France vs Poland and Netherlands vs Austria – Euro 2024: Live score, team news and updates with Kylian Mbappe BACK for the French, as the masked man named as captain

New mask for Mbappe?

If he wears this mask, I am going to be creasing, I won’t be able to type!

It’s been a running gaga for a long time that Kylian Mbappe looks like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle – make of that what you will.

Well, since breaking his nose against Austria on matchday one, he now has to wear a mask.

Poland have one ready for him it seems…

Dutch turn Berlin Oranje

The Netherlands fans are at it again!

In my opinion, they have been the supporters of the tournament, so far. Everywhere they go they turn, they turn the city orange.

One of their signature moves at the moment is this sideways bounce to make atmosphere…

It gets me dancing along every single time.

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‘Interesting that Depay starts’

Riath Al-Samarrai, Mail Sport, in Berlin:

Depay starts for the Netherlands, which is mildly interesting on the basis that he dominated at least half of Ronald Koeman’s press conference yesterday. His form here hasn’t been terribly impressive and his place in the team was the subject of some debate. But Koeman was adamant he was sticking with the former Manchester United forward and he’s been good to his word.

Lewandowski’s farewell?

It could be an emotional occasion for one player on the pitch today.

Footballers can’t keep going at the top level forever, and I feel today could be the last time we see Robert Lewandowski at a major international tournament.

One of the greats of the game, it hasn’t always gone his way while adorning the colours of his country.

But no matter what, he has delivered on a regular basis for Poland.

After not starting the opening to fixtures of their Euro 2024 campaign due to injury, Lewandowski does get the nod today here in Dortmund.

Is this the last time we see him grace the pitch at a European Championship?

Austria Team News – NO Baumgartner

Wow, no Christoph Baumgartner for Austria…

The forward was the star of the show in their 3-1 win over Poland, netting a brilliant goal, but he does not start here.

Patrick Wimmer comes in, though, as one of four changes.

Netherlands Team News – Simons DROPPED

Ronald Koeman has made three changes to the side that drew with France.

Lutsharel Geertruida, Joey Veerman and Donyell Marlen all come into the side.

Meanwhile, some what surprisingly, Xavi Simons drops to the bench…

Poland Team News – Lewandowski STARTS

Robert Lewandowski is back.

The Bar celona forward missed the first game through injury, before coming off the bench against Austria.

And now he is back in from the start, could it be his final match at a major tournament?

France Team News – Mbappe STARTS

The masked man returns!

It’s fair to say that Didier Deschamps is not holding back, he wants top spot. He has arguably named France’s strongest possible side.

After breaking his nose in their opening match with Austria, and being left on the bench against the Netherlands, Mbappe takes his place back in the starting 11.

Bradley Barcola also comes in with Antoine Griezmann making way.

France arrive in Dortmund

Here they come!

the Frech have arrived at Signal Iduna Park ahead of their final group game this tournament.

Kylian Mbappe has been spotted exiting the bus, but will he start today?

We will find out very soon…

French seek top spot

Now this match seems a little more straightforward to predict.

France will feel they should have come away from their match against the Netherlands with all three points, they were the better side.

But they didn’t…

They can still claim top spot if they beat Poland today, and on paper, it’s hard to see that not happening.

Poland have just never gotten going in this tournament. Yes, they have had their moments against both the Dutch and Austria, but ultimately they came unstuck.

Already eliminated, they have nothing to play for.

Big clash in Berlin

If I had to choose solely one match to watch from this group, it would be the Netherlands vs Austria.

It’s such a close match-up, isn’t it?

When the Netherlands click, they are a joy to watch. Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo, and Memphis Depay can cause major damage going forward.

Austria are no slouch, though. Under Ralf Rangnick they have been absolutely superb.

Their gegenpressing style, coupled with their desire to win, make their matches thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

They love an early goal too, so watch out for that.

What’s at stake?

A place in the last 16, of course!

Well, that’s only for Austria, really.

If they beat the Netherlands today they are guaranteed a top-two finish, if they draw, they are likely to also qualify.

But if they lose, they will have to sweat on other results…

Meanwhile, the Dutch just have to better France’s result to claim the number one position in the group.

Poland, well, they are already out. They will just play for pride, I guess…

Group C Finale

We have a nice couple of appetisers this evening before we get onto the main course.

After two days straight of just two 8pm kick-offs, we are being treated to an extra couple, and boy are they good games.

Both France and the Netherlands are already through to the knockout stage, but there is still a matter of top spot to decide in Group D.

In the battle to claim it, the French face Poland, while the Netherlands face Austria.

Do no sleep on the Austrians, they could still qualify and finish top of the group if results go their way today, and of course, if they win.

So, before you get yourselves amped up for England’s date with Slovenia this evening, why not follow the 5pm matches with me.,

You know you want to…