The buildup to Euro 2024 is almost complete and the tournament itself is just one day away, with Germany playing Scotland on Friday night and 22 other nations following suit in the days and weeks ahead.
For England it’s now about final preparations and ensuring Gareth Southgate’s starters are in peak form, with one notable absence in John Stones missing training on Wednesday. The centre-back is expected to be a cornerstone of the Three Lions’ hopes, with Trent Alexander-Arnold thought to be starting in midfield in the opening game.
Meanwhile, the manager himself has already suggested he could depart the job if England are not successful this summer, following a couple of near misses beforehand.
Follow below for all the latest news updates regarding England, Scotland and the rest of the tournament participants on Thursday, ahead of the eagerly anticipated start of the Euros.
Euro 2024 latest news
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Scotland face hosts Germany in Friday night’s opening game at Euro 2024
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Everything is against Scotland at Euro 2024 – except one key factor
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John Stones missed training on Wednesday
Euro 2024 power rankings
16:40 , Mike Jones
Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:
8. Belgium
The golden generation has faded and there is not quite the same talent coming through to replace them, but a fully fit Kevin De Bruyne still represents one of the best players in Europe. Belgium went through qualifying unbeaten, conceding only four goals, and have not lost a match since they were stunned by Morocco at the 2022 World Cup. Romelu Lukaku top-scored in Euro 2024 qualifying with 14 goals and he will be key once more.
7. Italy
The reigning champions have been unconvincing ever since beating England in the final at Wembley three years ago. They failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, then finished third in the Nations League, before scraping through qualifying for the Euros ahead of Ukraine with two defeats by England along the way. Like a number of the bigger nations, a significant problem for Luciano Spalletti is the lack of goals among his forward players, but Italy can never be discounted when it comes to major tournaments.
6. Netherlands
Ronald Koeman continues to bounce between wing-backs and a more typical Dutch 4-3-3 formation, and it was the latter that proved effective in March’s friendly internationals with a 4-0 thrashing of Scotland. The problem for Netherlands remains the lack of a reliable goalscorer – no Dutch player scored more than three goals during qualifying.
Euro 2024 power rankings
16:30 , Mike Jones
Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:
11. Croatia
Croatia remain reliant on a 38-year-old Luka Modric to run the midfield but then he is still producing sublime performances, so who can blame them. Their record shows they know how to go deep in major tournaments, and a 2-1 friendly win over Portugal last week will have boosted confidence. A tough Euro 2024 group with Spain and Italy will reveal more about Croatia’s chances.
10. Hungary
Marco Rossi’s free-flowing team are a joy to watch at their best and an underrated force too, having not lost a game of any kind since a Nations League defeat by Italy in September 2022. Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai is the captain and outstanding player, while striker Barnabas Varga is a threat: he scored four goals in qualifying and has 26 in 30 games this season for Hungarian champions Ferencvaros. They beat Israel 3-0 in their final warm-up before the tournament.
9. Austria
Ralf Rangnick has got Austria playing some good football. They qualified comfortably after beating key rivals Sweden home and away, and then put together two impressive wins over the March international break, beating Slovakia 2-0 and Turkey 6-1. In David Alaba, Marko Arnautovic, Marcel Sabitzer, Christoph Baumgartner and Michael Gregoritsch they have some good players to call upon. They have just enough to cause an upset in a tough group with France and Netherlands.
Euro 2024 power rankings
16:20 , Mike Jones
Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:
15. Scotland
An impressive qualifying campaign was followed by a disappointing March international break in which Scotland were thumped by Netherlands and, perhaps more concerningly, beaten by Northern Ireland. Scott McTominay was inspired in qualifying with seven goals – only Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe scored more – but that attacking threat has been lacking in a run of seven games without a win. Scotland have two final fixtures to prepare before playing on the opening night in Munich against the hosts, Germany.
14. Czech Republic
The Czechs qualified well from a competitive pool and have a good chance of progressing at the Euros from a group with Portugal, Turkey and Georgia. Captain Tomas Soucek is their key player.
13. Slovenia
England should be wary of Group C rivals Slovenia and particularly giant striker Benjamin Sesko, who has 11 goals in 28 caps for his country to date and is enjoying an impressive debut season for RB Leipzig. A surprise 2-0 win over Portugal in March’s friendlies was another reminder of their threat.
12. Denmark
The Danes qualified well for these Euros and the form of Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United provides some hope ahead of the tournament. Manager Kasper Hjulmand led the team to the semi-finals at Euro 2020 but they flopped at the World Cup, and he is still searching for the right formation after flipping between a back four and wing-backs.
Euro 2024 power rankings
16:10 , Mike Jones
Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:
20. Romania
Romania finished top of their qualifying group and unbeaten, but 16 goals scored in 10 games – four of which were against Andorra or Kosovo – tell the story of a team lacking spark in attack. Star player and captain Nicolai Stanciu has spent the past few years playing in China and Saudi Arabia.
19. Slovakia
Slovakia qualified from a tight pool to reach the Euros, and now find themselves in a competitive but open-looking group with Belgium, Romania and Ukraine. Captain Milan Skriniar is the defensive keystone and left winger Lukas Haraslin will provide attacking impetus after a stellar season for Sparta Prague, with 14 goals so far.
18. Poland
The team have rebounded under new manager Michal Probierz, following a poor qualifying campaign, and came through that dramatic play-off final with Wales in Cardiff on penalties. Robert Lewandowski is playing in quite possibly his final tournament, and Poland will need his goals to help spring a surprise in a tough group with Netherlands, France and Austria.
17. Serbia
The Serbian team remains an enigma, with more talented players than their recent tournament results would suggest. In Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, captain Dusan Tadic, Sasa Lukic and Aleksandar Mitrovic there’s some quality, but they were twice beaten by Hungary in qualifying and then learnt little from a 4-0 thumping by Russia in March’s friendly preparations. Beating Sweden 3-0 in a more recent friendly will have steadied nerves.
16. Switzerland
The Swiss made hard work of a relatively light qualifying group and don’t look to have the firepower to cause any great shocks at the Euros. Chicago Fire’s 32-year-old Xherdan Shaqiri remains among their more dynamic attacking players.
Euro 2024 power rankings
16:00 , Mike Jones
Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024, starting with:
24. Georgia
There were celebrations in the streets of Tibilisi after Georgia qualified for their first major tournament in dramatic style, winning a penalty shootout after a tense play-off final with Greece. The French former Bayern Munich defender Willy Sagnol is the manager, and his main task is building a team that can get the best out of Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Georgia beat Montenegro 3-1 in their last friendly before the tournament.
23. Albania
Albania topped their qualifying group but a horrendous draw sees them face Spain, Italy and Croatia in the Euro 2024 group stage – progressing to the knockouts would be a remarkable achievement. Armando Broja is their great hope, while Atalanta’s Berat Djimsiti is a high-quality defender and captain of the national team.
22. Ukraine
It was heart-warming to see the celebrations as Ukraine made it through the play-offs to Euro 2024. The team has some talent most obviously seen in the boots of Mykhailo Mudryk, their hero in the play-off final, and a nation will be behind their bid to emerge from arguably the weakest group which features Belgium, Slovakia and Romania
21. Turkey
Turkey have been through a turbulent time in recent months with the sacking of manager Stefan Kuntz and the installation of Roma legend Vincenzo Montella as his replacement. Montella began by leading the team to qualification for the Euros, ahead of Wales and just behind Croatia, but the March international break was a disaster, with a 1-0 defeat by Hungary and a 6-1 thrashing from Austria. They lack a potent goalscorer and Montella has his hands full trying to get them ready to face Georgia in their opening game at the Euros.
The moment that convinced Gareth Southgate to stay with England for one more tournament
15:50 , Mike Jones
As Gareth Southgate watched England toil against Germany in their September Nations League match, he stood on the touchline at Wembley seriously contemplating the end of his reign. England had not won any of their past five games and were 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go. The atmosphere in the stadium flitted between boredom and mutiny, which he interpreted as a manager no longer wanted.
It is no exaggeration to say that Southgate was 30 minutes from making up his mind; once the inevitable wrath of this defeat had died down, he would announce that Qatar would be his last tournament.
The moment that convinced Gareth Southgate to stay for one more tournament
Roberto Martinez praises Cristiano Ronaldo
15:40 , Mike Jones
“His commitment as captain is unbelievable. Today we saw two world-class goals, but I really enjoyed his work.” said the Portugal boss.
“He had already scored two goals, but his first option was to assist a team-mate. That shows solidarity and companionship, and they are important values in a dressing room when you’re going to the Euros.
“But also goals are very important and they were excellent.”
England have ditched their recipe for success with Euro 2024 Gareth Southgate’s biggest gamble of all
15:30 , Mike Jones
In the final few sessions before Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate has been keen to ensure England’s raft of new attackers are properly up to speed with some of the team’s rehearsed moves. He can see the full picture, but the lines are still a little blurred. This team doesn’t yet have the connections visible in Euro 2020 qualifying, say, but it’s promising. How couldn’t it be promising with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane? Southgate is unusually excited.
Such “automatisms” – where attackers instinctively execute moves from repeated rehearsal – are one of those parts of preparation that say a lot about the whole. England have been coming close to the line in a similar way.
Euro 2024 had long been looked upon as one of the tournaments when the entire St George’s Park project should finally deliver a trophy.
England have ditched their plan with Euro 2024 Southgate’s biggest gamble of all
Euro 2024 Group F guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as Portugal take on Czech Republic
15:20 , Mike Jones
Portugal’s national side has seen plenty of change since winning Euro 2016 in France, but their goal this summer remains the same as it is in every tournament – return home with the trophy.
Roberto Martinez has replaced Fernando Santos as the manager of A Seleção, with a slew of new players blooded into the team from across the country’s best club sides, including Porto, Benfica and Sporting.
Nevertheless, several of the team’s stalwarts remain, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and even 41-year-old centre-back Pepe. This is a Portuguese side that, on paper at least, is the most talented and balanced that they’ve had in decades, and Euro 2024 provides an excellent opportunity to add to a frankly disappointing international trophy cabinet.
Euro 2024 Group F guide: Fixtures, squads and stars to watch
Euro 2024 Group E guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as Belgium take on Slovakia
15:10 , Mike Jones
Belgium head into the European Championship with one goal in mind; win the trophy. After shockingly being dumped out of the 2022 World Cup in the group stages manager Roberto Martinez was let go and replaced with German-Italian coach Domenico Tedesco who is tasked with restoring some pride to the Belgians. Euro 2024 is perhaps the last chance for aging legends like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel to win international silverware and they will hope to take advantage of a seemingly friendly group to build momentum for the tournament.
Alongside them in Group E are Slovakia who have qualified for a third consecutive Euros finals. They have famously won this title before, as part of Czechoslovakia in 1976, but since the countries split in 2016 their best performance saw them reach the last-16 which will be their aim again this year.
Euro 2024 Group E guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch
Euro 2024 Group D guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as France take on the Netherlands
15:00 , Mike Jones
World Cup finalists France have been drawn in Euro 2024 Group D, alongside the Netherlands for the tournament in Germany.
France will undoubtedly be among the favourites to lift the trophy in July, while the Netherlands have not gone further than the quarter-finals since 2004 and will be looking to progress deep into the tournament.
Poland and Austria complete the group, and the latter lost just one match in qualifying, while Poland had to qualify via the play-offs, putting an end to Wales’ hopes with a penalty shoot-out victory after a goalless 120 minutes in Cardiff.
Euro 2024 Group D guide: Fixtures and players to watch as France play the Netherlands
Euro 2024 Group C guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as England aim for glory
14:50 , Mike Jones
England will attempt to go one better this time out in the European Championship than they managed three years ago on home soil, when they were beaten by Italy in the final. This time around Gareth Southgate has a much-changed squad and much-changed expectations on the team, as the Three Lions look to triumph at Euro 2024.
Before thoughts turn to the knockouts, though, they must navigate a solid-looking group stage. Alongside them will be Denmark, Slovenia and Iceland, each having real hopes of qualifying through the groups and each presenting different and difficult challenges to break them down in 90-minute encounters.
Here’s everything you need to know about Group C and what England are up against:
Euro 2024 Group C guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch
Euro 2024 Group B guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as Italy take on Spain
14:40 , Mike Jones
One of the most intriguing initial quarters at Euro 2024 comes in Group B, containing two former winners – including at the most recent European Championship – plus a nation which has reached the semi-final stage of the last two World Cups.
Spain will be many peoples’ favourites to progress, given some of their star names, while Italy are still working towards a new identity after a period of struggle since their triumph at Wembley three years ago. Croatia, meanwhile, have yet to really star at a Euros but have shown their ability to get results on the world stage, including in Qatar two years ago.
Euro 2024 Group B guide: Fixtures, squads and stars as Italy take on Spain
Euro 2024 Group A guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as Scotland take on Germany
14:30 , Mike Jones
Don’t laugh but when the draw for the Euro 2024 finals was made, there was a faint sense of optimism among the Scotland contingent that Steve Clarke’s side were ready to spoil the party when facing hosts Germany in the tournament opener on Friday 14 June. Frankly, December 2023 feels a long time ago now. Back then, Germany were in a funk and could have been susceptible to a well-organised, cohesive unit. Now depleted and out-of-form, Scotland do not look like the same team that roared to automatic qualification last year. The odds of an upset are stacked against them.
Still, the Tartan Army will be out in force as Scotland head to just a second men’s major international tournament in 25 years, determined to put on a better show after falling a little flat at Hampden at Euro 2020. As it was three years ago, Scotland’s goal will simply be getting out of their group and reaching the last-16. Given the tournament format, securing even just one Group A victory against Germany, Switzerland or Hungary could be enough. There are harder groups, sure, but Scotland’s form suggests they could still be fourth-favourites to progress.
Euro 2024 Group A guide: Fixtures, squads and star players
John Barnes backs ‘strong’ Gareth Southgate to get balance right for England
14:20 , Mike Jones
John Barnes does not believe England head coach Gareth Southgate will bow to public pressure over team selection at Euro 2024.
There has been a clamour for Southgate to accommodate as many of his world-class offensive talents as possible in his starting line-up for the tournament in Germany, with attack-minded players starring at club level both at home and abroad.
But former England and Liverpool winger Barnes insists the side’s balance is all-important as the Three Lions bid for their first major trophy since 1966.
John Barnes backs ‘strong’ Gareth Southgate to get balance right for England
England expects as Gareth Southgate prepares for likely last hurrah at Euro 2024
14:10 , Mike Jones
England expects heading into Euro 2024 having gone from laughing stocks to regular trophy contenders under Gareth Southgate.
Three years on from the agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy in the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 final, they head to Germany among the favourites to go one better this time around.
It is little wonder when you look at a rich, talented pool of players underpinned by leadership, experience and a drive to make up for going so close at the last three tournaments.
England expects as Gareth Southgate prepares for likely last hurrah at Euro 2024
John Stones absent from England training due to illness
14:00 , Mike Jones
John Stones missed England training on Wednesday through illness.
Boss Gareth Southgate has had to deal with several absentees and fitness concerns in the build-up to Euro 2024.
All 26 players were able to train on Tuesday – their first session after arriving in Germany – including Stones, who went off with an injury in Friday’s friendly against Iceland.
John Stones absent from England training due to illness
The Kai Havertz switch that propelled Germany from confusion to clarity
13:50 , Mike Jones
The parallels felt uncanny. A Germany team at its lowest ebb for years, having been dispatched ignominiously from the group stages of two of the three previous tournaments, having ditched one manager and parachuting in another, were the hosts with the low expectations.
If the 2006 World Cup came to symbolise a national footballing rebirth for Germany, surprise semi-finalists who played endearingly attacking football with a likeable bunch of players, it seemed as though the best-case scenario was a repeat of sorts in Euro 2024. Further embarrassment started to look more probable.
Because the 2022 World Cup brought as an early an exit as in 2018, the ultimate Turniermannschaft discovering the tournament would go on without them. And arguably 2023 was still worse; only partly because of the release of the Amazon documentary of the World Cup campaign in which Hansi Flick tried to motivate his players by comparing them to geese. It wasn’t the major reason why Flick became the first Germany manager to be sacked but it did contribute to rendering him a lame duck.
The Kai Havertz switch that propelled Germany from confusion to clarity
German authorities halve strength of alcohol at England’s ‘high risk’ opening Euro 2024 game with Serbia
13:40 , Mike Jones
Gelsenkirchen police said this week: “It is just the England game which will have the low-strength beer.
“Fans are not allowed to drink alcohol in the city’s main square, Heinrich-Konig-Platz. An England fan with a can or bottle of beer in the square will be asked to put it away, or it will be taken away. They will not immediately be arrested.
“The square will be a fan zone for other games in the city, but not for England. Fans can however drink alcohol in the city’s bars and in a fan zone for England fans at the racecourse.”
German authorities halve strength of alcohol at England’s ‘high risk’ opening Euro 2024 game with Serbia
13:30 , Mike Jones
England fans will only be allowed to buy low-alcohol beer at their opening Euro 2024 match with Serbia on Sunday after the fixture was identified as “high risk” by German authorities.
The full-strength Bitburger Premium lager (4.8%) usually served inside the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen has been replaced by a 2.5% alternative in a bid to keep a lid on potential disturbances at the game, and fans will only be allowed to buy two pints at a time.
More than 1,000 police officers will be deployed in a major security operation amid fears of trouble between supporters.
German authorities halve strength of alcohol at England’s ‘high risk’ Euros game
Pedri reveals Spain’s secret weapon in pursuit of Euro 2024 glory
13:20 , Mike Jones
Spain’s dressing room is filled with leaders and their biggest asset at Euro 2024 this month will be the strong bonds between the players, midfielder Pedri said.
Spain’s young and talented core of players have worked extensively with manager Luis de la Fuente, who was part of the national team’s youth set-up between 2013 and 2022 before taking charge of the senior team.
Pedri reveals Spain’s secret weapon in pursuit of Euro 2024 glory
Pedri reveals Spain’s secret weapon in pursuit of Euro 2024 glory
13:10 , Mike Jones
Spain’s dressing room is filled with leaders and their biggest asset at Euro 2024 this month will be the strong bonds between the players, midfielder Pedri said.
“I think that these last few days we have talked about it, that the greatest asset we have is that we are a team, we are a family both on and off the field,” Barcelona’s Pedri told reporters on Tuesday.
“The leader is the team as a whole. There are many players that are captains that help us a lot, they act as leaders, but I think the big difference with all the teams is that we are a team and there is no leader who stands out from the rest.”
Double delight for Conor Bradley in Northern Ireland win
13:00 , Mike Jones
Conor Bradley fired Northern Ireland to a 2-0 friendly win over Andorra in Murcia.
Bradley registered his first senior brace with goals in the 16th and 23rd minutes, but Michael O’Neill’s men could not add to that lead despite clear chances for Callum Marshall and Jamal Lewis before half-time.
As expected, Northern Ireland bossed possession but the extra goals O’Neill would no doubt have hoped to see his men conjure against opposition ranked 91 places below them did not materialise after the break.
Conor Bradley scores twice as Northern Ireland win in Spain
Euro 2024 predictions: Winner, Golden Boot, breakout star and more
12:50 , Mike Jones
Euro 2024 is upon us, as Germany hosts its first major men’s tournament since 2006 – with the national team seeking its first trophy in a decade.
Some fancy Julian Nagelsmann’s team to defy expectations on home soil, while there is naturally significant faith in France, as the 2018 world champions and 2022 runners-up.
Can England finally get over the line under Gareth Southgate, three years after losing the delayed Euro 2020 final to Italy at Wembley? And if so, will Harry Kane claim his second international Golden Boot?
Or will a younger star steal the spotlight, as clubs and coaches around Europe keep an eye out for the ‘next big thing’ in the summer transfer market?
Below, we predict the teams, players and moments that could define Euro 2024. Without further ado…
Euro 2024 predictions: Winner, Golden Boot, breakout star and more
Barnes doesn’t think England are favourites to win Euros
12:40 , Mike Jones
John Barnes considers France as the team to beat and does not agree that only victory in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on July 14 would be considered a success for England.
“I don’t think England are the favourites, so why should they win it?” he said. “I don’t see why Gareth gets criticised at all because he’s maximised the potential of the team.
“With a bit of luck we can win it and I don’t think there’s pressure on him at all because everybody knows this is his last tournament and if he was staying, there would be lots more pressure on him.
“If you’re asking if England can win it, yes we can. I would make us one of the favourites, but not the outright favourites. If we get knocked out before the quarter-finals then of course that will be disappointing, but I don’t think that will happen.”
John Barnes backs ‘strong’ Gareth Southgate to get balance right for England
12:30 , Mike Jones
John Barnes does not believe England head coach Gareth Southgate will bow to public pressure over team selection at Euro 2024.
There has been a clamour for Southgate to accommodate as many of his world-class offensive talents as possible in his starting line-up for the tournament in Germany, with attack-minded players starring at club level both at home and abroad.
Barnes, who won 79 England caps between 1983 and 1995, told the PA news agency: “I don’t look at individuals at all, I look at the balance of the team. Gareth has to resist the urge to play all his attacking players.
“And of course what’s going to happen when he leaves someone out? He’s going to get criticised. Why didn’t he play and why didn’t he play?
“But Gareth is strong enough to understand that and the fans have to support him.”
Euro 2024 fitness boost for England as Luke Shaw and John Stones train
12:20 , Mike Jones
Luke Shaw and John Stones trained as England’s Euro 2024 preparations stepped up on Tuesday.
Gareth Southgate has been dealing with fitness issues and absentees in the build-up to this summer’s tournament.
But all 26 players trained on Tuesday as England went through their paces for the first time since arriving in Germany the previous night.
Euro 2024 fitness boost for England as Luke Shaw and John Stones train
Cristiano Ronaldo hailed as ‘unbelievable’ after scoring 130th Portugal goal ahead of Euro 2024
12:10 , Mike Jones
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez saluted captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring quality after watching him send the nation into Euro 2024 with two stunning goals against Republic of Ireland.
The 39-year-old, who was winning his 207th senior cap in Aveiro, struck after 50 and 60 minutes following Joao Felix’s first-half opener to ensure the Euro 2016 winners head for Germany on the back of a 3-0 friendly victory.
Ronaldo hailed as ‘unbelievable’ after scoring 130th Portugal goal ahead of Euros
Olivier Giroud to conclude international career after Euro 2024
12:00 , Mike Jones
France striker Olivier Giroud intends to retire from international football after next month’s European Championship, saying he wants to make sure he does not play “one season too many”.
Giroud, who left AC Milan to join American Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC earlier this month, has made 131 appearances for France and was a key part of their World Cup-winning squad in 2018.
With 57 goals, the 37-year-old is the men’s national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, having overtaken Thierry Henry during the 2022 World Cup.
Olivier Giroud to conclude international career after Euro 2024
History within reach for Scotland at Euro 2024 despite tough draw
11:50 , Mike Jones
Scotland’s aim in this summer’s European Championship in Germany has been well-publicised and some may say is less than onerous.
Steve Clarke’s side will look to become the first men’s team in dark blue to qualify out of their group to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament.
It will be Scotland’s fourth attempt to do so at a Euros following unsuccessful sojourns in 1992, 1996 and 2020 and to achieve their goal they will probably have to get at least one win in a group that includes hosts Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.
History within reach for Scotland at Euro 2024 despite tough draw
Gareth Southgate makes major admission on his England future – if they don’t win Euro 2024
11:40 , Mike Jones
Gareth Southgate has admitted Euro 2024 is likely his “last chance” to win a trophy as England manager and that he will probably leave his post if he does not lead them to glory in Germany.
Southgate has been in charge of the national team for eight years, leading them to a semi-final at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the final of Euro 2020, before a quarter-final exit at the hands of France at the Qatar World Cup 18 months ago.
The Football Association would like Southgate to continue his role beyond his contract’s expiry in December and take England to the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. But the manager says he must win the Euros to keep his job, or else the pressure on his shoulders will grow too heavy.
Gareth Southgate makes major admission on England future – if they don’t win Euros
‘If we don’t win, I won’t be here any more’ admits Gareth Southgate
11:30 , Mike Jones
“If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here any more,” Gareth Southgate told German newspaper Bild. “So maybe it is the last chance. I think around half the national coaches leave after a tournament — that’s the nature of international football.
“I’ve been here almost eight years now and we’ve come close. You can’t constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, ‘A little more please’, as at some point people lose faith. If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, you must deliver in big moments.”
Another Netherlands rebuild has gone wrong – can Cody Gakpo save them at Euro 2024?
11:20 , Mike Jones
As recently as 18 months ago, Netherlands were within a couple of penalty kicks of the World Cup semi-finals. It didn’t quite happen, the Battle of Lusail ending in shootout defeat for them against Argentina after an epic late comeback in 90 minutes, but the Dutch looked back.
Or back on the right path, at least, after missing the 2018 tournament and Euro 2016 altogether. In between those failures and their oh-so-close moment in Qatar, Euro 2020 wasn’t much better: a last-16 exit to Czech Republic was tame in the extreme.
The winter World Cup, then, was their comeback moment, the stage-setter for future Dutch improvements and a team which would grow together, progress in time-honoured national team fashion, become challengers once more. Euro 2024 was to be the tournament where they approached a peak.
Another Netherlands rebuild has gone wrong – can Gakpo save them at Euro 2024?
From Hampden to Munich: the vital issue driving Scotland fan’s walk to Euro 2024
11:10 , Mike Jones
What lengths would you go to in order to support your country at a major tournament? Would you walk 500 miles? And then 500 more? When Craig Ferguson arrives in Munich on the eve of Euro 2024, the 20-year-old from Paisley will have walked 1,000 miles in 41 days across six countries to support Scotland in Germany and fulfil a lifelong dream.
But for Ferguson, an epic challenge has been fuelled by a greater cause. After departing Hampden on 5 May in his kilt and Scotland top, with only a pack of additional clothes and supplies strapped to his back, his long days on the road have been driven by raising funds for men’s mental health and male suicide prevention charities.
There has been a close source of inspiration, too. The idea of walking from Hampden to Munich came from one of Ferguson’s best mates, whose dad took his own life while they were teenagers in high school.
The vital issue driving Scotland fan’s walk to Euro 2024
FA to fund police over online abuse of England players
11:00 , Karl Matchett
The Football Association (FA) will provide funding to the police to aid in the prosecution of individuals who abuse England’s players on social media, the governing body’s CEO Mark Bullingham said ahead of Euro 2024.
Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were targets of racist online abuse after they missed spot-kicks in a 3-2 shootout loss to Italy in the final of the previous edition of the tournament.
In 2022, a British teenager was sentenced to six weeks in prison for racially abusing Rashford after the final, while a man who live-streamed himself racially abusing the trio on Facebook was jailed for 10 weeks.
“Now we are doing things differently,” Bullingham told the media. “In the past what we did was put together all the data, effectively an evidence pack, to give to the police to prosecute. But this time we have gone a stage further where we are actually funding a unit within the British police that will then prosecute.”
More here on the FA’s approach:
FA to fund police over online abuse of England players
What time do Germany play Scotland at Euro 2024?
10:45 , Karl Matchett
Euro 2024 has finally arrived and Germany from tomorrow play hosts to the continent, opening up the month-long event with a Group A clash against Scotland.
Confidence has been building among the Germans that they are peaking at the right time after a turbulent period under Julian Nagelsmann, with some key players looking in strong form and the return of Toni Kroos boosting their elite quality in the ranks.
As for the Scots, Steve Clarke has had to overcome a number of setbacks but being at the tournament is already a big sign of progress – and with three potentially getting through to the knockouts from the four-nation group stage, the head coach will know it’s not necessarily all about tonight’s result.
Even so, they’ll want to show they are ready to take on the best and cause an upset, with the eyes of the world on Munich on day one.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match.
Is Germany vs Scotland on TV tomorrow? Time, channel and how to watch
Euro 2024 latest news LIVE
10:30 , Karl Matchett
Wholesome content to pass on to anybody you feel might benefit:
As new research reveals more than 1.9million over 65s will be watching the biggest football tournament alone this summer, Asda has announced the launch of “Nanzones” – the first-ever football fanzones designed for elderly people to gather, socialise and enjoy the sport together.
With traditional fanzones often overwhelmingly populated by more boisterous crowds, in a bid to combat loneliness and isolation, the new dedicated Nanzone spaces have been specially created to cater to the older generation to ensure they don’t end up following the football alone at home.
The first Nanzones will open at Asda stores in Watford, Manchester Eastlands and Liverpool Arrow Park on the 20th June for the England vs Denmark game. Each Nanzone will give local elderly people the chance to unite over food, drink and football. The fanzones for senior citizens are completely free to enter and the areas will be decked out with football decorations and refreshments, offering a safe and friendly environment.
Euro 2024 latest news – LIVE
10:15 , Karl Matchett
Remember that octopus who predicted a bunch of results at a tournament a while back? Since then we’ve largely been restricted to fairly boring supercomputers doing the job, along with a flash-in-the-pan collection of llamas, otters, a guinea pig and “Big Head the sea turtle”, which I don’t personally remember but apparently was a thing.
Anyway, this year we can introduce…Walter the orangutan, apparently.
Enjoy.
Watch live: Orangutan predicts Scotland v Germany results at Euro 2024
Euro 2024 latest news LIVE
10:00 , Karl Matchett
We are just under 35 hours away from the first game of Euro 2024 kicking off, which means it’s time for you to get completely up to date with absolutely everything about it.
Fortunately, we’ve done the job for you: our comprehensive previews of each group give you team background, a player to watch from each, odds on group winners and even a prediction. Work your way through this bunch:
Euro 2024 injuries: Which players are out of this summer’s tournament
09:45 , Karl Matchett
Stars including Serge Gnabry, David Alaba and Gavi were already ruled out due to ACL tears and muscle injuries even prior to the squads being announced, while Luke Shaw was included but faces a race to be fit for England’s tournament opener against Serbia on 16 June.
Others suffered the distressing process of being called up for the Euros – only to then either suffer injuries or assessments which suggest they won’t be able to play a full part, and have since been axed.
Here is a run-down of those players who are confirmed to be missing the tournament through injuries suffered since the squads were announced, as well as several others who are in a race against time to be fit for the group stages…
Euro 2024 injuries: Which players are out of this summer’s tournament?
Everything is against Scotland at Euro 2024 – except one key factor
09:30 , Karl Matchett
Steve Clarke does NOT endorse this article – and that’s fine, we’ll get back to Steve Clarke in a moment. In case you hadn’t heard, Scotland are heading to just a second men’s major international tournament in 26 years. After the subdued, Covid-restricted taste-test of Euro 2020 three years ago, Euro 2024 in Germany is the real deal: the Tartan Army will be back, released onto the continent in their tens of thousands and in full voice, buoyant after a qualification campaign that taught a nation how to dream again. Nothing could possibly lessen the excitement now. Nothing.
Hang on though. Injuries to who? One win since when? Germany are finally themselves again? Steady on. This wasn’t going to be easy, but squeezing past the minnows of Gibraltar in a friendly last week did not suggest Scotland will be going to the Euros on a wave of optimism. Clarke was hardly echoing the hubris of Ally MacLeod in 1978 when the Scotland manager took a pop at “negative Normans” in the press. “What’s there to be negative about? Why not just relax and enjoy it,” he said. “I just don’t understand why anybody would be negative about a second European Championships in a row.”
Clarke is not wrong – but there are, admittedly, some big issues ahead of Friday night’s opener against the hosts.
Jamie Braidwood is on location in Germany – and assesses Scotland’s challenges and prospects ahead of their first game:
Everything is against Scotland at Euro 2024 – except one key factor
From Jesse to Jude: Tracing the four stages of Gareth Southgate’s England evolution
09:20 , Karl Matchett
England have come a long way since Gareth Southgate’s first game as England manager, back in a distant dream when Joe Hart was in goal, Gary Cahill was the defensive rock and Theo Walcott was on the wing.
It hasn’t been quick, and it hasn’t been linear, but England are now a much better side than the one Roy Hodgson watched fall off a cliff at Euro 2016. Following England still ends in crushing disappointment, obviously. But now that disappointment comes with feelings of hope and pride and excitement about the next time, rather than a soul-crushing bout of existential dread.
That’s progress. England used to meet top-tier nations in knockout games with a defensive gameplan and hope that one of their superstars would do something special. Now they go toe to toe with the best, players pass the ball to each other confidently, in tight spaces, and try to impose their way. That’s progress too.
Yet this might be the end game – Southgate needs to win Euro 2024 or his journey is surely over. Can he harness the learnings of past tournaments to finally win one? Ahead of what might be his last hurrah, we trace the evolution of Southgate’s England from a humble qualifier back in 2016 through four eras to, perhaps, their final destination in Germany this summer.
Lawrence Ostlere’s epic delve into the history and progression of the Three Lions under Southgate:
From Jesse to Jude: The four stages of Gareth Southgate’s England evolution
FA has ‘succession plan’ already in place for Gareth Southgate’s England exit
09:10 , Karl Matchett
The Football Association haven’t yet spoken to any potential successors to Gareth Southgate, nor received any approaches for the England manager, but say a succession plan is in place. The 53-year-old has strongly suggested he will leave the role after Euro 2024 unless the team wins the competition, and even that may not keep him in the job. The FA will still seek to review the tournament as a whole no matter what happens, and would naturally be keen to keep Southgate on. That is a sentiment shared by the squad.
Should that still see Southgate leave, Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe has been seen as the first-choice replacement, with Graham Potter also a strong consideration. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham nevertheless answered “no” when asked about talks with any prospective successor, in a press conference on the first day of media duties at England’s base camp in Blankenheim.
More on Southgate’s future from Miguel Delaney:
FA has ‘succession plan’ already in place for Gareth Southgate’s England exit
Euro 2024 latest news LIVE
08:53 , Karl Matchett
Good morning and welcome to the final pre-tournament day of buildup towards Euro 2024!
We’ll be bringing you all the latest updates and news here on the Independent, including England team briefings, player access later in the afternoon – and of course all the buildup towards Scotland facing Germany tomorrow night.
Stay tuned – the Euros are just around the corner.
