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NETHERLANDS are taking on Romania in a tough last-16 clash at the Allianz Arena RIGHT NOW!Edward Iordanescu’s side are one of the biggest surprise packages of the Euros so far after they topped Group E ahead of Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine.Meanwhile, the Netherlands have been underwhelming so far at Euro 2024 and only managed to sneak through to the knockout stages as one of the best-ranked third-placed sides.The winner of tonight’s last-16 clash will take on Austria or Turkey in the quarter-finals.TV channel/ live stream: BBC One/ BBC iPlayerRomania team: Nita, Ratiu, Dragusin, M Marin, Hagi, Burca, R Marin, Dragus, Man, Stanciu, MogosNetherlands team: Verbruggen, Ake, Van Dijk, De Vrij, Dumfries, Reijnders, Schouten, Gakpo, Simons, Bergwijn, DepayEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow ALL of the latest updates below…Romania 0-0 Netherlands5. We have a slight break in play as Stanciu receives some treatment for a cut to the top of his head.There are whistles and jeers when the Dutch are in possession due to the sheer number of Romanian fans.Both teams are trying to find a foothold in the game early on.Copy linkCopiedRomania 0-0 Netherlands3. Romania have started with a high-tempo.They are giving the opposition no time on the ball at all.Dragus closes down Verbruggen and almost blocks the Dutch keeper’s clearance.Copy linkCopiedRomania 0-0 Netherlands1. It is rare you see the Dutch fans outnumbered in a major tournament but the Romanians may have them beat here.The Allianz Arena is a sea of yellow with its pocket of orange.Netherlands look to start on the front foot.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Romania vs NetherlandsWe are underway in Munich.This could be a game that offers us a lot of goals today.Netherlands get the match started.Copy linkCopiedRomanians raising the roof for kick-offIt is not just the Dutch fans who are getting in the party atmosphere for this ’round of 16′ game.The Romania fans are loving the fact that their team have made the knockout phase of a major tournament again.The Allianz Arena is going to be a cauldron of noise for this one.Credit: GettyCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedOrange army hits Munich in styleOne thing you cannot question with the Netherlands, their fans have lit up Euro 2024.Today is no different as they headed to the Allianz Arena.This is before a ball is even kicked, it could be absolute scenes should they progress to the quarter-finals.Copy linkCopiedNetherlands need to answer criticsHaving ended up finishing in third place in the group, many Dutch fans were underwhelmed by their performances.The knockout phase is often seen as where tournaments really begin, making this match this evening all the more important.Netherlands will need to flex their attacking muscle today and put Romania to the sword if they are to get the fans back onside.Copy linkCopiedHoping to relive Euro ’88Netherlands had a famous victory in the tournament, beating USSR 2-0 in the final.Goals from Gullit and van Basten sealed victory for the Dutch.However, this is the goal that lives on to this day and every fan knows where they were when it was scored.Copy linkCopiedNothing to lose, everything to gainNobody predicted Romania getting to the ’round of 16′ phase.As a result, they can play with freedom in this game as the Dutch come into the tie as heavy favourites.Ronald Koeman’s side need to wary, there is nothing more dangerous than a team who feel they can just go out and throw caution to the wind.Copy linkCopiedDutch hold advantage in tieRomania have won only one of their fourteen matches against the Netherlands in all competitions (D3, L10).In those matches, Romania have only scored three goals while they have conceded twenty-nine.Their last victory over the Dutch was a 1-0 win in a qualifying campaign for the Euros in October 2007.Copy linkCopiedNetherlands starting XI:Simons returns to the line-up for this pivotal game for the Dutch in Euro 2024:1. Verbruggen, 5. Ake, 4. van Dijk, 6. de Vrij, 22. Dumfries, 14. Reijnders, 24. Schouten, 11. Gakpo, 7. Simons, 25. Bergwijn, 10. DepayCredit: @onsoranjeCopy linkCopiedRomania starting XI:Edward Iordanescu names his starting line-up for this massive tie against the Dutch.1. Nita, 22. Mogos, 15. Burca, 3. Dragusin, 2. Ratiu, 6. M.Marin, 10. Hagi, 21. Stanciu, 18. R.Marin, 20. Man, 19. DragusCredit: @hai_romaniaCopy linkCopiedParty atmosphere in MunichAs fans of both teams head to the Allianz Arena, it is really a carnival atmosphere in and around the ground.The knockout phases add a little something different to the meaning of these games with the stakes so high.For one set of fans, they will be partying long into the night, for the others that long trip home becomes a reality.Credit: AFPCredit: AFPCopy linkCopiedKoeman needing to succeedNetherlands will be expected to make it to at least the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.For some of their players, it is their last chance to try and win the tournament.Sat on the easier side of the draw, it provides a huge chance for them to focus on trying to make it to the semi-finals where a potential tie against England could await.Copy linkCopiedTricolours with upset in their sightsRomania continue to impress at Euro 2024.After topping their group, they will come into this knockout game with no fear whatsoever.Austria will have given the Romanians confidence that they are more than capable of upsetting the odds in Munich this evening.Copy linkCopiedNetherlands looking to set record straightSpeaking the media, Netherlands’ striker spoke about their defeat in the last group game:We must ensure that we learn from our mistakes. We had discussions and criticised each other and it is normal that there is friction if the results do not go as you want them to go. It’s logical that there will be irritations. But that’s behind us now. There’s a good spirit among the group and we are looking forward.Memphis DepayNetherlandsCopy linkCopiedPressure on Dutch to performNetherlands came into this tournament fancied to challenge for the trophy.After their first two group games, one of which they were robbed of victory by a dodgy VAR decision, many were surprised by their defeat to Austria.Ronald Koeman’s side will be looking to bounce back from that defeat against Romania this evening.Copy linkCopiedRomania continue to surprise in GermanyNot many would have predicted that Romania were going to finish on top of Group E.In a very tight group, Iordanescu’s team edged out some European heavyweights.After a 24-year absence from the knockout phases, this will be a monumental game in Munich where this side can make history against the Dutch.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to Romania vs NetherlandsRomania face the Netherlands in Munich in this ‘round of 16’ tie looking to continue their Euro 2024 campaign but claiming another big scalp.Iordanescu will be without left-back Nicusor Bancu after amassing two yellow cards after he picked up a caution against Slovakia.Right-back Vasile Mogos and Dejan Sorescu are regarded the two main contenders to replace Bancu with the former expected to get the nod due to his defensive experience, which would mean Andrei Ratiu shifting out to the left.One bit of good news for Romania is that two-goal man Marin has been training fully which will give Iordanescu the best kind of attacking dilemma as Ianis Hagi, Dennis Man, Florinel Coman and Valentin Mihaila are all battling for the spots either side of Denis Dragus.Netherlands have a fully fit squad available for selection in Munich, but a tactical change is expected in midfield after Joey Veerman was brought off after just 35 minutes of their group loss against Austria.Xavi Simons is expected to replace him which will mean Tijjani Reijnders dropping into a deeper role alongside Jerdy Schouten, who will miss any quarter-final if booked this evening.Joshua Zirkee is now back in training once again following a brief illness, but having broken his Euros duck last time out, Memphis Depay is expected to keep his spot in attack as he chases down Robin van Persie’s record of 50 goals for his country.Depay is just four goals short of that tally.Copy linkCopied More

PORTUGAL are THROUGH to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after beating Slovenia on penalties. The game was a frantic one and saw Cristiano Ronaldo miss a penalty in extra-time.Ronaldo stepped up to score in the shootout, however, Portugal keeper Diogo Costa was the hero after he saved three spot kicks to put his side through.Roberto Martinez’s side will now face France in the quarter-final on Friday, July 5.Match result: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia (3-0 pens)EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…Martinez celebrates nervy winThere must have been times in Frankfurt where Roberto Martinez wondered how safe his role as manager was.However, his keeper came through for him and it was all smiles as they progressed to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.Portugal can take confidence from this victory and use that to go as far as they can in this tournament.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDad’s Army continue to chase silverwareFor Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo, there is no doubt that this will be their last appearance at a Euros tournament,It almost went pear-shaped for both of them, Ronaldo seeing his penalty saved before a Pepe slip allowed Sesko clean through on goal.Fortunately for the pair, it was not to be and they will celebrate long into the night as they now have a Euro 2024 quarter-final to look forward to.Credit: ReutersCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSlovenian hearts broken in FrankfurtThey have impressed everyone at Euro 2024 and done their country proud.Playing in their first-ever knockout match at a major tournament, Slovenia did not look out of place against Portugal.They had a chance to win the game in the final moments of extra-time but Diogo Costa saved Benjamin Sesko’s effort.Credit: ReutersCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedPortugal keep dreams alive in GermanyIt was an emotional night in Frankfurt as it seemed that Roberto Martinez’s side were heading towards an upset.They kept their cool and scored every one of their penalties in the high-pressure shootout.You could see as Bernardo Silva’s effort nestled in the back of the net just how much it meant to these players.Credit: APCredit: GettyCopy linkCopiedRonaldo makes up for missYou had to wonder if he was in the right frame of mind to step up and take another penalty after missing one in extra-time.True class shone through as he showed his mental strength and stepped up to take Portugal’s first penalty.After Slovenia’s spot-kick was saved, the evergreen Ronaldo stepped up and slotted home in style.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedPenalty misses Costa lot for SloveniaDiogo Costa is the hero of Portugal.He saved all three of Slovenia’s spot-kicks.They are through to the quarter-finals where they will now meet France.Absolute drama in Frankfurt.Credit: GettyCredit: PACredit: PACopy linkCopiedPortugal win 3-0 on penaltiesCopy linkCopiedGoal – Bernardo Silva (Portugal) 0-3Copy linkCopiedMissed penalty – Benjamin Verbic (Slovenia) 0-2Copy linkCopiedGoal – Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) 0-2Copy linkCopiedPenalty missed – Jure Balkovec (Slovenia) 0-1Copy linkCopiedGoal – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 0-1Copy linkCopiedPenalty missed – Josep Ilicic (Slovenia) 0-0Copy linkCopiedPenalty shootoutCopy linkCopiedFT: Portugal 0-0 SloveniaJan Oblak has the chance to become a national hero.They may even name an airport after him if he can continue his penalty heroics this evening.Huge pressure on ten players now to do their stuff from 12 yards out.Copy linkCopiedFT: Portugal 0-0 SloveniaPortugal had a corner in the final moments but it was superbly defended from Slovenia.The referee brings the match to a close, we are heading to penalties.If anyone ordered drama, here it comes.Copy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia118. Semedo and Neves replace Pepe and Cancelo.Last throw of the dice for Roberto Martinez.We are into the dying embers of the game now.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia116. What a chance for Slovenia to win this game.Pepe miscontrolled the ball and Sesko was clean through on goal with only the keeper to beat.Costa saved his centre-back, making the save with his leg to deny the Slovenian forward.Copy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia114. The effort goes straight into the wall and is cleared.Bit of a letdown after all the build up for that set piece.Slovenia are looking the more comfortable of the two sides right now.Copy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia112. Jota is penalised for a foul in a dangerous area.It is a chance for Slovenia to work the Portuguese keeper.The Slovenian manager has been shown a straight red card and is now in the stands.Copy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia110. Palhinha flicks on the free kick towards goal and Oblak tips it over the crossbar.As the resulting corner comes in, Ronaldo is penalised for a foul on the keeper as he punches clear.Slovenia will be in no rush to take this now.Copy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia108. Ilic has come on for Elsnik at the break.Balkovec is shown a yellow card for a cinical shove on Cancelo.It was almost like a rugby tackle that.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedET: Portugal 0-0 Slovenia106. For a goalless draw, this has been a good game.Everyone thought we were finally going to see a goal but Oblak had something to say about that.If this goes all the way to penalties, you wonder if Ronaldo is in the right headspace to take one now.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: Portugal 0-0 SloveniaWe are back underway at the Frankfurt Arena.Slovenia will just not give up in this game.Matjaz Kek’s side get us restarted.Copy linkCopiedHT: Portugal 0-0 SloveniaJan Oblak keeps Slovenia in Euro 2024.Cristiano Ronaldo’s drought in major tournaments cotinues.The former Real Madrid man was almost in tears after the Slovenia keeper saved his effort.He is now crying on the side of the pitch.Copy linkCopied More

FRANCE are taking on rivals Belgium in a tantalising Euro 2024 last 16 clash RIGHT NOW.And the headline team news is that Antoine Griezmann returns to the starting line-up for Les Bleus after starting on the bench last time out.France have received much criticism back home after failing to win their final two group matches and finishing second in Group D.Belgium also finished runners-up in Group E and only achieved one victory – a 2-0 win over Romania.The winner of tonight’s last-16 clash will play the winner of Portugal vs Slovenia in the quarter-finals on Friday, July 5.TV channel: ITV1FREE live stream: ITVXFrance team: Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, Theo Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Thuram, MbappeBelgium team: Casteels; Theate, Vertonghen, Faes, Castagne; Carrasco, Onana, De Bruyne; Doku, Lukaku, OpendaEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…France 0-0 Belgium7. Belgium triple up on Thuram as he tries to weave his way to the byline on the right.In the end, Theate grows tired of the cat-and-mouse game by the corner flag and flattens his opponent with a shoulder barge.Copy linkCopiedFrance 0-0 Belgium5. A steady start from the French in possession.Griezmann is floating about between the lines as Les Bleus look for space to exploit.Copy linkCopiedFrance 0-0 Belgium3. On the volley, Rabiot arrows an early half-chance wide of the target.The early observation is that Belgium are operating with three centre-back while Castagne and Carrasco slot in as wing-backs.Copy linkCopiedKick-off – France v Belgium1. It’s on! Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg blows his whistle, and it’s France that get this Last 16 tie underway.The French are back in their changed strip of white shirts with blue pinstripes while the Belgians wear their dark red tops and black shorts.Copy linkCopiedHere come the two teams!A capacity crowd at the Dusseldorf Arena welcome the players of France and Belgium to the pitch.The 47,000 inside here include at least 8,000 from France, and one of those is a certain Paul Pogba.The former Manchester United man watches the fans morph into a French Tricolore at one end of the stadium, while a red wall has been assembled at the other.After the anthems, two of the most well-known faces in the game greet each other in the centre-circle for the coin toss, but only one of Kylian Mbappe and Kevin De Bruyne can lead their side into the last eight.Kick-off comes next.Copy linkCopiedWasteful outfits’ need to fireThis evening’s encounter in Dusseldorf pits together two of Euro 2024’s most wasteful teams in front of goal.During the group stage, only Serbia (3.8%) had a poorer shot conversion rate than both Belgium and France (both 4.2% – 2 goals from 48 shots).Indeed, the Red Devils have scored just three goals in six games across the last two major tournaments, scoring from just 3.6% of their shots (3/83) and underperforming their expected goals by 6.15 (3 goals from 9.15 xG).Copy linkCopiedKante king of the midfieldMany would have been forgiven for thinking N’Golo Kante’s international career was over after two years out of the fold.But the experienced midfielder was recalled by Didier Deschamps for this summer’s tournament, and he has not let his country down.During the group stage, Kante ranked top among his French teammates for chances created (7), tackles (7) and pressures applied (216), while he was joint-top for interceptions (3) and line-breaking passes under pressure (15).The 33-year-old has never ended on the losing side for France in a major tournament match (P18 W12 D6).Copy linkCopiedKevin key to unlocking French defenceDuring the group stage of this European Championship, Belgium were the team with the highest share of their line-breaking passes being those that broke the opposition’s defensive line (18%).And that’s hardly a surprise when you have the magnificent Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings.Indeed, the Belgium captain broke the opponent’s defensive line on more occasions than any other midfielder during the groups (11).Copy linkCopiedMasked man eyeing milestonesAfter coming through 90 minutes against Poland on Tuesday, France captain Kylian Mbappe has been deemed fit enough to start in the Round of 16 today.The man in the mask netted his first ever goal at a European Championship from the penalty spot against the Poles, and now stands on the brink of some major milestones.That spotkick to his tally to 13 at major international tournaments with only the great Michel Platini (14 in 19 games) ever having scored more for France at the World Cup and Euros.Mbappe is also only two goals away from becoming the third French player to net 50 goals in all competitions after Olivier Giroud (57) and Thierry Henry (51).Copy linkCopiedBelgium bring in Carrasco and OpendaDomenico Tedesco also makes two changes to his team to face France.The Belgium head coach brings in Yannick Carrasco and Lois Openda in place of – surprisingly – Youri Tielemans, and – less surprisingly – Leandro Trossard.It means that Dodi Lukebakio, available after suspension, is only named among the substitutes.There is some discussion as to whether the Belgians line-up with a back four, or a back three that sees Timothy Castagne and Carrrasco operate as wing-backs.Belgium (4-3-3): 1 Casteels; 21 Castagne, 4 Faes, 5 Vertonghen, 3 Theate; 7 De Bruyne, 24 Onana, 11 Carrasco; 20 Openda, 10 Lukaku, 22 DokuSubs: 12 Kaminski, 13 Sels, 2 Debast, 6 Witsel, 8 Tielemans, 9 Trossard, 14 Lukebakio, 16 Vranckx, 17 De Ketelaere, 18 Mangala, 19 Bakayoko, 23 Vermeeren, 25 De CuyperCredit: @BelRedDevils on XCopy linkCopiedGriezmann and Thuram back for BleusDidier Deschamps makes two changes to his French side after a disappointing draw with Poland in the final group game.The head coach recalls Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram to his attack as he shuffles his system to go with two up top; Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola drop to the bench.Thuram will play alongside masked captain Kylian Mbappe with Griezmann in behind, ahead of a midfield three marshalled by the magnificent N’Golo Kante.France (4-3-1-2): 16 Maignan; 5 Kounde, 4 Upamecano, 17 Saliba, 22 Hernandez; 13 Kante, 8 Tchouameni, 14 Rabiot; 7 Griezmann; 15 Thuram, 10 MbappeSubs: 1 Samba, 23 Areola, 2 Pavard, 3 Mendy, 6 Camavinga, 9 Giroud, 11 Dembele, 12 Kolo Muani, 18 Zaire-Emery, 19 Fofana, 20 Coman, 21 Clauss, 24 Konate, 25 BarcolaCredit: @equipedefrance on XCopy linkCopiedBelgium bringing the partyWe’re still more than an hour from kick-off in Dusseldorf, but the Belgian supporters have been in the mood since this morning.These scenes from a local fan park earlier today shows just how pumped up and ready to party that the Red Devils masses are.Either that or their side-to-side movement is a tribute to England’s style of play at this tournament.Copy linkCopiedLes Bleus a shade of odds-onFrance have failed to convince at Euro 2024 so far, but the bookies are banking on class being permanent despite the questionable form; as a result, Les Bleus are the slightest touch of odds-on while the Belgians can be backed at more than 3/1.France win 19/20Draw 23/10Belgium win 16/5To reach quarter-finals:France to qualify 2/5Belgium to qualify 7/4Odds from William Hill correct at time of post publication.Copy linkCopiedNeighbours ready to renew rivalryThis teatime’s clash will be the 76th encounter between France and Belgium in all competitions.It means the Red Devils are the French’s most frequent opponent of all time, having faced them nearly twice as much as any other team – Italy and Switzerland are next in line with 39 fixtures each.Meanwhile, Belgium have only faced the Netherlands (129) on more occasions than the French.Les Bleus have won all four of their previous matches against Belgium at major tournaments, scoring 13 goals and conceding only three in the process.Their only previous meeting at a European Championship was 40 years ago in 1984 – the French won 5-0 in the group stage courtesy of a Michel Platini hat-trick and goals from Alain Giresse and Luis Fernandez on their way to winning their first major trophy.Copy linkCopiedGood afternoon from DusseldorfWelcome to live SunSport coverage of France against Belgium in the Last 16 at Euro 2024.After the Sunday stress of England and the last-night swagger of Spain, it’s now time for the French and Belgians to show their European Championship credentials.Neither Les Bleus or the Red Devils clicked in the group stages, both faltering in front of goal to finish second behind unfancied opponents.Didier Deschamps’ side are yet to score from open play with superstar Kylian Mbappe confined to playing in a face mask after breaking his nose in his country’s opening game.Domenico Tedesco’s Belgium, meanwhile, blanked in two of their three group games with record scorer Romelu Lukaku troubling the linesmen and VAR officials more often than opposing goalkeepers.Both nations will be determined to click into life today, but only one can make it through to the quater-finals.It’s a 5pm kick-off at the Dusseldorf Arena, and news of the starting line-ups will be with us shortly.Copy linkCopied More

ENGLAND have secured their spot in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after a dramatic 2-1 win against Slovakia.The Slovaks took the lead in Gelsenkirchen through Ivan Schranz on 25 minutes.With seconds of the 90 remaining, Bellingham fired the Three Lions to extra-time with a stunning overhead kick.Captain Harry Kane put England ahead less than a minute after the restart, flipping the last-16 clash on its head.The Three Lions survived a late onslaught from the Slovaks and will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals next Saturday.Match result: England 2-1 Slovakia (AET)EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow all the reaction below…Southgate’s confessionGareth Southgate admitted he considered subbing Jude Bellingham off, before his dramatic late equaliser saved England from a Euros exit.Southgate told ITV: “We were thinking should we take him off, but you know he is capable of those sorts of moments. We know in the game itself we needed to better with the ball, we couldn’t find the right solutions in the first half and we did it better in the second.“Under that pressure they kept probing. In the end it is the old fashioned long throw that gets the goal, those moments can happen when you keep wearing a team down.”Copy linkCopied’Best in England’s history’Harry Kane has hailed Jude Bellingham’s late overhead kick as one of the ‘best in England’s history.’“Jude does what Jude does, it was an unbelievable goal and it kept our tournament alive,” he told ITV.“I think it’s one of the best (goals) in our country’s history. What a player he is. He works so hard for the team.”Copy linkCopiedRice puts in shift for bossDeclan Rice often gets overlooked when it comes to the plaudits on England victories.He does the stuff that allows the creative players the freedom get forward at the other end of the pitch.The Arsenal midfielder covered some distance out there today and was integral in keeping England in the game right up to the point where Jude Bellingham scored their late equaliser.Copy linkCopiedThey’re not coming homeIt is amazing how quickly your fortunes can change in football.The writing appeared to be on the wall and national team were having thoughts of heading back to a disgruntled country.Somehow, they managed to turn the game around and break Slovakian hearts in the process.For now, how they did it doesn’t matter.All eyes turn to next weekend’s quarter-final with Switzerland and looking to get the job done.Copy linkCopiedSouthgate given reprieve in GelsenkirchenAs England headed into added time in the game, Gareth Southgate must have felt as though the writing was on the wall.It seemed his stint as England manager was going to come to a very abrupt end.Fast forward thirty minutes and he is now plotting a quarter-final against Switzerland.Pundits and fans will still have a lot of awkward questions they will want answering but for now the dreams of winning the trophy in Germany are still alive and well.Copy linkCopiedWhen will England play in the quarter-finals?England will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 after narrowly beating Slovakia 2-1.The last 8 clash will take place on Saturday, July 6 at Dusseldorf’s Merkur Spiel-Arena.England vs Switzerland will kick off at 5pm.Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedKane answers critics in true styleMany have questioned the contribution of the Bayern Munich striker so far in Euro 2024.He answered his critics in the best way possible, by scoring the winner that takes them through to the quarter-finals.Always a danger in the air, he rose to meet Toney’s pass to thunder a header past Dubrovka.Copy linkCopiedSore heads for work tomorrowThere will be some pints drunk across the country this evening.Fans thought at one point that they would be drowning their sorrows but instead the dream of it ‘coming home’ lives on.Those who had the foresight to book Monday off work will feel like the real winners right now.Six days to get over the drama that unfolded now before they do it all again next Saturday against Switzerland.Copy linkCopiedJude keeps Euro 2024 hopes aliveAs it looked as though England were heading home from the tournament in Germany, one moment of magic saved the blushes of a country.Marc Guehi flicked on a long throw to see Jude Bellingham try an audacious overhead kick to grab a last-gasp equaliser.The Three Lions talisman does it again as his equaliser made pubs and down the country erupt and set them up for Harry Kane’s winner to send them through to the quarter-finals.Nobody could deny him his man of the match award.Copy linkCopiedHighs and lows of supporting EnglandFor the majority of the second half the outlook was bleak for Gareth Southgate and his England team.Jude Bellingham scored a 96th minute equaliser to take the match to extra-time.Immediately after the short break, Ivan Toney assisted Harry Kane to give England the lead as the game was turned on its head.The Three Lions held on to ensure they booked their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.Copy linkCopiedFT: England 2-1 SlovakiaIt is all smiles in the England camp right now.As they celebrate with the fans, ‘Sweet Caroline’ plays on the stadium speakers.The late-late show gives English fans some edge-of-the-seat drama in Germany.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay in GelsenkirchenJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish. But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.But for now, fans should just enjoy one of the most dramatic ends to a Three Lions game ever.Copy linkCopiedFT: England 2-1 SlovakiaThe Slovakian manager and Declan Rice have a little altercation after the final whistle.Gareth Southgate will lead England into a quarter-final against Switzerland.They will need to play a lot better than they have in Gelsenkirchen today.Copy linkCopiedFT: England 2-1 SlovakiaThe referee brings the game to a close.England have stolen victory from the jaws of defeat.Slovakian hearts are broken in Gelsenkirchen.Copy linkCopiedET: England 2-1 Slovakia120. As the ball is swung into the back post Hancko meets it with a header.He cannot get enough on it to trouble Pickford in the England goal.England are moments away from the quarter-finals now.Copy linkCopiedET: England 2-1 Slovakia118. It is almost last-chance saloon for Slovakia.Lobotka plays the ball in behind the English defence but Bozenik drives the ball into the side netting.He really needed to square that ball across the box.Copy linkCopiedET: England 2-1 Slovakia116. Slovakia are forcing England back into areas they do not want to be.They force a corner and have a chance to ask some more questions of this English defence.Time is now running out for Francesco Calzone’s side.Copy linkCopiedET: England 2-1 Slovakia114. England half clear the ball straight to a Slovakian player.As the ball is lifted into the box, it drops in a very dangerous area.Konsa manages to hack the ball clear.Gyomber is penalised for a foul on Toney and shown a yellow card.Copy linkCopiedET: England 2-1 Slovakia112. Tupta strikes the ball but it drifts over the crossbar.Chance wasted for the Slovakians.England breathe a sigh of relief.Copy linkCopiedET: England 2-1 Slovakia110. Gallagher gives away a foul in a dangerous position.Slovakia have a free kick some twenty-five yards out in the centre of the goal.They need to try and work Pickford at the very least here.Copy linkCopiedET: England 2-1 Slovakia108. Slovakia seem to have lost their spark somewhat.The two English goals really seems to have knocked the wind out of them.We will see whether they have enough in the tank to create one more clear-cut chance in this game.Copy linkCopiedET: England 2-1 Slovakia106. Slovakia come forward but the ball deflects into the grateful arms of Jordan Pickford.England are sitting deep now and not looking to get forward at all.This could be risky with fifteen minutes of extra time remaining.Copy linkCopiedET: England 2-1 SlovakiaBellingham and Kane are replaced by Konsa and Gallagher.Southgate is looking to defend what they have now.This has not been a good performance by any stretch of the imagination but sometimes you have to find a way to win when you are not at your best.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: England 2-1 SlovakiaWe are back underway in extra time.Slovakia are the ones with it all to do now.They get the second-half of extra time started.Copy linkCopiedHT: England 2-1 SlovakiaThe referee brings the first half of extra time to a close.Harry Kane’s goal has put England one step closer to a quarter-final with Switzerland.Slovakia have fifteen minutes to change their fortunes now.Copy linkCopied More

ENGLAND are taking on Slovakia in the last-16 of Euro 2024 RIGHT NOW.Gareth Southgate has made one change to the side that drew 0-0 with Slovenia last time out, as Kobbie Mainoo replaces Conor Gallagher in midfield.Jordan Pickford overcame a late injury scare to start between the sticks after he went down grimacing in the warm-up.A quarter-final place against in-form Switzerland next Saturday is up for grabs in Gelsenkirchen.TV channel/ live stream: ITV1/ ITVXEngland team: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier, Rice, Mainoo, Foden, Bellingham, Saka, KaneSlovakia team: Dubravka, Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko, Kucka, Lobotka, Duda, Schranz, Strelec, HaraslinEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSFollow our live blog below…England 0-0 Slovakia5. The ball is played into the box but fortunately for England the flag goes up for offside.It was a half-chance for the Slovaks to ask questions of Jordan Pickford.As the replay shows, the player who connected with the ball was in fact onside.Moments later Haraslin has the chance to play the ball across goal but no Slovakia player can get on the end of it.Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-0 Slovakia3. The tactic for the Slovaks this evening will be to get numbers behind the ball and make themselves difficult to break down.England would feel they have enough of an attacking threat to break down Francesco Calzone’s side.Guehi is shown an early yellow card for a foul on the halfway line.Trippier sold him short with a pass, costing him a place in the next game.Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-0 Slovakia1. The fans will be pleased to see Pickford out there for the start.All concerns about an injury in the warm-up are put to rest.England look to get a feel for the ball early on with Slovakia not looking to press at all.Copy linkCopiedKick-off: England vs SlovakiaWe are underway in Gelsenkirchen.This is a massive game for both teams.Slovakia get the game started.Copy linkCopiedLooking to be the Bell of the ballJude Bellingham will be hoping to hit the sort of form that he enjoyed in his maiden season at Real Madrid.He has struggled to make the same impact so far in Germany.With Mainoo and Rice joining him in midfield, he should have more license to make those lung-bursting runs from midfield to attack this evening.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Tom Barclay in GelsenkirchenIt has been a mixed bag watching England’s shooting drills in the warm-up.Jude Bellingham has scored a couple of crackers but also dragged a few easy chances wide, same goes for Phil Foden.Harry Kane’s finishing looked to be on point, as was Kobbie Mainoo’s ahead of the Manchester United teenager’s first start at a major tournament.Cole Palmer fired in a peach from distance – let’s hope for a repeat if and when he comes on later this evening…Copy linkCopiedConcerns with keeper in warm-upJordan Pickford seemed to damage his hand prior to the game in Gelsenkirchen.The Everton keeper was seen in some discomfort as he headed back into the changing rooms.Fans will be hoping that their reliable stopper will be able to start the game against Slovakia this evening.Copy linkCopiedQuality to carry England throughEngland fans in Germany are in confident mood prior to kick-off.Given the gulf in class between the sides, nothing but victory is expected from the fans.With Switzerland waiting in the quarter-finals, Southgate’s side are expected to ease through without any issues against Slovakia.England fans in confident mood as Three Lions take on Slovakia in last 16 of Euro 2024Copy linkCopiedHistory favours Three Lions victoryEngland have won five of the six previous meetings between the two sides.The only time they failed to do so was a goalless draw in Euro 2016.On that occasion, the Three Lions registered 29 shots despite not being able to find the back of the net.Copy linkCopiedYoungster thriving on big occasionKobbie Mainoo would have doubted your sanity if you had told him he would be playing in the heart of midfield for England in a major tournament this summer.Since breaking into the Man Utd side, he has shone and impressed fans and plaudits alike.Today Mainoo has the chance to solidify his place in Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up in Euro 2024.Credit: @EnglandCopy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dave Kidd in GelsenkirchenGIVEN how badly they have been playing, it’s remarkable that ten of England’s starting XI has been unchanged throughout these Euros. Kobbie Mainoo replaces Conor Gallagher in midfield in Gareth Southgate’s only change to the side which bored its way to a goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday. Will this last-16 clash be the match when Southgate’s men ignite? Is it going to be an England match in which something worthwhile actually happens?Because so far it has felt as if there is a tournament going on in this country – with goals and incident and excitement – but that England aren’t actually even part of it. Slovakia, ranked 45th in the world, defeated Belgium in their VAR-infested opener. But Southgate’s men should have too much quality – although we’ve certainly said that before and been proved wrong.Copy linkCopiedFans hoping to see dominant winOne thing you can guarantee with England is that they will always have a big following on the continent.Fans are in buoyant mood for this ’round of 16′ tie and expecting nothing less than a win from Gareth Southgate’s side.Slovakia shocked Belgium in the group phase and have nothing to lose going into this match.Copy linkCopiedView from SunSport’s Dan King in GelsenkirchenThe dramatic storms in this area which caused the Germany-Denmark game to be suspended have broken the weather – at least a bit.It’s cooler and less muggy than it has been. One explanation/excuse for England’s sluggish first half against Slovenia in Cologne was the heat.There is still some moisture in the air and there could be a bit of rain during the game here in Gelsenkirchen.But nothing like the torrents we saw in Dortmund.Clutching at reasons to be positive, Slovakia have so far been more front-foot and ambitious in possession than Slovenia or Serbia. But they will retreat into a mid or low block when they lose the ball. England need to move the ball quickly to take advantage of the spaces that Slovakia will leave, before they have time to close them up again.SunSport columnist reckons Kobbie Mainoo can make the difference in that respect.We shall see.Copy linkCopiedPressure mounting on SouthgateDespite finishing top of the group, many fans and pundits have questioned the manager’s abilities and job.The Three Lions have failed to impress in Euro 2024 to date and the knockout rounds seem to be where they need to ignite their tournament.Win or lose, it seems apparent that Gareth Southgate’s time as England manager could be coming to an end.Copy linkCopiedSlovakia starting XI:Francesco Calzone looks to keep some stability in his side as they look to upset the odds against England.1. Dubravka, 16. Hancko, 14. Skriniar, 3. Vavro, 2. Pekarik, 8. Duda, 22. Lobotka, 19. Kucka, 17. Haraslin, 18. Strelec, 26. SchranzCopy linkCopiedEngland starting XI: Gareth Southgate makes one change for the game as Kobbie Mainoo comes into the centre midfield, replacing Conor Gallagher.1. Pickford, 2. Walker, 6. Guehi, 5. Stones, 12. Trippier, 26. Mainoo, 4. Rice, 10. Bellingham, 7. Saka, 9. Kane, 11. FodenCredit: @EnglandCopy linkCopiedAtmosphere builds in GelsenkirchenSunSport’s Robin Perrie has been speaking with England fans as they prepare for the game against Slovakia.Despite the negativity surrounding the team of late, spirits are high as the Three Lions try to book their place in the quarter-finals.Southgate’s side come into this game as massive favourites to progress.The Sun’s Robin Perrie brings fan build up in Gelsenkirchen as England prepare to take on SlovakiaCopy linkCopiedSlovakia team newsFrancesco Calzone is not one to make alterations to his team with Martin Dubravka, Milan Skriniar and Stanislav Lobotka expected to once again be the spine of the team.Lobotka will be supported by Ondrej Duda and Juraj Kucka, while Boavista striker Robert Bozenik is expected to be joined by Lukas Haraslin and Ivan Schranz up top.Tomas Suslov has made a real impact from the bench but is not expected to displace Haraslin on the left flank.Duda and Schranz are both one booking away from a ban, which rule them out of any potential quarter final.Copy linkCopiedEngland team newsLuke Shaw has made himself available for this game but after such a long layoff he is unlikely to make the starting line-up.Kieran Trippier and Declan Rice have been training away from the main squad due to slight niggles and Anthony Gordon suffered facial injuries during the week after falling off a bike.Phil Foden is back in Germany after travelling home to see his partner after the birth of their third child.He is one of four players who would miss the quarter final if booked in this game, along with Kieran Trippier, Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi.Copy linkCopiedWho will England play in the quarter-finals if they beat Slovakia?England will take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 if they beat Slovakia in the last-16 today.The Swiss comfortably beat Italy 2-0 on Saturday afternoon to progress to the quarters.Should England get through, they will face Switzerland on Saturday, July 6 at Dusseldorf’s Merkur Spiel-Arena. The match would kick off at 5pm BST.Copy linkCopiedPredicted England line-up for SlovakiaGareth Southgate is expected to make just one change to the side for this afternoon’s last-16 clash against Slovakia.Kobbie Mainoo is expected to start in place of Conor Gallagher in midfield.Phil Foden is set to take up the position on the left of England’s attack despite flying back to the UK for the birth of his third child earlier this week.Copy linkCopiedWhat has been said?Speaking after Tuesday’s disappointing match against Slovenia, England manager Gareth Southgate said: “I’m not going to back away from it, The most important thing is the supporters stay with the team.”He continued: “I understand the narrative towards me and that’s better for the team than it being towards them.”But it is creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.”I understand it, I’m not going to back away from it, but I’m very proud of the players for how they’re operating within it.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSlovakia star manSlovakia winger Ivan Schranz is currently joint second in the Euro 2024 Golden Boot race with two goals.He scored the winner against Belgium in Slovakia’s opening match and netted his second of the tournament versus Ukraine.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWhat is Slovakia’s form like?Slovakia made it through to the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams in the group stages.The Falcons got a win, a draw and suffered one defeat in Group E and finished on the same amount of points as Belgium, Ukraine and Romania.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedEarly team newsKobbie Mainoo will make his first Euros start in England’s last-16 tie with Slovakia.Conor Gallagher, who Mainoo replaced at half-time on Tuesday, drops to the bench in the only change from England’s final Group C match.Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier has been passed fit to start in Gelsenkirchen.The Newcastle right-back, 33, has been nursing a calf injury this week but trained with the rest of the 26-man squad today and is ready to start again.With Luke Shaw, who has not played since February, lacking match sharpness, Ezri Konsa had been on standby.Copy linkCopied More