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    Chelsea enter Conference League despite speculation they could snub Uefa competition after facing tough financial rules

    CHELSEA have been entered for the Conference League next season – despite the extra financial restrictions they will face from Uefa.Manchester United’s FA Cup Final triumph over Manchester City tipped the sixth-placed Blues into Uefa’s third competition.Chelsea have been entered for the Conference League next seasonCredit: GettyThis follows as the club will face extra financial restrictions from UefaCredit: ReutersIt also cost Chelsea £7m in up-front Uefa cash, adding to the Stamford Bridge club’s potential issues.There had been speculation that Chelsea might opt not to take up their place in the competition.All clubs playing in Europe must stick to Uefa’s spending limit of 80 per cent of their annual revenues on wages and transfers.Whereas Prem PSR rules allow losses of £105m over three years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa, which has a fixed punishment schedule for breaches, will also not allow Chelsea to include switches of property assets to the club’s owner company in their accounts.But despite the concerns, Nyon chiefs have now confirmed Chelsea were entered in the Conference League by the FA.It means they cannot be replaced by Newcastle – who finished seventh in the Prem and were knocked out of Europe altogether by the Old Trafford club’s Wembley triumph.Chelsea have spent around £1billion on player transfers over the last two years, meaning they are now at risk of breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIf found guilty of a breach, they could receive a significant points deduction.The Blues recently appointed former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsPoch left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last month despite having a positive end to the season.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskNottingham ForestDeducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.EvertonInitial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.Sheffield UnitedHit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…Manchester CityEtihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.ChelseaBlues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.LeicesterFoxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.Everton (again)The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More

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    England face Uefa charge following Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia after fans throw cups at Gareth Southgate

    ENGLAND may face a Uefa charge after beer cups were thrown towards Gareth Southgate last night.The Three Lions boss went over to applaud travelling supporters following the 0-0 bore draw with Slovenia in Cologne.Several cups were hurled onto the pitchCredit: RexGareth Southgate went over to clap fans after the matchCredit: GettySouthgate, 53, was met by anger from sections of the England support.Reports last night suggested that cups were hurled in his direction by frustrated fans.England had just been booed off following another lacklustre display.Despite the Three Lions’ underwhelming performances, they topped Group C after Denmark were unable to beat Serbia in Munich, with that game also finishing 0-0.READ MORE ON EURO 2024With Uefa trying to crack down on fan unrest, England could face a fine for last night’s cup-throwing exploits.Yesterday Denmark were ordered to pay £7,500 after their supporters unfurled an anti-Uefa banner during their 1-1 draw with England last week.The Three Lions could face a similar sanction.Following last night’s game, Southgate was asked about the unsavoury scenes at the end.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I understand it. I’m not going to back away from it.”The most important thing is we stay with the team. I understand the narrative towards me.Fans hail Anthony Gordon for ‘refreshingly raw’ TV interview after England’s bore 0-0 Euro 2024 draw with Slovenia EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”That’s better for the team than it being towards them but it is creating an unusual environment to operate in.”I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar. I’m not going to back away from it.”England will now play either Holland or a team from Group E, which consists of Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine, in the round of 16.Spain, Germany, Portugal and France have all landed on the other side of the draw – meaning the Three Lions now cannot meet any of them until the final.On the challenges to come, Southgate added to ITV: “We have got to play well and whoever we play is going to be a really tough game.”We shouldn’t be seduced by which half of the draw. So many things are starting to come together. We had a lot of issues before the tournament.”I think the way the defence has played has been a huge positive and something to build on. We created chances but we just have to convert those chances.” More

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    Croatia boss Dalic hints at Euro 2024 ‘FIX’ scandal as he claims ref for Italy heartbreak ‘not designated by chance’

    CROATIA boss Zlatko Dalic angrily accused Uefa of a lack of “respect” after their dramatic draw to Italy in Leipzig.The Croats were on the verge of snatching a last 16 spot from the Italians in Group B thanks to Luka Modric’s 55th minute strike – moments after missing a penalty.Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic hit out at the ref after there were eight minutes added onCredit: GettyCroatia talisman Luka Modric was devastated after the defeatCredit: RexHowever, with 41 seconds remaining of EIGHT minutes added on, Mattia Zaccagni curled in a last-gasp beauty to all but knock Dalic’s men out of the Euros.Italy will now play Switzerland in the knock-out stages on June 29, while Croatia – on two points – are unlikely to squeeze through as a ranked third-place side.And Dalic raged: “The referee tore us apart the whole match, he wasn’t sent to that match by chance.”I don’t know where the referee found those eight minutes of stoppage time. I was talking about Uefa and Fifa, you didn’t support me in that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But that’s not the reason, I want to say it no matter how much some people criticise me, it’s a fact. I can’t escape the impression that this is so.”There were six substitutions, so three minutes maximum. And it was VAR minutes, so four minutes maximum, he put eight.”He continued: “We are a small country. Whether it is Uefa or Fifa, no one gives us too much thought. You cannot have eight minutes added time. It is a nonsense.“There weren’t too many breaks or fouls to justify that. Croatia needs to be respected and recognised because once again we played for almost three hours.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Were it France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, that wouldn’t happen. We had a similar experience at the Qatar World Cup.”Modric – who became the oldest ever scorer at a Euros at 38 and 289 days – was distraught at the full-time whistle, admitting it was one of the toughest results of his career on his 178th international appearance.Watch moment frustrated Luka Modric walks out of interview after reporter’s question following Croatia’s Euro 2024 drawCroatia can only have themselves to blame after a woeful group stage run, losing 3-0 to Spain before conceding a late leveller to draw 2-2 with Albania.And Dalic – who could now lose his job after leading Croatia to a World Cup final and semi-final since taking charge in 2017 – added: “It really hurts.“It still hurts and it will over the coming days and months. It’s not easy. But when we look at the situation there are some days when it’s your day and just not your day.“We need to stick together in defeat with humility and keep our heads high. I hold my hands up, I’m the one to blame if we haven’t made it through. I just want to thank my players.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Denmark chiefs will make own fans pay Uefa fine for X-rated banner shown in Euro 2024 draw with England

    DANISH FA chiefs are on the hunt for the fans who landed them with a £7,500 bill from Uefa.Copenhgan-based bosses were hit with the fine after fans unfurled a “F*** Uefa” banner during the Danes’ 1-1 draw with England.Danish bosses were hit with the fine after fans showed an X-rated banner directed at UefaCredit: GettyBut Denmark will make their own fans pay the huge Uefa billCredit: GettyAs yet unidentified Denmark fans made and displayed the X-rated dig at Uefa during the first half of their bore draw with England in Group C.The reasons the supporters issued the banner are unknown.Director Erik Brogger Rasmussen said: “We will pay the fine but the most important thing for us is that we identify those who brought the banner in – and then we will pass the bill on to them.“We hope that those who think of taking a banner with that sort of language on it into a match will think twice when they have to pay for it.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Uefa have previously got involved when England play Denmark, as they issued a £26,600 bill to the FA for three incidents in the Euro 2020 semi final.Television pictures showed a green light on Danish keeper Kasper Schmeichel’s face just before Harry Kane took an extra-time penalty.The huge fine by Uefa was also for “disturbances during the national anthems” and fireworks being set off.Meanwhile Uefa have been forced into opening multiple disciplinary proceedings for a host of different reasons during Euro 2024.Most read in footballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUefa fines at Euro 2024 The governing body also fined the Albanian and Serbian federations £8,400 each for fans displaying banners with nationalist maps. Both countries were charged with “transmitting provocative messages not fit for a sports event” because they are responsible for the conduct of their fans at stadiums.Man detained at Manchester Airport after fan trouble before England v Serbia as he has passport taken awaySerbia fans’ banner included the independent territory of Kosovo and a slogan “No Surrender” at a 1-0 loss against England in GelsenkirchenUefa’s latest measure was targeted at Albania’s striker Mirlind Daku, who was suspended for two games after leading fans in chanting anti-Macedonian slogans after Albania’s 2-2 draw with Croatia.Daku was hit by FOUR charges – breaking the general principles of conduct, violating basic rules of decent conduct, using a sporting event for non-sporting reasons and bringing the game into disrepute.Albania were also fined a total of £40,000 for fans lighting fireworks, a pitch invasion and banners carrying a “provocative message”.Croatia were fined just under £24,000 for their fans lighting and throwing fireworks.Uefa stripped tournament accreditation away from a Kosovan journalist after he directed an Albanian “eagle” sign towards Serbia fans during the 1-0 England loss.Fans invading the pitch has also been a regular feature in the first two weeks at Euro 2024.Kosovo and Serbia tensions
    Kosovo and Serbia share a tumultuous past, with a war lasting from 1998-1999 – ending when NATO initiated an aerial bombardment campaign against Yugoslavia.
    The Western-backed intervention thwarted Serbia’s genocide of Albanian Kosovars, which was led by Serbia’s then-President Slobodan Milošević.
    In the two decades since the conflict ended, tensions have been simmering, with strained relations coming to a head again in December of last year.
    Ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo erected barricades in the divided city of Mitrovica using trucks loaded with rocks – crippling the region.
    Serbia still refuses to recognise Kosovo’s statehood.

    EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    BBC apologise for showing replay of worrying Barnabas Varga collision as Gabby Logan criticises Uefa protocol breach

    THE BBC apologised after viewers were showed a replay of Barnabas Varga’s shocking injury during Scotland’s Euro 2024 defeat to Hungary.The Hungarian striker, 29, was rushed to hospital following a collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn.Gabby Logan explained Uefa broke their own protocol by showing a replayHe received lengthy medical treatment on the pitch, with members of security staff holding a privacy screen around him as he lay on the floor.Despite concerns for Varga’s condition, a replay of the sickening incident was screened to fans across the continent – including millions of Brits watching on BBC 1.The BBC, as well as ITV, uses Uefa’s global feed when showing games from the tournament.That means they have limited control over what is shown.READ MORE IN EURO 2024And after the incident was replayed, UK TV screens instead cut away to a wide angle shot out of respect for the stricken player.Speaking after full time, BBC presenter Gabby Logan explained Uefa broke their own protocol by showing the replay.She said live on air: “We were as shocked as you when they replayed that incident. “There are protocols around this kind of thing after Christian Eriksen three years ago and we were very surprised that Uefa decided to show that replay, which is why we cut away immediately to a wide angle as soon as we could.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYLogan later revealed Varga was in a stable condition after being taken to a Stuttgart hospital.Sheets were brought out to cover Varga with several team-mates including Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai seen in tears.Declan Rice hits back at Gary Lineker and Co after England stars slammed over dismal Denmark draw at Euro 2024Inside Barnabas Varga’s rise from semi-pro to Euro 2024

    BARBABAS VARGA has enjoyed a meteoric rise from semi-pro leagues of Austria and Hungary to the Euro 2024 finals.
    The Hungary striker played for six seasons, between 2010 and 2016 for SV Eberau in the Bergenlandliga – the regional fourth tier of Austrian football.
    A record of over a goal every other game earned Varga a shot at the big time with with SV Mattersburg in the Austrian Bundesliga.
    However, he scored only once in just 16 games over the next three seasons before dropping down to the second tier with SV Lafnitz.
    After a mixed spell, Varga’s next step was to his homeland, again in the second tier, with Gyirnot in 2020.
    That’s where it began to click for Varga and his eye for goal saw top division Paksi FC swoop.
    Varga scored almost a goal a game in his first season with Paksi, finishing as the top scorer in the Hungarian league.
    That earned the late bloomer an international debut, at the age of 28, in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria.
    One his third cap, away to Serbia, he netted his first Hungary goal.
    Last summer, Varga joined Hungarian giants Ferencvaros and again got the golden boot as his side won the league, the first silverware of his career.

    Varga was carried off on a stretcher and was reportedly conscious and communicating with medical staff on his way to hospital.The lengthy delay resulted in ten minutes added time, with Kevin Csoboth proving the hero for Hungary with a 100th minute winner.The substitute held up Varga’s shirt as he celebrated with his team-mates.Hungary head coach Marco Rossi said in his post-match interview: “Barnabas Varga’s life is not in danger.”He will undergo an operation after fracture in his face and he won’t be available for the rest of Euro 2024.”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 More

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    Euro 2024 star slapped with two-game ban for encouraging offensive chants as Uefa confirm four charges

    ALBANIA’S megaphone man Mirlind Daku will miss tonight’s final group tie with Spain after being hit with a two-match Uefa ban for inciting supporters.Daku, 26, who plays for Russian side Rubin Kazan, picked up the loudspeaker at the end of Albania’s 2-2 draw with Croatia.Albania’s Mirlind Daku will miss tonight’s final group tie with SpainCredit: GettyHe picked up a megaphone at the end of Albania’s 2-2 draw with CroatiaCredit: GettyThis followed Daku being hit with a two-match Uefa ban for inciting supportersCredit: GettyHe then encouraged Albanian fans to chant nationalist songs that denigrated Serbia.The Serbian FA were so angry that they threatened to QUIT the tournament if Uefa did not take action, prompting a full enquiry.And now  Uefa chiefs have confirmed their punishment among a series of sanctions arising from the game in Hamburg.Daku was hit by FOUR charges – breaking the general principles of conduct, violating basic rules of decent conduct, using a sporting event for non-sporting reasons and bringing the game into disrepute.READ MORE IN EURO 2024The player apologised after the game, saying he was “sorry if I offended anyone” and adding: “The effect of the game did such things to me.“Like any footballer, the emotions in these moments are on another level, which can only be understood on the pitch.“It is difficult to describe the feeling of playing for this national team, for these wonderful fans who give us unconditional love.”But Uefa have now come down hard, announcing the two-game ban which means Daku cannot play until the last eight if Albania go that far.Most read in Euro 2024If they miss out, he will be ruled out for their opening Nations League game in September.Albania were also fined a total of £40,000 for fans lighting fireworks, a pitch invasion and banners carrying a “provocative message”.Watch as Switzerland supporter is smacked in face by ball but fans can’t get over Scot’s reaction in front of himCroatia were fined just under £24,000 for their fans lighting and throwing fireworks.But further fines could follow as Uefa added: “Please be aware that the investigation/proceedings in relation to potential racist and/or discriminatory conducts by supporters in this match is ongoing.”Who 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. More

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    Premier League referee RELEGATED by Uefa as fans hail ‘good sign’ after being left fuming by VAR chaos

    PREMIER LEAGUE referee Craig Pawson has been relegated to Uefa’s Second list.The Englishman, 45, has been replaced by John Brooks on the governing body’s First list – which also includes Chris Kavanagh.Premier League referee Craig Pawson has been relegated by UefaCredit: GettyMichael Oliver and Anthony Taylor remain the two Premier League officials on Uefa’s Elite list.Pawson joins Stuart Attwell, Darren England, Jarred Gillett, Rob Jones and Andy Madley on the Second list – the third tier for Uefa officials.According to ESPN, Brooks, 34, had the best stats of all Premier League refs in the 2023/24 season, while he also ranked second as a VAR.Pawson caught unwanted headlines for particular key decisions including disallowing a late Chelsea goal against Aston Villa for a dubious foul back in April.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Premier League has just four refs on Uefa’s Elite and First lists – Oliver, Taylor, Brooks and Kavanagh.That is compared with six for officials in France, Germany and Italy.Spain and Romania also boast five referees on the two lists.It comes after English officials were criticised for their handling of a controversial decision in the game between Holland and France at Euro 2024 on Friday night.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMark Halsey on France vs Netherlands VAR
    ENGLISH VAR officials . . . here we go again.
    Stuart Attwell took far too long to make a call on Xavi Simons’ strike and he got it wrong by sticking with the on-field decision.
    It was a ‘good’ goal because Denzel Dumfries should not have been adjudged offside.
    Holland’s Dumfries did not affect the line of vision for France keeper Mike Maignan, who made no attempt to save a shot he could not have reached.
    It means wing-back Dumfries was not involved in ‘active’ play.
    The VAR decision-making had been so slick in Germany up until last night.
    But with VAR Attwell, who should have sent English referee Anthony Taylor to the pitchside monitor, we had the slowest decision of Euro 2024 so far — which took just under three minutes.

    Xavi Simons thought he had given the Dutch a second-half lead, only for referee Taylor to disallow the goal after consulting his assistant.VAR Attwell, 41, then spent a lengthy amount of time reviewing the incident before he stuck with the on-field decision.’No excuse for that’ – Alan Shearer fumes at abject England as Three Lions legend says ‘Denmark deserved to win’ EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThis led to uproar among football fans, while Holland manager Ronaldo Koeman said: “If it’s offside, then you don’t need to spend five minutes touching your ear.”I don’t understand this. If you have this much doubt, you give a goal.”Dumfries did not hinder the goalkeeper. It wasn’t because of Dumfries that Maignan didn’t go for the ball, Maignan did not react because he simply couldn’t get to the ball anyway.”He would have never reached that ball. It’s a legal goal. Once again, he’s not disturbing the goalkeeper.”The game ended goalless as Netherlands and France move onto four points each heading into their final group games against Austria and Poland.Pundits and legends lay into EnglandENGLAND’s lifeless display in the 1-1 draw with Denmark left pundits and legends queuing up to take a dig at Gareth Southgate’s team.
    Here’s the best of what was said…
    ALAN SHEARER
    “Awful performance, particularly after going up in the game.
    “I don’t think one England player can look at themselves and say, ‘I’ve done my job tonight’.
    “England were all over the place, far too sloppy in possession, gave the ball away too much and got caught too many times.
    “There was no energy, no pace, no guile — Southgate is simply not getting the best out of England’s best players.
    “It’s concerning and Gareth will get some serious questions.
    “You saw England players lying on their backs — they look absolutely shattered but there’s no excuse for that.”
    GARY LINEKER
    The BBC host called the performance “lifeless and tepid”.
    On Harry Kane he said: “He needs his manager to ask more of him. I would have expected that if I’d put in that kind of performance.”
    RIO FERDINAND
    “The players don’t look the same as they do for their clubs. It is a big concern.”
    ROY KEANE
    “Courage and bravery, we’re not really seeing it.
    “There’s something amiss with the balance. Bellingham is waving his arms.
    “This is a big test for Gareth. It looks like he’s overthinking things.”
    JAMIE CARRAGHER
    “My big worry watching this and for the rest of the tournament?
    “England look absolutely knackered. They can’t get close to the ball.
    “The surest sign of fatigue is dropping deep.
    “Declan Rice is having to cover so much ground. No-one can convince me this is a strategy.”
    JACK WILSHERE
    “It’s strange that we have taken the lead in both games so far, yet instead of it settling us down and giving us the confidence to play, we have failed to take control.
    “But what was most worrying was that Denmark had a clear way of playing — while we didn’t.” More

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    Uefa forced to make late change to stadium ahead of England vs Denmark clash to prevent ‘risk to life’

    THE BAD WEATHER has forced Uefa into making a late decision regarding England’s upcoming Euro 2024 clash.The Three Lions face Denmark looking to confirm their place in the knockouts with a victory in Frankfurt on Thursday.The roof will be closed in Frankfurt for England’s clash with Denmark at the WaldstadionCredit: GettyHowever, the Group C showdown at the Waldstadion will be played with the stadium roof closed due to stormy conditions in the city.Uefa made the decision today ahead of the clash, which will kick-off at 5pm UK time tomorrow.The roof of the Waldstadion was closed prior to Denmark’s players training on the pitch tonight.The rain storms have already put a dampener on Euro 2024.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Both western and central regions of Germany were issued with weather warnings earlier.That has seen fan zones in Dortmund, Dusseldorf and Gelsenkirchen all being closed due to the harsh conditions.Now, with bad weather already having plagued Euro 2024, Uefa have opted to make an early decision to avoid the game potentially being played in the rain.Cologne was forced to axe a number of fan events on Tuesday due to the weather.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA statement confirmed: “Due to an official storm warning from late morning with expected heavy rain, hail and heavy gusts of wind, all events and functions of the Host City Cologne associated with the European Championships have to be cancelled for today.“The necessary talks with the security partners were already held yesterday evening and the preparatory measures to secure the venues were initiated.England player ratings: Jude Bellingham delivers masterful Euro 2024 performance but Phil Foden not at his sharpest“The decision to cancel all events was made on Tuesday morning after further consultation with the German Weather Service.”Meteorologist Dominik Jung told BILD stated the closures were necessary and that there had even been a potential “risk to life”.Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “There is a risk to life.“We don’t currently know every place that could get hit, but we do know the region where something could happen.“People will complain again: ‘We didn’t have anything.’ But better safe than sorry.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYEngland will be looking to secure their second win of the tournament tomorrow.Gareth Southgate’s side beat Serbia 1-0 on Sunday thanks to a Jude Bellingham header.And they know that a victory would ensure them a place in the knockouts with a game to spare.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Denmark are searching for their first triumph.They were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia in their opener and will be desperate to take all three points.Bromances in England squad
    CLIQUES that were commonplace in the England camp in tournaments gone by have been well and truly consigned to history.
    Declan Rice and Ivan Toney? They have never played together at club level and only a handful of times for England, but are thick as thieves.
    Lewis Dunk and Dean Henderson? They play for arch-rivals Brighton and Crystal Palace, but that has not stopped an unlikely alliance from forming.
    Phil Foden and Cole Palmer have relished spending time together again, having done so for years for Manchester City before Palmer was sold to Chelsea for £45million last summer.
    NFL nuts Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon were chucking an American football to each other ahead of a light training session on Monday.
    John Stones and Kieran Trippier gatecrashed Jordan Pickford’s presser to see how their good mate fared, finding it hilarious as he slumped to defeat against talkSPORT.
    Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi also have a long-standing friendship and have been besties since they were little playing in the Chelsea academy.
    Jude Bellingham and Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold have also become close – evident in the Werewolf celebration they performed against Serbia. More