Euro 2024 LIVE: Jude Bellingham joins England camp, Three Lions fans targetted

Giroud happy to be father of French team

Olivier Giroud is embracing his role as the father, or even grandfather, of the French team, writes JACK ROSSER.

But that doesn’t mean the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea man, France’s all-time top goalscorer, has his slippers and pipe out in Germany.

Giroud has confirmed that this will be his final major tournament with France before heading off into the twilight of his career with LAFC in Major League Soccer.

The suave talisman, 37, has won the World Cup, Champions League, Europa League, four FA Cups and titles in France and Italy across a stellar career in Europe.

Giroud, hailed as the father of the French by captain Kylian Mbappe, said via Betway: “I am happy he said father not grandfather.

“People look at me like a big brother or father figure for sure, I’ve been like that for a couple of years now.

“I am quite young in my head, I like laughing. I kind of like the music they listen to. We have a lot of things in common.

“I try and stay myself. I am there for the younger players if they need someone to talk to.”

Keane ‘obliterates’ Scotland

Roy Keane tore into Scotland after their 5-1 thrashing against Germany.

Steve Clarke‘s men kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign in the worst way imaginable as they were thrashed by the hosts in Munich.

Scotland were 3-0 down and reduced to 10 men before half-time after Ryan Porteous saw red for a shocking challenge on Ilkay Gundogan.

Arsenal tipped to consider Eze bid

Arsenal and Manchester City could weigh up bids for Crystal Palace’s £60million-rated Eberechi Eze.

The attacking midfielder is hoping to squeeze into England’s side for their Euros opener with Serbia on Sunday.

Chelsea , Manchester United and Newcastle have also been linked with the four-cap Londoner, 25.

But Palace are keen to keep hold of Eze and winger Michael Olise, who surprisingly missed out on a Euros spot with France.

Shear names his seven ‘n hell for England’s rivals

Alan Shearer has told the doubters there is no need to “panic” about England’s poor warm-up results, writes ROB MAUL.

But the former Three Lions captain wants boss Gareth Southgate to release the handbrake and let the flair players ATTACK – as we have SEVEN special talents in that area.

Shearer – scorer of 30 goals in 63 internationals – is in Germany with the BBC for the 17th Euros.

But despite defensive concerns following recent Wembley friendlies, the 53-year-old backs England’s talented offensive players to shine abroad – provided they are given licence to do so.

Shearer said: “We have some unbelievable players. The talent we have got. Look at the season that Phil Foden has had.

“Harry Kane has been unbelievable. Bellingham. Cole Palmer is an opportunity. Bukayo Saka is an option. Anthony Gordon is an option.

“Declan Rice has had an unbelievable season with Arsenal. The talent is there, no doubt about it.

“This team and these players have got the right mentality and the ability to go all the way through this tournament. I think it is the best pool of players we have had for a long, long time. We can be optimistic.

Click below for Shearer’s full verdict:

Ciao and wow from the Azzurri

Italy kick off the defence of the Euros crown against Albania, writes JON BOON.

But it won’t be easy against the minnows from the Balkans, who have been tipped by many to be the dark horses of the tournament.

Supporting the Italians in their quest to reclaim their title will be their stunning Wags.

From a singer who appeared as a contestant on The Voice to an Armani model who was formerly engaged to Italian teammate Nicolo Zaniolo.

Click below for our full guide to the Azzurri Wags:

Ice shaker could help Lions crack open champers

HARRY REDKNAPP EXCLUSIVE: There are those who say the best shot in the arm is sometimes a kick up the backside — and England certainly took a size nine to theirs last week.

I’m sure a Wembley defeat to ­Iceland wasn’t how Gareth Southgate hoped to head into the Euros but it might be a blessing in disguise.