England are gearing up for their Euro 2024 opener on Sunday (Image: Getty)
With Euro 2024 drawing enticingly closer, the latest news is ramping up ahead of hosts Germany’s opener against Scotland on Friday evening before the non-stop action kicks into gear.
England are stepping up their preparations ahead of their first match of the Euros against Serbia on Sunday evening, and Gareth Southgate has been left sweating on the fitness of a few key stars ahead of the fixture – including Bukayo Saka, John Stones and Luke Shaw.
Meanwhile, Portugal left it late to finish their Euro 2024 warm-up fixtres, having beaten Ireland 3-0 last night with Cristiano Ronaldo netting twice and Joao Felix getting on the scoresheet early on.
And now with the main course of action almost upon us, Express Sport is on hand throughouut the day to bring you the latest news ahead of Euro 2024.
UEFA prepared to grant permission to countries who wear Pride armbands
UEFA have warned countries hoping to mark Pride month to seek permission at Euro 2024.
Keen to avoid a similar row to the one that engulfed FIFA and a host of nations the start of the 2022 World Cup, UEFA say they are willing to grant permission to captains who want to wear rainbow-themed captain’s armbands.
Harry Kane wore the Pride armband against Iceland at Wembley, although the England captain only wears it on special occasions to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
READ MORE HERE
German company leaves cheeky message outside England’s media base
A German company has left a cheeky message outside England’s media centre at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions are based at the Weimarer Land Golf Hotel and Spa in Blankenhain, Germany.
A short journey away is an oval-shaped castle where England’s players will conduct their media duties.
Positioned outside is a screen that pokes fun at King Charles III’s German ancesty.
It reads: “Dear Three Lions, football is coming home – to the ancestors of your king. Have a good time in Thuringia.”
A Germany company has left a cheeky message for England at Euro 2024 (Image: Adam Davy / PA Wire)
How should England line up?
England boss Gareth Southgate has several pressing dilemmas ahead of the EUro 2024 clash with Serbia on Sunday.
With Luke Shaw likely to be unfit, who should start at left-back?
Which midfielder partners Declan Rice? Do you deploy Trent Alexander-Arnold in the role?
Let us know in the comments who you think should start for England.
Anthony Gordon gives ‘selfish’ Gareth Southgate verdict
Anthony Gordon says he ‘selfishly’ wants Gareth Southgate to remain as England manager.
Southgate has been linked with the Manchester United job.
Gordon said: “From a selfish point I would want him to stay. I love working with him and his staff.
“From my youth journey with England, the way they have transitioned the whole set-up from youth to senior level has been absolutely amazing. And I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.”
READ MORE HERE
Wayne Rooney names ‘really poor’ England player who will start vs Serbia
Wayne Rooney thinks Kieran Trippier has to play for England vs Serbia despite being “really poor all season” for Newcastle.
Trippier is likely to start against Serbia at Euro 2024 due to a dearth of left-back options.
Luke Shaw is not expected to be fit until England face Denmark on June 20.
Asked on the Overlap if it is a guarantee that Trippier will play, Rooney said: “It is. For me he’s been really poor all season.
“I thought the other night against Iceland he was poor again but he’ll play, he has to play.”
Wayne Rooney says Kieran Trippier has been ‘really poor’ all season (Image: Getty)
England suffer fitness scare ahead of Euro 2024 opener
John Stones will miss England training on Wednesday.
The centre-back, who is widely expected to start the Euro 2024 Group C clash with Serbia on Sunday, is suffering from illness.
READ MORE HERE
Harry Kane shows true colours in England camp
Harry Kane has been endearing himself to the locals at Euro 2024 by speaking German.
Kane has immersed himself in German culture since joining Bayern Munich last summer.
The England captain visited an oval-shaped castle near their base where the players will undertake media duties.
Christian, the security guard, told the Guardian:
“Harry Kane was here this morning,” Christian says. “Yeah, he said a few words to me in German. He was here for some pictures.”
Robert Lewandowski suffers injury nightmare
Robert Lewandowski will miss Poland’s first Euro 2024 clash with the Netherlands.
The Barcelona striker was injured in his side’s victory over Turkey during a warm-up friendly last week.
“Robert Lewandowski suffered a torn biceps femoris muscle, which will exclude him from the first match,” team doctor Jacek Jaroszewski said in a statement.
“We are doing everything so that Robert can play in the second match against Austria.”
Gareth Southgate handed major England boost
Bukayo Saka will be fit for England’s clash with Serbia on Sunday
Saka missed the final game of the Premier League season and was subsequently managed back into action during England’s two friendlies against Bosnia and Iceland.
According to ESPN, sources believe the Arsenal winger will be fit to feature in England’s first match of Euro 2024.
It is a major boost for Gareth Southgate, who struggled to get a front three of Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon to click against Iceland at Wembley.
England anger ex-Man Utd boss over training camp
Ex-Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick was reportedly furious that England secured the Golfresort Weimarer Land base ahead of Austria.
According to the Mirror, England’s base at Euro 2024 is among the most popular and Germany used it for their warm-up friendlies.
It is said to feature Rangnick’s favourite golf course and the German coach of Austria was reportedly angered that England secured the location ahead of him.
On Tuesday, England completed their first day of training since touching down in Germany. All 26 of Gareth Southgate’s stars took part.
Ralf Rangnick was reportedly angered that England secured his favoured training base (Image: Getty)
Good morning and welcome
Welcome everyone to our rolling Euro 2024 blog just two days out from the start of the tournament.
It’s set to be a cracking month ahead and we can’t wait for the action to begin.
Stick with us throughout the day as we bring you the latest news ahead of the Euros…
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1910130/Euro-2024-live-England-Gareth-Southgate-Serbia-Germany