European Super Football

Gareth Southgate's England have arrived in Germany, facing a crucial test to determine if they are genuine contenders or simply a team that falters when it matters most. Southgate’s tenure – whether it concludes at the end of Euro 2024 or continues beyond – should always be assessed against the chaos he inherited.  Appointed permanently in November 2016, Southgate has since led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final, and the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. World Cup 2022: How England's journey came to an end  As the England players settle into their base in Germany, there is much to be hopeful about. Southgate has fostered a positive atmosphere within the squad, with players now enjoying representing their country without the heavy burden of expectations. He has also rekindled a sense of goodwill from the fans and the wider public towards the team and himself. This tournament carries a sense of urgency – a ‘now or never’ moment – following the World C

 Norway 0 - 1 Spain  Spain and Scotland have qualified from Group A and will take part in Euro 2024. With a win in Norway on Sunday, Spain secured a spot at Euro 2024, as well as helping Scotland qualify from Group A. In the second half, Barcelona midfielder Gavi scored to help the 2008 and 2012 European champions advance to the championships with two games left of qualifying.  Erling Haaland's Norway last appeared at a major tournament in Euro 2000, can now only potentially qualify through play-offs.  On the night, Spain barely allowed Manchester City striker Haaland a sniff all night long on what turned into a frustrating night for the Norwegians.  Gavi eventually fired Spain into the lead just after half-time. The midfielder pounced in Norway's area when Mikel Oyarzabal's shot was deflected into his path and gave him a straightforward goal.  Quick reaction from Norway and Spain Ronnie from Oslo is unhappy with the fact that Norway haven't finished in the top of t

 England 0 - 1 Iceland England wrapped up their preparations for Euro 2024 with a dismal defeat against Iceland at Wembley. Manager Gareth Southgate made several changes following Monday’s win against Bosnia-Herzegovina at St James’ Park in Newcastle, but he will have been deeply disappointed with the team's lacklustre performance. Iceland, notorious for their victory over England at Euro 2016, easily exploited England's poor defending. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who replaced Jordan Pickford, might have done better with Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s low shot after 12 minutes. Harry Kane missed a great chance for England, while Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, one of the brighter performers, also had opportunities. However, Southgate’s side looked rusty as they finalised plans for their opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on 16 June. England appeared vulnerable at the back throughout the match, with Iceland creating chances to extend their lead after the break. Interna

Netherlands 0 - 0 France The Netherlands and France played to a stalemate in Leipzig, leaving both teams level on four points at the top of Group D. Pre match scenes at Netherlands v France The group remains wide open heading into the final matchday, with little to separate the Netherlands and France. Defenders took centre stage in this encounter, with Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk standing out as he effectively neutralised France's formidable attacking threats. The 1988 champions almost took the lead within the first minute, as Jeremie Frimpong displayed blistering speed to latch onto a through ball, only to have his shot turned away by France's goalkeeper Mike Maignan. France's captain Antoine Griezmann appeared poised to break the deadlock in the 15th minute after Adrien Rabiot set him up perfectly close to goal, but he failed to control the ball in time. Griezmann also curled a shot wide shortly after. Both sides had opportunities to win Marcus Thuram

France 1 - 1 Poland A masked Kylian Mbappe scored his first Euro 2024 goal, but France were held to a draw by an already-eliminated Poland, resulting in a second-place finish in Group D. France needed a win to secure the top spot, but Robert Lewandowski's penalty in the 79th minute cancelled out Mbappe’s earlier goal, scored from a penalty 11 minutes into the second half. Ralf Rangnick's Austria put on a brilliant performance to beat the Netherlands 3-2, topping the group, while the Dutch finished third. France, now in the same half of the draw as Portugal, Spain, and Germany , will face the runner-up in Group E. Mbappe, returning to the starting line-up with a protective mask after breaking his nose, finally scored his first European Championship goal to put France ahead. Ousmane Dembele was fouled in the area by Poland and Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior, allowing Mbappe to score from the spot. However, France seemed to relax after the goal, and Dayot Upamecano's clumsy

Can Italy retain their European Championship crown? Italy are not among the favourites in Germany.  The holders qualified after finishing second in Group C behind England, the key game being a goalless draw with Ukraine in Germany. At Euro 2024, Italy will play Albania, Spain and Croatia in one of the toughest groups of the tournament.  Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, the defensive duo that led Italy to glory in 2021 , will watch from home. Nicolò Barella and Gianluigi Donnarumma need to step up and become the key players for the team. They will have to cope without Destiny Udogie, Nicolò Zaniolo, Francesco Acerbi, and Giorgio Scalvini, who are all out injured. Iconic Euros moments: Throwback to England v Italy (2021) How did they reach Germany? They qualified for Euro 2024 after a goalless draw against Ukraine in Germany. This was a welcome relief for everyone within Italian football after they failed to reach the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The qualifying campaign for this summe

Spain 2 - 1 France Lamine Yamal's breathtaking goal helped Spain secure a 2-1 victory over France in the Euro 2024 semi-final.  Dani Olmo netted Spain's second goal after Randal Kolo Muani initially put France in the lead. A closer look at what happened Yamal became the youngest player to score at a European Championship or World Cup, surpassing the record previously held by Brazilian legend Pelé. His remarkable goal came when he shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled a stunning shot in off the post from 25 yards out during an electrifying first half. Earlier in the match, France took the lead with Randal Kolo Muani heading in a superb cross from Kylian Mbappé , who played without a mask after recovering from a broken nose sustained earlier in the tournament. Yamal's brilliant strike shifted the momentum in Spain's favour, and the comeback was complete soon after when Dani Olmo fired a low shot into the net off defender Jules Koundé, following excellent cont

 Let's have a look at the latest news and stories from across the countries competing at Euro 2024. Lewandowski to miss Poland's first game. Poland's striker Robert Lewandowski will be absent from his team's opening Euro 2024 match against the Netherlands this Sunday due to a thigh injury. The 35-year-old picked up the injury during a 2-1 victory over Turkey on Monday in their final warm-up game before the tournament. Lewandowski had to leave the pitch after just 33 minutes. Poland will face Austria in their second game on 21 June, followed by their final Group D match against France on 25 June. Lewandowski scoring for Poland at Euro 2016 France manager wants to create more history Should Didier Deschamps lead France to glory in Germany, he will become only the second person to win a European Championship as both a player and a manager, after German Berti Vogts, and the first to have achieved the double double.  When he retired from playing in 2001, transitioning int

 Germany 5 - 1 Scotland There were six goals in the first game of Euro 2024. Unfortunately for Scotland, they only managed one. Pictures from the Euro 2024 Opening Ceremony The atmosphere at Allianz Arena was electric right from the start. Just ten minutes in, Florian Wirtz effortlessly found the net to open the scoring. Shortly after, Jamal Musiala unleashed a powerful shot that almost broke both Angus Gunn’s net and the hearts of the stunned Scottish fans behind the goal. Before half-time, Kai Havertz made it three from the penalty spot, following Ryan Porteous’ red card which left Scotland facing an uphill battle. Substitute Niclas Fullkrug added a fourth for Germany with a high shot into the net, though Antonio Rudiger’s late deflected own goal offered a glimmer of hope for Scotland. Their joy was short-lived, however, as Emre Can silenced the Scottish supporters deep into injury time. This result marked the biggest win in the opening game of a European Championships.  Euro 202

England 2 - 2 Belgium Jude Bellingham late on to secure a draw for England in a friendly against Belgium, preventing a second consecutive defeat at Wembley. More reaction to #ENGBEL coming up on https://t.co/kHngVy25Il https://t.co/SFvnhfj4d4 — European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) March 27, 2024 Having lost at home to Brazil, Gareth Southgate's reshuffled side was a mixed bag. They displayed good potential at times in attack but they were vulnerable at the back, and this was ruthlessly exploited by Belgium before Bellingham's dramatic intervention seconds from time. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a rare error, his first to cost a goal in 60 international appearances, when his poor clearance led to Youri Tielemans putting Belgium ahead after 11 minutes. Ivan Toney scored his first international goal on his first England start, equalizing from the spot just six minutes after he was brought down by Jan Vertonghen. Click here to read more news and stories

It's time to explore the stars of Euro 2024. Who was your favourite player from the tournament? We asked some of our contributors what they thought and examined how their careers might develop over the next few years.  Nico Williams - Spain Athletic Bilbao's talented winger stood out in Spain's 1-0 victory over Italy. He scored a powerful goal in their 4-1 win over Georgia and netted a brilliant finish in the final against England. Throughout the summer, he has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, as they reportedly consider him their top target. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - Georgia Georgia's 23-year-old striker Kvaratskhelia made a significant impact for Georgia during Euro 2024, and there are rumours that PSG is interested in signing him. Despite his side losing in the last 16, Kvaratskhelia has gained more admirers. His club Napoli have set a value of £85.2m for him, which might be too high for PSG. There are also reports linking Liverpool to the player. Ho

England 2 - 1 Slovakia Jude Bellingham saved England from an early exit in Euro 2024 against Slovakia on Sunday with a breathtaking equaliser in the 95th minute.  Harry Kane then secured their place in the quarterfinals with a winner early in extra time, sealing a 2-1 victory. Slovakia started the match much brighter and gave England several warnings before Ivan Schranz skillfully placed the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 25th minute. England, who will next face Switzerland, had a history of comebacks in their last three Euro matches where they conceded first, including the previous tournament's semifinal. They thought they had equalised shortly after the break, but Phil Foden was clearly offside before he tapped the ball into the net. Kane, unusually, headed a Foden free kick wide, and Declan Rice hit the post as Slovakia were pushed deep into their own half. However, England seemed to lack confidence, and their fans grew increasingly frustrated. Bellingham, cele

Austria 3 - 2 Netherlands Austria delivered a stunning performance that will surely turn heads at Euro 2024, defeating the Netherlands to advance to the last 16 as Group D winners. Despite a challenging draw against the Dutch and France, Ralf Rangnick's team triumphed in two of their three matches, finishing at the top of the table. The Netherlands had already secured their spot in the last 16, but will now progress as one of the best third-placed teams, with France taking second place after their 1-1 draw with Poland.  Austria's victory was thoroughly deserved, showcasing their spirit and determination throughout. They responded admirably to a strong start from the Netherlands in the second half, with Marcel Sabitzer’s goal sealing the win. The Austrians took an early lead in the sixth minute when Donyell Malen turned Alexander Prass’s dangerous cross into his own net. Although Malen had a chance to redeem himself but fluffed his shot, Austria dominated possession, often

England 1 - 2 Spain It just wasn't meant to be for England. England's hopes of ending 58 years of pain and disappointment were dashed as they lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final at Berlin's Olympiastadion. Gareth Southgate's team suffered heartbreak once again, falling to a late goal by Mikel Oyarzabal, which left them unable to end the long wait for success for the men's team in a second consecutive European Championship final. Spain took the lead just two minutes into the second half when Lamine Yamal set up Nico Williams, who beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with a powerful low shot. England's captain, Harry Kane, struggled to find form and was substituted after an hour. Cole Palmer, who came on for Kobbie Mainoo, briefly revived hopes of a comeback with a composed left-footed strike in the 73rd minute. However, Spain ultimately clinched victory, as Oyarzabal converted Marc Cucurella' s cross four minutes from time, leaving England once again

Romania 0 - 3 Netherlands Substitute Donyell Malen scored twice, and Cody Gakpo netted his third goal of Euro 2024, guiding the Netherlands to a victory over a determined Romania and securing their first quarter-final berth in 16 years. Liverpool's Gakpo opened the scoring with a superb finish midway through the first half, cutting inside before driving the ball into the bottom corner. The Netherlands squandered several chances after that but ensured they didn't regret it when substitute Malen tapped in late from Gakpo's pass. Malen then sealed what was ultimately an impressive win for the Netherlands, exploiting Romania's forward push by charging towards goal and calmly slotting home. It was a vastly improved performance from the Netherlands, who initially faced intense pressure from a lively Romanian side, backed by their vibrant fans. Romania's early pressing forced errors from the Dutch, nearly capitalising when Dennis Man's shot narrowly missed. Howeve

Spain 2 - 1 Germany Spain kept their dreams of a fourth European Championship alive with a dramatic 119th-minute goal from Mikel Merino, sending them into the semi-finals and knocking out hosts Germany in a thrilling match at Stuttgart Arena. This eagerly anticipated clash saw a resurgent Germany face off against one of the most exciting teams in Spain. It did not disappoint. From the moment Dani Olmo put Spain ahead six minutes into the second half, the match was a relentless spectacle of aggression, tension, and drama. Olmo side-footed in a cross from 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who notched his third assist of the Euros, breaking the deadlock in a previously cautious game. Germany nearly responded through substitute Niclas Fullkrug, who hit the post, but they found their equaliser in the final minute of regular time when Florian Wirtz’s powerful shot went in off the post, sending the home fans into raptures. Euro 2024 news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) Time

England 0 - 0 Slovenia England secured a spot in the Euro 2024 last 16 as the top team in Group C. Gareth Southgate's squad showed some improvement compared to their dismal performance against Denmark, yet it still fell short of justifying their status as pre-tournament favourites. Their play was laboured, with only occasional flashes of quality, notably in the first half when a smooth passing sequence led to Bukayo Saka's goal. This was disallowed for offside. Conor Gallagher's inclusion failed to make an impact, resulting in his replacement at half-time. The introduction of Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo brought more urgency after the break. England struggled with creativity in a group where no team scored more than one goal in any game, marking a first in the competition's history. Denmark's 0-0 draw with Serbia saw them finish second, while Slovenia qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. There was good news for England elsewhere, as resu

Wales 4 - 1 Finland Wales moved a step closer to Germany and Euro 2024 qualification after a convincing win over Finland.  Finland fans made a great noise last night despite the result. https://t.co/Mu4Cn3wz9B pic.twitter.com/ptwj9vgOKB — European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) March 22, 2024 The game started with an electrifying start for the home team, as David Brooks seized the moment to volley in a rebound from Harry Wilson's shot, just three minutes into the match. Despite Finland dominating possession for much of the first half, Wales managed to extend their lead with a splendid curling free-kick from Neco Williams. However, Finland kept themselves in the game with a composed finish from Teemu Pukki just before halftime. Brennan Johnson then eased any tension for the Welsh side with a well-timed tap-in early in the second half, securing their advantage. More Welsh football news and stories can be found here Although Wales missed a few opportunities to widen the

England 1 - 0 Serbia Jude Bellingham inspired England to the start they hoped for at Euro 2024, netting the winning goal and delivering a stellar performance in their victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. Bellingham's dream season continued, after clinching the Champions League in his debut campaign with Real Madrid, he showcased why he’s seen as England's latest superstar. The 20-year-old rose magnificently to meet Bukayo Saka 's deflected cross with a powerful header after 13 minutes, earning Gareth Southgate's side an early lead. Despite starting strongly with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, England fell into familiar patterns after the break, sitting back and allowing Serbia to press. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a crucial late save from Dusan Vlahovic to maintain their lead. Harry Kane nearly doubled England’s tally when his header from Jarrod Bowen's cross was superbly tipped onto the bar by Serbia's keeper, Predrag Rajkovic. Wh

France 1 - 0 Belgium A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen sent France into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium's expense. A game that had lacked quality and excitement for much of its duration seemed destined for extra time. However, a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen with five minutes remaining, ultimately sealing a French victory at Düsseldorf Arena. There was a fantastic atmosphere before the match France had missed several opportunities before that, with their lack of finishing touch once again letting them down. Even captain Kylian Mbappe squandered chances that he would normally convert. Belgium nearly took the lead themselves before France's late goal. Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne charged into space through the middle, but his shot was pushed behind by Mike Maignan. That had been the underwhelming Belgians' only decent opportunity as France saw out the final few minutes to progress to the last eight, where they will