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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

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      Gareth Southgate ‘lined up for major BBC job’ after quitting as England manager

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      BBC bosses are lining up Gareth Southgate as Ian Wright’s replacement on Match of the Day, according to reports.Southgate, 53, is a free agent after leaving his post as England manager earlier this month.Gareth Southgate quit as England boss earlier this monthCredit: RexGareth Southgate previously worked as a pundit for ITVCredit: ITVWith Wright, 60, quitting Match of the Day at the end of last season, the BBC are on the lookout for a high-profile new pundit.According to the Mail, the Beeb are targeting Southgate to work alongside Gary Lineker and Co.This could make for an awkward reunion, after Lineker criticised the former Three Lions manager during Euro 2024.After England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark during the group stage, the Match of the Day host called Southgate “tactically inept” on his ‘Rest is Football’ podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe went on to label the performance as “s***”.Lineker – who is the Beeb’s top earner on £1.35million a year – came under fire for his comments, with England captain Harry Kane hitting back at him.The Bayern Munich striker, 31, said: “What ex-players or ex-players who are pundits now have got to realise is it is very hard not to listen to it now, especially for some players who are not used to it or some players who are new to the environment.”I always feel like they [pundits] have a responsibility – I know they have got to be honest and give their opinion but also, they have a responsibility of being an ex-England player that a lot of players look up to. People do listen to them and people do care what they say.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGary Lineker is the BBC’s lead football anchorCredit: BBCSouthgate could be the subject of a bidding war as broadcasters battle to secure his services as a pundit.In addition to the BBC, ITV are also claimed to be interested.Gareth Southgate at centre of channel bidding war for glossy documentary after quitting as England bossSouthgate deserved to win a trophy with England… he made us all proud of our team again, writes Shaun CustisGARETH SOUTHGATE deserved to win a trophy as England manager, write Shaun Custis.Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you deserve in life.No man could have worked harder to give the country the silverware it craved and no man cared more about our national team.As a player he went through agonies after missing that fateful penalty against Germany at Euro 96 — and victory as a manager in the Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday would have been a wonderful redemption.Southgate himself said he didn’t believe in fairytales — and there was to be no happy ending as ultimately England came up short again when it mattered.But his legacy should be one of great achievement, not of failure.This is an England boss who transformed our feelings towards the Three Lions.Hardened fans, who claimed they only cared about their club, fell back in love with England during Gareth’s eight years in charge.As The Sun’s chief football writer, I followed England through the Sven Göran Eriksson era, on to Steve McClaren, then Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson.None of them could hold a candle to Southgate.Southgate took it on reluctantly and, when the FA then wanted to make his position permanent, he made it clear he had to have free rein to do the job on his terms.This was to be a new England with no club cliques, no wars with the media and an openness and honesty from coaches and players.He never believed it was the impossible job as many claimed before him.Yes, the Euros was a let-down and England were probably lucky to make the final.But Southgate, by some distance, turned his England team into the most successful since Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winners of 1966.He gave us plenty of entertainment and fun along the way and a reason to feel proud.We were even starting to crack it at penalty shoot-outs.Most importantly, Southgate was a thoroughly decent human being throughout it all, treating everyone with respect — whether you were a player, a fan or part of the media.Read Sun Head of Sport Shaun Custis’ full opinion on Gareth Southgate’s England exit…Prior to his role as England boss, Southgate worked for ITV on their Champions League and Three Lions coverage, as well as at several major tournaments.During his previous stint with the broadcaster, he featured alongside their current stars Roy Keane and Lee Dixon.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72 More

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      ‘Heartbroken’ Jack Grealish says Euro 2024 snub was ‘hardest moment’ of career and it was ‘difficult’ to watch England

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      JACK GREALISH admits being axed from England’s Euro 2024 squad was the most difficult moment of his career.The Manchester City ace was ‘absolutely heartbroken’ when he was told by Gareth Southgate he had not made the squad for Germany.Jack Grealish said it was ‘difficult’ to watch England after not making the Euro 2024 squadCredit: AlamyGareth Southgate took the bold decision to not take the Man City star to GermanyCredit: GettyBut the £100million man has vowed to use the disappointment as motivation and look to get his career back on track.Grealish struggled to get matches as Pep Guardiola’s men chased a Prem and FA Cup double over the final few weeks of last season.But worse was to follow when he was one of the players dropped from the Three Lions provisional squad just before the tournament.He said: “I’ll be honest it was probably football-wise the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to deal with in my career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I was absolutely heartbroken and then obviously when you’re on your holidays, every time you turn on the phone or turn on the TV or whatever you just see it so it was hard to not to see it.“It was the hardest moment for me as a footballer, I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career so it was difficult.“I did watch it but yeah obviously it’s difficult to watch because for me personally I was so desperate to be there and it was obviously very difficult.“But for myself now, moving forward, I have to just try to use that as motivation going into this season.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSDespite an indifferent season for City, Grealish felt he had done enough to earn a place in the England squad.He said: “Myself, I felt like I should have been in the squad.Jack Grealish’s pregnant girlfriend Sasha Attwood shows off her growing baby bump as she poses in bikini top“I’m sure every person that didn’t get picked in the squad, whether that’s myself or any of the other players, would have thought the same.”The former Aston Villa skipper played just 10 minutes in the final five matches of City’s season – as Pep Guardiola picked others ahead of him.And he had to watch from the bench as those competing for England places took their chance to get into the head of the Three Lions boss.Every time you turn on the phone or turn on the TV or whatever you just see it so it was hard to not to see itJack GrealishHe added: “Obviously it was a little bit difficult because I did have in the back of my mind that I needed to be playing to get into the England team.“A lot of players that were in my position on the wings in the England team had really good seasons with their clubs.“Whereas, I wasn’t really playing as much so in the back of my mind, I did think that I did need to be playing to try to definitely be in the England squad.”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. Now Grealish – one of only a handful of first team players on City’s US tour – has the chance to play his way back into Guardiola’s good books.He said: “I know it’s easy to say, but I feel like me personally, the same with a lot of people, I feel like I’m best when I’m playing with confidence and playing regularly.“When I’m at full fitness, like I was in the second half of the season where we won the treble.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEarlier this month, Grealish and partner Sasha Attwood announced the wonderful news they were expecting a baby.Grealish’s model girlfriend has posted a series of photos showing off her baby bump on social media. More

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      Uefa slap FA with huge fines for fan behaviour in FOUR England games at Euro 2024

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      UEFA have slapped the FA with a huge fine for England fans’ behaviour in four of the Three Lions games at Euro 2024.England were fined a total of £45,015 (€53,375) for the disruptive incidents during the European Championships in Germany earlier this month.Uefa has fined the FA over £45,000 for England fan’s behaviour during Euro 2024Credit: GettyGareth Southgate’s England campaign at the Euros was frustrating for fans to watch at times.From the Round of 16, the Three Lions managed to scrape a win in each game to eventually secure their spot in the final in Berlin.But fell short of securing the trophy again after La Roja beat England 2-1.And it has now been calculated the fans have cost the FA over £45,000 for the disturbances they caused during England’s clashes against Slovakia, Switzerland, Denmark and Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootball reporter Henry Winter tweeted: “Another fine message. Uefa fines FA €10,000 for ‘crowd disturbances’ & €1,000 for ‘lighting of fireworks’ in #EURO2024 game v Slovakia.”€40,875 for ‘throwing of objects’ in game v Switzerland; €3,000 for ‘lighting of fireworks’ in semi v Dutch and €1,500 in final v Spain.”The incident of the €10,000 (£8400) fine was after fans booed the playing of the Slovenia national anthem.Supporters were heard loudly jeering ahead of the two nations’ final Euro 2024 group game in Cologne on June 25.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn the quarter-final clash against Switzerland England narrowly secured a victory on the penalty shootout (5-3).And then in the semi-final, it was Ollie Watkins’s last-minute strike that saw the Three Lions head into their second consecutive Euro final.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanBut with fans expecting ex-boss Southgate’s side to breeze through the tournament as they headed in as one of the Euro 2024 favourites it became clear the supporters grew frustrated with the squad’s performance.The FA’s penalty contributes to a total of 1,270,000 euros worth of fines Uefa have dished out for offences committed by either the host nation or supporters during the tournament.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      England’s Kieran Trippier & wife Charlotte go on separate holidays 800 miles apart as pals fear end of ‘rocky marriage’

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      ENGLAND footie ace Kieran Trippier and his wife have been on separate holidays 800 miles apart with friends fearing they have split.The Three Lions star, 33, was in Turkey while Charlotte, 34, posted pics from Greek isle Santorini.Kieran Trippier and his wife Charlotte have been on separate holidays 800 miles apartCredit: GettyCharlotte posted pics from Greek isle Santorini on her InstagramCredit: Instagram/charlottehtrippierKieran poses with a young fan in Turkey, and in Newcastle kit, leftCredit: Instagram/sezur_unverA source said: “They’re not abroad together. It’s no secret their marriage has been rocky for a while.”It also emerged that England team-mate Kyle Walker, his wife Annie Kilner and their children were also staying at the same resort as Kieran on a family trip.That follows their own recent marriage problems after Kyle admitted cheating on Annie with influencer Lauryn Goodman.We told last week how the Trippiers’ marriage is on the rocks following Charlotte snubbing Kieran by not going to watch any of his Euros games in Germany.Read More on SportCharlotte has been openly sharing her holiday snaps online, posing in bikinis and figure-hugging dresses.But we can reveal Newcastle star Kieran has been in Turkey.But we can reveal Newcastle star Kieran has been in Turkey.A fellow holidaymaker posted a picture of his son on Instagram with Kieran at the Regnum Carya golf and spa resort in Belek, near Antalya.Most read in FootballThe man also published a video of his son with Kyle Walker at the same hotel.Sources confirmed Man City ace Walker and his wife Annie and their children had been staying at the £350-a-night five-star hotel at the same time as Kieran but have now returned home.A source said: “Charlotte is clearly having a fabulous time in Santorini, wearing some very sexy dresses and showing off her incredible figure in bikinis.UEFA Euro 2024: The glamorous life of WAGs“She has been updating her Instagram from there since last Saturday, putting up pictures and videos of her with her sister.“People have been commenting on how very happy and hot she looks.“Meanwhile, Kieran has been holidaying separately in Turkey around the same time. He had time to take a holiday after the Euros, but is not with his wife abroad.“It’s no secret their marriage has been rocky for a while, but taking separate holidays has convinced pals they’ve split up.”Charlotte in Santorini with her sisterCredit: InstagramCharlotte did not travel to the Euros with the rest of the England WagsCredit: Instagram/charlottehtrippierInterior designer Charlotte sparked intrigue during the Euros when she posted: “Sooner or later you get over the s*** you swore you’d never get over and it’s the best feeling in the world.”She did not travel to the tournament in Germany with the rest of the England Wags, causing fans to speculate online about the state of their eight-year marriage. Kieran played in all of England’s games except the final against Spain, when he was a substitute.The couple’s £3.8million home in the North East is up for sale.In May last year, we revealed how Kieran celebrated European qualification with Newcastle by lifting a blonde reveller while partying with team-mates at a packed karaoke bar.He cuddled the woman before wrapping his arms around her and then picking her up by the bottom.Charlotte was away holidaying in Spain at the time.The £130,000-a-week right-back delayed linking up with the England squad in September for a Euros qualifier against Ukraine due to a “personal commitment”.Boss Gareth Southgate gave him special permission to join late after he and Charlotte escaped to Italy for a romantic getaway.’On the rocks’Charlotte posted snaps of the couple together at dinner and on a speedboat on Lake Como.But Kieran pulled out of the England squad again in November ahead of another Euro qualifier against North Macedonia.In a statement at the time, his club Newcastle said he had “returned home from the England squad due to a personal matter”.Details were not revealed, but sources said it was linked to their faltering marriage. It’s no secret their marriage has been rocky for a whileA sourceOn New Year’s Day, Charlotte posted images of them celebrating together. One image showed her in Kieran’s arms with HNY and a love heart.In another, she was pictured kissing her footie hubby along with the message: “2024 Let’s go.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCharlotte then stopped following her husband on Instagram and amended her profile to read: “Mum. Fashion lover. Travel.”The Sun on Sunday has contacted a representative for Trippier.Kieran played in all of England’s games except the final against Spain, where he was a substituteCredit: AlamyThe couple’s £3.8million home in the North East is for saleCredit: RexGARETH Southgate has received a boost after a six-figure debt owed to him by his former agent was repaid.Terry Byrne borrowed around £750,000 from the ex-England boss and footie heroes Glenn Hoddle and Joe Cole.The agent was reported to have used the money to help fund a failed £25million London property deal. It resulted in Southgate and Byrne parting company after eight years.Last month, Byrne accepted an out-of-court cash settlement from the FA after he brought a £3million claim.A source said: “Terry has now paid Gareth back, plus the debts to the other ex-players.”Southgate had waited a year. The FA and Byrne were approached for comment.By Richard Moriarty More

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      England will regret the day Gareth Southgate was hounded out of Three Lions job, claims Man Utd goalkeeper

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      ENGLAND will regret the day Gareth Southgate was forced out of the Three Lions job.That is the view of one of his coaching staff at the Euros who has become the first to speak out after the manager resigned.Man Utd goalkeeper Heaton claims England will rue the day Southgate quitCredit: GettyTom Heaton has launched a staunch defence of his former bossCredit: GettySouthgate walked after suffering criticism and abuse despite reaching a second successive Euros final and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.Southgate drafted in Manchester United’s third choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton ahead of the finals to help with training.And he is clearly angry at the treatment Southgate received and believes there will be regret amongst his detractors in the future.Heaton, 38, said: “I really do. I think, If you look back at his record, I think he changed the feel of it.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“We were all excited to watch the games. We were performing well. He changed the expectation.“So I think now that the door’s shut, I think we will look back and go, ‘incredible, job.’”Heaton believes the negativity directed towards Southgate from game one through to the final helped him to come to his decision to quit.He said: “When I thought back and reflected, I could maybe see it from his point of view.Most read in FootballOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024Southgate’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. “I imagine that probably took its toll on him. He’s the sort of guy that would only be wanting the optimism to try and win it, giving everything he’s got for it.“I think, if I’m honest, the narrative through the tournament was a surprise to me.Inside Gareth Southgates love life with wife Alison.“I was involved from the start of his tenure and it always felt really, really positive.“I think that first game at the Euros it felt different. It felt like the narrative had changed. Major tournaments are difficult anyway.“Getting booed in each half, pretty much every half all the way to the semi-final, it’s not easy.”All through the tournament Heaton believes Southgate had the faith of his players and they wanted him to stay on.He said: “That was very evident to me. “It’s very rare in football you get a squad of players – the ones who aren’t playing, especially the ones used to playing every week – every single person there wants to win it, they want to win it for the manager, he is a leader you want to follow.”Yet fans who used to sing songs about him were now booing and questioning Southgate while a handful threw beer cups in his direction after the third group game that was drawn with Slovenia.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72Heaton said: “Yeah, a bit brutal. It makes you think, ‘where did it come from?’ Football’s always on a knife edge, I suppose. I know we all want to win it but it’s not straightforward. It’s never easy.“There are teams sitting in, very, very difficult to break down. And you think ‘we’ve finished top of the group’.“We had some major moments getting to the final. If you’re going to win it, you have to go through those moments. “I thought we were doing that well, so we were building up a belief in that.”The former Burnley goalkeeper had been involved in England squads as a player from 2016, earning three caps.He was named in Southgate’s standby squad for the Russia World Cup in 2018 when England reached the semi-finals.Heaton was brought in to train alongside England’s three squad goalkeepersCredit: ReutersHe believed the accusations of being a defensive manager aimed against Southgate, most notably in Germany this summer, were harsh.He said: “We all want to go and win 3-0 or 4-0, but I think they’re built on really solid defensive displays.“Not that we set out to be overly defensive by any stretch, but we did have a real defensive strength to us.“In the final, maybe we would have liked to have controlled it a little bit more. Spain were obviously a good side and a good side through the tournament. READ MORE SUN STORIES“But even still, you think later on in the game, with the headers, you can get back in it. Even when we go 1-1, I was thinking ‘we’re in a great spot here’.”Sadly for England they would concede again and a second final under Southgate was lost.England’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation. More

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      Watch Euro 2024 star commit horror gaffe in pre-season friendly as Crystal Palace fans joke ‘we are so back’

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      CRYSTAL PALACE fans joked “we are so back” after a horror gaffe during a pre-season friendly against Crawley. Premier League Eagles travelled to League One Crawley in what turned out to be an eventful affair.Joachim Andersen suffered a horror gaffe against CrawleyRushian Marcus Amori Hepburn-Murphy tapped inPalace ran out 6-3 winners away from home but a howler from Joachim Andersen was the lasting match memory. After getting the ball from his keeper inside the six-yard box, Andersen slipped over on the ball. It allowed Rushian Marcus Amori Hepburn-Murphy to tap into an empty goal – leaving fans online in hysterics. One said: “We are so back.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnother joked: “I love this club.”One added: “Laugh it off. Never do it again.”Another said: “Get it out the way in pre-season.”Andersen played in all four of Denmark’s Euro 2024 games up until their last 16 defeat to Germany. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPalace start the season without star man Michael Olise following his £50million move to Bayern Munich. And they look to have also lost out on the signing of Ryan Sessegnon, who had been training with the Londoners. Instead, free agent Sessegnon is close to sealing a move back to his former club Fulham. West Brom friendly descends into chaos as star trades punches with Mallorca ace in fierce brawl More