Euro 2024 final: Birthday-boy Lamine Yamal wins young player award; Southgate to discuss England future; Kane in 6-way tie for Golden Boot
The Hindu
Spain's Lamine Yamal wins Euro 2024 and young player award at 17, while England's Harry Kane and Dani Olmo finish as top scorers; England coach Gareth Southgate to decide on future
Spain’s teenage phenom Lamine Yamal won the European Championship and the tournament’s best young player award just a day after he turned 17. Yamal earned it mostly while he was still 16, but he crowned his contribution to Spain’s success by setting up Nico Williams’ opening goal in a 2-1 win over England in the final on July 14, 2024.
“This is the best (birthday) gift I could have asked for. It’s a dream come true,” Yamal said. “It got tough when they tied the score, but I don’t know what this team is made of because we always fight back.”
Yamal became the youngest player to appear at the European Championship, the youngest to score in the tournament, and the youngest to play in a final. He finished with four assists and one goal in his debut European Championship.
Yamal plays for Barcelona, following in the footsteps of his idol, Lionel Messi, after coming through the club’s famed La Masia training academy. He’s also the youngest goalscorer in the Spanish league.
England striker Harry Kane finished Euro 2024 in a six-way tie for the Golden Boot top scorer as his team lost the final. It was another individual accolade for a player yet to win a major trophy for club or country.
Kane ended the tournament tied on three goals with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo, Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala, Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo, Slovakia winger Ivan Schranz and Georgia striker Georges Mikautadze.
Kane has now been a runner-up in back-to-back European Championship finals after England’s loss to Italy three years ago, and a runner-up in one Champions League final and two English League Cups. He’s won a string of individual awards, including Bundesliga top scorer last season at Bayern Munich, but the German club had its first season without a trophy since 2012.
Ravi Shastri warns against rushing Jasprit Bumrah back to the Indian team due to potential injury risks.
Jos Buttler praises Joe Root's return to boost England's ODI series against India and Champions Trophy preparation.
Pat Cummins unlikely for Champions Trophy, Steve Smith or Travis Head may lead Australia, squad changes expected.
India’s self-interest doesn’t align with those who believe their teams should boycott their match against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy
Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep retires from tennis at 33 after injury-filled comeback and doping suspension.
Indian players dominate at Cricket Club of India with Ankita Raina and Shrivalli Bhamidipaty securing impressive victories.
Mohun Bagan aims to extend home winning streak against Punjab FC in ISL fixture, leading the table with 43 points.
Indian Davis Cup team members Mukund, Ramanathan, and Singh knocked out of Chennai Open ATP Challenger in first round.
Karnataka's Dhinidhi Desinghu breaks records in National Games swimming competition, leading her team to victory.
G. Kamalini reflects on India's U-19 women's T20 World Cup success and prepares to join Mumbai Indians for Women's Premier League.
Anmol Kharb, the rising star of Indian badminton, aims for Olympic glory while pursuing a career in law.
Varun Chakravarthy included in Indian ODI squad after T20I heroics against England, potential Champions Trophy selection.
R. Praggnanandhaa clinches Tata Steel Masters title in blitz play-offs against World champion Gukesh after a mixed 2024.