England are gearing up for their Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Slovakia, having reached the knockout phase despite a string of lacklustre performances.
A goalless draw with Slovenia in their last group game saw manager Gareth Southgate face some fan frustration, with some hurling bottles and cups in his direction at full-time in Cologne, and he will be hoping his side can put in a much improved performance against Slovakia.
A quarter-final match against Switzerland awaits the winner of tonight's match after Murat Yakin's side eliminated defending champions Italy 2-0 on Saturday. Southgate is expected to make just one change to his XI for Slovakia, with Kobbie Mainoo coming in for Conor Gallagher.
Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo; Foden, Bellingham, Saka; Kane.
Keep scrolling as Mirror Football brings you the latest news surrounding England at Euro 2024.
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John Cross
England fans vastly outnumber Slovakians
There are supposed to be 6,500 England fans here in Gelsenkirchen in a stadium which holds just over 48,000.
Clearly, that's just the number of official tickets sold to members because, this being a last 16 tie, a lot of tickets were sold through UEFA and there are WAY MORE England fans than 6,500.
I've got to admit that Gelsenkirchen is not my favourite place. The stadium is showing signs of age, it's badly signposted and organised. The transport is horrendous with people spilling out of trams. If you haven't got a car... forget it. So the giant car parks nearby resemble trailer parks with England fans everywhere. They are loud and have been creating a super atmosphere.
Slovakia fans are here in force – but will still be drastically outnumbered. What I'm really looking for today is whether Gareth Southgate's message got through. Even if they've had enough of the manager, get behind the team.
It feels a bit fractious so I wonder whether England can build a few bridges with a decent performance… Bring it on!
Andy Lines
Carnival atmosphere among England fans
There was a carnival atmosphere in Gelsenkirchen this afternoon as many England fans turned up in fancy dress. They sang in the sunshine – after the predicted heavy rain stayed away.
There were Four Lions ready to cheer England on: Glenn Hawkins, 59, from Cholesey, Oxfordshire and son Howard, 29, a plasterer, Chris Hawkins, 45, an engineer from Southampton, Hants and son Emilio, seven. Glenn said: “We’re four lions not three lions - ready to cheer the team on tonight.”
Pals from Bristol dressed up as knights. Richard Dawes, 59, retired, Paul Stanscombe, 60, retired, Tony Walker, 60, a driving instructor and Paul Bull, 57, who works in the building trade. Richard said: “This is our first game of the tournament. Let’s hope we can bring the lads some luck.”
Schoolboy Max Ash, 13, is from Bromsgrove, Worcs and has written “Come on England” on his sunglasses. Dad Hays Ash, 51, a tax accountant said: “We’ve taken him out of school for a couple of days. “It’s an experience of a lifetime for him. He’s even been learning German!”
Felix Keith
Still tickets available
Remarkably, there are still tickets for sale on UEFA's official portal for tonight's match.
There are just two hours left until kick-off in Gelsenkirchen between England and Slovakia - and some fans have clearly decided they don't fancy it. The fixture was sold-out, so these must be re-sales from people who have returned theirs'. Pretty pricey!
Felix Keith
Ferdinand enjoying some time off
With tonight's game being shown by ITV, that has given the BBC's pundits some time off in Germany.
Rio Ferdinand has chosen to use it by getting into the spirit of things with the England supporters in Dusseldorf ahead of tonight's 5pm kick-off in nearby Gelsenkirchen...
ENGLAND taking over Dusseldorf… love it! #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/hdIhGy4Gt2
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 30, 2024
Felix Keith
England attackers 'playing walking football'
England have been slammed for playing "walking football" in the final third by Darren Anderton.
Asked by Bojoko what the most disappointing thing about the Three Lions was so far at Euro 2024, Anderton said: "It’s the movement, honestly it’s like watching walking football most of the time when we get in the final third.
"Much like everyone, I’m a bit underwhelmed. The substitutes are the ones playing without fear, [Jude] Bellingham and [Bukayo] Saka are playing with fear."
Felix Keith
Sunday's fixtures
This is what we've got to look forward to today. England are up first at 5pm for the first course, before - hopefully - Spain and Georgia provide a nice piece of dessert.
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) June 30, 2024It's day two of the knockout rounds at #EURO2024
England vs Slovakia
Spain vs Georgia pic.twitter.com/Mjl5qIOvEE
Andy Lines
What unforgettable 18th birthday present
A mum and dad paid £10,000 for their son’s special 18th birthday present to fly him to Germany to watch England today at the Euros.
Brandan O’Connell is one of the 40,000 England fans in Gelsenkirchen for the big game with Slovakia. He has joined the Three Lions army in Germany having flown in from Australia for the tournament.
Brandan celebrates his 18th next week but has already had “the present of a life-time.” Dad Terry, an electrician, and mum Michelle decided to pay out £10,000 for his hotel, match tickets and flights from Perth, in Western Australia, to Germany.
Brandan, a Manchester United fan, said: “It has been fantastic. I will never forget it and I can’t thank mum and dad enough. What an 18th birthday present … being taken to the Euros to watch England. It’s something I will be able to tell my own children in the future. I’ve loved every minute of it.”
The overall Euros package for Brandan and his dad cost around £20,000 and Terry said: “It’s been worth every penny – despite the football!”
Felix Keith
Maupay backing England
Neal Maupay has developed a well-earned reputation as something of a troll on social media and on the pitch.
The Brentford striker enjoys a wind-up and has got himself into many a scrape by performing silly celebrations and baiting fans online. The Frenchman has enjoyed England's poor showing at Euro 2024 so far, yet appears to be supporting them this evening. You can bet your bottom dollar that might change if all goes wrong later...
All jokes aside I live here so got to get on board with the lads pic.twitter.com/VPX0OWUquS
— Neal Maupay (@nealmaupay_) June 30, 2024
Felix Keith
Man arrested after climbing onto stadium roof
A man was arrested by armed police officers after climbing onto the roof of the stadium during Germany’s win over Denmark at Euro 2024.
Videos posted on social media showed a young man wearing a dark hoodie, a face covering and a backpack walking along the walkway above before climbing over a barrier and along the structure of the roof itself. Two armed officers soon arrived and ordered him down, where they arrested him and marched him away.
He has now been charged with trespassing and an investigation is underway into how he got into the roof of the stadium. The 21-year-old man told police he climbed up there to take photos.
Felix Keith
Raducanu shows her support for England
Emma Raducanu is preparing to play at Wimbledon - but she still has one eye on the football today.
The 21-year-old has been practising at the All England Club today in a Three Lions shirt.
Jacob Leeks
Belgium apologise to Mbappe
Belgium have been forced to make a grovelling apology to Kylian Mbappe over a now-deleted video in which midfielder Amadou Onana claimed he would tackle the Frenchman 'in the shin'.
The video came about after Belgian fans started a new chant about Onana fouling Mbappe. The Everton star then repeated it in a clip posted by the Belgian FA in the build-up to the last-16 clash between their team and France at Euro 2024.
In the video, Brussels-based comedian Pablo Andres says: "Who will kick Mbappe in the shin?" before Onana chants his own name. Belgium have now been forced into an embarrassing climbdown.
Ahead of their press conference on Saturday at their training base, the team's press officer Stefan Van Loock issued an apology and said the clip had been removed from their social media.
"It was not the intention to attack anyone. We have been working with comedian Pablo Andres for a long time, this video also had to be funny," Van Loock said. "But we misjudged that and also took the video offline. We would like to apologise to anyone we may have offended with this. For us, this is the end of the matter."
Felix Keith
Spalletti keeps his job
Luciano Spalletti will stay as Italy's manager for the 2026 World Cup, despite their poor showing at Euro 2024.
The defending champions were knocked out by Switzerland in a shock 2-0 loss last night, prompting questions about Spalletti's future.
But the Italian FA have poured cold water on rumours he could be sacked, by confirming Spalletti will stay in charge and look towards the 2026 World Cup.
Felix Keith
Shearer demands changes
Gareth Southgate simply has to make changes to the England line-up if he wants to see improvements against Slovakia, according to Alan Shearer.
“When things aren’t working then it is time to make the changes. Gareth said it himself, it’s time to press the reset button,” he told Betfair. “Those are his words, and when you say the reset, then that means something is fundamentally wrong and not working. Those words he used are telling us that. With the impact the subs made the other day, he is going to have to make changes, there is no doubt about that. Whether it is two or three, or whatever."
Felix Keith
Back to Gelsenkirchen
England play Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen at 5pm UK time this evening - and it's fair to say that the Veltins-Arena didn't charm the Three Lions fans last time out.
Although England picked up a 1-0 win over Serbia on their last trip to the stadium - their only victory of the tournament so far - the experience wasn't great, with transport issues blighting the game for many.
Many didn't get back to their accomodation until the small hours of the morning due to the lack of transport at the out-of-town stadium. They'll be hoping the problems have been ironed out this time.
Matthew Cooper
Germany penalty labelled "ridiculous"
Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand lost his cool over football's "ridiculous" handball rules after his side were dumped out of Euro 2024 in merciless fashion by hosts Germany.
The Danes were left to lick their wounds following two highly-contentious VAR calls within the space of two minutes. Crystal Palace centre-back Joachim Andersen had fired Denmark ahead on 48 minutes but the goal was chalked off because Thomas Delaney's toe was flagged offside.
Then Andersen gave away a penalty one minute later for handling David Raum's cross and Kai Havertz fired home from 12 yards. Jamal Musiala then made sure of the victory in the 68th minute.
Hjulmand said during his post-match press conference, while pointing to a screenshot of the incident on his phone: "First of all I would like to congratulate Germany with this win. We were pressured the first 15 minutes, it was pure survival.
"After then it was an equal game - it was decided by two VAR decisions. I have the photo here, it was one centimetre. In terms of data, it doesn't make sense, this is not how we should be using VAR.
"After a few minutes there was a penalty, I am so tired of the ridiculous handball rules. We cannot require our defenders to be running like this, it's not natural. He jumped up and was hit from one metre. I rarely talk about these decisions but it was very decisive for this game."
Samuel Meade
Furious Italy fans reject Donnarumma apology
Gianluigi Donnarumma's apology fell on deaf ears as he attempted to console the angry Italian faithful after their Euro 2024 exit.
The Azzurri, who went into the tournament as defending champions, were well beaten by Switzerland in the last 16. They secured a 2-0 success in Berlin with the Italians struggling to fire a shot as their underwhelming time in Germany came to an end.
Italy only won one of their four games, that coming against Albania, and the country's travelling support were in no mood to accept Donnarumma as he wandered over at the Olympiastadion with his arms aloft, taking responsibility for the nation's early exit.
The PSG goalkeeper was one of the better performers, but as a leading light opted to walk over to the section of the stadium that housed the Italian fans. He was pictured walking away rather sheepishly though as emotions remain high in the German capital.
“We can only apologise to everyone. It really hurts. We disappointed today and Switzerland deserved to win, so there’s nothing else to say,” he told RAI Sport and Sky Sport Italia. “We struggled throughout the match, other than at the end where they sat a bit deeper and we were able to take the initiative, but we really should’ve done it earlier.”
KEY EVENT
Kane shares Bellingham message
Harry Kane believes Jude Bellingham is coming of age at the Euros.
Bellingham celebrated his 21st birthday on Saturday by preparing for England’s last-16 clash with Slovakia in the AufSchalke Arena. It's been a rollercoaster tournament for the Real Madrid star, with the winning goal and a man-of-the-match performance in the opening game against Serbia followed by two disappointing displays in successive draws with Denmark and Slovenia.
But England skipper Kane insists the ups and downs are all part of Bellingham’s development - and he reckons there is no better time for their striking relationship to really spark than at the business end of the competition.
Kane said: “From Jude’s point of view he just needs to keep doing what he’s doing. In tournament football a lot of things are accelerated really quickly. In the first game he was the best player and man of the match and in the last couple of games none of us have reached the level we really wanted.
“It’s two games. It isn’t the end of the world. I know things are being heightened and there will be a lot of talk, but that’s part and parcel of playing for England in a major tournament. Jude has dealt with that unbelievably well for his age.
"He’s dealt really well with going to Real Madrid for his age. So there’s no worries about Jude. He’s a great guy, he believes in himself 100 percent, and from both of our points of view we want to go out there tomorrow and start stepping up our levels.”
KEY EVENT
England's predicted XI vs Slovakia
There have been loud calls from pundits and fans alike for sweeping changes after dull draws against Denmark and Slovenia - but Gareth Southgate is convinced his side are on the right track and his XI will show that.
The midfield place alongside Declan Rice has been a problem, with Trent Alexander-Arnold replaced by Conor Gallagher, who was then substituted for Kobbie Mainoo at half-time vs Slovenia.
Mainoo made an impact and will now be rewarded with a starting berth. Kieran Trippier will keep his place at left-back, despite balance issues, while Phil Foden has returned to Germany and will play off the left again, with Jude Bellingham in the No.10 role once again the day after his 21st birthday.
Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo; Foden, Bellingham, Saka; Kane.
Simon Mullock
Slovakia boss piles pressure on England
Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona reckons England will become “unbeatable” once they hit top form at the Euros.
Calzona has warned his players not to believe the hype about Gareth Southgate ’s team being a spent force as he prepares them for a last-16 clash at the AufSchalke Arena.
The 55-year-old Italian, who was appointed coach two years ago after a career spent working as an assistant manager in his homeland, estimates the Three Lions are 10-times more valuable than his team in the transfer market.
Calzona said: “Once England produce a great performance as a team at this tournament they will become unbeatable. They have a top-quality squad, the best squad of these Euros. They have physicality, technique and creativity. They were even able to leave quality players at home because they have so much to pick from.
“We need to make the most of any weak points they have, but we must always be cautious because this is a team that can punish you at every moment. If we talk about the quality of the two squads it is clear that we are inferior. They are worth 1.5billion euros. We are worth about £150million euros. So we are 10-times less than them.
“I’m lucky because I have a very focussed team who want to play offensive football but be defensively sound. I trust my players because they have given me a lot of satisfaction in the way they have played and behaved. I trust them 100 percent that they will play a great match.”
KEY EVENT
Southgate shares Shaw injury update
England boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed Luke Shaw is still not fit enough to start as the Three Lions prepare to take on Slovakia in the Last 16 of Euro 2024.
Shaw has only been fit enough for the bench for the three group stage matches so far, with Kieran Trippier deputising at left-back. Fellow right-back Kyle Walker even shifted to the left when Trippier was subbed off in the goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday.
Manchester United star Shaw is the only left-back Southgate decided to name in his final squad for the tournament, a decision he has been fiercely criticised for. And the England boss has revealed that the 28-year-old remains an injury doubt.
" Luke Shaw is not available to start but everyone else is all good. We will have a chat with the medical staff to see whether he can play a part. We have to deliver it," Southgate said.
Samuel Meade
Neville makes Southgate demand
Gary Neville wants to see Gareth Southgate make three changes to his team for Slovakia - which includes bringing Kobbie Mainoo into midfield.
The Manchester United teenager was a bright spark when he came on at half-time against Slovenia, which were his first 45 minutes of the tournament. The Three Lions have copped huge criticism for their performances thus far with the balance of the team evidently not right.
He said on the Stick to Football show, brought to you by Sky Bet: "Kobbie Mainoo has to be in there, he will start and I think I would bring in Trent for Trippier. ‘On the right, I think I would bring in Cole Palmer for Saka. I love Saka to bits but I just think Palmer has to play now. So I would bring in Trent, Mainoo and Palmer."
KEY EVENT
England team news 'leaked'
There's been plenty of rumours about England's XI tonight.
And according to social media, as well as some reports, the Three Lions' starting line-up for this crunch clash has been 'leaked'.
Gareth Southgate is not planning too many changes, with Kobbie Mainoo expected to start ahead of Conor Gallagher. The Manchester United midfield came on as a half-time substitute for the Chelsea star in the dire draw with Slovenia last Tuesday. Let's hope he makes an impact...
Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo; Foden, Bellingham, Saka; Kane.
KEY EVENT
Southgate dismisses England exit talk
Gareth Southgate has dismissed talk that the last-16 Euro 2024 showdown in Gelsenkirchen could be his last game as England manager.
Southgate had beer cups thrown at him by angry England fans and seemed almost downbeat after the dismal goalless draw against Slovenia in Cologne last Tuesday.
But the England manager was in a relaxed mood ahead of the do-or-die clash with Slovenia and believes his men have been rejuvenated by having a day off when they forget about the football.
Southgate said: “There’s definitely an excitement and a good feel around the group the last few days. It also coincided with being able to have a day off the training pitch and relaxing a little bit. A bit of golf. Stuff like that.
“It’s not always science. We’re surrounded by science and data in our world now, and sport is about joy and enjoyment. Sometimes in a tournament it’s all you’ve got to think about and you need other stuff to talk about and enjoy and focus on.
“A nice balance of thorough preparation for the game but also some time to switch off which I think is crucial for the young players and the staff as well.”
Simon Mullock
Kane calls on Stokes' wisdom
Harry Kane has revealed how a meeting with England cricket captain Ben Stokes is helping Gareth Southgate’s under-fire footballers ride out the storm of criticism that's threatening to blow a hole in the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 bid.
Stokes took up an invitation to talk to Southgate’s squad when they were staying at County Durham’s exclusive Rockcliffe Hall Hotel ahead of a pre-tournament friendly at Newcastle in May.
The brilliant all-rounder has won World Cups in two formats of the game - and has helped to reinvent the Test team by bringing the attacking philosophy dubbed 'Bazball.' But Stokes has also had to navigate a journey which has seen him battle a series of injuries and then clear his name in court after being charged with affray.
Kane believes Stokes’ words of wisdom can help England go for glory in Germany. The Three Lions skipper said: “Stokesy was great - first and foremost, what a top guy. We all know how successful he’s been and it was great for a lot of us to talk to him.
“We had an hour’s conversation, just going through the highs and lows of his career and what he’s done to maintain a high level and to also improve. I thought it was really beneficial. He’s a great guy, he speaks really well and he’s had great experiences in his sport under the highest pressure.
“It’s something we’ve done throughout the years. Gareth is quite keen on athletes from other sports to come in to try to help us in different environments. The lads really enjoyed Ben being there.”
Matthew Cooper
Good morning
We're back to bring you all the latest from the Euros.
We'll bring you the latest from Germany ahead of England's last-16 clash with Slovakia and Spain's meeting with Georgia. There will also be plenty of reaction to Switzerland and Germany's wins yesterday.
