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      Rodri and Alvaro Morata slapped with BANS after singing ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ after Spain’s Euro 2024 win

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      MANCHESTER CITY ace Rodri has been slapped with a suspension for his Gibraltar chant.The midfielder sang “Gibraltar es Espanol” – which translates to “Gibraltar is Spain” – in front of thousands of fans last month as La Roja celebrated their Euro 2024 final win.Rodri and Alvaro Morata found themselves in hot water after singing “Gibraltar is Spain” days after La Roja’s Euro 2024 triumphCredit: AFPUefa have hit the pair with one-match suspensionsCredit: RexRodri and AC Milan hitman Alvaro Morata were charged under Article 11 of Uefa’s disciplinary code for their singing of the song.And European footie’s governing body has punished the pair for their actions.Rodri, 28, and Morata, 31, have been slapped with one-match suspensions.It’s been judged that “they violated the basic rules of decent conduct, used a sporting event for a manifestation of a non-sporting nature, and brought the sport into disrepute.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThankfully for Manchester City fans, the ban won’t prohibit Rodri from playing in the Premier League opener against Chelsea.The ban is an international one, meaning he’ll miss Spain’s first outing since beating England in last month’s final.Rodri and Morata will both be ineligible for Spain’s Nations League clash with Serbia next month.Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, although it is the subject of a territorial claim from the Spanish.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRodri and Alvaro Morata will miss Spain’s Nations League clash with Serbia next monthCredit: AlamyThe Gibraltar Football Association were left irate by singing of the chant, which they claimed was “deeply offensive”.An excerpt of their statement read: “This is a totally unnecessary mixing of sporting success with discriminatory political statements that are hugely offensive to Gibraltarians.Inside Rodri’s humble lifeGibraltar’s chief minister also issued a scathing statement.Fabian Picardo wrote on X: “The Rock is OURS.”Mixing a sporting victory and the chant that glorifies the dictatorial politics of a mass murderer like [General] Franco and his fascist regime’s attempt to usurp a neighbouring territory, that is also a UEFA nation, is worse than disgusting.”This cannot stand unchallenged.” More

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      Gareth Southgate relaxes with wife Alison as he enjoys family holiday in Algarve after quitting as England manager

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has been spotted enjoying some well-earned time off with his family in the Algarve following his England departure.The former Three Lions manager was seen soaking up the sun with his wife, Alison, and kids after leaving a coffee shop.Gareth Southgate was seen enjoying some time off in the AlgarveCredit: BackGridHe was spotted leaving a coffee shop with his wife, AlisonCredit: BackGridThe couple are on holiday with their kidsCredit: BackGridSouthgate left his role as England manager last monthCredit: BackGridSouthgate made the decision to resign from his position following the Euro 2024 final last month.Two days after England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain, he released a statement that read: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.”But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”He also said: “I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Thank you, England – for everything.”The FA are now understood to be assessing potential candidates to replace Southgate.England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley is in pole position to take over.He is expected to lead the Three Lions into their next Nations League campaign, which starts next month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSouthgate’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.FA chiefs are also big fans of Newcastle manager Eddie Howe but feel Carsley is best placed to take over for the next match against the Republic of Ireland.Southgate spent eight years in charge of England and managed 102 games.Lee Carsley for EnglandDuring that time led the Three Lions to two European Championship finals, a World Cup quarter-final and a World Cup semi-final.Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. More

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      Arsenal boss Arteta to make late call on Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale in Emirates Cup after Euros break

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      MIKEL ARTETA will make a late call on whether to include his England trio in Arsenal’s Emirates Cup clash with Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale – as well as Spain’s David Raya and France’s William Saliba – joined back up with the squad at London Colney for training on Sunday morning.Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice returned to Arsenal training on SundayCredit: GettyAaron Ramsdale was also pictured by at London ColneyCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba could make an appearance against LeverkusenCredit: GettyThe five North London stars enjoyed an extended break following the Euros while Arteta took the club on their 10-day tour of the United States from July 21, facing Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool.Four of them had been involved in England’s Euros final defeat to Spain in Berlin on July 14, while Saliba was a part of Les Bleus’ disappointing exit at the semi-finals.With 12 days to go until Arsenal’s Prem opener at home to Wolves, Arteta will want the spine of his team ready to go, having completed personal training regimes while on their holiday.And they were put through their paces with individual fitness tests back at Colney before being seen in good spirits as they took part in some small-sided drills.read more arsenalArteta was pictured embracing Saka upon his return, while the five were in fits of giggles as they were given the traditional ‘head-slapping’ tunnel treatment by the rest of their teammates on the training pitch.The question remains whether Arteta will risk throwing them back into a competitive match as they welcome Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bundesliga champions Leverkusen to the Emirates this week before playing Lyon on Sunday.It is worth noting that Germany’s Kai Havertz and Brazil pair Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli did not travel out to the States until July 26 after their own Euros and Copa America action.And 48 hours later, they were all second half substitutes in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over United out in Los Angeles.Most read in FootballDavid Raya is gearing up for his first competitive appearance in over a monthCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSo, there is a high chance Rice, Saka and Saliba will not only be included in the squad but will play some part against Leverkusen – either as a starter or from the bench.Rice played every minute of England’s seven Euros clashes, while Saka was on the pitch for 70 minutes or more in all but one of England’s games.New video reveals Riccardo Calafiori was at Arsenal SEVEN MONTHS before Italian signed in £42m transferSaliba also started and played every minute of France’s run to the semis.Arteta could be tempted to start Ramsdale in goal, despite his links with a move away this summer, given the Three Lions keeper failed to play a single minute at the Euros.Arsenal No.1 Raya also had limited game time in Germany, featuring in just one 90-minute clash in a dead-rubber group stage clash against Albania on June 24.In comparison, current No.3 Karl Hein played every minute in the States.Arteta has a near-fully fit squad to choose from against Leverkusen, with only Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) missing the summer tour – the latter likely to leave the club in the coming weeks.READ MORE SUN STORIESJurrien Timber – back after suffering an ACL rupture in last term’s Prem opener – played all but one of the U.S. matches, rested for the Liverpool clash as a precautionary measure.Riccardo Calafiori could make his full debut after his £42m move from Bologna. The versatile left-footed Italian defender joined up with the States group after signing on July 29 but was only a spectator.Arsenal have a tricky start to their 2024/25 Prem campaign More

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      Carlo Ancelotti ‘angry’ at Jude Bellingham for snubbing his phone call… before using Vinicius Jr to stitch him up

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM has incurred the wrath of manager Carlo Ancelotti – by SNUBBING a phone call from the Real Madrid gaffer.Bellingham is currently enjoying a well-earned summer holiday after guiding Real to La Liga and Champions League success last season and playing a key role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.Jude Bellingham is currently enjoying a well-earned holidayCredit: PAManager Carlo Ancelotti has been keeping tabs on the midfielder during his breakCredit: GETTYBellingham incurred the wrath of the Real Madrid manager by snubbing one of his callsCredit: REXAncelotti has given the midfielder extra time off to recover from the long campaign but has been regularly checking up on him.But the 21-year-old drew the ire of the legendary manager by snubbing one of his phone calls before picking up and answering a call from team-mate Vinicius Jr a few moments later.Ancelotti revealed: “I’m in touch… but yesterday I got angry with Bellingham because he didn’t answer me.”I told Vinicius to call him and he picked up immediately. He passed me the phone and I was able to speak to him. So be careful.”READ MORE ON BELLINGHAMBellingham was a revelation during his first season at the Bernabeu, scoring 23 goals and racking up 13 assists in his first season with the European powerhouses.And Ancelotti has backed him to continue to thrive – despite the blockbuster summer arrival of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.He said of Bellingham: “Nothing changes for him. Nothing changes.”The first season, he surprised a lot, because he showed fantastic quality, a really mature guy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The next season will not be different.”He is going to be one of the best players that we have, supporting the team a lot with his quality.”Heartbroken Jude Bellingham shares touching moment with Spain star and his family after Euro 2024 final loss Asked about Bellingham’s Euros display, Ancelotti added: “This is an opinion but Bellingham played really well at the Euros.”England played really well, they reached the final and were close to winning it.”I don’t know how tired the players are for the games.”The most important players are used to playing every three days, they manage that really well and arrive at the end of the season without any problems.”Ancelotti rounds off Madrid’s pre-season tour of America by facing former club Chelsea in Charlotte.The Italian won the double with the Blues in 2010 before being sacked by former owner Roman Abramovich at the end of the following season despite finishing second.Chelsea’s American owners promised an end to the hire-and-fire approach of Abramovich, but have already sacked three permanent managers.Ancelotti said: “It’s changed a lot. They invested a lot.”They have a good squad, good players, young. They have a young manager.”They need to be a little bit patient, the owners, to take experience, to grow. But the signings that they have made are really good.”Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga spent last season on loan at Real Madrid and has been hoping for a permanent return, but Ancelotti suggested a permanent move would not be on the cards.He said: “In that position, we are covered. Kepa did really well last season.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He was with us. We were really happy to have him here but I don’t know what’s going to happen this season.”We love him, we love him.”Jude Bellingham was a revelation for Real during his debut season at the BernabeuCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti insists Kylian Mbappe’s arrival won’t change anything for Jude BellinghamCredit: REUTERS More

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      Rice and Saka spotted in Arsenal training for first time after extended holiday following England Euro 2024 final run

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      DECLAN RICE was all smiles as he returned for his first Arsenal training session since the Euro 2024 final.The Gunners midfielder, 25, joined England colleagues Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale back at London Colney.Bukayo Saka returned for his first training session of preseasonCredit: GettyDeclan Rice also returned from his holidaysCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba returned to Arsenal’s London Colney training base this weekCredit: GettyFrance centre-half William Saliba was also in action for the first time since the summer festival of football.The quartet were allowed an extended break after a busy tournament at Euro 2024 – which started four weeks after the Premier League season ended.Saliba took a well deserved break in Sardinia with his girlfriend Sandra Shehab after playing every minute of Arsenal’s Prem campaign, in which they fell agonisingly short to Manchester City – again.While Rice was pictured partying in Ibiza with Ivan Toney and Luke Shaw days after England’s Euros final heartbreak.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRice and Saka started every game for the Three Lions, while Saliba played the full 90 in every French game.Goalkeeper Ramsdale did not receive any minutes under Gareth Southgate, but trained alongside Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson.Only Saka and Rice featured in England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the final, but all players were granted the time off.France failed to live up to expectations, crashing out of the semi-finals following a 2-1 defeat to Spain.Most read in FootballAaron Ramsdale returned to training after his month offCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt means all four missed Arsenal’s pre-season tour of the United States, which meant they couldn’t wave off Emile Smith Rowe who left midway through for Fulham.The summer warm-up games have been a mixed bag for Mikel Arteta with Arsenal having won, lost and drawn one each.Emile Smith Rowe leaves Arsenal to join Fulham in £XXmillion transfer after 14 years with GunnersThey drew 1-1 with Bournemouth but beat Manchester United 2-1 in LA, before losing an expedition penalty shootout to the latter.The Gunners’ final game across the pond saw them fall to a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho.Arsenal will play Bayer Leverkusen on August 7 at the Emirates Stadium.But this might come too soon for Saka, Saliba, Rice and Ramsdale.Before kicking off their Premier League campaign against Wolves at home on August 17.Arsenal have a tricky start to the season More

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      Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed’

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      MARC CUCURELLA has sung his infamous chant again, this time as part of an advertising campaign for Spanish beer Estrella Damm.The Chelsea and Spain left-back went viral this summer for singing the song after Spain won the Euros.Marc Cucurella has appeared in an advert for EstrellaCredit: XIn it, he sings his controversial songThe chant proved to be divisive, with some fans “cringing” with the way the Chelsea man delivered the lyrics.The lyrics to the Spanish song are: “Cucu, Cucurella, eat a paella.”Cucu, Cucurella, drink an Estrella.”Haaland’s trembling, Cucurella’s coming.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Haaland’s trembling, Cucurella’s coming. So eat a biscuit.”Unsurprisingly, Estrella Damm told Cucurella to avoid singing about Haaland for the advert.The ad sees Cucurella, with freshly dyed red hair to celebrate Spain’s Euros win, then proudly present a bottle of the beer after singing the Estrella lyric.But fans did not react too kindly to the advert on X.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne fan replied: “holy cringe”Another said: “That is dreadful.”Watch Cucurella stand on table and sing about ‘drinking Estrella and making Haaland tremble’ during Spain celebrations Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.A third said: “I physically cringed”While a fourth replied: “😭 Easy PR deal there, fair play.”Cucurella looks set to enter next season as Chelsea’s first-choice left-back under new coach Enzo Maresca.Ben Chilwell had ben Chelsea’s first-choice full-back but looks set to be dropped in favour of Cucurella as Maresca favours inverted full-backs.Maresca said: “Chilly is a left-back, for sure. I see him as I’ve always seen him like a left full-back.”Maresca added: “His situation is a bit delicate in terms of we are trying to find a solution for him in terms of position. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But he probably needs a bit of time. Delicate in terms of finding the right position for him.”We want players that can perform 100 per cent and for sure in these two or three weeks, Malo and Reece can both do the work required of them and both finish with more assists or more dangerous in the way they were being used in the past because in that position they are good enough to make last passes because their quality, they are both very good.” More

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      England hero Bukayo Saka and girlfriend Tolami Benson enjoy summer holiday as Arsenal star ‘resets’ after Euro 2024

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      BUKAYO SAKA has been taking a well-earned break, seemingly with girlfriend Tolami Benson, after England’s Euro 2024 heartache this summer.Saka helped push the Three Lions all the way to the final in Germany, but ultimately left the continent empty handed.Bukayo Saka jetted off for a break after his hard seasonCredit: INSTAGRAM/BUKAYOSAKA87The star has been taking in some views at a luxury resortCredit: INSTAGRAM/BUKAYOSAKA87Saka soaked up the sun on his travelsCredit: INSTAGRAM/BUKAYOSAKA87The Arsenal winger spent some time stand-up paddle boardingCredit: INSTAGRAM/BUKAYOSAKA87Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson also posted a picture on a paddle boardCredit: INSTAGRAM/@TOLAMI_BENSONSaka posed on a sofa in one photoCredit: INSTAGRAM/BUKAYOSAKA87The England star still took time to get in some pre-season preparations during his breakCredit: INSTAGRAM/BUKAYOSAKA87Saka looked sharp in another snapCredit: INSTAGRAM/BUKAYOSAKA87Tolami showed off the incredible views in one of her photosCredit: INSTAGRAM/@TOLAMI_BENSONThe 23-year-old shared a selfie from the beachCredit: INSTAGRAM/@TOLAMI_BENSONThe 22-year-old gave his all for England, just weeks after suffering heartbreak with Arsenal in the Premier League after the Gunners missed out on the title to Man City on the final day of the season.And now Saka appears to be taking a deserved summer break with his girlfriend as he looks to “reset” ahead of the fast-approaching season.The pair seem to have jetted away to Turks and Caicos to catch some sun, with relaxing on the agenda after Saka’s incredible efforts over the last 12 months.Both Saka and partner Tolami took to Instagram to share some snaps of their luxurious break.READ MORE ON ARSENALActivities included stand-up paddle boarding and relaxing by the pool.While Saka even made time to get some pre-season preparations in ahead of the Premier League season.The Arsenal winger posted his photos alongside a caption that read: “rest and reset”.Saka and Tolami are believed to have been dating for around four years, with Tolami always supporting her superstar boyfriend.Most read in FootballTolami, 23, was in Germany this summer cheering Saka on from the stands, and even donned a custom leather jacket that showed off the Hale End graduate’s first number for Arsenal.According to her LinkedIn, Tolami studied at Birmingham City University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Public Relations and Media Public Relations.England goalscoring hero Bukayo Saka crashed back to earth – as he tripped over a golf bagWhile she now works in public relations and is the Senior Planning Executive of Zenith.Away from her professional life, Tolami has garnered an impressive following on social media.She has a whopping 204,000 followers and is always updater her fans with her exciting lifestyle.Saka and Tolami like to keep their relationship low-key and are yet to post any pictures with each other on social media.But Tolami is regularly at the Emirates supporting her man and has shared snaps of herself alongside the partners of Arsenal stars Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Ben White.Bukayo Saka suffered Euro 2024 final heartbreak with England this summerCredit: GettyThe superstar narrowly missed out on the Premier League with Arsenal tooCredit: GettyTolami Benson travelled to Germany to support Saka in the EurosCredit: GettyShe sported a custom jacket with his first ever squad number on for one matchCredit: PAThe pair were snapped sharing a hug after one gameCredit: GettyTolami also travelled to Qatar to watch Saka in the World Cup in 2020Credit: PA More

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      Dream Team Euros winner who banked £25,000 jackpot finished LAST in his season Mini League

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      ONLY the most-committed Dream Team managers earn a share of the prize money, right?Well, James Foss begs to differ.The 51-year-old England supporter beat hundreds of thousands of gaffers worldwide to win our Euros game this summer but describes himself as a “casual player”.In fact, the £25,000 jackpot winner finished bottom of his Mini League during the regular season game in 2023/24!PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR FREE NOW AHEAD OF THE 2024/25 SEASON – £50,000 TOP PRIZE PLUS WEEKLY CASH WINNERS!Play Dream Team this season and you could emulate James’ miraculous winCredit: Dream TeamSpeaking to Dream Team, James revealed: “My friends had to persuade me to take part. I had to read up on the rules when I realised I was in contention [to win].I came last in our Mini League for the Premier League season. I forget to do transfers half the time. I don’t watch Match of the Day.”James may be a light-touch player but he displayed razor-sharp instincts throughout the Euros to set himself apart from his rivals.”I had Musiala as captain for the first couple of matches,” he told us when recalling his strategy. “I also insisted on keeping Fullkrug even though my friends said he won’t start the game. I thought he’d come on and score as a sub.”Every so often, I wanted to put in a player or two that other people might not have. I had people like Kramaric, who scored, Baumgartner, who scored.”Most read in FootballJames’ decisive masterstroke came just prior to the quarter-finals when he brought in Memphis Depay and Stefan De Vrij, who then combined for Netherlands’ equaliser against Turkey for a significant points return.Niclas Kullkrug’s super sub cameos worked wonders for JamesCredit: ReutersDream Team’s Fantasy Football GamePLAY DREAM TEAM AHEAD OF THE NEW SEASON!Free to play£50,000 jackpot for overall winner plus weekly prizesPlayers score points in Premier League games, European competitions and both domestic cupsPlay in Mini Leagues against your mates£5,000 prize for Gameweek 1Play via Dream Team’s app or website today!When discussing the night of the final, when his victory was confirmed, James said: “It was a really nerve-wracking evening, I can’t say I really enjoyed the match. “My lead was ebbing away throughout the second half… I’m an England fan but I wanted that final whistle to go!”Ultimately, Cole Palmer’s equaliser proved to the winning moment for James as it wiped out Spain’s clean sheet, something his rivals needed to close the gap.James plans to play Dream Team alongside the 2024/25 season but admits he’s yet to pick his XI and has no tips to offer as he doesn’t follow club football all that closely.Palmer’s goal against Spain essentially confirmed James’ victoryCredit: APWhen asked what he plans to do with his winnings, James replied: “My wife has looked into doing a cruise to Iceland in a year or two, where we’ve always wanted to go. “I’m sure my son will get some as well. And we’ll be having a big night out with all my friends, on me of course.”In many ways, James’ triumph was a victory for Dream Team bosses everywhere; proof that you don’t need to live in a spreadsheet to succeed.He is an inspiration for casual gaffers worldwide.Watch Premier League cult hero you had no idea is still playing perform incredible initiation song More