Euro 2024 LIVE: Latest news and updates ahead of tournament as John Stones misses England training

Euro 2024 will finally get underway this Friday when hosts Germany face Scotland in Munich in a mouthwatering opening fixture.

Having finalised their squads late last week, all 24 teams have now arrived in Germany to step up their preparations, including England as they look to shake off the disappointment of a 1-0 defeat to Iceland ahead of their opener against Serbia on Sunday evening.

Gareth Southgate received positive news on Tuesday as all 26 of his players took part in training, including England’s biggest fitness concern, Luke Shaw. Scotland also got a left-back boost as Andy Robertson was fit enough to train following his injury scare on Monday.

Injuries have already bitten a number of teams with Netherlands star Frenkie de Jong ruled out of the tournament thanks to an ankle injury and Poland’s talisman Robert Lewandowski not expected to be fit enough to feature in his country’s first match.

Follow all the latest news, injuries and updates ahead of Euro 2024 below:

Euro 2024 latest news and updates

• Euro 2024 in Germany begins this Friday

• John Stones misses England training on Wednesday

• England receive Stones and Luke Shaw fitness boost

• Everything is against Scotland at Euro 2024 - except one key factor

• From Hampden to Munich: the vital issue driving Scotland fan’s walk to Euro 2024

• Which players are out of Euro 2024 and who is racing to be fit?

England confirm Euro 2024 squad numbers as Jude Bellingham handed No10 shirt

18:15 , Mike Jones

England have confirmed their squad numbers for Euro 2024, after Gareth Southgate finalised his 26-man group with Uefa on Friday night.

The head coach initially selected 33 players in his preliminary group before cutting the likes of James Maddison, Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish to leave himself with a largely inexperienced, though individually exciting, group to head to Germany with.

Plans for a positive sendoff went somewhat awry when the Three Lions lost 1-0 at Wembley to Iceland on Friday night, with Southgate confirming his chosen 26 to Uefa shortly after the match - and the FA have now confirmed the numbers each player will wear while away.

England confirm Euro 2024 squad numbers as Bellingham handed No10 shirt

Gareth Southgate’s ruthless cull of old favourites is the gamble that will define his England career

18:00 , Mike Jones

Every tournament squad requires an England manager to make one or two hard choices, the odd tense conversation with a loyal lieutenant to give bad news, delivering a quick bullet to the temple. But the body count this time was like something from an episode of Squid Game.

Gareth Southgate left out Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips and Ben Chilwell when he chose his initial 33; he chopped Jack Grealish, James Maddison and the half-fit Harry Maguire when he decided his final 26. Throw in others who have lost their places, like Mason Mount and Eric Dier, and Southgate has culled nearly 400 caps’ worth of experience since the World Cup 18 months ago.

There are 12 tournament debutants in the Euro 2024 squad, compared to only three in Qatar; the median number of caps has dropped from 23 to 12. The most common criticism of Southgate’s eight-year reign has been his faith in the same old players – loyalty to a fault – yet this squad is at the other extreme. Crystal Palace finished the season with an impressive seven-game unbeaten run and four of their players have been parachuted in.

Gareth Southgate’s ruthless cull is the gamble that will define his England career

Tom Heaton praises England set-up on return as a training goalkeeper

17:50 , Mike Jones

Tom Heaton tasted England’s lowest low as part of the Euro 2016 set-up and is full of praise for the way Gareth Southgate has shifted the culture, having returned to the fold as a training goalkeeper.

Eyebrows were raised on Monday when the Football Association announced that the 38-year-old would be joining the national team in Germany as part of the training group.

Heaton won the last of his three caps in 2017 and spent last season as third-choice goalkeeper at Manchester United, but Southgate believes his experience and outlook will boost England.

Tom Heaton praises England set-up on return as a training goalkeeper

Tom Heaton impressed with England set-up under Gareth Southgate

17:40 , Mike Jones

Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton has joined up witht he Three Lions’ training squad having worked under Gareth Southgate on numerous occasions – including travelling to the 2019 Nations League finals. He has been impressed by the way the manager he has taken things on after Euro 2016.

“I sort of predated Gareth, before he was England manager and then I was there for quite a bit of his sort of first few years, so I’ve seen him all the way through, really,” Heaton said.

“He’s just shifted the culture, really. I think he shifted the whole outlook, the whole feel from the country, really and even you guys (in the media).

“He sort of brought everyone in together, so that’s how it’s changed. I think what’s that given for the lads is a little bit freedom to go and perform.

“I think we’ve seen that over the last few years. We’ve gone close, there’s been some really good performances and there’s a real good feel to the England team at the minute.

“Of course there’s expectation because we’ve got a good side but you’ve got to embrace that and I think you can see that at the minute.

“We’ve got fantastic players, everyone’s hungry to be in the shirt and, of course, we’re going to try and make it successful.”

Barnes doesn’t think England are favourites to win Euros

17:30 , Mike Jones

John Barnes considers France as the team to beat and does not agree that only victory in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on July 14 would be considered a success for England.

“I don’t think England are the favourites, so why should they win it?” he said. “I don’t see why Gareth gets criticised at all because he’s maximised the potential of the team.

“With a bit of luck we can win it and I don’t think there’s pressure on him at all because everybody knows this is his last tournament and if he was staying, there would be lots more pressure on him.

“If you’re asking if England can win it, yes we can. I would make us one of the favourites, but not the outright favourites. If we get knocked out before the quarter-finals then of course that will be disappointing, but I don’t think that will happen.”

John Barnes backs ‘strong’ Gareth Southgate to get balance right for England

17:20 , Mike Jones

John Barnes does not believe England head coach Gareth Southgate will bow to public pressure over team selection at Euro 2024.

There has been a clamour for Southgate to accommodate as many of his world-class offensive talents as possible in his starting line-up for the tournament in Germany, with attack-minded players starring at club level both at home and abroad.

Barnes, who won 79 England caps between 1983 and 1995, told the PA news agency: “I don’t look at individuals at all, I look at the balance of the team. Gareth has to resist the urge to play all his attacking players.

“And of course what’s going to happen when he leaves someone out? He’s going to get criticised. Why didn’t he play and why didn’t he play?

“But Gareth is strong enough to understand that and the fans have to support him.”

From Hampden to Munich: the vital issue driving Scotland fan’s walk to Euro 2024

17:20 , Mike Jones

What lengths would you go to in order to support your country at a major tournament? Would you walk 500 miles? And then 500 more?

When Craig Ferguson arrives in Munich on the eve of Euro 2024, the 20-year-old from Paisley will have walked 1,000 miles in 41 days across six countries to support Scotland in Germany and fulfil a lifelong dream.

But for Ferguson, an epic challenge has been fuelled by a greater cause. After departing Hampden on 5 May in his kilt and Scotland top, with only a pack of additional clothes and supplies strapped to his back, his long days on the road have been driven by raising funds for men’s mental health and male suicide prevention charities.

There has been a close source of inspiration, too. The idea of walking from Hampden to Munich came from one of Ferguson’s best mates, whose dad took his own life while they were teenagers in high school.

The vital issue driving Scotland fan’s walk to Euro 2024

Euro 2024 predictions: Winner, Golden Boot, breakout star and more

17:10 , Mike Jones

Euro 2024 is upon us, as Germany hosts its first major men’s tournament since 2006 – with the national team seeking its first trophy in a decade.

Some fancy Julian Nagelsmann’s team to defy expectations on home soil, while there is naturally significant faith in France, as the 2018 world champions and 2022 runners-up.

Can England finally get over the line under Gareth Southgate, three years after losing the delayed Euro 2020 final to Italy at Wembley? And if so, will Harry Kane claim his second international Golden Boot?

Or will a younger star steal the spotlight, as clubs and coaches around Europe keep an eye out for the ‘next big thing’ in the summer transfer market?

Below, we predict the teams, players and moments that could define Euro 2024. Without further ado...

Euro 2024 predictions: Winner, Golden Boot, breakout star and more

Double delight for Conor Bradley in Northern Ireland win

17:00 , Mike Jones

Conor Bradley fired Northern Ireland to a 2-0 friendly win over Andorra in Murcia.

Bradley registered his first senior brace with goals in the 16th and 23rd minutes, but Michael O’Neill’s men could not add to that lead despite clear chances for Callum Marshall and Jamal Lewis before half-time.

As expected, Northern Ireland bossed possession but the extra goals O’Neill would no doubt have hoped to see his men conjure against opposition ranked 91 places below them did not materialise after the break.

Conor Bradley scores twice as Northern Ireland win in Spain

Euro 2024 injuries: Which players are out of this summer’s tournament and who is racing to be fit?

16:50 , Mike Jones

As another packed season of club football comes to an end, the European Championship in Germany is fast approaching.

The summer tournament bookends a busy 2023/24 season and one that has seen repeated calls for action regarding fixture congestion and player welfare.

So it is no surprise that several important players are set to miss Euro 2024 through injury, with many others battling to be fit in time for the opening round of group games, which begins on 14 June.

Euro 2024 injuries: Which players are out of this summer’s tournament?

Euro 2024 fitness boost for England as Luke Shaw and John Stones train

16:30 , Mike Jones

Luke Shaw and John Stones trained as England’s Euro 2024 preparations stepped up on Tuesday.

Gareth Southgate has been dealing with fitness issues and absentees in the build-up to this summer’s tournament.

But all 26 players trained on Tuesday as England went through their paces for the first time since arriving in Germany the previous night.

Euro 2024 fitness boost for England as Luke Shaw and John Stones train

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann condemns ‘racist’ survey asking if team should have more white players

16:20 , Mike Jones

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann condemned a “racist” survey published by a public broadcaster that asked participants if they would prefer more white players in the national team.

Germany hosts the European Championships this month and the poll by ARD found 21 per cent of 1,304 randomly selected participants said they would want more white players playing for the country at the tournament.

The midfielder Joshua Kimmich criticised the survey as “absolutely racist” and said it was “madness for a public broadcaster to ask such a question.”

Germany coach condemns ‘racist’ survey asking if team should have more white players

Are Germany finally themselves again? Ominous signs show a new team can capture old glories

16:10 , Mike Jones

In recent years, the predominant feeling among German fans has been one of jadedness. But in recent months, that feeling has been replaced by an optimistic joy, and the next evolution would naturally be jubilation this summer – in the very cities where Germany’s footballing fate will be decided.

The source of initial disillusionment was naturally a decade of precipitous decline, after the cathartic lassoing of der vierte Stern in 2014 – “the fourth star” on Germany’s jersey, woven after their World Cup triumph in Brazil.

Are Germany finally themselves again? The ominous signs for Euro 2024 rivals

John McGinn’s dancing steals show as Scotland arrive in Germany for Euro 2024

16:00 , Mike Jones

John McGinn‘s dancing stole the show as Scotland were welcomed to Germany on Sunday, 9 June, ahead of Euro 2024.

The midfielder took part in a traditional folk dance called a “schuhplattler” as the players arrived in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Steve Clarke’s squad checked into the team hotel before heading off to a local hall, where they met mayor Elisabeth Koch and a typical German band.

Scotland will kick off the tournament in a game against the hosts in Munich on Friday, 14 June.

Which stadiums are hosting Euro 2024 games? Guide to every tournament venue in Germany

15:51 , Mike Jones

Euro 2024 takes place in Germany with a total of 51 matches hosted in 10 cities over 31 days as the continental champions are decided.

Here, the PA news agency looks at each of the tournament venues.

Which stadiums are hosting Euro 2024 games? Guide to every tournament venue

Major Tom: Why Germany’s unofficial anthem is poised to be ‘the song of Euro 2024’

15:43 , Mike Jones

Völlig losgelöst von der Erde / Schwebt das Raumschiff, völlig schwerelos.

Completely isolated from Earth / The spaceship floats, totally weightless.

So goes the hook of “Major Tom”, the 1980s hit by German popstar Peter Schilling. And if you haven’t heard it yet, you soon will, because as Germany prepares to host Euro 2024, “Major Tom” is poised to be the song of the tournament.

For German fans, it has already become an unofficial anthem of sorts, with the song back in vogue like so much from the 1980s. But to explain its third life, a quick retrospective is required on its first and second lives.

Why a 1980s pop hit is set to be ‘the song of Euro 2024’

Why Trent Alexander-Arnold is the right answer to England’s biggest Euro 2024 conundrum

15:32 , Mike Jones

If you missed Trent Alexander Arnold’s performance against Bosnia and Herzegovina last week, picture Marco van Basten volleying the skin off a high ball from a tight angle into the far corner; picture Hakim Ziyech swerving a 60-yard pass onto his teammate’s big toe; picture Lionel Messi’s invisible throughball to slice open Netherlands. Alexander-Arnold did all of that in one night.

Even allowing for a little journalistic hyperbole, and noting that he was up against the plucky but toothless Bosnia in a friendly, this felt significant. After years on the fringes of England’s first XI, we saw the effect of Alexander-Arnold as a No 6, an intriguing solution to Gareth Southgate’s conundrum of who to play alongside Declan Rice behind England’s preferred No 10, Jude Bellingham. Reports this week suggest the manager is seriously considering this trio for the first group game, against Serbia on Sunday.

Why Trent Alexander-Arnold is the answer to England’s biggest Euro 2024 conundrum

Euro 2024 golden boot: Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and the outside contenders in Germany

15:25 , Mike Jones

Europe’s best strikers will be vying for individual honours as well as team success at they aim to top the scoring charts at Euro 2024.

The quadrennial continental tournament takes place in Germany with many of the world’s top marksmen set to be on show and battle for the golden boot.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the leading scorer in competition history with five goals at Euro 2020 taking his overall aggregate to 14.

Euro 2024 golden boot: Mbappe, Kane and the outside contenders

Czech Republic midfielder to miss Euro 2024 after bike accident - one day after captaining his nation

15:17 , Mike Jones

Czech Republic midfielder Michal Sadilek has become the latest casualty to miss out on Euro 2024 after injury - in a totally non-football related activity.

The 24-cap international, who plays his club football in Netherlands with FC Twente, was riding his bike during an individual training programme following a friendly match on Friday, when he apparently fell off and suffered a severe cut to his leg.

Following a medical assessment, the national team decided he would be able to play no part in the upcoming tournament and issued a statement that he would be departing the group - having worn the captain’s armband only a day earlier in the win over Malta.

Czech Republic midfielder to miss Euro 2024 after bike accident

Negativity around Portugal due to high expectations, claims Bruno Fernandes

15:10 , Mike Jones

Bruno Fernandes said the criticism that followed Portugal’s 2-1 defeat by Croatia at the weekend was a reflection of fans’ elevated expectations ahead of Euro 2024.

Portugal won all 10 of their qualifiers but their preparations for the June 14 to July 14 tournament in Germany have been far from perfect with losses to Slovenia and Croatia in recent friendlies.

Negativity around Portugal due to high expectations, claims Bruno Fernandes

Rice not ‘disappointed’ by Iceland defeat

15:03 , Mike Jones

England, who kick off their Euros campaign against Serbia on Sunday, headed to Germany reeling from a shock 1-0 defeat to Iceland in their final friendly.

But Declan Rice says the disappointment does not detract from what was a beneficial 10-day training camp.

“It’s obviously difficult when you finish the league. Your body completely shuts down when you have a break, because we’re made to just play all the time,” the 25-year-old said on England’s departure show on YouTube.

“When we have a rest, our body shuts down and it’s hard to get going again but last week was really beneficial, to be honest with you, I think for everyone.

“We’ve got another full week now until the game, so we’ll be in a really good spot.”

‘We want to make history’: Declan Rice says England head to Euro 2024 full of belief

14:50 , Mike Jones

Declan Rice is eyeing history and believes England can “do something really special” at Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate’s side are among the favourites to win the continental crown, three years on from falling agonisingly short in the final of the last edition of the tournament.

England jetted off to Germany on Monday afternoon and midfielder Rice says there is an inherent belief in the group that they can be crowned kings of Europe for the first time.

‘We want to make history’: Declan Rice says England head to Euro 2024 full of belief

England looking to make history says Declan Rice

14:43 , Mike Jones

“We want to make history,” the Arsenal midfielder said after of England’s Euro 2024 campaign. “We say it all the time, but genuinely we have a group, a manager, that really believes.

“We have a confidence that we can go there and do something really special and, of course, with that comes hard work. That is going to be the main thing – the hard work as a team, unity, togetherness and with everyone behind us at home.

“We’re going to feel that for sure, so stick with us, be positive and let’s see what happens.”

Netherlands suffer double midfield injury blow with Frenkie de Jong ruled out of Euro 2024

14:36 , Mike Jones

Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out of the European Championship after failing to recover from an ankle injury, dealing a blow to the team’s chances.

The Dutch football federation announced the Barcelona star would not be available for Euro 2024 in Germany after Ronald Koeman‘s team beat Iceland 4-0 in their final warmup. De Jong watched from the bench on Monday in Rotterdam.

“He won’t be fit enough to play at this level for the next three weeks,” Koeman said. “There’s no point keeping him with us.”

Netherlands suffer double injury blow with De Jong ruled out of Euro 2024

Robert Lewandowski suffers scare ahead of Euro 2024 - as another Poland forward gets injured celebrating

14:29 , Mike Jones

Poland suffered a Euro 2024 injury scare as captain Robert Lewandowski was forced off in their final warm-up friendly against Turkey on Monday.

The Barcelona striker left the field with an apparent thigh problem after 32 minutes of the Poles’ last-gasp 2-1 victory in Warsaw.

To compound matters, fellow forward Karol Swiderski was also substituted after suffering an ankle injury while celebrating scoring the opening goal on 12 minutes.

Lewandowski suffers injury scare - as another Poland forward injured celebrating

‘A beautiful experience’: England arrive in Germany hopeful of Euro 2024 glory

14:21 , Mike Jones

Gareth Southgate’s England squad have arrived at their remote base in Germany to ramp up their European Championship preparations.

The Euro 2020 runners-up are considered among the favourites to go one better and lift the trophy in Berlin on 14 July.

England begin their quest to become kings of the continent in Sunday’s Group C opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, around 200 miles from their tournament base.

‘A beautiful experience’: England arrive in Germany hopeful of Euro 2024 glory

Why Euro 2024 means more to Harry Kane – England’s most unique soldier

14:14 , Mike Jones

Mere hours after Harry Kane knew he would be ending another club season without a trophy, Bayern Munich made him and the rest of the squad attend a banquet. It wasn’t what most would have chosen to do after the bitter Champions League semi-final elimination to Real Madrid, but it is a custom for the German club.

It wasn’t the only new thing Kane had to endure. Although he has obviously experienced trophy disappointment on many occasions, it has never been when success was so expected. Kane had made the hard choice to leave Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern, only to suddenly find success wasn’t coming easy for the perennial German champions. It did hit him.

The striker still registered this most painful of seasons – as he put it himself – in the way he always does. He internalised it and persevered. It was why the banquet suited him more than most. It helped “get on with it”, in the way he always does.

Why Euro 2024 means more to Harry Kane – England’s most unique soldier

Missing from Euro 2024, Russia are slowly disappearing from football altogether

14:08 , Mike Jones

The last goal scored in a European Championship in Germany was the greatest in the tournament’s history. Some would say the greatest in footballing history. Marco van Basten’s volley combined vision and technique, power and geometrical precision. It condemned the Soviet Union, the competition’s inaugural winners in 1960, to defeat in the final of Euro ‘88. It sailed past Rinat Daseyev, the goalkeeper whose nickname of the “Iron Curtain” reflected geopolitics at the time.

Expect to see Van Basten’s volley replayed a lot over the next five weeks: when the Netherlands play, when there are games in Munich, whenever anyone scores a wonderful goal. Don’t expect to see the Soviet Union; or not the national team Fifa regards as its successor, anyway. As Vladimir Putin pursues what many people around eastern Europe believe is his quest to expand Russia’s borders to those of the old USSR, the most easterly representatives in Euro 2024 are instead Georgia and Ukraine. Under Putin, Russia has invaded areas of both at various points in the last two decades.

Missing from Euro 2024, Russia are slowly disappearing from football

‘Hardest Geezer’ to run to Germany to support England at Euro 2024

14:00 , Mike Jones

Charity fundraiser Russ Cook has said he is “buzzing to be back on the road again” as he announced he will be running to Germany to support England in their Euro 2024 campaign.

The 27-year-old, known as the Hardest Geezer, will be setting off from Wembley Stadium on foot on Tuesday in a bid to reach the city of Gelsenkirchen in western Germany by Sunday – in time to see England take on their opening fixture against Serbia.

Following the 352-mile run, Mr Cook will then run from city to city to follow Gareth Southgate and the England team throughout the tournament.

‘Hardest Geezer’ to run to Germany to support England at Euro 2024

Rodri, Pedri and the midfield puzzle to decide Spain’s Euro 2024 fate

13:57 , Mike Jones

We’re a little over a decade since Spain’s back-to-back triumphs at Euro 2008 and Euro 2012 and the national team have been through an entire lifecycle since then, it feels.

In four of the five tournaments thereafter, they have exited at the group stage or last 16; only at Euro 2020 did they show any kind of competitive edge, reaching the semi-finals in enormously fortuitous fashion after an extra time win over Croatia, a win on penalties over Switzerland and then a shootout defeat of their own against Italy.

A lifecycle of the team, a generation of players.

Rodri, Pedri and the midfield puzzle to decide Spain’s Euro 2024 fate

Euro 2024 power rankings

13:50 , Mike Jones

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:

1. France

France have not been European champions since 2000, but they will arrive in Germany as one of the favourites to win the trophy after reaching the past two World Cup finals. They have both the best player in the tournament, Kylian Mbappe, and the most strength in depth – players like Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Inter’s in-form Marcus Thuram may only make the bench. Didier Deschamps is still searching for the right blend and balance, as the recent defeat by Germany and draw with Canada showed, but expect France to find it by the knockout rounds.

Euro 2024 power rankings

13:45 , Mike Jones

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:

2. Germany

Julian Nagelsmann has reshaped his midfield by parachuting in Toni Kroos from international retirement, and the early signs are that the gamble might just work. With Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz in wide attacking positions, Kai Havertz leading as a false nine and Ilkay Gundogan in the No 10 role, this reimagined German side are a dangerous prospect. And with home advantage, Germany suddenly look like contenders to be crowned champions of Europe again, almost three decades after Euro ‘96.

Euro 2024 power rankings

13:40 , Mike Jones

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:

3. England

This is Gareth Southgate’s fourth major tournament as England manager – and possibly his last – and he will take his strongest squad yet. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are the top scorers in LaLiga and the Bundesliga at the time of writing; Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are two of the best attacking players in the Premier League; Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer look like future leaders. England’s Achilles heel remains their defence, as mistakes in the recent friendly against Belgium showed, but they have the attacking firepower and tournament experience to navigate their way to the final. A 1-0 defeat by Iceland at Wembley was not ideal preparation.

Euro 2024 power rankings

13:35 , Mike Jones

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:

4. Portugal

Portugal were the only team with a perfect qualifying record, winning 10 games out of 10, and neatly Cristiano Ronaldo scored 10 goals. A surprise friendly defeat by Slovenia in March’s international break set some alarm bells ringing, and at the end Ronaldo walked off in a trademark huff. But Roberto Martinez will bring one of the best squads to Germany this summer including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Diogo Jota and Rafael Leao among a raft of attacking talent.

Euro 2024 power rankings

13:30 , Mike Jones

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:

5. Spain

An exciting new generation of Spanish players will show itself at these Euros through the talents of Atletico’s Nico Williams and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal – the 16-year-old Yamal is already one of Barca’s best players and was sensational for Spain against Brazil in their friendly draw at the Bernabeu. The youngsters will flit around Rodri, arguably the best midfielder in the world right now, and there is a quiet optimism that Spain can make a big impact in Germany.

Euro 2024 power rankings

13:24 , Mike Jones

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:

8. Belgium

The golden generation has faded and there is not quite the same talent coming through to replace them, but a fully fit Kevin De Bruyne still represents one of the best players in Europe. Belgium went through qualifying unbeaten, conceding only four goals, and have not lost a match since they were stunned by Morocco at the 2022 World Cup. Romelu Lukaku top-scored in Euro 2024 qualifying with 14 goals and he will be key once more.

7. Italy

The reigning champions have been unconvincing ever since beating England in the final at Wembley three years ago. They failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, then finished third in the Nations League, before scraping through qualifying for the Euros ahead of Ukraine with two defeats by England along the way. Like a number of the bigger nations, a significant problem for Luciano Spalletti is the lack of goals among his forward players, but Italy can never be discounted when it comes to major tournaments.

6. Netherlands

Ronald Koeman continues to bounce between wing-backs and a more typical Dutch 4-3-3 formation, and it was the latter that proved effective in March’s friendly internationals with a 4-0 thrashing of Scotland. The problem for Netherlands remains the lack of a reliable goalscorer – no Dutch player scored more than three goals during qualifying.

Euro 2024 power rankings

13:18 , Mike Jones

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:

11. Croatia

Croatia remain reliant on a 38-year-old Luka Modric to run the midfield but then he is still producing sublime performances, so who can blame them. Their record shows they know how to go deep in major tournaments, and a 2-1 friendly win over Portugal last week will have boosted confidence. A tough Euro 2024 group with Spain and Italy will reveal more about Croatia’s chances.

10. Hungary

Marco Rossi’s free-flowing team are a joy to watch at their best and an underrated force too, having not lost a game of any kind since a Nations League defeat by Italy in September 2022. Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai is the captain and outstanding player, while striker Barnabas Varga is a threat: he scored four goals in qualifying and has 26 in 30 games this season for Hungarian champions Ferencvaros. They beat Israel 3-0 in their final warm-up before the tournament.

9. Austria

Ralf Rangnick has got Austria playing some good football. They qualified comfortably after beating key rivals Sweden home and away, and then put together two impressive wins over the March international break, beating Slovakia 2-0 and Turkey 6-1. In David Alaba, Marko Arnautovic, Marcel Sabitzer, Christoph Baumgartner and Michael Gregoritsch they have some good players to call upon. They have just enough to cause an upset in a tough group with France and Netherlands.

Euro 2024 power rankings

13:12 , Mike Jones

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:

15. Scotland

An impressive qualifying campaign was followed by a disappointing March international break in which Scotland were thumped by Netherlands and, perhaps more concerningly, beaten by Northern Ireland. Scott McTominay was inspired in qualifying with seven goals – only Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe scored more – but that attacking threat has been lacking in a run of seven games without a win. Scotland have two final fixtures to prepare before playing on the opening night in Munich against the hosts, Germany.

14. Czech Republic

The Czechs qualified well from a competitive pool and have a good chance of progressing at the Euros from a group with Portugal, Turkey and Georgia. Captain Tomas Soucek is their key player.

13. Slovenia

England should be wary of Group C rivals Slovenia and particularly giant striker Benjamin Sesko, who has 11 goals in 28 caps for his country to date and is enjoying an impressive debut season for RB Leipzig. A surprise 2-0 win over Portugal in March’s friendlies was another reminder of their threat.

12. Denmark

The Danes qualified well for these Euros and the form of Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United provides some hope ahead of the tournament. Manager Kasper Hjulmand led the team to the semi-finals at Euro 2020 but they flopped at the World Cup, and he is still searching for the right formation after flipping between a back four and wing-backs.

Euro 2024 power rankings

13:06 , Mike Jones

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024:

20. Romania

Romania finished top of their qualifying group and unbeaten, but 16 goals scored in 10 games – four of which were against Andorra or Kosovo – tell the story of a team lacking spark in attack. Star player and captain Nicolai Stanciu has spent the past few years playing in China and Saudi Arabia.

19. Slovakia

Slovakia qualified from a tight pool to reach the Euros, and now find themselves in a competitive but open-looking group with Belgium, Romania and Ukraine. Captain Milan Skriniar is the defensive keystone and left winger Lukas Haraslin will provide attacking impetus after a stellar season for Sparta Prague, with 14 goals so far.

18. Poland

The team have rebounded under new manager Michal Probierz, following a poor qualifying campaign, and came through that dramatic play-off final with Wales in Cardiff on penalties. Robert Lewandowski is playing in quite possibly his final tournament, and Poland will need his goals to help spring a surprise in a tough group with Netherlands, France and Austria.

17. Serbia

The Serbian team remains an enigma, with more talented players than their recent tournament results would suggest. In Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, captain Dusan Tadic, Sasa Lukic and Aleksandar Mitrovic there’s some quality, but they were twice beaten by Hungary in qualifying and then learnt little from a 4-0 thumping by Russia in March’s friendly preparations. Beating Sweden 3-0 in a more recent friendly will have steadied nerves.

16. Switzerland

The Swiss made hard work of a relatively light qualifying group and don’t look to have the firepower to cause any great shocks at the Euros. Chicago Fire’s 32-year-old Xherdan Shaqiri remains among their more dynamic attacking players.

Euro 2024 power rankings

13:00 , Mike Jones

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of Euro 2024, starting with:

24. Georgia

There were celebrations in the streets of Tibilisi after Georgia qualified for their first major tournament in dramatic style, winning a penalty shootout after a tense play-off final with Greece. The French former Bayern Munich defender Willy Sagnol is the manager, and his main task is building a team that can get the best out of Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Georgia beat Montenegro 3-1 in their last friendly before the tournament.

23. Albania

Albania topped their qualifying group but a horrendous draw sees them face Spain, Italy and Croatia in the Euro 2024 group stage – progressing to the knockouts would be a remarkable achievement. Armando Broja is their great hope, while Atalanta’s Berat Djimsiti is a high-quality defender and captain of the national team.

22. Ukraine

It was heart-warming to see the celebrations as Ukraine made it through the play-offs to Euro 2024. The team has some talent most obviously seen in the boots of Mykhailo Mudryk, their hero in the play-off final, and a nation will be behind their bid to emerge from arguably the weakest group which features Belgium, Slovakia and Romania

21. Turkey

Turkey have been through a turbulent time in recent months with the sacking of manager Stefan Kuntz and the installation of Roma legend Vincenzo Montella as his replacement. Montella began by leading the team to qualification for the Euros, ahead of Wales and just behind Croatia, but the March international break was a disaster, with a 1-0 defeat by Hungary and a 6-1 thrashing from Austria. They lack a potent goalscorer and Montella has his hands full trying to get them ready to face Georgia in their opening game at the Euros.

The moment that convinced Gareth Southgate to stay with England for one more tournament

12:53 , Mike Jones

As Gareth Southgate watched England toil against Germany in their September Nations League match, he stood on the touchline at Wembley seriously contemplating the end of his reign. England had not won any of their past five games and were 2-0 down with 20 minutes to go. The atmosphere in the stadium flitted between boredom and mutiny, which he interpreted as a manager no longer wanted.

It is no exaggeration to say that Southgate was 30 minutes from making up his mind; once the inevitable wrath of this defeat had died down, he would announce that Qatar would be his last tournament.

The moment that convinced Gareth Southgate to stay for one more tournament

Roberto Martinez praises Cristiano Ronaldo

12:47 , Mike Jones

“His commitment as captain is unbelievable. Today we saw two world-class goals, but I really enjoyed his work.” said the Portugal boss.

“He had already scored two goals, but his first option was to assist a team-mate. That shows solidarity and companionship, and they are important values in a dressing room when you’re going to the Euros.

“But also goals are very important and they were excellent.”

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed as ‘unbelievable’ after scoring 130th Portugal goal ahead of Euro 2024

12:40 , Mike Jones

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez saluted captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s enduring quality after watching him send the nation into Euro 2024 with two stunning goals against Republic of Ireland.

The 39-year-old, who was winning his 207th senior cap in Aveiro, struck after 50 and 60 minutes following Joao Felix’s first-half opener to ensure the Euro 2016 winners head for Germany on the back of a 3-0 friendly victory.

Ronaldo hailed as ‘unbelievable’ after scoring 130th Portugal goal ahead of Euros

Euro 2024 Group F guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as Portugal take on Czech Republic

12:33 , Mike Jones

Portugal’s national side has seen plenty of change since winning Euro 2016 in France, but their goal this summer remains the same as it is in every tournament – return home with the trophy.

Roberto Martinez has replaced Fernando Santos as the manager of A Seleção, with a slew of new players blooded into the team from across the country’s best club sides, including Porto, Benfica and Sporting.

Nevertheless, several of the team’s stalwarts remain, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and even 41-year-old centre-back Pepe. This is a Portuguese side that, on paper at least, is the most talented and balanced that they’ve had in decades, and Euro 2024 provides an excellent opportunity to add to a frankly disappointing international trophy cabinet.

Euro 2024 Group F guide: Fixtures, squads and stars to watch

Euro 2024 Group E guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as Belgium take on Slovakia

12:27 , Mike Jones

Belgium head into the European Championship with one goal in mind; win the trophy. After shockingly being dumped out of the 2022 World Cup in the group stages manager Roberto Martinez was let go and replaced with German-Italian coach Domenico Tedesco who is tasked with restoring some pride to the Belgians. Euro 2024 is perhaps the last chance for aging legends like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel to win international silverware and they will hope to take advantage of a seemingly friendly group to build momentum for the tournament.

Alongside them in Group E are Slovakia who have qualified for a third consecutive Euros finals. They have famously won this title before, as part of Czechoslovakia in 1976, but since the countries split in 2016 their best performance saw them reach the last-16 which will be their aim again this year.

Euro 2024 Group E guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch

Euro 2024 Group D guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as France take on the Netherlands

12:21 , Mike Jones

World Cup finalists France have been drawn in Euro 2024 Group D, alongside the Netherlands for the tournament in Germany.

France will undoubtedly be among the favourites to lift the trophy in July, while the Netherlands have not gone further than the quarter-finals since 2004 and will be looking to progress deep into the tournament.

Poland and Austria complete the group, and the latter lost just one match in qualifying, while Poland had to qualify via the play-offs, putting an end to Wales’ hopes with a penalty shoot-out victory after a goalless 120 minutes in Cardiff.

Euro 2024 Group D guide: Fixtures and players to watch as France play the Netherlands

Euro 2024 Group B guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as Italy take on Spain

12:14 , Mike Jones

One of the most intriguing initial quarters at Euro 2024 comes in Group B, containing two former winners - including at the most recent European Championship - plus a nation which has reached the semi-final stage of the last two World Cups.

Spain will be many peoples’ favourites to progress, given some of their star names, while Italy are still working towards a new identity after a period of struggle since their triumph at Wembley three years ago. Croatia, meanwhile, have yet to really star at a Euros but have shown their ability to get results on the world stage, including in Qatar two years ago.

Euro 2024 Group B guide: Fixtures, squads and stars as Italy take on Spain

Euro 2024 Group A guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as Scotland take on Germany

12:07 , Mike Jones

Don’t laugh but when the draw for the Euro 2024 finals was made, there was a faint sense of optimism among the Scotland contingent that Steve Clarke’s side were ready to spoil the party when facing hosts Germany in the tournament opener on Friday 14 June. Frankly, December 2023 feels a long time ago now. Back then, Germany were in a funk and could have been susceptible to a well-organised, cohesive unit. Now depleted and out-of-form, Scotland do not look like the same team that roared to automatic qualification last year. The odds of an upset are stacked against them.

Still, the Tartan Army will be out in force as Scotland head to just a second men’s major international tournament in 25 years, determined to put on a better show after falling a little flat at Hampden at Euro 2020. As it was three years ago, Scotland’s goal will simply be getting out of their group and reaching the last-16. Given the tournament format, securing even just one Group A victory against Germany, Switzerland or Hungary could be enough. There are harder groups, sure, but Scotland’s form suggests they could still be fourth-favourites to progress.

Euro 2024 Group A guide: Fixtures, squads and star players

England expects as Gareth Southgate prepares for likely last hurrah at Euro 2024

12:00 , Mike Jones

England expects heading into Euro 2024 having gone from laughing stocks to regular trophy contenders under Gareth Southgate.

Three years on from the agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy in the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 final, they head to Germany among the favourites to go one better this time around.

It is little wonder when you look at a rich, talented pool of players underpinned by leadership, experience and a drive to make up for going so close at the last three tournaments.

England expects as Gareth Southgate prepares for likely last hurrah at Euro 2024

John Stones absent from England training due to illness

11:54 , Mike Jones

John Stones missed England training on Wednesday through illness.

Boss Gareth Southgate has had to deal with several absentees and fitness concerns in the build-up to Euro 2024.

All 26 players were able to train on Tuesday – their first session after arriving in Germany – including Stones, who went off with an injury in Friday’s friendly against Iceland.

John Stones absent from England training due to illness

Four players to watch in Group C

11:48 , Mike Jones

Slovenia: Benjamin Sesko

The in-form and in-demand Leipzig man will shoulder the biggest burden: finding a route to goal to give his nation a chance to earn their first-ever win at a European Championship. He ended last season scoring in seven straight Bundesliga games and hit 14 in 17 starts across the campaign. If Jan Oblak saves them at the other end, Sesko might be the difference-maker to give Slovenia a real chance.

Denmark: Rasmus Hojlund

Another striker, but another who could finally be a missing link for his nation. Hojlund has seven goals in 13 caps at senior level; in a team which is solid, well-organised and has depth in central areas but has long lacked a real goalscorer, adding that ingredient could be transformative. Not a stretch to suggest his form could be the difference between a group-stage exit and a shock knock-out win en route to the last eight.

Serbia: Strahinja Pavlovic

They have loads of talent in forward areas and enough power and technical ability to go far. Whether they have the mentality and purpose is a bigger question, and part of that is holding a defensive line which doesn’t collapse. That makes Pavlovic a cornerstone: capable of going far in the game, an absolute giant, strong aerially and likes to move forward in possession. Might sum up Serbia by being rock solid...or a calamity. Has tendencies towards both.

England: Trent Alexander-Arnold

Set to be the first major international tournament he finally plays a notable part in and how well he performs might actually dictate a lot of how England play and how far they can go. From midfield he can be a creative force and a neat foil for Declan Rice, but is the organisation enough? Are they a defensively-aware enough pairing for the biggest games? Will he end up at right-back?! Lots to sort still and he has the talent to be a match-winner from anywhere - as long as he’s picked.

The Kai Havertz switch that propelled Germany from confusion to clarity

11:41 , Mike Jones

The parallels felt uncanny. A Germany team at its lowest ebb for years, having been dispatched ignominiously from the group stages of two of the three previous tournaments, having ditched one manager and parachuting in another, were the hosts with the low expectations.

If the 2006 World Cup came to symbolise a national footballing rebirth for Germany, surprise semi-finalists who played endearingly attacking football with a likeable bunch of players, it seemed as though the best-case scenario was a repeat of sorts in Euro 2024. Further embarrassment started to look more probable.

Because the 2022 World Cup brought as an early an exit as in 2018, the ultimate Turniermannschaft discovering the tournament would go on without them. And arguably 2023 was still worse; only partly because of the release of the Amazon documentary of the World Cup campaign in which Hansi Flick tried to motivate his players by comparing them to geese. It wasn’t the major reason why Flick became the first Germany manager to be sacked but it did contribute to rendering him a lame duck.

The Kai Havertz switch that propelled Germany from confusion to clarity

Euro 2024 Group C guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch as England aim for glory

11:34 , Mike Jones

England will attempt to go one better this time out in the European Championship than they managed three years ago on home soil, when they were beaten by Italy in the final. This time around Gareth Southgate has a much-changed squad and much-changed expectations on the team, as the Three Lions look to triumph at Euro 2024.

Before thoughts turn to the knockouts, though, they must navigate a solid-looking group stage. Alongside them will be Denmark, Slovenia and Iceland, each having real hopes of qualifying through the groups and each presenting different and difficult challenges to break them down in 90-minute encounters.

Here’s everything you need to know about Group C and what England are up against:

Euro 2024 Group C guide: Fixtures, squads and star players to watch

Olivier Giroud to conclude international career after Euro 2024

11:27 , Mike Jones

France striker Olivier Giroud intends to retire from international football after next month’s European Championship, saying he wants to make sure he does not play “one season too many”.

Giroud, who left AC Milan to join American Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC earlier this month, has made 131 appearances for France and was a key part of their World Cup-winning squad in 2018.

With 57 goals, the 37-year-old is the men’s national team’s all-time leading goalscorer, having overtaken Thierry Henry during the 2022 World Cup.

Olivier Giroud to conclude international career after Euro 2024

History within reach for Scotland at Euro 2024 despite tough draw

11:20 , Mike Jones

Scotland’s aim in this summer’s European Championship in Germany has been well-publicised and some may say is less than onerous.

Steve Clarke’s side will look to become the first men’s team in dark blue to qualify out of their group to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament.

It will be Scotland’s fourth attempt to do so at a Euros following unsuccessful sojourns in 1992, 1996 and 2020 and to achieve their goal they will probably have to get at least one win in a group that includes hosts Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.

History within reach for Scotland at Euro 2024 despite tough draw

Euro 2024 in numbers: Cristiano Ronaldo is the all-time record goalscorer

11:13 , Mike Jones

14 - Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals for Portugal in European Championship finals tournaments, comfortably an all-time record. Ronaldo is five clear of Michel Platini’s second-ranked tally while the leading active challenger is Platini’s fellow Frenchman Antoine Griezmann on seven.

9 - Platini’s goals all came at the 1984 tournament, making it a record for a single Euros.

8 - Hat-tricks at Euros finals, including two for Platini. Spain’s David Villa in 2008 was the last man to achieve the feat.

Euro 2024 in numbers: Record goalscorer, most hat-tricks and more

11:07 , Mike Jones

This summer’s European Championship begins on June 14 with hosts Germany seeking a record fourth title.

Here, the PA news agency takes a statistical look at Euro 2024:

Euro 2024 in numbers: Record goalscorer, most hat-tricks and more

‘If we don’t win, I won’t be here any more’ admits Gareth Southgate

11:00 , Mike Jones

“If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here any more,” Gareth Southgate told German newspaper Bild. “So maybe it is the last chance. I think around half the national coaches leave after a tournament — that’s the nature of international football.

“I’ve been here almost eight years now and we’ve come close. You can’t constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, ‘A little more please’, as at some point people lose faith. If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, you must deliver in big moments.”

Gareth Southgate makes major admission on his England future – if they don’t win Euro 2024

10:52 , Mike Jones

Gareth Southgate has admitted Euro 2024 is likely his “last chance” to win a trophy as England manager and that he will probably leave his post if he does not lead them to glory in Germany.

Southgate has been in charge of the national team for eight years, leading them to a semi-final at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the final of Euro 2020, before a quarter-final exit at the hands of France at the Qatar World Cup 18 months ago.

The Football Association would like Southgate to continue his role beyond his contract’s expiry in December and take England to the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. But the manager says he must win the Euros to keep his job, or else the pressure on his shoulders will grow too heavy.

Gareth Southgate makes major admission on England future – if they don’t win Euros

Another Netherlands rebuild has gone wrong - can Cody Gakpo save them at Euro 2024?

10:45 , Mike Jones

As recently as 18 months ago, Netherlands were within a couple of penalty kicks of the World Cup semi-finals. It didn’t quite happen, the Battle of Lusail ending in shootout defeat for them against Argentina after an epic late comeback in 90 minutes, but the Dutch looked back.

Or back on the right path, at least, after missing the 2018 tournament and Euro 2016 altogether. In between those failures and their oh-so-close moment in Qatar, Euro 2020 wasn’t much better: a last-16 exit to Czech Republic was tame in the extreme.

The winter World Cup, then, was their comeback moment, the stage-setter for future Dutch improvements and a team which would grow together, progress in time-honoured national team fashion, become challengers once more. Euro 2024 was to be the tournament where they approached a peak.

Another Netherlands rebuild has gone wrong - can Gakpo save them at Euro 2024?

From Hampden to Munich: the vital issue driving Scotland fan’s walk to Euro 2024

10:39 , Mike Jones

What lengths would you go to in order to support your country at a major tournament? Would you walk 500 miles? And then 500 more?

When Craig Ferguson arrives in Munich on the eve of Euro 2024, the 20-year-old from Paisley will have walked 1,000 miles in 41 days across six countries to support Scotland in Germany and fulfil a lifelong dream.

But for Ferguson, an epic challenge has been fuelled by a greater cause. After departing Hampden on 5 May in his kilt and Scotland top, with only a pack of additional clothes and supplies strapped to his back, his long days on the road have been driven by raising funds for men’s mental health and male suicide prevention charities.

There has been a close source of inspiration, too. The idea of walking from Hampden to Munich came from one of Ferguson’s best mates, whose dad took his own life while they were teenagers in high school.

The vital issue driving Scotland fan’s walk to Euro 2024

Euro 2024 schedule: Full list of matches and day-by-day fixtures

10:33 , Mike Jones

Euro 2024 is almost upon us, 24 nations having qualified each with a guaranteed three matches to play in the group stage - but a handful of them dreaming of going the distance, hopeful of playing a full seven matches and triumphing in Berlin on 14 July.

Here is the full schedule for Euro 2024, plus below you can see day-by-day fixtures and times (BST) in text form, with the knock-out games and reports to be included as the tournament progresses.

John Stones not attending training

10:31 , Mike Jones

John Stones isn’t training with the England team today due to illness. The Manchester City centre-back was taken off at half-time in the warm-up defeat to Iceland but has seemingly overcome a potential knock.

He is feeling unwell though which has kept him out of today’s session.

German authorities halve strength of alcohol at England’s ‘high risk’ opening Euro 2024 game with Serbia

10:27 , Mike Jones

Gelsenkirchen police said this week: “It is just the England game which will have the low-strength beer.

“Fans are not allowed to drink alcohol in the city’s main square, Heinrich-Konig-Platz. An England fan with a can or bottle of beer in the square will be asked to put it away, or it will be taken away. They will not immediately be arrested.

“The square will be a fan zone for other games in the city, but not for England. Fans can however drink alcohol in the city’s bars and in a fan zone for England fans at the racecourse.”

German authorities halve strength of alcohol at England’s ‘high risk’ opening Euro 2024 game with Serbia

10:21 , Mike Jones

England fans will only be allowed to buy low-alcohol beer at their opening Euro 2024 match with Serbia on Sunday after the fixture was identified as “high risk” by German authorities.

The full-strength Bitburger Premium lager (4.8%) usually served inside the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen has been replaced by a 2.5% alternative in a bid to keep a lid on potential disturbances at the game, and fans will only be allowed to buy two pints at a time.

More than 1,000 police officers will be deployed in a major security operation amid fears of trouble between supporters.

German authorities halve strength of alcohol at England’s ‘high risk’ Euros game

Pedri reveals Spain’s secret weapon in pursuit of Euro 2024 glory

10:15 , Mike Jones

Spain’s dressing room is filled with leaders and their biggest asset at Euro 2024 this month will be the strong bonds between the players, midfielder Pedri said.

Spain’s young and talented core of players have worked extensively with manager Luis de la Fuente, who was part of the national team’s youth set-up between 2013 and 2022 before taking charge of the senior team.

Pedri reveals Spain’s secret weapon in pursuit of Euro 2024 glory

Pedri reveals Spain’s secret weapon in pursuit of Euro 2024 glory

10:09 , Mike Jones

Spain’s dressing room is filled with leaders and their biggest asset at Euro 2024 this month will be the strong bonds between the players, midfielder Pedri said.

“I think that these last few days we have talked about it, that the greatest asset we have is that we are a team, we are a family both on and off the field,” Barcelona’s Pedri told reporters on Tuesday.

“The leader is the team as a whole. There are many players that are captains that help us a lot, they act as leaders, but I think the big difference with all the teams is that we are a team and there is no leader who stands out from the rest.”

England’s Euro 2024 Squad Numbers

10:03 , Mike Jones

• 1 Jordan Pickford

• 2 Kyle Walker

• 3 Luke Shaw

• 4 Declan Rice

• 5 John Stones

• 6 Marc Guehi

• 7 Bukayo Saka

• 8 Trent Alexander-Arnold

• 9 Harry Kane

• 10 Jude Bellingham

• 11 Phil Foden

• 12 Kieran Trippier

• 13 Aaron Ramsdale

• 14 Ezri Konsa

• 15 Lewis Dunk

• 16 Conor Gallagher

• 17 Ivan Toney

• 18 Anthony Gordon

• 19 Ollie Watkins

• 20 Jarrod Bowen

• 21 Eberechi Eze

• 22 Joe Gomez

• 23 Dean Henderson

• 24 Cole Palmer

• 25 Adam Wharton

• 26 Kobbie Mainoo

England confirm Euro 2024 squad numbers as Jude Bellingham handed No10 shirt

10:00 , Mike Jones

England have confirmed their squad numbers for Euro 2024, after Gareth Southgate finalised his 26-man group with Uefa on Friday night.

The head coach initially selected 33 players in his preliminary group before cutting the likes of James Maddison, Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish to leave himself with a largely inexperienced, though individually exciting, group to head to Germany with.

Plans for a positive sendoff went somewhat awry when the Three Lions lost 1-0 at Wembley to Iceland on Friday night, with Southgate confirming his chosen 26 to Uefa shortly after the match - and the FA have now confirmed the numbers each player will wear while away.

England confirm Euro 2024 squad numbers as Bellingham handed No10 shirt

Gareth Southgate’s ruthless cull of old favourites is the gamble that will define his England career

09:52 , Mike Jones

Every tournament squad requires an England manager to make one or two hard choices, the odd tense conversation with a loyal lieutenant to give bad news, delivering a quick bullet to the temple. But the body count this time was like something from an episode of Squid Game.

Gareth Southgate left out Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips and Ben Chilwell when he chose his initial 33; he chopped Jack Grealish, James Maddison and the half-fit Harry Maguire when he decided his final 26. Throw in others who have lost their places, like Mason Mount and Eric Dier, and Southgate has culled nearly 400 caps’ worth of experience since the World Cup 18 months ago.

There are 12 tournament debutants in the Euro 2024 squad, compared to only three in Qatar; the median number of caps has dropped from 23 to 12. The most common criticism of Southgate’s eight-year reign has been his faith in the same old players – loyalty to a fault – yet this squad is at the other extreme. Crystal Palace finished the season with an impressive seven-game unbeaten run and four of their players have been parachuted in.

Gareth Southgate’s ruthless cull is the gamble that will define his England career

Tom Heaton impressed with England set-up under Gareth Southgate

09:47 , Mike Jones

Manchester United goalkeeper Tom Heaton has joined up witht he Three Lions’ training squad having worked under Gareth Southgate on numerous occasions – including travelling to the 2019 Nations League finals. He has been impressed by the way the manager he has taken things on after Euro 2016.

“I sort of predated Gareth, before he was England manager and then I was there for quite a bit of his sort of first few years, so I’ve seen him all the way through, really,” Heaton said.

“He’s just shifted the culture, really. I think he shifted the whole outlook, the whole feel from the country, really and even you guys (in the media).

“He sort of brought everyone in together, so that’s how it’s changed. I think what’s that given for the lads is a little bit freedom to go and perform.

“I think we’ve seen that over the last few years. We’ve gone close, there’s been some really good performances and there’s a real good feel to the England team at the minute.

“Of course there’s expectation because we’ve got a good side but you’ve got to embrace that and I think you can see that at the minute.

“We’ve got fantastic players, everyone’s hungry to be in the shirt and, of course, we’re going to try and make it successful.”

Tom Heaton praises England set-up on return as a training goalkeeper

09:41 , Mike Jones

Tom Heaton tasted England’s lowest low as part of the Euro 2016 set-up and is full of praise for the way Gareth Southgate has shifted the culture, having returned to the fold as a training goalkeeper.

Eyebrows were raised on Monday when the Football Association announced that the 38-year-old would be joining the national team in Germany as part of the training group.

Heaton won the last of his three caps in 2017 and spent last season as third-choice goalkeeper at Manchester United, but Southgate believes his experience and outlook will boost England.

Tom Heaton praises England set-up on return as a training goalkeeper

Barnes doesn’t think England are favourites to win Euros

09:35 , Mike Jones

John Barnes considers France as the team to beat and does not agree that only victory in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on July 14 would be considered a success for England.

“I don’t think England are the favourites, so why should they win it?” he said. “I don’t see why Gareth gets criticised at all because he’s maximised the potential of the team.

“With a bit of luck we can win it and I don’t think there’s pressure on him at all because everybody knows this is his last tournament and if he was staying, there would be lots more pressure on him.

“If you’re asking if England can win it, yes we can. I would make us one of the favourites, but not the outright favourites. If we get knocked out before the quarter-finals then of course that will be disappointing, but I don’t think that will happen.”

John Barnes backs ‘strong’ Gareth Southgate to get balance right for England

09:29 , Mike Jones

John Barnes does not believe England head coach Gareth Southgate will bow to public pressure over team selection at Euro 2024.

There has been a clamour for Southgate to accommodate as many of his world-class offensive talents as possible in his starting line-up for the tournament in Germany, with attack-minded players starring at club level both at home and abroad.

Barnes, who won 79 England caps between 1983 and 1995, told the PA news agency: “I don’t look at individuals at all, I look at the balance of the team. Gareth has to resist the urge to play all his attacking players.

“And of course what’s going to happen when he leaves someone out? He’s going to get criticised. Why didn’t he play and why didn’t he play?

“But Gareth is strong enough to understand that and the fans have to support him.”

Euro 2024 predictions: Winner, Golden Boot, breakout star and more

09:22 , Mike Jones

Euro 2024 is upon us, as Germany hosts its first major men’s tournament since 2006 – with the national team seeking its first trophy in a decade.

Some fancy Julian Nagelsmann’s team to defy expectations on home soil, while there is naturally significant faith in France, as the 2018 world champions and 2022 runners-up.

Can England finally get over the line under Gareth Southgate, three years after losing the delayed Euro 2020 final to Italy at Wembley? And if so, will Harry Kane claim his second international Golden Boot?

Or will a younger star steal the spotlight, as clubs and coaches around Europe keep an eye out for the ‘next big thing’ in the summer transfer market?

Below, we predict the teams, players and moments that could define Euro 2024. Without further ado...

Euro 2024 predictions: Winner, Golden Boot, breakout star and more

Double delight for Conor Bradley in Northern Ireland win

09:16 , Mike Jones

Conor Bradley fired Northern Ireland to a 2-0 friendly win over Andorra in Murcia.

Bradley registered his first senior brace with goals in the 16th and 23rd minutes, but Michael O’Neill’s men could not add to that lead despite clear chances for Callum Marshall and Jamal Lewis before half-time.

As expected, Northern Ireland bossed possession but the extra goals O’Neill would no doubt have hoped to see his men conjure against opposition ranked 91 places below them did not materialise after the break.

Conor Bradley scores twice as Northern Ireland win in Spain

Euro 2024 injuries: Which players are out of this summer’s tournament and who is racing to be fit?

09:10 , Luke Baker

As another packed season of club football comes to an end, the European Championship in Germany is fast approaching.

The summer tournament bookends a busy 2023/24 season and one that has seen repeated calls for action regarding fixture congestion and player welfare.

So it is no surprise that several important players are set to miss Euro 2024 through injury, with many others battling to be fit in time for the opening round of group games, which begins on 14 June.

Euro 2024 injuries: Which players are out of this summer’s tournament?

Everything is against Scotland at Euro 2024 - except one key factor

09:02 , Luke Baker

Steve Clarke does NOT endorse this article - and that’s fine, we’ll get back to Steve Clarke in a moment. In case you hadn’t heard, Scotland are heading to just a second men’s major international tournament in 26 years.

After the subdued, Covid-resticted taste-test of Euro 2020 three years ago, Euro 2024 in Germany is the real deal: the Tartan Army will be back, released onto the continent in their tens of thousands and in full voice, buoyant after a qualification campaign that taught a nation how to dream again. Nothing could possibly lessen the excitement now. Nothing.

Hang on though. Injuries to who? One win since when? Germany are finally themselves again? Steady on. This wasn’t going to be easy, but squeezing past the minnows of Gibraltar in a friendly last week did not suggest Scotland will be going to the Euros on a wave of optimism.

Clarke was hardly echoing the hubris of Ally MacLeod in 1978 when the Scotland manager took a pop at “negative Normans” in the press. “What’s there to be negative about? Why not just relax and enjoy it,” he said. “I just don’t understand why anybody would be negative about a second European Championships in a row.”

Read Jamie Braidwood’s full analysis of Scotland’s situation ahead of the Euros:

Everything is against Scotland at Euro 2024 - except one key factor

Euro 2024 fitness boost for England as Luke Shaw and John Stones train

09:00 , Luke Baker

Luke Shaw and John Stones trained as England’s Euro 2024 preparations stepped up on Tuesday.

Gareth Southgate has been dealing with fitness issues and absentees in the build-up to this summer’s tournament.

But all 26 players trained on Tuesday as England went through their paces for the first time since arriving in Germany the previous night.

Euro 2024 fitness boost for England as Luke Shaw and John Stones train

Euro 2024 news

Tuesday 11 June 2024 17:19 , Sonia Twigg

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of all the build up and latest from the European Championships in Germany.

Scotland will be stepping up their preparations as they prepare to face Germany in the first match of the tournament on Friday, while England’s campaign does not get underway until Sunday.