UEFA Nations League

GARY LINEKER’S former team-mate Dragan Stojkovic is the Serbian manager seeking to cause a major upset come Sunday.The country’s leading football icon will set out to mute English voices and send shockwaves through the nation by beating Gareth Southgate’s side in the Group C opener.Dragan Stojkovic played alongside Gary Lineker at Japanese side Nagoya Grampus in 1994Credit: GettyAnd now the Serbian manager seeks to spoil England’s opening partyCredit: ReutersLineker will surely watch on as his former team-mate takes on the Three Lions’ on SundayCredit: AlamyFollowing two decades in the European Championship wilderness, it is high time that Serbia made their mark on a major tournament.But Stojkovic’s talented side face the Euro 2020 runners-up England in their group opener in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.And the Serbians – who have ex-Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the line – will set out to spoil England’s party, and could be spurred on by Southgate’s recent results.Stojkovic will be encouraged by England’s recent run of one win in five games, including the shock 1-0 friendly defeat to Iceland at Wembley.read more football newsHowever, the Three Lions’ remain favourites to lift the Euros come July 14 and enjoyed an unbeaten qualifying campaign.Stojkovic played with Lineker at Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight after joining in the spring of 1994 under Arsene Wenger, who left them for Arsenal in 1996.Stojkovic went on to spend seven seasons with Grampus Eight, retiring as a player in 2001, and played 183 matches for the club, scoring 57 times.For Lineker however it didn’t work out as planned.Most read in footballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe English midfielder played just 24 times over two years, scoring eight goals, and retired after failing to deliver glory during that short spell.Meanwhile Stojkovic also starred for Red Star Belgrade, reaching the semi-finals of the Uefa Cup and winning the Yugoslavia First League on two occasions.Jack Wilshere, Jurgen Klinsmann and Gordon Strachan settle some HUGE Dream Team Euros debatesFrom here, the former attacking midfielder moved to Olympique Marseille and won the Champions League in 1992.But the man who scored 15 goals in 84 internationals has a complex history with the Euros.Stojkovic was in the Yugoslavia team excluded from Euro 92 three days after arriving in Sweden for the tournament, after the outbreak of conflict in the Balkans.But it is the first time Serbia will feature at the Euros after becoming an independent nation in 2006.They will pin their hopes on striker Mitrovic extending a superb run of form in all competitions, with five goals from seven games in Euro 2024 qualifying and averaging a goal per game in the Saudi league this season.England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
How England attack
England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
How England defend
England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTJack Wilshere’s England XI vs SerbiaSunSport columnist Jack Wilshere wants Engand to start with just one holding midfielder – Declan Rice.
That means playing Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in attacking midfield roles, with Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka on the wings, either side of Harry Kane up top.
Wilshere said: “In the group stage against teams we should beat, we can  afford to be more expansive, let’s attack.
“It wasn’t that long ago we were saying we didn’t have the Spanish-type of players who can dominate the ball, now we have.
“So let’s try to utilise that, dominate the ball and go for goals.”
And the ex-England midfielder wants Trent Alexander-Arnold to get the nod at right-back, with Kyle Walker centre-back.
He added: “If you play Trent at right-back and he drifts in midfield, he can switch the play at speed. Walker’s pace will get you out of trouble.”
Read more from Jack Wilshere during Euro 2024. More

TENS of thousands of England fans will descend on Gelsenkirchen this weekend for Sunday’s Euro 2024 opener vs Serbia.So SunSport has produced a must read city guide for every Three Lions supporter – including the best places to have a beer!England fans will flock to Gelsenkirchen in huge numbers this weekendCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThey’ll be looking for a good time in GermanyAnd SunSport has produced this fans’ guide to Gelsenkirchen which every travelling Three Lions supporter must readGelsenkirchen is a former industrial hub and home to German giants Schalke.And die-hard fan Simon Schlenke provided SunSport with expert local knowledge all England supporters should know.From fan zones and must see tourist attractions, to traditional German eateries and (of course!) the best pubs, we’ve got you covered…Fan zoneSunSport says: The official Gelsenkirchen fan zone will be at the spectacular Nordsternplatz. Read more Euros newsThe enormous riverside park has wide open green spaces, stunning views and striking man-made structures.And of course the amphitheatre which will be a perfect spot to watch all the live Euro 2024 action on vast TV screens.It takes about half an hour on the bus to get there from Gelsenkirchen city centre.But the journey is worth it for the jaw-dropping surroundings where you will be able to watch football while eating and drinking from a wide array of pop-up food and drink stalls.Most read in FootballMake sure you search NordsternPLATZ if getting an Uber rather than NordsternPARK. The platz is part of the park but the overall park is HUGE so beware. We learned this the hard way.Astrid Wett releases England song for Euro 2024 with fellow OnlyFans star as fans say ‘why does it actually sound good?’The Nordsternplatz fan zone will show every Euros game live on huge TV screensThe Euro 2024 trophy overlooks the wide open green spaces of NordsternparkThe fan zone’s stunning riverside location makes the half hour bus journey from Gelsenkirchen town centre worthwhileStadiumSunSport says: Schalke’s 62,000 capacity Veltins Arena will play host to England at a major tournament for the second time in 18 years when they meet Serbia on Sunday.But Three Lions fans won’t want to remember the last time as it saw England lose the 2006 World Cup quarter-final to Portugal on penalties.And, perhaps more memorably, it was the scene of Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous wink after his then-Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney was sent off for stamping on former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho.Schalke are floundering in the second tier – finishing mid-table last season – but still boast the second largest number of fan members behind only giants Bayern Munich.The stadium was opened in 2001, cost nearly £170million to build, has a retractable roof and is sponsored by German brewer Veltins.Gareth Southgate’s team will not be the first Englishmen to enter the stadium this year as Colchester-born left-back Derry Murkin played 23 league games for Schalke last season.England play Serbia in Sunday’s Euro 2024 opener at Schalke’s Veltins ArenaThe imposing stadium has a retractable roof and was opened in 2001The modern arena cost nearly £170m to build and sells out most weeks despite Schalke being in the second tierEngland fans will have bad memories of the ground as the scene of Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous wink after Wayne Rooney was sent off in the 2006 World Cup finalBest place for England fans to gatherSimon says: “Go to the Heinrich-Konig Platz.”England fans met there during the 2006 World Cup too and the atmosphere was great. I have no doubt it will be again.”There are a lot of pubs nearby which is great.”But if it’s too crowded, fans can go to the Trabrennbahn horse racing track where there will be big screens showing the games.”SunSport says: The official Nordsternplatz fan zone is a bit of a faff to get to, so England fans will be seeking out alternative spots to gather.And Heinrich-Konig Platz is just the place.The sprawling square surrounds an old bell tower with bars, pubs and restaurants lining the perimeter.And it is also a designated meeting place for England fans with tickets to the Serbia clash – with the Veltins Arena just a short tram ride away.England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
How England attack
England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
How England defend
England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

Best pubs for England fans in Gelsenkirchen Simon says: “The Friesenstube pub is near the Heinrich-Konig Platz, it’s great and you get a perfect draught beer.”But, if you want to have a real Schalke experience, go to the Schalke neighbourhood and go to the BOSCH [sports bar].”It’s the official club pub, has a real home town feel and is a bit closer to the stadium.”And it’s also right next to Schalke’s historical first ever stadium – the Gluckauf-Kampfbahn.”Schalke fan Simon told SunSport readers to head to Vereinslokal Schalke 04 “Bosch” bar for a ‘home town feel’The bar in Gelsenkirchen’s Schalke region is close to the Veltins ArenaThe Friesenstube pub by the Heinrich Konig Platz has great beer and traditional German decor where Simon (second from left) is a regularBest restaurants for England fans in GelsenkirchenSimon says: “If England fans have had a little bit too much to drink and want to line their stomachs, definitely go to a restaurant with a Greek name.”They will have everything you need to get sober again and maybe get a good base to drink a few more beers.”Diosmos is particularly great. And if you prefer Italian, go to Ristorante Trulli.”But for traditional German food, head to Haus Hirt steakhouse.”SunSport says: Greek restaurant Topkapi Saray was our favourite spot. Although it is right outside Gelsenkirchen’s main station, the chicken gyros wraps were to die for. Greek restaurants are very common in Gelsenkirchen and most are very good qualitySunSport’s expert local guide Simon recommended Diosmos (pictured) while SunSport loved Topkapi SarayMust try German beerSimon says: “Stauder Pils.”It is the perfect pint.”Stauder Pils is a local beer brewed just ten miles away in EssenMust try German foodSimon says: “Taxiteller. “It’s currywurst, french fries and gyro meat with tzatziki, onions and greens. “Add a bit of mayonnaise and ketchup and you have the perfect combo!”Taxiteller is a German dish made with currywurst, gyro meat, French fries and onionsMust see tourist attractionSunSport says: Schalke’s historic Gluckauf-Kampfbahn stadium is a super spot for any football historians.The old ground opened in 1928 and was used until 1973 when it was replaced by Schalke’s Parkstadion. It is well worth a visit along with the Musiktheater im Revier opera house for the more cultured England fan…Schalke’s historic former Kampfbahn Gluckauf is well worth a visit for any football history buffsWhile the Musiktheater im Revier may be more suited to the more cultured England fanFun fact about GelsenkirchenSimon says: “The city has real industrial history.”There’s been a bit of a downfall in recent years but it is a great place for creative people who want to implement their ideas.”SunSport says: Gelsenkirchen is by no means the most glamorous place you will visit in your life.In fact it is easily the worst city England visit during the group stage.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the beer is good, the people are friendly and it is easy to get around.If the sun is out and England win, there will be nothing to complain about! More

THERE is something concerning about the new-found affection for England among the Germans.After years of rubbing our noses in it on the football field and generally looking down theirs at us, suddenly we are their brothers from another mother.Scotland fans will face Germany in Munich tomorrowJurgen Klinsmann told this newspaper just days ago that should we go all the way at Euro 2024, the whole of Germany would raise a two-pint stein of beer in celebration.And those things are bloody heavy.Back in the 1990s, Klinsmann embodied much of what us Anglo- Saxons resented about our neighbours from across the North Sea.On the pitch he was crafty, slick and not averse to falling over rather easily.read more football newsHe was also annoyingly successful and even danced on Wembley’s hallowed turf after winning Euro 96, while rejoicing in our demise —  along with 82 million of his countrymen. Now it has gone full circle with Herr Klinsmann and his mates thinking that England are wonderful.Germany’s midfield legend Toni Kroos actually wants Jude Bellingham to have a “decisive tournament”.Not just that. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOver here they are now modelling their country on ours.This week is a prime example of how Germany is doing its level best to be more English, while also  shattering a few illusions about their ingrained superiority.Watch adidas’ Jude Bellingham advert that leaves England fans with ‘goosebumps’ and features cameo from Laura Woods For a start, German trains are dreadful. The locals say “scheisse”. You don’t need to look it up.Forget this long-held notion that they are punctual to the second.If an inter-city “ICE” train turns up at all, let alone within 20 minutes of its scheduled arrival, you may hear spontaneous applause from despairing passengers on the platform.This Wednesday, my 3.30pm connection from Nuremberg to Munich was cancelled without explanation.The approachable young girl in her smart maroon Deutsche Bahn uniform informed the crowd that the next train would depart at 4pm. The immediate response from one weary, cynical  traveller, ground down by years of this anguish, replied: “Today? Or Tomorrow?”My first German joke. Ultimately, it didn’t matter.German fans welcome England stars to GermanyCredit: RexAt 3.55pm DB decided to send it to Bremen anyway. Which if you don’t know (and I didn’t) is 369 miles in the opposite direction to Munich.One battle-scarred individual told me this is normal, as 500 people scrambled to switch platforms in a bid to make a later service.Just last weekend, Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug told assembled media how he made the mistake of taking the train back to camp after a weekend visit to family.After three were cancelled, the Borussia Dortmund centre-forward squeezed on to the fourth and found himself unwittingly becoming a temporary member of a school trip in a jam-packed carriage trundling through Bavaria at half speed.The fact Fullkrug could chuckle about it is heartwarming, yet a characteristic more associated with us.They are not famous for laughing at themselves in these parts, yet it is becoming part of the national make-up.Kroos, a five-times winner of the Champions League with Real Madrid, poked fun at the German national team’s recent disasters — joking that his kids have become used to watching successful teams, so obviously they haven’t seen much of “Die Mannschaft”.And the media themselves? This week some of my Teutonic colleagues expressed disappointment that Jack Grealish will not be at Euro 2024,  saying that they see him as “kind of German”.When I asked if that’s because he has a terrible hairstyle, they actually saw the funny side and agreed even Stevie Wonder could get a job as a barber out here.Then take the weather. It’s been largely dull, wet and chilly this week in Munich and I could see my breath on Wednesday morning.The heating is on at my hotel. Much more Barnsley than the Bavarian summer ideal we have been sold.READ MORE SUN STORIESSomething is happening to Germany.Instead of looking down at us, they like us and want to be more like us — haphazard, flawed and not quite as good as people think. More