Euro 2024 news LIVE: Foden LEAVES England camp, Three Lions learn opponents tonight after Slovenia draw – latest updates
PHIL FODEN has temporarily LEFT the England camp and returned home.
An FA spokesperson said his departure is for a "pressing family matter".
England secured their status as Group C winners despite a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Slovenia on Tuesday night and will find out who they face in the last-16 on Sunday night.
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Georgian players receive huge bonus
Georgia's stars have been rewarded with an £8.4million bonus after reaching the round of 16.
And that will DOUBLE if they beat Spain in the next round.
It's the first time Georgia have made it to the Euros and they have made it out the groups at the first time of asking.
Bellingham admits he's feeling tired
Jude Bellingham revealed he was completely shattered against Slovenia - amid fears the England talisman is suffering from burnout.
The Real Madrid superstar, 20, felt “absolutely dead” in the final group game in Cologne on Tuesday, with support from the stands getting him through.
It was his 50th appearance of a gruelling campaign which has taken its toll in his last two tired performances against Denmark as well as the Slovenians.
Speaking about the fans driving him on when on the FA’s Lions’ Den show, Bellingham said: “You definitely draw on them for energy towards the end of games.
“I felt like in the last game, I was absolutely dead.
“But you hear them singing, hear them chanting and you can play at a level that's not our best, it's normal, it can happen.
“But I think the important thing is, when you're wearing this badge and you're representing those fans, is that you don't give up and I think they're a constant reminder of that.”
Credit: Getty Gordon's bike crash scare
Anthony Gordon took a tumble on his bike during a recovery session - and is now sporting a shiner on his chin.
The Newcastle star, 23, was pedalling away on Wednesday along with all the players who featured in the 0-0 draw with Slovenia in Cologne the night before.
But he fell off and was spotted on Thursday with a graze on his chin, nose and some red marks on his wrists and hands.
Luckily, he was wearing a helmet to avoid further damage.
The ex-Everton man still took part in full training on Thursday, allaying any fears that the injuries could impact his involvement for Sunday’s last-16 clash with Slovakia.
Credit: PA
Every round of 16 clash
Here's a look at all the fixtures as the round of 16 is set to kick off.
After a short break, the action will begin again on Saturday.
Belgian and French players in war of words
William Saliba has responded to Wout Faes' comment that Belgium are "Not afraid" of France.
Saliba said: "We are not afraid of Belgium, we are not afraid of anyone.
"If Faes is not afraid, good for him, we will see on Monday."
Credit: AP No pressure
Dayot Upamecano was feeling confident ahead of France's last 16 tie with Belgium.
When asked if the France team were feeling any pressure on them, he said: "Pressure? No. Belgium, we beat them a lot."
Credit: AFP Rice and Trippier not training with the team
Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier both did not train with the rest of the England team today.
They were absent from group training as they continued individual sessions.
Phil Foden was also absent as he has gone back to England for the birth of his third child.
Credit: PA Trent - England's dreaming
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold admits the players have imagined themselves being crowned champions in Berlin on July 14.
The 25-year-old said: “As players, it'll be silly for us to come out here without the thought of winning the trophy in our head. It's something you have to have.
“It's something you have to use as motivation.
“That's where we want to take this country to. We want to help in whatever way we can, be influential and help the team win.
“Throughout the whole team, there's a lot of winners at all different levels, ages and experience. We have to draw on it.
“We've been through it together as a team in different competitions. Now we need to put it together here.”
Credit: Alamy Bellingham's Slovakia warning
Jude Bellingham has warned England's players and fans that Slovakia is not an "easy draw".
Speaking ahead of Sunday's game the Real Madrid superstar said: “People will obviously look at Slovakia and think it's going to be an easy game, it's definitely not the case.
“They'll pose a different kind of threat, it's a different kind of team to break down.
“Sometimes when you play the nations that come at you a bit more, it's more open.
“It'll be an interesting game, it's one that we're confident we have enough in the room to win.
“I know the performances haven't been as good as they can be in the first three games but it's a great opportunity for us to get back to the level we need to be at.”
Credit: Rex
Road to final
Here's how the bracket looks as the tournament hots up for the knockouts.
England are considered by many to be in the easier side of the draw, and face Slovakia in the round of 16.
Ronaldo's near-miss
Cristiano Ronaldo was inches away from being kicked by a fan that leaped out of the stands.
The fan lept down into the player's tunnel in an attempt to get a picture with Ronaldo.
The player stood still and extended his arms as if to say: "Why?"
It comes after Portugal lost 2-0 to Georgia.
Shaw 'fit to play'
Luke Shaw has declared himself fit to play in the round of 16 against Slovakia.
England have struggled greatly without a natural left-back, with Kieran Trippier playing there.
The Manchester United star, 28, has not played since February due to injury.
After Tuesday’s match against Slovenia, when asked on whether he was fit, Shaw replied “next game” to journalists to show that he believes he can still play a big role for his country at the tournament.
Who is Slovakia's manager?
England will play Slovakia in the round of 16, and their manager's rise to managing a team at the Euros has been incredible.
After suffering with injuries during his playing career, he pursued a career as a coffee salesman while working on the side.
And he was even responsible for the rise of former Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri after their paths crossed early in his career.
You can read all about him below...
England get 'easier' draw
Last night's dramatic events in Group F meant that England will play Slovakia in the round of 16 and not Holland.
That's after Georgia beat Portugal 2-0 to achieve qualification as a third placed side.
England previously had a 60 per cent chance of playing Holland, but Georgia's win altered the rankings of the third placed teams thanks to their points and goal difference.
That's in theory an easier draw for England, but with so-called 'minnows' performing well in this tournament so far, no game will be easy - particularly with England's form.
Full circle
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had a "dream" night yesterday as Georgia beat Portugal 2-0.
The Napoli winger scored the Georgians opener as he talismanically led them to victory.
The winger is a Ronaldo super fan and got the player's shirt after the game, posting it on Instagram.
He also met Ronaldo as a kid, with an old picture showing the two met when Kvara was 11 and Ronaldo opened Dinamo Tiblisi's training ground.
Full draw... and how England can reach the final!
THE Euro 2024 round of 16 has been revealed - including England's route to the final, writes HENRY TOMLINSON.
The group stages have seen some thrilling moments and shocks, but now the real football starts.
Following the conclusion of Group F, the last 16 has now been confirmed.
England have been handed a favourable tie against Slovakia which will be played at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
The Three Lions were not convincing as they topped Group C with one win and two draws.
However, Gareth Southgate's side now have an easier route to the final as they will avoid the likes of France, Germany, Spain and Portugal.
Should England get past Slovakia, they will face their Euro 2020 final conquerors Italy or Switzerland in the final.
And if the Three Lions get past the Azzurri then it would be one of the Netherlands, Turkey, Romania or Turkey in the semi-final.
Now it really counts says Kane
Harry Kane has told everyone to take a breath and forget about England’s poor form in the group stage - because it is what comes now that really counts, writes TOM BARCLAY.
Ahead of a last-16 clash with Slovenia fans have been left frustrated by the team’s underwhelming showing at the Euros so far, despite being billed as favourites pre-tournament.
Credit: Getty Some even chucked empty pint cups at boss Gareth Southgate after Tuesday’s dismal draw against Slovenia in Cologne.
It followed an unconvincing 1-0 victory over Serbia and a dire 1-1 draw with Denmark - yet England still qualified for the knockouts as Group C winners.
Captain Kane told the FA’s Lions’ Den show: “We’ve done what we had to do, we learn from the games, we learn from mistakes, we take the positives from what we’ve done well but that’s in the past.
“Now it’s about what we do in the knockouts, that’s what we’re going to be remembered for, that’s what we’ve been remembered for in past tournaments as well.
“That’s our mindset, we’re relaxed. Today is always a day when you’re taking a deep breath, you’ve got through the group stage, take a breath, have a day to chill.
“In these major tournaments you’re climbing a mountain, and I feel like we’re halfway up that mountain at a stage where there’s still a way to go and we’ve been away for a while.”
Say Jude
Wayne Rooney has urged Jude Bellingham to become a bigger noise at Euro 2024.
Ex-Mmanchester united striker Rooney said: “We saw Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon speaking, who are playing bit parts in the tournament.
Credit: Rex “People want Jude and Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Jordan Pickford — the senior players.
“I know Jude’s not, but he’s going to play if fit and you want to hear him speaking.
“That tells me he’s probably not quite right.”
Dan United?
Bologan wideman has whizzed his way onto Manchester United radar at the Euros.
The winger has been one of Switzerland's bright sparks and scored against Germany.
Transfer expert Gianluca Dimarzio claims the Red Devils have been so impressed by the 23-year-old that they have quickly been involved in talks with his Italian top-flight club.
New United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe knows Ndoye well as he has had stints with Ineos-owned Lausanne and Nice.
Serie A teams are also said to be monitoring him.
Those clubs include Inter Milan, who are battling to keep United-linked wing-back Denzel Dumfries.
Quick exit unless Slo improvement
Gary Neville fears an instant KO unless England improve in the last 16.
The Three Lions won Group C with a modest win then two lame draws and face Slovakia on Sunday.
And ex-Manchester United defender Neville told Sky Sports: "There's one fortunate element of our group.
"It has been the poorest group to watch and that has helped us, when we've been below par, to get through as group winners.
"We'll rise to the occasion of the knockout phases and playing against a better team will mean more space and our players will thrive in that environment, or they'll carry their performances through from the group and they'll get the shock of their lives.
"Because if they carry on playing like they are one thing I can guarantee you they will get beat."
Gunners vs Spurs for Riccardo?
Arsenal and Tottenham have joined Juventus in the hunt for Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Ex-Roma kid Calafiori, 22, returned to Serie A with Bologna last season after a year with Basel in Switzerland.
All his four senior caps have come since June this year and he's impressed at the Euros.
Credit: Rex Calafiori notched an assist as Italy squeezed into the last 16 of the Euros with a last-gasp 1-1 draw with Croatia.
But a booking in that match rules him out for their first KO match.
Gordon's alive!
Wayne Rooney reckons Anthony Gordon could be the perfect attacking tonic for England against Slovakia in the last 16.
Phil Foden is flying back to England for the birth of his third child.
He's still expected to return in time for Sunday's last-16 tie.
But Rooney said: “With Phil Foden going home, that can make Gareth’s mind up.
“Anthony comes in and it frees Bellingham up, so I think that will be the change he makes.”
Southgate, meanwhile, admits he needs all of his big players to perform.
He said: “We need the whole team.
“They have to keep going and in the end things will turn.”
Sesko should stay at his Post
Tottenham chief Ange Postecoglou sparked hysterics live on ITV – by suggesting Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko snubs a Premier League move this summer.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with the RB Leipzig striker, who is celebrating Slovenia making history in reaching the last-16 at Euro 2024.
The Gunners remain frontrunners should the 21-year-old opt to move. But Sesko has a reported £55.3million release clause and the latest expectation from Germany is that he will extend his Leipzig contract.Benjamin Sesko helped Slovenia draw 0-0 with England, leading to wild rejoicing as his side qualified for the Euro 2024 knockout phase
And when ITV discussed exciting footage of the hot prospect following England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia, Postecoglou delivered a verdict that had his fellow pundits bursting into laughter.
The straight-faced Aussie said: “I think a big club would have looked at him this year, and it’s a smart move for him to stay there for another year.
“I think there’s still some development in him, but really good attributes for a striker position, for sure.”Sesko is one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting forwards
Presenter Mark Pougatch gleefully responded: “Is that the Tottenham manager saying it’s a smart move not to go to Arsenal?” And Postecoglou quickly replied: “No comment, mate.”
Cue great amusement from the studio’s other experts – Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane.”
Gareth hit by surprise road block
EXCLUSIVE: Residents in the East Yorkshire street of Back Southgate yesterday refused to back Gareth Southgate - insisting: “He has no Plan B,” write STEPHEN MOYES and PAUL SIMS.
The locals abandoned the England boss after the Three Lions failed to impress in their opening three group games.
Resident Geoff Hall was among those struggling to back the man in charge after the first three performancesCredit: Ben Lack A 1-0 win against Serbia was followed by a dismal 1-1 draw with Denmark and an uninspiring 0-0 against Slovenia on Tuesday.
And the homeowners of Back Southgate, in the seaside town of Hornsea, have lost patience with their man.
Asked if Southgate could still rely on his backing, Chris Sergeant, 63, said: “No - I don’t like the bloke. He has got no Plan B, has he? Or Jurgen Klopp. I’d take him any day.”
The homeowners of Back Southgate, in the seaside town of Hornsea, have lost patience with their manCredit: Paul Edwards - The Sun Chris added: “We haven’t played well all tournament.
“When the players need a kick up the backside I don’t think he is the man to do it. “I could be manager of England.”
Neighbour John Hague, 72, nodded in agreement and said: “He’s a nice bloke but, like Chris says, he has not got that ‘Go for it lads’ in him.
“As a bloke he is fine but he is too soft.”
How the last 16 looks
THE Euro 2024 round of 16 has been revealed - including England's route to the final, writes HENRY TOMLINSON.
The group stages have seen some thrilling moments and shocks, but now the real football starts.
Following the conclusion of Group F, the last 16 has now been confirmed.
England have been handed a favourable tie against Slovakia which will be played at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
The Three Lions were not convincing as they topped Group C with one win and two draws.
However, Gareth Southgate's side now have an easier route to the final as they will avoid the likes of France, Germany, Spain and Portugal.
Should England get past Slovakia, they will face their Euro 2020 final conquerors Italy or Switzerland in the final.
And if the Three Lions get past the Azzurri then it would be one of the Netherlands, Turkey, Romania or Turkey in the semi-final.
