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      Gareth Southgate reaches 100 England games as the accidental manager with record beaten by only Sir Alf Ramsey

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE was the accidental England manager who ended up as his nation’s longest-serving and most successful boss in half a century.And so naturally, he will reach his landmark 100th match in charge as the target of intense wide-ranging criticism and social-media ridicule.Gareth Southgate was appointed England manager in November 2016Credit: GETTYSouthgate will take charge of his 100th match as Three Lions gaffer on SaturdayCredit: REXSouthgate has restored England fans’ faith in the national team during his tenureCredit: GETTYBut defeat to Switzerland with a golden generation at his disposal will damage his legacyCredit: GETTYSuch is the nature of “The impossible job’”. The second-most important role in the country, after the resident of 10 Downing Street.Southgate has outlasted four prime ministers but he’s currently as unpopular as the Tories.Not since Alf Ramsey has an England boss notched up a century of games in charge and not since Sir Alf have the Three Lions reached a major final or impressed at three consecutive tournaments.And yet, as Southgate prepares for a Euros quarter-final against Switzerland this weekend, the vast majority of the nation have long since turned against him.READ MORE ON ENGLAND VS SWISSSouthgate, 53, was a minute away from humiliation and immediate resignation last Sunday, with England 1-0 down to Slovakia deep in injury time.Had it not been for Jude Bellingham’s extraordinary bicycle-kick equaliser, Southgate would have been on his bike.Those close to him insist he would have quit within minutes of the final whistle – as Roy Hodgson did after defeat by Iceland at Euro 2016.But he lives to fight another day, to raise his bat for a century – not to a standing ovation but to a chorus of boos and a hail of plastic beer cups.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEngland ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE 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.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time.During the summer of love in Russia six years ago, Southgate was the darling of the nation – for his waistcoats and his decency as much as England’s march to the World Cup semi-finals.Back then the Twitter trend #GarethSouthgateWould was a sensation – with posts such as ‘Gareth Southgate would know which day the bins go out after a bank holiday and then let all his neighbours know just in case’.Why Xhaka is Football’s Greatest ComebackThis played into the image of a thoroughly sensible, decent and mild-mannered man who had suddenly united an angry and divided post-Brexit nation, resigned to constant failures at major tournaments.Now, though, social media is awash with cruel memes, such as the ever-cautious Southgate sitting in the bath wearing a lifejacket or putting his phone on low battery mode when it’s 99 per cent charged.The elements of Southgate’s personality which made him so cherished in 2018 are similar to those which now make him a figure of fun to so many.These are attention-deficit times. Eight years is an eternity in modern football. And Southgate will never be a devil-may-care manager.Yet remember the shambles he inherited in 2016 – that Iceland debacle swiftly followed by Sam Allardyce’s ill-fated reign, which ended after a single match and too much loose-lipped bragging after a pint of wine.It did not take long for Southgate to restore sense, order and hope.Russia would be the first of three feelgood campaigns, along with the last Euros – in which England reached their first final since 1966 – and the Qatar World Cup, where Southgate’s side played so positively in four matches out of five.But England have regressed significantly during the past month – including their final warm-up defeat by Iceland at Wembley.We have experienced too many reminders of the bad old days under Hodgson, Fabio Capello, Steve McClaren and indeed most of England’s bosses since Ramsey.Southgate has chosen the wrong squad – the absence of a fit left-back his most glaring error – and England have been desperately poor ever since half-time of the opening 1-0 win over Serbia.And all of the common criticisms of Southgate have surfaced – his fearfulness, his tactical naivety and his inability to make decisive and telling substitutions.This is a man who had never played for, nor previously managed, an elite team with expectations to win every match.The ingrained caution which came from a career at Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, then playing for and managing Middlesbrough, has never really left him.Gareth Southgate’s man management has been his best attribute during his reignCredit: REXThe 53-year-old’s tactics have failed to yield the type of results England fans have wantedCredit: REXSouthgate has hinted that this tournament could be his lastCredit: AFPNow blessed with England’s best crop of talent for a generation or more, Southgate’s side somehow look inhibited.Southgate’s greatest strength has been his man-management, his ability to build a positive culture, enabling players to love playing for England.But much of that is being lost in Germany. We are witnessing players being weighed down by the shirt and showing oversensitivity to criticism which is far more reasoned and less personal than in previous generations.Should England lose to the Swiss in Dusseldorf – and unless they show an extreme improvement, they will lose – then Southgate will be gone.Indeed, it is difficult to imagine the circumstances in which he would continue beyond this tournament.If England lose this quarter-final, it will take some time for Southgate’s reputation to be restored.A few weeks ago, he was a genuinely strong contender to take over at Manchester United.If this weekend goes badly, he will not be getting any half-decent Premier League job any time soon.But even if the worst happens in Dusseldorf, history will remember Southgate’s reign kindly.We will remember him fondly, just as soon as England struggle to qualify for tournaments or are knocked out in the group stages, as they used to do.Or when gaggles of players cry off from international duty with dodgy sicknotes and the national team is no longer a place of happy unity.READ MORE SUN STORIESBecause over 100 matches, Southgate’s positives have significantly outweighed the negatives.And he has not reached this milestone by chance.The positives throughout Gareth Southgate’s reign have far outweighed the negativesCredit: GETTY More

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      Gareth Southgate flak is no surprise after England’s Euro 2024 displays… previous Three Lions bosses had it worse

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      FOR 30 years they have called it the Impossible Job — but in my book it was always the ­Ultimate Dream.In 2012 there was a time when it seemed it may come true as well, when England were looking for the man to replace Fabio Capello.England boss Gareth Southgate looks on during a training sessionCredit: AFPI was Tottenham boss at the time and perfectly happy with my lot.Why wouldn’t I be? It was one of the best in football. But the chance to manage England?That was the greatest honour of all and I said so to everyone who asked.Even though I’d not had an approach from the FA, I had loads of messages from people at the League Managers Association insisting I would get it.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSStill I heard nothing, until one day, when I put the radio on as I drove out of Tottenham, there was a newsflash that Roy Hodgson had been appointed — and that was the end of that.As much as it would have been great, it wasn’t a huge disappointment because I had a great job already — although not for much longer as it happened — and it didn’t eat away at me.I’m not one for living in the past and my days aren’t filled with regrets.But I’m also a proud Englishman and it does occasionally still cross my mind, especially at tournament time.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWhat an opportunity it would have been to work with players like Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, ­Steven Gerrard — it was a great generation.Mind you, it’s not a bad one now either, because Gareth Southgate’s England squad is — in my book — the envy of the Euros.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesOK, it’s not been great so far, but we topped the group.And the way our half of the draw has opened up is as though someone up there is saying, ‘There you are, now go and win it’.England will certainly never get a better chance and it does have a ‘now or never’ feel about things.Of course there has been a bit of flak flying around, although that’s hardly a ­surprise after making such heavy weather of getting out of an easy group.Graham Taylor was brutally ridiculed during his time as England managerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHarry Redknapp feels David Moyes (above) received more stick at West Ham than Southgate has with EnglandCredit: GettyHarry Redknapp is writing exclusively for The Sun throughout Euro 2024Credit: Darren FletcherBut if Gareth thinks a few grumbles and chucking the odd plastic cup is stick, he doesn’t know the half of it.Compared to what Graham Taylor suffered — every day at one stage — it’s nothing.Such a great man, a genuinely lovely guy, he was ridiculed by the whole country. And people think it was all great under Bobby ­Robson, too.They remember the 1990 World Cup, Gazza’s tears and all that. But he got a load of grief in the years before. For sure, Gareth’s had a bit over the last few days — as England manager it comes as part of the deal — but nothing like those two.Not even close.I remember when the West Ham fans were having a right go at David Moyes in his first spell there and him telling me, “My God, they don’t mess about, do they?”That’s what real stick is like — horrible, personal stuff and hopefully Gareth never gets anything similar.Touch wood he won’t, either, because I keep coming back to the draw — and how it’s being put on a plate for England.Harry Kane is the best centre-forward in the world, for all he’s struggled this far, Jude Bellingham was the star of LaLiga and Phil Foden the Player of the Year in this country. All men any other nation would build their team around. They would do the same with Jack Grealish and James Maddison and they never even made the plane.In the Palm of his handENGLAND may have stunk the place out so far but there’s only one new face I want to see in tomorrow’s line-up — Cole Palmer.I don’t go along with those who want to see a load of changes against Slovakia — for all the group games were awful.It’s been too slow, too steady, too safe but you need someone who can produce that flash of genius — and Cole is that special talent.He can cause chaos on the left and that would also allow Phil Foden — touch wood he’s back in the camp — to float in behind Harry Kane.Lots of people are calling for Kobbie Mainoo to come in alongside Declan Rice in midfield.But I would put Jude Bellingham in a deeper role, with Kobbie coming off the bench again if he’s needed.I just hope England are more attacking, more positive and play with more pace. If they do that, I can’t see us having a problem.And now we’ve got Slovakia in the last 16 tomorrow — a side who’ve got lads who were on loan at places like Norwich and Watford not so long ago.No doubt Gareth will talk them up as being well ­organised, hard to break down and tough opponents.But let’s be honest, compared to the top sides — ones like England — they are rubbish and we should be smashing them to pieces.There isn’t a team to scare me and, after saying before the tournament that anything less than the final would be failure, I’m not about to change now.Fingers crossed all those who have underperformed — there are plenty of them — get their act together.Not many will live with England if they do, trust me.Gareth won’t be worrying about dodging any plastic beer glasses or angry fans then — although I think it’s wrong to put all the blame at his door in any case.As Taylor used to say, a manager is never as bad as you think and never as good as he’s painted. It’s always somewhere in the middle.Southgate has done a decent job so far.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe last four of the World Cup and a Euros final isn’t bad, for all the draws helped him then as well.Let’s just hope this time he gets us over the line. They won’t be calling it the Impossible Job if he does.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Jurgen Klinsmann: Gareth Southgate deserves respect for fronting up and taking flak… it shows England boss’ strength

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      I REALLY admire the way ­Gareth Southgate is fronting up and taking the flak for his England team.After the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, a second consecutive frustrating and disappointing performance, he could have gone straight to the locker room and yelled and got angry with the world.Gareth Southgate applauds the England fans – but he was booed by manyCredit: GettyInstead he went over to the England fans, even though he knew they were far from happy.He confronted the situation and he thanked them for their support.Even though a few of them threw plastic beer glasses at him, many more will have appreciated that gesture.That shows Gareth’s strength of character. Deflecting criticism from your players is part of a manager’s job — especially during a tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEveryone prefers compliments to boos. We’re all human beings. But when that criticism comes, you need broad shoulders.Gareth has that, as a seasoned tournament manager.Like Gareth, I’ve lived through many major tournaments as a player and a manager.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThey have a unique intensity and that intensity is what you live for I love tournaments for precisely those sorts of moments.Most read in Euro 2024Dealing with these extreme emotions, knowing you have little time to turn things around but always knowing it is possible.Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedEvery fan is so pumped up for tournaments that they expect you to go out and play the other team out of the stadium, scoring three or four goals, but it so rarely happens.You have to make sure everyone in the group from the bus driver to the press officer to the centre-forward is united in belief.You and your fellow coaches have to make sure you develop a fighting environment within the group.It’s not a ‘siege mentality’. That’s too negative. Gareth knows the world is not against him and his team.It’s about confronting negative moments, regrouping and getting fired up for the next opponents.Sure, England haven’t played well in their last two matches but they have topped the group and the draw has been kind to them.I am sure they will beat Slovakia on Sunday and then as soon as you’ve won a knockout game, the whole nation begins to hope and there is more unity.After the group stage, it is reboot time. It’s like a new tournament.Against Slovenia, England had so little space but I was in Los Angeles earlier this week to see Brazil v Costa Rica in the Copa America and that was very similar.It ended as a 0-0 draw in which Costa Rica parked the bus and cramped out the Brazilians.In the group stages of tournaments many ‘smaller’ teams will play this way.They will sacrifice everything to defend their goal and rely on the occasional counter-attack.If you cannot unlock that packed defence, it is a nightmare. Unless you can score that damned first goal, it is hugely frustrating for players, coaches and fans.It’s not just England who have struggled. France and Belgium have struggled, too, and hosts Germany suffered badly before they drew with Switzerland.In the knockout stage, it is different. Even defensive-minded teams have to come out of their shells. Trying to defend for 120 minutes in the hope of penalties is just not sustainable.When games open up, England can thrive and a positive vibe can return.It is hard for supporters of England, Germany and France to swallow but the so-called lesser teams can make life really miserable for you.But tournaments are all about winning ­­— and if you win one, few people tend to remember how you won it.There are countless examples but I always remember Italy at the 2006 World Cup — who beat my Germany side in extra-time in the semi-finals and beat France on penalties in the final.The Italians should have lost to Australia in the round of 16, as the Aussies were denied a clear penalty, and they scored 70 per cent of their goals in that tournament from set-pieces.Southgate has made strange decisions… he should have brought Henderson and Maguire, write Charlie WyettIN the space of a week, we seem to have lost the Gareth Southgate who brought the feel-good factor back to English football, writes Charlie Wyett.Here is a man who now looks battered and bruised from the fierce criticism he has received not only back home but also from a couple of former England players.We live in a world where too many pundits are cheerleaders and while Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were correct in their evaluation of the Three Lions after the 1-1 draw with Denmark, it has nevertheless gone down badly with Southgate.The manager says he is on a mission to protect his players from all the s*** that is flying around but he must also ensure he does not lose focus.In his eight years as England manager, he had never appeared so chilled going into the opening two games.The mood was upbeat around the team’s Euro base in Blankenhain. Southgate was in good humour during all of his media duties.Here was a man confident in the knowledge he had a group of players capable of winning Euro 2024.But in the fall-out of the two draws against Denmark and Slovenia, his mood has darkened spectacularly. He has had some tough spells but none like this.One of the 53-year-old’s big strengths has been the ability to tap into each and every England fan and create positivity.No supporter will ever forget the summer of 2018 when they finally fell in love with the England football team.Yet Southgate knows he has lost the trust of virtually the entire English supporting public.He suffered abuse and ridicule after England lost 4-0 to Hungary in the Nations League in 2022 but this is at a different level.Southgate is acutely aware how the whole mood of the nation has changed.Over these last few weeks, Southgate has made some strange decisions.It was a mistake to take Luke Shaw as his sole left-footed defender and only now is he anywhere near to being fit.Marc Guehi has been England’s best player over the three matches so far but Ezri Konsa and Lewis Dunk are not ideal back-ups.Southgate should have picked either Harry Maguire, despite his short-term injury issues, or Bayern Munich’s Eric Dier.Jordan Henderson — despite not having a great end to the season with Ajax — should have been included as he would have had a month to get up speed in terms of sharpness.Even if he was not ready to start, he is a winner  — as he proved with Liverpool — and he would have been a steady,  experienced influence in the dressing room. As for Southgate’s team selections, the Trent Alexander-Arnold experiment did not work.Neither did putting Conor Gallagher next to Declan Rice against Slovenia.Although Marcus Rashford and James Maddison could not have too many complaints over missing out, Jack Grealish should have been included even if it was to come off the bench.Southgate went too far with his mixing and matching. Now, he is left with a squad lacking balance but equally, one which could go deep into this tournament.Southgate needs his big players like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Phil Foden to play without fear.Those same players need Southgate to try not to be affected by public opinion, even if this includes some of his mates.Also, Southgate needs to get all of his team selections right. And maybe then, he will leave the England job on a high.Read all of Charlie Wyett’s Euro 2024 articles.But they ended up as world champions. he; Do you think anyone in Italy cared how they achieved it?England have the potential to be a much more expansive team than that.Jude Bellingham has had a couple of quiet games but I would rather that happened in the group stages than the knockouts.He is a game changer who can conjure something to win a match in a split second. He can explode in the knockout stages.It’s certainly true that, with France, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Belgium all in the other half of the draw, England have the better of it.But do not underestimate Switzerland, who England could meet in the quarter-final, or Austria, a potential semi-final opponent.Those two teams have seriously impressed me.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey show that even without many world-class players, a team with the right chemistry and togetherness can go a long way.Those really are two teams to watch but England will know they have a genuine chance of making the final, however frustrating things have been until now.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Argentinian referee and VAR at centre of Scotland vs Hungary penalty row AXED from Euro 2024 as Uefa slam ‘major errors’

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      UEFA have AXED the blundering Argentinian ref who ignored Scotland’s penalty claim against Hungary – AND his VAR.Facundo Tello infuriated Steve Clarke by ignoring Willi Orban’s foul on Stuart Armstrong in Stuttgart – leading to a furious outburst from the Scotland boss.Referee Facundo Tello during the clash between Scotland and HungaryCredit: GettyReferee Facundo Tello shows Yellow card to Scott McTominayCredit: GettySteve Clarke was far from happy with Mr TelloCredit: Kenny RamsayBut Sunsport understands SIX on the 19 refereeing teams have been sent home after being told they won’t officiate any further matches in the tournament – and that Tello and his assistants Gabriel Chade and Ezequiel Brailovsky are among them.And Spanish sources are tonight reporting that Tello’s VAR Alejandro Hernandez has also been stood down for “not evaluating the play as indicated in the instructions” over the Armstrong incident. In fact, UEFA felt Hernandez failed to intervene on TWO penalty-box incidents in the Scotland v Hungary match.As well as the Armstrong flashpoint, UEFA bosses believed Grant Hanley’s first-half elbow on Endre Botka could also have been interpreted as a penalty to the Hungarians. UEFA are likely to announce on Friday which refereeing teams are staying on.And though there had been speculation that Tello would be given a knockout stages fourth official appointment in a bid to maintain the reciprocal courtesy agreement between UEFA and Conmebol, he looks to have paid the price for what’s viewed as a major error.The performance of the Argentinian in Stuttgart saw Clarke asked if he had spoken to the official.The Scotland boss responded: “He’s from Argentina — why would I ask him? Most read in Euro 2024“He probably doesn’t speak the language. I don’t know.Does Steve Clarke still have the desire in him to continue & has Callum McGregor played his last game for Scotland“Why is he here? Why is there not a European referee?”Those comments infuriated UEFA top brass who have yet to decide whether to charge Clarke for the remarks.The agreement between UEFA and Conmebol has seen Italian Maurizio Mariani at the Copa America, where he refereed the U.S.A.’s win over Bolivia.Scotland’s Stuart Armstrong falls after the challenge from Hungary’s Willi OrbanCredit: APReferee Facundo Tello speaks to Andrew Robertson of ScotlandCredit: GettyKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Luke Shaw declares himself ready to play for England in Euro 2024 knockouts in huge boost to Gareth Southgate

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      LUKE SHAW has declared himself fit finally for England at Euro 2024.The Manchester United star, 28, has not played since February due to injury.Luke Shaw is finally ready to return to England in a huge boost for Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyThe left-back has not played since February due to injuryCredit: PADespite that, Gareth Southgate still selected him as the only recognised left-back in his Three Lions squad for Euro 2024. Shaw has been unable to feature yet in Germany with right-footer Kieran Trippier stepping in to play on the opposite side.But now Southgate and England have received a huge boost after Shaw was deemed fit to make an appearance.And that means that he could feature in the last-16 clash with Slovakia on Sunday.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Southgate views the 28-year-old defender as a crucial part of his plans which led to his “calculated risk” to select him in his squad.But England’s attack has been destabilised and looked out of sorts without a natural left-footer at full-back, even though Trippier’s defensive abilities have been on full display.The Three Lions were held to a stalemate by Slovenia on Tuesday in their final group game, which ensured top spot.However, both Phil Foden, who has returned to the UK for the birth of his third child, and Jude Bellingham, who were deployed to rotate between the left and central in the game, were both spotted venting their frustrations at Trippier after he failed to pass to them down that side.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut now the return of Shaw will bolster England’s attack as well as their backline.The ex-Southampton ace produced three assists and scored in the final of the last Euros.Five reasons for England to be positive after Slovenia drawAnd he followed that up by creating the most chances of any England player at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.Having missed the 1-0 opening win over Serbia, the plan was originally for Shaw to get some minutes in the second match against Denmark.But he failed to make the bench for the 1-1 bore draw and only made his training comeback on Monday, meaning that it was too late for him to feature versus Slovenia.That means that Shaw has been unable to build up any minutes to ensure he is fully match fit for the knockouts.After Tuesday’s match, when asked on whether he was fit, Shaw replied “next game” to journalists to show that he believes he can still play a big role for his country at the tournament.There will still be big worries over Shaw considering that he only played 15 times last season.READ MORE SUN STORIESA muscle injury forced him to miss the first three months for United before he was sidelined again with a hamstring issue for four weeks at the start of 2024.Shaw then only played five times before the hamstring injury against Luton ended his domestic campaign.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      England fans forced to cheer on TWO Euro 2024 minnows to prevent Three Lions getting nightmare draw

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      ENGLAND topping Group C at Euro 2024 has seen them placed on the opposite side of the draw to a number of heavyweights.Spain, Germany, Portugal and France do not stand in the way of the Three Lions’ route to the final.England face face an anxious wait to see who they will face in the last 16Credit: GettyThe Netherlands would be a stern testCredit: RexBut a huge stumbling block could potentially lie in wait in the last 16.Gareth Southgate’s side are most likely to come up against the Netherlands.England will face the Dutch or whoever finishes third in Group E in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine are all on three points going into today’s 5pm fixtures.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSBut it is actually the results in Group F at 8pm which most affect the Three Lions.England will face the Netherlands unless the Czech Republic beat Turkey or Georgia topple Portugal.Turkey, the Czechs and Georgia can all finish third in Group F and if they do that with three points or more, they would leapfrog Hungary in the third-placed standings.That would leave England playing whoever finishes third in group E.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSData Analysts Nielsen Gracenote have ranked the chances of England facing the five teams as; Netherlands (61% per cent), Slovakia (16 per cent), Ukraine (11 per cent), Romania (8 per cent) and Belgium (4 per cent).Whoever England face, Jack Wilshere wants Southgate to unleash Kobbie Mainoo.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosHe told SunSport: “I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.”Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.”And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.”It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.”Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He’s only 19 but he understands the game so well and knows what it needs.”He is better on the ball than Gallagher and he also allowed Declan Rice to get forward even more in the second half than he had in the first.”England player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs SloveniaENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.Jordan Pickford – 6Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.Kieran Trippier – 6The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.Marc Guehi – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.John Stones – 6One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.Kyle Walker – 5Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.Conor Gallagher – 4Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.Declan Rice – 7Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.Phil Foden – 7Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.Jude Bellingham – 5Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.Bukayo Saka – 6Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.Harry Kane – 6Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact. More

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      ‘How poetic’ – Scotland fans brutally trolled over anti-England chant after Steve Clarke’s bizarre Argentine ref rant

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      ODE dear! England fans reckon their Scottish counterparts suffered “poetic” justice with a controversial Euro 2024 exit.Steve Clarke blasted the use of an Argentinian referee after the Tartan Army were denied a “100 per cent” penalty in Hungary’s 1-0 win.Scotland fans sung and danced to taunt England over Diego Maradona’s notorious role in the Three Lions’ 1986 World Cup quarter-finals exitSteve Clarke is sure Scotland were wrongly denied a penaltyBut some Three Lions’ supporters claimed the Scottish misfortune was “karma”.That’s because just days earlier Tartan Army followers in Munich had chanted their joy at England’s notorious 1986 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina.The Scots spiced up the Hokey-Cokey with the line: “Oh, Diego Maradona. He put the English out, out, out!”Maradona’s wrongly-allowed “Hand of God” goal set Argentina up for a 2-1 victory on the way to winning the tournament in Mexico almost 38 years ago to the day. READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSAnd a fellow countryman of the Napoli legend also had a contentious role as Scotland again failed to progress from the group stages.Ref Facundo Tello ignored appeals for a spot-kick at 0-0 in the second half.Manchester United’s Scott McTominay slipped Stuart Armstrong through, with the Southampton midfielder surging in front of Willi Orban but going down under the defender’s challenge.VAR assessed the incident but declined to recommend an on-field review.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLStuart Armstrong was furious not to get a spot-kickCredit: EPAEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAnd in the end Kevin Csoboth fired a breakaway winner for Hungary 10 minutes into stoppage time.The match had needed a lengthy hold-up as Hungarian forward Barnabas Varga was knocked unconscious in a sickening collision with Scotland keeper Angus Gunn.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosVarga was taken to hospital and has had surgery for a fractured cheekbone.Afterwards, Clarke had no doubts his team were robbed of a spot-kick – but the extent of his outburst still surprised many.The ex-Chelsea defender and former Reading manager, 60, said: “It’s 100 per cent a penalty and someone has to explain to me why it’s not. “Because otherwise I’m thinking there’s something wrong.“Did I have a conversation with the officials? What’s the point, he’s from Argentina. “What’s the point? Why is it not a European referee? Trying to be clever, I dunno, I don’t understand.  “I don’t understand why he’s here and not in his own country refereeing a game. “I don’t understand how VAR can look at that and say it’s not a penalty.  That’s just my opinion.  It’s 100 per-cent a penalty.”Meet Germany’s Euro 2024 Wags
      Germany’s Wags range from a glam architect to a leading equestrian and a fashion model.
      Dani ter Stegen (Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s wife)
      One of Germany’s most popular Wags with over 600,000 Instagram followers. Earned a degree in architecture after moving to Barcelona with her husband.
      Sara Gundogan (Ilkay Gundogan’s wife)
      Italian model was never shy to pop a dig at Manchester while Ilkay was at Man City, but has changed her tune and said she misses the city since his move to Barcelona.
      Jessica Kroos (Toni Kroos’ wife)
      Couple first met when Toni was 18 and she was 20. Jessica is credited with convincing the soon-to-retire Germany star to sign a new Real Madrid deal at a time when he was wavering.
      Candice Brook (Leroy Sane’s girlfriend)
      American model helped Harry Kane get used to Germany and overcome the language barrier following his move to Bayern Munich.
      Sophia Weber (Kai Havertz’s fiancee)
      Soon-to-be Mrs Havertz has struck up a close friendship with Martin Odegaard’s partner Helene Spilling. Sophia recently enjoyed a hen party in Ibiza.
      Lisa Muller (Thomas Muller’s wife)
      Lisa is a famous dressage rider in Germany and reportedly convinced her husband not to join Man Utd.
      Find out more about the Germany Euro 2024 Wags here

      But Clarke received little sympathy from England fans who had viewed the Hand of God Hokey-Cokey from Scottish counterparts.Sharing a clip of that dancing, one Three Lions’ supporter posted: “How poetic is it that an Argentinian referee denied them a stonewall penalty to send them out after this video. See ya lads airports that way.”Another wrote: “Karma is a b****.”And a third taunted the Scots further by joking: “Gave it their best shot … well one shot anyway.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut plenty of viewers insisted the spot-kick was far from clear-cut, with many arguing that in fact Armstrong had been the initial offender.Ex-England frontman Alan Shearer backed Clarke’s verdict on the penalty – slamming Orban’s “terrible challenge” – but fellow BBC pundit Chris Sutton was certain the ref’s decision was correct.The stats show what little impact the Scots made going forward More

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      Referee for Scotland’s crunch Euro 2024 clash vs Hungary once sent off TEN PLAYERS in one game in warning to Tartan Army

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      NO matter how tense Scotland’s crucial clash with Hungary gets, they must hope the referee doesn’t repeat a jaw-dropping feat he pulled off two years ago.Argentinian Facundo Tello is the only non-Uefa whistler at Euro 2024.Facundo Tello was forced to go red-card crazy in Argentina’s Champions Trophy final two years agoTello dished out three yellows in Turkey’s 3-1 win vs Georgia last weekCredit: RexEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAnd he’s taken with him to Germany one of the most remarkable red-card counts ever seen in a single game.Tello once sent off TEN players, including seven from one side, Boca Juniors.The Champions Trophy final in his home country back in November 2022 descended into chaos after a goal two minutes from the end of extra time.And rules meant the contest had to be abandoned once Boca picked up the fifth of their seen dismissals.READ MORE TOP STORIESRacing Club snatched a late 2-1 lead through a Carlos Alcaraz header.However, the midfielder sparked a volley of abuse by celebrating in front of the Boca fans – and for a long time.That led to a melee, a spree of sendings-off and Tello blowing the final whistle early – although Racing’s victory stood.Scotland will certainly need calmer heads than Boca’s if they are to reach the knockout phase of a major competition for the first time.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLTello didn’t impress Portugal players like Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Otavio and Bernardo Silva during their World cup exit to MoroccoCredit: ReutersEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSTo even just give themselves hope, the Scots must beat Hungary and pray that Germany defeat Switzerland.It’s Tello’s second game in charge at the finals.Tartan Army descend on Stuttgart ahead of make or break Euro 2024 clash with HungaryWho is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?

      EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.
      Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.
      But who is the sexiest?
      Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.
      And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.
      In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.
      While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.
      But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.

      The 42-year-old dished out three yellow cards – and no reds –  in Turkey’s 3-1 victory over Georgia last Tuesday.However, he is already notorious to some of the biggest stars at the Euros.Portugal legends Bruno Frenandes and Pepe accused him of bias after their shock 1-0 World Cup exit to Morocco in Qatar.That was just a month after his 10-red tornado in his home country!But the blast from Fernandes and Co appeared to lack substance.The Manchester United midfielder moaned it was “unacceptable” for an Argentinian to officiate when his nation was still in the tournament.Fernandes also claimed Tello wasn’t up to it as he had never reffed in the Champions League.The Red Devils’ skipper reckoned officials without such experience are “not used to this type of game, they don’t have the pace for this”. READ MORE SUN STORIESNow Scotland must hope that they at least have the pace to threaten the Hungarians…Scotland 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 More