Jamie Smith produced the perfect dress rehearsal for his England debut on day one of Surrey’s top-of-the-table Vitality County Championship clash with Essex.
Named on Sunday morning as the only wicketkeeper in England’s 14-man squad for the first Test against the West Indies a week on Wednesday, Smith (100) struck his second century of the season.
The 23-year-old hit two sixes and 14 fours during his outing as the hosts reached 248-8 on a rain-shortened day at The Oval.
Keaton Jennings’ (183no) fourth hundred of the campaign steered Lancashire to 344-8 against Nottinghamshire at Southport after the visitors threatened to take charge following lunch.
Lyndon James (3-53) shone with a three-for as a sell-out crowd were denied the opportunity of seeing James Anderson in action for Lancashire one more time.
Hampshire skipper James Vince (149no) made his second century in a week against Kent at Utilita Bowl to help his side recover from 56-3 to end the day 310-3, alongside wicketkeeper-batter Ben Brown (106no) who also hit a century.
Warwickshire fought back against Somerset at Taunton with Michael Burgess’ (126no) century helping the Bears recover from 40-4 to 373-8 at the close of play.
Somerset seamer Migael Pretorius (4-72) finished on a four-fer whilst Jack Leach (2-69) earned two scalps.
Wickets clattered at Chester-le-Street as Durham were all out for 190 with England’s Test captain Ben Stokes (56) reaching a half-century.
Stokes (1-23) removed Worcestershire skipper Libby (13) as the hosts were bowled out for 112 in reply with Matthew Potts (4-29) and Ben Raine (3-33) taking the bulk of the wickets. Durham reached 33-3 at the close to carve out a lead of 111.
Division Two
In Division Two, Sussex’s Ollie Robinson (4-42) bounced back from being overlooked for England’s Test squad against Northamptonshire.
Robinson finished with a four-fer as the hosts were dismissed for 97 on an eventful day at Northampton.
Image: Ollie Robinson finished with a four-fer after Sussex’s meeting with Northamptonshire
On a day which saw 22 wickets fall, Sussex had themselves been bowled out for 143 with Jack White (4-23) taking four as the visitors lost six wickets for 47 runs in 19 overs – and closed at 83-2 and a lead of 129.
Yorkshire’s Sri Lanka pace bowler Vishwa Fernando (5-30) helped skittle Derbyshire for 76 at Chesterfield with the help of Jordan Thompson (4-31) as Derbyshire subsided on a challenging surface in less than 28 overs.
Yorkshire turned the screw with James Wharton (116no) racing to a maiden first-class hundred before bad light ended play leaving the tourists on 283-5 with a commanding lead of 207.
Ben Mike’s (5-22) produced a career-best spell to enable Leicestershire to dismiss Middlesex for 86.
Loan signing Ben Green (4-28) also posted personal-best figures with only Leus Du Plooy (28) and Sam Robson (10) reaching double figures.
Leicestershire had earlier made 179 with Lewis Goldsworthy (41) top scoring and reached stumps at 40-1 in their second innings, 133 ahead.
Gloucestershire recovered from 88-8 at lunch to post 179 in their first innings against Glamorgan at Cheltenham.
Marchant de Lange (46no) shared a record-breaking last-wicket stand of 75 with Ajeet Singh Dale (32) as Glamorgan’s Timm van der Gugten (5-59) returned season-best figure.
Glamorgan finished an astonishing day 133-7, with Gloucestershire’s overseas all-rounder Beau Webster (3-16) enjoying a three-wicket burst in 12 balls.
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Club professional Frank Bensel Jr admitted it was “like an out-of-body experience” after making back-to-back holes-in-one during the second round of the US Senior Open.
Incredibly, Bensel followed up an ace on the 184-yard fourth hole with another on the 203-yard fifth at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island.
According to the National Hole-in-One Registry, the odds of carding two aces in the same round are 67 million to one. It does not provide odds for consecutive holes.
“I’ve played a lot of golf in my life and just to see a hole-in-one in a tournament is pretty rare,” Bensel said after following his consecutive aces with four-straight bogeys along with three more on the back nine in a round of 74.
“The first one was great, so that got me under par for the day. And then the second one, I just couldn’t believe it. To even think that that could happen was amazing.
“Hit the ball kind of in the right place and then it just started rolling. I was kidding around and I was like, ‘Okay, now let’s go for another one’, and it happened to go in. Everybody just couldn’t believe it. We all went nuts.
“I’ve got a lot of family and friends here and they were all going crazy, and the guys I played with, same thing, they couldn’t believe it. It was amazing.
“This will be remembered obviously forever and ever. After these two holes-in-one, I just didn’t even know… it was like an out-of-body experience. I was more excited than I wanted to be.”
It is thought that the only other instance of a player making consecutive holes-in-one during a tournament occurred in even more remarkable circumstances during the 1971 Martini International at Royal Norwich.
John Hudson followed a hole-in-one at the 195-yard 11th with another ace at the par-four 12th, which measured 314 yards.
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Ollie Robinson scored a day-one century as Durham piled on the runs at Vitality County Championship title rivals Essex, as he continues to be touted as a potential England wicketkeeper.
Robinson took the bowlers on with gusto as he struck four sixes and 16 fours in his unbeaten 146 to help Durham rack up 445-4.
Elsewhere, it was normal service resumed for leaders and champions Surrey against Worcestershire as they racked up 340-5.
Fifties from Dom Sibley (76) and another man touted as a potential England wicketkeeper in Jamie Smith (86) laid the foundations before Dan Lawrence and Ben Foakes increased the tempo during the final session in a fifth-wicket stand of 131 in 35 overs.
Foakes fell for 52 just before the close – to a fourth catch for Adam Hose – but Lawrence remained undefeated on 91.
It was another England hopeful, spinner Shoaib Bashir on loan at Worcestershire from Somerset, who took Sibley’s wicket.
Chris Woakes played his first red-ball cricket in 10 months as Warwickshire trail Hampshire , while fast bowler Olly Stone’s unbeaten 74 led a Nottinghamshire recovery from 190-7 to 326-8 against Somerset at Trent Bridge.
Stone shared in an eighth-wicket stand of 112 with Calvin Harrison to give the day a different complexion after Joe Clarke (51) and Jack Haynes (55) had guided the hosts to 179-3.
Somerset seamer Kasey Aldridge was the main driver of a mid-innings collapse that saw four wickets fall for 11 runs, finishing with 4-90, while South African seamer Migael Pretorius took 3-73.
Lancashire finished on 38-1 at Canterbury, trailing fellow Division One strugglers Kent by 206 runs.
George Balderson and Nathan Lyon took three wickets apiece as Kent were bowled out for 244 before the vistors lost captain Keaton Jennings for a duck in reply.
England’s Test summer begins with three-match series vs West Indies at Lord’s (July 10-14), Trent Bridge (July 18-22), Edgbaston (July 26-30); three more Tests vs Sri Lanka in August/September; watch England throughout summer live on Sky
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Deja vu for Scotland as lack of attacking threat costs them
Image: Scotland are heading home from Euro 2024 after a last-gasp defeat to Hungary saw them finish bottom of Group A
Once again the Tartan Army believed and once again they were left in tears as another campaign ended at the group stages.
It was the same story at Euro 2020, the hope after a draw with England only to falter in their third game to exit.
Back-to-back tournaments after so long is to be commended, but Andy Robertson wanted them to leave Germany with no regrets. They are certain to have a few.
Kris Boyd says he doesn’t understand how Scotland were not awarded a penalty kick in their match against Hungary
Grant Hanley headed onto the post late in the draw with Switzerland, then came so close to a late goal against the Hungarians. What might have been.
There was little attacking threat. Two goals scored in this tournament, only one of them by a Scotland player.
Injuries did play a part, pre-tournament and in camp. but after such a convincing qualifying campaign the fans who brought such joy to the tournament probably deserved a little bit more. Alison Conroy
Is Clarke right man to lead Scotland?
Scotland manager Steve Clarke was left questioning the point of VAR after Stuart Armstrong was not given a penalty during their 1-0 defeat to Hungary
Questions will now be asked about Steve Clarke and if he is the man to lead Scotland into another qualification campaign.
He has brought joy back to the nation with back-to-back Euros but the wins have dried up with just one in their last 12.
The Mirror’s Andy Dunn says that Scotland manager Steve Clarke has performed below par during the Euros
He set Scotland up in a most defensive fashion knowing it was a must-not-lose, but that meant the likes of Scott McTominay, who was top scorer in qualifying, was all but anonymous.
Also, is his loyalty to his detriment at times? Lawrence Shankland was the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership last season but started all three games on the bench as he opted to stick with Che Adams despite his poor goal return of late. Alison Conroy
Germany reminded how tough Euro 2024 glory will be
Image: Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug was the hero for the hosts against Switzerland
Germany were given a timely reminder that Euro 2024 glory won’t come easy – but Niclas Fullkrug delivered what might be a defining moment in their tournament.
Having cruised to victories over Scotland and Hungary, the hosts struggled to break down a resilient Switzerland, experts in reaching the knockout stages with this their sixth consecutive group stage success.
Manuel Akanji and Granit Xhaka led by example in soaking up Germany’s attacks while Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye were a constant threat on the counter-attack. It was so nearly the perfect performance to secure top spot in Group A.
That was until substitute Fullkrug rose in injury time to plant a textbook header into the top left corner and secure Germany what should be an easier path in the knockout stages.
Finishing second would have likely landed them Italy in the last 16. Instead, it should be Denmark, Slovenia or Serbia unless England slip up on Tuesday in Group C. David Richardson
Wily Switzerland will prove tough knockout opposition
Image: Manuel Akanji (centre) and Granit Xhaka (right) were impressive in Switzerland’s draw against Germany
Switzerland proved a tough nut to crack for Germany – and England will be taking note, considering the Swiss could be potential quarter-final opponents.
If the Three Lions win Group C and then get through their last 16 game then they could well come up against Switzerland in the quarters, who face the runners-up of Group B, which will be one of Italy, Croatia and Albania.
Murat Yakin’s side showed against Germany they are defensively resolute, well organised and are dangerous on the counter attack.
They have plenty of experience, with captain Granit Xhaka once again impressing as he picked up his second player of the match award at the tournament.
At the back, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji was superb and key to keeping Germany at bay, until Niclas Fullkrug’s heart-breaking 92nd-minute equaliser.
Nonetheless, Switzerland got the result they needed to progress from the group stages for a third successive Euros and they will now be tricky opponents for whoever they face in the knockout stages. Declan Olley
Euro 2024 has been remarkably free from officiating debate let alone controversy, a flick of Lois Openda’s hand being the chief cause for chatter. That changed on Friday evening and many will be amused that an English officiating team found itself at the centre of it.
The uneasy delays, the frantic glances, the interminable wait, the total lack of clarity. That familiar Premier League feeling returned as Anthony Taylor held his ear piece, awaiting Stuart Attwell’s verdict. It was almost enough to make you feel nostalgic.
Image: Virgil van Dijk of the Netherlands protests a decision by the referee Anthony Taylor
Experts on the Laws of the Game may well tell us that the decision to rule out Xavi Simons’ strike into the corner of Mike Maignan’s net was correct on the grounds that the goalkeeper had spotted the presence of Denzel Dumfries in an offside position.
Those more familiar with watching football than reading rules might nevertheless conclude that Maignan would have been unlikely to tag Dumfries let alone the ball that was bound for his goal regardless. Diving for it was a thought barely formed in his brain.
That the decision fell to Taylor and co was a mere unhappy coincidence, in truth – and at least the consequences of the call are likely to be relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of the tournament, unless you happen to be a particularly optimistic Pole.
Let us hope that this little Group D moment was as controversial as the officiating will get at Euro 2024 and the next three weeks continue to play out serenely amid scenes of swift semi-automated bliss. Not convinced? Me neither. Adam Bate
Saliba shines | More to come from France
Image: William Saliba was in imperious form once more for France at Euro 2024
Two games in for France and, thanks to that highly-debatable offside call against the Netherlands, two clean sheets for the tournament favourites. Arsenal’s William Saliba has been a big factor in that, oozing class in the centre of the France defence.
An ideal foil for the physical Dayot Upamecano, those much-publicised comments by Didier Deschamps alluding to weaknesses in Saliba’s game only become more baffling after each performance. There cannot be many better defenders in European football.
What is striking is how easy he makes it all look, a defender whose contribution does not necessarily always show up in the statistics. For instance, he did not make a single tackle. But he did not need to. He kept the ball with 86 of his 87 passes in the match.
Image: William Saliba completed 86 of his 87 passes for France against the Netherlands
The underlying numbers better reflect France’s control than that Xavi Simons moment. Against Austria, they registered an expected-goals total of 2.13 compared to their opponents’ 0.76. Here, their total was 1.42 compared to their opponents’ paltry 0.33.
At the other end, the goals will surely start flowing soon. Even without Kylian Mbappe, they created chances. Antoine Griezmann should have scored at least one, twice failing to find the finish from close range. One goal from two games does not tell the full story.
Either side of Saliba and Upamecano, the full-backs are rock solid and N’Golo Kante as impressive as ever in midfield. The forward players have not fired yet but the options in attack are plentiful. Expect Mbappe to have his day when the stakes are a little higher.
That might seem a generous appraisal after four points from two games – the same as England. But this side appears happier in its skin. Saliba has won over Deschamps. It would not be a surprise if the rest of France has followed suit by mid-July in Berlin. Adam Bate
Amazing Austria are ones to watch
Austria had a place in many analysts’ Euro 2024 ‘dark horses’ picks. You can definitely see why after their latest display.
Ralf Rangnick’s side picked up their first win against Poland but did so in a very attractive style.
Full-backs Stefan Posch and Philipp Mwene were arguably their best sources of attack. Sitting midfielders Nicolas Seiwald and Konrad Laimer generated some of their best chances of the game. Poland’s defence could not deal with Christoph Baumgartner and Marcel Sabitzer’s running and work in the half spaces.
Now Austria stand on the brink of the knockout rounds and face a big game against the Netherlands to seal their place.
Getting second place could be crucial as it could be England in the first knockout round if they finish third. But looking at how both teams are playing, would that be so bad? Sam Blitz
Emotional Ukraine deserve this moment
After Monday’s shock loss to Romania – a team ranked 23 places below them in the world rankings – Ukraine knew they had to respond against Slovakia to have a realistic chance of reaching the last 16, but they were disappointing in the first half even though they created several chances.
Despite their below-par performance, Rebrov’s decision to drop Real Madrid goalkeeper Lunin was an inspired one, with replacement Trubin making four fine saves which suggested he should have been his country’s No 1 in the first place.
The Benfica stopper kept his side in the match before Mudryk, who initially struggled to make an impact, began to grow in confidence. The Chelsea winger played an instrumental role in Ukraine’s equaliser and was unlucky not to score himself before being substituted with five minutes remaining.
By that time, he had already been involved in wild celebrations after substitute Yaremchuk produced a spectacular touch and finish to get Ukraine’s tournament up and running.
The winner saw Yaremchuk break down in tears and earn a kiss on the head from Zinchenko before the emotional scenes continued when the players applauded their supporters inside the Dusseldorf Arena after the final whistle.
Of course, many more Ukrainians will be watching from around the world and while it won’t change the heartbreaking situation back home, their first comeback win at the Euros since 2012 will hopefully bring some joy to those who need it most. Dan Sansom
Poland lose again to assume unwanted status as first nation out
Robert Lewandowski’s absence due to a thigh injury was felt in Poland’s opening defeat to the Netherlands – and Austria must’ve been licking their lips when team news dropped on Friday night and they saw the talisman was, once again, not spearheading the attack.
It likely provided something of a mental boost for Ralf Rangnick’s men, who started like a house on fire in Berlin and scored the early goal that set the tone for the rest of the evening.
In truth, there wasn’t really a certain point where they were crying out for Lewandowski; for the second game in succession, a player deputising for him scored. It was Adam Buksa in the first game, Krzysztof Piatek in the second.
And when the Barcelona striker did come on, he had just 11 touches in around 34 minutes anyway.
As the case had been against the Dutch, it wasn’t that Poland were bad on the night, it was just that Austria were better. Rangnick has got them looking like a team with real promise; one to keep a very close eye on.
There were signs of Polish promise, certainly, but they mean nothing now. The fact the Netherlands and France played out a goalless draw later on in the evening means Poland are the first nation to exit the tournament. They are by no means a one-man team, but would an earlier introduction for Lewandowski have made the difference? We’ll never know. Dan Long
Phil Salt hit six boundaries in an over as he and Jonny Bairstow powered England to an eight-wicket victory over host nation West Indies in their T20 World Cup Super 8s opener in Saint Lucia.
Salt (87 no off 47 balls) thrashed three sixes and as many fours in West Indies seamer Romario Shepherd’s 30-run 16th over as the defending champions reached their target of 181 with 15 deliveries to spare in Gros Islet in a statement victory.
Bairstow struck 48 not out off 26 deliveries in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 97 off 44 balls with Salt, taking three boundaries in succession off left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein in the 15th over.
Score summary – West Indies vs England
West Indies 180-4 in 20 overs: Johnson Charles (38 off 34), Rovman Powell (36 off 17 balls), Nicholas Pooran (36 off 32); Adil Rashid (1-21), Moeen Ali (1-15)
England 181-2 in 17.3 overs: Phil Salt (87no off 42), Jonny Bairstow (48no off 26), Jos Buttler (25 off 22); Roston Chase (1-19)
The Yorkshireman also smoked two consecutive boundaries off paceman Alzarri Joseph at the start of the 14th, which had begun with England requiring 70 from 42 balls following a West Indies fightback in the middle overs after England had reached 58-0 at the end of the powerplay.
Jos Buttler’s side sit top of Super 8s Group 2, above South Africa on net run-rate, ahead of their clash with the Proteas in Saint Lucia on Friday (3.30pm UK and Ireland).
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid (1-21) was earlier the pick of the England bowlers, conceding only four runs and dismissing the potentially dangerous Andre Russell (1) in the 17th over, with fast bowler Jofra Archer (1-34) shipping only four runs and removing Nicholas Pooran (36 off 32) in the 16th as West Indies were limited to 180-4.
Image: Salt smashed three sixes and as many fours in the 16th over of England’s successful run chase
Brandon King (23 off 13) dazzled briefly for the home side in the powerplay, including smashing Reece Topley for a 101metre maximum over deep midwicket, but then retired hurt with a side strain that could rule him out of the rest of the tournament.
West Indies’ next match is against USA in Bridgetown, Barbados from 1.30am on Saturday.
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What’s next?
England stick in Saint Lucia to play South Africa on Friday (3.30pm UK and Ireland), while West Indies travel to Barbados to take on USA on Saturday (1.30am UK and Ireland).
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Image: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after the final whistle
Another piece of history in the extraordinary career of Cristiano Ronaldo. Named in Portugal’s starting line-up against Czech Republic, he became the first player feature at a sixth European Championship. He just lacked a goal to mark the occasion.
At times, during the first half in particular, he looked sluggish, repeatedly out of position for crosses into the box as Roberto Martinez’s star-studded Portugal side laboured in the final third, despite dominating possession from the outset.
Still, though, the 39-year-old had their best chances, spurning a one-on-one chance from a Bruno Fernandes pass, then seeing a diagonal effort parried in first-half stoppage time. Earlier, there was a decent headed opportunity he sent bobbling past the post.
Ronaldo was prolific in Portugal’s qualifying campaign, top-scoring with 10 goals, but, away from the rigours of European football in Saudi Arabia, it appears he may need a little time to get back up to full speed at this tournament.
He almost provided a match-winning moment, his header steered into the net by Diogo Jota after coming back off the post, but an offside call against him meant that was left to Portugal’s new generation, with Francisco Conceicao the hero on this occasion.
Ronaldo relished the outcome, celebrating the victory with his team-mates after the final whistle. But there is no doubt he will be eager to make his own mark. Even now, in the twilight of his career, and despite a frustrating start to the tournament, you would not bet against him doing it in the games to come. Nick Wright
Hasek lets young Czechs run free in plucky defeat
Image: Lukas Provod (right) celebrates his opening goal for the Czech Republic against Portugal
There was little reason to believe the Czech Republic would get anything out of their opening game with dark horses Portugal.
Their manager had been fired since their last competitive game, they stuttered through qualifying to finish behind Albania as the joint-lowest goalscorers to reach the finals and they arrived in Germany with the youngest of all 24 squads.
Ivan Hasek has chosen to build his side around domestic players, and 15 of his 26-man squad play their club football in the Czech Republic. Nine of those had 10 caps or fewer coming into the tournament.
But with youth and inexperience sometimes comes a fearlessness. An exuberance untainted by previous failure, and the character on display in Leipzig would have impressed plenty back home who had little idea what to expect.
The result did owe a lot to a profligate Portugal side, as Nick Wright touches on above with Ronaldo a particular culprit.
But the Czech back three was relatively stoic, the forward line looked threatening on the break – and scored a well-worked opening goal – and most impressively, Hasek’s side stuck in there, bided their time and played a mature game, arguably beyond their years.
Tactical tweaks and nuances will come with time, especially with two more winnable group games to come. But the Czechs’ attitude and commitment, the lack of which played its part in Jaroslav Silhavy’s sacking last year, is more difficult to coach.
That will give Hasek, and the watching public back in Prague and beyond, the most encouragement that perhaps matching the 2020 run to the quarter-finals isn’t so out of reach. Ron Walker
Georgia show no fear in gutsy first major tournament appearance
Image: Georges Mikautadze scored Georgia’s first goal at a major tournament
In the 34-year history of the Georgian national team, never once had the eastern European nation qualified for a major tournament – until they beat Greece in a qualifying play-off in March.
“I hope that taking part will bring both the federation and the nation of Georgia an experience that will spur us on to new feats in the future,” head coach Willy Sagnol told UEFA.tv earlier in June.
If their opener against Turkey is anything to go by, the future is certainly bright.
They weathered an early storm in a hostile atmosphere in Dortmund, found a deserved, historic equaliser and continued to push even when Arda Guler’s stunner put them on the back foot for a second time. There were even several chances to level again late on, before Kerem Akturkoglu added the late gloss.
The 3-1 scoreline did not tell the full story: Georgia had five big chances, hit five shots on target, struck the woodwork twice and generated an xG of 1.59.
The tests do not get any easier, on paper, at least. On Saturday, Sagnol’s side face the Czech Republic and next Tuesday, they take on Portugal. But if Georgia deliver similarly gutsy performances over the next week, they will give them both a run for their money. Dan Long
Turkey performance leaves more questions than answers
Image: Arda Guler celebrates scoring Turkey’s second goal.
Turkey have a star in Arda Guler but they can’t rely on stunning solo strikes and open goals to avoid familiar Euros embarrassment.
Guler, the 19-year-old talent at Real Madrid, added to Mert Muldur’s superb volley with a perfect long-range curler to help his country to a crucial opening-game victory, their first in six attempts.
The pressure was on Turkey to deliver against Georgia – making their debut in the European Championships – after three defeats at a miserable Euro 2020 campaign. Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park was dominated by expectant Turks.
Image: Mert Muldur volleys in Turkey’s opening goal of Euro 2024.
Turkey had more possession, racked up 22 shots, had an xG of 2.70 and created five big chances yet still they were lucky to escape with three points.
Georgia had five big chances too, hit the woodwork twice and were the forehead of Orkun Kokcu away from scoring a 97th-minute equaliser. Instead, Turkey ran the ball into an open goal at the other end. David Richardson
Image: N’Golo Kante was man of the match as France beat Austria
France have an abundance of young midfield talent in Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelin Tchouameni and Warren Zaire-Emery, yet still picked N’Golo Kante.
Many saw that call as a surprise given the 33-year-old now plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, but it took just 90 minutes of France’s opening 1-0 win at Euro 2024 against Austria to see why Didier Deschamps got it right, once again.
Kante rolled back the years with a vintage display that looked exhausting from the outside. No France player won more tackles than the midfielder, with only William Saliba making more ball recoveries and winning more possessions in the defensive and middle thirds of the pitch.
The most important intervention came five minutes from time when Patrick Wimmer burst through after picking Saliba’s pocket. But covering the ground again was Kante.
The France midfielder also put his team-mates through on goal three times against Austria. His greatest skill of being unbelievably ubiquitous at both ends of the pitch has not faded.
“It was like a younger version of himself,” said Roy Keane of Kante’s display. That younger version won the World Cup with France six years ago. He may just be crucial in a bid to add the European Championships to that collection. Sam Blitz
Rangnick’s pressing offers Austria hope
Belgium are the only one of the fancied teams to suffer a setback so far in this European Championship but it has been encouraging to see so few sides setting up in a deep block and hoping to hold on. Austria came to impose their game on France.
It was easy to see why they had lost only one of their previous 16 matches coming into their Group D opener, a team revitalised under former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick. They certainly looked well coached by the German.
Image: Austria made 27 tackles in their Euro 2024 game against France
Austria made more tackles in the first half against France than any other team in this tournament has made in a full match so far. It summed up their front-foot approach. Only a lack of individual quality prevented them from causing an upset.
The pressing challenged France throughout and it was a more entertaining match as a result. Kylian Mbappe had space to work with but the only difference between the sides was Max Wober’s own goal. Christoph Baumgartner really should have scored.
With Poland and the Netherlands to come, Austria should not be discouraged. To an extent, their plan work. They are well capable of getting out of Group D if they are able to maintain that intensity in the next two games. This tournament will be better for it. Adam Bate
Lunin’s lapse in concentration proves costly
Image: Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was at fault for two goals
One of the big decisions facing Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the Champions League final earlier this month was whether to stick with Andriy Lunin, the Ukraine goalkeeper, ahead of Thibaut Courtois.
At least, it was a topic of conversation in the media. Not for Ancelotti, who kept his cards close to his chest on the eve of Real Madrid’s encounter with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
As it transpired, Courtois was entrusted with the gloves and the Belgian showed just why he is the Italian’s first choice when fit. Unfortunately for Lunin, his deficiencies were exposed by a rampant Romania in his first appearance since losing his place in the Madrid side.
Image: Ukraine extended their record of most games played at the UEFA European Championship without keeping a single clean sheet (12). They’ve also failed to score in 67% of their games at the EUROs (8/12), the highest rate of any nation to take part in mor
When faced with an intense press, the 25-year-old was sloppy with the ball at his feet as Nicolae Stanciu emphatically punished him with a sweeping finish into the top corner.
His second mistake was even less excusable as he allowed Razvan Marin’s speculative shot to flash underneath his body.
Serhiy Rebrov’s side paid dearly for their inability to convert their early possession into any real chances, as Romania soaked up the pressure and then struck on the counter after dispossessing Ukraine deep in their own half.
Ukraine were quarter-finalists at the last European Championships despite losing two of their three group games. All hope is not lost, as Rebrov said afterwards. But he must make a decision already on whether to stick or twist with Lunin. Ben Grounds
Dragusin leads Romania to famous win
Image: Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin excelled for Romania as they stunned Ukraine
In an admittedly quiet January, Radu Dragusin’s £26.7m move to Tottenham was the largest of the Premier League’s transfer window.
The centre-back was limited to just four league starts following his arrival. But as Romania earned their first win at a major tournament for 24 years, Spurs fans saw why their club invested so heavily in the Genoa defender.
Dragusin was outstanding in Munich. Every time Ukraine ventured into dangerous areas, they found the dominant 22-year-old in their way.
He made 10 clearances – twice as many as any other player – constantly positioning himself to quell the threat of Mykhailo Mudryk, Artem Dovbyk and Georgiy Sudakov.
It wasn’t just Dragusin – the entire Romania team bought into the game plan, sacrificing possession and protecting their area with admirable determination, before punishing Ukraine’s errors to score their goals.
Tougher tests surely await – Belgium also lurk in Group E – but those opponents may not find it easy to break Romania down with star player Dragusin in this form. Joe Shread
Will Belgium ever live up to the hype?
Image: Romelu Lukaku was twice denied by VAR as Belgium fell to shock loss in Group E opener
Perhaps Belgium are cursed. Perhaps unlucky. Or maybe this ‘golden generation’ simply isn’t as good as the hype – or third-place FIFA ranking – suggests. Whatever the intricacy or issue, they don’t seem to perform as predicted on the big stage.
Romelu Lukaku was wasteful, Kevin de Bruyne off-colour, Leandro Trossard ineffective. All over the pitch, in fact, Domenico Tedesco’s side underwhelmed, and that’s despite creating four ‘big chances’ and an xG of 1.91.
Game by game, the shine is flaking off what remains of Belgium’s reputation as one of Europe’s stellar sides. This is a team of individuals, far from a comprehensive unit of tournament winners.
And yet, there was something unjust about their opening game defeat. For all the obvious shortcomings, Lukaku did have the ball in the back of the net twice. The first was ruled offside, and so little argument can be made.
The second decision, however, jarred far more. This is the type of officiating that has drawn suspicion and skeptics in the Premier League, deemed by many as ‘re-refereeing’ – there is justification for both sides.
Lois Openda did handle the ball, but does that mean it’s handball? The rule is subjective, of course, but many believe this brand of VAR intervention to be a stain on the game. Jury’s out.
Either way, Belgium must improve if they are to avoid a repeat of Euro 2022, crashing out at the competition’s group stage. Laura Hunter
Slovakia veterans help deliver tournament’s first shock
Image: Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz celebrates with team-mates after scoring against Belgium in Euro 2024 Group E
All that was missing from a gripping start to Euro 2024 was a result to upset the apple cart; a result to get the underdogs dreaming. It came in game nine.
Sure, Belgium were denied an equaliser not once but twice after VAR reviews, but they lacked vigour in attack throughout the match and, to an extent, only had themselves to blame.
It was a momentous result for Slovakia as their first win in four attempts against Belgium gives them a solid chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.
But also because they achieved it having become only the second nation in European Championship history to name three players in their starting line-up who were aged 35 or older.
France did it at Euro 2008 with Gregory Coupet, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram – and now Slovakia have matched it with Peter Pekarik (37), Juraj Kucka (37) and Martin Dubravka (35), who all played the entirety in Frankfurt.
Pekarik had a solid game at right-back and Juraj Kucka offered a decent enough threat in the middle of the park, but the pick of the bunch was Newcastle stopper Dubravka, whose five saves prevented 1.03 goals being scored by the Red Devils.
Albeit with a slice of luck, Francesco Calzona’s Falcons have passed what was thought to be the toughest test they would face in the group stages and their old guard have strengthened the case for age being nothing but a number. Dan Long
Image: Lamine Yamal was excellent in Spain’s win over Croatia
Spain’s meeting with Croatia ended a run of 136 competitive fixtures in which they have had more possession than their opponents, dating back 16 years to their win over Germany in the final of Euro 2008.
And yet, despite only having a 47 per cent share of the ball in Saturday’s Group B encounter, the win could hardly have been more convincing, sealed during a clinical first-half showing.
It is only 18 months since Spain exited the World Cup with a limp penalty shoot-out loss to Morocco during which they made 1,000 passes and yet only mustered one shot on target, a statistic which summed up their struggles in turning possession into chances.
Watching this much-changed side against Croatia, though, a side featuring a 16-year-old Lamine Yamal on one flank and a 21-year-old Nico Williams on the other, was a very different experience.
Instead of directionless passing, there was incision, typified by the Fabian Ruiz through-ball that carved Croatia open for the opening goal, and the many moments when Williams and, to an even greater extent Yamal, sprang forward following transitions.
Their speed and directness appears to have given Spain a different dimension from other recent tournaments. It may be at odds with their identity but it is one which makes them a more difficult opponent, and a better bet to go deep this time around. Nick Wright
Xhaka pulls strings for Switzerland in player-of-match display
Granit Xhaka put in a captain’s performance for Switzerland as he led his side to a 3-1 opening win over Hungary.
The midfielder was key for club last season as he helped Bayer Leverkusen to a surprise Bundesliga and German Cup double, and is translating his fine form to the international stage.
The ex-Arsenal man had the most touches, the most passes completed and the most passes in the final third of any player in Cologne as he pulled the strings for Switzerland.
The 31-year-old’s superb display was deservedly rewarded by UEFA as he was named the player of the match.
The UEFA technical observer panel said: “He was excellent in possession, both in build-up play and in supplying penetrating passes.
“He displayed a great work ethic and showed superb leadership, offering great organisational skills.”
Scotland face Switzerland next in Group A on Wednesday and Steve Clarke’s side will have to limit Xhaka’s influence if they are to get a much-needed positive result. Declan Olley
‘Dark horses’ Hungary now left with little room for manoeuvre
Image: Barnabas Varga gave Hungary hope with this second-half header against Switzerland
Hungary were many people’s dark horses for the Euros after going through their qualifying campaign unbeaten, but following the chastening 3-1 loss to Switzerland in Cologne, Marco Rossi’s side are now in danger of not even making it out of a tough-looking Group A.
They produced a limp first-half showing at the RheinEnergieStadion to deservedly trail 2-0 at the break and, despite improving in the second period – which was not hard – it was too little, too late.
Rossi held his hands up after the match, taking responsibility for his team’s lethargic display, saying: “The first half was very bad, we were too passive.
“I am not looking to point fingers. I am the coach, so I take responsibility.
“It’s hard to correct the kind of mistakes that we made. Our players do not make mistakes like this every day.”
Hungary will need to show more of what we saw in the second half, especially from their influential captain Dominik Szoboszlai – invisible before the interval and more like the player we saw in the first half of last season for Liverpool – when they face hosts Germany in Stuttgart on Wednesday if they are not to be on the verge of an early exit from the tournament. Richard Morgan
Uncharacteristic Croatia must tighten up
Image: Croatia were blown away by Spain in the first half
For a nation that consistently punches above its weight at the World Cup, Croatia have a surprisingly mediocre record at the Euros, only reaching the quarter-finals – and no further – twice in six attempts.
Being drawn in a group with Spain and Italy did nothing to increase the chances of Croatia finally reaching the final four – and nor did their first outing in Germany.
Zlatko Dalic’s side worked their way back into the game after a passive start, but they were blown away in a 13-minute spell before half-time. Usually so robust, each of Spain’s goals were aided by disorganised and weak Croatia defending.
Equally concerning for Dalic will be how little influence his fabled midfield was able to exert, with only Mateo Kovacic emerging from the contest with credit. At times, Luka Modric looked like the 38-year-old that he is.
Maybe that’s because, unlike at Real Madrid, Modric was working with limited quality in front of him. Andrej Kramaric and Ante Budimir were anonymous, while Bruno Petkovic’s penalty miss summed up his contribution.
Fortunately for Croatia, they have what should be their easiest group game up next, facing Albania on Wednesday. The fact that only eight teams are eliminated at the group stage also works in their favour.
But Dalic’s team need to tighten up defensively – and demand more from their forwards – if they are to be taken seriously at this tournament. Joe Shread
Former Scotland striker Kris Boyd labelled his country’s performance “embarrassing” after their 5-1 hammering at the hands of Germany in the Euro 2024 curtain raiser.
Scotland were always up against it against the European Championship hosts, who came into the tournament on the back of friendly wins over France and the Netherlands.
Even so, lax defending and poor ball retention saw Steve Clarke’s side 2-0 down inside 20 minutes, with a third netted before the break from a Kai Havertz penalty once Ryan Porteous had been sent off for a rash challenge on Ilkay Gungodan.
Scotland restored some pride after half-time and would have drawn the second 45 minutes 1-1 before Emre Can netted an injury-time fifth, but the damage was long-since done.
“They were embarrassing,” Boyd told Sky Sports News. “They deserve enormous credit for getting there but we can’t keep getting to competitions and freezing. That’s exactly what happened.
Image: Scotland were left humbled as they conceded five goals for the first time in a competitive match in more than 20 years
“Germany were very good, but at the end of the day you’ve got to track your runners, you’ve got to stay with them and show more confidence on the ball when you get it.
“I’d be astonished if Scotland had any more than 10 passes put together in any phase of play. At this level, if you’re going to get anything, that’s one thing you need to do.”
Jamal Musiala was named player of the match as the Germany midfielder impressed on the international stage again, while Florian Wirtz capped his own tournament debut with a fine opening goal, with Gundogan pulling the strings in midfield.
But Boyd felt Germany’s quality was allowed to shine by Scotland’s static defending and said Clarke’s side must use the chastening defeat as a lesson ahead of facing Switzerland in Cologne on Wednesday.
It was a painful evening for Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd as he watched Scotland concede five goals to Germany in their Euro 2024 opener
“Scotland really struggled with the movement of the front players of Germany, albeit they were quality, and they switched off at key moments,” he said.
“It’s been a bad night but there’s no doubt these players have given the feel-good factor back to the country and hopefully they can bounce back in the next two games, but it’s going to be very, very tough.
“Switzerland and Hungary aren’t going to be easy games. You’ve got to erase this result, it’s done now and you can’t affect it now. What you can do is go and look at the next two games and try and cause problems in them.
“Steve Clarke might be angry in himself but I don’t think he can take it out on the players because you don’t want to lose them, you need to ask them to go again on Wednesday.”
Clarke: We let ourselves down
Steve Clarke admits his Scotland side let themselves down in their 5-1 defeat to hosts Germany in their Euro 2024 opener
Manager Clarke, whose side have only beaten Gibraltar in their last nine games, urged the Tartan Army to “keep the faith” despite the dispiriting opening defeat, after a number of fans left the Allianz Arena long before the full-time whistle.
“It was a difficult night,” he admitted. “We didn’t play to our standard and I thought the German team were excellent.
“We’re disappointed, we feel as though we’ve let ourselves down. We’re better than that and hopefully we can show that in the next two games.
Steve Clarke shared a tense exchange with a journalist after Scotland lost 5-1 to Germany.
“This was always going to be a tough night to get something. We need four points from the next two games and that’s what we focus on.
Asked if it was his toughest night as Scotland manager, he added: “No, I’ve had tough nights before. I’ll get over it.
“I’ve never ever doubted my players.”
Robertson: First half was ‘all wrong’
Image: Ryan Porteous was sent off shortly before half-time for his follow-through on Ilkay Gundogan
Captain Andy Robertson said Germany’s first-half performance worked “a million times better” than Scotland’s during their painful drubbing in Munich.
“First half we got it all wrong,” the Liverpool defender told ITV. “We didn’t really show up, weren’t aggressive enough. Let good players on the ball.
“They had a game plan, we did, and theirs worked a million times better than ours.
“But it wasn’t because of the plan, it’s because we didn’t put it together on the pitch. When big occasions come like this, you have to do that.
“Second half, down to 10 men, I thought we dug in well. We lost a sloppy goal late on, but we could’ve drawn the second half.
“It’s no consolation, though, we’re well backed over here. Today was hugely disappointing.”
