Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal edged a 3-2 thriller against Slovakia in Porto on Friday to book their place at Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate said England had “huge sympathy” with the people of Ukraine ahead of Sunday’s “crucial” European Championship qualifier between the two countries at Wembley. England launched their qualification campaign with an impressive 2-1 win away to reigning champions Italy on Thursday, with manager Southgate urging his side to back up that performance this weekend. […]

Germany on Thursday won the race to host the 2024 European Championship as UEFA backed a bid seen as safer than a rival proposal from Turkey.

Turkey deserves to host the 2024 European Championship because it represents a “new frontier” that will bring great economic gains, the vice-president of the Turkish football federation said, brushing aside concerns over the country’s human rights record.

Germany and Turkey, the two candidates to host Euro 2024, were both praised in a UEFA report published Friday a week ahead of the vote on where the 24-team tournament will be staged.

German politicians on Wednesday accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of using Mesut Ozil’s controversial retirement from international football to boost Turkey’s bid to host Euro 2024 — and weaken Germany’s.

Germany on Tuesday submitted its official bid book for Euro 2024, saying the tournament would offer “perfect” organisation and an atmosphere to match.