Julius

Really fun first half, especially with that slew of early goals. Impressed with Italy, they look in relative control but will probably be ruing not taking more of their chances -- at the same time, Strakosha has pulled off some great stops (that chip in particular), and Albania look like they could have another goal in them. Always love to watch Barella and that was a trademark Barella goal, lovely technique. And Chiesa turning the Albanian defence inside out and nutmegging someone on the byline? Insane. Anyways, for some funny moments, the sleeve patches seem to be falling off some of the Italy tops, and then there was this... Crowd is virtually silent Jenas: this is the problem with passing it around, like Italy are here, it completely sucks the atmosphere out of the stadium. As if on cue, the entire stadium roars out for no particular reason.

Albanian fans are breaking pasta in front of Italy fans... Disgraceful. Demolition job surely incoming in retaliation?

Man, that BBC intro for the Euros is brilliant. Time to finally hear some half decent commentary. Not a fan of this remix they've made out of audio clips relating to the PTSD of 2021 though

Great result for Spain. Lee Dixon doing everything towards the end of the game to make me hate him more. "Oh, it's only Croatia, let's see this Spain side against Germany/France/England", urgh. Got it out for Cucurella despite even admitting himself that he had a brilliant game, which he did.

Simon's early dive, Rodri's weird tackle, saved penalty then the tap-in but oh, no, encroachment and disallowed. That's one of the weirdest pen-related bouts of play I think I've ever seen, what a rollercoaster. But all the right calls by the refs and VAR.

Would suck if it plays up during the potential upcoming Direct, too. When else am I supposed to complain about Chrono Trigger not being on the Switch yet?!

Excellent first half for Spain to come away 3-0 up after a solid opening 10-15 minutes for Croatia. To be fair to them, they've had chances after every goal, but they're struggling to put it in the net, a problem Spain just don't seem to be having. Could just be one of those days

Can't tell whether showing alternate angles of Pedri taking a ball to the face hard enough to warrant medical attention is distasteful or hilarious. Definitely leaning towards the latter

Here we go then, Spain vs Croatia, arguably the tie of the first round of group stage matches. And it's on ITV. And Lee Dixon is back.

Nagelsmann is still going to lay into them for conceding, and they did completely turn off and the concerns about their defence are very legitimate, but what a beaut from Emre Can. Thought they needed to score another after the Scotland goal to get the energy back up and have some momentum for the break leading into the next game.

To be clear, I do vote. And I'll be voting in this GE, too. Like I said, I think keeping informed about politics is important because of the function it serves, even if it seems far from ideal in its current form and with its current representatives. My point was more that it doesn't even feel like there's a choice to be made this time around, there's an obvious lesser poison which is very, very likely going to get the majority of the votes of the lesser poisons. That's the sensible option I was talking about. Mind, I do guess it also gives a bit of an idea of the mindset when it comes to the question of why my age demo doesn't turn out all that much for votes, though that's not strictly a problem unique to the UK.

What a beaut from Füllkrug Bringing him and Sane on, yeah, my namesake is going for blood

I'd like to talk Wirtz out of his current haircut. Also, I know how strong we are with attacking players, but man how much I would've loved to have Musiala turn out for England instead of Germany. It's almost un-German just how stylish and skill-oriented his play is, he's been really fun to watch these first 59 minutes of the tournament.

"Even more harder" -- I'm on the verge of muting this commentary I swear Rude of Rudi to even attempt that shot lol Yeah, think I'd agree that. He's definitely on the mercurial side most of the time, but when he turns up he absolutely turns up, so if he can turn up consistently for Germany this tournament they're going to be a pretty scary proposition. Kai's just ice cold, too, like a Tall Mini Kroos...who himself has seemingly defrosted since announcing his retirement, so I guess he's not quite a robot, huh?

I don't understand who can watch those debates and not think the people "debating" aren't just huffing and puffing about what they think "we" want them to do, rather than what they'd actually do if/when in power. Which is to say -- I think those debates say way more about the people watching than it does the people "debating". Personally, while politics is an important mechanism in society and I think education about it is important, I couldn't care less care for politicians or the current parties. Haven't since I met one when I was on school council in Year 2, he seemed a right prick, and being 1½ years too young to vote in Leave/Remain still stings, for obvious reasons. It's felt for a long time like you're simply picking your poison, it's how I've felt about the idea of voting since I was a little kid. For sensible people, I think when that's the case you choose to try and vote for who you think is going to do the least damage, whereas for the rest...well, they consistently vote for the types of people who've been given free reign for the last decade and a half and have left the country in the position it is now in after all that time Yep. The worst part is that it's such a simple thing to define and yet seemingly wanting that - not even expecting it, just wanting it! - almost feels naïve? Which is crazy, but that's the world we live in I guess

Commentator trying to make Scottish fans feel better by educating them on head-to-head taking precedence over GD when deciding tiebreakers in the group stages. They're 3-0 and a starter down in their opening match for crying out loud, come off it.

Havertz taking the time to drop the keeper and embarrass him, too. That was some BM.

There we go, red and a pen, as it should be. Scotland are going to be lucky if this doesn't end 4-0 or 5-0 or even more. This isn't Brazil in 2014 where they got told to take their foot off the gas (some good that did), it's the opener to their own tournament. This is going to be about sending a message.

Totally agree with Christina Unkel, that was a horrible challenge even if he had to make it: studs into the ankle, got the ball with his other foot, yes, but that's a red all day. She's been a really good value-add just going off her contributions in this first half.

Gosh, I hate ITV commentators. Saying Kroos is a Real Madrid man and then correcting themselves to say "former". Technically, he's under contract at Madrid until the end of June, even if he's played his last game for them. I hate them. But at least there's no Lee Dixon, I guess.

Totally agree. Feels like they're playing four centre backs at times too, it's like they've given up on defending the flanks. Feels like they're playing in the middle 75% of the pitch until they get into the opposing final third, at which point they're totally isolated and have no choice but to try and lump it in. Seems like they've got off lightly with this penalty call being changed to a free kick, good call from VAR though.

Yep. I feel like a tough opener for Germany might've set the tone because of how young this squad is, but it seems like they're jumping on the chance to make a statements. Men vs boys out there the last 15 minutes. This could get pretty ugly.

Well, that was fast. Good start for Germany, seemed like both sides were interested in attacking - which is always nice - but I'm curious to see how Scotland react now. They'll be questioning whether they sit deeper or push up and try to grab an equaliser, surely?

Looking at this German squad is making me think about if and when skin fades are going to go out of style. Feels like it's been in for a good minute Anyways, here we go!

That shot of 'Euro' reflected in a curve on the cup during this Beckenbauer applause is a beaut. Just 5 minutes to go. A night to remember for Scotland or back to business for Germany?