Italy vs Albania LIVE: Euro 2024 team news, line-ups and more from ...
The reigning European Championship holders begin the defence of their title on Saturday night, with Italy facing Albania in Group B - and with much having changed since their triumph in London three years ago.
Since winning the delayed Euros in 2021, the Azzurri have failed to qualify for the World Cup and turned over coaches in far more rapid fashion than usual but Luciano Spalletti looks to have reestablished some order with them and they look in good shape ahead of the start of Euro 2024 - albeit robbed of a couple of players through injury and perhaps lacking some star quality of previous years.
Albania will be hoping to cause an upset along the way but know they face an uphill battle to make it past the group stage, with Croatia and Spain - the other teams in the group - having met earlier today and still lying in wait for them. Follow all the latest build-up and team news from Italy vs Albania below plus minute-by-minute updates from Spain vs Croatia:
Group B’s second game KO at 8pm BST, as Italy face Albania in Dortmund
Italy the reigning champions, Albania in their second-ever Euros appearance
Group B is rounded out by Spain and Croatia, who clash at 5pm BST
Italy vs Albania predicted line-ups and team news
Italy - Albania
Euro 2024: Spain 2-0 Croatia17:38 , Chris Wilson
35 mins
Le Normand is first to a corner but it comes off a Croatian head before flying behind.
Euro 2024: Spain 2-0 Croatia17:36 , Chris Wilson
33 mins
Croatia have a great chance to pull one back as Simon can only parry the shot from distance, but Majer can only slam the rebound into the side-netting.
GOAL! Spain 2-0 Croatia17:34 , Chris Wilson
32 mins
GOAL!
And another great goal!
Yamal collects on the right and surges into the box. He squares it off to Fabian Ruiz, and the PSG man dances past two defenders before firing a low left-footed shot past Livakovic. There was a small deflection on the way through, but that won’t bother him.
Spain 1-0 Croatia17:33 , Chris Wilson
30 mins
A half-chance straight away for a Croatia equaliser, but Kovacic can’t make clean contact.
GOAL!: Spain 1-0 Croatia17:31 , Chris Wilson
29 mins
GOAL! Something out of nothing on the counter for Spain.
Cucurella wins the ball and cushions it to Rodri. He lays it off to Ruiz, who has acres to play a through ball straight into the path of Morata. He’s clean through and he slots it easily low and past Livakovic.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:28 , Chris Wilson
25 mins
Croatia have had so much of the ball in the last few minutes that they’re now leading the possession stats. Still no real threat though.
Yamal has a half-chance to bring it down in the box, but Williams’ diagonal ball was too powerful.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:26 , Chris Wilson
24 mins
Almost a great chance for Spain but Morata is again guilty of a clumsy foul as he looked to win the ball. Spain press high again, but Cucurella can’t keep possession, before Le Normand is fouled near the centre circle.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:24 , Chris Wilson
22 mins
Croatia are seeing a lot more of the ball now, but they haven’t threatened yet. Kovacic and Modric seeing plenty of the ball as you’d expect.
Unai Simon is forced into a bit of action as he races off his line to collect a through ball. Moments later, Kramaric delivers an early cross and Budimir heads over.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:21 , Chris Wilson
19 mins
Spain are pressing high as they look to force a Croatia mistake, and they look the more likely to score despite Croatia managing to settle.
Croatia do win a free-kick in their own half though, as Morata clumsily fouls Pongracic.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:19 , Chris Wilson
17 mins
Croatia have grown into the game after a somewhat shaky start, and now they have a free-kick on the right-hand edge of the box after Cucurella commits a late challenge.
It’s wasteful after a strange dummied free-kick routine.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:16 , Chris Wilson
15 mins
A chance for Spain as Cucurella wins possession near halfway and sweeps it wide to Yamal. The Barca winger is two-v-one as he drives into the box, and though he manages to get a shot away, it’s easily blocked before running to Livakovic.
17:15 , Chris Wilson
12 mins
Brief respite for Croatia as Yamal fouls Kovacic near the Croatia box. They follow up with their first period of sustained possession, but it ends as Carvajal wins a goal kick by kicking it against Gvardiol.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:11 , Chris Wilson
9 mins
Spain with all the possession so far, as you might expect. Morata wins a free-kick around 35 yards out, and Spain have their first chance to deliver a dangerous ball in.
It’s Williams who takes, but it runs straight out for a goal kick.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:09 , Jack Rathborn
Spain's fans hold up scarfs of their team (AP)
Croatia fans light a smoke flare as they cheer for their national team (AP)
(REUTERS)
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:08 , Chris Wilson
6 mins
First shot on target for Spain as Yamal wins it as Croatia had tried to play out from the back. He squares it to Morata, who fires a low shot too close to Livakovic.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:08 , Chris Wilson
5 mins
Spain are spreading it wide to Yamal at every opportunity so far, with Carvajal offering plenty of support from full-back.
They go down the left this time though, but Williams can’t get to the ball and it runs out for a goal kick.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:06 , Chris Wilson
4 mins
Pedri and Ruiz combine on the edge of the box and the latter tries to thread it back through to the Barca midfielder, but he wasn’t alert enough.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:04 , Chris Wilson
2 mins
Spain with all the possession in the opening stages here. Le Normand tries to clip a ball over the top to Morata, but Livakovic collects.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia17:01 , Chris Wilson
KICK-OFF! Croatia get us started in the first game of Group B.
Euro 2024: Spain 0-0 Croatia16:59 , Chris Wilson
The national anthems have finished, and we’re moments from kick-off in Berlin.
16:55 , Chris Wilson
Less than 10 minutes until kick-off in the German capital.
Can Spain show their credentials and take a place among the tournament favourites?
Can Spain and Croatia produce another Euros classic, three years after 5-3 thriller?16:50 , Jack Rathborn
Spain vs Croatia, the Group B opener at 5pm BST today, is a rematch of one of the Euro 2020 last-16 ties.
Spain won that game 5-3 in extra time of a thrilling clash, before losing to eventual champions Italy in the semi-finals (in a modern classic).
Can Spain and Croatia match or outdo their meeting from three summers ago, tonight? We’ll soon find out...
Here’s a look back at that contest from the delayed Euro 2020 tournament:
Spain win wonderful Copenhagen contest and knock out Croatia
Spain eye record fourth Euros crown and fifth major trophy overall16:42 , Alex Pattle
Spain are seeking their fifth major trophy as they enter Euro 2024, and a record fourth European crown specifically.
Having claimed gold for the first time in 1964, when they won the Euros, the Spanish then ended a long wait for a trophy in 2008.
That fresh Euros triumph kickstarted a remarkable run of three straight tournament wins, as Spain won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Spain’s three Euro titles are a joint-record in the men’s game, along with Germany’s three European crowns.
Last dance for Croatia’s Luka Modric?16:34 , Alex Pattle
Croatia were runners-up at the 2014 World Cup and reached the semi-finals four years later, with midfielder and captain Luka Modric at the heart of the team.
At 38, is the Real Madrid man entering his final tournament for Croatia? We’ll soon know.
Pedri and Mikel Oyarzabal shine among Spain’s recent marksmen16:25 , Alex Pattle
Pedri netted twice in Spain’s last game, their 5-1 win over Northern Ireland, while Mikel Oyarzabal scored a hat-trick in their previous outing – the 5-0 thrashing of Andorra.
Either or both could be a real threat to Croatia this evening.
Croatia riding plenty of momentum into Euro 2024 opener versus Spain16:12 , Alex Pattle
Croatia are in fine form themselves, having won their last six games ahead of Euro 2024. In fact, last time out they beat Portugal, who are well favoured this month...
Here’s Croatia have looked recently, working backwards from their most recent game:
Portugal 1-2 Croatia (8 June)
Croatia 3-0 North Macedonia (3 June)
Egypt 2-4 Croatia (26 March)
Tunisia 0-0 Croatia [4-5 on penalties] (23 March)
Croatia 1-0 Armenia (21 November)
Latvia 0-2 Croatia (18 November)
Spain full of goals ahead of Croatia showdown at Euro 202416:03 , Alex Pattle
Spain have been brutal in front of goal in recent games. Here’s a look at their results, from most recent working backwards, ahead of Euro 2024:
Spain 5-1 Northern Ireland (8 June)
Spain 5-0 Andorra (5 June)
Spain 3-3 Brazil (26 March)
Spain 0-1 Colombia (22 March)
Spain 3-1 Georgia (19 November)
Spain 3-1 Cyprus (16 November)
FT: Hungary 1-3 Switzerland16:00 , Chris Wilson
So after the first round of fixtures in Group A, this is how the table is looking.
1 - Germany - 3 points, GD +4
2 - Switzerland, 3 points, GD +2
3 - Hungary, 0 points, GD -2
4 - Scotland, 0 points, GD -4
15:58 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
FULL-TIME: Hungary 1-3 Switzerland15:55 , Chris Wilson
97 mins
FULL-TIME
Hungary are still trying to force a goal here, but this game is over.
The referee blows for full-time on 97 minutes, and it’s a brilliant start for the Swiss with a well-earned three points.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-3 Switzerland15:54 , Chris Wilson
95 mins
After a brief VAR check, the goal is given.
Switzerland attack again and Embolo has it again on the wing, but his cross just misses Xhaka.
Spain v Croatia: Official line-ups15:54 , Jack Rathborn
Spain XI: Unai Simón; Carvajal, Le Normand, Nacho, Cucurella; Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Nico Williams
Croatia XI: Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Majer, Kramaric; Budimir
GOAL! Hungary 1-3 Switzerland15:52 , Chris Wilson
93 mins
GOAL!! And Embolo has made sure of the win!
Sommer goes long and Bolla heads it into no man’s land. It runs straight into the path of Embolo, who brings it down brilliantly with his chest and calmly lifts it over the onrushing Gulacsi and into the net.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:50 , Chris Wilson
92 mins
Szoboszlai swings in an enticing free-kick towards Adam, but he can’t reach before Sommer.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:49 , Chris Wilson
90 mins
There’ll be five minutes of added time here.
It’s brilliant from Embolo as he picks it up near halfway and surges towards the box. He plays a decent ball through but Rieder’s first touch is poor, and though he manages to round the ‘keeper, he goes too wide and his shot ends up being cleared off the line.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:48 , Chris Wilson
89 mins
Swiss manager Murat Yakin was also booked during all that frantic period.
Soon after, Switzerland win a corner and it’s headed on at the near post, forcing a good reflex save from Gulacsi.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:47 , Chris Wilson
87 mins
We’re back into a hectic game-state now.
Switzerland counter and Fiola brings it to an end, but the ball had bounced through to Rieder – the Swiss will argue they should have had the advantage there.
Fiola is booked for the foul.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:44 , Chris Wilson
85 mins
Switzerland kick it out as Ndoye is down, and he doesn’t look like he can continue.
He comes off for Rieder, while Sierro comes on for Freuler.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:41 , Chris Wilson
83 mins
Excellent ball over the top from Rodriguez and it finds Ndoye, who does well to bring it down, but his shot is blocked and saved.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:40 , Chris Wilson
81 mins
Great play from Sallai to skip past the challenge and swing in a cross, but it’s headed away. Sallai’s been the main man for Hungary so far.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:38 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Bolla does brilliantly to take it down on the wing and keep possession, but Hungary can’t capitalise. They bring on Adam and Dardai for Kerkez and Szalai.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:37 , Jack Rathborn
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:34 , Chris Wilson
75 mins
Switzerland almost find a way through as Embolo, Ndoye and Amdouni combine, but it runs to Gulacsi.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:32 , Chris Wilson
73 mins
Hungary with a half-chance straight after, as Kerkez is slipped through on the left, but his half-volleyed cross is collected by Sommer.
Switzerland bring on Breel Embolo in place of Ruben Vargas.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:30 , Chris Wilson
70 mins
Close from Switzerland as Ndoye is slipped through on the left wing. He cuts inside and hits one, but it’s deflected over for a corner.
The Swiss are in no rush to take the corner, and eventually Vargas swings it in. It’s a great ball and Schar rises to it, but he can only direct his header narrowly wide.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:27 , Chris Wilson
68 mins
Another booking as Szalai bundles over Ndoye on the wing.
Euro 2024: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:27 , Chris Wilson
67 mins
Switzerland make two changes. Duah comes off for Amdouni, and Widmer comes off for Stergiou.
GOAL: Hungary 1-2 Switzerland15:25 , Chris Wilson
66 mins
GOAL!
So much better from Hungary. Sallai picks it up again on the left and slides it across to Szoboszlai. He clips in a lovely ball to the far post and Varga manages to escape his marker and head it past Sommer! Game on.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-2 Switzerland15:22 , Chris Wilson
63 mins
Another chance for Hungary and this was one was very close! The cross is swung in by Sallai from the left and Varga is found near the penalty spot. He tries to direct his header goalwards but it flies wide of the far post!
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-2 Switzerland15:20 , Chris Wilson
61 mins
The Swiss certainly look more accomplished in possession, and more full of attacking ideas than their opponents at the moment.
Hungary have a chance out of nowhere as Orban’s ball forward finds Varga, but he blasts it well over when one-on-one. It was offside anyway.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-2 Switzerland15:17 , Chris Wilson
58 mins
Poor from Szoboszlai as he wastes the corner and then miscontrols to give possession back to the Swiss. The Hungarian captain has been out of sorts so far today.
From a free-kick in their half, Hungary give it straight to Ndoye, but he blasts a shot over the bar from outside the area.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-2 Switzerland15:15 , Chris Wilson
55 mins
Sallai is clipped on the edge of the box and Hungary have a dangerous free-kick. Szoboszlai swings it in, and it’s turned behind for a corner.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-2 Switzerland15:12 , Chris Wilson
53 mins
Another great chance for the Swiss as Xhaka finds Vargas in the box, but his shot is too close to Gulasci.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-2 Switzerland15:09 , Jack Rathborn
51 mins
It’s offside, but that’s better from Hungary. Sallai scurrying down the left and he drags it back to Szoboszlai.
But he doesn’t take it on first time and the angle disappears, pulling it wide.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-2 Switzerland15:06 , Jack Rathborn
48 mins
This is impressive from Switzerland, a fast start which could kill the game off.
Hungary out of position and struggling to track the runners.
Duah and Vargas with shots blocked already.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-2 Switzerland15:03 , Jack Rathborn
Hungary make a change: Bolla is on, with Lang making way. An adventurous wing-back, then, looking for more penetration and to push Switzerland back.
14:45 , Jack Rathborn
45 mins
GOAL! That is a stunner from Aebischer!
Aebischer curled that beautifully, wrapping it inside the post, with the shot finding the bottom right corner. Magic!
Switzerland's Michel Aebischer celebrates (AP)
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-1 Switzerland14:41 , Jack Rathborn
41 mins
What a chance! Hungary should be level, a curling cross from the left and Orban wriggles free.
He doesn’t adjust his body in time and then reaches low with his neck to head towards goal. No power or direction added from the delivery and that’s easy for Sommer.
Hungary's Adam Nagy, left, challenges for the ball with Switzerland's Michel Aebischer (AP)
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-1 Switzerland14:39 , Jack Rathborn
39 mins
Kerkez working hard down the left now and a good ball into the box.
Schar clears well, but there’s a nice flow to this game now, back and forth with both sides taking it in turns to sweep the ball around the pitch in Cologne. Good football.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-1 Switzerland14:36 , Jack Rathborn
35 mins
Switzerland now working their way down the right and Widmer having some joy.
He’ll wind up the long throw to test Hungary, too, but it’s headed clear. Akanji marshalling the back three nicely.
Vargas looks lively in the box too, Hungary scrambling it clear as the Swiss aim to cut through the lines.
Beautiful from Ndoye there to clip the ball around Szalai at the byline. He’s playing with real freedom.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-1 Switzerland14:31 , Jack Rathborn
30 mins
Whistles from the Swiss fans, Hungary now settling and have a corner.
Szoboszlai’s delivery is heavy though, right to the very back of the penalty area at the far post to Orban. Too easy to defend for Switzerland when afforded the chance to get out.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-1 Switzerland14:26 , Jack Rathborn
25 mins
Xhaka pulling the strings, the Leverkusen maestro is purring right now with the Swiss in command.
It’s 67 percent possession for the Swiss. Hungary going long and targeting Ndoye when Rodriguez has tucked inside on the left side of the Swiss defence.
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-1 Switzerland14:21 , Jack Rathborn
20 mins
Vargas should have another for Switzerland, what a miss!
It was a dreadful ball from Kerkez to send Vargas through on goal, but Peter Gulacsi makes a fine save after Vargas outmuscled Szalai.
A huge let-off for Hungary, who need to wake up.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-1 Switzerland14:14 , Jack Rathborn
14 mins
GOAL! It’s onside after a quick VAR check, Duah has his debut goal for Switzerland!
Aebischer with the vision, Duah with speed in behind, then the calm finish, it was a lovely move.
And what about the technology, a quick check and the decision reversed within a minute or so, much better.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-0 Switzerland14:10 , Jack Rathborn
10 mins
What a chance! Sallai had time and space, but he blasts over!
It was fine work down the right from Fiola, excellent start from Hungary: fast, aggressive and sprinkling in quality at times.
Now Switzerland able to settle, passing it from side to side at the back, Xhaka dropping in to dictate.
(REUTERS)
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-0 Switzerland14:07 , Jack Rathborn
7 mins
It’s a lively atmosphere in Cologne, Hungary perhaps the more composed on the ball so far and looking to establish a spell of possession.
Freuler beaten by Schafer with a tidy dribble across the width of the pitch.
And Rossi’s side press high, four against four, not handing Switzerland much time to settle.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Euro 2024: Hungary 0-0 Switzerland14:02 , Jack Rathborn
2 mins
Hungary looking to test Switzerland with long balls into their box early on here.
It’s Kwadwo Duah up top for the Swiss today, who have a question mark over their striker. It’s a live opening with the Ludogorets star putting his weight about.
Yellow! Widmer lunges in from the back of Kerkez, an early card sets the tone here.
(Getty Images)
Euro 2024: Hungary vs Switzerland13:55 , Jack Rathborn
Euro 2024: Dominik Szoboszlai tipped to shine despite reduced role at Liverpool in closing stages of season13:52 , Jack Rathborn
“If I have to say the truth knowing Dominik I don’t think he will arrive depressed,” manager Marco Rossi told M4 Sport in Hungary. “I think that he’s thinking that in the time that he’s not spending on the pitch with Liverpool will give him more power and more freshness for our matches. I hope for this.
“But I think that he’s already focused on what he would like to do and he will do [at the Euros] because in this moment, yesterday [against Aston Villa] he played 20 minutes so it was just a warm up for him. Probably the next match will be the same.
“He’s already focused on the European Championship. He will arrive fresh and this is good overall for us. I think also that he will not suffer under the psychological aspect of this situation.”
(EPA)
Euro 2024: Granit Xhaka plays down reports of split in Switzerland camp13:44 , Jack Rathborn
Granit Xhaka plans to spend a long time at Euro 2024 with Switzerland, but had to play down reports of a rift with head coach Murat Yakin ahead of Saturday's Group A opener with Hungary.
Former Arsenal captain Xhaka enjoyed a remarkable season with Bayer Leverkusen after they won a domestic double and now turns his focus to international football.
Switzerland take on Hungary in Cologne, but Xhaka was asked to cast his mind back to September when he was critical of the team's preparation before a 2-2 draw with Kosovo.
Xhaka told a press conference: “We are glad to have a coach who listens to us and who wants to talk to us. We have never had problems. We are adult enough to clarify everything. I have a great relationship with the coach.
“The last six or eight months, he came to see me many times. We met in Dusseldorf, we had dinner together and drank a lot of wine together. Everything is going fine. We are both ambition and we want to be successful.
“Those who know me, know I don't like to talk about ifs, buts and hypothesis. I packed my luggage to spend here a lot of time.”
(AFP via Getty Images)
Euro 2024: Hungary vs Switzerland13:37 , Jack Rathborn
“Let's see this time what happens,” Hungary boss Marco Rossi said. “We qualified not by chance but because we deserve to and we're here and we would like to be the protagonist.
“We would like to give joy and happiness to our supporters.”
While Hungary midfielder Bendeguz Bolla adds: “I feel we've prepared perfectly for tomorrow's game. We have no reasons to fear.”
(AFP via Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka on Hungary test at Euro 202413:30 , Jack Rathborn
“We have clear aims and we want to achieve them, but tomorrow is the first game, the first aim,” Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka says.
“We want to give our best and hopefully get the three points.”
(REUTERS)
Euro 2024: Hungary vs Switzerland13:22 , Jack Rathborn
It’s 70 years since Switzerland hosted the World Cup and Hungary lost to West Germany in the final. That loss marked the end of an era when Hungary‘s “Magic Magyars” were one of the world’s best teams.
It’s 43 years since Hungary beat Switzerland in a competitive game. Their last meeting was a 5-2 win for Switzerland in World Cup qualifying in 2017.
Opening games have been a problem for both teams at the Euros. Switzerland has one win from five, against Albania in 2016. Hungary has one win from four, though two of its opening games were also semifinals because only four teams qualified for the tournament in 1964 and 1972.
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka can play his 126th game for his country, extending the team record. Vice-captain Shaqiri is close behind on 123 games.
Euro 2024: Hungary vs Switzerland13:15 , Jack Rathborn
(Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
13:01 , Jack Rathborn
Switzerland XI: Sommer; Schär, Akanji, Rodríguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Ndoye; Duah, Aebischer, Vargas
Hungary XI: Gulácsi; Lang, Orbán, Szalai; Fiola, Ádám Nagy, Schäfer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai; Varga
Andy Robertson explains how Scotland ‘got it all wrong’ in Germany thrashing13:00 , Jack Rathborn
As the build to Hungary vs Switzerland continues, let’s take another look at last night’s Group A opener (sorry, Scotland fans).
Here’s what Scottish captain Andy Robertson had to say about his side’s thrashing by Germany, and what specifically went wrong against the hosts:
Andy Robertson explains how Scotland ‘got it all wrong’ in Germany thrashing
Euro 2024 kits: Every home and away shirt ranked and rated12:54 , Jack Rathborn
Euro 2024 is nearly upon us and with it comes a sartorial smorgasbord for us to enjoy, or be deeply offended by.
What have Croatia done this time? Have England pulled off a genuine gem? Why are Belgium wearing brown shorts? And which kit has won our highly coveted top spot?
Nike, Adidas, Puma, Macron, Joma and the good people at Hummel have dropped their designs so, without further ado, let’s get stuck in.
Ranked from the visually upsetting to the optically arousing, here is our list of Euro 2024 kits.
Euro 2024 kits: Every shirt ranked and rated
Hungary and Switzerland players inspect pitch before Euro 2024 clash12:48 , Jack Rathborn
Peter Szappanos, Adam Lang and Krisztofer Horvath of Hungary (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Euro 2024 predictions: Winner, Golden Boot, breakout star and more12:36 , Alex Pattle
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?
Euro 2024 predictions: Winner, Golden Boot, breakout star and more
‘Miserable’ Scotland berated for being ‘out of their depth’ in Euros trouncing12:23 , Alex Pattle
So, Robertson was damning about his team’s performance, and he wasn’t the only one.
ITV pundits Roy Keane and Graeme Souness had no sympathy and no mercy for Steve Clarke’s side after that brutal Euro 2024 defeat at the hands of Germany.
Souness, who won over 50 caps for Scotland and represented them at the 1978, ‘82 and ‘86 World Cups, decried his national side as being so poor as to not really being able to give a good gauge of whether Germany had performed well or not.
“We were miserable. I’m so disappointed, we let ourselves down badly tonight,” Souness said after the match. “I can’t really tell you how good this Germany team are because Scotland were so bad. We’ll have to see how they do against a decent side.”
More from Souness below, as well as what Keane had to say. Spoiler alert, he did not hold back (surprise, surprise)...
‘Miserable’ Scotland berated for being ‘out of their depth’ in Euros trouncing
Roy Keane tears into Scotland after being thrashed by Germany at Euro 2024: ‘It’s rubbish!’12:08 , Jack Rathborn
ITV pundits Roy Keane and former Scotland international Graeme Souness had no sympathy and no mercy for Steve Clarke’s side after a brutal Euro 2024 defeat at the hands of Germany.
Florian Wirtz put the tournamant hosts ahead within the opening ten minutes and Germany rarely let up, eventually winning 5-1 with Jamal Musiala one of the stars of the show as Scotland failed to find any way to stop them.
Keane, meanwhile, did not hold back in criticising a lack of tactical discipline, willingness to show fighting spirit and technical ability from Scotland.
“They were second best in every aspect of the game tonight. Physically, tactically, even mentally,” he said. “They showed a little fighting spirit in the second half as you’d expect, but the difference in quality was chalk and cheese. They were out of their depth.
Roy Keane tears into Scotland after Germany thrashing: ‘It’s rubbish!’
Euro 2024 opener wasn’t just thrilling on the pitch – the atmosphere was years in the making11:52 , Alex Pattle
Excitement is building for today’s games, but will the atmosphere of any fixture at this tournament beat that of last night’s opening salvo?
The atmosphere at Germany vs Scotland was years in the making, for numerous reasons.
Here’s a piece on the overwhelming occasion in Munich on Friday evening:
Why the overwhelming Germany v Scotland atmosphere was years in the making
Euro 202411:40 , Jack Rathborn
Fans cheer while watching coverage in Berlin (AP)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
Italy v Albania predicted line-ups and team news11:32 , Jack Rathborn
Team news
Sandro Tonali is out after the Newcastle midfielder picked up a 10-month ban in October following betting breaches. While Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie is out through injury, as are Nicolo Zaniolo, Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini.
Nicolo Barella and Nicolo Fagioli are doubts, although they have returned to full training, so if they do pull through, they could challenge Bryan Cristante for a start.
Sokol Cikallesh missed out on Sylvinho’s squad. While Chelsea’s Armando Broja is likely to lead the line and Inter Milan’s Kristjan Asllani will offer quality.
Predicted lineups
Italy XI: Donnarumma; Darmian, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Di Lorenzo, Cristante, Jorginho, Dimarco; Chiesa, Frattesi; Scamacca
Albania XI: Strakosha; Hysaj, Kumbulla, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Bajrami, Asllani, Ramadani; Asani, Broja, Hoxha
Spain vs Croatia predicted line-ups and team news11:21 , Jack Rathborn
Team news
Spain could make history should Lamine Yamal take to the field. If he does so, the Barcelona starlet will be the youngest player to appear at the tournament at 16 years and 338 days old. David Raya is likely to be on the bench, with Unai Simon more likely to start in goal.
For Croatia, Ivan Perisic recovered from a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury to make his return in the final weeks of the season and is expected to be fully fit for the tournament.
Predicted line-ups:
Spain XI: Simon, Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Grimaldo, Rodri, Olmo, Ruiz, Yamal, Morata, Williams
Croatia XI: Livakovic, Stanisic, Vida, Gvardiol, Sosa, Brozovic, Kovacic, Modric, Kramaric, Petkovic, Perisic
Phil Foden tipped for Euro 2024 player of the tournament by England teammate11:10 , Jack Rathborn
John Stones believes his Manchester City and England teammate Phil Foden is a potential player of the tournament at Euro 2024.
Foden was named Footballer of the Year after scoring a career-best 27 goals to help City win a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
He has only scored four goals in 34 caps for his country and is yet to replicate that form consistently in an England shirt but Stones feels Foden could prove the outstanding individual in Germany in the next month.
“Yes, I’m biased, I think he’s absolutely incredible,” he said. “First how he plays the game, so silky playing like he’s in the park. I feel like he has brought so much to his game. Goals, maturity, knowing of situations, his pressing. This season has been incredible for him and I hope and I’m sure he will bring that to the tournament.”
Phil Foden tipped for Euro 2024 player of the tournament by England teammate
John Stones ready to guide England to Euro 2024 glory after setbacks, surprises and near-misses10:55 , Jack Rathborn
It has been a cruel few weeks for the senior players who have been the stalwarts of Gareth Southgate’s reign. They have been dropped and demoted, their feelings hurt sometimes while bodies have given way. John Stones had been a survivor of the Southgate cull, but there was a moment when it seemed he, too, would miss Euro 2024.
It came minutes into England’s final friendly against Iceland. A stricken Stones went down under a challenge from Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson. “I knew it wasn’t my knee or my ankle, because of the mechanism in how I landed, it was almost like my big toe in the line straight down my foot and you think ‘I have fractured it’,” he recalled.
The curse of the metatarsal has hit England in the past, broken feet, or bones in feet, a factor in summer disappointments. It looked as though 2024 could be a throwback to 2002 or 2006. If Stones’ importance has risen amid the injury problems of Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire, it looked as though Southgate could lose his only centre-back with World Cup or European Championship experience.
John Stones ready to guide England to glory after setbacks, surprises and near-misses
Euro 2024: Scotland let themselves down - and where it all went wrong is obvious10:40 , Jamie Braidwood
On the eve of Euro 2024, Scotland captain Andy Robertson asked ‘what’s the worst that could happen?’ as he reflected on a record of underperformance at major tournaments and the chance to create history in Germany. By half-time on the opening night in Munich, imaginations were being tested at the Allianz Arena as a rampant host nation tore Scotland apart. Three goals down, reduced to 10 after Ryan Porteous was sent off, the worst that could happen against Germany became the fear of six or seven.
A mere 5-1 defeat remained a humbling night, an evening where Scotland suddenly woke up to the chasm in quality between themselves and their hosts. So much for talking up the chances of making life difficult for Germany and having a plan to frustrate them on the opening night. Manager Steve Clarke admitted Scotland “let ourselves down”. Robertson conceded Scotland “got it all wrong” in their first half performance. “We didn’t show up, we weren’t aggressive enough, and we let good players get on the ball,” the captain said.
On the worst possible start for Scotland
Scotland let themselves down against Germany and where it all went wrong is obvious
Euro 2024: Jamal Musiala signals the arrival of Germany’s new generation10:20 , Jamie Braidwood
If the start to 2006 was a famous “summer fairytale” for Germany, this could be the beginning of an even better story. It doesn’t want for youthful joy, either, as witnessed by the standing ovation for Jamal Musiala. For Scotland, there was only grim reality. There were some familiarities to that, too.
They at least had something like a belated shot, and a goal, to at least make this 5-1. It could really have been so much worse. It couldn’t have gone much better for Germany. This opening game of Euro 2024 had the feel of a properly big event beforehand, as illustrated by Sir Alex Ferguson’s message before a raucous Flower of Scotland, but he had to witness an occasion that solely became about how big the defeat would be. Scotland were fortunate to escape with a mere four-goal loss. Everyone else was fortunate to witness Musiala.
Report by Miguel Delaney in Munich on a perfect start for hosts Germany in Group A.
Jamal Musiala signals the arrival of new Germany with thrashing of Scotland
Euro 2024 players to watch: Dominik Szoboszlai10:00 , Jamie Braidwood
The undisputed star in the Hungary side, Szoboszlai successfully made the step to the Premier League and enjoyed an impressive start to his first season at Liverpool, even earning comparisons to Steven Gerrard in his first few months at Anfield. A hamstring injury over the winter lingered into the spring and rather stalled his progress, which is a concern as Szoboszlai prepares to lead his country into the Euros. But when fit and firing, few midfielders in the world offer more variety than the 23-year-old, with energy, dribbling, passing and a ferocious strike from distance. Hungary will need a few moments of his magic.
(Getty Images)
Euro 2024 players to watch: Granit Xhaka09:45 , Jamie Braidwood
A player who often doesn’t get the respect that he deserves, but maybe that is starting to change after helping Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in what was an unforgettable debut season in Germany. Now 31, Xhaka flourished in his new home after leaving Arsenal last summer and offered important leadership to Leverkusen as they closed in on an historic achievement in club football. His role for Switzerland is similar: this will be Xhaka’s sixth major tournament and his experience will be vital if they are to make it out of Group A.
(Getty Images)
09:35 , Jamie Braidwood
Predicted line-ups
Switzerland XI: Sommer; Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Ndoye; Shaqiri, Vargas; Amdouni
Hungary XI: Gulacsi; Lang, Orban, Szalai; Nego, A. Nagy, Schafer, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Sallai; Vargas
Hungary team news09:34 , Jamie Braidwood
Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai carried a slight hamstring injury into the opener after going off against Israel as a precaution. The Liverpool star will operate alongside Roland Sallai.
The 3-4-2-1 formation should see Adam Lang, Willi Orban and Attila Szalai at the back, with Peter Gulacsi between the sticks. Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez should provide a threat at wing-backs, while Barnabas Varga, who has been in prolific form for Ferencvaros this season, brings a threat in the final third.
Switzerland team news09:33 , Jamie Braidwood
Steven Zuber is a major doubt after sustaining a calf injury in the friendly draw with Austria.
But Monaco pair Breel Embolo and Denis Zakaria are back in full training this week and bring further options for Murat Yakin.
Hungary vs Switzerland: TV channel09:32 , Jamie Braidwood
Hungary take on Switzerland on Saturday 15 June 2024, in Cologne with a kick-off time of 2pm BST.
How can I watch it?
The match will be shown live in the UK on ITV 1 and STV, with coverage starting at 1:15pm. The game can also be streamed live on ITVX. Every match at Euro 2024 is free-to-air on BBC or ITV (and STV) in the UK. You can find a full list of which channel is showing each match here.
09:31 , Jamie Braidwood
Hungary kickstart their Euro 2024 campaign with a match against Switzerland.
Dominik Szoboszlai will become the youngest captain in the tournament’s history when he leads his side out in the Group A clash in Cologne.
Marco Rossi’s Hungary side were unbeaten in qualifying and their two victories over England in the Nations League in 2022, including a 4-0 thrashing at Molineux, showed how much of a threat they can be. After enduring a ‘group of death’ in 2020, with France, Germany and Portugal, Hungary will be looking for an improved performance.
Switzerland had an impressive performance in 2020, when they stunned France on penalties in the round of 16 before being knocked out by Spain in the quarter-finals.
Here’s everything you need to know about the clash:
Is Hungary v Switzerland on TV today? Kick-off time and how to watch Euro 2024
Hungary vs Switzerland - Euro 2024 LIVEFriday 14 June 2024 15:34 , Karl Matchett
Good morning and welcome to the first full day of action from Euro 2024 - we’ll have every kick covered right here on The Independent.
Later today we’ve got the two openers from Group B coming up, with Spain facing Croatia and Italy playing Albania, but before that it’s the second Group A clash following hosts Germany playing Scotland last night.
It’s Hungary against Switzerland, with a 2pm kick-off (BST), and it could prove a crucial match even at this early stage in the search for a knock-out place.
