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      Lamine Yamal, 17, had to be looked after at Euro 2024 hotel while Spain squad went out to eat, manager reveals

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      LAMINE YAMAL arrived at Euro 2024 with his homework and left with a winner’s medal.But amid the beauty of flair shown by the schoolboy there was an equally-extreme duty of care displayed by his Spain manager.Lamine Yamal had a sensational Euro 2024, including an assist in Spain’s 2-1 final victory over England a day after his 17th birthdayCredit: GettyHe could briefly relax after Euros joyCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lamineyamal/Yamal has since helped Barcelona to the top of LaLigaCredit: RexLuis de la Fuente has now revealed the extra steps he was forced to take to “protect” a player who only turned 17 the day before the final.That included choosing a “responsible adult” to look after him in hotels – and not allowing him to join team meals.Yamal went on to notch an assist as Spain condemned England to two successive defeats at the last hurdle of the Euros with a late 2-1 win. Many believe De la Fuente’s men taught the Three Lions a lesson during Gareth Southgate’s last match in charge before stepping down.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut at times the former Sevilla defender, 63, had to be almost as focused on Yamal’s studies as he was with tactics.De la Fuente told The Guardian:“It is important we do our work as educators and developers.”There’s no escaping the fact that he was 16, a kid. There are questions of privacy, protection. “When the players went out to eat, he couldn’t because he was under-age. Most read in Euro 2024Yamal shares his life on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lamineyamal/FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Someone with responsibility would stay at the hotel, looking after him.”De la Fuente explained his thinking by adding: “There are parental authorisations but, more so, a responsibility to society.”Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsYamal has taken his exciting form in Germany over the summer into LaLiga with Barcelona.In fact, he went into the international break with two assists in last Saturday’s 7-0 win over Real Valladolid.But Yamal was handed a warning earlier in the season for turning up late to a pre-training talk.So he’s gone from the conscientious caring of De la Fuente to being part of the strict regime of new Barca chief Hansi Flick.Perhaps for a teenager happy to share snaps of his intoxicating life on social media, it’s all part of growing up fast.The 14-cap star is a Barca regularCredit: https://www.instagram.com/lamineyamal/ More

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      Forgotten Germany World Cup star announces retirement at 32 after a year unemployed

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      A FORMER Germany international has announced his retirement at the age of 32.The left-back is hanging up his boots after 278 Bundesliga appearances and seven senior caps with the German national team. A former Germany international has retired at the age of 32Credit: Getty – ContributorIn fact, he was part of the 2018 World Cup squad and started in the first match of the group stage against Mexico.However, the defender didn’t see any more action in Russia as he was benched for the other two games against Sweden and South Korea and Germany failed to make the knockout stages.A year earlier, however, he was part of the team that won the Confederations Cup and played a whole match in the group stage against Cameroon.However, his career didn’t get rolling after that as he found himself as a free agent for over a year after leaving his final club Hertha Berlin.Read More on FootballThat is none other than Marvin Plattenhardt, who spent nine years at Hertha since his arrival from Nurnberg in 2014.Plattenhardt received offers this past year from various countries around the world, such as Italy, Turkey, the US and even England.However, the full-back preferred to call time on his 13-year career and insists he has no regrets.Plattenhardt told BILD: “Now the point has come where I say: ‘Finished!’ I’m hanging up my boots. Most read in BundesligaBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Between the summer of 2023 and the end of January 2024 there were a few talks with clubs in various countries, but the overall package was not suitable for me in terms of my family. I just didn’t want to do that.”And when you’ve been out for a while, it gets more and more difficult these days. Man Utd wages 2024-25 revealed”It’s crazy when you see how many names, including top-class players, are still on the list of players without a club. “I didn’t want to continue at all costs. So I’ve now made this decision for myself and I’m absolutely fine with it.“A wonderful and great time. When I look back on my career, I can say that all my childhood dreams have come true.”Marvin Plattenhardt decided to retire as a free agent after his exit from Hertha Berlin a year agoCredit: Getty – PoolPlattenhardt had offers from England before deciding to retireCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      England set to start new look XI against Ireland as star makes competitive debut with Maguire and Jack Grealish returns

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      ENGLAND interim boss Lee Carsley looks set to field a new look starting line-up in his first match in charge.The Three Lions visit the Republic of Ireland on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium in their first match since Gareth Southgate’s resignation as manager.Manchester United ace Harry Maguire is set to return to England’s starting line-upCredit: GettyManchester City ace Jack Grealish is also expected to start for EnglandCredit: GettyChelsea ace Levi Colwill could pick up his first competitive England startCredit: GettyCarsley, 50, is expected to reinstate Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish in the starting XI after the two Premier League stars missed out on Euro 2024.Manchester United ace Maguire didn’t get to travel to Germany in the summer due to an injury.While Manchester City ace Grealish, who represented Ireland at youth level, didn’t make the final cut after failing to convince Southgate who included him in the preliminary squad.Levi Colwill also looks set for his first competitive England cap after his debut in 2023 in an international friendly against Australia.Read More on EnglandChelsea ace Colwill was a mainstay in Carsley’s England team that won the European Under-21 Championship last year.Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to return at right-back having been deployed as a midfielder during the Euros.That means Maguire and Marc Guehi may team up at centre-back with Colwill at left-back.And Grealish could start in the wing up front searching for the first goal under former Ireland international Carsley’s reign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland’s returning stars, though, won’t be joined by Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins.The Premier League trio withdrew from international duty earlier this week.Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England starHowever, Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White and Tino Livramento will all be hoping for a debut against Ireland.Otherwise they may have to wait until Tuesday when when England host Finland in their other Nations League match at Wembley. More

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      Anthony Gordon lifts lid on heartbreaking Euro 2024 experience with England after playing just ONE minute at tournament

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      ANTHONY GORDON was gutted to make just one short appearance at Euro 2024.The Newcastle winger went into the tournament in the form of his life – but England boss Gareth Southgate used him just once in Germany.Anthony Gordon lifted the lid on being benched at the EurosCredit: GettyGareth Southgate did not give him an explanationCredit: PAHis only appearance came as an 89th-minute sub in the group stage bore draw against Slovenia.Gordon said: “I was disappointed, because I believe in myself so much.“I feel unstoppable, especially at that point of the season I had just had.“I felt like no-one could defend me, no-one could deal with me over 90 minutes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I felt like I was ready to and really impress people and help the country win the trophy.“To envision what I envisioned… to what it was, it was disappointing.”Gordon neither received nor demanded an explanation from Southgate.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked what the England boss had told him about the reasons for his lack of game time, Gordon told ITV: “Nothing, really. I didn’t never really ask.Most read in Euro 2024“I’m not really that type of guy. I just like to get on with what I’ve got to do.England interim manager Lee Carsley speaks to the media as he announces his first squad since taking over from Gareth Southgate“I believe in myself, so even from the bench I was thinking, ‘If he brings me on, I’m going to be ready, I’m going to change the game’.“But it didn’t happen.”Gordon, 23, will be hopeful of having more chances to show what he can do under new interim England boss Lee Carsley.The former Everton star was named Player of the Tournament after Carsley led the Three Lions’ to European Under-21 Championship glory last year.Gordon then scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in 35 Premier League appearances for Newcastle last term, but still found himself sidelined at the Euros.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out. 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      Astonishing XI of England stars who could have played for Ireland including Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Jack Grealish

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      LEE CARSLEY will be hoping to get one over his former side the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League on Saturday.Interim England boss Carsley has wasted no time stamping his mark on the senior squad after including four stars from his European Championship-winning U21 side.Jack Grealish was allowed to switch allegiance from Ireland to EnglandCredit: GettyEngland icon Wayne Rooney was eligible to play for IrelandAs was Harry Kane through his paternal grandparentsDeclan Rice might be the subject of boos on Saturday after he switched allegiance in 2019Ireland have often played second-fiddle to players who are eligible for both the Boys in Greens and the Three Lions.Carsley himself was born in Birmingham but after failed attempts to break into the England, he was called up to Ireland, earning 40 caps.But who else from England could have played for Ireland?Let’s start with a current Three Lions superstar who actually represented Ireland’s senior side – Declan Rice.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSThe London-born midfielder qualified for Ireland through his Irish-born parental grandparents and his three appearances came in friendlies, but if Rice had played in ONE more game he wouldn’t have been able to switch allegiance.He then elected to play for England to the dismay of Irish fans, earning 35 caps and becoming a midfield staple for Gareth Southgate.Jack Grealish is another player who was in the Irish system and had represented the underage teams for several years.The Birmingham-native qualified for Ireland as three of his grandparents were Irish and he was named the U21 Player of the Year.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGrealish would switch also allegiance and initially play for England’s U21 team before making his senior debut in September 2020.Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Paul Scholes all have strong Irish roots through their paternal grandparents.Kyle Walker shows his true colours as he reveals conversation with Lee Carsley after being dropped from England squad The Bayern Munich star surpassed Rooney’s scoring record with 53 goals for England in March 2023.Meanwhile, Real Madrid midfield star and Ballon d’Or nominee Jude Bellingham is eligible to play for Ireland through his father, Mark.Jude Bellingham wearing an Ireland top as a toddlerAaron Lennon was entitled to play for Ireland through his mother, but a some glittering early-career performances earned him a call-up to England’s 2006 World Cup squad while still a teenager.Chelsea legend Gary Cahill could have starred for the Green Army through his Irish grandmother, but the Derby-born legend only had eyes for England.The Champions League winning centre-back went on to earn 60 caps for England between 2009-2018.While 81-capped Rio Ferdinand turned down the opportunity to play for Ireland through his Irish grandmother.Harry Maguire, who missed out on Euro 2024 through injury but broke back into Carsley’s squad last week, could have worn the green jersey through both sets of grandparents.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy’s one England cap in 2018 prevented him from playing for those across the Irish Sea.Rio Ferdinand said was always going to choose EnglandGary Cahill could have played for IrelandPaul Scholes perhaps did not have the England career he wanted, but earned 66 caps More

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      How England lined up last time they faced Ireland with forgotten Arsenal star coming off bench and hero making debut

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      ENGLAND face the Republic of Ireland for the first time in four years this weekend.But the team set to face The Boys in Green in the Nations League on Saturday night will be drastically different to the one fielded by former manager Gareth Southgate during Covid.England face Ireland in Dublin this weekend, four years on from their last meetingCredit: GettyFormer Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate chose quite the starting XI for the matchCredit: APThe Three Lions welcomed the Irish to Wembley for the first time in seven years in November 2020.And just ONE of the starting XI deployed that night by Southgate is still a regular on the teamsheet.Southgate opted to go for a 4-3-3 for the visit of the Irish, during which he called on the services of goalkeeper Nick Pope.Harry Maguire skippered the side in a defence which also included Michael Keane, Tyrone Mings and Reece James.READ MORE ON ENGLANDThe midfield that night comprised of Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount and Harry Winks.And Southgate opted to go for a front three of Jack Grealish, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jadon Sancho.The bench that night at Wembley, which was empty due to Covid, makes for interesting viewing. Dean Henderson, Phil Foden, Tammy Abraham and Ainsley Maitland-Niles were all subs but were introduced at various points in the second half.Most read in FootballA future Real Madrid star was also on the bench that night.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat Real star, of course, is none other than Jude Bellingham – who came off the bench in the 73rd minute to replace Mason Mount.Southgate said of the then-17-year-old’s display: “We wanted to give Jude Bellingham 20 minutes or so to give him a feel of it.England appoint Lee Carsley interim boss”He was nervous at the start, it’s a huge occasion to come with the team at his age and be as mature as he has been with us.”You saw as it developed he settled and got into the game. That’s the experience we wanted to give him.”The inclusion of former Arsenal star Maitland-Niles will come as a shock to Three Lions fans.But the current Lyon ace looked like a promising defensive prospect four years ago, although he hasn’t lived up to his early potential and has only made five appearances for his country.England dispatched of the Irish with ease that night, running out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Maguire, Sancho and Calvert-Lewin.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland’s trip to Dublin this weekend will mark their first outing since Southgate resigned from his role following their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.Under-21s coach Lee Carsley is in interim charge of The Three Lions while the FA searches for a permanent successor for Southgate.Former Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles came off the benchCredit: MARC ASPLANDAs did future Real Madrid star Jude BellinghamCredit: MARC ASPLAND More

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      Inside England stars’ shocking start to the season including Pickford horror shows, Rice red card and transfer turmoil

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      THE final of Euro 2024 was 53 days ago in Berlin but England’s stars are still suffering from the hangover.SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT looks at how fitness issues, poor form or a lack of game time are affecting an alarming number of players who featured in the Three Lions’ final loss to Spain.Jordan Pickford reacts to Everton’s ludicrous defeat to BournemouthCredit: GettyDeclan Rice was sent off for Arsenal against BrightonCredit: GettyOllie Watkins missed a glorious chance against Arsenal and is now injuredCredit: ReutersNo 1 JORDAN PICKFORD has had a shocking start to the season. The Everton keeper apologised to team-mates for gifting Son Heung-min a goal in Everton’s 4-0 loss at Tottenham and was among players who suffered abuse from fans when boarding a train at London Euston.Things did not get any better for Pickford at home to Bournemouth on Saturday when Everton collapsed to a 3-2 loss.As for England’s defence in Berlin, KYLE WALKER has played just three minutes for Manchester City this season, so is not in interim boss Lee  Carsley’s squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJOHN STONES scraped in this week despite managing  just 40 minutes of action this term.MARC GUEHI impressed at the Euros but, after a transfer saga involving Newcastle, had a tough start with Crystal Palace.Injury-jinxed LUKE SHAW missed the start of Manchester United’s campaign with a calf problem.Moving up the pitch, Red Devils midfielder KOBBIE MAINOO made a howler during  Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBUKAYO SAKA is one in superb form for Arsenal and TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD helped Liverpool win their first three.COLE PALMER had a hand in all six of Chelsea’s goals as they thrashed Wolves 6-2 away but he has withdrawn due to an injury.Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England starAt Euro 2024, DECLAN RICE ran further than any other player and now he looks knackered for Arsenal. He’ll get a break though as he is about to serve a one-match ban for his Brighton red card.JUDE BELLINGHAM still suffers from a shoulder issue and the Real Madrid star is now out for a month with a leg injury.Manchester City’s PHIL FODEN has a stomach problem which stopped him linking up with England.HARRY KANE boasts two goals in three games for Bayern Munich but is still not at his sharpest.Cole Palmer has enjoyed a good start to the season with ChelseaCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskAs for the subs who featured in the July 14 final, other than Palmer, IVAN TONEY pressed the self-destruct button on his England career, moving to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli from Brentford.Aston Villa’s OLLIE WATKINS is struggling with form and on Tuesday left the  St George’s Park group with an injury.Of those who remained on the bench KIERAN TRIPPIER, 33, has retired from internationals and ADAM WHARTON joined the Under-21s but withdrew with a groin issue.READ MORE SUN STORIESLEWIS DUNK, JOE GOMEZ and AARON RAMSDALE have all been axed for Carsley’s squad.But DEAN HENDERSON, EZRI KONSA, EBERECHI EZE, CONOR GALLAGHER, ANTHONY GORDON and JARROD BOWEN are in. More

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      Man City ace Rico Lewis reveals workouts with Muay Thai champion dad as he’s set to star for Lee Carsley’s England

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      RICO LEWIS reckons England can turn into Manchester City.New interim manager Lee Carsley told the squad at his first team meeting that he wants the Three Lions to play attacking, expansive football.Rico Lewis has been called up to Lee Carsley’s first England squadRico learnt Muay Thai with his professional dadSunSport’s Isabelle Barker trained with dad Rick Lewis in Manchester in MayCity teenager Lewis believes England – criticised for their style of play under previous boss Gareth Southgate – have the individuals to deliver fantasy football like Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions.Lewis, 19, who faces the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, said: “I am obviously biased because I play for City.”But the way we play is the best way to play – I think it’s definitely possible to do that with England because of the quality of players we have.“Even though we are only here for a week, we are with some of the best teams in the world for the rest of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”I don’t think that the stuff that we are trying to do here is completely opposite to what we do at our club.“We want to dominate pretty much every game we play. That is the intention.”Referring to Carsley’s first team meeting, Lewis said: “He spoke to everyone and just introduced himself to people. “Most of the younger players know him from the under-21s.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”He said ‘we are here to get the best out of every player’. He was emphasising that there is a lot of pressure on us but we also need to put that pressure on ourselves.“Even when I was with Carsley in the under-21s, he wanted to control the games and he wanted to win and be exciting.England interim manager Lee Carsley speaks to the media as he announces his first squad since taking over from Gareth Southgate“I don’t think it will take long for the rest of the team to get used to him. Obviously Gareth was there for such a long time so naturally, it will feel like a new beginning.”England then host Finland at Wembley next Tuesday, before the Premier League resumes on September 14.Lewis also revealed that he was delighted England reached the Euro 2024 final because it boosted his chances of starting the season for City.He has played all three of City’s Premier League games at right-back with Kyle Walker having yet to feature – while John Stones only came on as a substitute against Ipswich.Lewis also kept fit in the summer sparring with his dad, Rick, a two-time Muay Thai boxing champion.The youngster said: “I knew that England were doing really well in the Euros and that meant that the lads like John and Kyle would be coming late and that would give me opportunities on the tour and then the first few games.”As for the kickboxing, he said: “I think there’s stuff that I have done with my dad which I can implement into football. “So this pre-season, before we came back, I was doing stuff with my dad, just to get my fitness back.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Lewis revealed his grandfather Dave toured with rock legend Eric Clapton as a bass player – having previously said it was with Oasis.He said: “Yes, my granddad was with Eric Clapton. I got it wrong when I said Oasis. He didn’t like that!” More