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      in Boxing

      I worked in an ice cream parlour and dreamed of becoming an actor… now I’m following my dad’s iconic boxing footsteps

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      SAMI HAMED is hoping the cream will rise to the top of his boxing career having been inspired to follow his legendary dad into the sport.The 26-year-old is the eldest son of British boxing icon Naseem Hamed – who lit up the sport in the 1990s and early 2000s. Sami Hamed with his famous father Prince NaseemCredit: @princesamihamedSami is now following his dad into boxingCredit: @princesamihamedBrothers Aadam Hamed and SamiBut the Hamed name looks set to remain in the sport for years to come through Naz’s sons Aadam and Sami. Aadam is already 1-0 and signed to Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren – who guided his dad to superstardom decades earlier. Whereas older brother Sami has signed a deal with Misfits Boxing, home to celebrity-style crossover fights. He debuts on August 31 in Dublin on the undercard of YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI and does so as the son of a legend. READ MORE IN BOXINGSami told SunSport: “It’s in my heart and it’s in my DNA. “Obviously, everybody wants to be like their dad but when your dad is knocking everybody out it’s on a another level.”I just want to get in there, I want to show my dad that listen, I can have a good fight as well and pack that dig. “I just want to make my parents proud.”Most read in BoxingSami Hamed: I’m not here to please anyoneSAMI HAMED becomes the latest son of a British boxing legend to try and make his own way in the sport.He follows after Chris Eubank Jr, Conor Benn and Campbell Hatton all followed in the same footsteps. But Hamed will not get drawn into the inevitable comparisons due to come his way. He said: “I’m pretty blessed because my attitude towards the whole thing is, I couldn’t give a c**p what anybody thinks. I’m not here to please anyone.”To be honest, anyone who obviously spends their hard earned money to come and watch me fight, obviously I want to put on a good performance for them.”But in terms of being my dad, me and my brother are never going to be Prince Naseem Hamed, no one’s every going to be that and the sooner people realise that, the better.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeither Sami or Aadam had amateur careers or ever really considered entering the family boxing business.I was forced to flog meat on doorsteps with social media sensation father…now I’m chasing boxing titlesAadam was once a talented tennis player while Sami had his eyes on the big screen – something he is not yet ready to throw the towel in for. He revealed: “We’ve played tennis, football, all of that.”I wanted to be an actor when I was like 12 years old, all the way to like 15, 16. My heart was set, I really wanted to be on the big screen.”I still feel like I’ve got the potential to do that. I could do a couple of years in boxing and even if I carry on fighting but maybe go to Hollywood and chase my dream in that sense.”Prince Naz is believed to have banked over £40million during his prizefighting career – but his sons were made to earn their own cash. I just want to make my parents proud.Naseem Hamed’s son Sami Sami said: “Before this, I was working in retail for like two and a half years, before that I worked in Creams ice cream parlour when I came out of college when I was like 17 or 18.”So for me now, this does really feel like I’m doing something big with myself and I’m cracking on with something that I can love.”Sami believes the work ethic his famous father installed in him as a youngster is what will allow him to excel in boxing.He said: “My dad’s a Yemeni, whether you’ve got lots of money or not he’s still going to raise you like you’re a Yemeni.”He’s always shown me that he’s never just going to give me or let me have my handout. “He’s always going to make me work for my money and to be honest that’s the whole reason I’m here.”I would have never done it if I didn’t have the previous jobs that I’ve had in the past. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I feel like now, this is a massive opportunity to make it for myself.”Sami, who debuts against vlogger Jesse Clarke, has signed a one-year Misfits deal and wants to fight as many as five times in those 12 months.Sami Hamed has signed for Misfits Boxing More

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      in Soccer

      How fun-loving Man City hero Jack Grealish was tamed by Sasha Attwood & family tragedy that makes pregnancy so special

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      HE is one of our favourite footballing sons, whose antics off the pitch are almost as famous as his skills on it.But now Jack Grealish is set to ditch his party-boy lifestyle for parenthood.Jack Grealish celebrated Manchester City’s Premier League achievement with girlfriend Sasha AttwoodCredit: InstagramJack looking worse for wear while being held up by security staff as he leaves Man City’s celebration party at 3amCredit: SplashJack and Sasha cradle her bump as the pair announce the pregnancyThe Manchester City winger and his childhood sweetheart Sasha Attwood, both 28, revealed on Sunday night that she is pregnant with their first nipper — to the delight of their millions of fans.Sharing the news on Instagram, proud Jack posted a snap of Sasha’s bump with the couple’s hands on it and wrote: “Life’s biggest blessing.”Uploading the same image, Sasha said: “Half of me, half of you — beyond blessed.”The couple’s baby joy comes on the back of a tough year for Jack, which saw him snubbed from England boss Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man Euros squad.READ MORE ON JACK GREALISH‘Loving life’He had struggled to perform for City, with just three goals and three assists in 36 games last season.But a friend last night said of the pregnancy news: “This is amazing for Jack and Sasha and it will definitely help spur him on with his football.“There’s no hiding from the fact Jack didn’t play like everyone knows he can last season.“He’s well aware of that. But he feels like it’s time to write a new chapter in his life with his perfect little family.”Most read in FootballThe pal added: “Jack and Sasha are besotted with each other and couldn’t be more delighted and excited at the thought of raising their own little one together.Jack Grealish shares video of himself training at Man City during England’s Slovenia snooze-fest after Euro 2024 snub “Getting dropped from the England squad broke Jack’s heart.“He is so proud to represent his country and gives his all every time he pulls on the shirt.“But the silver lining is that he has at least been able to spend more time with Sasha and be at her beck and call as she carries their child.”So in the coming months and years we can expect to see a different side to lovable Jack, who was born in Birmingham, raised in nearby Solihull and who has made his name across the globe.Since bursting on to the scene with a debut for his boyhood club Aston Villa ten years ago, Jack has stolen hearts with his raw personality and genuine connection with supporters.Unlike most of today’s sports pros, who appear scared to share too much, Jack speaks with searing honesty — whether about his performances on the pitch or the family heartbreak he has suffered away from it.And he clearly has no qualms about being snapped enjoying himself out on the lash. He has been pictured at Wayne Lineker’s O Beach bar in Ibiza and with a pal steadying him on holiday in Dubai last month.It is this side of his character that has sometimes landed him in hot water, like when he was snapped bleary-eyed leaving a Las Vegas club with a brunette at 3am in 2022, or when, aged just 19, he was seen passed out on a road in Tenerife.Jack continued to lead the boozy blowout back home, standing topless on a tram to City’s trophy parade, before having Grey Goose vodka poured down his throat. But it is also this side to Jack that has endeared him to fans across the football divide — Birmingham City supporters aside — in a way that only a handful of stars, such as Three Lions legend Paul Gascoigne, have done before. Take, for example, when this sorry journo (a Manchester United fan) was tasked with covering the Champions League final in Istanbul, Turkey, in June last year, where City beat Inter Milan 1-0 to match the Red Devils’ feat of winning that trophy, the Premier League and FA Cup.The following day, as celebrating players downed bottles of beer after little or no sleep, and made their way on to the City-emblazoned team coach outside their hotel, a head kept poking out of the vehicle’s sunroof.It was none other than Grealish — who else? — and he was belting out a rap song and shouting, “Woo!” before they set off for home, the famous old “big ears” trophy in their clutches for the first time. Even as a begrudging rival fan, I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of a lad who is the same age as me at the pinnacle of his profession and just loving life. Jack continued to lead the boozy blowout back home, standing topless on a tram to City’s trophy parade, before having Grey Goose vodka poured down his throat by a team-mate while covering up his top half with just a hi-vis jacket.Along the way, cheering Jack on through the highs and lows, has been model Sasha. The pair began dating when they were 16, having met at St Peter’s Catholic School in Solihull.They live in a £5.6million Cheshire mansion with their beloved apricot cockapoo Skye, whose fourth birthday they celebrated on Sunday, along with their big pregnancy reveal.Jack was given Skye as a birthday present by Sasha, and calls her the “world’s best dog”.The couple enjoy holidays to destinations including Dubai and the South of France when £300,000-a-week Jack has a break from his footie schedule.‘Deeply in love’But they were left shaken when their home was targeted in a terrifying midweek raid in December as Jack played against Everton — while Sasha and others were inside.Despite some bumps along the road, it is clear for all to see that the couple remain deeply in love.After City’s Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan, Sasha was seen holding the trophy with her man and they shared a kiss on the pitch. Also there was Jack’s family, who he is incredibly close to. The footie ace — who could have played for Ireland thanks to his grandparents’ roots — is the eldest of five kids. His sister Hollie, 20, was born with cerebral palsy and he calls her his ‘best friend’. His dad, Kevin, is a former plasterer and mum Karen is the director of a property management firm.In 2000, when Jack was four, he tragically lost his brother Keelan to sudden infant death syndrome when he was just nine months old. The star dedicated his Aston Villa derby goal against Birmingham to his late sibling in 2018.His sister Hollie, 20, was born with cerebral palsy.Jack has said of his family life: “My little brother passed away when I was young. My little sister has cerebral palsy. She’s like my best friend.” Jack also does his bit for charity. He supports Children In Need and last year became an ambassador for Special Olympics GB, saying passionately: “Nobody should be excluded from opportunities, and I can’t stand bullying or discrimination.” He donated £5,000 to a GoFundMe page for Dylan Lamb, a 20-year-old student given weeks to live after being diagnosed with leukaemia, to help him get medical treatment in America.In 2022, Jack vowed to do a goal celebration for Finlay Fisher, an 11-year-old fan with cerebral palsy, if he scored at the World Cup in Qatar. Lo and behold, he did — and stayed true to his word, performing the lad’s favourite “worm” dance. Jack is the David Beckham of his generation, adored by so many and with the footie skills, boyish good looks and mega-money brand deals to boot. Although his monster calves put Becks to shame.Despite being gutted at missing out on Southgate’s Euros squad, he is first to admit when he has not been up to scratch.After manager Pep Guardiola’s City won a record fourth Premier League title in a row, Jack said: “I don’t feel like I’ve performed well this season.” But Spanish coach Pep, 53, vowed: “Jack will be back.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile getting his career on track again, the footie ace will soon have another mouth to feed.Best brush up on those dribbling skills!Jack toasts Man City’s treble with the team’s goalkeeper Stefan OrtegaJack’s sister Hollie, 20, above, was born with cerebral palsy and he calls her his ‘best friend’ More

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      in Soccer

      Watch awkward moment Alisha Lehmann’s mum meets YouTuber IShowSpeed and calls his fanbase ‘STUPID’

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      YOUTUBER IShowSpeed’s popularity and huge fanbase had Alisha Lehmann’s mum stunned – so much so that she called it “STUPID.”The American – who shot to fame as a Cristiano Ronaldo super-fan and video game streamer – linked up with Lehmann in Switzerland.IShowSpeed with Alisha Lehmann’s in SwitzerlandCredit: X / iShowSpeedHQAlisha Lehmann’s mum meets SpeedCredit: X / iShowSpeedHQShe was stunned by his fanbaseCredit: X / iShowSpeedHQSpeed has nearly 26MILLION YouTube subscribers and over 19m Instagram followers. But his popularity is not just limited to online and Speed – real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr – is mobbed everywhere he goes. Speed – who like Lehmann is sponsored by KSI and Logan Paul’s Prime drinks company – met up with the football star and live streamed it. An army of fans could be seen watching through the building window – leaving Lehmann’s mum shocked. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe said: “This here, is stupid.” Speed responded: “What? I’m stupid?” Lehmann’s mum replied: “No! Not you, the fans.” Her daughter, recently signed to Juventus, added: “There’s so many people, she doesn’t like, she’s scared.” Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeed, 19, then pretended to cry and joked: “I’m stupid!” Lehmann’s mum then grabbed his cheeks and reassured the social media sensation that he is in fact not stupid. Streamer IShowSpeed ‘injures’ ankle before being mobbed by fans in Norway – he vows never to returnSpeed had been supporting Portugal and Ronaldo until his idol was dumped out of the Euros at the hands of France. So Speed – who rivals his friend KSI – switched his alliance to Switzerland for England’s quarter-final. Speed has been supporting Portugal until their eliminationCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Lauryn Goodman shares bikini pic lounging on a yacht as wags rally around Annie Kilner during Kyle Walker’s Euros clash

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      LAURYN Goodman tonight shared a pic of herself lounging on a yacht as the England wags rallied around Annie Kilner during the side’s Euros clash.In a short video clip posted while the match was on, the 33-year-old influencer and reality TV star was seen wearing an orange two-piece while reclining on the deck of a boat with a hat covering her face.Lauryn Goodman posts a bikini snap during the England game against SlovakiaCredit: InstagramKyle Walker’s estranged wife Annie Kilner in the stands for the England match with their newborn son RezonCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Annie and Georgina Irwin, wife of Aaron Ramsdale, laugh with their kidsCredit: RexHarry Kane’s winner in extra time means England face Switzerland in the quarter finalsCredit: AFPThe Instagram post says: “Hosting the best day for my friends and family. Making memories with my children, means the world to me and it was perfect.”It comes after England’s wags were seen rallying around Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner as the Three Lions made it through to the quarter finals of the Euros by the skin of their teeth.The mum-of-four was seen beaming from the stands with the couple’s fourth child, two-month-old Rezon.She has seemingly remained estranged from the Three Lions and Manchester City right back ever since he fathered a second child behind her back.Read More on Lauryn GoodmanThe glowing mum, who flew in on a private jet from Manchester, is alongside back-up England goalie Aaron Ramsdale’s wife Georgina Irwin and their baby.Both cute tots are dressed head-to-toe in the full England kit with “Daddy” written on the back.Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins’ girlfriend Ellie Alderson is in a shirt with his number on.Arsenal golden boy Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson and West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend and Lover Island star Dani Dyer are also among the wags.Most read in FootballGareth Southgate’s side were a goal down on 25 minutes thanks to Ivan Schranz’s strike in the crunch match against Slovakia.It was Real Madrid’s 20-year-old ace Jude Bellingham who bagged an injury time equaliser with a superb overhead kick.Lauryn Goodman Joins Celebs Go Dating: Feuds and New BeginningsAnd then captain Harry Kane put England 2-1 up seconds into the first half of extra time – and that’s how things finished.The boys are through to a quarter-final clash against in-form Switzerland next Saturday in Gelsenkirchen.See our live blog of the match along with all the excitement here.It comes after Lauryn revealed the “sad decision” she made to protect Kyle Walker’s son Kairo at England’s game against Denmark last week.Kairo 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 was a slow death’ says Kyle WalkerIn 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.””It would have been so sad for him and I wasn’t going to risk that.”She 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 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.Kyle Walker of England kisses his child with his wife Annie Kilner after the matchCredit: GettyEngland fans, watching in Manchester, went wild after Kane’s goal in extra timeCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Jamal Musiala was an artist on and off pitch… but one ex-Chelsea player was streets ahead, reveals old school teacher

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      JAMAL MUSIALA was an artist on and off the pitch as a youngster.The Germany superstar, who has lit up Euro 2024, grew up in England and attended prestigious private school Whitgift, in Croydon, South London, as a teenager.Jamal Musiala is now Germany’s star manCredit: RexHe plays the same way now as he did as a youngster, says his former teacherHe invited his former school coach to the Allianz last yearWhitgift has a rich recent history of helping produce footballers including Victor Moses and Callum Hudson-Odoi – with Musiala the pick of the bunch.But the Stuttgart-born lad was unlike most footballers who generally stick together and instead was more of a social butterfly.And one that also had a passion for a paintbrush in the rare moments he was not honing his talent with a football.His coach Andrew Martin, who is now Director of Football at Whitgift, recalled to SunSport: “Most footballers can be quite loud, brash and outgoing. Jamal’s the complete opposite, he’s very comfortable in his own skin and in himself.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“He had a real variety of friends which spoke to his character and how approachable he was. “He knocked about with some other boys in the football team, some in the hockey team and some who didn’t play sport at all.“Jamal dedicated all his time to football.  But he did really well across the board. He was a good student.“I wouldn’t say he was academically astonishing. But he did very well, his reports were always glowing about his character.Most read in Euro 2024129 goals in 39 matches helped lead Whitgift to numerous titlesThe youngster also had a strong academic backgroundMusiala represented England at all youth levels alongside Jude BellinghamEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“He really liked his art. His languages were obviously pretty strong, growing up in Europe.“He was well liked by teachers and pupils.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the Euros“But as soon as he crossed that white line, there was a different side to him, he would switch on to a very determined and driven young man who believed in everything he did on the football pitch.”Martin is a former Crystal Palace player himself who was a schoolboy at the South London club when Gareth Southgate was still there in the mid 90s.Two games stick out in the Welshman’s memory from his time working with Musiala, who he still speaks to now and has been in touch with even during the Euros.One was an Under-12s national cup quarter-final down in Plymouth, when Musiala shrugged off a five-hour coach journey and netted a hat-trick in the first five minutes, eventually bagging seven in a 10-0 win.The other was in a semi-final in Peterborough a year later when Musiala, a diminutive No9 back then, was in tears at half-time after some rough treatment from the opposition, before having the last laugh as his second-half double secured a 2-1 victory.Musiala went on to score 129 goals in just 39 matches for Whitgift across Under-12, Under-13 and Under-14 age groups, as he combined his time with the Chelsea academy.Comparing his former pupils Moses, who went on to win the Premier League with Chelsea, current Nottingham Forest star Hudson-Odoi and Musiala, Martin said: “Victor was a physical specimen of a boy who could dominate games with his pace and athleticism.“Callum could literally do anything and everything, he was streets ahead of anything I’ve ever had before in terms of being able to be the complete package.Musiala is currently joint top scorer at the EurosCredit: GettyBut Musiala’s old coach admits ex-Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi was ‘streets ahead’ at WhitgiftCredit: 2013It was harsh to hook Gallagher at half-time… but Mainoo showed he’s the answer, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield, writes Jack Wilshere.I think he showed why in the second half against Slovenia.But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.Read Jack Wilshere’s post-match verdict in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 columns.“Jamal was an out-and-out No9, the features he showed at school he shows now.“His close-quarters dribbling, his receiving, his goals.“The way he dribbles with the ball now on the telly in front of millions was exactly how he moved it when he was 12 or 13, his style of movement.“If you put two clips together from then and now, they would be identical.”Whitgift have a massive poster of Musiala pinned up on their state-of-the-art Sports Hall, along with images of fellow alumni Moses, Hudson-Odoi and rugby star Elliot Daly.The Bayern Munich attacker’s old school is proud as punch with what he is achieving with his life.Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.And there will be plenty of fans cheering him on all the way back in Croydon when Musiala’s Germany take on Denmark in the last 16 of the Euros on Sunday.Martin, 44, added: “There is a huge pride in what the young man is doing at the moment.“Not just on the pitch but off it too. He’s not splashed across the front of papers, he lets his football do the talking.“I’m lucky enough to still be in contact with Jamal and his mum and dad.“Jamal and his mum invited me out to watch Bayern last year. It was great to see him play at the Allianz Arena.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Sadly I won’t get out to Germany due to it still being the school term.“But as a Welshman, I’m actually supporting Germany because we didn’t qualify!”Meet England’s Euro 2024 WagsEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

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      in Boxing

      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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      in Soccer

      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