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      Thank you England for reminding a bruised, battered, self-doubting nation, reeling from years of division of who we are

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      IT is not coming home because it is here already – a national mood of euphoria, optimism and hope.“The best feeling — ever!” gasped Ollie Watkins, describing the moment he saw the ball bobbing in the back of the Dutch net with 91 minutes on the clock in the semi-final of the Euros.England have reminded the nation of who we are in their run to the Euro 2024 finalCredit: GettyFans around the country have been brought together by Gareth Southgate and his never-say-die teamCredit: AFPWe know the feeling, Ollie.Because Gareth Southgate and the beautiful boys of ­summer have lifted the mood of this country.In less than a month, they have given us a reason to believe.In England. In our country. In ourselves.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd tonight there is now the very good chance that England’s men will win their first football trophy for 58 years.Tonight we can fulfil our footballing destiny.Tonight those three little words — it’s coming home! — will lose their wistful sense of plaintive longing and become glorious reality.Tonight there will be — I have always believed — a ­national reset.Most read in Euro 2024That would be joy unbound, for sure — but there is more.To be a fan of the national team of our national game is to carry with you a sense of ­fatalism.Honey the eagle predicts the result of the Euro 2024 finalAnd it does not matter if you are aged eight or 80.That nagging doubt about England is true of children whose first tournament saw England stumble at the last hurdle against Italy in the Euros final three years ago.Incredible squadAnd it is true of the first generation to sing “Football’s Coming Home” in 1996 — all those Oasis-loving lads who are now settling into middle age.And it is true of those of us who remember the boys of summer in 1966.That golden July day — undoubtedly the highlight of my childhood — has been ­followed by 58 years of failure.Until now.I took the job to try to improve English footballGareth SouthgateUntil Gareth Southgate and his incredible squad ripped up the rule book.“I took the job to try to improve English football,” Southgate said in his calm, quiet way after the semi-final against the Dutch.Can anyone doubt him? He is, without question, the ­greatest England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey. And the most beloved.And the flak he has received in Germany has been unforgivable.This quiet, decent and successful England manager has been booed, had beer chucked at him, and been torn apart by all those players- turned-pundits who are labouring under the delusion that THEY are still the big story.But no — it is Gareth ­Southgate’s world today.England are off to face Spain in Berlin’s Olympic stadium tonight — tonight! — for their second successive Euros final, and their first on foreign soil.Already this squad are ­history boys.Already they have taken us to somewhere we have never been before.Tonight they step over the line, and into sporting immortality.Some of the criticism aimed at Gareth has been inevitable.This is a man of caution, and loyalty, and reflection. But his substitutions work.Southgate is a winnerAnd — as Ollie Watkins proved as he stepped into ­history — they work brilliantly.Gareth Southgate gets far more criticism than he deserves because he is totally unlike the image of a Premier League manager that we see week in, week out — apoplectic with rage, eyes ­bulging with outrage, teeth bared with fury that a throw-in went the wrong way.That is not Southgate. He is too much the typical reticent Englishman to act like that.But this quiet, decent man is a winner — never doubt it for a second.And, yes, he is loved — loved in a way that cold, distant Sir Alf was never loved.Other England managers — Bobby Robson, Terry “El Tel” Venables — were liked, and even revered.But Gareth Southgate is on a different level.Tonight he seals his place in the pantheon of great British icons.Southgate and his squad have lit up this summer.We have the greatest substitutes’ bench that England have ever seenTonyWe don’t talk about a golden generation any more — because England have had too many golden ­generations that were found wanting — but on any objective level, this is the most lavishly talented England squad of all time.It feels like a special, ­precious moment in sporting history — when the 21-year-old Jude Bellingham is playing with the 30-year-old Harry Kane.When an entire raft of world- class talent — Phil Foden, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka — feel close to their prime.And we have the greatest substitutes’ bench that England have ever seen.Mercurial Cole Palmer, ­electric Ollie Watkins, ice man Ivan Toney — players that given their chance will do the ­business.Even if it is for ten minutes, even if it is for one minute.Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford celebrate with Southgate after their Semi Final win against the NetherlandsCredit: ©MI News & SportSo many magical moments!Jude Bellingham’s bicycle kick against Slovakia.Jordan Pickford’s penalty save against the Swiss, and his water bottle with a crib sheet of Swiss ­penalty-taking habits.Harry Kane — carrying a back injury, and no spring chicken now — still a goal machine.And — perhaps best of all for the long-suffering England fan — the sight of a perfect penalty shoot-out as Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney — NOT EVEN LOOKING AT THE BALL! — and Trent Alexander-Arnold all scored from the spot against Switzerland.  This does not happen. This is new. This is unprecedented.The England fan of every age is used to having their heart broken come the penalty shoot-out.Chris Waddle and Stuart Pearce in 1990.Gareth Southgate himself in 1996. Harry Kane in Qatar as recently as 2022.They have all known the horror of the scuffed or skied missed ­spot kick.Courage of KaneAnd worst of all was the three young black players — Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho — who missed their penalties in the last Euros final, and were then subjected to vile racist abuse.But there is redemption. We have seen it in brief flashes in the past.When Stuart Pearce scored his penalty against Spain in 1996. When Saka stepped up against the Swiss.In the courage of Kane to never duck a penalty.But this is different. This is not redemption for an individual player.This is redemption for the nation.England have scored all 13 of their penalties — including the shoot-out against the Swiss last weekend — since Harry Kane’s miss against France in the last World Cup.The idea that England always cock it up when it comes to penalties is, quite simply, no longer true.In this England squad, we see ourselvesTonyThis generation of England ­players do not fear the penalty shoot-out.And it matters so much because — this is who we are, isn’t it? This is us — now.A nation finally fulfilling its potential. A nation feeling better about things.A nation coming together after years of sporting hurt, economic agony and political chaos.We even have a Prime Minister who was actually elected!Things are changing. Things are getting better.And in this England squad, we see ourselves.We see ourselves as a nation in that Three Lions squad — in all their glorious diversity, an integration so total and successful that it does not even have to be discussed, it does not need to be talked about, where there are players whose ­family came from the Caribbean and Ireland and Nigeria and more, but they all sing the National Anthem with exactly the same voice.Watch them sing God Save The King tonight and feel the tingle run down your spine.This is who we are now and if there have been some frustrating moments in this tournament, well — that is who we are, too.But we find a way forward. Keep calm and carry on giving the ball to Bukayo Saka.For all the dips in energy levels, there has been so much to applaud, to celebrate, to make you chuck your beer in the air.The resilience of this England team. Their total refusal to ­surrender.Their backs-to-the-wall, never-say-die spirit. Their mental strength.Their bottle.Could football be coming home after 58 years? Get this free giant football posterComing from behind again and again and again.And I can’t help it — I think of Dunkirk, and I think of the Blitz, and I see flashes of a people who have not been invaded for one thousand years.But the old songs undoubtedly are changing now.All those England anthems about World War Two, The Great Escape and The Dambusters March, are making way for a 21st Century remix of Hey Jude and Phil Foden’s On Fire, sung to the tune of Springsteen’s Dancing In The Dark.Given your all and given so much“Phil Foden’s on fire — going to play the Germans off the park . . .”And tonight England face Spain as underdogs and, yes, it will be the best feeling ever if we can win.But we are proud of them already.Thank you, Gareth Southgate. Thank you, Three Lions.You have given your all, and you have given so much, and you have reminded a bruised, battered, self-doubting nation, reeling from years of division and despair, of exactly who we are.And it is a good feeling.Suddenly, this summer, we feel like a land that is healing.Suddenly we feel like a country that is comfortable in its own skin.All at once we feel like a nation where there are good, even glorious times ahead.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe are far more than the world gives us credit for.And tonight you’re going to believe us.Gareth Southgate revealed he wanted to ‘improve English football’ as manager – he’s done just thatCredit: Getty More

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      SunSport’s team of experts analyse three key decisions for England boss Southgate ahead of Euro 2024 final vs Spain

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      SUNSPORT’S team of experts have analysed three key decisions for Gareth Southgate ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.The Three Lions head into tomorrow’s clash looking to make history after getting past the Netherlands in the semis.SunSport’s experts have analysed England’s historic Euros finalGareth Southgate has three key decisions to make ahead of England’s clash with SpainCredit: PAEngland have never won a European Championship before.And they could not be facing a tougher opponent in Spain, who knocked out France and Germany on their final to the final while winning every single one of their matches.But Southgate has three key decisions to make ahead of kick-off in Berlin.Here, SunSport experts Dave Kidd, Charlie Wyett and Dan King join Tom Barclay to get to grips with the manager’s most pressing issues…READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSTRIKER DILEMMAShould Harry Kane start as he chases the Golden Boot? Or is Southgate going to be tempted by either Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney?Dave Kidd: “I said that I’d drop Kane before the semi-final but I was probably wrong.“I think he struggled very badly against Slovakia and Switzerland. I don’t think he’s entirely fit but I think he did a good enough job against Holland. He took the penalty.Most read in Euro 2024To watch the full video discussing England’s date with destiny, click hereEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“Quite frankly there’s no way on earth Southgate’s going to drop Kane for the final. This is a guy who’s been waiting all his life for a major trophy. He might finally win one.“Southgate’s not going to drop Kane and he probably shouldn’t do but we’ve seen Toney and Watkins affect games in big big ways, particularly Watkins.England’s Billion Pound Players: The Clash with SpainHarry Kane has been off the boil despite being joint-top scorerCredit: PADave Kidd reckons there’s no chance Kane will be left out of the starting XICredit: YouTube / The Sun Sport“But I think Toney did very very well against Slovakia and taking that penalty… the no-look penalty everyone’s obsessed with against Switzerland.“He’s been doing it for Brentford for some time but up front it will be Kane.”Charlie Wyett: “Kane has to start. I find some of the criticism of him pretty bizarre. Yes he’s clearly not his sharpest but I thought he’s played quite well. “For Toney and Watkins to feature, I think it just depends how the game’s going. Both players have done really well.“But I certainly wouldn’t start either of them ahead of Kane. They’re both great players but they’re not in his class. “I think that’s pretty obvious England don’t have a striker anywhere near standing with Kane.“Equally, England have this confidence now that if Kane does go off Toney or Watkins can change the game.“That’s a huge thing to know and can also win a penalty shootout. In the past taking Kane off ahead of a potential penalty shootout would be a nightmare.”Charlie Wyett has questioned the criticism around Kane’s tournamentCredit: YouTube / The Sun SportLuke Shaw is desperate to line up for the first timeCredit: AFPSHAW VS TRIPPIERLuke Shaw is raring to go and make his first start of the tournament.But would it be wiser for Southgate to stick with Kieran Trippier?Dave Kidd: “There’s only one major issue up for grabs and that’s who begins at left back — and whether even Shaw’s fit enough to start the game. “You would always want to have Shaw to give you that natural balance on the left-hand side, but it seems they’re not confident enough that he’s fit enough to play 90 minutes. “Shaw came off the bench at half-time against Holland and the game was kind of changing at that point and the Dutch got on top.“Shaw didn’t have a huge amount of time to showcase what he’s able to do going forward so I would imagine that Trippier will start as he has done all tournament.“But the one selection thing I’d like to see change would be Shaw if he’s deemed to be fit enough. England football stars’ tattoosThe England squad are known for their love of body art and a lot of them are covered in tattoos.Dan King believes it will be the right call to start Trippier ahead of ShawCredit: YouTube / The Sun SportDan King: “Trippier’s been a soldier — that’s the way Southgate described him the other day. But it’s obvious that he’s playing on the wrong side.“Having a natural left-foot like Shaw fits that better. But is there an argument to be said about Yamine Lamal?“I think the thing with Trippier is his defensive abilities. Because he’s right-footed, he’s not going to go on the outside, and I think this game against Spain is going to be different to any of the games we’ve played before.“Having a right-footed left-back there who is naturally going to follow someone cutting on the inside is going to be important.“I think there’s the potential to hopefully frustrate Spain and not let Yamal have the kind of free reign he’s had in other games.“Then at that point you make a change, on the front foot, and bring Shaw on to not only defend but go on the outside and give us an extra attack.”Kobbie Mainoo has been key to England’s run to the finalCredit: GettyTom Barclay posed the question whether it was a mistake not to include Mainoo from the startCredit: YouTube / The Sun SportMIDFIELD MAYHEMCan England’s midfield finally click into life?And did Southgate make a mistake not including Kobbie Mainoo from the start?Dave Kidd: “Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield was never a hit. It was not a good idea in the first place. I thought it was pretty insulting to Mainoo that he even started.“Gareth was wrong to play Trent, a right-back, there. That was a mistake.“Declan Rice has not played particularly well either. But I think some of it is that he’s had to play with three different players (Mainoo, Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher).“Phil Foden struggled in the group stage but I think that the change in formation has helped him perhaps more than anybody. It’s allowed both him and Bellingham to play centrally behind Kane.“The shape really suits these 11 players that Southgate keeps picking and he won’t deviate from.“But Foden disappointed me in the group stage. Jude Bellingham at times too, but he has his moments.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The first half against Serbia, outstanding. The overhead kick against Slovakia, unbelievable. “But Bellingham’s not been consistently as good as he might have been as well.”England vs Spain recordEngland have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result…May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain. 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      France star, 28, considering international retirement after playing only 15 minutes at Euro 2024

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      FRANCE star Kingsley Coman is considering international retirement after Euro 2024 at the age of 28.Coman has been part of Les Bleus’ senior squad ever since 2015 thanks to some impressive performances for the likes of Juventus and current club Bayern Munich.France star Kingsley Coman is considering international retirement at the age of 28Credit: AFPBayern Munich star Coman only managed 15 minutes during Euro 2024 for FranceCredit: AFPBut the winger only managed 15 minutes during the European Championships in Germany when he replaced Ousmane Dembele during the goalless draw with the Netherlands in the group stage.According to L’Equipe, the France international had a “bad experience” during the Euros, which “scarred” him.The same source claims Coman had put a lot of hard work into returning from a hamstring injury to claim a spot in Didier Deschamps’ squad.It has also been reported that the decision to keep Deschamps in charge for the 2026 World Cup may have contributed to the forward’s decision.Read More on FootballIf the Bayern star decides to hang up his boots then that won’t be the first time France see a player retire from international duty at such a young age.Raphael Varane also did the same at the age of 29 after the 2022 World Cup final that saw his team lose to Argentina.Coman has scored eight goals in 57 appearances for France.And despite his injury-stricken season, the Frenchman still managed five goals and three assists in 27 appearances across all competitions with Bayern.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFrance failed to impress during Euro 2024 despite making it to the semi-finals.Deschamps’ side was eliminated by Spain who now face England in the final on Sunday.Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedFrance only managed one goal from open play during the entire tournament when Randal Kolo Muani scored against the Spaniards.Coman put a lot of hard work to return from an injury for Euro 2024 More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s Wag Georgina Rodriguez wows in tiny bikini and shows off bum as she runs on the beach

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO’S girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez took social media by storm once more.Georgina, 30, is taking some time to relax alongside Ronaldo, 39, and their family after Portugal were knocked out of Euro 2024.Georgina Rodriguez posed in a bikini during some down time on the beachCredit: Instagram / georginagioBut Georgina also found some time to enjoy a run on the sandCredit: Instagram / georginagioGeorgina enjoyed some sunshine with Cristiano Ronaldo and their familyCredit: Instagram / georginagioGeorgina shared all the latest updates to her 60million followersCredit: Instagram / georginagioAnd the social media star shared some pics of her in a bikini while enjoying some sun.The model also decided to have a run on the beachside and shared a clip for her 60million followers on Instagram.Georgina’s fans were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One followers posted: “Beautiful.”Read More on FootballAnother commented: “I simply adore this sweet family.”A third wrote: “Spectacular.”This fan said: “I love you guys.”And that one gushed: “I’m your biggest fan.”Most read in FootballRonaldo failed to score a goal during Euro 2024 as he only managed two penalty kicks during a shootout against Slovenia and France.Portugal were eliminated in the quarter-finals after losing on pens to the Tricolores following a goalless draw.Inside Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s lunar-style Red Sea beach paradise on stunning private islandThe Manchester United legend is now gearing up for the upcoming season with Al-Nassr.Inside the glamorous world of Georgina Rodriguez…Georgina lives a life to be enviedCredit: InstagramThe stunning partner of Ronaldo offers insights into her world using her social channelsCredit: instagram @georginagioShe has over 60 million followers on InstagramCredit: InstagramShe met Ronaldo whilst working as a shop girl at DiorCredit: The Mega AgencyShe is now the mother to his five children, two of which Georgina is the maternal motherCredit: EPAGeorgina now resides in Saudi Arabia follower her partner’s move to the countryCredit: Georgina Rodriguez/instagramGeorgina loves luxury holidays and can often be seen on mega yachtsCredit: Instagram @georginagioBoats are a big love of hersCredit: Refer to CaptionShe travels almost exclusively by private jetCredit: Georgina RodríguezThe Argentine beauty is a regularly at the Venice film festival where she can be seen turning headsCredit: GettyGeorgina is loved by fashion magazines for her sense of styleCredit: AlamyShe models for a range of companiesCredit: georginagio/InstagramRodríguez has modelled for PrettyLittleThing lingerieCredit: InstagramGeorgina’s love of travel is something she regularly shares on her social channels, including this trip to IbizaCredit: Instagram, @georginagio More

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      Meet stunning TWINS who are Wags to two Spain stars and will be cheering on their fellas vs England in Euro 2024 final

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      SPAIN’S stars will be cheered on by twin Wags during the Euro 2024 final.The two sisters sisters, Daphne and Melanie, 34, are both partners to La Roja players.Joselu, Melanie Canizares, Daphne Canizares, and Dani Carvajal are familyCredit: Instagram / mel.canizaresMelanie Canizares is married to ex-Real Madrid star JoseluCredit: Instagram / mel.canizaresWhile Daphne Canizares is married to Dani CarvajalCredit: Instagram / daphnecanizaresThe former is married to Real Madrid hero Dani Carvajal, while Melanie is with Joselu, who recently departed for Qatar Stars League club Al-Gharafa.Incredibly, Joselu tied the knot with Melanie in 2016.In 2022, Daphne and Carvajal said their ‘I do’s’ which makes the Spain duo brothers-in-law.Unsurprisingly, Melanie is a model. But she formerly worked as a flight attendant.Read more football newsDaphne runs Blue Weddings, which specialises in organising weddings and social events.On Instagram it’s Daphne who is the most popular – with a staggering 266,000 followers.Melanie boats 56,000 followers, but her life is equally as glam.However, it’s their other halves that have cemented their names in folklore for Real Madrid.Most read in Euro 2024While on-loan from Espanyol, Joselu bagged a brace late on to defeat Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final.Then, in the final, it was Carvajal who was the hero – scoring the winner after 74 minutes to beat Borussia Dortmund in the final.How to watch Euros 2024 from the airShould Spain beat England in Sunday’s showpiece, it would be a huge night for the family.The Spanish have been one of the best teams of the tournament.Thanks to teen sensation Lamine Yamal and brilliant winger Nico Williams, Luis de la Fuente’s side have been a breath of fresh air.The Canizares twins will certainly be hopeful they’re on fire on Sunday.Spain Euro 2024 guideSPAIN’S team may not be a patch on the one that dominated world football 15 years ago – which had superstars coming out of its ears.But they still topped a qualifying group consisting of Scotland and Erling Haaland’s Norway by winning nine out of ten games.MANAGER: Luis de la FuenteSurprise choice as coach but won the Under-21 Euros in 2019 and an Olympic silver medal a year later.KEY MAN: RodriRodri is arguably the greatest holding midfielder the Premier League has ever seen. But will he have enough left in the tank after complaints of tiredness at Man City?How Spain attackSpain will be a different side to that which we have seen in recent years, with the 4-3-3 replaced by a more structured 4-2-3-1 formation.The full-backs, attacking midfielders and wingers are all ready to push forward while Rodri and Fabian Ruiz sit deep in the quarterback role.How Spain defendSpain’s two deep midfielders allow the rest of the team to push forward and press high up the pitch.Their focus will be on either dispossessing the opposition defence or forcing opponents to play long by cutting off the short pass option.Read the full Spain Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and WagsMelanie Canizares works as a model and is a former flight attendantCredit: InstagramDaphne Canizares is wedding events plannerCredit: Instagram / daphnecanizaresDaphne and Carvajal celebrating winning the Champions League at WembleyCredit: Instagram / daphnecanizaresMelanie Canizares and Joselu are set to start a new life in QatarCredit: Instagram / mel.canizares More

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      England legend Paul Ince praises diversity of Euro 2024 squad – and reveals his prediction for score in Sunday’s final

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      ENGLAND great Paul Ince has praised the diversity of the Euros squad — highlighting  quarter-final goal hero Bukayo Saka. The 58-year-old, the only black player in the Euro ’96 starting line-up, also applauded Three Lions fans for helping expose the racists who have abused Gareth Southgate’s squad.England great Paul Ince has praised the diversity of the Euros squad, above with his son Thomas InceCredit: The TimesEzri Konsa, Jude Bellingham, Ollie Watkins and Marc Guehi celebrate together following the semi-final victory over the NetherlandsCredit: GettyInce was the only non-white player in England’s Euro 96 teamCredit: Offside SportsAhead of tonight’s final against Spain, Ince said: “Saka, for such a young lad, has performed very well for England. “There’s always going to be a few idiots who are going to criticise, and make racist remarks.“That’s the society we live in, you’ll never change that.“Everyone’s got to get behind the team. It’s a fantastic occasion for everyone, including the fans.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Meanwhile, he is backing England to lift the trophy in Berlin tonight.The former Manchester United ace told The Sun on Sunday in an exclusive interview: “We’ve got a chance of making history. Maybe it’s aligned with the stars. Maybe it’s our time. I honestly believe it.“I’ve got this feeling again with this team. It’s our time. It’s so overdue. “Let’s win and forget the hoodoo of 58 years without a major trophy. I’ve had enough of the ‘Football’s Coming Home’ tag.”Most read in Euro 2024On tackling racism, Ince said: “Credit to Saka and Marcus Rashford who have come out of that horrible situation in the last final and moved on with their careers.“The FA and Professional Footballers’ Association, managers, players, and the media have done so much to try and out these people and educate that we won’t tolerate this type of discrimination against all different creeds and colours.Sven-Göran Eriksson’s Rallying Cry for England“The message is getting out there. Would I like to go a bit quicker? Yes, I would. But the good thing for me now is that fans are outing their own fans.“You’re not getting away with these remarks and insults.”The midfielder recalled the hullabaloo around the build-up to Euro ’96, when the players let their hair down with a drinking game in Hong Kong after warm-up matches.He said: “When I hear Jude Bellingham talking about the siege mentality within the ranks. I totally get that. “We were getting slaughtered in 1996 from all corners, so there was that siege mentality within the camp. Today’s team can do the same.”Ince said nothing would change the way his old England and Middlesbrough team-mate Gareth Southgate prepared for the final — despite getting flak early on.’Chance of making history’He added: “Does it really matter now? No, because we’ve got a chance of making history. “That’s the good thing about it. All the criticism won’t bother Gareth.“He’s one of those really calm people. He doesn’t let things fluster him. He knows that as soon as you take the job you’re going to be out there for criticism.“Southy has been in the job long enough now, for eight years. It’s just water off a duck’s back. People are always going to have an opinion, that’s the great thing about football.“But Gareth has changed. At the World Cup, he would never take Harry Kane off.“We’ve seen a different side to Southgate where he’s now prepared to make those changes. Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins have come on and made a difference.“Gareth has tried to make changes to benefit the side.”Ince said of preparations for the 8pm clash: “Gareth and the players will be chilled. You’ve got to try and relax the players. “We did a lot of fun games, racing nights, just not focusing too much on the job in hand.We’ve seen a different side to Southgate where he’s now prepared to make those changesPaul Ince“That will come tonight once they walk into that stadium.“It’s important the senior players recognise anyone who’s worried. Everyone’s going to be nervous.“It’s hard not to show. A little bit of nerves is good.”The player-turned-pundit, who managed teams including Blackburn Rovers and Reading, said: “It’s sad if you think about the 58 years since we’ve won a major trophy.“Think about the generations of retired footballers — Bryan Robson, Kevin Keegan, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard. “Great, great players like Paul Gascoigne and Alan Shearer. Yes, we’ve been unlucky along the way but it’s sad for us as a nation.“But the pressure today might come from the fact we lost to the Italians in the last Euros final. That would be more on the players’ minds than anything else.“Spain tonight is just another game. History makers? I don’t think that will be going anywhere near their minds.“We have to peak. We’re probably playing the best team in the tournament in Spain. Their style of football has got past the Germans, and the French.’England will win’“There haven’t been that many outstanding games in the tournament. The quality of the Euros hasn’t ultimately been great.“England have underperformed but we’ve still managed to reach the finals, which is a great thing for us. “We’ve shown a lot of character, going down and coming back. We’ve had a bit of luck, too. It’s about coming together.”Ince, who was too nervous to watch the Euro ’96 penalty shoot-out, said he was much calmer now.He will watch the game, glass of white wine in hand, at home with his wife. He said: “All my mates said to come to the pub but I said absolutely no chance — I want to watch it in peace.READ MORE SUN STORIES“At least if I’m watching it, nervous and jumping around, I don’t look like an idiot like I would if I’m watching it in the pub.”And his score prediction. “I think England will win 2-1,” he said.England’s Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring in the 80th minute against Switzerland in the quarter finalsCredit: Getty More

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      BBC commentator for Euro 2024 final between England and Spain reveals how he uses FIFA to prepare for big games

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      BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Ian Dennis has revealed the bizarre technique he uses to prepare for big games.The iconic voice of radio football, who will be commentating on tomorrow’s Euro 2024 final between England and Spain, explained that he plays his son’s video games to polish up his broadcasting skills.BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Ian Dennis has revealed he plays Fifa to help him prepare for big gamesCredit: GettyDennis will be commentating on England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain tomorrowCredit: GettyDennis, who has been commentating for the BBC for 22 years, told the Beeb’s Football Daily podcast that he plays Fifa – now known as EA Sports FC – to make sure he gets every player’s name and number right.The 52-year-old explained: “In all seriousness, when I’m doing the Champions League games, I do actually play my son’s Fifa.”The graphics are so great these days and the number association [helps]. “That’s how I would normally prepare for a Champions League match.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024He added: “Say for Instance I was doing Borussia Dortmund, I would play Borussia Dortmund vs Borussia Dortmund and get the number association.”And I would get certain sort of thumbnail descriptions of players in my head.”Although Dennis will have to rely on his encyclopaedic knowledge of football and his experience of commenting on England’s stars in the past to get things right for tomorrow’s final.He explained: “However, I haven’t got a console out here with me [in Berlin].Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland’s route to the Euro 2024 finalENGLAND began their Euros final campaign in Germany on June 16.”But fortunately, because I’ve seen Spain in five of their six games in this tournament, I should know the Spanish players pretty well.”Dennis will join John Murray on the BBC’s radio commentary for the final tomorrow night as England look to end their 58-year wait for a major trophy in the men’s game.Watch Alan Shearer recreate iconic celebration after Watkins wins it for England vs Holland in Euro 2024 semi-final The Three Lions have resiliently pushed their way through to the final in Berlin, relying on penalties, extra time goals and late winners to earn their spot in the Olympic Stadium.But regardless of whether they are able to go one step further than their 2021 Wembley heartache, Gareth Southgate’s brave lions have already made history.The 26-strong squad have become the first men’s England team to reach a major final on foreign soil.While Southgate himself has made history as the first England men’s senior manager to make two major finals.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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      Who is Dani Olmo’s girlfriend Laura Abla Schmitt? Meet the German influencer in love with Spain & RB Leipzig midfielder

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      DANI Olmo and his seemingly unstoppable Spanish teammates have swept all comers aside on their journey to the Euro 2024 final, where they take on England.Here we get to know the midfielder’s girlfriend Laura Abla Schmitt.Laura Abla Schmitt is in a relationship with Spain star Dani OlmoCredit: Instagram @lauraablaWho is Dani Olmo’s girlfriend Laura Abla Schmitt?Laura Abla Schmitt is probably one of the few Germans who was not rooting for Germany’s national side at Euro 2024.She is the girlfriend of RB Leipzig and Spain midfielder star Dani Olmo, and has said that her allegiances lie with whichever team he is playing for.Nevertheless, she also said doesn’t want to be associated with football.The 26-year-old has 167,000 followers Instagram, where she regularly posts photos of herself in various stylish outfits from all over Europe.READ MORE ON EURO 2024On TikTok the model has over 270,000 followers and has racked up 25.9 million likes.Despite being in a relationship with the Spanish international, she wants to let everyone know that her content is not focused on the beautiful game.Laura told Tribuna: “My reels are never about football, it’s about me or my boyfriend.“I don’t say anything about football, that’s not my place. I know far too little about that.Most read in Euro 2024“I don’t say anything about clubs, I don’t do any analysis. I do it for myself, for entertainment.“I can’t take myself seriously in that environment.RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo shows what he is made of in training “Everyone tells me: you’re a player’s wife. I don’t see it that way myself. I make fun of it.”Even so, her videos about football are some of her most popular.She explained: “What people don’t understand is that when I post something about football, I do it on purpose because it’s a guaranteed million-view banger because I get hate.”Laura often has to deal with trolls and negative comments, especially when she is reduced to just being Dani’s girlfriend: “If you tell me that the club my boyfriend plays football for is crap, then I don’t care.Dani Olmo controlling the ball during the Euro 2024 semi-final against France at Munich Football Arena on July 9, 2024Credit: Getty“That’s so stupid. As if I have the right to decide or if I care at all.””He could play for Blau-Weiß Papenburg tomorrow, then that would be my favourite team.“It’s as if my boyfriend were a doctor: then I would tell my friends to go to the practice.”How long have Dani Olmo and Laura Abla Schmitt been dating?According to the Instagram page Football Wags/Families, the couple started dating in the summer of 2023. The picture Laura posted on Instagram confirming the relationship in January 2024Credit: Instagram @laurablaLaura posted a picture of herself and Dani confirming their relationship on the platform on January 1, 2024, along with a message reading “Bevor jemand anderes ihn zeigt” — which roughly translates to “before someone else points it out”.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in another Instagram post from April 16, 2024, she wrote: “Ich hab mit vollster Zufriedenheit mein Cheerleader-Jahresabo heute verlängert 💃💃 to many more years with you @daniolmo ❤️”The German in this post roughly translates to: “I have, with complete satisfaction, extended my annual cheerleading subscription today”. More