Heartbreak for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez at Euro 2024

There was heartbreak for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez with England as they were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

The Three Lions were consigned to being runners-up for the second successive edition of the tournament after Spain edged the decider in Berlin on Sunday night.

Nico Williams’ clinical strike two minutes into the second half put Spain ahead, though England levelled courtesy of a placed effort from substitute Cole Palmer.

But an 86th-minute finish from Mikel Oyarzabal settled the contest, in which Alexander-Arnold and Gomez were both unused substitutes.

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Gakpo shares Euro 2024 top scorer award

Cody Gakpo is one of six players who have shared the top scorer prize at Euro 2024.

The Liverpool forward scored three times during the tournament for the Netherlands as they reached the semi-finals before a narrow defeat by eventual runners-up England.

Gakpo’s tally was matched by Harry Kane, Georges Mikautadze, Jamal Musiala, Dani Olmo and Ivan Schranz.

The Dutchman is the second Reds player to be a top scorer at the European Championship while with the club – Milan Baros previously did so with five goals for the Czech Republic at the 2004 edition.

Trent Alexander-Arnold scores winning penalty for England

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winning spot-kick as England beat Switzerland on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

Liverpool’s No.66 stepped off the bench in extra-time for his nation as the Three Lions progressed into the final four of the competition, with Reds teammate Joe Gomez an unused substitute in the tie.

In an even affair in Dusseldorf on Saturday, it was Switzerland who took the lead in the 75th minute via Breel Embolo’s finish inside the six-yard box.

England, however, levelled just five minutes later thanks to Bukayo Saka’s well-placed low strike from outside the area to send the game into extra-time.

With the two teams unable to be separated following the added half an hour, penalties were required, and it was Alexander-Arnold who converted the decisive effort from 12 yards to help his country to a 5-3 shootout victory.

Alexander-Arnold told BBC Sport post-match: “Incredible. They’re the goals and the aims that we set for ourselves. They’re a difficult opponent. Again, going behind, but the team has got a lot of character and a lot of belief and a lot of heart and spirit.

“We dug deep when it mattered most and [we] obviously get the win in the penalty shootout. We knew it was going to be tight. We knew we were never going to run away with the game, although that would’ve been nice. Whatever it takes, no matter what, we win and that’s all that matters to us.”

On his winning penalty, he added: “It’s what we practise. A lot of graft goes into that moment. They’re moments that I enjoy. When the gaffer says I’m taking one, the belly doesn’t drop.

“I enjoy it, I practise it. I knew what spot and I knew I just needed to execute it and I went and did that. All five penalties from us were great, Pickers with an amazing save to start the shootout gives you that confidence.

“We practise for these. You see every game so far has gone to extra-time in the quarter-finals. They’re tight margins, it was the finest of margins today, but we’ve been able to win.”

England will meet either Turkiye or the Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday evening (8pm BST kick-off).

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Gakpo man of the match as Holland sweep aside Romania

Cody Gakpo scored his third goal of Euro 2024 and provided an assist to help the Netherlands advance to the quarter-finals with a 3-0 defeat of Romania.

The Liverpool forward opened the scoring 20 minutes into Tuesday’s last-16 clash in Munich, driving into the box from the left flank and firing a finish inside the near post.

That goal moved Gakpo up to joint-top scorer at the tournament so far, alongside Georges Mikautadze (Georgia), Jamal Musiala (Germany) and Ivan Schranz (Slovakia).

Gakpo played 84 minutes before being replaced, while Virgil van Dijk completed the whole game as Dutch captain and aided in securing a clean sheet.

Both almost delivered another goal in the second half, a Van Dijk header bouncing off the post and a Gakpo effort from close range ruled out for offside.

The Netherlands finally doubled their advantage seven minutes from the end, when Gakpo brilliantly kept the ball in play as he dribbled to the byline, cutting a pass back for Donyell Malen to convert.

And Malen then swept in his second of the tie in stoppage time for Ronald Koeman’s side, for whom Reds midfielder Ryan Gravenberch remained on the bench.

Next up for the Netherlands is a last-eight showdown with Turkiye at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, which will kick off at 8pm BST on Saturday (July 6).

“I think we played a good game and showed a great reaction from the last game [a 3-2 defeat by Austria in the group stage],” said Gakpo post-match.

“I am very pleased. Especially after the last game we needed a reaction and today was a good step in the right direction.

“We talked a lot about the aggression, the intensity and defending like a team. It was a good step and I am very happy we won.”

Jota and Portugal to meet Konate's France

Diogo Jota and Portugal earned a penalty shootout victory over Slovenia on Monday night to set up a meeting with Ibrahima Konate’s France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

Jota was a 65th-minute substitute for his nation in Frankfurt as the last-16 clash ended goalless after 90 minutes.

In the extra-time that followed, Liverpool’s No.20 played a crucial role in earning his side a penalty, producing a driving run into the area before being brought down.

Cristiano Ronaldo, however, saw his spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Jan Oblak, which meant the tie required a penalty shootout after finishing 0-0.

Portugal went on to secure a 3-0 win on penalties, with Diogo Costa saving all three of Slovenia’s efforts to earn his country progression.

Earlier in the day, Konate was an unused substitute for France as they booked their spot in the last eight with a 1-0 victory over Belgium.

A Jan Vertonghen own goal five minutes from time settled the tie in Dusseldorf.

Portugal and France are now set to meet on Friday evening (8pm BST kick-off) for a place in the semi-finals.

Via liverpoolfc.com

Trent & Joe Gomez unused substitutes in England win

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez were unused substitutes as England beat Slovakia 2-1 after extra-time to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

The Liverpool duo remained on the bench throughout Sunday’s Round-of-16 tie in Gelsenkirchen, which saw the Three Lions come from behind to snatch victory in dramatic fashion.

Ivan Schranz’s goal midway through the first half had put Slovakia ahead, but Jude Bellingham equalised with an overhead kick deep into stoppage time.

And Harry Kane then headed home in the early stages of extra-time to ensure England advanced to the last eight, where they will face Switzerland on Saturday (5pm BST kick-off).

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Jota off the Bench as last 16 draw confirmed

Diogo Jota appeared off the bench for already-qualified Portugal as they concluded the group stage of Euro 2024 with a 2-0 defeat by Georgia on Wednesday night.

The forward came on in the 75th minute for the Group F winners, who were beaten by goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze in Gelsenkirchen.

Elsewhere in the section, Vitezslav Jaros was an unused substitute in Czechia's 2-1 loss to Turkey that confirmed their elimination.

Results also meant Dominik Szoboszlai's Hungary did not qualify for the knockouts as a best third-placed team.

Jota will be one of seven Liverpool players involved in the last 16, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate.

Round of 16

Saturday June 29

Switzerland v Italy

Germany v Denmark

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Sunday June 30

England v Slovakia

Spain v Georgia

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Monday July 1

France v Belgium

Portugal v Sloveniav

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Tuesday July 2

Romania v Netherlands

Austria v Turkey

Gakpo scores in Netherlands defeat to Austria

Cody Gakpo was on the scoresheet for the Netherlands as Group D concluded at Euro 2024 on Tuesday afternoon.

The Liverpool forward netted early in the second half for his country – who were captained by Virgil van Dijk, with Ryan Gravenberch an unused substitute – as they were defeated 3-2 by Austria in Berlin.

The Dutch fell behind in the sixth minute as a result of a Donyell Malen own goal, but Gakpo brought them level with his second strike at the tournament.

He collected a pass to the left of the box, stepped inside a defender and curled an assured finish into the opposite corner of the net.

Austria regained the lead just shy of the hour mark, however, as Romano Schmid met a cross with a header that went in via Stefan de Vrij.

The Netherlands restored parity for a second time in the game when Memphis Depay controlled a knockdown and looped the ball home.

But Austria then found a winner, with Marcel Sabitzer thumping in from a narrow angle – a goal that gained his nation top spot in the section and consigned the Dutch to third place.

Elsewhere in the same group, Reds defender Ibrahima Konate was an unused substitute for France as they drew 1-1 with Poland in Dortmund, where Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski each scored penalties.

France finished in second spot and therefore know they will face the to-be-confirmed Group E runners-up on July 1.

As a best third-placed finisher, meanwhile, the Netherlands must now wait to discover their opponents in the last 16.

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Szoboszlai’s Hungary claimed a 1-0 victory over Robertson’s Scotland

Dominik Szoboszlai’s Hungary claimed a 1-0 victory over Andy Robertson’s Scotland at Euro 2024 on Sunday night.

The Liverpool pair each captained their country in the Group A game in Stuttgart, which was settled by a Kevin Csoboth goal 10 minutes into added time.

During a goalless first half, Hungary came closest to breaking the deadlock when Szoboszlai’s disguised, dinked free-kick was headed against the crossbar by Willi Orban.

The second period appeared to be passing by without a mark on the scoresheet, too, and was overshadowed by a collision that saw Hungary’s Barnabas Varga stretchered off and taken to hospital

Szoboszlai was denied a goal a minute into added time when his effort from inside the area was saved, moments before teammate Csoboth struck the post.

Scotland’s Grant Hanley was thwarted at the other end, but in the last minute of the contest a counter-attack involving Szoboszlai was finished off by Csoboth to win it.

The result means Hungary finish third in the group and must wait to see if their total of three points is enough to qualify for the last 16, while Scotland are eliminated.

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Jota and Jaros unused substitutes in Euro 24

Diogo Jota's Portugal have secured their spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a game to spare.

The Liverpool forward was an unused substitute in his nation's 3-0 victory over Turkiye in Dortmund on Saturday evening.

Finishes by Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes, and an own goal from Samet Akaydin, wrapped up top spot in Group F for Roberto Martinez's side.

Jota and his teammates complete the section against Georgia on Wednesday night.

Earlier in the day, Vitezslav Jaros was on the bench in Czechia's 1-1 draw with Georgia.

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Van Dijk & Gakpo feature as Holland and France draw

Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo featured for the Netherlands in a 0-0 draw versus France at Euro 2024 on Friday night.

The Liverpool duo completed 90 minutes in Leipzig – with Van Dijk captaining his nation – as the points were shared in the Group D contest.

Ibrahima Konate was an unused substitute for France, while Ryan Gravenberch was also named on the bench for the Dutch.

In a competitive contest that saw a range of chances for both teams, it was the Netherlands who came closest to securing all three points.

Ronald Koeman’s outfit struck in minute 69 via Xavi Simons, though the attacker saw his low drive past goalkeeper Mike Maignan ruled out after VAR consultation for an offside.

The Netherlands and France will both return to action on Tuesday evening for a final group fixture in their bid to reach the knockout phase, taking on Austria and Poland respectively.

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Trent Alexander-Arnold's England draw with Denmark in Euro 2024

Trent Alexander-Arnold started England's 1-1 draw with Denmark in Euro 2024 on Thursday evening.

The 25-year-old played the opening 54 minutes of his country's second Group C fixture, with Liverpool teammate Joe Gomez an unused substitute.

The Three Lions took the lead in Frankfurt after 18 minutes through Harry Kane but were pegged back by Morten Hjulmand's long-range strike.

Alexander-Arnold and his teammates remain top of their group and have the opportunity to clinch qualification for the last 16 when they play Slovenia on Tuesday night.

via Liverpoolfc.com

Dominik Szoboszlai captains Hungary to a defeat against Germany

Dominik Szoboszlai’s Hungary were beaten 2-0 by hosts Germany in their second Group A game at Euro 2024.

Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai captained his nation in Wednesday’s contest in Stuttgart, which was decided by goals in either half from Jamal Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan.

The 23-year-old twice went close to scoring a quick equaliser after Musiala’s opener midway through the first period. Szoboszlai was first denied by a stretching Manuel Neuer, who clawed his free-kick away from the top corner, before he burst into the penalty area and saw a shot blocked by Jonathan Tah.

But Gundogan’s 67th-minute strike would seal victory for Germany and confirm a second defeat of the tournament for Hungary, who finish the pool phase by meeting Andy Robertson’s Scotland on Sunday.

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Andy Robertson's Scotland pick up 1st point of Euro 2024

Andy Robertson captained Scotland as they picked up their first point of Euro 2024 with a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

The Liverpool left-back played his part in his country’s goal, which put them into an early lead in Wednesday night’s Group A match in Cologne, as a counter-attack accelerated by his driving run from deep ended with Scott McTominay’s deflected shot finding the net.

Former Red's favourite Xherdan Shaqiri then produced a moment of brilliance to equalise in stunning fashion for the Swiss, though Robertson so nearly created a second-half winner for Scotland as his free-kick delivery was headed onto the post by Grant Hanley.

The game would finish all square, however – a result that means Scotland go into their final pool fixture against Hungary on Sunday in third place and one point above Dominik Szoboszlai’s team.

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Diogo Jota's Portugal grab last minute winner

Diogo Jota’s Portugal scored a stoppage-time winner to defeat Czechia 2-1 at Euro 2024 on Tuesday night.

In a game largely dominated by Portugal in the early exchanges, the two teams entered the half-time interval all square in the Group F clash in Leipzig.

However, Czechia, who named Reds goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros on their bench, took the lead just after the hour via a Lukas Provod strike from distance against the run of play.

In response, Jota was introduced from the bench by his country, and it was an own goal from defender Robin Hranac that saw them level, with Portugal having trailed for only seven minutes.

As the game opened up in the latter stages both sides exchanged chances and Jota thought he had headed home a winner for Portugal three minutes from time.

The Reds attacker found the back of the net as he followed in a Cristiano Ronaldo header that struck the post, though VAR intervened to rule out the goal for an offside in the build-up.

Portugal, though, weren’t to be denied in minute 92 as substitute Francisco Conceicao swept in a loose ball from close range to secure three points.

Jota and his nation will return to action on Saturday when they take on Turkey in a 5pm kick-off, while Czechia face Georgia at 2pm.

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Trent Alexander-Arnold features in England win

Trent Alexander-Arnold featured for England as they earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener on Sunday night.

The Reds’ No.66 was selected to start in midfield by Gareth Southgate for the Group C encounter in Gelsenkirchen.

Alexander-Arnold completed 69 minutes of the fixture – with Liverpool teammate Joe Gomez named on the bench - after helping his nation earn an advantage in the first half.

England dominated early possession in the contest and were rewarded in just the 13th minute of the match for their efforts.

Winger Bukayo Saka drove to the byline having been released down the right flank, delivering into the box for the onrushing Jude Bellingham to head home from inside the six-yard box.

The Three Lions then pressed on for a second with Kyle Walker flashing a ball across goal, before Serbia threatened themselves through Aleksandar Mitrovic, who fired a low shot wide.

Following the half-time interval, Serbia started on the front foot in their search for a leveller as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was forced into action on a number of occasions.

Ahead of his departure and in his last meaningful action of the evening, Alexander-Arnold hit a well-struck effort from outside the area as play opened up, with Serbia stopper Predrag Rajkovic able to beat away his shot thanks to strong hands.

Both Pickford and Rajkovic were each made to produce stern saves in the latter stages, with Three Lions captain Harry Kane forcing the most notable of those, seeing his header pushed onto the crossbar.

England, however, stood firm defensively as time ticked down to take the spoils and start the tournament with victory.

Via LiverpoolFC.com

Gakpo scores as Holland win

Cody Gakpo was on the scoresheet for the Netherlands on Sunday afternoon in a 2-1 comeback victory over Poland at Euro 2024.

Liverpool teammate and club captain Virgil van Dijk led out his country for their opening game of Group D in Hamburg, completing the full match in the centre of defence.

However, after dominating early possession, it was Poland who opened the scoring against the run of play in minute 16 via the head of Adam Buksa following Piotr Zielinski’s corner ball.

But the Netherlands restored parity quickly just before the half-hour mark as Gakpo took the ball in his stride to drive on and strike goalwards from outside the area.

His effort took a deflection, which left Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny wrong-footed and unable to halt his shot.

After the half-time interval, the Dutch pushed on in search of a winner and went close through Denzel Dumfries and Xavi Simons.

Poland, though, grew into the game and were posing a threat of their own in the opposite box, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen called into action on a number of occasions.

Gakpo was taken off nine minutes from time with the tie seemingly heading for a draw, but substitute Wout Weghorst provided the decisive intervention in the 83rd minute, finding space in the area to shoot low into the bottom corner and earn the spoils for his nation.

“I think it was a tough match, [they are] a tough opponent,” Gakpo told UEFA post-match. “They are well organised and obviously they scored first so it was a little bit more difficult.

“I think we created a lot of good opportunities and good chances, but we have to be more clinical. Overall, I think we performed really well against them.

“It was a tough match but in the end we won so that’s good.”

He added: “We are a team that never gives up. We have good substitutes and that’s what you saw today. I think we changed the whole front line and they came in and performed very well so that’s a strength for us as well.”

Reds midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was an unused substitute for the Netherlands on the afternoon.

Via Liverpoolfc.com

Dominik Szoboszlai made European Championship history

Dominik Szoboszlai made European Championship history and registered an assist but Hungary lost 3-1 to Switzerland on Saturday afternoon.

Aged 23 years, seven months and 21 days, Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai became the youngest captain in the competition’s history when leading his country out for their Group A opener at Euro 2024.

And it was his pinpoint cross from which Barnabas Varga headed home midway through the second half to halve Hungary’s deficit in Cologne, where first-half goals by Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer had put Switzerland in charge.

Having been second best throughout the first 45 minutes, Hungary were much improved after the break and a moment of class from Szoboszlai set up Varga to haul them back into the contest.

However, they were unable to force an equaliser and Breel Embolo added a third for the Swiss in stoppage time.

Next up for Hungary is a meeting with hosts Germany in Stuttgart on Wednesday.

Via LiverpoolFC.com

Euro 2024 Update: Robbo's Scotland thrashed in opener

Andy Robertson's Scotland were beaten 5-1 by Germany in the opening match of Euro 2024 on Friday night.

Liverpool left-back Robertson captained his nation in Munich as they were defeated after goals from Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can.

Well-taken finishes by Wirtz and Musiala put the tournament hosts 2-0 up inside 19 minutes at the Allianz Arena.

Havertz then converted a penalty – awarded for a challenge that resulted in the dismissal of Ryan Porteous – on the stroke of half-time, and substitute Fullkrug added the fourth in the second period.

An own goal from Antonio Rudiger reduced the deficit but Can's hit restored Germany's four-goal lead right at the end.

Robertson and his Scotland teammates are next in action on Wednesday when they face Switzerland in Cologne.

via Liverpoolfc.com

Liverpool trio in Dutch Euro 24 squad

Virgil van Dijk is one of three Liverpool players named in the Netherlands' final 26-man squad for Euro 2024.

Netherlands captain Van Dijk heads up a trio of Reds players selected by Dutch boss Ronald Koeman, alongside midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and striker Cody Gakpo.

Injured Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has also been picked, despite not having played for more than a month because of an ankle injury.

Borussia Dortmund left-back Ian Maatsen, currently on loan from Chelsea, misses out on the final squad, as do Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon (through injury), Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Nick Olij and Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber.

The Netherlands face Canada and Iceland in warm-up matches next month before beginning their campaign against Poland in Hamburg on 16 June.

Koeman's side will also face France and Austria in Group D.

Netherlands squad

Goalkeepers: Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord), Mark Flekken (Brentford), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Girona), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan)

Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Jerdy Schouten (PSV Eindhoven), Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig), Joey Veerman (PSV Eindhoven), Georginio Wijnaldum (Al-Ettifaq)

Forwards: Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Brian Brobbey (Ajax), Memphis Depay (Atletico Madrid), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund), Wout Weghorst (Hoffenheim, on loan from Burnley)