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    Belgium in grovelling apology to Kylian Mbappe over now-deleted video posted by FA ahead of Euro 2024 clash

    BELGIUM have been forced to apologise to Kylian Mbappe after midfielder Amadou Onana said he would tackle the France captain “in the shin”.Red Devils fans have started a new chant about the Everton man tackling Mbappe, and the 22-year-old has repeated it on video ahead of their last-16 meeting on Monday.Kylian Mbappe was the subject of a new chant from Belgium fansCredit: APA clip shared by the Belgian FA showed Amadou Onana singing a chant about kicking MbappeIn a clip published by the Belgian FA, Brussels-based comedian, Pablo Andres, says, “Who will kick Mbappe in the shin?” before Onana chants his own name.Ahead of their press conference on Saturday, Belgium’s press officer Stefan Van Loock issued an apology and said the clip had been removed from their social media.He said: “It was not the intention to attack anyone.”We have been working with comedian Pablo Andres for a long time, this video also had to be funny.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But we misjudged that and also took the video offline.”We would like to apologise to anyone we may have offended with this. For us, this is the end of the matter.”The clip will add extra spice to a tie which is already viewed as somewhat of a derby given the two counties share a border.It is also a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which France edged thanks to Samuel Umtiti’s goal on their way to winning the tournament.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBelgium captain Kevin De Bruyne has insisted that his side are the underdogs going into their first knockout game – though there is still confidence a result can be pulled off.Johan Bakayoko, the PSV Eindhoven winger, said: “Honestly, I don’t think there is a favourite.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlines”We have strengths and weaknesses, just like they do. Both teams fear each other.”I only saw their match against the Netherlands and it was evenly matched. So I can’t really comment on their team.”But the key will lie in our own game. If we play well together as we already did and based on our strengths, we can of course win.”Despite this being the first step into the knockouts, which can be settled by extra time or penalties, Bakayoko also revealed that Domenico Tedesco’s side had not been practising spot-kicks.Mbappe training with new maskBy Jack RosserKYLIAN MBAPPE has trained wearing a new mask after growing frustrated with the thickness of the one he wore against Poland.The Real Madrid-bound star tried the new thinner model in a session on Friday after complaints over his peripheral vision being impacted in the final group game.Mbappe has also had to regularly wipe sweat away from his eyes during the Poland game and sessions at their Paderborn base.The France captain is having to wear the mask after breaking his nose in their Euros opener against Austria in Dusseldorf.Mbappe sat out the second group game against the Netherlands, a 0-0 draw in which his teammates missed a host of chances.He returned to start against Poland, scoring the only goal from the penalty spot.The skipper has been the only France player involved in a goal so far at the tournament, his cross forcing Austria’s own goal in the first Group D game.Les Bleus also expect Kingsley Coman to be available to face Belgium after the Bayern Munich winger left the camp on Friday to attend the birth of his fourth child in Sweden.Coman has made just one appearance from the bench in Germany so far and has been struggling with illness and injury knocks throughout the group stages.Antoine Griezmann is expected to return to the starting line-up having been dropped for the final group game against Poland.Teammate Eduardo Camavinga said of the Atletico Madrid star: “He’s a model of longevity. He’s a very calm person.”So he’s certainly set a good example for the young players to try and emulate what he does and take the next step like he did.”France began practising them this week, but the Belgian winger said: “Have we trained penalties? No. Coincidentally, Lois Openda kicked one. Whether it went in, you’ll have to ask him.”Bakayoko, 21, came into the Euros off the back of a stellar season with PSV Eindhoven – bagging 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions as they won the Dutch title.That has seen the winger linked with a move to Arsenal in the Belgian media – but he remained coy on his future.Bakayoko added: “I don’t know if I’m going to leave PSV. I never said that.”Other people said that before me. But now I’m definitely focused on my performance at the European Championship.”While his fine form has resulted in links to the Premier League, Bakayoko has had to settle for limited time in Germany so far – coming off the bench in two of the three group stage games and sitting out the 2-0 win over Romania.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “I was disappointed that I was not yet in the starting line-up.”But I am not frustrated, because the coach makes the best decisions. We are also through, so he is right.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Jude Bellingham’s brother posts amazing pics of England superstar as a beaming kid to celebrate his 21st birthday

    JUDE BELLINGHAM’S brother has taken to social media so share amazing pics of them as children to celebrate the England stars’ 21st birthday.Real Madrid superstar Bellingham is celebrating his milestone 21st birthday today.Jobe Bellingham shared pictures of himself and Jude growing upJobe, right, has been picture cheering on Jude from the stands at Euro 2024Credit: PAThe Bellingham family has also seen mum, Denise, and dad, Mark, in GermanyCredit: AlamyEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYBellingham has been training with the rest of the England team ahead of their last-16 match against Slovakia tomorrow.And while the attacking midfielder has been getting on with his job, his friends and family have taken the chance to celebrate the special occasion.Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe, who has been linked with a stunning move to Crystal Palace from Sunderland, shared pictures to his Instagram story of the pair as they grew up.Jobe, 18, shared three pics of them through the ages.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe captioned his post: “My only brother, proud always & regardless. “Happy 21st birthday big bro.”Jobe has also been seen cheering on Jude from the stands in Germany with mum Denise and dad Mark.Likewise, Bellingham’s best mate Toby Bishay shared pics of his own to his Instagram story.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSToby, who runs his own concierge service suitably called TBConcierge, said on his post: “Happy birthday to me best Pal.”Love ya to bits brother.”England squad’s former clubs send well wishes as the Sun shares their childhood photosEngland star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has struck up a bromance with Bellingham, also sent birthday wishes, saying: “Happy birthday Hermano.”Bellingham netted the winner in the Three Lions opening game against Serbia. England have failed to pick up a win since then, but have managed to remain unbeaten and finish top of the Group to secure a last-16 tie against Slovakia.The match in Gelsenkirchen kicks off at 5pm tomorrow.Bellingham was seen in training with the rest of the squad todayCredit: Paul EdwardsHe will be hoping for a present in the form of a win tomorrowCredit: Paul EdwardsWhere has it gone wrong with Bellingham?By Dave KiddJUDE BELLINGHAM turns 21 on Saturday as a champion of Europe, a champion of Spain and as the finest player at the world’s most famous club.He’s a multi-millionaire, a Ballon d’Or contender and an underpants model — so let’s not play those violins too loudly.But after two matches of intense frustration and virtual anonymity at the Euros, we’re entitled to ask: Where has it all, at least temporarily, gone wrong?Bellingham’s career has been on an unerring upward trajectory since Birmingham City retired his shirt at the age of 17 and packed him off to Dortmund.Last summer’s move to Real Madrid was an instant and extraordinary success.Bellingham netted 23 goals in his debut season — including late winners against Barcelona in both of his first two Clasicos — on his way to winning LaLiga and then the Champions League.And now this, the bizarre idea being floated that Gareth Southgate should consider dropping the best player England have had for at least half a century.After the goalless draw with Slovenia, Southgate admitted that he is going to speak to Bellingham about the need to channel his frustrations.During dismal back-to-back draws against Denmark and Slovenia, the Brummie Galactico has looked thoroughly piddled off with refereeing decisions, with team-mates, with tactics which clearly aren’t allowing him to flourish.The crushing, unremitting tedium of watching this joyless England team play football is bad enough.Imagine being as good as Bellingham and having to play for them.To be shoved out on to the left wing — as Bellingham was for long periods in the goalless grind against Slovenia — to accommodate Phil Foden, who has rarely if ever dominated a game for England.The result was another miserable let-down for England supporters, who have turned against Southgate in their droves during this tournament.Only Southgate’s England can turn up in Cologne — the perfume capital of the world — and stink the place out.England lack express pace, they lack attacking intent, they lack experience in central midfield and they lack left-footed defenders.But they do have Bellingham — and Southgate needs to allow him to thrive pretty sharpish or they will be home either this weekend or next.Then the search for a new England manager would begin.Bellingham has frequently grabbed big matches by the scruff of the neck for his country — against Senegal in the knockout stage of the last World Cup, against Scotland at Hampden Park, against Italy at Wembley and in the Euros opener against Serbia.This is a man with a proven track record of winning international football matches and yet somehow his place in the England team is being questioned.Foden returned home for the birth of his third child but it is not yet known whether the Manchester City midfielder will return for Sunday’s last-16 clash in Gelsenkirchen.But there has been a problem in accommodating Bellingham and Foden in the same team.And while the City man is a wonderful player and the reigning Footballer of the Year, his England career has not been in the same league as Bellingham’s.If you are going to build a team around anybody, it is Bellingham.There is plenty to be positive about with England — as long as you haven’t actually watched any of their matches.The Three Lions have won their group and have ended up in a favourable half of the draw away from all four of the tournament’s strongest teams.But they can only progress from here if Bellingham takes the leading role, as he did so impressively in the first half against the Serbs.His is too great a talent to waste. 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    Watch England fan perform ‘messed up’ act with microphone a reporter is left completely baffled

    AN ENGLAND fan sent social media into meltdown with a “messed up act” that left a reporter completely baffled live on air.Three Lions supporters are heading to Gelsenkirchen for Sunday’s last-16 clash with Slovakia.An Argentine reporter was left completely baffled after interviewing English supportersCredit: ESPNOne fan performed a ‘messed up’ act live on airCredit: ESPNEngland were held to a stalemate by Slovenia on Tuesday but still managed to claim top spot in Group C.That was after they initially struggled to a 1-0 win over Serbia before last week’s dour 1-1 draw with Denmark.Despite the underwhelming displays, Gareth Southgate’s men now have a potential route to the final that avoids big guns Spain, Germany, Portugal and France.And excitement is mounting ahead of the first knockout showdown with Slovakia.READ MORE ON EURO 2024As the hordes of supporters descend on the city in western Germany, ESPN Argentina were keen to get a word with some of the masses.However, as four fans stood being interviewed, one suddenly stole the show in bizarre fashion live on air.And his actions left the journalist asking the questions totally confused.A fan wearing a red English shirt leant forward and took the full microphone head in his mouth and yelled into it.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe then moved his hand on to the base of it and began moving it before the surprised presenter grabbed it back as he laughed sheepishly before the culprit left the scene.It did not take long for the clip to go viral, with one post on X saying: “Bro is messed up.”England squad’s former clubs send well wishes as the Sun shares their childhood photosWhile other responses labelled him as “strange”, “bizarre” and “totally odd”.And another said: “Love how the reporter just has no idea what to do.”Should England get past Slovakia, they will face either Italy or Switzerland in the quarter-final.A potential clash against the Azzurri would give the team a chance for revenge for the Euro 2020 final defeat at Wembley.And if England get past the Italians, then it would be one of the Netherlands, Turkey, Romania or Turkey in the semi-final.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYOn the other side of the draw, there are some mouthwatering fixtures.Kylian Mbappe’s France will take on Kevin de Bruyne’s Belgium on Monday at the Düsseldorf Arena.Host nation Germany will face Denmark, and Spain will battle with debutants Georgia.READ MORE SUN STORIESCristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will play against Slovenia at the Frankfurt Arena.Elsewhere on England’s side of the draw, the Netherlands face Romania and Turkey take on Austria. More

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    Joey Barton set for another legal battle as ITV footie pundit Eni Aluko files defamation case against him

    JOEY Barton is set for another legal battle after football pundit Eni Aluko filed a new defamation case against him.The controversial former player, 41, was recently ordered to pay telly host Jeremy Vine £75,000 for calling him a “bike nonce”.Joey Barton is set for another legal battle after calling Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward ‘the Fred and Rose West of football commentary’Credit: AlamyThe ITV football pundit said it had led to a torrent of online abuseCredit: GettyThe Sun can reveal Ms Aluko has lodged another claim over Barton’s social media tirade after a match in January, in which he called her and Lucy Ward “the Fred and Rose West of football commentary”.Ms Aluko, 37, who was capped 102 times for England, said it had led to a torrent of online abuse, which left her scared to leave the house.At the time, Barton revealed he had received a legal letter from “jokers”. And Ms Aluko has now lodged documents at the High Court using the same solicitors as Vine.READ MORE ON JOEY BARTONEx-Bristol Rovers boss Barton was forced to apologise to Vine this month over a string of vile posts, including calling him a “paedo defender”. He said: “I have agreed not to make the same allegations again about Mr Vine and I apologise to him for the distress he’s suffered.”Joey Barton and Jeremy Vine in court showdown More

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    Jamie Carragher apologises for ‘strange’ behaviour after being hacked on X

    JAMIE CARRAGHER has apologised to anyone who received “strange” messages from his hacked X account on Tuesday.The Liverpool icon’s log in details were stolen during England’s dire goalless draw with Slovenia in Group C’s final group match of Euro 2024.Jamie Carragher has apologised after his X account was hackedCredit: SplashCarragher, 46, appeared to be unable to access his account minutes after the Three Lions kicked off in Cologne. An unknown hacker was in control of his page, appearing to re-direct Carragher’s account to a new username of ‘@XAIPremium’Last night, the footie pundit’s username @Carra23 – was linked to an account with just 15 followers, a far cry from his usual 2.3million. The hacker did not stop there as they shared a series of baffling tweets. READ MROE FOOTBALL NEWSBut he has since apologised for the bizarre encounter.He posted on X: “Apologies for anyone who got a strange DM off me last night after I’d been hacked! It now looks like I’m back in the cess pit of X!”Last night, the first hacked tweet read: “I love these memecoins in @Solana. What is your favourite Memecoin? @LFC.”Another also shared an image of Carragher alongside CBS Sports colleague Micah Richards, with the caption: “Can’t hear those waiting for CA @MicahRichards #MESSI.” Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Who wants to buy me a coffee?”The final post was just a baffling jumble of letters and numbers.Watch Jamie Carragher get back on the beers with Dortmund fans for Champions League final after boozy semi-final anticsCarragher took to his Instagram to offer some explanation for confused users during England’s drab draw with Slovenia.He said: “Twitter was hacked so there might be more nonsense on there than usual.”And fans thought it was hilarious, with one saying: “This England midfield has as much control over this match as Jamie Carragher has over his Twitter account.”Another added: “I’ll be honest, Carragher getting hacked is by far the most entertaining thing about this England game.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Kim Kardashian, 43, ‘has a crush on Jude Bellingham’ and if England star, 20, became single ‘she’d be there’

    KIM KARDASHIAN reportedly has a “crush” on Jude Bellingham.The England star has recently been made a brand ambassador for her Skims company.Kim Kardashian apparently has a crush on Jude BellinghamCredit: GettyThe England star has modelled for her brand SkimsCredit: GettyHe stripped down to his pants for the photoshootCredit: SkimsBellingham is dating Laura Celia ValkCredit: PrettyLittleThingKim, 43, shared multiple pictures of Bellingham, 20, on her social media pages as he modelled for the company.She also said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to unveil Jude as the face of our new Skims Men’s campaign.”He has always been a rising star within the football world but this year he’s truly cemented himself as an icon, and his influence on the next-generation of players and fans is undeniable!”This is such an exciting time for the brand, and this campaign is another example of Skims’ ability to create global cultural moments, especially within sports.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024A source has told Heat Magazine that the socialite is not only wowed by his influence.It is said that she also has a crush on the Real Madrid star and that id he was not in a relationship she “would be there”.They revealed: “Getting Jude on board with Skims was a huge deal.”He’s one of the hottest properties in the game at the moment, so it’s a major coup for her.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He lives in Madrid and she’s heard he’s in a relationship, but it’s no secret that if he were to become available, Kim would be there.”The source also claimed that Kim “can not stop talking about how hot Jude is.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024″Jude is hot and she sees nothing wrong with her crush.”Bellingham is currently dating Dutch influencer Laura Celia Valk.They kept their relationship under wraps for the first few months until Laura, 25, let slip to makeup artists at a modelling gig in April.However, Kim is not worried about being labelled as a “cougarKim is not worried about being called a cougarCredit: GettyShe sees nothing wrong with her crushCredit: GettyLaura let their relationship slip to a make-up artistCredit: PrettyLittleThingLaura is a Dutch influencerCredit: InstagramEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Phil Foden reveals lucky memento he takes ‘everywhere’ that England and Man City star wants to wear for entire career

    PHIL FODEN hopes his pair of personalised shinpads – sporting a picture of his social-media superstar son Ronnie – never break as he wants to wear them for the rest of his career.The Manchester City star, 24, has guards under his socks depicting himself and his boy on his shoulders, both sporting club kit, next to an England flag.Phil Foden celebrates his Champions League triumph with son Ronnie, fiveCredit: GettyThe playmaker takes his son onto the field with himCredit: GettyEngland stars have their kit laid out for them before gamesCredit: GettyRonnie is only five but already has four million followers on his Instagram account, @officialronniefoden_.Speaking on FA show Lions’ Den, Foden Snr explained: “Someone made these for me on Instagram.“They’re my lucky shinpads. I take them everywhere. Hopefully they don’t break because I want to wear them the whole of my career.”Foden was on the programme alongside team-mate Conor Gallagher, who also revealed his own prized possession which he looks at before each match.READ MORE EUROS NEWSThe Chelsea midfielder, 24, explained: “My mum and dad got me a necklace for my 21st a few years ago. It has some engraving on the back and I tend to read it when I go out. (It’s a) bit soppy!“I used to have personalised shinpads as well but they didn’t feel very nice so I don’t wear them anymore.”Like the rest of the squad, Gallagher and Foden have been enjoying all the various pastimes at England’s camp in the rolling hills of Blankenhain, including padel, basketball and PlayStation.But fishing lover Foden has also found the time to get his rod out as well.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I’ve had a little bit of time to go fishing, so it’s been nice.“(I’ve caught) some big ‘uns, yeah! I’ve caught some nice fish.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThe soundtrack to England’s games this summer has regularly been Three Lions fans singing ‘Phil Foden’s on fire’ to the tune of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary track, Dancing in the Dark.Asked about his ditty, the PFA Player of the Year commented: “It is proper! To have a song about yourself is something you dream of.“To hear the England fans singing it, it means a lot.”ENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGSENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
    Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
    Jordan Pickford: 6
    Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
    Kyle Walker: 7 
    Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
    John Stones: 6
    OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
    Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
    Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
    Kieran Trippier: 6
    Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
    Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
    This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
    Declan Rice: 5
    Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
    Bukayo Saka: 7
    Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
    Jude Bellingham: 6
    Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
    Phil Foden: 7
    Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
    Harry Kane: 6
    Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
    SUBS:
    Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
    Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
    Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
    Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
    Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
    Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
    Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
    On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved. More