Match previews

GERMANY can become the first team to seal a perfect group-stage campaign at Euro 2024 with a win over Switzerland.Julian Nagelsmann’s men come into this weekend’s clash knowing a point will see them top Group A.Switzerland could finish top of Group A with a win over GermanyCredit: GettyGermany have won their opening two games against Scotland and HungaryCredit: GettyBut they face a Switzerland side who could leapfrog them to first place with a win in Frankfurt.And the result will have huge consequences for who both sides could play in the knockout stages.The group winners will play the runners-up from England’s group.But second place in Group A will face the runners-up from Group B – which could be Italy, Albania or Croatia.The Swiss also still face the possibility of dropping down to third.That will happen if they lose to Germany, Scotland beat Hungary, and there is a six-goal swing between the two matches.If that does happen then they could play Spain or Portugal in the second round.Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSSwitzerland Euro 2024 guideIN RECENT years, the Swiss national team have been as reliable as one of their watches.
They’ll always be at tournaments and always go out in the last 16 – with the exception of Euro 2020 when they stunned France to win on penalties and reach the quarter-finals.
MANAGER: Murat Yakin
Former Basel coach who had a brush with Jose Mourinho in 2013, beating Chelsea in the Champions League.
STAR MAN: Granit Xhaka
The Swiss captain makes everything tick and is coming off the best season of his career, winning the double at Bayer Leverkusen.
How Switzerland attack
Switzerland are comfortable playing out from the back and can launch quick attacking moves with a pass from defence.
They will then quickly get the ball wide or to the strikers’ feet before pushing multiple players forward to occupy space.
How Switzerland defend
Switzerland are versatile in the way they defend and comfortable hanging back in a low block.
But at times they will completely change their approach to press high and catch the opposition off-guard.
Read the full Switzerland Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

Germany Euro 2024 guideGERMANY’S reputation as tournament football’s greatest nation has taken a battering in recent years.
The hosts haven’t won a knockout game in eight years and the pressure is on for them to get it right in front of their home crowd.
MANAGER: Julian Nagelsmann
Bright, young and a bit of a maverick. The ex-Bayern Munich boss is known for his flashy outfits and arriving for training on a skateboard. 
STAR MAN: Jamal Musiala
The 21-year-old former Chelsea star could have been playing for England and can make things happen out of nothing.
How Germany attack
Toni Kroos will typically drop deep to take the ball off the defence with the Germans then overloading the side of the pitch the ball is on.
That gives them the option of either passing through the congested area or attacking the other side with a crossfield ball to the man in space.
How Germany defend
Germany’s striker and the team’s five midfielders will form a diamond shape in the hope of preventing the opposition playing through the middle.
Should opponents then play the ball wide, the German full-backs will be expected to press high up the pitch in an attempt to win possession.
Read the full Germany Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

What does their form look like?Both teams come into this match with their tails up after impressive results in their opening two group stage games.Germany opened up their home tournament with a 5-1 thrashing of Scotland.MOst dedicated Scotland fans ever travel to Germany for Euros 50 years after attending World CupThey then followed that up with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Hungary that showed more of a steeliness to their play.Switzerland began their Euros with an accomplished 3-1 victory against Hungary.Then last time out they fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Scotland.What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?Breel Embolo could be set to start his first game of the tournament after substitute appearances in their previous two matches.The Swiss striker has been struggling with fitness issues but could be ready for this one.Fabian Schar broke his nose against Scotland but is still understood to be available.Nagelsmann took Jamal Musiala and Robert Andrich off during the win over Hungary as they are one booking away from a suspension.Andrich may be rested, but expected Musiala to still start as Germany will see their talisman as irreplaceable as they look to seal top spot in the group.Who will be the star men?Jama MusialaThere is a risk playing Musiala in this game as a yellow card would see him suspended for their last-16 tie.But the importance of the Bayern Munich playmaker has been there for all to see in their opening two matches.He has scored twice and been at the centre of everything positive in the final third for Germany. Expect the same against Switzerland.Jamal Musiala has been sensational for Germany so far at the EurosGranit XhakaXhaka produced one of the performances of the tournament in Switzerland’s opener against Hungary.The Bayer Leverkusen man, who also impressed against Scotland, dictates the tempo of his side with the class and assurance you expect from a captain.If the Swiss are to get a handle on Musiala and Florian Wirtz, Xhaka will have a big part to play in them doing so.Granit Xhaka has been instrumental in Switzerland’s midfieldWhat have the managers said?Switzerland boss Yakin has remained cautious about reaching the knockout stages despite four points from his side’s opening two games.He said: “We’ve still got one game to go. It’s still very open. We will do everything we can to make it out of the group.”In these first two games we have shown we are ready to battle. Scotland really did cause us problems and we had to expend all of our energy.”Scotland’s pride had been hurt and they needed to bounce back. We could have won the match but they also created opportunities.”Nagelsmann hinted at making alterations for the Switzerland clash following the win over Hungary.However, he also insisted there will not be wholesale change to the team.He said: “We want to win the group, that’s the first goal.”We want to get more rhythm. There won’t be seven changes, I can rule that out.”Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin could lead his side to the top of Group ACredit: GettyGermany boss Julian Nagelsmann is hoping for a perfect group stageCredit: GettySunSport predictionSwitzerland 1-2 GermanyWhen is Switzerland vs Germany?
Germany’s final group stage clash against Switzerland will take place on Sunday, January 23.
The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany, will play host to the big game.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Switzerland vs Germany will be shown live on BBC Two in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on BBC Two, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
Switzerland – 4/1
Draw – 29/10
Germany – 4/6
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

SCOTLAND know a win over Hungary will almost certainly clinch their spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024.Steve Clarke’s men got a point on the board on Wednesday as they earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Switzerland.Scotland will all but secure a place in the knockout stages with a win over HungaryCredit: GettyHungary are yet to claim a point at the EurosCredit: EPAThe result leaves them third heading into their final group game as they continue to search for that illusive victory.But they are coming up against a Hungary side in need of the same.Marco Rossi’s men were tipped to be one of the dark horses for the tournament.However, back-to-back losses at the hands of Switzerland and Germany leave them bottom of Group A ahead of the Scotland clash.Anything other than three points will see them exit the Euros before the knockout stages, so it is a match both sides desperately need to win.Clarke has one particular selection headache after a huge injury blow in the Switzerland match.But the Scotland boss remained positive following their draw, while Hungary head coach Rossi had some strong words for his players ahead of their group-stage decider.Here is everything you need to know for the match.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSScotland Euro 2024 guideQUALIFYING for back-to-back Euros is an achievement in itself and the Tartan Army are sure to make the most of it.
The Scots recorded a famous 2-0 win over Spain in qualifying, but come into the Euros off the back of seven games without a win.
MANAGER: Steve Clarke
Only Jock Stein, Andy Roxburgh and Craig Brown have managed Scotland in more games than Jose Mourinho’s former assistant.
STAR MAN: John McGinn
The Aston Villa star has reached new levels under Unai Emery’s tutelage and is crucial to a midfield that provides most of Scotland’s goals.
How Scotland attack
Scotland’s three-man midfield will be crucial with the likes of McGinn and Scott McTominay providing lung-busting runs and coming up with most of the goals.
Target man Lyndon Dykes is set to be a big miss with Che Adams likely to step in as the lone striker in a 5-4-1 formation.
How Scotland defend
Scotland will put ten men behind the ball in a deep 5-4-1 block out of possession.
They will work extremely hard to deny the opposition central spaces between the lines, forcing them to resort to wide play and crosses which the Scots feel more comfortable defending.
Read the full Scotland Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

Hungary Euro 2024 guideA DECADE ago Hungary’s glory days seemed gone forever, but they’ve now qualified for three European Championships in a row.
A 4-0 win away to England and an unbeaten qualifying campaign shows how dangerous the Hungarians can be on their day.
MANAGER: Marco Rossi
One of five Italian coaches at Euro 2024, Rossi has been granted Hungarian citizenship after revitalising the national team during his six years in charge.
STAR MAN: Dominik Szoboszlai
Hungary’s captain had a fine start to life at Liverpool before getting injured and losing his form.
How Hungary attack
Hungary will slow things down in possession as they look to draw an opposition press.
From there, they will then tend to his a longer ball over the top of through the opposition defence.
How Hungary defend
Hungary will tend to split their press with three players engaging the opposition defence on the ball and the rest sitting deep.
When this is unsuccessful, it can lead to the opposition finding plenty of space to attack.
Read the full Hungary Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

What does their form look like?Scotland come into the clash with Hungary having won just once in their last 11 games.Their opening game of the Euros was a disaster as they were thrashed 5-1 by Germany in an insipid display.The performance we wanted, amazing Scotland fans and budgie smugglersBut they did show signs of improvement in the draw with Switzerland, a performance they will be hoping to build on.Hungary came into the tournament off the back of four wins out of five games.However, back-to-back defeats at the hands of Switzerland and Germany – scoring once and conceding five – have left them in a desperate situation.They will be clinging to moments of positivity shown against the Germans, but ultimately things are looking bleak.What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?Kieran Tierney was stretchered off against Switzerland and will play no part in this one.Ryan Porteous is still suspended after being sent off in Scotland’s opener against Germany.Scott McKenna is expected to replace Tierney as the only change to Clarke’s side.Hungary made two changes to their XI for the defeat to Germany, but are set to keep their team the same for the Scotland game.They have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match.Who will be the star men?Scott McTominayScotland’s goal against Switzerland may have come against the run of play and taken a heavy deflection, but it still showed the impressive instincts of Scott McTominay.The Manchester United midfielder is always in and around the box at the right time for his country, something they will be relying on again on Sunday.McTominay was superb for Scotland against SwitzerlandDominik SzoboszlaiLiverpool man Dominik Szoboszlai showcased his impressive dead ball delivery against Germany, even if they came to nothing.Games like these are often decided by a moment of quality and a corner or free-kick from their talisman could prove crucial in dictating the outcome of this key match.Dominik Szoboszlai is Hungary’s talisman at the tournamentWhat have the managers said?Clarke praised his side after earning a draw against Switzerland on Wednesday.He said: “This is the way we have been ­playing as a team over the last three or four years.”It’s why we are here at a tournament. We knew what we had to do. It was a good team performance against a good opponent.”We are going to feel a lot better going into the next game on the back of that performance. This is how we play, this is how we work.”As well as the dirty side of the game, we can play. We got the ball down and ­created some chances. We did what we had to do, we are still in the competition and that was the most important thing.”That was what we expected: a good reaction from a disappointing night. We are still alive in the tournament.”Hungary boss Rossi called on his side to “spit blood” to beat Scotland.He said: “Scotland is a team which has a lot of physical qualities that in some situations could make us suffer.”I think what is important to do in the last match is putting on the pitch what our fans are always asking of us. They can accept technical mistakes. They are not stupid.”They know what kind of level we have, especially compared to these kinds of opponents. But they want to see that, on the pitch – and sorry for these words – that we’re spitting our blood.”This is what I ask of the guys. I don’t ask them to win. I don’t ask them to score goals. I just ask them to put their maximum effort in. Of course, to be able to do this you must be well organised in a tactical aspect.”Against Scotland we’re expecting another kind of match and we will prepare the right tactics for that. But the most important thing is your maximum effort.”Steve Clarke is eyeing a first win at the EurosCredit: GettyHungary boss Marco Rossi is looking to avoid a third successive defeatCredit: GettySunSport predictionScotland 0-1 HungaryWhen is Scotland vs Hungary?
Scotland’s big clash against Hungary will take place on Sunday, June 23.
The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
The MHP Arena in Stuttgart, Germany will play host.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Scotland vs Germany will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch for FREE on BBC One, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
Scotland – 15/8
Draw – 5/2
Hungary – 7/5
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

SPAIN have finished winners of Euro 2024 Group B – and it means that they can relax for their last match against Albania.La Furia Roja sealed qualification after beating reigning champions Italy 1-0 in their second group fixture.Alvaro Morata has led his side to the knockout stagesCredit: RexRiccardo Calafiori’s 55th-minute own goal was enough to secure all three points for Spain.And they’ll be determined to finish the group with a 100 percent win record this tournament.But Albania are still in with a chance of qualifying so it won’t be easy for Alvaro Morata and Co.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhen is Albania vs Spain?
Albania vs Spain will take place on Monday, June 24.
The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
The Merkur Spiel Arena in Dusseldorf will host the big clash.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Albania’s big game against Spain will be shown live on BBC Two in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
What is the team news?Albanian star Armando Broja was dropped from the starting line-up in the 2-2 draw with Croatia but he could return to the fold.Elsewhere, former Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte returned to the Spain first eleven in replacement of Nacho.However, after only training a few times with La Furia Roja, manager Luis de la Fuente may want to rotate Laporte once again.Most read in Euro 2024Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on BBC Two, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
Odds
Albania – 10/1
Draw – 9/2
Spain – 3/10
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

KNOCKOUT round spots are running out in Group B which makes Monday’s Euro 2024 battle between Italy and Spain a little bit more intriguing.Italy failed to build on their opening win against Albania having lost to Spain courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal.Italy missed out on finishing as group winnersCredit: ReutersAnd as a result, it saw Spain grab the first last-16 qualification spot as Group B winners.However, the Italians remain in the driving seat to qualify in second behind Spain.But victory for Luka Modric and Co would see them leapfrog Italy in the leaderboards.Here is all you need to know about Italy’s mammoth game against Croatia.Read more on Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhen is Croatia vs Italy?
Croatia vs Italy will take place on Monday, June 24.
The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
The Red Bull Arena in Leipzig will play host to the big game.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Croatia’s final group game against Italy will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch the game for FREE on BBC One, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
What is the team news?Croatian manager Zlatko Dalic moved Ivan Perisic to left-back and put Josko Gvardiol in the middle during their last encounter against Albania.Most read in FootballBut the experiment failed to pay off so Croatian fans could see Borna Sosa replace Perisic instead.There are no fresh injury concerns for Luciano Spalleti’s side so he is expected to go with the same team despite losing 1-0 to Spain last time out.Odds
Croatia – 11/5
Draw – 12/5
Italy – 5/4
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

CZECH REPUBLIC take on Georgia as both sides look to claim their first points of Euro 2024.Ivan Hasek’s men began their tournament with a 2-1 loss to Portugal after Francisco Conceicao’s last-gasp winner.Vladimír Coufal of Czech Republic looks dejected during Portugal gameGeorges Mikautadze scored Georgia’s first goal ever at the EurosCredit: GETTYMeanwhile, Georgia’s first-ever game at the Euros saw them beaten 3-1 by Turkey despite a spirited performance from the debutants.A win for either side would be huge in terms of reaching the knockout stages with third place the only likely way for either nations to qualify.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhen is Georgia vs Czech Republic?
Georgia’s big clash with Czech Republic will take place on Saturday, June 22.
The game will kick off at 2pm BST.
The Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany will play host to the match.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Georgia vs Czech Republic will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, the game is available to watch for FREE, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.
Odds
Georgia – 1/2
Draw – 16/5
Czech Republic – 4/7
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication. More

WINNING starts for both Portugal and Turkey at Euro 2024 have set up a mouth-watering clash in Group F.Turkey top the group on goal difference after a 3-1 win over Georgia on match one.Portugal earned a narrow 2-1 win in their openerCredit: GettyTurkey won 3-1 with a couple of stunning strikesCredit: RexMert Muldur got his nation off to the perfect start after 25 minutes when he thundered a volley into the top corner from just outside the corner.Georgia hit back before Arda Guler curled a goal of the tournament contender into the top left corner in the second half.A third then went in as Georgia sent their goalkeeper up for a last-minute corner to try and snatch an equaliser. Turkey’s best ever result at a Euros is a semi-final in 2008, and it is ironic that a year when no one considered them dark horses, they look their most dangerous since then.Read more on Euro 2024Portugal’s opening game proved to be a far harder road to victory.They went a goal behind against the Czech Republic before managing to get back into the game through an own goal minutes later.They had the ball in the net through Diogo Jota before the goal was ruled out for offside against Cristiano Ronaldo, whose presence on the pitch appeared to suffocate the attacking impetus of the team.But super-subs Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceicao combined off the bench to win the game and grab three crucial points for Portugal.Most read in Euro 2024Turkey Euro 2024 guideAFTER tournament semi-finals in 2002 and 2008, Turkey have suffered something of a lost decade in international football.

But they still have plenty of talent such as set piece specialist Hakan Calhanoglu and Arda Guler, who Jude Bellingham labelled the most gifted player he has ever seen.
MANAGER: Vincenzo Montella
Roma legend has had a mixed record in club management, but has excelled in his first international job with the Turks breezing past Croatia and Wales in qualifying.
STAR MAN: Hakan Calhanoglu
Known for his deadly free kicks, Calhanoglu helped Inter Milan to the Champions League final in 2023.
How Turkey attack
Turkey are patient in creating the correct shape to play through the thirds – but then aggressive when the attacking passing lanes open up.
As they move the ball into the middle they will use longer passes into wide areas where their wide attackers and full-backs look to overload the opposition.
How Turkey defend
Turkey have a lot of experienced and physical players who understand how to create pressing traps like this to force a mistake from the opposition.
They excel at creating a high defensive block, often forcing even the best teams to play long in order to neutralise it.
Read the full Turkey Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

Portugal Euro 2024 guideCRISTIANO RONALDO remains the face of Portuguese football as the national team looks to win a second European Championship.
But the days when Portugal’s hopes would hang on Ronaldo, 39, alone are over as they have a squad packed with talent across the pitch.
MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
Former Everton, Wigan and Belgium boss is trying to put a more attacking stamp on a team that became increasingly dull under Euro 2016-winning predecessor Fernando Santos.
STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
Al-Nassr star remains an ever-present but PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are both world class backups.
How Portugal attack
Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio and Joao Palhinha are all capable of building attacks from the back, given Portugal a unique dimension to their attack.
Attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix can cause any defence problems as they look to feed Ronaldo and/or Ramos.
How Portugal defend
In contrast to the approach under Santos, Portugal will play with a medium-to-high block and look to win possession up the field.
Players will press aggressively to provide support for Ronaldo, who clearly tends to do less work defensively.
Read the full Portugal Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhat does their form look like?Before Euro 2024, Portugal had won nine of their last ten games, with a number of these results ended in rousing wins for The Selecao.However, the one team they played from inside the top ten of Fifa’s rankings in that run, Croatia, they lost to.Meanwhile, Turkey had actually lost three of their last five, including a 6-1 thrashing by Austria and draw with Wales.At tournament football form and record goes out the window, and that is lucky for fans as this game may have been a foregone conclusion.When playing against one another, Portugal have beaten the Crescent-Stars seven times.Meanwhile they have only suffered two defeats.What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?Turkey are unlikely to change a winning formula after their strong performance against Georgia.İrfan Can Kahveci, who missed that game through injury, is still doing light training so is unlikely to return to the fold.Meanwhile, Portugal may see fit to tweak their tactics after they had to throw the kitchen sink in their first game to get anything from it.Goncalo Inacio could be a more natural fit for the team if they elect to switch to a back four, likely with Diogo Dalot dropping out.Who will be the star men?Arda GulerAt just 19 years old, Real Madrid star Guler is carrying the hopes of his country on his shoulders.His screamer against Georgia showed he is not one to shy away from the occasion, and a strong performance against Portugal will be vital if they are to get anything from the game.Bruno FernandesWhile Ronaldo is leading the line for his nation once again, it it the stars around him carrying the load of the performance.That includes midfielders such as Bruno Fernandes, who is among the most dangerous creative players in the world.What have the managers said?Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella called the opening win the “best present” he could have got from the game, and he has called on his players to achieve even more dreams by beating Portugal.He said: “Our dreams were very much focused on this (Georgia) match.”We managed to win [our first game of the tournament] for the first time, so there will be a lot of first times.”He added: “Then more dreams will emerge.”Vincenzo Montella called on his players to achieve more dreams this EurosCredit: RexRoberto Martinez said his starting XI did not matter and praised Portugal’s spiritCredit: GettyBelgium manager Roberto Martinez was more analytical of their opener.He said: “Today it’s not about assessing this game from the technical or tactical point of view.”We won because we showed resilience, willpower and belief. It’s the first time we’ve come from behind to win [under my tenure]. We believed, we showed incredible personality.”It’s a game where we had 13 corners; the Czech Republic had none. If we scored early we could have won by three or four goals. “The atmosphere was incredible. Our fans did not deserve to lose this game.”He added: “The important thing is not the starting eleven, but how the game ends. We showed we had prepared well.”SunSport predictionTurkey and Portugal both have an incredible level of firepower.We reckon this game will go down to the wire but Portugal’s quality should be made to count.Turkey 2-3 PortugalWhen is Turkey vs Portugal?
Portugal’s second Euro 2024 Group F clash against Turkey will take place on Saturday, June 22.
It is scheduled to get underway at 5pm BST – 6pm local time.
Signal Iduna Park – the home of Borussia Dortmund will is the allocated arena for this huge match and it can host approximately 81, 365 passionate fans.
Fernando Santos’ side comfortably beat Turkey 3-1 when the sides last met in a 2022 World Cup semi-final play-off.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
Portugal vs Turkey will be broadcast on ITV 1 in the UK.
Fans can stream the entire action via ITV X which is available on a compatible tablet device or mobile phone.
Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute action of the whole match.
Can I watch it for FREE?YES!Portugal’s huge match against Turkey can be watched for FREE as long as you have a valid TV license in the UK.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhat are the odds?
Turkey – 24/5
Draw – 16/5
Portugal – 4/7
*Odds from William Hill are correct at time of publication More

IF you had said before the start of Euro 2024 that Belgium were staring down group stage elimination while Romania were looking to top the group, you would have been called mad.However, that is the exact reality we are witnessing in Group E.Romania celebrated a historic Euros win overCredit: RexMeanwhile, Belgium were left disappointed against SlovakiaCredit: RexFavourites Belgium were shocked with a 1-0 defeat against Slovakia in their opening game.They had more than enough chances to seal the deal, with Romelu Lukaku proving particularly profligate in front of goal.Belgium even had the ball in net TWICE, only for play to be called back for an offside and a controversial handball with a so-called “snickometer”.But for Slovakia, Ivan Schranz’s 7th minute strike was all they needed after pouncing on Jeremy Doku’s sloppy back pass into the penalty area.Read more Euro 2024 Statistically, it was the biggest upset in Euro’s history, with the Red Devils ranked third in Fifa’s global rankings and the Falcons ranked 48th at the time.Meanwhile, Romania currently sit 47th in the rankings and smashed three past Ukraine in their opening match.The Tricolours were not expected to make waves at this tournament – having only progressed into the knockout’s once (in 2000) previously – but two screamers and an expertly worked corner saw them rocket to the top of the group.Now the two sides meet with vastly different fates on the line, we take a look at the two teams going into the clash.Most read in FootballBelgium Euro 2024 guideBELGIUM blend youth and experience as they look to win their first international trophy

Romelu Lukaku has seen it all, and scored 14 goals in qualifying, while Man City’s Jeremy Doku, 21, will hope to announce himself on the international stage.
MANAGER: Domenico Tedesco
Maverick Italian coach impressed at club level with Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig.
STAR MAN: Jeremy Doku
The winger provided an extra dimension to Man City as they beat Arsenal to the title and should be an ever-present in the Red Devils’ line-up at Euro 2024.
How Belgium attack
Belgium look to ensure they have control of the ball before playing in more advanced areas of the pitch.
One possession is secure, they will overload with as many as five players tasked with keeping the opposition defence occupied.
How Belgium defend
Belgium’s ageing Golden Generation will form a 4-3-3 mid-block and will not be overly aggressive in the press.
They are comfortable dropping deep and looking to force the opposition to play wide.
Read the full Belgium Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags

Romania Euro 2024 guideFORMER World Cup quarter-finalists Romania are back after eight years without qualifying for a tournament.
They aren’t pretty to watch but they are effective and topped their qualifying group unbeaten ahead of Switzerland.
MANAGER: Edward Iordanescu
His father Anghel managed them at the 1994 World Cup where they reached the last eight. Tough act to follow.
STAR MAN: Radu Dragusin
Has struggled to win a first team place at Spurs but has been a stalwart at international level.
How Romania attack
Romania will play out from the back and play one or two-touch passes to break between the lines.
However, they can run out of ideas when faced with a low block.
How Romania defend
Romania do not tend to press high as a unit and their players can be dragged out of position up the pitch.
However, they are far more effective close to their own goal with the midfield dropping deep to support the back four.
Read the full Romania Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups and latest odds

EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWhat does their form look like?Before their defeat to Slovakia, Belgium were unbeaten since their second game at the 2022 World Cup.However, at tournament football such a record counts for squat.In Romania’s case, before Ukraine they were actually on a four-game winless run.In fact, they had won just four of their last ten matches.It is their head-to-head record which turns up more even interesting results.The record stands at five wins for each with two draws.They have only met twice in the 21st century, with friendly games ending 2-1 with a win apiece.Romania are actually something of a bogey team for Belgium, with only one defeat against them in their last five meetings. What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?Belgium will be sweating on the fitness of Arthur Theate and Jan Vertonghen after their Yannick Carrasco left-back gambit failed to pay off.Youri Tielemans is another who could be brought into the team to add more creative spark.Otherwise it is the same as before.Likewise, Romania emerged from their Ukraine win injury free.However, veteran striker Denis Alibec is eyeing a return from injury.Though it is unlikely Romania will tinker with their winning formula given what is at stake.Who will be the star men?Kevin De BruyneDespite Belgium being unable to get the ball into the net (legally) there was no shortness of creativity from midfield.Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne was still the creative heartbeat of the team and he will once again be expected to fulfil that role against Romania.Nicolae StanciuNicolae Stanciu’s stunning opening goal saw him lead the way for his nation against Ukraine.He would have already earned hero status for that alone, even forgetting his exploits as their top scorer in qualifying, and if he can do it again he might go down as a Euro 2024 icon.What have the managers said?Following their opening defeat, Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco refused to blame VAR for the loss and said he want’s to be a fair loser.He said: “It’s tough for me to speak now. If we would have won, I could probably share my opinion a little more. “But we lost and I want to be a good or at least a fair loser; we shouldn’t be talking about VAR. “We trust these guys, we trust the VAR and the referees and if they blow and say it’s handball we have to trust and accept it and that’s that…”Everyone is disappointed but I think you can harness that and make use of this defeat. We weren’t able to win the game, but there are positives we can take away.”Domenico Tedesco took the positives from the Slovakia gameCredit: GettyEdward Iordanescu called his Romania team the ‘generation of souls’Credit: AlamyRomania manager Edward Iordanescu was in a jubilant mood after beating Ukraine, and even went as far as calling this team the “generation of soul”.He said: “Today I felt some feelings for the first time. I lost control of myself. I would like to thank every Romanian, everywhere in the world…”We have had golden generations but this nation does not represent any metal. “It is the generation of soul. Such a big heart, such a soul, no one has ever had that. “This generation is limitless. They have done so much. They ran until they fell over.”SunSport predictionBelgium are a wounded foe after their shock defeat in the opener, while Romania are on a high.For all of Romania’s quality, Belgium will be desperate for a result and surely won’t get as unlucky as they did against Slovakia again.Belgium 3-1 RomaniaWhen is Belgium vs Romania?
Belgium’s big clash against Romania will take place on Saturday, June 22.
The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
The RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany will play host to the game.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
Belgium vs Romania will be shown live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD in the UK.
You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
Yes, you can watch the game for FREE, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOdds
Belgium – 1/2
Draw – 10/3
Romania – 6/1
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More