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After a short period to rest and recuperate from a thrilling Euro 2024 quarter-final line-up, the eve of the semi-finals in Germany has arrived. Tomorrow, Spain and France do battle for a spot in the Berlin final on Sunday before England and the Netherlands follow suit on Wednesday night.
Gareth Southgate has slapped a ban on his England players following their perfect penalty shoot-out display against Switzerland last time out.
The FA are working hard to ensure the nation’s penalty secrets, which have sparked drastic improvement from the spot at major tournaments, remain hidden.
Meanwhile, UEFA have done the Netherlands a huge favour ahead of Wednesday’s clash with England at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund.
The Dutch fans have arguably been the loudest and proudest at Euro 2024, and they have been given a monumental boost.
Express Sport provides all the latest Euro 2024 LIVE news with regular updates throughout your Monday…
5 hours ago23: 00 Fraser Watson
Mourinho annoyed by PortugalJose Mourinho was not impressed by Portugal at Euro 2024.
“Portugal wasn’t fantastic, despite reaching the quarter-finals,” he told Sport TV. “We expected more. I was at the National Stadium for the Portugal v Croatia match and it didn’t smell good. I didn’t get a great feeling.
“During the tournament we were the team that was making progress, but we weren’t convincing. Often, when the moment of truth comes, these teams are stronger. This wasn’t the end of Portugal, there wasn’t any improvement in the team.”
5 hours ago22: 28 Fraser Watson
Koeman to continue until 2026Ronald Koeman will stay on as Holland coach until the 2026 World Cup.
There was a clause in his deal that meant the KNVB had the power to sack him if the Netherlands did not reach the last-16.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, Koeman joked: “As it is now. I don’t think they can get rid of me anymore.”
6 hours ago21: 40 Fraser Watson
France out for 2012 revengeThe last time Spain met France at the Euros?
It was 2021, when he Spanish finally claimed their first competitive win over their rivals.
Xabi Alonso, earning his 100th cap, was the difference in Donetsk with the midfielder scoring both goals in Spain’s 2-0 win. And they would go onto to retain the title won in 2008.
Xabi Alonso celebrates scoring against France in 2012. (Image: Getty)
7 hours ago20: 57 Fraser Watson
Former Dutch star fears penaltiesBoudewijn Zenden has backed Netherlands to beat England, just so long as his former side can avoid penalties.
“Netherlands were not great at the beginning of the tournament,” he told the Mirror. “But against Romania they found their rhythm and against Turkey they found the pure passion.
“If they can play like that against England, we will reach the final. England as a team have not been convincing at all during the whole tournament. But they have Jordan Pickford. From the very first penalty against Switzerland he played mind games and did crazy stuff in goal. We have bad memories of penalty shoot-outs and that makes me worried.”
8 hours ago19: 59 Fraser Watson
Spain star ‘better than Mbappe’Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente has stoked the fires ahead of the clash with France by saying Nico Williams is a better player than Kylian Mbappe.
“Williams and Mbappe are two great footballers,” he said today. “But I have to reply the same way and support my player. To me, my footballers are the best. Kylian Mbappe is an exceptional talent – but I will always say my player is better.”
A bullish La Fuente also claimed his team are the best in the world, regardless of the result tomorrow.
8 hours ago19: 30 Fraser Watson
Shaw backs captain KaneLuke Shaw has hit back at critics of England captain Harry Kane at Euro 2024.
“Harry brings leadership – when he’s on the pitch he makes other players feel positive,” he told reporters in Germany today.
“I think we all feel very positive when he’s on the pitch because he’s our leading goalscorer and at any time he can score a goal and make that difference. He’s a very important player, he’s our captain, he’s our leader.”
Harry Kane and Luke Shaw. (Image: Getty)
9 hours ago19: 00 Fraser Watson
Foden says England ‘proving people wrong’Phil Foden has argued England are proving people wrong by continuing to win at Euro 2024.
He told talkSPORT: “Everyone’s getting a bit of criticism. It’s just part of the game, as long as you don’t read too much into it and believe in what we’re doing on the training field.
“Sometimes you have to block out that noise if we’re ever going to achieve anything. Obviously, it’s difficult and it doesn’t help if there’s a lot of criticism but you have to keep believing in what we’re doing. We keep getting results so we’re proving people wrong.
“We’re not scared to say we can do better. Maybe we started the tournament slow but there were positives from the last game.”
9 hours ago18: 30 Fraser Watson
BBC issue Ronaldo statementThe BBC have responded to criticism over their ‘Misstiano Penaldo’ caption that went up live on air during Portugal v Slovakia.
“The caption was simply intended as a play on words, which we have done many times before on Match Of The Day analysis graphics,” they said. “There was no offence intended toward Cristiano Ronaldo.
They continued: “At no point were the pundits overly critical of Ronaldo and in the context of the programme overall, the tone was consistently respectful towards him. However, we appreciate some viewers were unhappy with the graphic and the feedback has been passed on to the production team to help inform their work going forward.”
10 hours ago18: 00 Fraser Watson
England fans worry over Anthony GordonEngland fans have expressed concern over Anthony Gordon after a picture emerged of him standing on the outside of a team huddle during the Three Lions’ victory over Switzerland.
Newcastle fan page Magpie Media posted two images of Giordon on X, adding: “It is so disappointing to see Anthony Gordon being consistently ignored by the manager. It looks like it’s starting to affect him too, which is really sad to see.”
READ MORE HERE.
Whilst Iu2019m obviously pleased that England are through to the semi-finals of #EURO2024 – it is so disappointing to see Anthony Gordon being consistently ignored by the manager. ud83dude15
It looks like itu2019s starting to affect him, too – which is really sad to see for us #NUFC fans. Heu2026 pic.twitter.com/kO3qpxi6yW
u2014 Magpie Media (@MagpieMediaX) July 6, 2024 10 hours ago17: 27 Fraser Watson
Mbappe told to play through pain barrierFrance coach Didier Deschamps has told Kylian Mbappe he’ll need to get used to playing in a mask for the foreseeable future.
Ahead of the final four game with Spain on Tuesday, he told reporters: “For Kylian it is a new situation with the mask. He has a field of vision that is modified. It has been a huge shock for him.
“He has had to get used to that because he will need to wear the mask for the next few weeks or even months.
“He came off (against Portugal) after 110 minutes because the extra-time was tough for him, like it was tough for everyone. Kylian had a back issue at the end of the season – and then he took that blow to his nose.”
Kylian Mbappe has been playing in a mask. (Image: Getty)
11 hours ago16: 30 Fraser Watson
Alexander-Arnold rubbishes penalty claimsEngland penalty hero Trent Alexander-Arnold has dismissed reports that there was one team-mate who did not want to step up during the shootout.
The Liverpool man was filmed talking to brothers Tyler and Marcel after the win, with social media suggesting he told them just that.
“I’m not sure what actually was said but it definitely wasn’t that because as players we have no input on who takes the penalties,” he told reporters today. “So, I would never say that about a team-mate.
“Everybody wants to take a penalty, if I am honest. Everyone has got that confidence. We practice and everybody is confident. It’s just about what order you are told to take it in.”
12 hours ago15: 30 Fraser Watson
Southgate urged to axe FodenFormer Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen thinks Gareth Southgate should omit Phil Foden for England’s Euro 2024 semi-final with Holland.
“If he keeps doing what he does, with Foden on the left cutting in and Trippier as a left-back, then there will be a massive misbalance,” the Dutchman, speaking on behalf of Free Bets, told Express Sport.
“He’s got certain players. Gordon has done well when he’s come on, Palmer has done well when he’s come on, Eze too. He’s got options.
“If I was Southgate I’d be thinking about getting a better balance and doing something different. Starting without Foden, bringing someone else in to shake things up, and going for it from the start.”
Rene Meulensteen has spoken about Gareth Southgate’s tactics. (Image: Getty)
13 hours ago14: 35 Alex Turk
Gary Lineker wants England to scrap penalty bottleGary Lineker has urged England to use a different method to memorise the opponents’ penalties if Wednesday’s semi-final goes to another shoot-out.
Jordan Pickford was the hero against Switzerland by following instructions on his bottle to save Manuel Akanji’s effort.
But Lineker has warned that a Netherlands player could look to hijack the method…
“I’ll tell you what, though. That’s brilliant, but if there’s another penalty shoot-out, one player is going to look at that bottle and sneak and get the bottle,” Lineker told the Rest is Football podcast.
“If you’re listening, and I know you’re all shutting out the noise, if you’re listening, do it differently. Do it on a different piece of paper, or do it on the post! Do a different kind of thing!”
14 hours ago13: 18 Alex Turk
England vs Netherlands referee controversyFelix Zwayer – the referee appointed by UEFA for England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands – was once banned for match-fixing and rowed with Jude Bellingham.
Zwayer took a £250 bribe from fellow referee Robert Hoyzer, leading to a six-month suspension in 2005.
The scandal re-emerged 16 years later when Bellingham took issue with his display in a Bundesliga match, dropping a reminder of his controversial past in a post-match interview.
Express Sport has previously been told that UEFA and the German football authorities have strong reason to believe that Zwayer is fully rehabilitated.
15 hours ago12: 19 Alex Turk
Anthony Taylor returns to EnglandAnthony Taylor has reportedly flown back to England due to the slim chance he will officiate the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, even if Gareth Southgate’s side aren’t involved.
The Premier League referee looks to have featured for the final time, but it isn’t thought to be related to backlash after Spain’s 2-1 win against Germany.
Over 32,000 people signed a petition for Taylor to be reprimanded and the game replayed after he waved away claims for a German penalty.
A shot cannoned off Marc Cucurella’s hand, but Taylor didn’t deem it a punishable offence as the Chelsea star’s arm was low and in a natural position.
Italy’s Daniele Orsato is currently expected to oversee the Berlin final.
16 hours ago11: 20 Alex Turk
Rio Ferdinand picks Euro 2024 rising starsRio Ferdinand has named England’s Kobbie Mainoo, Turkey’s Arda Guler and Spain’s Lamine Yamal as the three rising stars he’s been most impressed by at Euro 2024.
He said: “Kobbie Mainoo, for starters, Arda Guler, the Turkish boy who’s carried the Turkish team on his back almost in the last game especially, was magnificent and then [Lamine] Yamal.
“Them three have been like super outstanding. I don’t think I’ve ever seen three teenagers in a tournament come to the fore[front] like this.”
Kobbie Mainoo has shone for England. (Image: GETTY)
17 hours ago10: 18 Alex Turk
Cristiano Ronaldo may not be done yetCristiano Ronaldo has hinted that his Portugal career isn’t yet over, despite previously suggesting that he was playing in his final Euros this summer.
Portugal crashed out on penalties against France in the quarter-finals after Ronaldo failed to score in all five games in Germany.
It’s the first time in his illustrious career he has failed to find the net at an international tournament, intensifying speculation that the 39-year-old’s time was almost up.
But he has hinted that his story with Portugal isn’t yet complete when breaking his silence after suffering heartbreak last week.
“We wanted more. We deserved more. For us. For each one of you. For Portugal,” Ronaldo wrote.
“We are grateful for everything you have given us and for everything we have achieved so far. On and off the field, I am sure that this legacy will be honoured and will continue to be built. Together.”
18 hours ago09: 34 Alex Turk
BBC employees impacted by expenses issueSome BBC staff have reportedly been left around £600 out of pocket due to an issue with the broadcaster’s expenses system.
The Daily Mail report that the problem has lasted for almost two weeks, impacting those working tirelessly around Germany to ensure a smooth broadcast.
BBC policy states that staff can claim for all necessary expenditures reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties, likely including travel costs that haven’t come cheap during Euro 2024.
19 hours ago08: 48 Alex Turk
Antoine Griezmann set to be droppedFrance face Spain in the first semi-final of Euro 2024 tomorrow night, and Didier Deschamps is set to make a major decision.
According to L’Equipe, Antoine Griezmann is at risk of dropping out of the France team amid a disappointing tournament.
The 33-year-old has started four of Les Bleus’ five games but is yet to contribute a single goal or assist.
It’s claimed that Adrien Rabiot will replace Eduardo Camavinga alongside N’Golo Kante and Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield.
Ousmane Dembele is set to replace Griezmann after impressing as a substitute against Portugal, making up the attack with Randal Kolo Muani and Kylian Mbappe.
20 hours ago07: 54 Alex Turk
Luke Shaw shows true coloursLuke Shaw showed his class after England’s penalty shoot-out win against Switzerland by comforting the opponents rather than celebrating.
As every England star ran over to Trent Alexander-Arnold after his spot kick secured quarter-final victory, Shaw was the exception.
The Manchester United defender immediately consoled the Swiss players before celebrating the success with his team-mates.
Luke Shaw consoled Switzerland’s players. (Image: GETTY)
20 hours ago07: 49 Alex Turk
UEFA hand the Netherlands early advantageThe Netherlands have received an early advantage ahead of Wednesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final against England.
Dutch supporters will be able to turn Borussia Dortmund’s famous ‘yellow wall’ orange after UEFA handed them half of the ticket allocation for the 25,000-capacity stand.
Meanwhile, England haven’t received any of the tickets directly, so Gareth Southgate’s side may be up against the daunting atmosphere that Dortmund’s opponents have historically struggled against.
20 hours ago07: 45 Alex Turk
England ban penalty talkEngland have demanded that their players remain tight-lipped about the secrets of their recent penalty success.
The Three Lions have won three of their four penalty shoot-outs at major tournaments under Gareth Southgate.
And the England boss is desperate to keep his side’s techniques and methods private after five perfect spot kicks against Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Since Dan Ashworth’s tenure at the FA, there has been a detailed review of winning penalty shoot-outs, including time taken and breathing techniques.
Southgate has banned his stars from discussing their secrets ahead of two more potentially tight games ahead.
20 hours ago07: 39 Alex Turk
Morning!Good morning!
Welcome to Express Sport’s live Euro 2024 coverage as the build-up to the semi-finals continues…
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