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ASTON VILLA travel to the coast this weekend as they take on Bournemouth in a tricky Premier League match-up. Both sides are coming off wins over Tottenham and Sheffield United respectively, and they’ll be hoping their purple patches continue.
Kick-off time: 2pm GMT
Stream/TV: Not televised in UK
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OLLIE WATKINS salvaged a point for a poor Aston Villa and keeping their Champions League push rolling on.The England striker was a doubt for the trip to the south coast, but lasted the whole game and was still going strong when it counted – sending a 90th minute header past Neto.
Ollie Watkins’ late strike rescued a point for Aston VillaCredit: Reuters
While most Villa fans will have made the trip sensing an easy victory, a point will feel precious.
Bournemouth looked to have beaten Unai Emery’s side with their frantic front-foot football, but some super saves by Emiliano Martinez kept Villa within striking distance and Watkins made sure his goalkeeper’s efforts weren’t in vain.
The Cherries are a much more impressive side than earlier in the campaign.
They have hit their stride under boss Andoni Iraola and were desperately close to a third straight Premier League win – something they’ve not done since the days of Eddie Howe in 2016.
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Dominic Solanke’s smart finish looked to have claimed three points, but the former Chelsea man will reflect on the two close range efforts Martinez managed to stop rather than his well taken seventh goal of the season.
Bournemouth were quick to exploit an early Villa slip-up for Antonie Semenyo’s opener.
The former Bristol City forward, a menace on either wing, drove in from the left but saw his ball inside cut out.
Villa looked to play out, but a lazy Diego Carlos ball was cut out by an alert Ryan Christie, who snapped it straight into the feet of Semenyo to finish low.
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Bournemouth took the lead twice before being held to a 2-2 drawCredit: Getty
Leon Bailey cancelled out Antoine Semenyo’s openerCredit: Reuters
Martinez was beaten easily there but saved well from Semenyo’s powerful effort moments later to keep the lead at one – something he managed all afternoon.
Villa were level four minutes later.
Watkins, passed fit having missed Thursday’s win over Legia Warsaw, fed the ball out to the right where Leon Bailey committed Milos Kerkez down the line before turning inside and walloping his fourth Premier League goal of the season past Neto.
Having started so impressively, Bournemouth were almost behind after 22 minutes, though a lengthy VAR check – which even the home fans were protesting – came to their rescue to rule out Carlos’ tap in.
Bournemouth looked to profit from the decision straight away. Martinez was celebrating a reflex save from Solanke’s close range effort before the Cherries striker came within a whisker of turning Semenyo’s cross into an empty net seconds later.
Iraola’s chaotic style leaves the door open at the back at all times but they will not compromise on attacking.
Almost every ball is played forward and they break at speed and in numbers.
That pace almost had Villa behind again on the brink of half time. Christie collected a long ball from Neto with a stunning touch and played Justin Kluivert through alone against Martinez only for Ezri Konsa to race back at the last moment with a crucial challenge.
Dominic Solanke restored Bournemouth’s lead before Watkins’ late levellerCredit: Reuters
Having started that move, Neto was stopping another at the other end when he denied Douglas Luiz in added time at the end of a frantic first half.
But Bournemouth were still far more alert than any in a Villa shirt after the restart.
Kerkez did well to cut out a Martinez ball forward, winning it in the air before racing down the left and crossing for Solanke.
Having fluffed his two first half chances the ex-Chelsea man swivelled on the spot and finished smartly – though Martinez stopped another from just yards shortly after.
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With a lead to defend Bournemouth started to sit off a touch more, allowing Villa to find some confidence.
Emery sensed a chance, sending on a trio of subs including Moussa Diaby, whose cross provided the assist for Watkins to send his late header looping in. More
ON this occasion, West Ham’s hopes of yet another Late, Late Show failed to materialise.The Hammers have embraced ‘Moyesie time’ over the past few weeks – struggling for large periods in a match before producing a killer blow in the final minutes.
The spoils were shared between West Ham and Crystal PalaceCredit: AFP
Here’s how the team’s fared on paper
The momentum was very back and forth
Tomas Soucek has been the orchestrator, scoring three last-gasp winners in the club’s last three games – two of them coming in the Premier League.
But here, on a frosty East London afternoon, the Czech giant could not muster a fourth when the David Moyes’ Irons desperately needed it to down Crystal Palace.
Mohammed Kudus was at his electric, scintillating best in the first half, starting and finishing a fine move in the 13th minute for a dream start at the London Stadium.
Yet the hosts failed to kick on, content to see out another narrow victory to make it three Prem wins on the spin for the second time this campaign before a costly second half error.
Konstantinos Mavropanos was at fault, his lazy pass giving Odsonne Edouard a simple finish in the 53rd minute – enough to earn this below-par, injury-hit Palace outfit a valuable point.
West Ham pushed for that injury time sucker punch they have come to love and rely on so much, and the returning Jarrod Bowen came closest with a tame header from six-yards.
A big chance missed to jump into eighth, one that will leave Moyes with a bitter taste. That ruthless edge needs to return should they want to qualify for Europe again next season.
Yet again, Moyes was forced to put out a reshuffled backline with skipper Kurt Zouma missing due to private family reasons. Mavropanos deputised in central defence.
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Odsonne Eduoard made the most of the chances he had
The sight of Bowen back in the starting XI was a welcome one however, having been out since mid-November with a knee injury picked up with England.
Roy Hodgson also put out a side riddled with changes with long-term injuries to Eberechi Eze and Cheick Doucoure, while Jeffrey Schlupp was a late omission with a personal issue.
Defender Chris Richards acted as a holding midfielder alongside Chris Hughes. It was the latter who played his part for all the wrong reasons in West Ham’s opener.
Hughes was slow to react in midfield as Kudus delightfully dinked the ball over his head and drove from deep, and he continued into the box with the Eagles man’s marking slacking.
From the halfway line, James Ward-Powse pinged a peach of a pass to Vladimir Coufal whose cut-back was met by Kudus’ low strike.
The Ghanaian has taken his time adapting to life in England, but he seems to be getting the hang of it now, netting his third Prem strike, while Coufal made it five Prem assists.
Palace keeper Sam Johnstone will also be disappointed having been beaten at his near post with the ball close to his body, although he may point to a small deflection by Marc Guehi.
Johnstone was at least in the right position nine minutes later with Bowen racing through on goal via Nayef Aguerd’s ball over the top. His chipped attempt smacked Johnstone’s chest.
West Ham appeared content to cruise through the rest of the half with Palace, sensing the visitors were struggling to even string a few passes together in attacking areas.
A spark was needed, surprisingly coming from centre back Joachim Andersen standing over a free-kick. The Dane’s whipped shot deflected just past Alphonse Areola’s post.
To Moyes’ anger, West Ham’s sluggishness carried on after the break and were duly punished as Mavropanos decided to gift wrap an equaliser for Palace in the 53rd minute.
Moments before, Edouard had come close from a set-piece, almost connecting to a Guehi ball across goal but for some brave defending by Ward-Prowse.
From bravery to sheet stupidity, Mavropanos was under no pressure from the resulting goal kick before giving an under hit blind back pass that was gobbled up by Edouard.
The bottom corner found with ease by the Frenchman’s left boot and Mavropanos looked to the heavens in despair. It is now seven Prem matches without a clean sheet for the Irons.
West Ham could no longer rest on a lead and were urged forward by a home crowd who had been awoken from their slumber.
Chances came and went. Lucas Paqueta’s beautifully picked out Emerson in the box yet the Italy international’s first-time volley blazed over.
Ward-Prowse, still needing one more Prem free-kick goal to level with David Beckham’s record of 18, ensured that would wait would carry on by smacking one into the wall.
And then came the stoppage time chance. A dinked cross towards the hungry eyes of Soucek, only for the ball to loop over his head and onto Bowen’s.
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A late, late rally but no late, late three points this time for West Ham.
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LIVERPOOL take on Fulham in the Premier League this weekend and they’ll be hoping to build on their point at Manchester City. Marco Silva’s men will be aiming to make it two wins on the bounce following their thrilling 3-2 victory over Wolves on Monday.
Kick-off time: 2pm GMT
Stream/TV: Not televised in UK
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MANCHESTER UNITED were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle at St James’ Park thanks to Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal. The former Everton man tapped home from Kieran Trippier’s cross midway through the second period before Eddie Howe’s men held on to a vital win.
Kick-off time: 8pm
Stream/TV: TNT Sports 1
Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Lascelles, Schar, Livramento; Miley, Burno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Gordon
Man Utd XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Shaw, Dalot; McTominay, Mainoo; Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho; Martial
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That’s all from us!
Thank you as always for reading with us, we look forward to seeing you again next time.
If you still haven’t got your footballing fix, you can catch more top stories from us here.
Have a lovely night!
Miley needs his Flowers
Some would say Miley has got The Best of Both Worlds right now.
17-years-old, starting for his boyhood club, and thriving in midfield.
He’s done The Climb into the first team, and is playing with all the elegance of someone who has been at the top for years.
The young star is silky on the ball, and has great movement, but also acts as a Wrecking Ball alongside Bruno Guimaraes when needed.
He Can’t Be Tamed in that Magpies midfield, and future superstar Kobbie Mainoo couldn’t get close to him.
There will be no time for a Party In The U.S.A for this Miley, but we could see a Hoedown Throwdown celebration when he bags his first goal, which he was denied by Aaron Wan Bissaka today.
Miley ran the show for Newcastle under the Midnight SkyCredit: Getty
Match stats
These are the full-time match stats between Newcastle and Manchester United, in a game that saw the hosts reach fifth spot in the Premier League table.
Newcastle dominated the game without a doubt, but a late flurry of chances for Manchester United almost saw them claw their way back into the game.
Man of the match
You could give the SunSport man of the match award to four or five of the Newcastle lads out there.
But we are going to give it to Kieran Trippier.
The England right back was sublime in attack and in defence today, and got the assist for Anthony Gordon’s winning goal.
Should he be starting for the Three Lions at EURO 2024?
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
FT. Full-time here, and Newcastle United take home all three points which will put them fifth in the Premier League table.
That’s three wins in a row for Newcastle United against Manchester United, thanks to Anthony Gordon’s winner!
Anthony Gordon scored the winner against Man UtdCredit: Getty
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
90+8. Matt Ritchie comes on for Newcastle in replacement of Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle have a free kick in their own half which they will pump long.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
90+6. Manchester United have a corner, and Bruno will be whipping this in towards Harry Maguire.
He does so, but Lascelles gets up to clear.
Man Utd will come forwards again, and get themselves a free-kick on the left hand side.
Dubravka does well to claim.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
90+4. Isak tries to escape, and is 1v3 with the Manchester United defence.
He goes down, and there are calls for a foul, but nothing given.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
90+2. Nine minutes for Manchester United to try and find an equaliser here.
It is going to be full steam ahead for the Red Devils now…
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
90. We will have NINE minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
89. MAN UTD SCORE!
Oh no… It is offside.
Anthony strikes the ball following a Luke Shaw cross, it hits Harry Maguire and goes in, but the brutish centre-back is in an offside position.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
88. Hojlund does well to find a ball through to Garnacho but that is sensational defensive work by Kieran Trippier.
Finally a sign of threat from Man Utd, but could it be too little too late here?
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
86. Martin Dubravka is coming on for Nick Pope now, and we hope the English keeper gets well soon.
It is actually the Newcastle number one who is coming on.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
84. The referee has had to stop the game as Nick Pope has gone down injured.
He was diving to make a save and looks to have injured his shoulder in the process after Fabian Schar made a block.
Nick Pope looks like he will be replaced here.
The last thing Newcastle need is another injury…
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
82. Bruno Guimaraes is such a good footballer.
He has ran the show against Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
There is only room for one Bruno in this town…
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
80. Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat are coming on for Manchester United.
They are replacing Kobbie Mainoo and Aaron Wan Bissaka.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
78. So close for Lewis Miley!
The ball is cut back to the 17-year-old but Aaron Wan Bissaka makes an incredible block to deny him.
The Newcastle players are screaming handball but there is nothing wrong with that.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
77. Harry Maguire gets a yellow card for a foul on Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
75. Manchester United come forwards with Garnacho, but the Argentine youngster’s touch lets him down.
It has just not been good enough from Man Utd in this game, but they find themselves still in with a chance.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
70. Fernandes is up and about and will spend 30 seconds off the pitch before coming back on following his treatment.
Trippier drives a ball towards Anthony Gordon but this time it goes straight out of play.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
68. Bruno Fernandes goes down after he gets his ankle stood on by Fabian Schar.
The medical team are coming on to give him some attention and probably some magic spray to try and remedy that.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
66. Garnacho and Hojlund combine, before the former wastes possession in the middle of the park.
Bruno Fernandes puts in a late challenge trying to win the ball back, and Newcastle have a free kick.
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
64. They might be losing this one, but Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have been sensational tonight for Man Utd.
It would be four or five if it wasn’t for those two…
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
60. Anthony and Rasmus Hojlund are ready to come on in place of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
No ice cold Martial on display tonight, and disappointing from Rashford again…
Newcastle 1-0 Man Utd
58. Gordon tries to take on Wan Bissaka after netting his sixth of the season, but this time the right back does well to stop him.
Onana tries to make a pass out from the back, and hooks it out of play once again… More
ARSENAL facing Wolves RIGHT NOW as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.Gary O’Neil’s Wolves lost 3-2 at Fulham last time out, while the Gunners ran wild in the Champions League with a 6-0 win over Lens.
And Mikel Arteta has made one change from the victory midweek, bringing in Leandro Trossard for Kai Havertz.
Kick-off: 3pm
Arsenal XI: Raya; Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Trossard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Wolves XI: Sa; Dawson, Kilman, Toti; Semedo, Doyle, Traore, Bellegarde, H. Bueno; Hwang, Cunha
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First half facts and figures
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 31 Premier League matches when leading at half-time.
After another dominant first half at the Emirates, that’s a run unlikely to end this afternoon.
Half-time – Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
The Premier League leaders go in at the break two goals to the good, having caught Wolves cold twice in the opening 13 minutes.
Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were the men to find the target for the Gunners, who could have increased their lead through their trio of Gabriels – Martinelli, Jesus and Magalhees.
It’s been a difficult afternoon so far for the visitors, who have also lost goalkeeper Jose Sa to injury.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
45+4. Hearts in Arsenal mouths momentarily as Cunha skips around Gabriel inside the box and then goes down.
The defender isn’t happy with his compatriot either, accusing him of diving, and replays show that the he’s got a point.
VAR take a quick look and promptly agree with Gabriel’s assessment.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
45+3. Jesus races through, and has options to his right.
Instead, the striker decides to go directly for goal, but his effort at Bentley is weak and comfortably claimed.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
45. The fourth official holds up the electronic board to signal seven minutes of stoppage time.
In other words, we’re heading for another post-5pm finish.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
44. David Raya has had little involvement in the first half, and so throws in some excitement with a loose touch when controlling a backpass.
Well, how else will the Raya/Ramsdale narrative continue this week if the goalkeeper has had nothing to do?
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
42. Kilman is given the green light to continue, and will be keen to make it through until half-time at the very least.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
40. There’s another pause as Kilman receives treatment, who took an accidental whack to the face when challenging Gabriel during that last Arsenal attack.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
39. Another Arsenal chance goes begging!
Saka’s curling inswinger from the right (you know the one) has Gabriel on the rise, but the defender is unable to make full contact with his header.
Emerging behind the defender, Jesus tries to mop up without success.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
37. Martinelli hits the post!
A fine move from right to left sets up the Brazilian with a chance to shoot, only for the winger to plant his right-footed effort against the frame of the goal.
Following up, Rice steers a low long-ranger a yard wide of the target.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
35. Rice seizes upon a loose pass from Toti, and bursts to the byline in order to fizz a cross into the box.
Seconds later, and as impressive as Rice’s attacking play, is Martintelli’s desire to track back and dispossess Bellegard.
Mikel Arteta has got his side playing total football.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
33. Now a teasing free-kick from Doyle in the deep has the home defence all of a panic.
It curls through a crowd of players, and almost – almost – ends up on the head of Toti at the far post.
However, the Wolves man fails to connect and the opportunity passes.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
31. And finally some Wolves pressure.
A cross from the left is too high for Hwang, but Cunha manages to retrieve it on the far side of the penalty area and let fly with a shot that was blocked.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
29. Wolves are beginning to find their feet in the game, enjoying their best spell of possession so far.
The Old Gold were slow starters at Craven Cottage on Monday night too.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
27. Arsenal regain possession after a corner comes to nothing, and leads to Martinelli attempting a flamboyant 360 degree spin on Kilman inside the penalty area.
The Brazilian makes it about three quarters of the way around before losing his balance, but it only goes to show the confidence oozing through Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
25. That enforced change for the visitors hasn’t interrupted Arsenal’s flow.
The league leaders continue to pour forward, and bring half-hearted penalty appeals when Martinelli’s shot crashes into the body of Kilman.
With the home fans still claiming for a handball, Trossard reacts quickest with a shot that is also blocked by some desperate Wolves defending.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves – Wolves substitution
23. Sure enough, Gary O’Neil makes the change.
Jose Sa departs and indicates that the problem is with his back as he makes it to the touchline.
Former Brentford and Bristol City stopper Dan Bentley has the thankful task of taking over in the Wolves goal for what is his first Premier League appearance this season.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
21. Wolves’ reserve goalkeeper Dan Bentley is warming up, and I think we’re about to see a change between the sticks for the visitors.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
19. Jose Sa appears to have an issue, and is moving very gingerly.
I’m not sure if the Wolves goalkeeper will be able to go on for much longer, although shows real bravery here to throw himself at the feet of Trossard, who thought he was about to make it three.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
17. Almost 50% of the game has been played in Wolves’ defensive third so far.
In fact, the visitors have only made it into Arsenal’s defensive third twice, and have yet to touch the ball in their opponents’ penalty area.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
15. Gabriel Jesus’ role so far cannot be overplayed.
The striker may not be hitting the target, but he continues to do so much for the team in attack and he links the play, makes space for other and creates opportunities.
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves
13. Martin Odegaard makes it two, finishing off a one-touch masterclass!
Declan Rice switches the ball wide to Bukayo Saka on the right, and although the forward’s cross is overhit, Oleksandr Zinchenko races forward to keep the attack alive.
The left-back then plays an electric one-two with Gabriel Jesus to cut the Wolves defence open before cutting back for the captain to power in from 15 yards.
It’s two! It’s sensational! Is it game over?
It’s two!
Arsenal 1-0 Wolves
10. The visitors are completely pinned in here.
Apparently, they have had 38% of the possession in the opening ten minutes but I’ve no idea how.
Arsenal 1-0 Wolves
8. Normal service has immediately been resumed with the home side pushing and pressing.
Wolves need to get a grip here and quick otherwise the game will be beyond them before long. More
THE Euro 2024 group stage draw is taking place from Hamburg TODAY!All eyes will be on the big draw as Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions find out their fate for the huge tournament next year.
And they will be joined by Steve Clarke’s Scotland, who have reached Germany after a stunning qualification campaign.
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Euro 2024 winners odds
Here is how the bookies see the chances of sides going to Germany:
England – 7/2France – 7/2Germany – 7/1Spain – 15/2Portugal – 8/1Italy – 14/1Netherlands – 14/1Belgium – 14/1Denmark – 30/1Croatia – 33/1Turkey – 40/1Austria – 66/1Switzerland – 66/1Hungary – 66/1Scotland – 66/1Serbia – 80/1Czech Republic – 100/1Ukraine – 100/1Poland – 150/1Romania – 150/1Wales – 150/1Albania – 200/1Slovakia – 250/1Finland – 250/1Israel – 250/1Greece – 250/1Slovenia – 250/1Bosnia & Herzegovina – 500/1Iceland – 500/1Georgia -500/1Estonia – 500/1Luxembourg- 500/1Kazakhstan – 500/1
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Spain looking to Silva lining in draw
Scotland made Spain work for top spot in Group A in qualifying.
David Silva poses with the trophy in Hamburg, hoping to see his country lift the trophy once again.
Since leaving Man City, the climate in Spain seems to be treating the midfielder well, his hair for one has got a lot darker.
Credit: Getty
Euro 2024 draw…….the banana skin pot
Pot Four offers some real ‘what if’ opponents with many of the play-off games still to take place:
Italy
Serbia
Switzerland
Playoff Winner A
Playoff Winner B
Playoff Winner C
For Welsh fans, they potentially could be ‘Playoff Winner A’ and is one to look out for.
Euro 2024 draw……..Tartan Army join the action
Pot Three will be the one everyone north of the border will be keeping an eye on this afternoon:
Netherlands
Scotland
Croatia
Slovenia
Slovakia
Czech Republic
This pot includes the majority of teams who finished second in their groups but offer a tricky proposition to anyone they are drawn against.
Euro 2024 draw……..who to look out for
Pot Two offers some real curve-ball opponents who could create some upsets:
Hungary
Turkey
Romania
Denmark
Albania
Austria
Despite this not looking like a pot full of powerhouse nations, it does include five teams who won their qualifying groups.
Euro 2024 draw…….the pots to look out for
Here is who will feature in Pot One today:
Germany
Portugal
France
Spain
Belgium
England
Some big hitters in this pot, whichever group they are drawn in, they will be favourites to qualifying.
Tartan army looking forward to draw
Despite appearing in the last tournament, Scotland fans had no guarantee when the draw was made whether they would be there.
The Scots had to qualify via the play-offs so fans will enjoy this one far more this time around.
Steve Clarke’s side dominated their group and sat top for the majority of qualifying before finishing in second place behind Spain.
England hoping to break their duck
Gareth Southgate’s side will be looking to etch their name in history.
England have never been continental champions, despite coming so close on a number of occasions.
They could not have come closer than in Euro 2020 when they lost to Italy in the final on penalties.
Welcome to the Euro 2024 draw
It has been a hard slog for the teams who find themselves in today’s draw, but now it all seems worth it.
They will see the fruits of their labour as they find out who they will face in Euro 2024.
The tournament itself is being held in Germany so we can expect some impressive stadiums hosting the games.
As the draw itself takes place in Hamburg today, the tension is already beginning to build.
England and Scotland are already there, Wales will be hoping to book their place via the play-offs.
You follow the draw in its entirety with us here.
Credit: Getty More
THE Euro 2024 group stage draw has taken place and it’s good news for England. Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions have been drawn against Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia in Group C.
England’s first fixture will be on June 16 against Serbia.
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Grand unveiling in Hamburg draw
Aside from all the excitement of the draw itself, we were introduced to somebody else who will play a big part in the tournament.
Albärt the Euro 2024 mascot was revealed in the showpiece event.
“As a parent, I know how important it is to stimulate children’s imagination,” explained Phillip Lahm, EURO 2024 tournament director.
“With the launch of our tournament mascot, we hope to create a fun and likeable character that will inspire them to enjoy playing football.”
Credit: AP
The question on everyone’s lips
Before any major tournaments, pundits up and down the country often wax lyrical about how England are one of the favourites to win the competition.
Having seen the draw, which is favourable to the Three Lions, the same question now rears its head.
We will have to wait to see if Gareth Southgate can get hold of his first major trophy as a manager, or whether selfies will be as close as he comes.
Credit: Getty
Euro 2024 draw in full
Here is how the groups will look in Germany next summer:
Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
Group D: Play-off winner A, Netherlands, Austria, France
Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Play-off winner B
Group F: Turkey, Play-off winner C, Portugal, Czech Republic
Southgate confident of England’s class
After having a draw that seems to favour the Three Lions, Gareth Southgate said it was a group that ‘on paper’ his team would be favourites for.
While he did say that football never pans out as it seems, they would have to work hard to ensure they achieve their aims.
Between now and then, it will be interesting to see if he continues with his current plans with the group of players he has.
Scots focussed on task at hand
Speaking from the draw in Hamburg, the Scotland manager spoke about how he felt:
Nice to open the tournament, nice to be involved in that first game and hopefully we can set the tournament off with a good match. We’ve got to make sure it’s not about the occasion and it’s about the match. We look forward to it, it’s an exciting draw. I don’t think it mattered who we were going to get, it was always going to be exciting for us.Steve ClarkeScotland manager
Spain handed tough task in Euros
Having topped their group ahead of Scotland, Spain will face Albania, Croatia and Italy.
That throws up the potential of one big side being eliminated in the group stages.
After having had an awkward qualifying thanks to the Scots and Norway, it gets no easier for the three-time champions.
Wales set mammoth task for Euros
Robert Page’s side must beat Finland in their playoff, then beat the winner of Poland versus Estonia.
Should they manage to navigate the playoffs, they will be in a tough group in the tournament itself.
Wales would be in Group D along with France, Austria and Netherlands.
Scots kick-off Euro 2024 tournament
Scotland will play in the first game of the competition as they face hosts Germany.
They also have Hungary and Switzerland in their group.
It holds no fears for Steve Clarke’s side who must fancy they could upset an underperforming Germany.
Three Lions get favourable group draw
England will face Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia in their group.
It is a draw that will see Gareth Southgate’s side as heavy favourites to top the group.
The draw also means that should they prosper and win the group, they will not face another group winner until the semi-finals.
Southgate’s side will open their campaign against Serbia.
Credit: Getty
Group F
Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic, Playoff Winner C
Group E
Belgium, Romania, Slovakia, Playoff Winner B
Group D
France, Austria, Netherlands, Playoff Winner A
Group C
England, Denmark, Slovenia, Serbia
Group B
Spain, Albania, Croatia, Italy
Group A
Germany, Hungary, Scotland, Switzerland
Group F
Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic
Group E
Belgium, Romania, Slovakia
Group D
France, Austria, Netherlands
Group C
England, Denmark, Slovenia
Group B
Spain, Albania, Croatia
Group A
Germany, Hungary, Scotland More
