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      How Maurice Hope MBE overcame racist hate that forced him out of his home to become a legendary boxing world champion

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      MAURICE HOPE — because of his nasty, contemptible, bigoted neighbours — endured far more pain outside the ring than he did from the blows he took in his illustrious career.Antiguan-born Hope, 72 is the son of parents who were part of the Windrush generation that arrived from the West Indies in the 1950s.Maurice Hope MBE overcame racist hate to become boxing world championCredit: Darren FletcherHope’s parents moved with him to the UK from the West Indies in the 1950sCredit: GettyMo went on to achieve boxing success in the UK representing Great Britain at the 1972 OlympicsCredit: GettyMo was nine years old when he left the sunshine and the island’s 365 beaches to join them in the cold, grey streets of Hackney in East London.And like so many Caribbean kids of that era he made a huge and triumphant success of his life thanks to boxing.It began when one of his brothers persuaded a reluctant Mo to join the famous Repton Club, which led him to represent Great Britain at the 1972 Munich Olympics.And it was there for the first time the schoolboy was subjected to personal racism — if only he knew worse was yet to come.READ MORE IN BOXINGReflecting on that shameful experience Mo — now honoured with  an MBE for services to boxing — said: “Of course, it still hurts.“But eventually I learned how to use that hate to my advantage.When he turned pro in seven years from 1973 the fired-up Mo became British, Commonwealth, European and world light-middleweight champ, making history as the first black British immigrant to win a world title.The boy who used to play barefoot in the sugar- cane fields on the island of his birth had, against all the odds, achieved fame and fortune.Most read in BoxingMo moved his wife and children out of Hackney when he bought a £125,000 house (£3million in today’s money) in up-market Winchmore Hill one of North London’s leafy havens for rich celebrities. Rod Stewart lived close by.I went there to write a ‘didn’t he do well’ feature for SunSport and Mo proudly showed me his large stately home with its three-car garage, landscaped gardens and open-air swimming pool.The heartbreaking chance meeting between Muhammad Ali and Colin Hart where boxing legend revealed ‘I’m not scared to die’Mo never mentioned the fear and loathing he and his family were suffering and I assumed that he was enjoying a thoroughly-deserved idyllic lifestyle.It was only this week when I read fellow writer Ron Shillingford’s up-lifting biography — aptly titled Land of Hope and Glory — that I found out the truth.He revealed that the couple Hope were buying the house from told him people in the street had begged them not to sell to black people.Needless to say when the Hopes moved in they were ostracised and then the vile, abusive threatening letters began to arrive.“Go back to Africa”, and “Go back to the jungle or we will burn your house down” are just a couple of the threats that came through their letterbox.When Hope informed the police he was advised to install state-of-the-art security and when he was away training his wife Pat was so scared she walked around with a bleeper all the time.Inevitably to ensure the safety of his family  Mo was forced to move out.It makes the blood boil that Hope, a self-effacing, warm-hearted, generous man was treated so despicably. Britain was a different place 40-plus years ago.Whenever I wrote anything praising a black fighter the repulsive letters from National Front supporters addressed to me — anonymously of course — would descend.It is a fair bet that wherever Anthony Joshua is living today the local community has welcomed him with open arms.One story about Mo that isn’t in the book shows he could be a bit cheeky.At the Commonwealth Games in  1998 he was coaching the Antiguan boxing team.I hadn’t seen him for years so I got a message to him in the athletes’ village and invited him to lunch at my hotel.He turned up with the usual huge grin on his face with three ravenous members of his team who didn’t have to make weight. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt turned out to be a VERY expensive reunion and my sports editor was none too pleased when I presented him with the bill!Land of Hope and Glory by Maurice Hope with Ron Shillingford is published by Pitch Publishing and priced £25. More

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      Phil Foden flying back to England squad and training tomorrow with star available for Slovakia after welcoming baby boy

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      ENGLAND star Phil Foden could fly back to Germany TONIGHT following the birth of his third child.Foden left camp on Wednesday to be with his partner, Rebecca, for the birth.Phil Foden is set to fly back to Germany tonightCredit: GettyFoden and his partner, Rebecca, have welcomed a baby boyCredit: RexThey have since welcomed a baby boy to the family.But Foden is already preparing to travel back to Germany for England’s Euro 2024 round-of-16 clash with Slovakia.He will be back in training on Friday to remain in contention for Sunday’s match.And The Daily Mail claims he is set to fly back to Germany tonight.Read More on EnglandFoden started all three group games for England.Gareth Southgate’s side topped Group C with five points from a possible nine.They now have a favourable potential route to the final.Victory for England in the last-16 will set up a quarter-final tie against either Switzerland or Italy.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe Three Lions will then face Romania, Netherlands, Austria or Turkey in the semi-finals, which will take place on Tuesday, July 9 or Wednesday, July 10.France, Spain, Germany and Portugal are all on the other side of the draw.Three reasons why Phil Foden is world-classFoden already has two children – Ronnie, five, and True, one, with his childhood sweetheart.They announced they were expecting a third child back in April.The couple hosted a Man City blue themed baby shower complete with a chocolate fountain and a balloon display.The City star, who was named Premier League Player of the Season last month, met Rebecca in school and they have been inseparable ever since.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Inside Phil Foden’s relationship with childhood sweetheart Rebecca Cooke as he flies home for birth of his child

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      DESPITE the money and fame, family man Phil Foden keeps his feet firmly on the ground.The 24-year-old shows maturity beyond his years with the ball at his feet and off the pitch.Phil Foden has left the England camp to return home for the birth of his third childCredit: Sophie Eleanor Photography / Go PR & EventsFoden and his girlfriend Rebecca Cooke are childhood sweetheartsCredit: RexEldest boy Ronnie is named after his late granddadCredit: @officialronniefoden_
      Foden is a family manCredit: Sophie Eleanor Photography / Go PR & EventsFoden has again showed devotion to his loved ones by leaving England’s camp to return home for the birth of his kid.It will be the Manchester City star’s third child with girlfriend Rebecca Cooke. The loved-up couple met in school and have been inseparable ever since.Rebecca, 24, keeps a low profile compared to other Wags and has her social media accounts private.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe is often seen in the stands cheering on her boyfriend with fans.Rebecca gave birth to their first son Ronnie five years ago and he is named after Foden’s late grandfather.He passed away aged 47 and in tribute to him, the player wears the No47 shirt for City.Meanwhile, Young Ronnie is now a social media star.Most read in FootballHe has an incredible four million followers on his Instagram account managed by his mum and dad.They post cute snaps of Ronnie wearing England and City shirts with his father’s name on the back.Tom Barclay on Phil Foden temporary exit from England camp And there are other pictures of him on holiday with the family alongside sweet captions like “Mummy’s boy”.Foden has even been wearing personalised shinpads at the Euros with Ronnie’s face on.Two years after he was born, Phil and Rebecca welcomed their daughter True to the world.And the whole family are often seen on the pitch when their dad lifts Premier League titles.With Ronnie hilariously trying to open a bottle of champagne he got hold of during celebrations.Foden and Rebecca announced they were pregnant for a third time in April and hosted a baby shower for close family and friends.They lifted their two kids and posed for photos in front of blue balloons and a huge LED sign that read “Baby Foden”.Phil is also close to his parents and bought them a £3million mansion within walking distance of his £2.85m family home in Cheshire.And in another kind gesture, he purchased his grandmother Mary her dream home in Manchester.Foden has a passion for fishing, which he picked up from days out with his dad Phil Snr as a teenager.He even missed Man City’s title celebrations in 2018 to go fishing with him.And he is passing on his love for it to Ronnie.They posed for an adorable father and son photo alongside a huge carp they caught four months ago.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe plan is for Foden to return to the England squad in time for Sunday’s last-16 clash.And he hopes to begin father duties with his newborn as a European champion.Foden has been wearing these shinpads at the EurosCredit: GettyPhil Foden’s son Ronnie adorably tried to open a bottle of champagne after Man City’s title winCredit: Sky Sports Foden and Rebecca met in school in StockportShe often appears on the pitch after City win trophiesCredit: PAEngland player ratings: Southgate’s Gallagher experiment fails miserably vs SloveniaENGLAND served up another underwhelming performance – but still managed to top Group C.England dominated the ball, but Southgate will have plenty of questions to answer after a third straight display that lacked inspiration.SunSport’s Tom Barclay has given his ratings of the England players.Jordan Pickford – 6Largely a spectator due to England’s dominance on the ball. Asked the touchline what the Denmark score was during one break in the second half.Kieran Trippier – 6The one positive of having a right-footed player playing left-back is that he can dispatch in-swinging crosses, and one such one should have been headed home by Conor Gallagher before the break.Marc Guehi – 7Cruyff turn early doors showed his confidence from excellent displays against Serbia and Denmark, and barring one loose pass was good again.John Stones – 6One of many to miss his target with his passing. He wasn’t bad but, like others, way off what he has produced for his club.Kyle Walker – 5Played so safe, rarely looked to get forward. Was lucky at one point that Pickford was alive to his blast of a pass-back. Sliced cross after break summed up his off-night.Conor Gallagher – 4Got the nod after the Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment ended, but was poor, particularly, in possession and replaced at half-time by Kobbie Mainoo.Declan Rice – 7Had promised an “in your face” performance from his team, but he was really the only one to produce it. Very good out of possession, much better than against Denmark.Phil Foden – 7Liveliest of England’s attacking four by a mile and went close with a stinging free-kick. Booked for dissent, summing up England’s frustration.Jude Bellingham – 5Cut a very frustrated figure as he and Harry Kane got in each other’s way at times, while he was often shunted wide left as Phil Foden moved into the middle.Bukayo Saka – 6Tapped home on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. OK but once again subbed after the break, perhaps due to fitness concerns.Harry Kane – 6Insists he is 100 per cent fit and maybe he is. What is 100 per cent certain is that he has been nowhere near as effective in this tournament as he usually is for England, albeit he was marginally better here.SubstitutesKobbie Mainoo (for Gallagher at half-time) – 7Made a difference when coming on, making England much more positive in their play. So much more confident with his touch than Gallagher.Cole Palmer (for Bukayo Saka on 71) – 7Finally made an appearance at this tournament and one clever ball through for Mainoo showed what he can do.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Kieran Trippier on 84) – 6Came on for the final few minutes at right-back, with Walker going to left-back.Anthony Gordon (for Phil Foden on 88) – 6Like Palmer, first minutes at the Euros, but too late to make an impact.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Lauryn Goodman reveals ‘sad decision’ she made to protect Kyle Walker’s son Kairo after taking him to watch dad at Euros

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      LAURYN Goodman has revealed the “sad decision” she made to protect Kyle Walker’s son Kairo at the England match.The 33-year-old influencer and reality TV star took the four-year-old to Frankfurt to watch his vice-captain father play against Denmark on Thursday.Lauryn took son Kairo to watch his father play in FrankfurtCredit: SplashKyle visited Annie and his children with her following the match, which Lauryn wanted to avoidCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandLauryn and Kai before the match had startedCredit: SplashWalker played in the one all draw after England put in a lacklustre performance against the DanesCredit: GettyKairo wore a Three Lions shirt with “Daddy” and the number two on the back as the boy waved an England flag as he cheered on the Three Lions.But Lauryn has now revealed to the Daily Mail that she and Kairo left the stadium five minutes before the end of the match to avoid an awkward situation.Lauryn said: “We left five minutes early to avoid Kairo being upset and confused that his daddy went over to his siblings but not him,” “It would have been so sad for him and I wasn’t going to risk that.”Read more on Euro 2024She said the experience had been the “best day ever” but there had been an undercurrent of sadness.Lauryn said: “It made me so emotional because it’s like Kairo doesn’t understand what his dad has done yet.”She claimed earlier this month that Kyle had offered her tickets to the matches, something his team have vehemently denied.Lauryn alleged that Kyle made the promise to Kairo because the youngster missed the 2022 World Cup.Most read in Euro 2024A spokeswoman for Kyle previously said: “Kyle categorically denies ever having invited Lauryn, or a member of her family, to the Euros.”But Lauryn said she was determined to take her children to Germany for the Euros so they could support their dad.Lauryn Goodman and Kyle Walker’s son KairoThe tot received lots of attention including a Danish fan who said hello as they walked to the stadium.Lauryn posted messages of support she received from supportive fans which praised her for being a good mother for the act.One read: “The fact you put yourself in that situation to give him that experience shows the mama you are!! Amazing.”Another person wrote: “Kairo should one million percent be at those games. Annie Kilner, who shares four children with the footballer, was also there to show her supportShe later posted messages of support that fans had sent herCredit: Instagram”I hope you know how amazing you are and proud you should be. Shame on the rest of the world for thinking differently.”While a third person said: “You are a wonderful role model to both your children and they know that now but they will truly understand and appreciate it as they get older.”The Three Lions drew one all with the Danes on Thursday after a lacklustre performance.Annie Kilner, Kyle’s wife and mum to four of his boys, sat with other wives and girlfriends while Lauryn sat in a different part of the stadium.One source close to Annie said Lauryn is seen as a bit of a trouble maker, chancer and blagger.The source close to Annie said: “Lauryn is seen as a bit of a troublemaker and Annie’s worst nightmare was running into her.”There was talk of Lauryn’s seats being less than 100 metres away. Annie wants absolutely nothing to do with her.”The security team were aware of Lauryn’s presence and were primed to make sure she couldn’t get anywhere near the Wags’ area.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Lauryn is a blagger and a chancer, and they were worried she might be able to talk her way in.”But given the sensitivities around it, she was kept well away.”‘It was a slow death’ says Kyle Walker as he relives devastated Annie finding out he’d had 2nd secret child with Lauryn
      In an exclusive tell-all interview with The Sun’s reporter Paul Sims, the England and Manchester City defender admitted he was ­selfish not to tell his pregnant wife about his second secret child — and says: “It was a slow death for me and for Annie.”
      Annie’s world imploded just after Christmas when she received a devastating Instagram message out of the blue from Lauryn Goodman, who told her that Kyle had fathered another child with her.
      Kyle publicly admitted: “I’m sorry that I have had a second child with Lauryn and hurt my best friend.
      “It’s horrible to say that out loud.
      “I’ve hurt someone I truly believe is my soulmate.
      “It’s tough to not have her.
      “She’s my right-hand man.
      “I think of her so highly that she probably won’t understand and I probably don’t really tell her.
      “This isn’t an interview for me to tell the world how much I care about her because that’s down to me and Annie and what we feel.
      “I’ve let Annie and my boys down, I’ve let my mum and dad down, my nan down.”

      Lauryn was spotted in the crowd during the matchCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandLauryn claimed earlier this month that Kyle had offered her tickets to the matchesCredit: Splash More

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      Who is Roberto Baggio’s wife Andreina Fabbi?

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      ROBERTO Baggio first rose to fame for his impressive football skills.However, for much of his career he has had his wife Andreina Fabbi by his side.The pair have three children togetherCredit: AFPWho is Roberto Baggio’s wife Andreina Fabbi?Andreina Fabbi is married to former footballer Roberto Baggio.Despite being married to a famous face, not much is known about Andreina.It seems that she likes to remain out of the spotlight and instead let her husband shine with the fame his job comes with.What does Andreina Fabbi do?Andreina has been by her husband’s side since the 1980s.Read more on sportIt’s unknown if she has a job away from supporting Roberto’s football career.She has also raised the couple’s children.When did Roberto Baggio and Andreina Fabbi get married?Roberto and Andreina first got together in 1987 but they haven’t revealed how they first crossed paths.They went on to tie the knot on July 2, 1989 meaning as of 2024 they have been married for 35 years.Most read in SportThe couple got married in a traditional Roman Catholic ceremony.Andreina met Roberto when he was at the height of his football career.The player spent the entirety of his career in Italy and was nicknamed the divine ponytail.Do Roberto Baggio and Andreina Fabbi have any children?Yes, Roberto and Andreina have three children together.Their first baby, a daughter named Valentina, was born on December 2, 1990.They then had their first son Mattia who was born on May 12, 1994 before their second son Leonardo arrived on March 3, 2005.What is Roberto Baggio famous for?Roberto played for Italy’s three most successful clubs throughout his career – Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan, winning two Serie A titles over this time.In 1993 he helped Juventus win the Uefa cup as he scored two goals in the first leg of the final against Borussia Dortmund.The same year he was named Fifa World player of the year and received the Ballon d’or.He was the first Italian player to score at three different World Cups in 1998, after scoring in 1990 and 1994.In 1994, Italy reached the FIFA World cup final in the USA, where they would play Brazil.However, the game went to penalties and Roberto missed his shot which meant Brazil lifted the trophy.He took a long run up to take the penalty but his shot went right over the crossbar.Away from football, Baggio has been praised for his charity work as he became a UN ambassador in 2002 and helped to raise money for areas affected by earthquakes and illnesses.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen he retired from football, Baggio became president of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation in 2010.But, he left in 2013 as he said that the federation had ignored his ideas about focusing on youth talent. More

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      Lauryn Goodman spotted with son Kairo watching dad Kyle Walker play in Euros clash – as player’s wife Annie also seen

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      LAURYN Goodman has been spotted at the England versus Denmark clash tonight to watch her son’s father play.Goodman carried Kairo into the 58,000-seat Frankfurt Arena as Kyle Walker’s side took on the Danes.Lauryn Goodman took her son Kairo to watch Kyle Walker playCredit: SplashAnnie Kilner, who shares four children with the footballer, was also there to show her supportCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandMeanwhile Walker’s wife Annie Kilner – who shares four children with the footballer – was also in the stadium.They settled in to watch the game as England’s captain Harry Kane scored his 64th goal for his country.But his opener in Frankfurt was cancelled out by a fine strike from Morten Hjulmand.Walker, who has been with his childhood sweetheart Annie for 15 years, fathered two love children with influencer Lauryn during their relationship.Annie, 32, met Kyle, 34, when she was 16 and he was 18 playing for his hometown club Sheffield United.The couple secretly wed in November 2021 – but their relationship came crashing down after it was revealed Kyle had fathered a second secret love child with Lauryn, 33.The love triangle started in 2019 and has seen the WAGs publicly clash in the press and on social media countless times.Despite the drama, Lauryn has been “determined” to get her two children pitch side at the 2024 Euros in Germany.Most read in FootballIt was exclusively revealed by The Sun in April that she told a pal: “I am determined my children will get to see their daddy playing for the Three Lions this summer.”Lauryn further alleged that Kyle made the promise to Kairo because the youngster didn’t go to the 2022 World Cup.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner has urged his ex-mistress to stay away from the Euros amid fears that her presence may damage England’s chances A source said: “During the World Cup Kyle would message Lauryn saying, ‘That win, that celebration . . . was for Kairo’.”He even brought Kairo a World Cup ball and a shirt back. Kyle apparently said he was sorry Kairo wasn’t there and wanted him at the Euros.”Annie has kept her silence but reportedly told a friend in private that Lauryn wants to go to “inevitably create a drama” that will “distract” the team.Kyle shares four sons – Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, Reign, five, and baby Rezon with Annie – and two with Lauryn – Kairo, four, and a daughter, 11-months.Lauryn and Walker sparked a secret relationship in the summer of 2019 after she left her then partner football agent Dane Rashford.She then announced she was expecting a baby with a Three Lions ace in the January. In March 2023, Lauryn revealed she was pregnant with her second child.Kyle fuelled rumours he was the father in September 2023 when he bought the influencer a £2.5 million home on the coast to raise her two children.Then, the day after Boxing Day, Annie received a ­message 2out of the blue” alleging that Kyle was the dad to Lauryn’s second child.Lauryn is understood to have bluntly written: “I don’t have two baby daddies — I have one.”She had also forwarded a photo of Kyle enjoying a play date with both their children in a park.Annie later threw the footballer out of their £2.4million family home.And, it was revealed shortly after that she was pregnant with their fourth child at the time.Annie gave birth to Rezon in April with Kyle at her side.READ MORE SUN STORIESA spokesman for Kyle said previously: “Kyle is laser-focused on the games ahead so as to give the team the best possible chance of bringing home the trophy for the millions of England fans watching, including his wife and their children.”He will not be distracted by any off-pitch activity. Kyle did not invite Lauryn to the Euros.”Annie was also in Germany for the Three Lions’ game against SerbiaCredit: euro 2024 news pool (ENP) – Serbia vs England More

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      Lauryn Goodman WILL take son Kairo to see dad Kyle Walker play at Euros with camera crew despite feud with wife Annie

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      KYLE Walker’s ex-girlfriend Lauryn Goodman has tickets and flights booked to Germany to take his son Kairo to England’s third Euros group game.But influencer influencer Lauryn, who shares Kairo, four, and a daughter, who is nearly one, with the married defender, has ditched plans to attend tonight’s game against Serbia.Lauryn Goodman has tickets and flights booked to Germany to take Kyle Walker’s son Kairo to England’s third group game in the EurosCredit: SplashLauryn is also mum to the Man City fullback’s daughterCredit: SplashShe changed her mind to avoid a backlash and will now fly out for the game against Slovenia, in Cologne, on June 25.Meanwhile, Kyle’s wife Annie Kilner, 31, is scheduled to depart on a £30,000 private jet this morning to attend tonight’s game.She is expected to travel with three of their four sons but not to stay for more than a day.When Lauryn, 33, arrives, Kairo will be wearing a ­football top at the Slovenia match with “Daddy and Kyle’s number 2 on the back.read more on Lauryn GoodmanA source said a camera crew could be there to capture her every move as Lauryn has signed up for a new docu-ality series lifting the lid on life as a Wag.The source told The Sun on Sunday: “Lauryn truly believes that Kyle will want his son there. “She has been given ­tickets and the flights have been sorted out for her to go. “Kyle and Lauryn aren’t speaking since Annie found out they have a daughter together too.Most read in Football“But when they were, during the World Cup, it was Kyle who ­actually asked for Kairo to be at the Euros.“Since that day, Kairo has been excited. What little lad wouldn’t be?Kyle Walker risks explosive showdown between wife Annie and Lauryn Goodman after ‘inviting’ ex and two kids to Euros”Kairo shouldn’t have to watch his daddy playing for his country from a TV set in England — he deserves to be there.“Kairo has been filling in a chart with football-shaped stickers. “It is in his bedroom and he fills it in every night.“Lauryn doesn’t encourage it — Kairo has been football mad since he was tiny. “He has football goal nets in the living room too. “He plays every morning before nursery and gets Lauryn to tackle him.”Lauryn had been due to fly out with her son and her grandfather today to England’s opening game.The source added: “She was offered tickets for the first match and was planning to go but turned them down at the last minute.“She knew the focus would turn to her and she would be blamed by fans if they didn’t win, or if Kyle played badly.“She doesn’t want that pressure on her or Kairo. “Going to ­Germany is not about some daft WAG war, it is about being a good parent.Kyle’s wife Annie Kilner is scheduled to depart on a £30,000 private jet this morning to attend today’s gameCredit: BackGridLauryn became pregnant while Kyle, 33, was on a break from Annie in 2019. Son Kairo was born the following year.Despite fathering a child with Lauryn, the Man City star and Annie rekindled their relationship and got married in 2021.But Kyle stayed in touch with the influencer and they started to have time together including days out with Kairo and then rekindled their relationship, too.Their daughter was conceived in October 2022 while he was in London for treatment for a groin injury.In December, Lauryn broke the news about her baby girl to Annie, who was herself pregnant with her fourth child.Annie announced she was separating from the £160,000-a-week footballer.He moved out of the home they shared with sons Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, and Reign, five, in Prestbury, Cheshire, to a rented property nearby.Annie gave birth to Rezon in April with Kyle at her side. The boy’s arrival was announced the day before Kairo’s fourth birthday.Last night, a spokesman for Kyle said: “Kyle is laser-focused on the games ahead so as to give the team the best possible chance of bringing home the trophy for the millions of England fans watching, including his wife and their children.“He will not be distracted by any off-pitch activity.”Kyle did not invite Lauryn to the Euros.”Two other Wags arrived at Manchester Airport last night to jet off to Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESLuke Shaw’s long-term partner, Anouska Santos, 34, was set for a flight to Dusseldorf, and said: “I’m really excited to be going.”She was joined by Megan Davison, 28, wife of goalie Jordan Pickford, 30,, who was wearing a necklace adorned with her husband’s name.Lauryn fell pregnant with Kairo while Kyle was on a marriage break from Annie in 2019Credit: GettyLuke Shaw’s partner Anouska Santos and Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan leave for GermanyCredit: Zenpix More

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      Heartbreaking story of boxer who’d get beaten up in ring to numb pain of baby son’s fight for his life

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      MACAULAY MCGOWAN was supposed to stop accepting dangerous fights after his baby boy won the toughest one of all.In December 2019 the Manchester super-welter was supposed to welcome his little boy smoothly into the world. Macaulay McGowan is a proud fighter and an even prouder dadCredit: Macaulay McGowanMcGowan lost three dangerous fights in a row after a bright undefeated startCredit: GettyBut brave missus Francesca suffered a placental abruption and internal haemorrhage, robbing little Albie of his oxygen supply.The fearless light-flyweight suffered Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy – or birth asphyxia – and the biggest concern was whether or not he would survive – not even how much brain damage he would suffer.The undefeated new father was almost destroyed and – faced with the added financial and psychological punishment of the Covid lockdown – he took three rushed fights as the rank underdog and lost them all.Incredibly Albie has since beaten odds that daddy could have only dream of and is now walking and talking and attending nursery and dad has rebuilt with six wins, a harsh draw and an even harsher points defeat.Read more boxingBut he’s back in the deep end on Friday on Channel 5, against celebrated German amateur Abass Baraou for the European title, but tooled with a far brighter outlook and side hustle.“They were dark days,” McGowan told SunSport with the sounds of jet engines rattling down the phone.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“I lost three fights on the spin, 30 long rounds, and never felt a thing.”I was using boxing as a distraction from what my son and missus were going through.Anthony Joshua shows the training never stops as boxer does 30 press-ups on PRIVATE JET as all-Brit clash edges closer“Being punched in the face for half an hour by an amateur star or a former world champion was better than facing up to what my lad was going through.“We had no idea how good or bad things would be, we just had to sit and watch and wait and hope and then slowly he got up and started walking and then talking and, although we have to keep an eye on a few things and he’s a bit behind his class with his speech, he has come on so much and has now started at nursery.“Now I am boxing because I love it again and I think I can surprise a few people and upset a few opponents.“I never wanted easy fights and I still don’t. But now I am not just getting beaten up to help numb me to stuff outside the ring.”Macaulay McGowan’s son Albie is even tougher than his dadCredit: Macaulay McGowanMcGowan with heroic wife FrancescaMost read in BoxingIt would be a very emotional phone call if it wasn’t for the constant roar of aeroplanes drowning out some of McGowan’s poignant words.“I’m up a scaffold near the airport,” he says very casually.“When I am not on the school run or training I come and labour for my mate’s construction firm, Broadbent Developments.“I do it right up to a week or two before the fight, they offer to teach me the trades and get me trained up.”But I’m already OCD about boxing and everything else in my life, so I come on site to have a laugh, keep me busy and entertain the lads.”McGowan is as as handy on site as he is in the ringCredit: Macaulay McGowanDespite having so much on his plate, the working-class hero refuses to boast about his ability or chances of beating Baraou. The same cannot be said of seven-year-old daughter and No1 fan Francesca.McGowan explained: “She ran out of a playground recently crying and saying some bigger boys were being mean to her.“I went in to calm everything down and make sure everyone was being kind to each other.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And the lads in there said she had been telling everyone that her dad is a professional boxer who can beat everyone up.“So I will be hiding the belt from her if I get it home, I can’t have her talking me into fights, she’ll be offering me out to everyone and I’ve got to get back on the tools with the lads next week.” More