.That’s because the BBC’s harsh punditry of Southgate at this tournament is understood to have “stung” him according to The Mail.By contrast, ITV’s coverage, led by Gary Neville and Roy Keane has been a lot more conciliatory towards the England manager.Southgate may not take a punditry role at all though, if he decides to go back into a club management.Southgate has not managed a club team since he was sacked as Middlesbrough manager in 2009.Manchester United were rumoured to be interested in Southgate but have just given Erik ten Hag a contract extension.This felt like our time… but keep Gareth’s culture and we can win it in 2026 instead, writes Jack WilshereIT will take a while for me and every England fan to get over this, writes Jack Wilshere.To come so close to winning that trophy, only to be beaten in a second Euros final in a row, is a huge disappointment.Especially when it really felt like this was our time.It seemed that everything was coming together for us to end the long wait for a major title.But Spain deserved it. They were the better team in the final and the best team of the tournament.We will all — supporters, players, coaches, the FA — have to move on and go again.Because English football is still in a good position.Gareth Southgate has taken us to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final in four tournaments. We have never produced a run like that before.The challenge now is to maintain this level of competitiveness and make England even better.Southgate and his staff have done a fantastic job in changing the whole environment and narrative around the national team.Whether Gareth carries on or not, the wider culture he has put in place must be preserved.This tournament was the biggest test of that culture the team had to go through.They overcame the problems and went all the way, only to fall at the final hurdle.But there is every reason to believe we can challenge at the World Cup in 2026 and beyond.We’ve got a really good group of players, many of them young, who can go on playing and performing for England for years.Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — to name just five — have plenty more tournaments in them.This tournament will also be an inspiration for the next generations of players. Unfortunately there isn’t the trophy lift to take that to a completely different level.But England have delivered moments in Germany that will be replayed forever.The Bellingham overhead kick and Ollie Watkins’ semi-final winner will be recreated in playgrounds and cages up and down the country.What I would like to see now is England continuing to develop, to become a team that can consistently dominate opponents and can give a real identity to English football.We now have players who are comfortable on the ball and technically very good.The biggest disappointment of the tournament was that we didn’t see that as often as we would have liked. That leaves us with a ‘what if?’ feeling.England must not lose that old-school mentality of finding a way to win even when you’re not playing well — that never-say-die spirit which got us through this Euros more than once.But the next step is to allow other qualities to shine through, to give the players that our system is creating the platform to show  everything they can do.The job for me and for other coaches is to keep producing players that are comfortable on the ball and understand how to perform under pressure at a high level.English football is in a good place but we need to keep going. Then we will finally get over the line.Real all of SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere’s Euro 2024 columns… More

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      Incredible footage shows how close BBC and ITV studios are for Euro 2024 final between England and Spain

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      AN INCREDIBLE backstage clip has shown just how close rival BBC and ITV studios were for tonight’s Euro 2024 final.Our 58 years of hurt will go on after the Three Lions were beaten 2-1 late on by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.Incredible backstage footage has shown how close the BBC studio is to rival ITVCredit: X formerly Twitter / @rodrigonloisThere was another studio next to them that had Michael Ballack as a punditCredit: X formerly Twitter / @rodrigonloisThe Instagram clip then shows that ITV were next door but one to the BeebCredit: X formerly Twitter / @rodrigonloisFans were quick to spot a tactical change from Gareth Southgate just moments into the clash – but they were fuming about Dani Carvajal’s trolling of Bukayo Saka.Supporters were raging more when they felt that Spain star Dani Olmo should have been sent off for ‘GBH attack’ on Declan Rice.England received a huge boost at the break as Spanish talisman Rodri was forced off, but they found themselves trailing within moments of the second half starting courtesy of Nico Williams.That led to Southgate turning to supersubs Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer – and they combined again after their exploits against Netherlands in the semi.READ MORE ON EURO 2024This time it was Watkins who teed it up for Palmer to guide it home from the edge of the area. only for Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal to restore their lead late on to seal it.Just prior to the match starting, supporters back in the UK were all switching to ITV for all of the big match build-up,.But while BBC and ITV are in a ratings war tonight – their pundits are seated just yards apart at the Olympiastadion.Journalist Rodrigo Nunes Lois shared a clip from behind the scenes in the stadium that began with BBC’s.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSLegendary England striker Gary Lineker was on presenting duties for the Beeb, as he was joined by ex-Three Lions defenders Micah Richards and Rio Ferdinand.And they also had former Spanish attacker Juan Mata alongside them after the Euro 2012 winner was added to the line-up late this week.Gareth Southgate drops quit hint on live TV minutes after England’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 final lossMaybe Kane really is cursed as trophy drought goes on… he may never get a better chance with EnglandIT now seems as though he really is cursed. Along with the rest of us, writes Charlie Wyett.Tragically, unbelievably, Harry Kane’s agonising search for a trophy still continues and you know have to wonder whether he will ever actually manage it.Certainly for England, in any case.Kane has now suffered defeat in three major club finals and two finals of the European Championships.Last night, the Three Lions captain was so ineffective that he was replaced by Ollie Watkins just after the hour.Like much of this tournament, he really struggled to make the impact when England needed him, not that he had much service.He had one shot in the first half and that was Rodri, who subsequently injured himself and went off at the break.When Cole Palmer struck that brilliant equaliser, Kane was off on his feet from the bench, only for the national team to get another kick in the bo**ocks at the end.Kane was substituted in both the games against Switzerland and Holland which England went on to win but on this occasion, he could only witness a gut-wrenching twist just when it looked as though Gareth Southgate’s team had dug their way out of trouble.The Bayern Munich striker suffered the World Cup 2018 semi-final loss against Croatia, endured heartbreak against Italy in the Euro2020 final and then missed from the spot in the World Cup 2022 quarter-final against France.He really thought that this was his time, even though England did not play well in Germany.Kane will know that he will have more opportunities with England. But not many more.The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico seems a long way away and it will surely be under a new manager. Will England be better than they are now? Probably not.And we are all left to wonder how much better England would have been with a fit and firing Kane at his very best.Read all of Charlie Wyett’s Euro 2024 stories…All four of them were spotted on their mobile phones as they prepared to go on air.The camera then panned to the left and showed another TV studio – which ended up being revealing that one was sandwiched between BBC and ITV.The cameras were on in that one as host Mark Pougatch was spotted along with Roy Keane.We revealed earlier how the Beeb had made a last-minute change to their coverage of the Euro 2024 final.The match was free to air and shown on both ITV and BBC, only for the latter to make a late change to their coverage’s start time.The programming was expected to start at 7pm but will now begin at 6.30pm.That brought it in line with the ITV start time, one and a half hours before the match kicked off at 8pm.BBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:BBC presenters:Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark ChapmanITV presenters:Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods BBC pundits:Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFaddenITV pundits:Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina UnkelBBC commentators:Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan PearceITV commentators:Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe SpeightBBC co-commentators:Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFaddenITV co-commentators:Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

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      Watch as female fan flashes huge crowd of England supporters then gets handshake from impressed man

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      ENGLAND supporters got more than they bargained for ahead of tonight’s crushing defeat.The 58 years of hurt will go on after the Three Lions were beaten 2-1 late on by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.England fans got a right eyeful as they partied ahead of the Euro 2024 finalCredit: InstagramOne supporter even came over to shake her handCredit: InstagramGareth Southgate suffered disappointment in his attempt to secure our first piece of silverware since the 1966 World Cup.Those lucky enough to be in Olympiastadion had been in full party mood all day.Excitement had been mounting back home as fans up and down the country got set for the action – but once it did then supporters were quick to spot a Southgate tactical tweak during the early stages of the game while ITV viewers were only noticing Laura Woods’ stunning outfit.During the exciting build-up, one girl was keen to show off her own two up top.READ MORE ON EURO 2024A clip has gone viral on Instagram of a female named Rain Monroe, who has nearly 15,000 followers, decked out in tiny denim shorts.But as a male crowd gathered in front of her, she proceeded to lift up the front of her top and give them all an eyeful.That was met by huge cheers as she waved to her new found army of admirers.But one spectator was so impressed with what he had seen that he even went up to shake Rain’s hand.Most read in Euro 2024Meanwhile, supporters back in the UK were all switching to ITV for all of the big match build-up.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBBC and ITV are in a ratings war tonight – while their pundits are seated just yards apart at the Olympiastadion.Both British broadcasters have pulled out the big guns and are going all out in their quest to attract the most viewers.England fans belt out incredible rendition of God Save The King in Berlin’s Olympiastadio ahead of England vs SpainThis felt like our time… but keep Gareth’s culture and we can win it in 2026 instead, writes Jack WilshereIT will take a while for me and every England fan to get over this, writes Jack Wilshere.To come so close to winning that trophy, only to be beaten in a second Euros final in a row, is a huge disappointment.Especially when it really felt like this was our time.It seemed that everything was coming together for us to end the long wait for a major title.But Spain deserved it. They were the better team in the final and the best team of the tournament.We will all — supporters, players, coaches, the FA — have to move on and go again.Because English football is still in a good position.Gareth Southgate has taken us to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final in four tournaments. We have never produced a run like that before.The challenge now is to maintain this level of competitiveness and make England even better.Southgate and his staff have done a fantastic job in changing the whole environment and narrative around the national team.Whether Gareth carries on or not, the wider culture he has put in place must be preserved.This tournament was the biggest test of that culture the team had to go through.They overcame the problems and went all the way, only to fall at the final hurdle.But there is every reason to believe we can challenge at the World Cup in 2026 and beyond.We’ve got a really good group of players, many of them young, who can go on playing and performing for England for years.Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — to name just five — have plenty more tournaments in them.This tournament will also be an inspiration for the next generations of players. Unfortunately there isn’t the trophy lift to take that to a completely different level.But England have delivered moments in Germany that will be replayed forever.The Bellingham overhead kick and Ollie Watkins’ semi-final winner will be recreated in playgrounds and cages up and down the country.What I would like to see now is England continuing to develop, to become a team that can consistently dominate opponents and can give a real identity to English football.We now have players who are comfortable on the ball and technically very good.The biggest disappointment of the tournament was that we didn’t see that as often as we would have liked. That leaves us with a ‘what if?’ feeling.England must not lose that old-school mentality of finding a way to win even when you’re not playing well — that never-say-die spirit which got us through this Euros more than once.But the next step is to allow other qualities to shine through, to give the players that our system is creating the platform to show  everything they can do.The job for me and for other coaches is to keep producing players that are comfortable on the ball and understand how to perform under pressure at a high level.English football is in a good place but we need to keep going. Then we will finally get over the line.Real all of SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere’s Euro 2024 columns…Legendary England striker Gary Lineker was on presenting duties for the Beeb, as he was joined by ex-Three Lions defenders Micah Richards and Rio Ferdinand.And they also had former Spanish attacker Juan Mata alongside them after the Euro 2012 winner was added to the line-up late this week.Meanwhile, on the other channel, Mark Pougatch was on hosting duties from Berlin.They were able to call on the expertise of Manchester United legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville while ex-Arsenal and England ace Ian Wright.And it seems that their panel was the one most people said they were tuning in to pre-match.Although some said they were switching back for the game.One posted on X: “BBC for the game itself. Switch over to ITV for the pundits.”England ratings: Palmer the super sub but captain Kane struggles yet again in Spain heartbreakCOLE PALMER came off the bench to be England’s star man – but his heroics were unable to stop heartbreak against Spain, writes Tom Barclay.Mikel Oyarzabal struck a late dagger through the hearts of the Three Lions to seal a 2-1 Spanish victory.And that ensured that 58 years of hurt will go on.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated each England player in the crushing defeat:Jordan Pickford: 8Carefully controlled a blast of a backpass from John Stones on his line in the first half. Could do little to stop Williams’ opener but made two terrific stops to deny Yamal, only for Oyarzabal to poke home at the death.Kyle Walker: 6Had his hands full with Williams but managed the Spanish livewire pretty well but could not get near his powerful opener. John Stones: 8A colossus again as he played every single minute of this Euros, despite lack of Manchester City game-time. Superb block on early Williams shot, was often in the right place at the right time and at one point dribbled all the way up the pitch.Marc Guehi: 6Solid alongside Stones and overall it has been a brilliant first tournament for the Crystal Palace star. But Oyarzabal nicked in front of him for the winner.Bukayo Saka: 7Most consistent attacker for England across the tournament and had a good battle with pantomime villain Marc Cucurella here. It was his cross that Bellingham laid off for Palmer to work his magic.Declan Rice: 7Went past his boss Gareth Southgate’s cap haul by winning his 58th here and he is still only 25. Was in the thick of it in the midfield battle throughout. Kobbie Mainoo: 5Just 19 and starting a major final for England in the middle of midfield. Fewer bursts forward though than in recent games as his side struggled for possession and was subbed for Palmer as Southgate searched for a leveller. Luke Shaw: 7Looked so sharp for a player making his first start since Luton away on February 10, winning his battle against Lamine Yamal in the first half. But Yamal got the better of him after the break to tee up Williams’ opener.Phil Foden: 6Out of possession it was his job to man-mark Manchester City colleague Rodri, until the Spanish maestro went off injured at half-time. Had a half-chance just before the break but could not beat Unai Simon.Jude Bellingham: 7Shunted wide left when England did not have the ball – which was a lot of the time. Riskily flew into a few tackles, but it was his clever lay-off that teed up Palmer.Harry Kane: 4His lack of involvement was summed up by England fans calling for Ollie Watkins in the 57th minute. They got their wish on the hour.SUBS: Ollie Watkins: 6Semi-final hero was introduced far earlier here to get some legs in behind, though he did not have too much impact this time.Cole Palmer: 9What an impact after emerging with just twenty minutes to go. Yet another of Southgate’s subs paid off handsomely as Palmer curled a peach of an equaliser with 17 minutes remaining, sending most of the Olympiastadion potty.Ivan Toney: 6Thrown on right at the end but could not make an impact.Gareth Southgate: 7The game was a chess match for the first half and Southgate was never going to go early with his bold moves.His subs were excellent to be fair, with Palmer brilliantly getting his team back into it.Critics will say England did not play attacking enough but Spain are one hell of a side – and Southgate’s men pushed them all the way.Another wrote: “I prefer the pundits on ITV but prefer commentary from BBC.”A third was torn, saying: “I prefer the pundits on ITV but the coverage on BBC.“A real dilemma ahead. I’ve switched three times.”A fourth wrote: “When it comes to the football, I feel like ITV have the better pundits but the BBC have better commentary.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier on ITV, presenter Laura Woods bonded with new Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer over their love for Arsenal.Over on the BBC, Gary Lineker called out Rio Ferdinand for “child cruelty” after hearing his plan to stop Lamine Yamal. More

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      Fans all switch over from BBC to ITV after realising who pundits are for Euro 2024 final

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      FANS were all switching to ITV tonight for all of the big match build-up ahead of England’s heartbreaking defeat.The 58 years of hurt will go on after the Three Lions were beaten 2-1 late on by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.The BBC made a late change to their broadcast for the Euro 2024 finalCredit: BBCITV’s pundit panel seems to have been the favourite with fansCredit: ITVBBC and ITV were in a ratings war tonight – while their pundits are seated just yards apart at the Olympiastadion.Both British broadcasters pulled out the big guns and went all out in their quest to attract the most viewers.Legendary England striker Gary Lineker was on presenting duties for the Beeb, as he was joined by ex-Three Lions defenders Micah Richards and Rio Ferdinand.And they also had former Spanish attacker Juan Mata alongside them after the Euro 2012 winner was added to the line-up late this week.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Meanwhile, on the other channel, Mark Pougatch was on hosting duties from Berlin.They were able to call on the expertise of Manchester United legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville while ex-Arsenal and England ace Ian Wright.And it seems that their panel was the one most people said they were tuning in to pre-match.Although some will be switching back for the game.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSOne posted on X: “BBC for the game itself. Switch over to ITV for the pundits.”Another wrote: “I prefer the pundits on ITV but prefer commentary from BBC.”Incredible footage shows how close BBC and ITV studios are for Euro 2024 final between England and SpainA third was torn, saying: “I prefer the pundits on ITV but the coverage on BBC.“A real dilemma ahead. I’ve switched three times.”A fourth wrote: “When it comes to the football, I feel like ITV have the better pundits but the BBC have better commentary.”Another stated: “I much prefer the ITV pundits. Tempted to go the whole hog and watch the game on ITV.”While a sixth said: “ITV objectively has the better pundits, Wrighty, Neville and Keano.”BBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:BBC presenters:Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark ChapmanITV presenters:Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods BBC pundits:Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFaddenITV pundits:Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina UnkelBBC commentators:Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan PearceITV commentators:Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe SpeightBBC co-commentators:Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFaddenITV co-commentators:Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros TownsendWe revealed earlier how the Beeb had made a last-minute change to their coverage of the Euro 2024 final.The match is free to air and will be shown on both ITV and BBC.But the BBC made a late change to their coverage’s start time.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe programming was expected to start at 7pm but will now begin at 6.30pm.That brought it in line with the ITV start time, one and a half hours before the match kicks off at 8pm.THE TIME IS NOWENGLAND face their destiny against Spain TONIGHT – hoping to end 58 years of hurt in the Euro 2024 final.England vs Spain recordEngland have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result…May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain. 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