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Thread: ║➽║ EXCLUSIVE Football News║

  1. #951
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    Re: EXCLUSIVE Football News

    UEFA Euro 2024: Odds, groups, schedule, dates, TV and kick-off times, all you need to know
    By Sporting Life
    21:22 · MON May 27, 2024

    We have all you need to know for Euro 2024, including odds, fixtures, venues and TV information.

    When and where is Euro 2024?
    Euro 2024 runs from June 14 to July 14 at 10 different stadiums in Germany - the first time the tournament has been held in the country since re-unification, with West Germany hosting the 1988 European Championship.

    When is the Euro 2024 final?
    The Euro 2024 final will take place on July 14 at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

    How many teams take part and what is the format?
    The format is the same as for Euro 2020, with 24 teams divided into six groups of four.

    The top two teams in each group qualify for the round of 16, with the best four third-placed teams also progressing to single-legged knockout ties.

    Who qualified and what are the groups?
    Julian Nagelsmann
    Julian Nagelsmann leads hosts Germany this summer
    Germany qualified automatically as hosts and will hope that inspires them to a successful summer after three successive major tournament failures.

    Several high-profile European players will be missing, however, after Norway and Sweden failed to make the cut, meaning Premier League stars Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and Alexander Isak will all be watching on.

    Georgia's qualification through the play-offs marks this as their first major tournament, while it is Slovenia's first Euros since 2000.

    Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
    Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
    Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
    Group D: Poland, Netherlands, Austria, France
    Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine
    Group F: Turkey, Georgia, Portugal, Czechia
    Who are the favourites to win Euro 2024?
    England's Harry Kane
    Blessed with arguably the best crop of players for a generation and heading into what will likely be their final tournament under Gareth Southgate, England are favourites for tournament glory according to the odds.

    France's price is just a smidgen longer.

    It should come as little surprise that those two are considerably shorter than the rest given that England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, and the final of Euro 2020 before losing in the 2022 World Cup last eight to France - who have reached the last two World Cup finals, lifting the trophy in 2018.


    Euro 2024 winner odds (Sky Bet)
    3/1 - England
    10/3 - France
    6/1 - Germany
    8/1 - Spain, Portugal
    14/1 - Belgium
    16/1 - Italy, Netherlands
    40/1 - Croatia, Denmark
    66/1 - Turkey
    80/1 - Austria, Hungary, Switzerland
    When does Euro 2024 start?
    The opening match will be staged in Munich on June 14 between Germany and Scotland.

    We have outlined the full tournament schedule - with every fixture, including the kick-off time and location - below. All kick-off times are GMT.

    Group stage
    14 June
    Group A: Germany vs Scotland (Munich, 20:00)

    15 June
    A: Hungary vs Switzerland (Cologne, 14:00)
    B: Spain vs Croatia (Berlin, 17:00)
    B: Italy vs Albania (Dortmund, 20:00)

    16 June
    D: Poland vs Netherlands (Hamburg, 14:00)
    C: Slovenia vs Denmark (Stuttgart, 17:00)
    C: Serbia vs England (Gelsenkirchen, 20:00)

    17 June
    E: Romania vs Ukraine (Munich, 14:00)
    E: Belgium vs Slovakia (Frankfurt, 17:00)
    D: Austria vs France (Düsseldorf, 20:00)

    18 June
    F: Turkey vs Georgia (Dortmund, 17:00)
    F: Portugal vs Czechia (Leipzig, 20:00)

    19 June
    B: Croatia vs Albania (Hamburg, 14:00)
    A: Germany vs Hungary (Stuttgart, 17:00)
    A: Scotland vs Switzerland (Cologne, 20:00)

    20 June
    C: Slovenia vs Serbia (Munich, 14:00)
    C: Denmark vs England (Frankfurt, 17:00)
    B: Spain vs Italy (Gelsenkirchen, 20:00)

    21 June
    E: Slovakia vs Ukraine (Düsseldorf, 14:00)
    D: Poland vs Austria (Berlin, 17:00)
    D: Netherlands vs France (Leipzig, 20:00)

    22 June
    F: Georgia vs Czechia (Hamburg, 14:00)
    F: Turkey vs Portugal (Dortmund, 17:00)
    E: Belgium vs Romania (Cologne, 20:00)

    23 June
    A: Switzerland vs Germany (Frankfurt, 20:00)
    A: Scotland vs Hungary (Stuttgart, 20:00)

    24 June
    B: Croatia vs Italy (Leipzig, 20:00)
    B: Albania vs Spain (Düsseldorf, 20:00)

    25 June
    D: Netherlands vs Austria (Berlin, 17:00)
    D: France vs Poland (Dortmund, 17:00)
    C: England vs Slovenia (Cologne, 20:00)
    C: Denmark vs Serbia (Munich, 20:00)

    26 June
    E: Slovakia vs Romania (Frankfurt, 17:00)
    E: Ukraine vs Belgium (Stuttgart, 17:00)
    F: Czechia vs Turkey (Hamburg, 20:00)
    F: Georgia vs Portugal (Gelsenkirchen, 20:00)

    Rest days on 27 and 28 June

    When does the Euro 2024 knockout stage start?
    Round of 16
    29 June
    38 2A vs 2B (Berlin, 17:00)
    37 1A vs 2C (Dortmund, 20:00)

    30 June
    40 1C vs 3D/E/F (Gelsenkirchen), 17:00)
    39 1B vs 3A/D/E/F (Cologne, 20:00)

    1 July
    42 2D vs 2E (Düsseldorf, 17:00)
    41 1F vs 3A/B/C (Frankfurt, 20:00)

    2 July
    43 1E vs 3A/B/C/D (Munich, 17:00)
    44 1D vs 2F (Leipzig), 20:00)

    Rest days on 3 and 4 July

    Quarter-finals
    5 July
    45 W39 vs W37 (Stuttgart, 17:00)
    46 W41 vs W42 (Hamburg, 20:00)

    6 July
    48 W40 vs W38 (Düsseldorf, 17:00)
    47 W43 vs W44 (Berlin, 20:00)

    Rest days on 7 and 8 July

    Semi-finals
    9 July: 49 W45 vs W46 (Munich, 20:00)

    10 July: 50 W47 vs W48 (Dortmund, 20:00)

    Rest days on 11, 12 and 13 July

    Final
    14 July: W49 vs W50 (Berlin, 20:00)

    Who has won the Euros before?
    England boss Gareth Southgate
    England have never won the men's European Championship
    Germany and Spain have each won the Euros more than any other team, lifting the trophy on three separate occasions.

    France and Italy (both two wins) are their nearest rivals, followed by six one-time winners - Russia, Czechia, Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark and Greece.

    England have never won the European Championship, reaching the final for the first time at Euro 2020.

    3 - Germany (1972, 1980, 1996) | Spain (1964, 2008, 2012)
    2 - Italy (1968, 2020) | France (1984, 2000)
    1 - Russia (1960) | Czechia (1976) | Portugal (2016) | Netherlands (1988) | Denmark (1992) | Greece (2004)

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  3. #952
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    Re: EXCLUSIVE Football News

    What is England's best starting XI ahead of Euro 2024?
    By Alex Keble
    20:10 · SAT June 01, 2024
    Before scribbling down a dream England XI it’s healthy to keep in mind the gigantic differences between club and international football.

    The former is now so culturally dominant the latter has come to be seen as its offshoot, spawning a common theory: the tactical trends of club football are a readymade solution that can and should be plonked onto the international scene – if only the England manager wasn’t such a backwards, cowardly leader.

    Conservative set-up key to success
    Gareth Southgate
    There are criticisms of Gareth Southgate’s approach that are credible – in-game adjustments; an inability to regain control when the tide starts to turn – but to question his broad tactical approach, his progressivism, or his willingness to evolve are not among them.

    World Cups and European Championships are won with a more simplistic and conservative tactical setup – roughly akin to early 2000s football - than anything we see in the club game, for two reasons: there just isn’t time to implement complex approaches in summer tournaments; and the chaos of knockout football favours caution.

    This has been true for decades and yet there are still many who believe England would be better off mimicking Klopp-esque pressing or tossing Guardiola’s inverted full-backs into the mix, as if these are simple bolt-on ideas and not part of a very long and complicated system of day-to-day management.

    Euros guide teaser
    Euro 2024: All you need to know
    Euro 2024: Wall chart free to download
    Euro 2024: Free Sweepstake kit
    Southgate still striding forward
    And there are still too many who complain at Southgate for his tactical caution, seeing him as a regressive manager unwilling to move with the times and willfully ignore evidence to the contrary. The change from the 3-4-3 in the 2018 World Cup to the 4-3-3 of Euro 2021 to the more expansive 4-2-3-1 of the last 12 months should be enough to convince.

    rashford henderson
    Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson were not included in the preliminary squad
    If it isn’t, then axing Jordan Henderson (admittedly too late) and Marcus Rashford this month ought to trigger memories of when he has ruthlessly done the same to Raheem Sterling, Wayne Rooney, and many others to create the young squad he has today. Chastising Southgate for loyalty or having favourites dismisses the importance of creating a regular and dependable line-up to build relationships – vital when international windows are so brief.

    Nevertheless the build-up to Germany will be defined by suggestions that Southgate ought to have left by now, and in fairness prior to the most recent friendlies there was a convincing case. The Henderson issue, and Southgate’s consequent refusal to moralise, was a mark against him and what looked like a hesitant squad hinted at the familiar death spiral of England managers.

    But the initial squad for Euro 2024 breathes new life into the Southgate era. Henderson’s departure was essential. The inclusion of Jarell Quansah, Curtis Jones, the uncapped Jarrad Branthwaite, Adam Wharton, and Eberechi Eze is in keeping with positive turnover that has happened throughout the Southgate era and only briefly interrupted post World Cup 2022.

    Should Trent Alexander-Arnold start?
    It means we can restore our faith in Southgate’s approach, can accurately predict what he will consider to be England’s best XI, and, bearing in mind the idiosyncrasies of international football, can largely agree with what his choices will be.

    Jordan Pickford is the number one through merit and, as it happens, by default. International teams don’t necessarily need an active sweeper keeper or a third centre-back to help in the first build-up phase – and even if they did, Aaron Ramsdale’s year on the bench for Arsenal means England don’t have one.

    Trent Alexander Arnold
    The calls for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back are understandable and he may play a role either when England need to assert themselves against weaker opponents or as a central midfield, although Southgate appears to have ruled that out after injuries prevented the experiment getting the minutes it needs.

    But Kyle Walker will be selected at right-back for his treasured recovery pace against the fast counter-attacks of the bigger nations, and because of his club partnership with John Stones – a no-brainer at right centre-back.

    Alongside Stones will be Harry Maguire, a position he has kept because there just hasn’t been an outstanding alternative and because his experience and aerial prowess compliment Stones. Maguire is a very good centre-back and not just a meme, lest we forget. He and Stones work well together.

    The only wrinkle here is the emergence of left-footed Branthwaite, a player inexplicably not given game-time in the March friendlies and therefore unlikely to start this summer. This is a point against Southgate, but at this juncture it’s hard to argue with Maguire as the starter.

    England are star-studded
    The only two remaining issues are at left-back and central midfield, because the rest of the team picks itself. Most nations don’t have the privilege of five world-class footballers in five different positions and Southgate won’t waste that opportunity, meaning Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham (number ten), Phil Foden (left wing), Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka play together.

    declan rice kane
    There are quibbles here regarding whether Foden should play in the middle and Bellingham sit deeper, but the roundest pegs for the round holes are Bellingham as a number ten – where he played in 34 of his 41 Real Madrid games this season – and Foden drifting across from the left, a position he has played many times.

    Of course, Bellingham could return to the position he played at Borussia Dortmund to free up Foden as a ten, where he has flourished this season, with a more traditional winger like Anthony Gordon could come in on the left. That is a good in-game switch for England to try and certainly Bellingham’s malleability gives Southgate new options when things go wrong, but it won’t be how he starts.

    For the balance of the team, and to ensure there is a sensible double pivot as part of the conservative tactics demanded at international tournaments, Bellingham is not the right fit here. Indeed, any arguments breaking out over this merely reflect the English mentality; the muscle memory that says we must worry and complain, when really there has never been a better or more natural front five in the nation’s history.

    Left-back a serious concern
    Luke Shaw
    That leaves two problem positions for England, although the FA Cup final should have settled one of them. Kobbie Mainoo has been fast-tracked into the England setup and was excellent on his full debut against Belgium in March. If Southgate was unsure after that, Mainoo’s magnificent display in the FA Cup final surely convinced him there is no danger in trusting the teenager.

    He is the press-resistant, weaving, box-to-box shuttling, intelligent midfielder England have been craving for years, and if he can do it against Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne at Wembley he is ready for Germany.

    That leaves left-back, where Luke Shaw’s injury has severely limited Southgate’s options. Here, as with hesitating on Branthwaite, the manager’s judgement can be questioned; not picking Levi Colwill is a strange omission that really only leaves Kieran Tripper to complete an all-right-footed back four.

    It is England’s biggest weakness. Maybe their only real weakness. But surely by now Southgate – more progressive, ruthless, and savvy than so many would care to accept - has earned our trust.

  4. #953
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    Re: EXCLUSIVE Football News

    When is the England Euro 2024 squad announced? Gareth Southgate to confirm 26-player group after cutting seven stars
    Joe Brophy
    Published: 10:13, 3 Jun 2024Updated: 10:22, 3 Jun 2024
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    Gareth Southgate has to whittle down his provisional England squad for Euro 2024 this week.

    The Three Lions boss has named an initial 33-man squad before he cuts this down to 26 players for Euro 2024 this summer.


    Southgate has a big decision to make ahead of the summer
    4
    Southgate has a big decision to make ahead of the summerCredit: Getty
    Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson are two notable omissions given their experience and past contributions for the national team.

    Play Video
    Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit previews France and Englands chance at Euro 2024
    Seven more players will now be axed from Southgate's squad after their two pre-tournament friendlies against Bosnia and Iceland.

    When is the England Euro 2024 squad announcement?
    The England preliminary squad was confirmed on Tuesday, May 21.

    READ MORE ON EURO 2024

    Trippier says England can win Euro 2024 and picks teammate who 'surprised' him

    Five England players ruled out of Bosnia clash as Southgate names new captain for friendly
    Southgate will then finalise his Euros squad with an announcement on Saturday June 8, six days before the tournament begins.

    Southgate is expected to announce his picks to the media at 2pm.

    talkSPORT will be at St George's Park to bring you live coverage of the announcement and will speak to the England boss.

    England will play two friendlies against Bosnia on June 3 and Iceland on June 7 before Southgate submits his final 26 picks, and both will be live on talkSPORT.

    UEFA has increased the squad size for this summer's tournament from 23 to 26 players, and the deadline for nations to submit final squads is the day of the Iceland friendly - Friday, June 7.

    Rashford's poor form for United has led to him being left out by Southgate
    4
    Rashford's poor form for United has led to him being left out by Southgate
    Who is at risk of not making the England squad for Euro 2024?
    Southgate has named several players with injury concerns in the initial training squad.

    He faces a number of fitness issues, particularly at full-back.

    Luke Shaw has not played for Manchester United since February and is currently training alone.

    Southgate has already confirmed that Euro 2020 final goalscorer Shaw is likely to be among the seven axed stars due to his fitness.

    Elsewhere, Harry Maguire, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane were all on the sidelines for the final week of the season due to minor problems.

    MOST READ IN EURO 2024
    Why Chelsea star Cole Palmer proudly displays Saint Kitts and Nevis flag on his boots
    Why Chelsea star Cole Palmer proudly displays Saint Kitts and Nevis flag on his boots
    England vs Bosnia LIVE: Three Lions ramp up Euro 2024 prep with Newcastle friendly
    England vs Bosnia LIVE: Three Lions ramp up Euro 2024 prep with Newcastle friendly
    Trippier says England can win Euro 2024 and picks teammate who 'surprised' him
    Trippier says England can win Euro 2024 and picks teammate who 'surprised' him
    Five England players ruled out of Bosnia clash as Southgate names new captain for friendly
    Five England players ruled out of Bosnia clash as Southgate names new captain for friendly
    Maguire is still out, along with Anthony Gordon, who has a minor ankle problem.

    Southgate has named four goalkeepers in his 33-man squad, with Burnley's James Trafford expected to be the one that misses out.

    Merseyside trio - Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite - have all yet to make their senior debuts and are likely to be on the chopping board.

    Meanwhile, Southgate will be delighted that Jude Bellingham made it through the Champions League final unscathed.

    James Maddison is in despite failing to hit his best of form for Spurs in recent weeks
    4
    James Maddison is in despite failing to hit his best of form for Spurs in recent weeksCredit: Getty
    What is England's best XI?
    Former England ace Ashley Young - who will part of talkSPORT's Euros coverage - wants to see Southgate select an XI that will 'take the game to England's opponents'.

    The Everton veteran and Gabby Agbonlahor agreed that Shaw makes the cut if he's fit, but that then raised the question of who would take his place.

    Young said: "If we're talking about set piece delivery, Trippier is definitely the man.

    He added: "I think we've definitely got to take the game to the opponents. I don't think we should be scared of any opponents. I don't think players should go into a tournament worried about what they're coming up against.

    "I think with Gareth, I know how it is, everything is about what we do and not what another team does."

    Young and Agbonlahor agree this is England's best XI
    4
    Young and Agbonlahor agree this is England's best XI
    When does Euro 2024 start?
    The tournament kicks off on Friday, June 14, with hosts Germany battling Scotland at the Allianz Arena in Munich in the Group A opener.

    England - in Group B - will play their first game on Sunday, 16, against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 8pm UK time.

    They will face Denmark in their second game on Thursday, June 20 in Frankfurt at 5pm.

    Their final group game will be on Tuesday, June 25 in Cologne against Slovenia at 8pm.

    Who are the favourite to win Euro 2024?
    talkSPORT BET has England as the top pick for glory, having come so close to glory at the last Euros.

    France are a close second, with Kylian Mbappe the stand-out name at this summer's tournament, while hosts Germany and Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal are next in the betting.

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    Re: EXCLUSIVE Football News

    Free Euro 2024 betting guide: Tips, predictions and best bets for every team plus outrights
    By Sporting Life
    10:43 · WED June 05, 2024


    Our all new Euro 2024 betting guide - packed with tips, stats, analysis and more - is now available for FREE.

    England head to Germany as favourites to end their wait for a major trophy that (still) stretches back to 1966.

    The Three Lions finished runners-up to Italy in the last Euros, and have a good chance of going further, but as is always the case with the Euros, it will be a highly competitive tournament, meaning the need to gain a betting edge has never been higher.

    We have you covered, with outright sneak peeks plus players to back, a best bet and expert analysis for all 24 nations.

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    Re: EXCLUSIVE Football News

    Euro 2024 outright tips, predictions, best bets and preview
    By Jake Osgathorpe
    21:05 · THU June 06, 2024
    Sporting Life tipped the winners of Euro 2020 (Italy 11/1), with Jake tipping the winners of the last two major international tournaments - 2022 World Cup (Argentina 7/1) and AFCON 2023 (Ivory Coast 7/1)
    Jake finished the 23/24 season +69.7pts in profit
    Football betting tips: Euro 2024 outright
    4pts e.w Portugal to win Euro 2024 at 8/1 (General 1/2, 1-2)

    0.5pt e.w Switzerland to win Euro 2024 at 80/1 (General 1/2, 1,2)

    0.5pt e.w Austria to win Euro 2024 at 80/1 (General 1/2, 1,2)

    CLICK HERE to add the selections to your Sky Bet bet slip
    Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power |

    Is there anything better than a summer with a major international tournament? The winter World Cup was unusual, and while it was thoroughly entertaining, I'm over the moon that we return to the usual June-July slot for Euro 2024.

    Italy are the reigning champions after they beat England at Wembley in 2021, but it's the Three Lions that head the betting in Germany, followed by 2022 World Cup runners-up France.

    Sporting Life Euro 2024 guide out now
    CLICK TO READ our Euro 2024 betting guide
    Can England win Euro 2024?
    I wouldn't be at all shocked if England were to win a first major trophy since 1966, but from a betting perspective they are not attractive at all. They look way too short for my liking.

    Yes, Gareth Southgate has arguably the most talented group of his tenure, but in my mind it is the manager himself who provides me with most doubt.

    His in-game tactical tweaks and sometimes questionable set-ups are a worry, as is the fact that if everything goes to plan then England would face France in the semi-finals - the side that beat them at the last World Cup.

    Didier Deschamps' side should be the favourites in my book. They have the pedigree, winning the 2018 World Cup, and appear a good match for England, but again, they look a tad short.

    Euro 2024 winner odds (via Sky Bet)
    England - 3/1
    France - 4/1
    Germany - 9/2
    Portugal - 8/1
    Spain - 8/1
    Italy - 14/1
    Netherlands - 18/1
    Belgium - 20/1
    40/1 bar
    Odds correct at 1600 (06/06/24)

    Swerve the hosts
    Host nation Germany are the third favourites and their price has been getting shorter for quite some time.

    I can't get my head around why they are around the 5/1 mark. They've shown very little to suggest they are ready to compete against Europe's best.

    Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann
    Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann
    Plus, they haven't played a competitive game for over a year. It's a lot to ask of them to just flick a switch and it all to click. History is against them too, with only three host nations winning the Euros in the 16 stagings of the event, the last being France in 1984.

    Spain and Portugal come next in the betting, and while the Spaniards did tempt me with a squad that looks well rounded with a good blend of youth and experience, plus recent silverware (2023 Nations League, if you count it) they find themselves in the 'group of death' alongside Italy and Croatia.

    Punt on Portugal
    Should Spain fail to win their group, it's highly likely that they will fall into the side of the draw with England and France, so at the same price PORTUGAL look a better bet TO WIN THE EUROS.

    CLICK HERE to back Portugal to win Euro 2024 with Sky Bet
    Their squad is simply stacked.

    They have two quality players for every position which only England and France can rival, and the 2016 winners have looked excellent under new manager Roberto Martinez.

    Portugal Euro qualifying stats
    Portugal were the most dominant team in qualifying, topping the charts for all major metrics. Their group wasn't tough, but they dismantled their opponents in style.

    The two question marks everyone has around the Portuguese are: the manager and international football's record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Martinez masterclass?
    Martinez has an unfair reputation as being a failure in international management. In my opinion he excelled at Belgium. He had a top heavy side and was forced to play a 3-4-3 formation to cover up defensive cracks.

    They finished third in the 2018 World Cup, losing in the semi-finals to eventual champions France, and were eliminated by eventual winners Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020. By the 2022 World Cup his Belgian squad was at the end of its cycle.

    Martinez is a better manager than he is given credit for, and as well as Portugal having an incredible pool of players to choose from, the new manager also brings a tactical flexibility which is hugely important in tournament football - keeping your opponent guessing and being fluid with in-game changes.

    Ronaldo Euro shot map
    When it comes to Ronaldo, it's debatable whether Portugal are better with or without him, but you can't leave out a goalscorer like him, and I fully trust Martinez to continue to use a system that gets the best out of all his players.

    After all, CR7 scored 10 goals in qualifying, a record bettered only by Romelu Lukaku (14).

    Finally, Portugal's group - alongside Czechia, Turkey and Georgia - is the easiest of all according to FIFA World Rankings, so should see them qualify as winners, meaning they'll likely avoid England and France until the final.

    A third-placed team will await in the round of 16 followed by a group runner-up in the quarters means a deep run is very realistic.

    I fully expected the 2016 winners to be the third favourites to win the tournament, so rate them a cracking bet at the prices available.

    Any other challengers?
    Reigning champions Italy will be without key stalwarts Giorgio Chiellini (left) and Leonardo Bonucci (right)
    Reigning champions Italy come next in the betting at 18/1 in places, the same price as the Netherlands.

    The former find themselves in the midst of a transition, and that, coupled with being in 'the group of death' is enough for them to be overlooked. I have trust issues in attack when it comes the latter, they just don't have anyone that puts the fear into opponents.

    That's not the case for Belgium, who are 16/1 generally but a huge 20/1 with Sky Bet.

    They possess a frightening front line, with Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard, but their defence remains questionable, and the fact that new manager Domenico Tedesco hasn't included fit again Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois seems like a major own goal.

    Belgium were shaky at the back anyhow, so not having arguably the best goalkeeper in the world between the sticks is a concern, so too is the fact if everything goes according to plan, they will have to play both France and England to reach the final.

    Who are the Euro 2024 dark horses?
    Croatia's Luka Modric
    Croatia's Luka Modric
    Those are all the teams 20/1 and shorter, with a big jump in the market to the next tier of teams, starting at 40/1 with Croatia and Denmark.

    The Croats will be on many people's list as a dark horse contender given their recent tournament record, but all of their excellent finishes have been in the World Cup, finishing second and third in the last two.

    Since the Euros expanded to 24 teams they are yet to make it past the round of 16, likely due to the tougher draw in the opening knockout round.

    Croatia have faced Denmark and Japan in the round of 16 in their two World Cup runs, allowing them to build up a head of steam, but were halted by Portugal and Spain at the same stage in their most recent Euro outings.

    Being in the 'group of death' in this edition, the chances are Croatia again face an elite side early in the knockouts, so while at first glance they look a big price, that's probably about right.

    The same goes for Denmark, who had a good Euro 2020 but a shocking 2022 World Cup.

    Back Das Team
    I'm going a bit bigger for my final two selections, both at 80/1, starting with AUSTRIA TO WIN THE EUROS.

    CLICK HERE to back Austria to win Euro 2024 with Sky Bet
    What do you want from a dark horse? Well in my mind, I want a capable TEAM without any superstars as opposed to a standout individual with no help - I'm looking at you Poland.

    Well, Austria have just that. They are more than the sum of their parts and are more than capable of causing a surprise. Ralf Rangnick is the man in charge and he has overseen an incredible turnaround, making them a very dangerous opponent.

    Wreck-it Ralf
    Austria manager Ralf Rangnick
    Austria manager Ralf Rangnick
    They took Belgium all the way in qualifying, impressing on the underlying numbers in the process (2.01 xGF, 0.85 xGA per game) and have beaten Italy and Germany in recent international breaks.

    The only reason they are available at 80/1 instead of 50/1 is the tough group they have been drawn in alongside France, the Netherlands and Poland.

    While the chances of them topping the group are small, I fully expect them to qualify, and with them being an awkward match-up for anyone in the knockout rounds, they could outrun their odds.

    It does seem unlikely we get a winner of Euro 2024 at odds as big as 80/1, but you just never know; Greece were the same price when they won it back in 2004.

    If the big price each-way doesn't appeal, you can back them at 3/1 to reach the quarter-finals and 8/1 to reach the semi-finals.

    Turkey are the perennial dark horses in major tournaments, and while I like the shape of their squad heading to Germany, especially with the addition of the uber talented Arda Guler, the fact they were slapped by Austria 6-1 recently is enough to dissuade me.

    Swiss surprise
    Instead, it's SWITZERLAND that get the next vote TO WIN THE EUROS.

    CLICK HERE to back Switzerland to win Euro 2024 with Sky Bet
    On paper, this looks like a daft shout, after all, Switzerland's record in qualifying was poor in a poor group (W4 D5 L1).

    But, dig a little deeper and we see that their underlying data through qualifying was excellent. Only Portugal and France had a better xG process than the Swiss (2.36 xGF, 0.63 xGA per game) with those figures highlighting how they created an abundance of chances and limited their opponents well.

    xGD per game Euro qualifying
    So why did they finish second behind Romania in qualifying? Unsustainably bad goalkeeping was a huge contributing factor, something we very rarely see from Yann Sommer. He conceded nine goals from on target chances equating to just 5.2 xG, conceding nearly four more than we would expect.

    A Sommer bounce back
    Now, there is simply no reason for us to believe that that run was anything but a blip. Sommer has been excellent for years now, and for his club side Inter this season has overperformed, saving six goals more than expected (19 conceded, on target xG faced of 25.5).

    Somewhere in between the two levels is all we would need from Sommer to make Switzerland a real headache once again at a major tournament.

    They have a lovely balance to their XI and like Austria are a well-functioning team. Murat Yakin has a blend of experience and youth at his disposal too, plus the majority of this group got over their Euros hump three years ago.

    Switzerland knock France out of Euro 2020and set up a quarter-final clash with Spain
    Switzerland knocked France out of Euro 2020
    Prior to the 2020 edition, the Swiss had never gone beyond the round of 16, but they claimed the biggest of scalps when knocking out then-reigning world champions France, before taking Spain all the way to penalties in the quarters.

    They could be dangerous again, and one thing is for sure, when it gets to the knockout rounds, not many teams will want to play the Swiss.

    Like with the Austria selection, if you don't want to take the big price for them to win the tournament, you can back them at 3/1 to reach the quarters and 12/1 to reach the semis.

    Any triple-figure prices appeal?
    After Turkey-Austria-Switzerland at 80/1 generally, we jump into triple figures, and unfortunately, no teams at the price made much appeal, with it being Ukraine that were closest to making the staking plan.

    They are a good side full of quality, with a very strong spine of Real Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin, Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, Arsenal midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko and La Liga Pachichi (top scorer) winner Artem Dovbyk.

    Ukraine are more than capable of causing a shock, but Austria and Switzerland feel more trustworthy.

    Though at big prices, we really are hoping for a minor miracle.

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    Re: EXCLUSIVE Football News

    Free Euro 2024 betting guide: Tips, predictions and best bets for every team plus outrights
    By Sporting Life
    14:59 · FRI June 07, 2024

    Our all new Euro 2024 betting guide - packed with tips, stats, analysis and more - is now available for FREE.

    England head to Germany as favourites to end their wait for a major trophy that (still) stretches back to 1966.

    The Three Lions finished runners-up to Italy in the last Euros, and have a good chance of going further, but as is always the case with the Euros, it will be a highly competitive tournament, meaning the need to gain a betting edge has never been higher.

    We have you covered, with outright sneak peeks plus players to back, a best bet and expert analysis for all 24 nations.

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    Re: EXCLUSIVE Football News

    England betting tips: Euro 2024 verdict on Three Lions
    By Sporting Life
    10:04 · WED June 12, 2024

    Gareth Southgate takes charge of his fourth major tournament as England manager, with his first three delivering a fourth-placed finish, a runner-up finish and a quarter final elimination.

    Expectations are high once again, with the Three Lions boasting plenty of talent and tournament experience, and they head the betting markets as the bookies' favourites.

    But how will they get on? And what are the best England-related bets?

    Our team give their verdicts.


    Qualifying stats
    W6 - D2 - L0
    22 goals scored - 4 goals against
    Top scorer - Harry Kane (8)
    Most assists - Bukayo Saka (3)
    Most cards - Declan Rice (2)
    Stage of Elimination odds (via Sky Bet)
    Group Stage - 12/1
    Round of 16 - 3/1
    Quarter finals - 10/3
    Semi finals - 9/2
    Runners-up - 6/1
    Winners - 10/3
    Odds correct at 1200 (11/06/24)

    declan rice kane
    Group stage fixtures
    Sunday 16th June - 20:00

    Serbia vs ENGLAND
    Home 6/1 | Draw 10/3 | Away 4/9
    TV Channel: BBC One
    Thursday 20th June - 17:00

    Denmark vs ENGLAND
    Home 9/2 | Draw 14/5 | Away 3/5
    TV Channel: BBC One
    Tuesday 25th June - 20:00

    ENGLAND vs Slovenia
    Home 1/3 | Draw 4/1 | Away 15/2
    TV Channel: ITV1

    Can England win it YES! Will they? NO! | Our Euro 2024 Predictions
    Route to the final
    The four best third-placed teams going through makes the last 16 tricky to plot. Should England win Group C, they will face the third-placed team from one of Group D, E or F, which based on seeding and prices, would be Austria, Romania or Czechia.

    If the Three Lions win that game, they'll face the runners-up of either Group A or Group B in the quarter finals, likely Switzerland or Italy/Croatia, before a potential semi-final showdown with France. That is providing Les Bleus win their group.

    Should England fail to win Group C, finishing second, they could face Germany in the Round of 16 before Spain in the quarter-finals and possibly Portugal in the semis. Qualifying as a third-place team in Group C would see Gareth Southgate's side take on either Belgium or Portugal in the Round of 16.

    Euros wall chart
    CLICK TO DOWNLOAD our free Euro 2024 wallchart
    How far can England go?
    Joe Townsend - At the World Cup it always felt as though everything would hinge on a quarter-final with France; so it proved. With the duo likely to meet in the semi-finals, England’s young team should be better than in 2022. Sadly, so should France...

    Jake Osgathorpe - Unfortunately, I fear it will be semi-final heartbreak for England, once again falling short when coming up against a legitimately good team - likely France.

    Tom Carnduff - My bracket has England meeting Croatia in the quarter-finals - a strong tournament team who have shown their potential to go far. If the Three Lions get past them, it's France next. They'll do well to get to the final but I can't see it.

    James Cantrill - All the way. It’s natural progression as finalists in the last tournament. Gareth Southgate has a knack of learning from defeats, beating Croatia and Italy in the next competitive game after losses at major tournaments. So when we meet France in the semis, we’ll beat them and cruise to our first tournament win.

    England's Bukayo Saka
    Player to back
    Joe Townsend - When BUKAYO SAKA was selected ahead of Jadon Sancho for England’s Euro 2020 opener there was quite an outcry; impossible to imagine now. The Arsenal the winger has averaged 3+ shots per league game this season and provided 30+ goal involvements in all competitions.

    Jake Osgathorpe - With Jude Bellingham likely to play as a number 10, bursting past a deeper-dropping Harry Kane, it wouldn't be a surprise to see BUKAYO SAKA being England's top scorer at the tournament. Three goals at the 2022 World Cup and four in Euros qualifying, he certainly steps up for the Three Lions.

    Tom Carnduff - HARRY KANE. Don't overthink it here: England's main man will be hoping to lead them to glory, and with two of their three group games looking very winnable, he has every chance of securing the Golden Boot.

    James Cantrill - TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD is odds-on to start the Three Lions first game against Serbia in midfield alongside Declan Rice. I’ll be keeping an eye on his prices to score and to assist because you would have to assume if he is playing further up the pitch, his offensive output will increase.

    Harry Kane's qualification shot map
    Best England bet
    Joe Townsend - England should sweep aside Serbia and Slovenia, who'll struggle to contain such a talented forward line. Between those fixtures they face a Denmark side who have struggled since reaching the Euro 2020 semi-finals, so the 5/2 about ENGLAND EXACTLY NINE POINTS is a real runner.

    Jake Osgathorpe - It has to be ENGLAND TO BE ELIMINATED IN THE SEMI-FINALS. Gareth Southgate's side have a group they should top plus a favourable couple of knockout matches, but likely stumble as they collide with France, just as they did at the World Cup.

    Tom Carnduff - You can get 2/1 on ENGLAND 1ST/DENMARK 2ND on the Group C straight forecast which looks solid enough. Southgate's men have more than enough to go through as group winners, with Denmark likely to be the side that runs them closest.

    James Cantrill - Although I am bullish on England’s chances, I cannot back them as favourites. Instead I’ll be siding with JUDE BELLINGHAM TO WIN PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT at 9/1. Every one of the previous seven winners of the accolade has made it to the final and six have played for the winning team.

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    Re: EXCLUSIVE Football News

    Euro 2024 outright tips, predictions, best bets and preview
    By Jake Osgathorpe
    16:54 · WED June 12, 2024

    Sporting Life tipped the winners of Euro 2020 (Italy 11/1), with Jake tipping the winners of the last two major international tournaments - 2022 World Cup (Argentina 7/1) and AFCON 2023 (Ivory Coast 7/1)
    Jake finished the 23/24 season +69.7pts in profit
    Football betting tips: Euro 2024 outright
    4pts e.w Portugal to win Euro 2024 at 8/1 (General 1/2, 1-2)

    0.5pt e.w Switzerland to win Euro 2024 at 80/1 (General 1/2, 1,2)

    0.5pt e.w Austria to win Euro 2024 at 80/1 (General 1/2, 1,2)


    Is there anything better than a summer with a major international tournament? The winter World Cup was unusual, and while it was thoroughly entertaining, I'm over the moon that we return to the usual June-July slot for Euro 2024.

    Italy are the reigning champions after they beat England at Wembley in 2021, but it's the Three Lions that head the betting in Germany, followed by 2022 World Cup runners-up France.

    Sporting Life Euro 2024 guide out now
    CLICK TO READ our Euro 2024 betting guide
    Can England win Euro 2024?
    I wouldn't be at all shocked if England were to win a first major trophy since 1966, but from a betting perspective they are not attractive at all. They look way too short for my liking.

    Yes, Gareth Southgate has arguably the most talented group of his tenure, but in my mind it is the manager himself who provides me with most doubt.

    His in-game tactical tweaks and sometimes questionable set-ups are a worry, as is the fact that if everything goes to plan then England would face France in the semi-finals - the side that beat them at the last World Cup.

    Didier Deschamps' side should be the favourites in my book. They have the pedigree, winning the 2018 World Cup, and appear a good match for England, but again, they look a tad short.


    Euro 2024 winner odds (via Sky Bet)
    England - 3/1
    France - 4/1
    Germany - 9/2
    Portugal - 8/1
    Spain - 8/1
    Italy - 14/1
    Netherlands - 18/1
    Belgium - 20/1
    40/1 bar
    Odds correct at 1600 (06/06/24)

    Swerve the hosts
    Host nation Germany are the third favourites and their price has been getting shorter for quite some time.

    I can't get my head around why they are around the 5/1 mark. They've shown very little to suggest they are ready to compete against Europe's best.

    Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann
    Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann
    Plus, they haven't played a competitive game for over a year. It's a lot to ask of them to just flick a switch and it all to click. History is against them too, with only three host nations winning the Euros in the 16 stagings of the event, the last being France in 1984.

    Spain and Portugal come next in the betting, and while the Spaniards did tempt me with a squad that looks well rounded with a good blend of youth and experience, plus recent silverware (2023 Nations League, if you count it) they find themselves in the 'group of death' alongside Italy and Croatia.

    Punt on Portugal
    Should Spain fail to win their group, it's highly likely that they will fall into the side of the draw with England and France, so at the same price PORTUGAL look a better bet TO WIN THE EUROS.

    CLICK HERE to back Portugal to win Euro 2024 with Sky Bet
    Their squad is simply stacked.

    They have two quality players for every position which only England and France can rival, and the 2016 winners have looked excellent under new manager Roberto Martinez.

    Portugal Euro qualifying stats
    Portugal were the most dominant team in qualifying, topping the charts for all major metrics. Their group wasn't tough, but they dismantled their opponents in style.

    The two question marks everyone has around the Portuguese are: the manager and international football's record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Martinez masterclass?
    Martinez has an unfair reputation as being a failure in international management. In my opinion he excelled at Belgium. He had a top heavy side and was forced to play a 3-4-3 formation to cover up defensive cracks.

    They finished third in the 2018 World Cup, losing in the semi-finals to eventual champions France, and were eliminated by eventual winners Italy in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020. By the 2022 World Cup his Belgian squad was at the end of its cycle.

    Martinez is a better manager than he is given credit for, and as well as Portugal having an incredible pool of players to choose from, the new manager also brings a tactical flexibility which is hugely important in tournament football - keeping your opponent guessing and being fluid with in-game changes.

    Ronaldo Euro shot map
    When it comes to Ronaldo, it's debatable whether Portugal are better with or without him, but you can't leave out a goalscorer like him, and I fully trust Martinez to continue to use a system that gets the best out of all his players.

    After all, CR7 scored 10 goals in qualifying, a record bettered only by Romelu Lukaku (14).

    Finally, Portugal's group - alongside Czechia, Turkey and Georgia - is the easiest of all according to FIFA World Rankings, so should see them qualify as winners, meaning they'll likely avoid England and France until the final.

    A third-placed team will await in the round of 16 followed by a group runner-up in the quarters means a deep run is very realistic.

    I fully expected the 2016 winners to be the third favourites to win the tournament, so rate them a cracking bet at the prices available.

    Any other challengers?
    Reigning champions Italy will be without key stalwarts Giorgio Chiellini (left) and Leonardo Bonucci (right)
    Reigning champions Italy come next in the betting at 18/1 in places, the same price as the Netherlands.

    The former find themselves in the midst of a transition, and that, coupled with being in 'the group of death' is enough for them to be overlooked. I have trust issues in attack when it comes the latter, they just don't have anyone that puts the fear into opponents.

    That's not the case for Belgium, who are 16/1 generally but a huge 20/1 with Sky Bet.

    They possess a frightening front line, with Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard, but their defence remains questionable, and the fact that new manager Domenico Tedesco hasn't included fit again Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois seems like a major own goal.

    Belgium were shaky at the back anyhow, so not having arguably the best goalkeeper in the world between the sticks is a concern, so too is the fact if everything goes according to plan, they will have to play both France and England to reach the final.

    Who are the Euro 2024 dark horses?
    Croatia's Luka Modric
    Croatia's Luka Modric
    Those are all the teams 20/1 and shorter, with a big jump in the market to the next tier of teams, starting at 40/1 with Croatia and Denmark.

    The Croats will be on many people's list as a dark horse contender given their recent tournament record, but all of their excellent finishes have been in the World Cup, finishing second and third in the last two.

    Since the Euros expanded to 24 teams they are yet to make it past the round of 16, likely due to the tougher draw in the opening knockout round.

    Croatia have faced Denmark and Japan in the round of 16 in their two World Cup runs, allowing them to build up a head of steam, but were halted by Portugal and Spain at the same stage in their most recent Euro outings.

    Being in the 'group of death' in this edition, the chances are Croatia again face an elite side early in the knockouts, so while at first glance they look a big price, that's probably about right.

    The same goes for Denmark, who had a good Euro 2020 but a shocking 2022 World Cup.


    Back Das Team
    I'm going a bit bigger for my final two selections, both at 80/1, starting with AUSTRIA TO WIN THE EUROS.

    CLICK HERE to back Austria to win Euro 2024 with Sky Bet
    What do you want from a dark horse? Well in my mind, I want a capable TEAM without any superstars as opposed to a standout individual with no help - I'm looking at you Poland.

    Well, Austria have just that. They are more than the sum of their parts and are more than capable of causing a surprise. Ralf Rangnick is the man in charge and he has overseen an incredible turnaround, making them a very dangerous opponent.

    Wreck-it Ralf
    Austria manager Ralf Rangnick
    Austria manager Ralf Rangnick
    They took Belgium all the way in qualifying, impressing on the underlying numbers in the process (2.01 xGF, 0.85 xGA per game) and have beaten Italy and Germany in recent international breaks.

    The only reason they are available at 80/1 instead of 50/1 is the tough group they have been drawn in alongside France, the Netherlands and Poland.

    While the chances of them topping the group are small, I fully expect them to qualify, and with them being an awkward match-up for anyone in the knockout rounds, they could outrun their odds.

    It does seem unlikely we get a winner of Euro 2024 at odds as big as 80/1, but you just never know; Greece were the same price when they won it back in 2004.

    If the big price each-way doesn't appeal, you can back them at 3/1 to reach the quarter-finals and 8/1 to reach the semi-finals.

    Turkey are the perennial dark horses in major tournaments, and while I like the shape of their squad heading to Germany, especially with the addition of the uber talented Arda Guler, the fact they were slapped by Austria 6-1 recently is enough to dissuade me.

    Swiss surprise
    Instead, it's SWITZERLAND that get the next vote TO WIN THE EUROS.

    CLICK HERE to back Switzerland to win Euro 2024 with Sky Bet
    On paper, this looks like a daft shout, after all, Switzerland's record in qualifying was poor in a poor group (W4 D5 L1).

    But, dig a little deeper and we see that their underlying data through qualifying was excellent. Only Portugal and France had a better xG process than the Swiss (2.36 xGF, 0.63 xGA per game) with those figures highlighting how they created an abundance of chances and limited their opponents well.

    xGD per game Euro qualifying
    So why did they finish second behind Romania in qualifying? Unsustainably bad goalkeeping was a huge contributing factor, something we very rarely see from Yann Sommer. He conceded nine goals from on target chances equating to just 5.2 xG, conceding nearly four more than we would expect.

    A Sommer bounce back
    Now, there is simply no reason for us to believe that that run was anything but a blip. Sommer has been excellent for years now, and for his club side Inter this season has overperformed, saving six goals more than expected (19 conceded, on target xG faced of 25.5).

    Somewhere in between the two levels is all we would need from Sommer to make Switzerland a real headache once again at a major tournament.

    They have a lovely balance to their XI and like Austria are a well-functioning team. Murat Yakin has a blend of experience and youth at his disposal too, plus the majority of this group got over their Euros hump three years ago.

    Switzerland knock France out of Euro 2020and set up a quarter-final clash with Spain
    Switzerland knocked France out of Euro 2020
    Prior to the 2020 edition, the Swiss had never gone beyond the round of 16, but they claimed the biggest of scalps when knocking out then-reigning world champions France, before taking Spain all the way to penalties in the quarters.

    They could be dangerous again, and one thing is for sure, when it gets to the knockout rounds, not many teams will want to play the Swiss.

    Like with the Austria selection, if you don't want to take the big price for them to win the tournament, you can back them at 3/1 to reach the quarters and 12/1 to reach the semis.

    Any triple-figure prices appeal?
    After Turkey-Austria-Switzerland at 80/1 generally, we jump into triple figures, and unfortunately, no teams at the price made much appeal, with it being Ukraine that were closest to making the staking plan.

    They are a good side full of quality, with a very strong spine of Real Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin, Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, Arsenal midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko and La Liga Pachichi (top scorer) winner Artem Dovbyk.

    Ukraine are more than capable of causing a shock, but Austria and Switzerland feel more trustworthy.

    Though at big prices, we really are hoping for a minor miracle.

  10. #959
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    Re: EXCLUSIVE Football News

    Jude Bellingham shows England hopes sit squarely on his shoulders
    By Joe Townsend
    12:58 · MON June 17, 2024
    "I'm willing to do whatever it takes, ready to do everything to help the country win this tournament."

    Is it possible to genuinely love a 20-year-old man you've never met? Over this next month, we could very well find out.

    It's a fair question we can probably already pose to plenty of people up and down the country - a good few dozen in a never to be revealed West Yorkshire pub would answer yes, if being really honest with ourselves.

    Yes, I watched England's win over Serbia in a pub, while on the clock. One pint only, I promise.

    From the moment Jude Bellingham hugged, kissed and high-fived his team-mates after the anthems, he dominated the conversation, as much as he did the opening 45 minutes of the match.


    It's remarkable to think he won't turn 21 until the round of 16, a stage of the tournament England now appear almost certain to reach thanks to his thumping 13th-minute header.

    All hell would've broken loose regardless of who had scored - no one was pausing to check before climbing on tables and chairs, then quickly, sheepishly climbing down - but the fact it was Bellingham certainly added extra buzz.

    As did his, let's be honest wholly unnecessary, gladiatorial chest bump midway through the first half.

    But we need that. We fucking love it.

    Jude Bellingham
    Jude Bellingham was chosen as UEFA man of the match for his match-winning display against Serbia on Sunday
    It epitomised his display: utterly fearless, utterly dominant.

    Yes the second half wasn't as impressive because England were, basically, a bit shit, but for anyone listening to the nervous pub chatter in an attempt to play some kind of "Rooney 2004" / "Gazza Italia '90" style bingo you'd have had a full house before the interval, with bonus points on offer per grown man spotted yelling "Juuuuuude" at an out of sync TV screen.

    For England fans, that love of a player goes beyond footballing ability, it's the ruggedness that gives that extra connection we secretly crave - for want of a better phrase, an "Englishness" to the way they play the game. Without doubt Bellingham has now challenged the levels of excitement and belief Wayne Rooney provided 20 years ago.

    In the build-up to this tournament, I felt as though there hadn't been the same level of anticipation you'd normally expect, but all of a sudden the crap weather, general election bore-athon and realisation that, yet again, we're allowing ourselves to be hurt by what will likely be another crushing major tournament disappointment, doesn't seem so bad.


    Now it's time to hitch all our hopes to one man, make him our undisputed hero.

    Because this is England at a major tournament, and that is what we do.

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    Re: EXCLUSIVE Football News

    Luka Jovic denies Slovenia historic win as Serbia keep Euro 2024 campaign alive
    By Sporting Life
    16:45 · THU June 20, 2024

    Luka Jovic’s stoppage-time header kept Serbia’s hopes alive and denied Slovenia their first European Championship finals win as their Group C clash in Munich ended 1-1.

    Serbia, who lost their opening match 1-0 to England, appeared to be crashing out of the tournament as they trailed to Zan Karnicnik’s second-half effort, but AC Milan striker Jovic headed home a corner in the fifth minute of added time.

    The point did little for either side’s chances of qualifying in the top two – Slovenia drew 1-1 with Denmark in their opener – with group rivals England set to play the Danes later on Thursday night.

    Slovenia made the brighter start. Pisa forward Jan Mlakar’s angled low shot was well saved by the legs of Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic, while Dusan Vlahovic’s 27th-minute header, saved by Jan Oblak, was Serbia’s first chance.

    Slovenia missed two golden chances to make their first-half superiority pay soon after when Timi Elsnik fired against a post from inside the penalty area and Benjamin Sesko lashed the rebound over the crossbar.

    Serbia woke from their slumber shortly before the break and, as the game opened up, striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was denied by Oblak from close range to ensure the first period ended goalless.

    Serbia looked to pick up where they left off after the restart. Oblak darted off his goalline to again thwart Mitrovic, who then headed narrowly over as Dragan Stojkovic’s side upped the tempo.

    Sesko eased the pressure on Slovenia with a curling effort that was superbly saved by Rajkovic, but Serbia continued to look the more threatening.

    Mitrovic miscued another effort on goal before Serbia were stunned in the 68th minute.

    Karnicnik began a sweeping counter down the right and after spraying the ball wide he continued his run to guide home Elsnik’s pinpoint cross at the far post.

    Having opened the scoring, Karnicnik then got a vital foot on the ball to deflect Mitrovic’s half-volley onto the crossbar as Serbia looked to respond.

    Substitute Sergej Milinkovic-Savic headed wide, but as the clock ticked into the fifth minute of time added on, second-half substitute Jovic headed an equaliser from Ivan Ilic’s superb corner.

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