Euro 2024 touchlines: All you need to know from Germany as Virgil van Dijk is slammed

Van Dijk blasted by Van Basten

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk is fending off a brand of criticism he has not been used to in recent years.

Regularly hailed as one of the best centre-backs in the game since his mega-money move to Liverpool in January 2018, Van Dijk has found himself in the unfamiliar role of fall-guy in the eyes of a critical Dutch media following their 3-2 defeat against Austria in their final group game.

That result ensured Ronald Koeman's side finished third in Group D, but the draw has been kind as they have a chance to bounce back in today's game against surprise Group E winners Romania.

Van Dijk's dip in form has been highlighted by Dutch legend Marco van Basten, who didn't hold back in his stinging criticism.

"He's got to lead and he's the one we're going to hold accountable in the end," said van Basten. "He has to organise things and he is responsible. He is the great leader of the team and you have to organise these kinds of things better.

"Unfortunately, the criticism has not led to improvement, because it is actually the same points that are not going well. In that respect, it's a bit disappointing. I'm sorry I have to say it again, but I can also keep my mouth shut."

Former Tottenham and Holland forward Rafael van Der Vaart also questioned Van Dijk in his role as a Dutch TV pundit.

"There has to be some venom in there because it was a shame to see the performance against Austria," he said "We had to watch a disgraceful performance.

"I would like to see some passion from the captain in his interviews. We played the way Virgil van Dijk spoke in his interviews - without passion. That's why I'm speaking out now."

Kane's rallying cry

England captain Harry Kane believes Sunday's dramatic win against Slovakia can change the mood of negativity around the squad and reignite a stuttering Euro 2024 campaign.

Kane headed an extra time winner to secure a 2-1 victory but only after Jude Bellingham’s sensational overhead kick had levelled the scores deep into stoppage time.

It was another disjointed display by Gareth Southgate’s side in Gelsenkirchen but they rallied at the death to make sure their Euro 2024 adventure continues into the last eight.

“We were proud of each other,” said Kane. “We could have won that game 3-0 and done really well and come away happy, but sometimes you have to go through these moments and you look each other in the eye and go that extra bit.

“You dig yourself out of a hole and when you get through that it brings out that different energy, that different togetherness.

“Whatever scenario we have in the next game, it’s like ‘We’ve been here boys, we trust each other and we know we’ll do whatever it takes for each other’.”

Video of the day

With the Euro 2024 last-16 ties set to reach a conclusion, Daniel McDonnell has given us his verdict from Germany on what to expect.

Today at the Euros: Ronaldo Show Reflections & Austria and Turkey descend on Leipzig

Where can I read the latest?

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks down in tears after missed penalty but Portugal get job done in shootout drama.

Rating the RTÉ Euro 2024 pundits. Who deserves a red card?

Roy Keane's reaction to Jude Bellingham's spectacular goal for England against Slovakia becomes a vital hit.

Quote of the day

Didi Hamann was not impressed with Cristiano Ronaldo after he broke down in tears after missing a penalty in Monday night's Euro 2024 last-16 match against Slovenia.

"He has got a responsibility to the team, he is the captain," Hamann told RTÉ Sport. "If he doesn't feel that he can't help the team any more, he has to tell the manager to take him off.

"He's a role model, there are a lot of kids who want to be like and failure is part of the game. I don't know what he wanted to tell us with his reaction. I just found it utterly embarrassing."

Number of the day - 20

Cristiano Ronaldo has had 20 more attempts at goal in Euro 2024 than any other player (20), even though he has yet to score a goal. Germany's Kai Havertz is second with 15 shots and he has fired two goals.

Fact of the day

Portugal’s Diogo Costa became the first goalkeeper to save three penalties in a European Championship penalty shootout as he was the hero in the win against Slovenia on Monday night. He also became the first keeper to keep out all the spot kicks he faced in this competition.

Tweet of the day

Kevin de Bruyne was not impressed by a question about the failure of Belgium's so-called golden generation to win a trophy:

When are the games?

ROUND OF 16

Tuesday July 2

Romania v Netherlands, 5pm Munich

Austria vs Turkey, 8pm Leipzig

QUARTER-FINALS

Friday July 5

QF1: Spain v Germany, 5pm, Stuttgart

QF2: Portugal v France, 8pm, Hamburg

Saturday July 6

QF3: England v Switzerland, 5pm, Dusseldorf

QF4: Romania/Netherlands v Austria/Turkey, 8pm, Berlin

SEMI-FINALS

Tuesday July 9

QF1 v QF2, 8pm, Munich

Wednesday July 10

QF3 v QF4, 8pm, Dortmund

FINAL

Sunday July 14, 8pm, Berlin