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      Jude Bellingham first showed off footie skills as four year old at nursery

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      ENGLAND ace Jude Bellingham first showed off his footie skills as a four year old – at a nursery called Twinkle Toes.The future star raced around the playground booting a ball about already showing signs of his future star potential.Jude Bellingham first showed off his footie skills as a four year old – at a nursery called Twinkle ToesEngland ace Jude raced around the playground booting a ball about already showing signs of his future star potentialCredit: GettyLuisa Mead-Blandford said: ‘We are all so proud of him and everything he has achieved’Credit: Roland LeonJude was one of the first ever kids to join Twinkle Toes nursery in the town when Luisa started itCredit: Roland LeonProud nursery manager Luisa Mead-Blandford, 54, said: “He will have been one of the better ones but that’s no surprise because his dad was a really good footballer as well.“We are all so proud of him and everything he has achieved.”Bellingham, 20, has gone on to forge a reputation among Three Lions fans as a twinkle-toed midfielder who can dance his way past defenders.But it all started almost two decades ago in Stourbridge, West Midlands.Read More on SportHe was one of the first ever kids to join Twinkle Toes nursery in the town when Luisa started it.She said: “He was one of our very first customers when I opened the nursery and then his brother Jobe joined.“It’s wonderful to see how he has grown and developed.“But it doesn’t surprise us because he had that natural ability and he was brought up so well.Most read in Euro 2024“His family are lovely. I remember his mum and dad well, they were always very friendly when they dropped off Jude and his brother and picked them up.”Dad Mark, 48, was a prolific non-league striker, netting 700 goals by the time he was 40.Why we love Jude BellinghamHe played for 15 different clubs and once described himself as “not very good”.But it was watching his dad that inspired Jude’s passion for the game in the years after he showed his first natural ability as a four year old at nursery.The England midfielder said of his dad: “I used to watch him play all the time, it’s where I started to get that love for football.”As he grew up in Stourbridge Jude developed an outstanding sporting ability not just on the football pitch – he also could have been a star cricketer.Mark Baker, 71, chairman of Hagley Cricket Club, Worcs, said: “His dad brought him along and he had a couple of years playing in our youth sides.“You could tell he was a natural-born cricketer from a really early age.“He was a very good player – especially because he didn’t have a lot of time for cricket because of his football commitments.“I remember he took a fantastic catch in a youth game. Most people wouldn’t have been able to get near it – but he did.“He had incredible coordination, it was just raw natural ability.“If he had focused on cricket, he could have gone far in the game. He’s just a special sporting talent.”Former cop Mark acts as agent for Jude and his younger brother, Sunderland’s Jobe, 18.And their mum is equally supportive – she moved to Germany to live with Jude when he signed for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 for £25million making him the most expensive 17-year-old ever.Instant impactShe did the same when he moved to Real Madrid for £115million last summer.He made an instant impact in La Liga and in November broke a club record after scoring 14 goals in his first 15 games, one more than club legends Alfredo Di Stefano, who played in the Fifties and Sixties, and Cristiano Ronaldo.Luisa is delighted that one of her former charges at the £79-a-day nursery is now one of the most famous footballers on the planet.The nursery has posted a snap of him on their Facebook page holding one of the many awards he has won in recent years with the words: “The Nursery of Champions– We are so proud of you Jude Bellingham.”Luisa said: “I’m not a huge football fan but I do watch Jude play.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When someone you know is playing then you want to watch it and he is on the television a lot now of course.“It’s wonderful to see, he is a lovely young man and deserves all of his success – we love him.” More

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      Psychic eagle Honey predicts resounding WIN for England against Slovenia at Euro 2024

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      HONEY the psychic eagle has landed again…and predicted a resounding WIN for England in their next Euros match.While the Danes gave pain to The Three Lions with a 1-1 draw this week, they are now set to soar back to success on Tuesday, according to the 23-year-old African Tawny Eagle who “never gets a prediction wrong”.Honey the psychic Eagle with birds of prey handler Brad HigginsCredit: John McLellanAfrican Tawny Eagle Honey selects England as her choice to winCredit: John McLellanAlex Leonard, pictured left, said: ‘Honey the eagle has landed and made her next psychic prediction and it’s a resounding win for the Three Lions against Slovenia’Credit: John McLellanAlex Leonard, director of Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Eynsford, Kent, said: “Honey the eagle has landed and made her next psychic prediction and it’s a resounding win for the Three Lions against Slovenia.“She flew without hesitation and landed next to the England flag.“It’s bad news for Slovenia. “Our boys are going to be back flying high. Read More on Sport”Honey never gets a prediction wrong.”Alex, along with bird of prey handler Brad Higgins each held a flag and let Honey fly through the air to choose who to land on.Eagle-eyed fans spot awkward moment between Cole Palmer and Gareth Southgate live on BBC as fans say ‘that’s not good’ More

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      Harry Kane called players’ summit after dismal display against Denmark to rally troops ahead of crunch Euro qualifier

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      ENGLAND skipper Harry Kane called a players’ summit after the dismal display against Denmark to try to rally his troops.The Bayern Munich ace put England ahead against the Danes only to see it cancelled out as England limped to a disappointing 1-1 draw.Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate in training yesterdayCredit: Paul EdwardsKyle Walker seems to row with Kieran TrippierCredit: Paul EdwardsPhil Foden steps in as peacemaker to calm down TrippierCredit: Paul EdwardsTrippier sees the funny side and peace is restored in trainingCredit: Paul EdwardsAnd he later decided that his teammates needed a rousing call to arms to lift them for their next match on Tuesday.Kane summoned the rest of the 26-man squad to a private meeting with no coaches present.He wanted them to thrash out any differences and bring the squad closer — as well as reminding them that they had the class to win the Euros.And it appeared from the players’ training session yesterday that more team bonding might well be in order.Read More on SportAt one stage, fellow full-backs Kieran Trippier, 33, and Kyle Walker, 34, had an exchange of words. They stood a few feet away from each other, both with their arms spread — clearly disagreeing about something.They had been laughing and joking moments earlier until Newcastle’s Trippier appeared to take exception to something Manchester City defender Walker said.Walker’s club teammate Phil Foden, 24, appeared to step in as peacemaker, putting his hands on Trippier’s shoulders in an apparent bid to calm him down. Most read in Euro 2024The players were all smiles again soon after.The exchange followed Kane’s attempts to rouse the squad, thought to have taken place on Thursday morning at the team’s camp in Blankenhain.Awkward moment when BBC commentator pulls up pal for shoehorning England scenario into match commentaryA source said: “Harry is a natural leader and wanted to gee the lads up after Denmark.“That game left the whole country feeling a bit flat, never mind just the players. Harry wanted to remind them how good they are. He urged them to pull together, to bond more, to express themselves.“They are world-class players. They don’t really need reminding of that but everyone needs a pick- me-up now and then. It was a really rousing speech from Harry.”All but Luke Shaw took part in training at the team’s camp yesterday — the first full session since the Denmark clash. Manchester United defender Shaw is still battling to regain fitness.The pitch was watered throughout the session. There had been complaints about the state of the surface on Thursday after match organisers insisted on watering it before kick-off — against the advice of Frankfurt’s specialist grass technicians.Kane said after the game: “It was tough out there with the heat and the pitch.”Three Lions fans will hope his speech to the players worked and Gareth Southgate’s men can improve for the last Group C game against Slovenia in Cologne.Meanwhile, Jarrod Bowen, 27, hailed his family, including partner Dani Dyer, for supporting him at the Euros — but said she does not give him tactical advice.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said her actor dad, Danny Dyer, had sent good luck ­messages, also telling him to “always play with a smile on your face”.Jarrod’s dad Sam, brother Harry and two mates are travelling to games in Sam’s campervan — and “just kind of park up somewhere”.Cab flag ban
      TAXI drivers have hit out at a ban on flying England flags during the Euros.
      The capital’s 125,000 cabbies and private hire drivers have been told they risk losing their licences if they show their support.
      Transport for London bosses say the St George’s Cross could distract other drivers.
      Cabbie Fred Perkins, 60, said: “Our society’s really gone woke when we can’t fly a little flag for England for the Euros.”
      David Lawrie, director of the National Private Hire Association, said: “Common sense should allow mini England flags. The ban should be overturned.” More

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      Now is the time to gee, gee up the Three Lions… I’d take the England lads racing but any fun day would do the trick

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      ENGLAND haven’t been at the races in their two games at Euro 2024 so far.But if I had my way, that’s exactly where Gareth Southgate and his players would be this weekend.Harry Redknapp is one of SunSport’s expert Euro 2024 punditsCredit: Darren FletcherSouthgate needs to persevere with his captain Kane, says RedknappCredit: GettyThe whole squad looks badly in need of a lift and there’s a long five days to fill between the match against Denmark and Tuesday’s game with Slovenia.So now it’s time for Gareth to start earning his money and raise spirits with some team-building.It may be a golf day, a meal out or a little day trip somewhere to break things up a bit.When I was West Ham manager I took my players to Cheltenham races for a day out to take their minds off a relegation scrap they were in.READ MORE IN footballWe got a coach for them, sorted a box at the course, probably lost a bit of money in most cases!But everyone had a great time.Then on the way back to London we stopped at an Italian restaurant for a bit of grub.It was a top day and did exactly what we hoped — because after that we went on a good run and stayed up.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt probably wasn’t possible to get the whole squad back home for a day at Ascot on Friday or Saturday — but something like that would have been ideal.Gareth has to do something to get them all pulling together again and free their minds.Poch in England frame The players will know the fans aren’t happy — in these days of social media you can’t avoid some of the things that are being said.And a lot of it has been bad. You can’t dwell on what happened against Denmark.You have to lighten things up rather than just spending it all out on the training pitch going through drills.We need the pressure off — we need to go out there and relax.Confidence is key so you’ve got to remind them how good they really are.I look at the squad and think there isn’t a team at the tournament who has a group of players like us, but now we’ve got to go out and show what we can do.When I think about the final group game against Slovenia on Tuesday, there are not many changes I’d make.There is one though — and that’s in the centre of midfield because it’s clear that the experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold hasn’t worked out.For me it was a strange decision to pick him there — I said that before the first game had even kicked off.Don’t get me wrong, the lad is a fantastic right-back But how many games has he started in midfield?People might say he drifts in there from right-back but that’s different. Midfielders have to have a special awareness about you.They have to know what’s going on all around them and it’s a completely different game to playing right-back.I’d have to leave Trent out completely because for what we need, he’s not a better option than Kyle Walker at full-back either.So for me, Phil Foden has to come in from the left and play in behind Harry Kane — the position where he has been so good for Manchester City.Then alongside Declan Rice, I’d play Jude Bellingham.People say he should be in that No 10 role but he’s an all-round player — he can do absolutely everything.ENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGSENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
      Jordan Pickford: 6
      Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
      Kyle Walker: 7 
      Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
      John Stones: 6
      OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
      Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
      Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
      Kieran Trippier: 6
      Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
      This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
      Declan Rice: 5
      Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
      Bukayo Saka: 7
      Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
      Jude Bellingham: 6
      Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
      Phil Foden: 7
      Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
      Harry Kane: 6
      Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
      SUBS:
      Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
      Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
      Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
      Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
      Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
      Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
      Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
      On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved.

      That opens up the position on the left and I’d like to see Anthony Gordon there — mainly because of his pace, as that will worry defenders.Having said that, Cole Palmer must be wondering what he has to do to get a game after the season he’s had at Chelsea so he could play there, too.We are not in a good place at the moment, that’s for sure.It isn’t just these two games because Iceland in the friendly before the tournament was a shocker, too.But I like to think things could start to look very different in the knockout stages.When those come around, the best teams often come good and start turning in real performances because the pressure is different.Everyone expects us to beat Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia — and beat them well.But you come up against the big guns in the latter stages and it can be them feeling the heat.One good performance, a couple of goals and it could all turn. There would be a very different mood around the whole nation.We need to do something quickly though because at the moment it’s all so disappointing.I’VE taken Sandra out to Dubai for a bit of sunshine so I didn’t see the BBC coverage of England against Denmark.Out here it’s beIN Sports so it’s Richard Keys and Andy Gray leading the coverage.But I heard Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer had plenty to say after the game — and good on them.I’ve done a bit of TV punditry and you have to give your honest opinions and not pull any punches.Top players get so much praise so they have to be big enough to take it on the chin when the criticism comes their way.If they’ve been poor, you have to call it out — even if they are players you have worked with or know well.Big Mus-takeJAMAL MUSIALA is the one that got away for England. There’s been wonderful talent on show at the Euros so far — but not many have been better than him.The Germany and Bayern Munich attacker played for the Three Lions right through to Under-21 level and went to school in London, so we must be kicking ourselves for letting him slip through our fingers.Let’s hope we don’t end up getting the hosts in the last 16 — which is very possible if we don’t win our group.No doubt Musiala would be keen to show us exactly what we missed.And what a talent Lamine Yamal looks for Spain, by the way. It’s hard to believe he doesn’t turn 17 until next month.Jamal Musiala is the one that got away for EnglandCredit: ReutersMusiala is lighting up the Euros for GermanyCredit: ReutersAnybody’s gameI’VE WATCHED most of the matches — and I think Euro 2024 is wide open.And despite what we’ve seen so far from England, I still believe it’s there for us to win if we can come to life.Germany have looked good and France have been OK but I have to say they haven’t blown me away.Then there’s been the disappointments — you have to include England but others too, including Croatia.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for my favourite game so far, I did enjoy Germany’s performance on the opening night — but as I wanted Scotland to win, I can’t say that one.So I’m going for Turkey against Georgia — a match I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did but it was probably the game of the tournament so far.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Portugal star Goncalo Ramos left limping after being slide tackled by panicking steward after chaotic Euro 2024 clash

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      UNUSED Portugal sub Goncalo Ramos was left limping – after a slide tackle when, where and from whom he least expected!The Paris Saint-Germain striker must already have been frustrated – after remaining on the bench in a 3-0 win over Turkey.Portugal players couldn’t believe it as Goncalo Ramos was downedCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskThe Portugal sub was sent flying when he least expectedCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskTeam-mates were shocked to see Ramos felledCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskIt made Portugal one of the first teams to win their group at Euro 2024 after a second victory in two games.But as Ramos walked on the pitch to congratulate his team-mates he was cleaned out… by a steward.And the face of Portugal hero Cristiano Ronaldo said it all.Al-Nassr star Ron as ambling off as his rival for a place up front strolled into view right on front of him.READ MORE TOP STORIESSuddenly a member of the security staff dashed across the pitch and upended Ramos.The steward appeared to be rushing on to help a colleague catch a pitch intruder.But instead he became one of the first people in Germany this summer to get to grips with Ramos, albeit accidentally.The ex-Benfica star hobbled away – while Ronaldo surveyed the scene looking bewildered as he tried to comprehend what he had just seen.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYPortugal’s second scorer Bruno Fernandes appeared equally shocked by Ramos’ misfortune – just as viewers were.One fan posted: ” You know, I shouldn’t laugh because he might have got injured. But that was funny. Did the referee book him by any chance?”Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Portugal match-winner Conceicao… 21 years after making his debut alongside his dadAnother joked: “Got the ball ref.”And a third wrote: “Looked like it hurt that one.”At least it appears Ramos was not seriously hurt – except perhaps for a little damage to his pride.Portugal Euro 2024 guideCRISTIANO RONALDO remains the face of Portuguese football as the national team looks to win a second European Championship.
      But the days when Portugal’s hopes would hang on Ronaldo, 39, alone are over as they have a squad packed with talent across the pitch.
      MANAGER: Roberto Martinez
      Former Everton, Wigan and Belgium boss is trying to put a more attacking stamp on a team that became increasingly dull under Euro 2016-winning predecessor Fernando Santos.
      STAR MAN: Cristiano Ronaldo
      Al-Nassr star remains an ever-present but PSG’s Goncalo Ramos and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota are both world class backups.
      How Portugal attack
      Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio and Joao Palhinha are all capable of building attacks from the back, given Portugal a unique dimension to their attack.
      Attacking midfielders Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix can cause any defence problems as they look to feed Ronaldo and/or Ramos.
      How Portugal defend
      In contrast to the approach under Santos, Portugal will play with a medium-to-high block and look to win possession up the field.
      Players will press aggressively to provide support for Ronaldo, who clearly tends to do less work defensively.
      Read the full Portugal Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

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      Fans hail ‘worldy’ Laura Woods as ITV Euro 2024 host makes stunning entrance in bold outfit

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      LAURA WOODS won the hearts of fans for her bold entrance into ITV’s Euro 2024 coverage. The host was on TV duty ahead of Belgium’s second group stage match against Romania. Laura Woods won the hearts of fans for her bold entrance into ITV’s Euro 2024 coverageWoods had her knees on show in a classy charcoal dressWoods had her knees on show in a classy charcoal dress to leave fans in awe. One said: “Crikey, good evening Laura Woods.”One reacted: “She’s a worldy.”Woods, who has been a fans’ favourite throughout the Euros, recently opened up on the struggles of dealing with online critics. READ MORE ON Euro 2024She said on the Staying Relevant podcast: “Because I’m an Arsenal fan, everything I say about Arsenal is clipped up and put on social media.“I don’t really feel that qualified, I’m not a pundit. All of a sudden your words have all this weight, there’s such a big responsibility.” She added: “The amount of stick I got from Arsenal fans – one of them said ‘you’re not a real supporter’. It’s so frustrating.“There’s some really weird people on social media. Someone said ‘get back in the kitchen’ – the most boring one.” Most read in Euro 2024Meet Eva Murati, Albania’s answer to Laura Woods

      MEET Albania’s answer to Laura Woods.
      Glamorous Eva Murati, 28, has been fronting Champions League coverage in the country since 2017.
      Boasting nearly one million Instagram followers, gorgeous Eva is a triple threat – actress, host and model.
      Eva is fluent in Italian studied law at the University of Tirana.
      But her passion for showbiz led her into presenting at just 18.
      Eva is mad Juventus fan and was thrilled to meet legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro.
      As if she didn’t have enough strings to her bow, Eva is also a great singer and has hinted she might even release a song one day.
      Until then, she’ll continue lighting up screens with her Champions League coverage, in between modelling for lingerie brand Yamamay.
      Click here to see more of the glamorous Eva Murati…

      Woods has lit up ITV’s coverage and was recently hailed as a “queen” by Eni Aluko for doing her nails just five minutes before going on air. But the former talkSPORT presenter has had to leave former Love Island star boyfriend Adam Collard behind to cover the Euros. How Euro 2024 host Laura Woods finally tamed Love Island’s biggest bad boy Adam Collard who made Joey Essex look like a puppy More

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      ITV praised for ‘slick transition’ as Euro 2024 host is ‘substituted’ for Laura Woods

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      VIEWERS have praised ITV for their “slick transition” during Saturday’s Euro 2024 coverage.Host Mark Pougatch was “substituted” for Laura Woods following Portugal’s 4-0 win over Turkey.Viewers hailed ITV’s ‘slick transition’ as Laura Woods entered the studioCredit: ITVHost Mark Pougatch was ‘substituted’ for Woods as she took over presenting dutiesCredit: ITVWoods stepped in for Pougatch as attention turned to Belgium vs Romania in the day’s final match.Ahead of the changeover, Woods could be seen walking into the studio live on air.As well as the presenter change, a fresh look to the pundits also followed as Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou joined the panel.Fans loved the presenter substitution and were quick to react on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne viewer wrote: “Can we have another slick transition from Laura Woods?”Another also added: “Slick transition from Woods. Incredible.”Woods was involved in a similar transition with Pougatch earlier in the tournament.Back on Monday, the pair swapped over following Belgium’s shock loss to Slovakia.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:
      BBC presenters:
      Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman
      ITV presenters:
      Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods 
      BBC pundits:
      Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFadden
      ITV pundits:
      Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina Unkel
      BBC commentators:
      Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan Pearce
      ITV commentators:
      Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe Speight
      BBC co-commentators:
      Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFadden
      ITV co-commentators:
      Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend

      Mark Pougatch was once again replaced by Laura WoodsPougatch had fronted coverage of the 5pm kick-off before Woods entered to take over for Austria vs France.Both presenters are part of ITV’s star-studded team of hosts and pundits for this summer’s tournament.Laura Woods branded a ‘queen’ as Eni Aluko spots what ITV presenter did five minutes before going live at Euros Fans also loved Woods’ ‘worldy’ outfit for Belgium vs RomaniaCredit: ITVThe presenter has been hosting coverage from the tournament in GermanyCredit: ITVIt was not just the changeover which caught the eye on Saturday, though, with fans also praising Woods’ outfit choice.Viewers hailed her “worldy” appearance in a black dress after she entered the studio.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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      Meet England team’s yoga teacher Rebekah Jade who’s an award-winning doctor, a DJ and a wellness entrepreneur

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      ENGLAND struggled to stretch the game with Harry Kane up front against Denmark.But they certainly fared much better in their yoga class the following day.Dr Rebekah Jade Lawrence gave England a yoga lesson at Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe yoga teacher has an incredible CV despite still being in her 20sCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeShe is also a junior doctor in the NHSCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeRebekah gets on the decks as a DJ tooCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeThe Three Lions Euro 2024 squad marked the International Day of Yoga as they were put through their paces, positions and postures by Dr Rebekah Jade Lawrence at their plush Weimarer Land spa and golf resort in Germany. Rebekah got the England players breathing, stretching and meditating their way through a recovery session by teaching them yoga.She took to Instagram following the lesson and wrote: “Wow, thank you England football team for inviting me to teach yoga as part of your recovery process in Euro 2024.“Yoga is such an incredible tool and practice that can benefit athlete recovery and performance in so many ways. READ MORE ON EURO 2024“I’m so glad to see it getting some spotlight and to be part of that journey. I can’t wait to dive deeper and share more about this topic over the coming months.“Thank you Nike London and the whole England team for your hospitality and incredible hard work that goes on behind the scenes.“We’re just getting started > >”So who is Dr Lawrence and how did she end up doing yoga with the England team?Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAWARD-WINNING DOCTORBy trade, Rebekah Jade is a qualified doctor – despite the difficulties associated with being diagnosed as dyslexic.She studied physiology at King’s College London, graduating with a first-class honour, before completing a medicine degree in 2021. SunSport’s Euro 2024 headlines Dr Lawrence has particular training in emergency medicine, vascular & upper gastrointestinal surgery, geriatrics and acute general medicine.And she even won national awards for her research into neurosurgery and anaesthetics.After seven years of studying, the London-based medic now works part-time as a junior doctor in an NHS hospital alongside her yoga coaching. STEP INTO YOGAHowever, she is already forging a second career in yoga. A qualified teacher, she runs various coaching sessions – from one-off one-to-one sessions for £90 per hour to group classes in London. Her passion for yoga came about after struggling with her mental health and finding the practice as a way of slowing down and boosting her personal well-being. Rebekah told Yoga Matters: “Through my teens and early twenties, I went through many cycles of burnout and poor mental health. “I’ve always worked hard and put a lot of pressure on myself (like many people do), and I got to a point after four years of medical school where I needed a break. “I ended up on an island off the coast of Panama volunteering in a beach hostel and living with yoga teachers for two months. “I started practising yoga every day. Slowly but surely, yoga became an integral part of my routine and well-being, and I decided to take the leap to do my teacher training.Dr Lawrence graduated as a medic from King’s College LondonCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeRebekah got into yoga while in Panama after struggling with her mental healthCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeShe is qualified teacher and hosts classes each weekCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeShe flew out to Germany to be with the England teamCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajade“I like to be creative. I love bringing new people into yoga and creating a space where they can feel calm.”Her rise in the industry has also led to Rebekah becoming a director at Yoga In Healthcare Alliance – combining her two roles. COMMUNITY ENTREPRENEUR But as Dr Lawrence made a name for herself in yoga, she realised she was often the only person of colour in the room.And that prompted her to launch her own cultural platform, Pana, which aims to promote health and happiness within the black community through yoga.The founder said: “In recent years there has been a push for more diversity and inclusivity in wellness which is great, but the majority of spaces are not created by someone from the community they’re trying to serve. “Pana was a way to tackle that problem. “Yoga has helped me so much over the years and I really wanted to create a safe space for the black community and allies to experience the practice and hopefully some of the same benefits. “Pana brings together wellbeing practices with a celebration of black culture, to help the people feel welcome and connected, while supporting cultural education through experience. Dr Lawrence helps people focus on their breathing and mobilityCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeThe London-based star splits her time between her various rolesCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeThe England players followed Rebekah’s leadCredit: GettyThe Three Lions gifted her a signed shirt after the sessionCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajade“Over time we’ve become a really wonderful community with events such as supper clubs, retreats and BPOC yoga club.”Some of those retreats include trips to Gambia and Kenya, with Pana’s first visit to Ghana coming up later in 2024. HAVING AN INFLUENCEStill in her late 20s, Rebekah Jade’s stock has continued to rise over recent years.That has led to her debut appearance on Elle’s women’s fashion and lifestyle podcast.And then in June 2023, she was signed up by Nike London as one of the sportswear giant’s yoga trainers. She is part of the Nike Well Collective area – which focuses on movement, mindfulness, nutrition, rest and connection.And those attributes no doubt appealed to Gareth Southgate as he brought Dr Lawrence in to work with his team – whose kits are supplied by Nike. NEVER MISSES A BEATBut as well as her passion for yoga and mindfulness, Rebekah Jade is also passionate about music.In fact, she is even a DJ – regularly doing gigs, radio sets, festivals and events for brands including Nike, Converse and Uniqlo, showcasing sounds from around the world including old-school reggae and British funky disco. And the talented star has brilliantly combined her love of music and ability on the decks with yoga by producing ambient, electronic mixes to accompany her classes.Dr Lawrence explained: “I grew up listening to reggae so it felt very natural to incorporate this in my practice – it’s something that makes me feel calm. “I created an event called Dub Garden Yoga & Picnic where we do yoga to reggae and have healthy Caribbean food after class. “I teach it in the park which makes it more accessible and affordable, as well as allowing us to enjoy nature. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We have attendees of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicity and ability – for many people it’s their first-ever yoga class. “Many feel comfortable coming as they resonate with the food and music, and the yoga is an additional aspect they can try. It’s relaxed and fun, which I think is so important for helping people come back again.”Dr Lawrence combines her music with her yoga lessonsCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeRebekah signed with Nike in June 2023Credit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeHer Pana community platform has taken offCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeThe influencer appeared on Elle UK’s podcastCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajadeShe is a director at Yoga In Healthcare AllianceCredit: Instagram / rebekahzeenajade More