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      Ten most influential Euro 2024 pundits revealed as Rooney earns nearly £10,000 per POST and Laura Woods beats Alex Scott

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      EURO 2024 ended in heartbreak for England – but some pundits secured huge social media wins.Both the BBC and ITV sent crews out to Germany to cover every kick of the action.Wayne Rooney has the potential to earn the most from InstagramCredit: GettyFrank Lampard could make over £5,000 per postCredit: GettyITV host Laura Woods has a high engagement rate from her followersCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Alex Scott makes the top tenCredit: GettyMany star-studded names took to the studio or commentary box from World Cup winners to Premier League champions.But along with their cheques from the BBC and ITV, several have made huge sums of money via their social media accounts.Experts at SlotsUp.com have crunched the numbers to reveal the most influential pundits and how much money each can make from a sponsored Instagram post.Wayne Rooney comes out on top thanks to his huge 16.3 million following, with brainiacs believing he can pocket close to £10,000 from an upload.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCesc Fabregas is in second and is also way ahead of the rest as he could receive just above £9,000 from each post or £3,623 per story.There’s a dip in figures to third but Roy Keane, with his top 19.75 per cent engagement rate, can earn £5,277 per post and £9,530 per reel.Frank Lampard pips Rio Ferdinand as the former England team-mates complete the top five.Micah Richards is next on the list as he could bank a whopping £3,702 with each upload on Instagram.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLaura Woods is in seventh, with her potential earnings rated at £2,836.The presenter has 764,000 fans, which is the second lowest amount of followers compared to the rest of the top ten.Laura Woods’ stuns in bold outfit as ITV host wears low cut blazer for Euro 2024 finalHowever, her engagement level is impressive at a strong four per cent.Alex Scott ranks below Woods and the ex-Lionesses star is supposedly not maximising her earnings because she still has a “creator” account and not a “business” one.Ally McCoist and Joe Hart complete the top ten list of influential pundits.BBC 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 ChapmanITV 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 McFaddenITV pundits:Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina UnkelBBC commentators:Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan PearceITV commentators:Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe SpeightBBC co-commentators:Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFaddenITV co-commentators:Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

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      ITV pundits gush over Yamal and reveal what they did at 16 from working on building sites to drinking cider in a field

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      LAMINE YAMAL became a European Champion at just 17 years old last week.The teenager earned Uefa’s Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament award as Spain lifted the trophy in Berlin.Lamine Yamal became a European Champion at just 17 years oldCredit: GettyITV pundits Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Jill Scott recalled what they were doing at the same ageCredit: YouTube/Stick To FootballYamal played the majority of the tournament as a 16 year old, turning 17 just one day before Spain’s 2-1 final victory over England.The youngster already proved he could mix it with the big boys at club level last term, featuring in all but one of Barcelona’s 38 league games.But nobody was expecting him to be quite as impressive as he was for Spain this summer, with no player racking up more goal contributions at the tournament than Yamal’s five.While he also smashed the record for youngest goalscorer in Euros history and became the youngest player to ever start a major international final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis unprecedented talent levels at such a young age have had former pros harking back to their youth and recalling what they were doing when they were just 16.ITV pundits Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Jill Scott got together on the Stick to Football: The Overlap Special, brought to you by Sky Bet to cast their minds back to their formative years.Despite a combined 346 international caps and over 60 career trophies, none of the four retired pros were tearing it up on the biggest stage back in their teens.Discussing how they spent their time when they were 16 each of the stars explained how they were a world away from Yamal’s levels.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNeville explained: “That year I started playing for [Manchester] United and did my GCSE’s.”While Jill Scott has a similar memory as she recalled being in the youth ranks at Sunderland when she was 16.’No one gets close to him’ – Gary Neville names best striker he played with that ‘a lot of Man Utd fans disagree with’Although the former Lionesses hero explained that now colleague Roy Keane, may have been manager of the men’s team at the time.Prompting Keane to say: “That makes me feel really old that.”The Irishman himself was certainly not lifting trophies aloft, as he revealed he would have been drinking in a field with his friends at the age of 16.Keane said: “When I was 16 or 17 I was probably drinking bottles of cider in a field – living the dream.”Although that was still a lot better than what he was doing when he was 11, adding that he used to smoke cigarettes back in his youth.He added: “I remember we used to play football after the games in the evening, watching the 1982 World Cup. “I would have been 11 and we’d be playing football and we would have the odd cigarette.”I remember saying ‘I’m giving them up, I want to be a footballer’.”And Ian Wright was also miles away from the pitch when he was 16, with the Arsenal icon not turning pro until he was 21.He chimed in: “I was on a building site, I was working back then. “I was just working for a private guy who used to renovate houses, I was getting £50-a-week.”Yamal’s breakthrough tournament hasn’t been without the mundane realities of being a teenager though.With the La Masia graduate admitting that he was forced to do homework while in Germany for Euro 2024, balancing his school work with breaking records.READ MORE SUN STORIESBefore the tournament began, he explained: “I brought my homework here because I’m in the 4th year of ESO [Spanish secondary school].”I have online classes too and those are going fine. I hope the teacher doesn’t get mad at me.”Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turned 17 the day before the Euros final, and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More

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      Inside Gareth Southgate’s marriage to wife Alison who he wooed in Tesco car park… before she gave him a bold ultimatum

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      GARETH Southgate’s career has been marked by incredible highs and disappointing lows. However, one thing that has remained constant is his wife Alison’s unwavering support.Gareth Southgate has been married to his wife for over 30 yearsCredit: RexThe loved-up pair first met in the 90s when he was a trainee player with Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPThey have three kids together and live in a mansion near HarrogateCredit: Tim StewartThe couple, who have two kids together, have been together for 30 years and are still going strong. She was no doubt in his corner when he decided to quit as England’s manager after eight years in the role.In a statement, he said the position meant “everything” to him and spoke about how he joined the FA to make a change. He also thanked fans for their support.Before making his next move, Gareth, 53, is now settling back into a quiet life with Alison and their kids, who have been by his side throughout his triumphs and tribulations.READ MORE FEATURES She has been credited with helping him relax after intense matches, offering a shoulder to lean on when times get too tough.Here, we look at how their love story developed thanks to a Tesco car park – and a bold ultimatum that could have ended the relationship before it had even blossomed.An awkward startWhen Gareth first met Alson in his early 20s, he played with Crystal Palace as a trainee. She was working in a clothes shop in nearby Croydon.Although he knew he wanted to pursue a relationship with her, he couldn’t pluck up the courage to talk to her at the time as he was not confident about his looks. Most read in Euro 2024In 2020, he explained his struggles in an interview with The Guardian. He said: “It felt like a disaster before I’d even started.”All my peers seemed to so much more streetwise and I was just this kid from the suburbs with goofy teeth. Nothing about me was cool, and I felt like I’d never fit in.”When Gareth first met Alison, he was not confident enough to approach her as he was insecure about his looksCredit: ReutersFor years, Gareth was teased over his appearance, which affected his confidenceThey had to have their first dates in a Tesco car park to ensure her ex wouldn’t find outCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe had also been teased about his nose for years, contributing to his low confidence.In Gareth’s book Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship, he detailed how he would hang around the shop Alison was working in, pretending to look for clothes. He even enlisted the help of the owner of an Italian restaurant he and Alison both frequented. He acted as the middle man between the pair.After two years, Gareth finally plucked the courage to ask her out. To his disappointment, she was in a relationship and was living with her boyfriend at the time.But when he heard that Alison had broken up with her partner, Gareth swooped in and gave her his number. Fortunately for him, she called that night.During the early stages of their romance, the pair had their dates in the car park of their local Tesco supermarket.This was reporetedly to ensure Alison’s ex wouldn’t catch wind of her blossoming relationship.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. Dramatic ultimatumThey married in a low-key ceremony at his parents’ church in Crawley, West SussexCredit: GettyBefore they wed, Alison issued an ultimatum when he was transferred to Aston VillaCredit: RexWhen Gareth was transferred to Aston Villa, Alison supported the move but was not thrilled about the idea of a long-distance relationship.As a result, she issued an ultimatum that could have altered the course of their relationship. She insisted that she move to Birmingham with him or the relationship ends.He agreed, but not everyone was thrilled with the idea. His parents were skeptical about it since they had only met Alison once.Gareth explained: “[They] found it hard to believe that a son who had been so methodical, logical, and weighed up everything would behave so capriciously.”But she was able to prove to them that she was invested in the relationship for the long haul.The pair tied the knot in a small ceremony in Crawley, West Sussex. They married at Gareth’s parents’ local church, a ceremony devoid of the usual hype surrounding high-profile footballers’ weddings.The wedding had to be planned carefully as it was scheduled between the World Cup and the European Championship.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72Plush £3.7m padGareth says his family help him deal with the disappointing results on the pitchCredit: instagram/miasouthgateGareth and Alison have two kids – Mia, 24, and Flynn, 20. Their family home is Swinsty Hall, a huge Grade I-listed Elizabethan mansion in Middlesbrough that cost £3.75million. The family have been a huge hit with neighbours who have praised their down-to-earth and relatable demeanour. Alison has consistently supported Gareth’s football career. She has been seen in the stands cheering on his team – despite the fact that she’s not even particularly a football fan.In an interview with the Mail, Gareth’s father said: “Actually, I don’t think Alison likes football very much. Obviously, she has to take an interest because it’s Gareth’s job, and she is always very supportive.”She will sometimes go to Wembley for an international game – but not during the school term because she always puts the children first.”Gareth also credits his family for helping him overcome disappointments on the pitch. He said: “On Saturday evening, our children are not too bothered whether Dad’s team have won or lost. “Neither does Alison fret too much about football, and this is how I like it. Regardless of the result, it is up to me to ensure that no one’s evening is ruined because of things that happened on a football field. “The agonising waits until Alison and the kids are asleep.”Odds on next England bossHere are the latest odds from Ladbrokes:Here are the latest odds from Ladbrokes:Graham Potter – 11/10Eddie Howe – 2/1Mauricio Pochettino – 4/1Jurgen Klopp – 10/1Lee Carsley – 10/1Pep Guardiola – 14/1Ange Postecoglou – 16/1Michael Carrick – 20/1Steven Gerrard – 20/1Thomas Tuchel – 20/1In an with the Evening Standard, he spoke about how his family’s support keeps him grounded.”Over the last couple of weeks I’ve just had a nice time spending it with the family though, and for me that’s important because my kids are 18 and 14, and their development is as important for me as anything else in my life”, he said. “You do have to try to find a balance because my focus inevitably gets drawn towards making this team as successful as we can and driving them to be the best team in the world, but I’m also a dad and a husband.”Rebekah Vardy, who is married to England player Jamie Vardy, praised Gareth for promoting family values within the England squad. She said: “He’s got the right idea of the team mentality. He’s really relaxed with the players and he makes an effort with all of the families. “He really encourages family days after games, which relaxes the players. It brings a bit of normality in.”And it appears that when Alison does not have her hands full with her family and campaigning for human rights, she doubles as Gareth’s stylist.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn May, while talking to GQ about his hair, he said: “I’ll have one more hair cut before we go [to Germany for the Euros], I think, because my hair gets a little bit curly, which I don’t like.”Plus my wife says I haven’t got the features to have it really short.”He has been praised for encouraging the England team to spend more time with their familiesCredit: Paul Edwards – The SunAlison has often been seen in an embrace with Gareth after intense gamesCredit: Rex Features More

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      Man Utd legend Paul Scholes urges England to hire ‘win win’ Gareth Southgate replacement after announcing exit

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes has urged England chiefs to hire a “win win” replacement for Gareth Southgate.Southgate, 53, announced yesterday that he was stepping down from his role as England boss after eight years and 102 games in charge, saying he believed it was “time for a change”.Paul Scholes has urged England chiefs to appoint Pep Guardiola as the new England managerCredit: GettyScholes took to Instagram to share a picture of Guardiola with the caption ‘win win’Gareth Southgate stepped down yesterday after eight years in chargeA number of potential successors have been named to take over. However, 66-cap Three Lions star Paul Scholes reckons the perfect person for the job is none other than Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.The Spaniard is entering the final season of his contract with City and has suggested it could be his farewell season at the Etihad.Scholes, 49, took to his Instagram page to share his thoughts on the managerial situation and posted a picture of Guardiola with the caption “win win”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a hire such as Guardiola would be a huge coup for FA bosses, a reason why Scholes might view it as a double win would be the stripping of the Premier League’s best coach away from City.Guardiola has guided City to an unprecedented four English league titles in a row.Only Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have managed to usurp Guardiola and co in the last six seasons, while Chelsea won the league in the Spaniard’s debut season back in 2016/17.As a result, Scholes may view the removal of the 53-year-old from the City bench as a positive for his old club Man Utd, who he would doubtless be hoping could capitalise on the power vacuum.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBack in February, Guardiola said he would like to manage a national team when he leaves City. He told reporters at the time: “A national team. I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that.Gareth Southgate quits as England manager after Euro 2024 exit“I don’t know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club.“When I started in this I never thought about winning a league title or winning the Champions League. No. I thought, I have a job? OK.“I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro or a Copa América, or whatever it is. I would like that.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out.“I don’t know when that would be, if that is five, 10, 15 years from now but I would like to have the experience of being a manager in a World Cup.”Despite reaching back-to-back Euros finals, England tasted defeat twice, once to Italy on penalties in Euro 2020 and then on Sunday for Euro 2024 as they were outplayed by Spain.But a serial winner such as Guardiola – having also won titles with Barcelona and Bayern Munich – could be the push this young and talented England squad needs to win some silverware after what will be 60 years of hurt for the men’s team.Southgate turned England from deluded group of individuals into heroes who love pulling on white shirt, writes Charlie WyettGARETH SOUTHGATE won nothing but changed everything, writes Charlie Wyett.The decision for him to resign is the correct one but Southgate leaves a legacy which will hugely benefit his successor.So how will he be viewed in history? It might be kinder in a few years’ time.At the moment, there is still so much frustration at the way it all ended in Berlin.Yet Southgate is second only to Sir Alf Ramsey in terms of overall success and no other manager gets close.To get to two major finals — one on foreign soil for the first time — was a huge achievement.So was the overhaul of a dysfunctional football team which had just lost to Iceland at Euro 2016.The players were so paranoid they even refused to tell us in France who was the best at playing table tennis.That deluded group of individuals thought everyone was against them — and they weren’t.Southgate changed all that with a far more grown-up approach.He encouraged the players to tell their own story, to express themselves, and he got rid of a siege mentality that did not need to exist.Former manager Fabio Capello used to moan that the England team played with fear.Under Southgate, players loved pulling on that white shirt.There were no more cliques, no more egos and no more pulling out of squads with dubious injuries which then cleared up by the next Prem game.Southgate created a club atmosphere within the England team and now you only have to look at the pictures each time the players greet each other at St George’s Park.They are all mates, pulling together in the same direction, as it should be.Southgate has been a class act and he leaves with his head held high.England just fell short with him in charge. There’s no denying that.But let’s hope Southgate will still get the respect he deserves and is remembered as the man who did, indeed, change everything.Read Charlie Wyett’s full article on Gareth Southgate.Or check out all of Charlie’s Euro 2024 columns.FA bosses do reportedly want to sign Guardiola up for the full vacant Three Lions post, and are willing to wait to do so.With Southgate stepping down, England chiefs want to get a new coach in place before the Nations League starts in September. SunSport understands England U21 boss Lee Carsley is in pole position to be the next senior team manager on an interim basis.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther names linked include the likes of Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe, though Newcastle have issued a hands off warning over signing Howe.Meanwhile, it’s also been reported that England Women’s head coach Sarina Wiegmann is also in the running for the job after she saw the Lionesses qualify for Euro 2025 as they look to defend their crown.Southgate’s gone – now it’s time to go foreignBy Dave KiddThere is a natural preference to appoint an English successor.And in an ideal world, the England manager should always be English. But this is not an ideal scenario.So the FA must be ambitious in sounding out the best man for the job, regardless of nationality.Because England need a manager who would gain instant respect with players, who would be tactically bold enough to take on Spain and a strong enough character to deal with Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid Galactico status, which threatens to cause future issues within the England squad. Yes, when the FA have gone foreign in the past, it hasn’t worked out well.Yet the problem with Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello was that neither had any previous involvement in English football.They lacked knowledge and understanding of the football culture — indeed, Capello barely spoke the language.Now there is a wealth of overseas managerial talent with significant Premier League experience, including Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel.Read more from Dave Kidd on who England should turn to. More

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      Man Utd ‘won’t pursue Gareth Southgate as manager if they sack Ten Hag with ex-Chelsea boss top target for the job’

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE will not be a target to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, reports say. Southgate has left his position as England manager after 2-1 defeat in the Euro 2024 final to Spain. Gareth Southgate left his position as England managerCredit: AlamyHe was long linked with the United job as Ten Hag looked to be facing an uncertain future. But after a summer of deliberation, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Old Trafford board decided to stick with the Dutchman.Southgate is admired by Ratcliffe & Co at United but he could no longer be a target to replace Ten Hag in the future. Instead, ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel would be considered next in line for the role, according to the Daily Mail. READ MORE IN BOXINGThat is despite Tuchel already interviewing with Ratcliffe for the job this summer only for a deal to fall by the wayside. The pair met in Monaco but it is believed Ratcliffe deemed the German needed a break from football. Tuchel famously won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 before being sacked a year later. He then moved to Bayern Munich and won the Bundesliga in 2023 before leaving at the end of last season. Most read in FootballThomas Tuchel is still linked with the Man Utd jobCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTuchel is believed to fancy a move back to England for any suitable job in the Premier League. But as revealed by SunSport, he is also open to taking the England job. Right now, Graham Potter is favourite to succeed Southgate having not returned to management before being sacked by Chelsea last September. Erik ten Hag FA Cup similarities to Sir Alex Ferguson’s 1990 crown More

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      Gareth Southgate gave us back our pride in the Three Lions – and plenty of memorable moments along the way

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      GARETH Southgate deserved to win a trophy as England manager.Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you deserve in life.Gareth Southgate became England boss in 2016Credit: GettyIn his eight year reign, England have reached two finals but Gareth’s final loss in the 2024 Euros was his last strawCredit: PANo 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.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis 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.Most read in FootballEriksson could not get past the quarter-finals and McClaren didn’t even qualify for Euro 2008.Then there was Italian disciplinarian Capello, who always gave the impression that he was doing us a favour and didn’t want to be there before he eventually quit.Lee Carsley for EnglandHodgson’s reign was a disaster.After being thrust into Euro 2012 in an emergency, we somehow made the quarter-finals.But his team went out of the 2014 World Cup finals after two games before being dumped embarrassingly out of Euro 2016 by Iceland.England fans had had enough.They couldn’t be bothered with the national team any more and neither, it seemed, could the players.Southgate, who had joined the FA in 2011 to improve coaching standards and develop youth football, was under-21s boss at the time but didn’t fancy the senior job.The environment was too toxic and he wasn’t sure he wanted the hassle.But, after Sam Allardyce’s ill-fated one-match reign, the FA went back to Southgate to test the water by taking temporary charge.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.No time for negativityHe never believed it was the impossible job as many claimed before him.He had no time for negativity.Fans may not care about the relationship between players and the media.But Southgate knew if he encouraged his squad to open up, he could foster an atmosphere where everyone was on board.Hodgson’s coach, Gary Neville, used to actively dissuade players from engaging with the media.What an irony that Neville now makes millions as one of our game’s foremost TV pundits.Neville would have hated the Southgate regime.He loved the old days when he and his United mates sat on one table and Liverpool stars sat on another and never the twain would meet until they were out on the pitch.Southgate’s regime was properly inclusive and if you didn’t like it you didn’t get picked.As England progressed and reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, we could see the manager’s efforts being rewarded.He followed that with a penalties defeat against Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, a quarter-final loss to France at World Cup 2022 and Sunday’s final defeat against the imperious Spanish.Southgate came so close.Maybe there always was a vital ingredient missing that prevented him getting across the line in tournament football.Maybe he was too cautious at times, as his critics complained.And it was sad to see the feelgood factor he had so carefully nurtured over those eight years begin to disintegrate at Euro 2024.Southgate did not take it well when ex-pros who he considered allies, such as Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, stuck the boot in and he was shocked at having beer cups dropped on him by disgruntled supporters.Lineker calling England “s***” on his podcast went down particularly badly, not just with Southgate but the whole England camp.It was still something of a surprise to discover Southgate was so rattled by it, even though publicly he argued it didn’t affect him.He seemed to view criticism of his team and tactics as a personal attack on him when often it was just an assessment of the performance.Questions were raised about his loyalty to certain players, especially his captain, Kane, who did not appear fit despite his claims that he was 100 per cent.Interim manager Gareth Southgate celebrating England’s first goal against MaltaCredit: Times Newspapers LtdDuring his time in charge, Southgate had shown his ruthless streak in ending the international career of England legend Wayne Rooney and for this Euros he axed Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, who were almost considered his mates.Yet he couldn’t bring himself to leave Kane out when we could all see he was struggling and he had two very capable alternative strikers in Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.Gareth always trusted in his game-plan, and that included Kane up front even with a dodgy back.The argument that he should have won Euro 2024 with such a talented group of players was certainly one for debate.Yet look at our history.There were plenty of teams we thought had the talent yet they failed miserably, most notably the Golden Generation of Eriksson’s reign.Plenty of entertainment along the wayYes, 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.It’s not easy to maintain those traits in such a high-pressure job when the focus of the whole country is on you and you’re getting pelters.The essence of Southgate is brilliantly captured in James Graham’s play Dear England, which follows the trials and tribulations of this rarest of football men.The script is being rewritten for the play’s return next May to take in the defeat against Spain and you’ll no doubt need a tissue to dab away the tears of frustration.It’s a crying shame the finale will not be featuring tears of joy.Five biggest momentsSouthgate led England to an important penalty win against ColombiaCredit: GettyENGLAND had a dire penalty shoot-out record before Southgate’s era.But a new mettle was shown as the Three Lions beat Colombia on spot-kicks at the 2018 World Cup on their way to the semi-finals.Luke Shaw scored the fastest ever goal in a Euros finalCredit: GettyLUKE Shaw scored the fastest ever goal in a Euros final with his strike after just two minutes at Wembley.But joy turned to despair as it was Italy who went on to win Euro 2020 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham scored a 95th-minute overhead kick to tie a knockout game against SlovakiaCredit: ReutersWITH England seconds from an embarrassing Euro 2024 exit at the hands of Slovakia, Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham scored a 95th-minute overhead kick to tie the game.The spectacular goal gave Southgate’s men renewed impetus and they went on to win the last-16 encounter in extra-time with captain Harry Kane bagging the winner.Gareth faced down vile racist chants from Bulgaria fans at a Euro 2020 qualifierCredit: The FASOUTHGATE and his players faced down vile racist chants from Bulgaria fans at a Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia.The Three Lions chose to play on despite the option of abandoning the game — and thumped them 6-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESOllie Watkins powers England to the Euro 2024 finalCredit: GettySUPER-sub Ollie Watkins fired in a last-minute winner to beat the Dutch 2-1 in their Euro 2024 semi-final.It meant Southgate became the first England boss to lead the country to two major tournament finals.Southgate timeline1990: Bursts on to the scene with Crystal Palace — making debut as a dynamic central midfielder.1991-95: Becomes a pivotal force in Palace’s dramatic rise to the Premier League and is captain at 23.1995: High-profile move to Aston Villa for £2.5million, reinventing himself as a central defender — and wins League Cup at the end of his first season.1996: Plays every minute for England at Euro 96 — but misses the decisive penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against Germany.2001: Signs for Middlesbrough for £6.5million.2004: Captains them to their first-ever major trophy — the League Cup.2006: Retirement as a player and then becomes Middlesbrough’s manager.2009: The team is relegated from the Premier League and he gets sacked.2013: After taking up FA role in 2011, he takes the helm of England’s U21 team, laying the groundwork for future success.2016: Takes over senior side as interim manager after Sam Allardyce’s exit and is later confirmed as permanent boss.2018: Leads the Three Lions on an exhilarating run to the World Cup semi-finals, achieving their best finish since 1990.2019: Reaches the Uefa Nations League semi-finals with England.2021: Writes “Dear England” letter, which unites the nation following months of Covid lockdowns. Takes England to the Euro 2020 final, but is defeated by Italy on penalties.2022: England lose in World Cup quarter-finals.2024: His second and last Euro final, beaten by Spain More

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      Cole Palmer hits gym less than 48 hours after Euro 2024 final heartache as Chelsea star gets straight back to work

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      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer returned to work immediately after England’s Euro 2024 heartbreak.The Three Lions came close to their first major honour since 1966 on Sunday but lost 2-1 to Spain in the final.Chelsea star Cole Palmer hit the gym just 48 hours after England’s Euro 2024 heartbreakCredit: https://www.instagram.com/palmers_pt/Palmer is gearing up for a return to Chelsea amid their pre-season tourCredit: https://www.instagram.com/palmers_pt/Palmer scored for England in the Euro 2024 final against SpainCredit: GettyPalmer, 22, sent the whole nation wild with his stunning equaliser in Sunday’s showdown, only for Spain to nick it at the end.England stars were left gutted after yet another Euro heartbreak after losing to Italy on penalties last time out at Wembley in 2021.However, Palmer got back to work just 48 hours later as he hit the gym hard.The playmaker shared a story on Instagram showing him lifting weights.Read More on FootballThe Chelsea star worked on his triceps and biceps in his bid to get ready for pre-season.Palmer also issued the following caption along with the clip: “Straight back to it.”England fans insisted the ex-Manchester City star should have been part of Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up throughout the entire tournament.The forward played in five out of seven Euro 2024 matches and never started.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat was despite his stunning season with Chelsea on his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge.Palmer amassed a staggering total of 25 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances.England footy ace Cole Palmer does his famous Cold CelebrationPalmer enjoyed a stunning maiden campaign at ChelseaAnd he now counts two goals in nine caps for England after the Euros.Chelsea kick of their pre-season next Thursday morning with a clash against Hollywood side Wrexham in the USA. More

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      How classy Gareth Southgate turned England from deluded group of individuals into heroes who love pulling on white shirt

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE won nothing but changed everything.The decision for him to resign is the correct one but Southgate leaves a legacy which will hugely benefit his successor.Southgate leaves a positive legacy for his successorCredit: GettyAs the Three Lions players are always united together on international dutyCredit: GettySo how will he be viewed in history? It might be kinder in a few years’ time. At the moment, there is still so much frustration at the way it all ended in Berlin.Yet Southgate is second only to Sir Alf Ramsey in terms of overall success and no other manager gets close.To get to two major finals — one on foreign soil for the first time — was a huge achievement.read more football newsSo was the overhaul of a dysfunctional football team which had just lost to Iceland at Euro 2016.The players were so paranoid they even refused to tell us in France who was the best at playing table tennis.That deluded group of individuals thought everyone was against them — and they weren’t.Southgate changed all that with a far more grown-up approach.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe encouraged the players to tell their own story, to express themselves, and he got rid of a siege mentality that did not need to exist.Former manager Fabio Capello used to moan that the England team played with fear. Lee Carsley for EnglandNext England manager oddsGraham Potter – EvensEddie Howe – 3/1Mauricio Pochettino – 4/1Lee Carsley – 10/1Frank Lampard – 10/1Jurgen Klopp – 10/1Pep Guardiola – 16/1Under Southgate, players loved pulling on that white shirt. There were no more cliques, no more egos and no more pulling out of squads with dubious injuries which then cleared up by the next Prem game.Southgate created a club atmosphere within the England team and now you only have to look at the pictures each time the players greet each other at St George’s Park.They are all mates, pulling together in the same direction, as it should be.Southgate had a reputation for sticking with his favourites — even though Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Jack Wilshere, Chris Smalling and Dele Alli were all dumped by him.Jack Grealish, James Maddison,  Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire all missed out on the Euro 2024 squad. Smiling-assassin Southgate was certainly not afraid to make a big decision.In some cases, fans and pundits think the written media have been too soft on him.The reason other managers were given a harder time was because England were bloody awful at major tournaments and were considered a joke around the globe — particularly at the 2014 World Cup after finishing bottom of their group.It is also worth remembering that England failed to qualify for Euro 2008. And the team included Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Gary Neville.Southgate’s gone – now it’s time to go foreignBy Dave KiddThere is a natural preference to appoint an English successor.And in an ideal world, the England manager should always be English. But this is not an ideal scenario.So the FA must be ambitious in sounding out the best man for the job, regardless of nationality.Because England need a manager who would gain instant respect with players, who would be tactically bold enough to take on Spain and a strong enough character to deal with Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid Galactico status, which threatens to cause future issues within the England squad. Yes, when the FA have gone foreign in the past, it hasn’t worked out well.Yet the problem with Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello was that neither had any previous involvement in English football.They lacked knowledge and understanding of the football culture — indeed, Capello barely spoke the language.Now there is a wealth of overseas managerial talent with significant Premier League experience, including Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel.Read more from Dave Kidd on who England should turn to.Yet despite having to field international rookies Marc Guehi and Kobbie Mainoo due to injuries, Southgate was getting pelters after reaching the final.Admittedly, Southgate did not get the best out of the team at Euro 2024.In Germany, he selected an unbalanced squad, failed to make changes during games quickly enough and paid the price for starting Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier when they were not 100 per cent fit.But, even though Southgate came under fire from all quarters, he put on his tin hat and dragged England to the final.Yet the criticism he received throughout Euro 2024 — and a lot of it was really nasty — clearly upset him.It will have played a part in his decision to quit yesterday. He was clearly annoyed with the digs from all pundits, not just Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.He was also deeply upset to have beer thrown at him by fans.After changing the culture and overall results over eight years with England, Southgate was stunned to have found so much hatred thrown in his direction by fans. Southgate’s England recordGames played: 102Games won 61,Games drawn 24, Lost 17, Scored 213, And conceded 72 with a 59.8 per cent win ratio.He felt he deserved better. And he was right.As a patriotic Englishman, to be ridiculed on social media will have been absolutely gut-wrenching for him.Regardless of the result on Sunday, I think Southgate would have left because of all the s**t he was getting.There is no doubt that Southgate let some colossal, history-making opportunities slip through his fingers.But football is all about fine margins. Had Hart not delivered a 10/10 performance in a World Cup qualifier at Slovenia in October 2016, England would not have escaped with a goalless draw. And Southgate would not have got the job full-time.While leading Croatia 1-0 in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, England would surely have got to the final had Harry Kane squared the ball to Raheem Sterling. At Euro 2020, in the final against Italy, there were the three penalty misses from England players.Had Kane not missed his penalty in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against France at 2-1 down, it may have been different. Hugo Lloris said recently that England would have won easily in extra-time because the French were knackered.And then this year, there were more fine margins, Jude Bellingham rescuing England with his 95th- minute equaliser against Slovakia, a win over Switzerland on penalties.In the final, Spain’s winner was marginally onside and then England wasted chances right at the end.Southgate consoles Declan Rice after England lost to Spain in the Euro finalCredit: GettyThis felt like our time… but keep Gareth’s culture and we can win it in 2026 instead, writes Jack WilshereIT will take a while for me and every England fan to get over this, writes Jack Wilshere.To come so close to winning that trophy, only to be beaten in a second Euros final in a row, is a huge disappointment.Especially when it really felt like this was our time.It seemed that everything was coming together for us to end the long wait for a major title.But Spain deserved it. They were the better team in the final and the best team of the tournament.We will all — supporters, players, coaches, the FA — have to move on and go again.Because English football is still in a good position.Gareth Southgate has taken us to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final in four tournaments. We have never produced a run like that before.The challenge now is to maintain this level of competitiveness and make England even better.Southgate and his staff have done a fantastic job in changing the whole environment and narrative around the national team.Now Gareth is gone, the wider culture he has put in place must be preserved.This tournament was the biggest test of that culture the team had to go through.They overcame the problems and went all the way, only to fall at the final hurdle.But there is every reason to believe we can challenge at the World Cup in 2026 and beyond.We’ve got a really good group of players, many of them young, who can go on playing and performing for England for years.Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — to name just five — have plenty more tournaments in them.This tournament will also be an inspiration for the next generations of players. Unfortunately there isn’t the trophy lift to take that to a completely different level.But England have delivered moments in Germany that will be replayed forever.The Bellingham overhead kick and Ollie Watkins’ semi-final winner will be recreated in playgrounds and cages up and down the country.What I would like to see now is England continuing to develop, to become a team that can consistently dominate opponents and can give a real identity to English football.We now have players who are comfortable on the ball and technically very good.The biggest disappointment of the tournament was that we didn’t see that as often as we would have liked. That leaves us with a ‘what if?’ feeling.England must not lose that old-school mentality of finding a way to win even when you’re not playing well — that never-say-die spirit which got us through this Euros more than once.But the next step is to allow other qualities to shine through, to give the players that our system is creating the platform to show  everything they can do.The job for me and for other coaches is to keep producing players that are comfortable on the ball and understand how to perform under pressure at a high level.English football is in a good place but we need to keep going. Then we will finally get over the line.Real all of SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere’s Euro 2024 columns…Where Southgate ends up will be intriguing. The 53-year-old feels he has done enough to get a big job but most fans at Premier League clubs will groan if he is appointed at theirs.It needs someone with large cojones to make a huge decision. If the season starts disastrously for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, which it probably will, United could be looking for a manager in October.The sporting director at United is Dan Ashworth, who knows Southgate well from their time together at the FA.Although it would not be a popular decision, it would not be a surprise if Ashworth called his former colleague.But for now, Southgate just needs a break. He has been a class act and he leaves with his head held high.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland just fell short with him in charge. There’s no denying that.But let’s hope Southgate will still get the respect he deserves and is remembered as the man who did, indeed, change everything.Maybe Kane really is cursed as trophy drought goes on… he may never get a better chance with EnglandIT now seems as though he really is cursed. Along with the rest of us, writes Charlie Wyett.Tragically, unbelievably, Harry Kane’s agonising search for a trophy still continues and you know have to wonder whether he will ever actually manage it.Certainly for England, in any case.Kane has now suffered defeat in three major club finals and two finals of the European Championships.Last night, the Three Lions captain was so ineffective that he was replaced by Ollie Watkins just after the hour.Like much of this tournament, he really struggled to make the impact when England needed him, not that he had much service.He had one shot in the first half and that was Rodri, who subsequently injured himself and went off at the break.When Cole Palmer struck that brilliant equaliser, Kane was off on his feet from the bench, only for the national team to get another kick in the bo**ocks at the end.Kane was substituted in both the games against Switzerland and Holland which England went on to win but on this occasion, he could only witness a gut-wrenching twist just when it looked as though Gareth Southgate’s team had dug their way out of trouble.The Bayern Munich striker suffered the World Cup 2018 semi-final loss against Croatia, endured heartbreak against Italy in the Euro2020 final and then missed from the spot in the World Cup 2022 quarter-final against France.He really thought that this was his time, even though England did not play well in Germany.Kane will know that he will have more opportunities with England. But not many more.The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico seems a long way away and it will surely be under a new manager. Will England be better than they are now? Probably not.And we are all left to wonder how much better England would have been with a fit and firing Kane at his very best.Read the full verdict on the curse of Harry Kane…Or check out all of Charlie Wyett’s Euro 2024 stories… More