Northern Ireland primed for Bale in Euro ‘cup tie’, says coach Paris (AFP) – Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill is counting on more defensive heroics to counter the threat posed by Gareth Bale in Saturday’s British “cup tie” against Wales in the last 16 of Euro 2016 in Paris. Northern Ireland reached the knockout stages as one of four best third-place sides having come through a challenging … [Read more...]

Dangerous to dream too much in Euro 2016, says Wales coach Coleman Paris (AFP) – Chris Coleman said it would be dangerous for Wales to look beyond Saturday’s last-16 clash with Northern Ireland despite the open nature of their half of the Euro 2016 draw. With title-holders Spain, world champions Germany and hosts France on a collision course with each other, the stage is set for an outsider to … [Read more...]

Italy stunned as Lippi walks away from federation post Montpellier (France) (AFP) – Italy’s plans for a smooth build-up to their crunch Euro 2016 clash with Spain on Monday suffered a blow after World Cup-winning coach Marcelo Lippi walked away from a key post with the Italian football federation (FIGC). Lippi, who led the Azzurri to their fourth World Cup triumph in 2006, was set to become … [Read more...]

Payet was close to Spurs deal - Comolli 6:31 AM GMT Dan Kilpatrick Damien Comolli, former Tottenham Hotspur director of football, has revealed he was interested in bringing Dimitri Payet to White Hart Lane years before the France midfielder signed for West Ham United. Comolli spent three years at Spurs until 2008, when he was sacked alongside head coach Juande Ramos, and says he left north … [Read more...]

Reawakened Ronaldo up against a Croatia at Euro 2016 Lens (France) (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo awoke from his Euro 2016 slumber in time to rescue Portugal from an early exit, but faces a greater challenge against a classy Croatia side that Portugal coach Fernando Santos called “sharks”. Ronaldo made history as the first player to score in four European Championships with a double in a thrilling … [Read more...]

Rooney no longer lonely at the top with England at Euro 2016 Chantilly (France) (AFP) – England captain Wayne Rooney says that he is more relaxed than at any previous major tournament because he no longer feels like the only match-winner in the squad. The Manchester United skipper will equal David Beckham’s record of 115 caps for an England outfield player when Roy Hodgson’s side tackle minnows … [Read more...]

Reawakened Ronaldo up against Croatia at Euro 2016 Lens (France) (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo awoke from his Euro 2016 slumber in time to rescue Portugal from an early exit, but faces a greater challenge against a classy Croatia side that Portugal coach Fernando Santos called “sharks”. Ronaldo made history as the first player to score in four European Championships with a double in a thrilling 3-3 … [Read more...]

Wales, Northern Ireland to clash for Euro 2016 quarter-final berth Paris (AFP) – Two small, British nations clash for the momentous prize of a Euro 2016 quarter-final berth on Saturday when Real Madrid star Gareth Bale’s Wales meet Northern Ireland in Paris. Wales (population 3.1 million) and Northern Ireland (1.8 million) have never previously appeared at a European Championship finals, but … [Read more...]

England hold no fear for Iceland boss Lagerback in Euro 2016 Annecy-le-Vieux (France) (AFP) – Boasting a personal six-game unbeaten record against England, Iceland co-coach Lars Lagerback insists his side won’t be overawed by facing a selection of Premier League stars in their Euro 2016 last 16 clash Monday. Lagerback enjoyed plenty of success against England in nine years as Sweden coach and … [Read more...]

Spain paid for over-confidence in Euro 2016, says Juanfran Saint-Martin-de-Ré (France) (AFP) – Right-back Juanfran admitted European champions Spain were punished for their over-confidence as they were struck by a Croatia sucker punch to miss out on top spot in Euro 2016 Group D. Ivan Perisic’s winner three minutes from time means Spain were pushed into the much tougher half of the draw and face … [Read more...]