Football

England vs Slovenia: Euro 2024 Group C Clash PreviewEngland and Slovenia will face off in a crucial Euro 2024 Group C match on Wednesday, June 26th, with both teams vying for a spot in the knockout stages.England, currently atop the group standings with four points, can secure their place in the Round of 16 with a victory. The Three Lions opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Serbia before drawing 1-1 with Denmark.Slovenia, meanwhile, has two points from their first two matches, having drawn 1-1 with both Serbia and Denmark. A win against England would propel them into the knockout stages.Match Details:* Date: Wednesday, June 26th* Time: 12:30 AM IST* Venue: Cologne StadiumBroadcast Information:* TV: Sony Sports Network* Live Streaming: SonyLiv app and websiteKey Players to Watch:* England: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden* Slovenia: Benjamin Sesko, Josip Ilicic, Jan OblakAnalysis:England will be the favorites heading into this match, given their superior quality and recent form. However, Slovenia has shown resilience and determination in their previous matches, and they will be no pushovers.England's attacking prowess, led by captain Harry Kane, will be a major threat to Slovenia. The Three Lions also have a solid defense, marshaled by John Stones and Harry Maguire.Slovenia will need to be organized and disciplined in defense to contain England's attack. They will also need to take their chances on the counterattack, with Benjamin Sesko and Josip Ilicic capable of causing problems for the English defense.Prediction:England is the more likely team to win this match, but Slovenia has the potential to cause an upset. A narrow 2-1 victory for England seems like a reasonable prediction.

England Face Denmark in Crucial Euro 2024 Group C ClashEngland and Denmark will lock horns in a pivotal Group C encounter at the Euro 2024 tournament on Thursday, June 20. The match will be played at Waldstadion in Frankfurt, Germany, and will kick off at 9:30 pm IST.England enter the match as the group leaders, having secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia in their tournament opener. Jude Bellingham's solitary goal proved to be the difference in a closely contested match. Denmark, on the other hand, drew 1-1 with Slovenia in their first outing. Christian Eriksen scored a crucial equalizer for the Danes, but they were unable to find a winning goal.Both teams will be eager to secure a positive result in this match, as it could have a significant impact on their chances of reaching the knockout stages. England will be looking to maintain their winning start and solidify their position at the top of the group. Denmark, meanwhile, will be determined to bounce back from their draw and keep their hopes of qualification alive.England manager Gareth Southgate is expected to field a strong lineup, with the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Phil Foden all likely to start. Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand will also have a number of talented players at his disposal, including Eriksen, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, and Kasper Schmeichel.The match is expected to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams possessing the quality to win. England will be slight favorites given their recent form, but Denmark will be no pushovers and will be determined to cause an upset.

Gareth Southgate faces a dilemma as he attempts to unlock the potential of Phil Foden at international level. Despite his exceptional form for Manchester City, Foden has struggled to replicate his brilliance for England.In England's 1-0 victory over Serbia, Foden's performance was underwhelming. The 24-year-old, who was named Premier League Player of the Year, appeared uncomfortable on the left wing, a position he is not accustomed to playing.Southgate's decision to deploy Jude Bellingham as the number 10 and Bukayo Saka on the right flank has pushed Foden out wide. However, Foden's strengths lie in the central attacking role, where he can dictate the tempo and create chances.Former England defender Micah Richards believes Southgate is not utilizing Foden's talents effectively. "When you have an extreme talent like Phil Foden, his best work has been in the middle of the pitch," Richards said.Rio Ferdinand suggests that Bellingham's assertive nature may be limiting Foden's influence. "Jude Bellingham has come into this team and his body language has said to everyone 'give me the ball or I will go nuts'," Ferdinand said.Former Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas urges Foden to take responsibility for his international struggles. "It's about if you want the ball enough to make the difference. Do you enjoy getting the ball under pressure?" Fabregas said.Southgate must find a solution to the Foden conundrum. Switching Bellingham to central midfield and giving Foden the number 10 role could be a viable option. Alternatively, Southgate could consider using Cole Palmer or Anthony Gordon on the left wing, allowing Foden to play in his preferred position.Until Southgate finds a way to harness Foden's talent, England will continue to miss out on the full potential of one of their most gifted players.

England kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday, thanks to a first-half header from Jude Bellingham.The Real Madrid star put Gareth Southgate's team ahead in the 13th minute at the Veltins Arena, stooping to meet Bukayo Saka's cross and guiding it past Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.The buildup to the game had been overshadowed by concerns about violence between rival supporters, and those fears were realized when police rushed to separate brawling fans in Gelsenkirchen earlier in the day. Social media footage showed men throwing chairs at each other outside a restaurant festooned with Serbian flags in the city.Once the game got underway, however, England fans were soon celebrating after Bellingham's early goal."It's a great start for me personally to get my confidence up and to help the lads get the win is the most important thing," Bellingham said.Harry Kane so nearly extended the lead in the second half when Rajkovic pushed his far post header onto the underside of the bar. Kane set a record for his country by making his 23rd appearance at a major tournament."It's a tough game. They are a tough team and have good players," the England captain said. "We stood up to it well and it is good to get the three points and (for us) to progress. It's good that we got the win today."Victory sent England to the top of Group C after Denmark drew 1-1 with Slovenia in an earlier game, with Christian Eriksen scoring three years after suffering a cardiac arrest on the field at the last Euros. England plays Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday.England was a beaten finalist at the last Euros, losing on penalties to Italy in the final three years ago. It is one of the favorites this time around. Serbia is playing in the Euros for the first time since 2000.

Jude Bellingham, the 20-year-old midfield maestro, showcased his exceptional talent in England's 1-0 victory over Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener. Having been hailed as the key to England's title aspirations, Bellingham delivered a masterful performance, capped by the winning goal.Bellingham's rise to prominence has been meteoric. From his breakout at Birmingham at just 16 to his Player of the Year award in La Liga with Real Madrid, he has consistently exceeded expectations. His versatility and impact on the pitch are remarkable.In the Group C opener against Serbia, Bellingham's influence was evident from the outset. He initiated the move that led to his goal, demonstrating his vision and passing ability. His diving header from Bukayo Saka's cross was a testament to his aerial prowess and attacking instincts.Bellingham's leadership qualities were also on display. Despite his young age, he is a key figure in Gareth Southgate's squad and was part of the four-man leadership group. His fearless attitude and refusal to be intimidated were evident in his confrontations with Serbian players.With 56 touches in the first half, Bellingham was the driving force behind England's dominance. His relentless energy and intelligent movement kept Serbia at bay throughout the match. His substitution in the closing stages was met with a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to his outstanding performance.Bellingham's goal was not only the first for England in Euro 2024 but also a historic milestone. He became the first European player to feature in three major tournaments before turning 21 and the second Englishman after Michael Owen to score at both the World Cup and European Championship before that age.As England embark on their quest for a first major trophy in 58 years, Bellingham's role is crucial. His exceptional talent, leadership qualities, and unwavering determination make him a key asset for the Three Lions. If England are to lift the trophy in Berlin on July 14, Bellingham will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.

England, a perennial favorite in international football, embarks on its quest for a maiden European Championship title on Sunday when it faces Serbia in Group C. The Three Lions, who reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, are eager to end their long wait for a major trophy.Gareth Southgate's team boasts a formidable record in the European Championship, having lost only one of its last 18 games excluding penalty shootouts. However, concerns linger over potential fan violence, with the match deemed "high risk" by police. Beer sales at the stadium will be limited to low-alcohol options.England's hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of Jude Bellingham, who has enjoyed a stellar debut season at Real Madrid. The 19-year-old midfielder has already won the Spanish title and Champions League, showcasing his immense talent.Serbia, on the other hand, will be led by striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has been in prolific form for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The 28-year-old scored 28 goals in all competitions last season, finishing behind only Cristiano Ronaldo in the league's scoring charts.Southgate's future as England manager could hinge on the team's performance at the Euros. His contract expires after the tournament, and failure to win a trophy could spell the end of his reign.The fitness of John Stones remains a concern for England, especially given the absence of defensive stalwart Harry Maguire due to injury. Stones missed training earlier in the week due to illness but returned on Thursday. Southgate may consider playing Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a holding midfielder alongside Declan Rice.Serbia has reported no injury concerns ahead of the match.England's squad includes several experienced players, with Harry Kane, John Stones, and Kyle Walker making their fifth major tournament appearances for the Three Lions. Serbia, meanwhile, has scored 15 goals in qualifying for the Euros, with five of them coming from headers.Kane, England's all-time leading scorer with 63 goals, is still searching for his first trophy at club or international level. Mitrovic, on the other hand, has scored 28 goals in all competitions for Al-Hilal, behind only Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.Eleven members of Southgate's squad, including Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, are making their major tournament debuts.The match between England and Serbia is expected to draw a large crowd, with 80,000 liters of beer available to fans in Gelsenkirchen.

Euro 2024, the pinnacle of European football, kicks off in Germany on Friday, with the continent's elite teams vying for the coveted Henri Delaunay trophy. The tournament marks Germany's first major men's international tournament since the 2006 World Cup, promising an electrifying atmosphere after the underwhelming Euro 2020.Germany, the host nation, will face Scotland in the opening match in Munich, hoping to replicate their 2006 triumph when they rekindled their national pride. The tournament will be played across 10 stadiums in Germany, from Hamburg to Munich, ensuring a vibrant and immersive experience for fans.Philipp Lahm, the tournament director and former Germany captain, expressed his hope that Euro 2024 will foster unity amidst the current divisions and conflicts in Europe. The tournament comes at a time when far-right parties have gained ground in EU parliament elections, and the continent grapples with the ongoing war in Ukraine.On the field, Germany will be looking to make a strong impression under coach Julian Nagelsmann. With experienced players like Toni Kroos and rising stars like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, they are confident of navigating their group, which also includes Hungary and Switzerland.However, France and England remain the favorites to lift the trophy. France, the top-ranked nation in Europe, boasts a formidable squad led by Kylian Mbappe, who is eager to make amends for his disappointing performance at the last Euros. England, despite never winning the European Championship, are optimistic about their chances, with star players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham feeling at home on German soil.Italy, the reigning champions, face a tough challenge in defending their title, but their competitive spirit and underrated squad make them a potential threat. Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo still leading the line, are also contenders despite his advancing age.The tournament has been expanded to 24 teams since 2016, providing opportunities for smaller nations like Georgia, who will make their debut this year. However, injuries have taken their toll on some key players, including Frenkie de Jong of the Netherlands and Robert Lewandowski of Poland.As the countdown to Euro 2024 reaches its end, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The tournament promises thrilling matches, passionate fans, and the crowning of a new European champion.

England's Euro 2024 squad has been announced, and it includes a surprise selection: 20-year-old midfielder Adam Wharton. Wharton has only made 16 Premier League appearances since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn in February, but he impressed manager Gareth Southgate with his performances in the Eagles' strong end to the season.Wharton's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his talent and potential. He is a technically gifted player with a good range of passing and an eye for goal. He is also a hard worker and has a good attitude.Southgate has left out some experienced players to accommodate Wharton in his squad, including Jordan Henderson and James Maddison. This shows that Southgate has faith in Wharton's ability to perform at the highest level.Wharton is excited about the opportunity to represent England at Euro 2024. He said: "It's a surreal feeling, honestly. I wasn't expecting it. Obviously I have only just gone into the Premier League, it was more sort of a bonus if I did get in but I am absolutely delighted. I get to do what I love on the top stage -- you can't beat it."Wharton is likely to get some playing time at Euro 2024, as England are short on midfield options. He will be hoping to make the most of his opportunity and help England win their first-ever European Championship title.

Sunil Chhetri, the former Indian football captain, is set to grace television screens once again as an expert for Euro 2024, which kicks off in Germany on Friday. Chhetri, who recently retired from international football, is particularly excited about England's prospects in the tournament."You can't go beyond the usual suspects, you know, France, Germany, England, etc.," Chhetri said. "But I feel England is right at the sweet spot now. The likes of [Phil] Foden, [Jude] Bellingham... prodigies once, are world leaders now. If you can leave out the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, you can imagine the kind of talent England has."Chhetri also believes that Hungary and Turkey could be surprise packages in the tournament. "I think Hungary and Turkey can be those teams. I'm saying purely on all the action that I've seen in the last one-and-a-half years and their qualification performances. They have been outstanding."The tournament is also expected to be the last major event for veterans like Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (39) and Croatia's Luka Modric (38). German midfielder Toni Kroos (34), who recently won his fifth UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid, has already announced that Euro 2024 will be his last bow."The thing that keeps them going is their love for the game," Chhetri said. "For Modric to win the Champions League [with Real Madrid for the sixth time], and still come for training, get elbowed and get tackled... If you don't love the game you won't do it."