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    ITV viewers left confused as they hear what Ally McCoist called the England team in Euro 2024 final vs Spain

    ITV viewers were left shocked after hearing what Ally McCoist called the England team.The Scotland legend was in the commentary box as the Three Lions lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.Scotsman Ally McCoist bizzarely called England ‘we’ during the finalCredit: PAEngland face Spain in the Euro 2024 finalCredit: APAnd ahead of kick-off, McCoist left fans baffled after referring to his country’s bitter rivals England as “we”.Supporters could not believe it, with one saying: “Ally McCoist saying ‘we’, are you not Scottish?”Another added: “Three minutes before kick-off and McCoist has just referred to England as ‘we’ – makes Graeme Souness sound like William Wallace himself.”And a cheeky England fan said: “McCoist is the only good footballer Scotland have had, yet he refers to England as ‘we’ and ‘us’. That must make the Scottish people really angry.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Supporters tuning into ITV’s coverage had Sam Matterface, Lee Dixon and McCoist talking them through the game.Mark Pougatch, Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Ian Wright were in the studio.Meanwhile, the BBC handed their microphones to lead commentator Guy Mowbray and Alan Shearer.And in the studio were Rio Ferdinand, Micah Richards, Juan Mata and host Gary Lineker.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBBC 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 TownsendOn the pressure broadcasters feel ahead of huge games, Mowbray revealed: “I always have that panicky feeling in the morning when I’m having a shower or walking the dog.” But he insists that despite hours of prepartion, he relies purely on instinct and emotion, telling The Mail: “Whatever comes out will come out.”I’ll never prepare a script but the pressure is always there.”Lineker jokingly calls out Ferdinand for ‘child cruelty’ after ‘over the top’ comments live on BBC for Euro 2024 finalTHE TIME IS NOWENGLAND face their destiny against Spain TONIGHT – hoping to end 58 years of hurt in the Euro 2024 final. More

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    Laura Woods stuns in bold outfit as ITV host steals the show at Euro 2024 final

    LAURA WOODS stunned in a bold outfit for the Euro 2024 final.Woods stole the show as she presented ITV’s coverage of England’s heartbreaking 2-1 defeat Spain.Laura Woods stunned in a bold outfit for the Euro 2024 finalCredit: RexShe fronted ITV’s coverage live from BerlinCredit: RexWoods took a selfie with the trophy ahead of England’s clash with SpainTHE TIME IS NOWENGLAND face their destiny against Spain TONIGHT – hoping to end 58 years of hurt in the Euro 2024 final.The glamorous host has been one of the standout stars this summer, taking over many household televisions up and down the country.Woods is no stranger to fronting big events, leading TNT Sports’ Champions League and boxing coverage.And with all eyes locked on England’s late loss against Spain, Woods put on a dazzling display.The fan favourite turned heads with her extremely chic and fashionable look.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd she appeared delighted with her choice of outfit by snapping a selfie next to the Euro 2024 trophy.Earlier in the evening, Woods linked up with Sir Keir Starmer.The new Prime Minister cruised to a landslide victory in the recent general election.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd Starmer jetted to Berlin in the hope of watching England finally end their trophy curse.Most read in Euro 2024Like Woods, he too is a massive fan of Arsenal.Laura Woods photobombed by ‘naked’ man on top of bus as she hangs out with Netherlands fans before England clashWoods bonded with Sir Keir Starmer before kick-offThe new Prime Minister was all smiles as he discussed the Euro finalStarmer even hinted at a Bank Holiday reward for victory against SpainAnd the pair bonded over their love of all things north London.Starmer then chatted to Labour backer Gary Neville, revealing his admiration for England’s national team while hinting at a potential Bank Holiday should victory be achieved.Starmer said: “Gareth a great manager who’ll get the best out of them. They should all be so proud, we’re all proud. The whole squad’s been brilliant if I’m honest.“(Bank holiday?) I don’t know about that. Let’s get through the next few hours and get their hands on that trophy.”We need to mark it somehow but we’ll have to see what that is.”Unfortunately for Starmer and the public, there will be no more talk of a bank holiday after England lost the final.The Three Lions shipped a goal in the 86th minute to suffer another heartbreak on the biggest stage of all. More

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    BBC make last-minute change to punditry team for England vs Spain Euro 2024 final as ex-Man Utd and Chelsea ace signs up

    THE BBC have made a last-ditch signing to try and help them win the ratings war with ITV.Both UK broadcasters will show the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain live.BBC One have made a last-minute addition to their punditry panel for Euro 2024Credit: BBCBBC’s Euro coverage has featured Gary Lineker, Rio Ferdinand and Micah Richards and Alan Shearer so far at the tournament.That is in addition to the likes of Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, Mark Chapman, Wayne Rooney, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, David Moyes and Rachel Corsie.ITV have also had a star-studded line-up themselves to bring us all of the action from Germany.Hosts Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods have been joined by big-names such as Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville.READ MORE ON EURO 2024And they have also enjoyed appearances from fan favourites such as Eni Aluko, Graeme Souness, Ange Postecoglou and Danny Rohl.However, BBC have moved to bring in a major new addition for their head-to-head with ITV tomorrow at the final in Berlin.And it just happens to be a man who lifted the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship with Spain and who starred in the Premier League for both Chelsea and Manchester United.The Beeb’s new face is none other than the 36-year-old Spanish playmaker Juan Mata.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe ace scored ten times in 41 appearances for his country – with one of those coming in the final of Euro 2012 when Spain thrashed Italy 4-0.BBC announced the news by posting a clip of that strike on X alongside a message that read: “Welcome on board, @juanmata8. The former Spain international will join the @bbcsport squad for Sunday’s #Euro2024 final live on @BBCiPlayer’.”Watch Jordan Pickford absolutely lose it as he celebrates with fans after Ollie Watkins’ England winner vs NetherlandsMata played 278 times for Chelsea and Manchester United during his Premier League career.He produced 52 goals and provided 54 assists during that period.Mata, who joined Chelsea in 2011 from Valencia, won the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup at Stamford Bridge before departing after three years.He signed for Man United and went on to spend eight years at Old Trafford.Juan Mata won the FA Cup with Manchester United after joining from ChelseaCredit: GettyThe star won both the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 with SpainCredit: Getty Images – GettyMata played under David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick for the Red Devils.He lifted the FA Cup and League Cup at United as well as the Europa League and then he enjoyed Turkish title success at Galatasaray in his one-year spell there from 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESMata then moved to Japan, signing for Vissel Kobe, but he only made one appearance for them as they won the J-League.He left them earlier this year and has been training in London as the attacker recently revealed that he has not yet decided on his next destination in football.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 TownsendYou can say it hasn’t been pretty, but England are in the final… and we’re peaking at just the right time, says Jack WilshereAFTER what has been a tough tournament of times, what an opportunity Gareth Southgate and his team will have to end in the best possible way, writes Jack Wilshere.We might like a team that played better football. But it’s a results business.Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and of course Holland would love to be where we are.People will say we’re lucky because we’re on this side of the draw.But we won the group. France didn’t and then ran into Spain.You can say it wasn’t that pretty, but we’re there.Gareth and his coaches won’t have been happy with some of the performances.But I did like the way Gareth and his team have dealt with it.There was no panic coming out of the camp.Everyone gave the same message: ‘We know we can better, but we’re here still.’And on Sunday they will be in Berlin to play Spain.They will probably have to produce two halves of football as good as the first against Holland to beat them.We have improved as the tournament has gone on and that is how you win things.You want to peak in the final.If Gareth can lead England to that major trophy we’ve all been waiting for, it will be the perfect answer to the critics and a brilliant day for us all.Read Jack Wilshere’s England vs Holland verdict in full.Or check out all of SunSport columnist Jack’s Euros 2024 opinions… More

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    Laura Woods vs Gary Lineker and how the pundits have rated as we help you decide ITV vs BBC dilemma for England vs Spain

    ALL EYES will be on Sunday’s Euro 2024 final when England take on Spain – but on which channel will you watch?BBC and ITV have shared the rights throughout the tournament in Germany as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions made it to successive Euros finals.ITV’s Karen Carney and Laura WoodsCredit: GettyIan Wright, Gary Neville, Roy Keane and presenter Mark PougatchCredit: ITVRio Ferdinand, Cesc Fabregas and Micah Richards in the BBC studioCredit: BBCBut for the first time this summer, the broadcasters will go head-to-head, with viewers having the choice of which channel they tune into for the final. So here, SunSport helps fans decide ahead of the big game…HostsGary Lineker has long been the face of BBC’s football coverage, having hosted the iconic Match of the Day since 1999, making him a sage pair of hands.Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Mark Chapman have shared the hotseat in the absence of Lineker.READ MORE IN football Former England striker Lineker has had an eventful Euros, notably being censored by the BBC for dropping an F-bomb while celebrating England’s win over Switzerland. He was also accused of breaking rules when he wore his own Next clothing range on air – as BBC ban talent from wearing attire they’re either promoting or being paid to wear.Lineker and BBC pundit Alan Shearer were also caught in a spiky back and forth with England captain Harry Kane after criticism of England’s early performances.Those tuning into ITV have been guided through proceedings by fans’ favourite Laura Woods and veteran broadcaster Mark Pougatch.Most read in Euro 2024Woods has stunned in a variety of bold outfits throughput the tournament and even brought along boyfriend Adam Collard to Berlin.ITV’s Euro 2024 host Laura WoodsCredit: RexShe has won praise from fans for her matchday outfitsCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Woods has share the hosting role with PougatchCredit: RexPunditsThe BBC have had Micah Richards, Shearer, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Jermaine Jenas, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Ellen White, Ashley Williams, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie, Thomas Frank and Cesc Fabregas in the studio in Germany.Fabregas in particular received praise for his expert analysis and the Spaniard would be the perfect pundit for the final.He won the Euros in 2008 and 2012 while spending 13 years playing in England at Arsenal and Chelsea. Ferdinand meanwhile was on the end of some funny stick from Jenas after making it known he spoke with former team-mate Critstiano Ronaldo in private.BBC’s Lineker, Ferdinand, Lampard and Richards cheer on EnglandCredit: BBCBBC 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 TownsendCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSITV have had Ian Wright, Karen Carney, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Eni Aluko, Graeme Souness, Ange Postecoglou and Danny Rohl in their studio.Behind-the-scenes footage has shown Irishman Keane’s hilarious reaction to England’s goals – and his brutal take on the action will be a draw for many fans.In contrast, Wright and Neville haven’t disguised their jubilation at England’s progress, with the pair’s celebrations at Ollie Watkins’ late winner against Switzerland going viral.Former referee Christina Unkel was been a very welcome addition to ITV’s coverage – and definitely an upgrade on Peter Walton – as she analyses the on-pitch decisions.Unkel claimed England should NOT have been awarded a penalty against the Dutch before ITV later had to censor manager Ronald Koeman’s furious post-match interview.England fans reaction to dramatic last minute Euros win over NetherlandsCommentatorsGuy Mowbray is BBC’s lead commentator and he could be partnered with Jenas, Shearer, Danny Murphy or Martin Keown.Shearer brilliantly came up with the “pressure is for tyres” line as England went 5/5 in their quarter-final shootout win over Switzerland.Fans will likely be hoping the Newcastle pundit is back on co-comms for the final.Sam Matterface is ITV’s head commentator and will likely be partnered with Lee Dixon or Ally McCoist.But fans are pushing for former England international Andros Townsend to pair with McCoist in a dream co-commentary duo. The Euros also brought an end to Clive Tyldesley’s near-three decades with ITV. ITV’s lead commentator Sam MatterfaceCredit: RexStill undecided?A stunning 21.6 million tuned in on ITV at its peak to watch England beat Holland 2-1 thanks Watkins’ winner. BBC had 16.8m for the dramatic quarter-final against the Swiss which went to the dreaded shootout.Those numbers will likely be blown out the water on Sunday as the nation comes to a halt for the final.Coverage is set to start at 7pm on BBC – an hour before kick off – while ITV are going live at 6.30pm to give themselves an extra 30 minutes.READ MORE SUN STORIESOf course, BBC have the advantage of offering their coverage ad-free and three years ago only 5.8m of the total 31.1m viewers of the Euro final at Wembley watched it on ITV.But, if fans really can’t decide then there is always the option of flicking between the two.Euro 2024 final stadium is home to English football’s most shameful episodeGARETH SOUTHGATE and his players will walk in the footsteps of sporting infamy on Sunday.And they also have the chance to wipe out the memories of English football’s most shameful episode by replacing it with glorious triumph.For many, the Olympiastadion will always be the place where Jesse Owens humiliated Adolf Hitler in his own backyard.But the 1936 Olympics WERE used by the Nazis as pure propaganda, as a statement about the supposed supremacy of the “Aryan race”.The ghosts of those Games still flit between the towers and the colosseum-style architecture.Fans walking in on Sunday will see the plinth where the Olympic cauldron was lit by Fritz Schilgen – handpicked by propagandist film-maker Leni Riefenstahl – still there, high in the stands above one goal.And two years later, when the FA disgracefully ordered England’s players to raise their arm in the Nazi salute before beating Germany in a friendly, it seemed that the British state was implicitly accepting Hitler’s authority and power.The Three Lions have the opportunity to right that ancient wrong yet nothing can detract from the stadium’s place in the pantheon of sport’s darkest hours.Read the full story HERE. 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    ITV viewing figures for England’s Euro 2024 win over Netherlands revealed with biggest audience in 19 months

    ENGLAND’S Euro 2024 semi-final victory over the Netherlands was watched by a peak audience of 21.6 million on ITV.Their 2-1 win, which will see them head to Sunday’s final against Spain, was the most-watched television programme in 19 months.England’s Euro 2024 semi-final victory was watched by a peak audience of 21.6 million on ITVCredit: GettyThe Three Lions beat the Netherlands 2-1Credit: GettyThe Three Lions will now face Spain in the final on SundayCredit: GettyThis is the highest peak audience on a single channel since December 2022, when the nation watched England’s quarter-final exit on ITV in the FIFA World Cup.Broadcasters are hoping more than 30million viewers will tune into Sunday night’s final against Spain, based on the numbers that tuned in for England’s defeat in the Euro 2020 final. Across TV and streaming an average audience of 19.6million viewers watched the match between 8pm and 9.55pm.This also marked ITVX’s largest livestream audience with 16.8million streams of the semi-final.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Coverage of Euro 2024 in the UK has been split between ITV and the BBC, with the two channels swapping first choices for matches in each round. The Euros is regarded as one of the UK’s “crown jewel” sporting events – alongside the World Cup, Wimbledon and the Olympics – which is required by law to be shown on free-to-air channels.It had all started poorly for the Three Lions, though, as they fell behind when Xavi Simons sent a rasping strike into the top corner in the opening minutes.But a much-improved England deservedly hit back soon after as Harry Kane dispatched a controversial penalty.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Neville slammed the referee over his controversial decision to award England a penalty and said his initial decision was the correct one.It was then super-sub Watkins who fired home in the 90th minute with a brilliant finish past Bart Verbruggen.Ian Wright and Gary Neville go wild after Watkins’ England winner… but eagle-eyed fans spot Roy Keane’s reaction to goalWatkins’ well-taken winner was animatedly celebrated by ITV pundits Ian Wright and Gary Neville, who jumped for joy at the goal.However, Irishman Roy Keane kept his arms crossed and casually walked away from the celebrations, with some fans joking that he had reacted in the same way Irish fans across the world had done.England will now take on Spain on Sunday, and fans will need to decide who to watch the game with as there will be live coverage from both ITV and the BBC.ITV pundits were celebrating back in the studio except for Irishman Roy KeaneGary Neville fumed over the penalty decisionEngland ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke. 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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    Moment ITV are forced to censor Ronald Koeman’s interview after England’s Euro 2024 win over Netherlands

    ITV were forced to censor Ronald Koeman’s post-match interview after Holland were beaten by England.The Dutch manager was left fuming at German referee Felix Zwayer after he awarded the Three Lions a controversial penalty.Ronald Koeman slammed the decision to give England a penaltyCredit: X/ itvfootballDenzel Dumfries caught Harry Kane in the boxCredit: GettyReferee Felix Zwayer gave a penalty after looking at the monitorCredit: GettyXavi Simons had put Holland in the lead in the Euro 2024 semi-final at the Signal Iduna Park with a stunning effort early on.The lead was wiped out as captain Harry Kane netted from the spot just 11 minutes later.However, there was much debate about the penalty as Kane was caught by Denzel Dumfries while taking a shot.Zwayer had initially turned down penalty appeals before being sent to the monitor to have another look by VAR.READ MORE ON EURO 2024After a couple of viewings he decided to change his mind and give England the penalty – despite experts unanimously agreeing it should not be a spot kick.It proved crucial to the result as Gareth Southgate’s side would go on to win the match after Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute winner.Koeman, spoke to the press after the match and was not happy with the officiating over the decision.While speaking to ITV, the former Everton manager labelled the decision as “s**t”.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I don’t agree with the final decision.”What do you need to do as a defender? Somebody is kicking the ball in the box you like to defend the shot.Virgil Van Dijk fumes ‘that says a lot’ after spotting controversial referee’s antics at full time in England clashEngland’s controversial penaltyBy Mark HalseyHARRY KANE was gifted a penalty by controversial referee Felix Zwayer.If England had been on the receiving end of that decision, we would have been absolutely fuming.The German official, previously banned for six months for his part in a match-fixing scandal, should not have been sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR Bastian Dankert.Both Denzel Dumfries and Kane had their feet in the air as England’s captain got his shot away.It was just a clash of legs and certainly NOT a ‘clear and obvious error’.Once Zwayer went over to the monitor, we knew what was going to happen.He is an excellent referee but we have seen that none of the officials seem mentally tough enough to stick with their original call.I know some people will argue Dumfries was late to the tackle and it would have been a free-kick elsewhere on the pitch.But it is a contact sport and it’s natural that there will be a coming together in instances like that.Aside from the penalty award, Zwayer had a good game.There were fears decisions would go against England because of Jude Bellingham’s previous comments about Zwayer.Bellingham was fined £34,000 in 2021 for blaming Zwayer and his match-fixing past for Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.But Zwayer was right to caution Bellingham for his reckless challenge on Stefan de Vrij in the second half.”And maybe you touch a little bit his foot but come on, if we whistle definite penalty then I don’t agree.”In my opinion it is a s**t decision.”ITV had to bleep the expletive used by the manager.Dutch captain and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk also agreed with his manager as he insisted it was “difficult to take”.Former England star Gary Neville labelled the decision as a “disgrace” while giving his analysis.The Three Lions will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spanish reached the last two with a 2-1 win over France in the first semi-final.A supercomputer has predicted heartache for England once again and has given Spain a 54 per cent chance of winning.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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    ITV gain early edge over BBC for Euro 2024 final as broadcasting coverage plans are revealed

    FOOTBALL fans up and down the country are gearing up to see England in the Euro 2024 final this weekend – but must decide on which channel to watch it.Ahead of the Berlin clash against Spain, plans have been announced for the broadcasting coverage.England will play Spain in the Euro 2024 final on SundayCredit: AlamyITV have the upper hand for the broadcastCredit: RexBBC will be starting their coverage 30 minutes after ITVCredit: BBCBoth ITV and the BBC will show the game, unlike how they have each held individual rights for the fixtures during the rest of the tournament.But despite the two broadcasting giants sharing the coverage, ITV have already gained an advantage over their competitors.ITV will have begin their build-up to the big game 30 minutes before the BBC start theirs.The Beeb will begin their broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC One at 7pm, while fans can watch ITV’s pundits discuss the game from 6:30pm.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans had their eyes glued to their screens last night as Ollie Watkins scored a 90th minute winner to book England’s place in Sunday’s final.In fact, a peak of 21.6 MILLION people watched the Three Lions get the better of Holland on ITV1 and ITVX.That’s the highest peak audience on a single channel since December 2022, when the nation watched England’s exit form the Qatar World Cup at the hands of France.England will be hoping they can lift the first men’s trophy since 1966 on Sunday in Berlin, after suffering heartbreak at Wembley in 2021.Most read in Euro 2024BBC 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 TownsendEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSBut they can be proud of the efforts so far as they have already made history.Gareth Southgate’s brave lions have become the first men’s team in England history to make a major final on foreign soil.Watch Roy Keane scream and swear at Gary Neville as he’s left on the floor during BBC vs ITV football match at Euro 2024While Southgate himself has become the first manager to reach two major finals while in charge of the nation.It won’t be easy on Sunday as they take on an in-form Spain side who have looked the best team at Euro 2024.Ollie Watkins booked England’s spot in the final with a dramatic late winnerCredit: GettyMillions of England fans had their eyes glued to the action last nightCredit: PAEngland ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke.  More

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    Ian Wright and Gary Neville go wild after Watkins’ England winner… but eagle-eyed fans spot Roy Keane’s reaction to goal

    OLLIE WATKINS sent England fans in Germany and at home wild as he booked the Three Lions spot in Euro 2024.And ITV pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright were no exception.ITV pundits Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane watched as Ollie Watkins netted a last-gasp winner for EnglandCredit: X / itvfootballNeville and Wright celebrated wildly, but Keane cast an emotionless figureCredit: X / itvfootballThe Aston Villa star rolled his defender before arrowing a shot across goal and into the back of the net.The goal broke ITV’s broadcasting curse, but was unable to emotionally move Roy Keane.The broadcaster shared a behind-the-scenes video to social media of the trio watching as Watkins scored his 91st minute winner. Former England international’s Neville and Wright both jumped up from their seats and bellowed out cheers upon seeing the goal before embracing in a hug.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, ex-Ireland international Keane struck a not-so-impressed figure.He was seen standing with his arms folded close to the window and largely emotionless despite the pandemonium around him.Reacting to the clip, one fan said: “Look at Roy Keane.”A second said: “At least Ian was actually watching this time!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third added: “Even in celebration They know to leave Roy well alone.”Another said: “Neville’s reactions are the best. Probably can’t beat Wright’s celebration from Euro 2020 where he jumped up and with one of the crew.”England fans reaction to dramatic last minute Euros win over NetherlandsEngland were controversially awarded a penalty to equalise shortly after going behind through Xavi Simons screamer.Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo earned special praise for his performance.Kobbie Mainoo: From work experience kid to England hero… and latest generational talentAND we all thought England had just the one generational talent.Kobbie Mainoo was effectively brought to Germany as a work experience kid but has emerged as the key kid behind this country’s attempt to rewrite history.After just five senior starts, England’s new boy wonder will now have a teenage tear-up against Spain’s Lamine Yamal in the Euro 2024 final.Last night, he did not merely become England’s youngest ever player to feature in a semi-final of a major tournament, aged 19 years and 82 days.Here, he took this semi-final by the scruff of the neck, delivered a performance which was a joy to watch, particularly in the first half, and now England are in their first final on foreign soil.If Jude Bellingham thought he was certain to be England’s main posterboy over the next decade, he has someone else who has now emerged in his rear-view mirror within just a few weeks.To bag an FA Cup winners’ medal at the age of 19 was impressive. To then win Euro 2024 a couple of months later would be extraordinary.As we saw with Manchester United, Mainoo has now fitted seamlessly into the team and provided a perfect mix of both style and substance.Give it a couple of years, and you can only imagine how good this lad is going to be.For much of this tournament, the focus has been on the disappointing form of Harry Kane, Bellingham and Phil Foden.So Mainoo, to a degree, had almost been off the radar. But against the Dutch, in tight, congested spaces, he is a class apart.When he was put under pressure, remained cool, navigated his way out of difficult situations and drove forward.Despite what was at stake, Mainoo once again looked extraordinarily composed and was England’s best player in the first half. He won possession, he rode tackles and he drove forward like an old master.He nearly delivered an assist at 1-1 with some brilliant play. He received the ball from Foden, turned and drove forward before returning the ball to his team-mate but the shot was hacked off the line by Denzel Dumfries.Mainoo delivered a terrific block to snuff out some serious danger in a lightning-quick Dutch counter attack.In the second half, he had less space in midfield but nevertheless still had bags of energy and kept his discipline positionally – and then he let subs Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins deliver the business.It is still mind-boggling that Mainoo is now heading to Berlin on Sunday, when you consider Mainoo only made his United debut against Charlton in the Carabao Cup in January 2023. His first Premier League start was just eight months ago.Yet it was his dazzling midfield form in an otherwise dysfunctional United team which earned him his first cap as a substitute against Brazil in March. He was then Man of the Match in a ridiculously-good performance in the 2-2 draw with Belgium.Mainoo’s form dipped in the last few weeks of the season. It was probably because he was knackered carrying some of his team-mates. But he then saved them again in the FA Cup final against Manchester City with a Man of the Match performance in a 2-1 win.A bit like Adam Wharton, he was part of England’s 26-man squad to soak up the experience, to learn what it is like to feature in a major tournament and maybe, if needed, to have a few cameo roles off the bench.And the fact he was effectively Southgate’s third-choice to partner Declan Rice here in Germany tells you exactly where he stood in a squad of 26.The Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield failed in the two opening games against Serbia and Denmark. Conor Gallagher – despite some bright performances as a sub in those games – really struggled in his start against Slovenia.Apart from a strong appearance as a substitute by Palmer, Mainoo’s performance against Slovakia was the only bright spot in a dismal and extremely fortunate win over Slovakia in the last 16.There was always a worry about Mainoo’s movement when England do not have possession but that will come with experience, like it would for any other central midfielder.Yet Mainoo has solved the problem for Southgate and now England can continue to dream big. And it is totally unthinkable from where you consider how they played in the group stages when they stunk out Germany.In Sunday’s final, England’s experienced players will be able to draw on the pain of both the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020.For Mainoo, this will be a completely new experience but do not expect him to wilt. He’ll absolutely love it.The result means England will play Spain in Sunday’s final.Spain won their own semi-final with a 2-1 victory over France.England ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke.  More