Euro 2024: Kane hits back at Lineker, Croatia and Italy fight to finish

The 2024 Euros approach the knockout phase with key highlights: Hungary's tense wait, England stars clashing with critics, and Italy vs. Croatia

Harry Kane and some other England players have responded to Gary Lineker after his brutal attack on current players at the ongoing Euro championship. (Photo credit: BBC)

The 2024 Euros are hitting the knockout phase soon, with only four teams guaranteed their respective spots in the round of 16. The host nation, Germany, together with Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland, are all set for the next round, but we look at talking points from the ongoing tournament.

Hungary waits anxiously after its last-gasp win against Scotland.

Scotland dominated the game against Hungary in their final Group A clash on Sunday, but lost out at the death with a Kevin Csoboth strike on the break.

It was a fierce game that could have gone the way of the Scottish side after they missed a couple of chances; three points could have guaranteed Scotland a place in the round of 16 at worst as a best third, but Hungary will now wait for other results to confirm their place in the next stage.

England stars question ex-players criticisms

Gary Lineker and a host of other ex-England players criticised the present crop of players at the ongoing Euro 2024 after two uninspiring games, but Harry Kane and Declan Rice have rubbished those opinions.

After Lineker questioned Kane's passion, the Bayern Munich striker couldn't contain his anger and asked ex-players why they hadn't won any trophies for England during their tenure. Rice echoed Kane’s statement, wondering why they (ex-players) sit in armchairs, asking for what they couldn’t achieve.

Italy and Croatia are about to face off.

When Croatia and Italy kick off their encounter at the Red Bull Arena, home of Leipzig Football Club, on Monday, it will feel like a straight penalty shootout between the two nations.

Last week, Croatia's failure to defeat Albania from a winning position robbed them of their love, leaving them with just one point. If they manage to draw with Italy, they will surely return home. Italy knows what to do; at least get a draw, and they will be certain to advance as the best third.