Euro 2024 LIVE: Jude Bellingham joins England camp, Three Lions fans targetted (2024)

11th Jun 2024, 17:58By Ian Tuckey

Jude shows he who bares SKIMS

Jude Bellingham showed off his football skills ahead of Euro 2024 in his PANTS after becoming the face of Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS.

The England and Real Madrid ace has enjoyed a spectacular season, having led his club side to a league and European double.

Bellingham, 20, now heads into theEurosas Gareth Southgate’s key man.

And he is expected to start as the No10 in Sunday’s group stage opener against Serbia.

However, Bellingham has been getting into the mood in a very novel way.

That’s because the midfielder is now the new face of socialite celeb Kardashian’s underwear brand SKIMS.

And he has clearly been taking lessons from Dutch girlfriend Laura Celia Valk, 25,who is a professional lingerie model.

Bellingham posed for several snaps wearing nothing but some of the American socialite’s custom briefs.

And a video also showed the ace demonstrating his football talents with some silky skills.

11th Jun 2024, 17:29By Ian Tuckey

By George! Strachan wishes England well

Manchester United legend and ex-Scotland boss Gordon Strachanis up to his old tricks!

The former midfielder and Sun Euros columnist, known for his sense of humour, was seen in a video wrapped in England's St George's Cross flag "going bonkers" in his support of Gareth Southgate's squad.

Strachan, 67, is heard saying: "Hello, everyone. It's Gordon, here. Like everybody else, I'm excited about the Euros about to start.

"I want to wish the lads the very best of luck. Hope you score a bucketful of goals and, if you do, I'll be going bonkers."

He the lifts up and waves an England flag before roaring: "Come on England, it's coming home, Three Lions on the shirt, vindaloo. Southgate, all the best. Hope you score plenty."

11th Jun 2024, 17:17By Martin Lipton

Denmark training pitch ripped up

England's group opponents Denmark flew into a pitch storm as they arrived in German, writes MARTIN LIPTON.

A new surface was laid at the Danes’ training ground in Freudenstadt, near Baden-Baden in the south-west of Germany, earlier this month.

But panicking Uefa chiefs ordered parts of the pitch to be ripped up and relaid on Monday over worries that the newly-laid grass had not set properly.

Large areas of the pitch had been discoloured and were peeled off and replaced with new rolls of grass imported from Holland.

The pitch was supposed to be relaid in April but that was delayed because of a late covering of snow, meaning hurried work on June 2.

Denmark's squad - including including Manchester United duo Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen plus Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - left Copenhagen this morning.

Karsten Paaske, head of the Danish Groundsman Association, warned: “When you build a new grass pitch, it must have time to settle.

“That usually takes several weeks, not just a few hours and with the team training straightaway then the pitch will not have enough time to rest. If it were me, I’d have a stomach ache!”

11th Jun 2024, 16:55By Ian Tuckey

Change course for Germany!

Chelsea's Ian Maatsen had to dump his glitzy summer holidays to compete in Euro 2024 for the Netherlands.

Maatsen, 22, spent the season on loan at Borussia Dortmund where he shone bright as he helped the Bundesliga giants reach the Champions League finalwhere they lost 2-0 to Real Madrid.

However, the full-back was initiallyleft out of Ronald Koeman's squadfor the European championship in Germany, much to the surprise of many.

Thus, the Dutchman decided to spend his summer holidays in Greece with his girlfriend where he would regroup while enjoying some sunshine.

The defender sailed for Mykonos and shared some snaps of his luxurious holiday on social media aboard his £564,000 yacht.

Maatsenand his girlfriend looked set for a month-long vacation in the Med while island hopping on a Hermes Yacht.

11th Jun 2024, 16:37By Ian Tuckey

'No point keeping De Jong'

Holland have explained their latest Euro 2024 blow - the loss of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The perennial Manchester United target sat out a 4-0 friendly win over Iceland due to an ankle injury.

The Dutch FA (KNVB) then announced he would not recover fully in time - and so would not be going to Germany.

A KNVB spokesman said: “Since De Jong’s entrance into the Dutch training camp, it was clear that his participation in EURO 2024 would be a race against time.

"Although it was initially hoped that he would be ready to play during the group stage of the European Championship, a planned examination yesterday and today showed that the ankle is not yet sufficiently resilient.

"Because his recovery will take more time, it was decided following consultation that Frenkie de Jong will not play in the European Championship."

Manager Ronald Koeman added: “He won’t be fit enough to play at this level for the next three weeks. There’s no point keeping him with us.”

11th Jun 2024, 16:10By Ian Tuckey

White water time away from Euros

Ben White got over his England snub as he relaxed on a speedboat and went to a wedding.

TheArsenalstar was not selected forEuro 2024by manager Gareth Southgate.

White, 26, did not earn a place on the plane to Germany – so instead jetted off on holiday.

He was joined by hiswife Milly, 27, as the couple soaked up the sun abroad.

The four-time capped international posted a picture of his other half on Instagram as she strutted down the street in a stylish jacket and sunglasses.

And Milly posted snaps of the loved-up duo celebrating pals Harry and Gabi’s wedding.

White was not chosen for the Euros after hemysteriously left England’s camphalf way through the 2022 World Cup.

There was rumours of a bust-up with assistant manager Steve Holland. Southgate has denied there has been a falling out.

11th Jun 2024, 15:50By Kealan Hughes

Poland suffer Lewandowski blow

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski is OUT of their opening Euro 2024 clash with Holland.

Barcelona ace Lewandowski, 35, pulled his right hamstring in Poland’s final warm-up game with Turkey.

The veteran striker, who went down clutching his leg after 33 minutes of the 1-0 win, has now been ruled out of Sunday’s game in Hamburg.

Polish team doctor Jacek Jaroszewski said: “Robert Lewandowski has suffered a strain in his hamstring, which excludes him from participating in the first match of the tournament.

“We are doing everything to ensure that Robert can play in the second match against Austria.”

11th Jun 2024, 15:25By Kealan Hughes

Southgate receives big injury boost

England have trained for the first time since arriving in Germany for the Euros.

And Gareth Southgate's troops have given him a huge boost ahead of their tournament opener.

That is because every member of his 26-man squad is fit and took part in the first training session - even Luke Shaw.

Southgate was reportedly sweating on the fitness of FIVE players ahead of England's Group C opener on Sunday night - Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, John Stones, Jude Bellingham and Shaw, but all have passed fit.

11th Jun 2024, 14:48By Kealan Hughes

Kroos expecting tough Scotland test

Toni Kroos is anticipating a difficult challenge when Germany take on Scotland in the Euros opener.

He described Steve Clarke's side as falling into into “the category of opponents with which the national team has recently struggled very hard [against]”.

Kroos added: “The Scots became an unpleasant opponent – we know what kind of opponent awaits us… it’s a team that is physically very strong, compactly well defended and then also plays good counterattacks.”

11th Jun 2024, 14:16By Kealan Hughes

Scotland 'cautious' after Robertson scare

Scotland assistant John Carver has played down fears over Andy Robertson's injury after the captain limped out of training.

The defender quit the session early as a "precaution", according to Carver.

He said: “He’s fine. I’ve just spoken to him there. It was a precaution, really. The ball just caught his ankle but he will train tomorrow. He’ll be fine.

“Obviously, at this stage, we are going to be extra cautious. He’s okay, he’s fine and looking forward to joining in tomorrow.”

11th Jun 2024, 13:47By Kealan Hughes

Gakpo praised for kind gesture

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo won the hearts of Dutch supporters with a kind gesture ahead of kickoff in the game between The Netherlands and Iceland on Monday night.

The Oranje were playing their final pre-Euro 2024 warm-up game at home at De Kuip before departing for Germany.

Gakpo, 25, was winning his 24th cap for his country, starting on the left wing behind Memphis Depay and alongside Tijjani Reijnders and Simons in attack midfield.

Conditions in Rotterdam couldn’t be described as sunny ahead of the game and Gakpo spotted that one of the mascots was shivering in the cold.

Without a second thought, the former PSV captain took off his anthem jacket and slung it around the shoulders of the youngster ahead of a rendition of Het Wilhelmus.

11th Jun 2024, 12:58By Kealan Hughes

Germany first line-up leaked

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has reportedly already named his team for the Euros opener against Scotland.

He is set to stick by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer despite his recent mistakes, while veteran pair Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos are set to start in midfield.

Reported Germany XI to face Scotland: Neuer, Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt, Kroos, Andrich, Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz, Havertz

11th Jun 2024, 12:34By Kealan Hughes

Injury problems worsen for Dutch

The Netherlands' injury problems have gone from bad to worse as Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has been ruled out of the tournament.

Dutch boss Ronaldo Koeman was dealt a blow following the news Frenkie de Jong would be sidelined for the Euros.

But Europa League winner Koopmeiners will join him on the treatment table after picking up an injury against Iceland on Monday.

11th Jun 2024, 12:06By Kealan Hughes

Beckenbauer to be honoured

Uefa will honour German football icon Franz Beckenbauer at the Euro 2024 opening ceremony ahead of Germany's game against Scotland on Friday.

Germany’s two living Euros winning captains, Bernard Dietz and Jürgen Klinsmann, will be joined by Beckenbauer’s wife Heidi as they bring the Henri Delaunay Cup – the trophy which will be presented to the winners after the final in Berlin on 14 July – onto the pitch before the tournament gets underway.

Beckenbauer captained West Germany to the 1972 UEFA European Championship and 1974 World Cup glory as a player while he also led them to the 1990 World Cup as coach.

The Kaiser was part of the Bayern Munich team that won three successive European Cups between 1974 and 1976

He passed away in January at the age of 78.

11th Jun 2024, 11:37By Kealan Hughes

Southgate makes big midfield decision

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly in line to accompany Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in midfield when England face Serbia in their Euros opener.

England’s other options include Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

But Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold impressed against Bosnia & Herzegovina last week and scored in the friendly.

And he is now set to start with Gareth Southgate looking for a creative spark from midfield.

11th Jun 2024, 10:58By Kealan Hughes

Scotland show support for icon

The Scottish FA have extended their heartfelt wishes to national team icon Alan Hansen, who faces a serious health battle in hospital.

Scotland take part in the opening match of Euro 2024 this week, playing hosts Germany on Friday night.

But their thoughts remain with Liverpool and Scotland legend Hansen, 68, who was hospitalised over the weekend, prompting a number of supportive messages, including from the national team camp.

Assistant manager John Carver said: "I would just like to pass a message on to say that everybody, the players, the staff, everybody connected with the SFA, are really thinking about himself [Hansen] and his family because it is an extremely difficult time.

"The biggest thing that I noticed was that he was a fantastic defender but he was a ball-playing centre-half. He was probably one of the first that I can remember seeing play.

"The way he stepped out with the ball, he was so graceful and that's why I remember him. He was obviously at one of the top sides in the world at the time, winning European Cups, winning everything in sight, so a proper legend in the game."

11th Jun 2024, 10:17By Kealan Hughes

Poland boss mystifies fans

Poland boss Michal Probierz stunned fans last night by "disappearing" during his side's clash with Turkey.

The Poles were in action in Warsaw in their final Euro 2024 warm-up friendly, and led 1-0 early on.

And with things going well, Probierz pulled off his disappearing act.

On 24 minutes, TV cameras showed the Poland boss sitting in his chair.

As a player then obstructed the camera's view, in just a split second Probierz appeared to vanish.

Fans online were left in disbelief at the optical illusion.

11th Jun 2024, 09:19By Kealan Hughes

England plot Southgate replacement

England remain hopeful they can persuade Gareth Southgate to remain as manager after Euro 2024 but are already starting to consider alternative options.

The FA, according to the Daily Telegraph, are yet to draw up an official shortlist but both Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, ironically, are among the candidates they would consider should Southgate step down later this summer.

Eddie Howe is also highly regarded as well as another former Chelsea boss, Graham Potter.

11th Jun 2024, 08:52By Kealan Hughes

Southgate discusses England future

England manager Gareth Southgate has claimed he is not likely to remain in charge of the Three Lions if his team fails to win the Euro this summer.

He said: "If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore. Therefore, it might be the last chance.

"I think around half the national coaches leave after a tournament – that’s the nature of international football.

"I’ve been here for almost eight years now and we’ve come close. You can’t constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, “A little more please,” because at some point people lose faith.

"If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, you must deliver in big moments."

11th Jun 2024, 08:31By Kealan Hughes

Eur kidding

Poland player Pawel Dawidowicz has been mercilessly trolled for the "worst dive of all time".

The defender played in Poland's finalEuro 2024pre-tournament friendly against Turkey, which they won 2-1.

But he was slammed online for ridiculously throwing himself to the floor in the penalty box following a tackle from Semih Kilicsoy.

He was compared to a ski jumper amid his theatrics as others raged online.

11th Jun 2024, 03:00By Katherine Walsh

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski suffers injury scare ahead of Euro 2024

The Barcelona striker left the field with an apparent thigh problem after 32 minutes of the Poles’ last-gasp 2-1 victory over Turkey in Warsaw.

But Poland manager Michal Probierz has claimed that it's a 'minor injury' and he was subbed off as a precaution.

11th Jun 2024, 02:05By Katherine Walsh

Jack Grealish gets a helping hand at hotel after Euro 2024 heartbreak

Grealish was ushered through aDubaiconcourse towards a beach bar in front of shocked guests.

He looked a little unsteady on his feet at one point, wearing white socks and slip-ons, a yellow T-shirt and board shorts.

An onlooker said: "It looked like the rejection byGareth Southgatehad hit hard."

10th Jun 2024, 22:53By Katherine Walsh

Ronaldo expected to line up against Republic of Ireland

Ronaldowill get a chance to prove his readiness for theEuro 2024finals asPortugalbossRoberto Martinezprepares to play him against Ireland on Tuesday.

The five-time Ballon d'Or was benched in Portugal's latest warm up defeat to Croatia.

10th Jun 2024, 22:34By Katherine Walsh

Frenkie de Jonghas been ruled out of Euro 2024, theNetherlandshave confirmed

10th Jun 2024, 22:16By Katherine Walsh

63% of football fans would rather their club win Premier League than England win Euro 2024!

A Betfair and YouGov Sport survey of more than 2,000 football fans has revealed that almost TWO THIRDS of supporters would rather see their club win the Prem over an England triumph in Germany.

The poll also revealed that 61% of England fans WILL be cheering on Scotland during Euro 2024.

Meanwhile just 35% of Scotland fans will be returning the favour.