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      Will Still reveals Sky Sports presenter partner was ‘in a coma’ and lifts lid on heartache of leaving her in hospital

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      WILL STILL has revealed his partner Emma Saunders was “in a coma” as he lifted the lid on her health battle.The Lens football manager started dating the Sky Sports presenter in 2024 and went public with their relationship during the Euros.Will Still is dating Sky Sports presenter Emma SaundersCredit: Instagram / @wrstillThey went public with their relationship during Euro 2024Credit: Instagram / @wrstillStill, 32, has paid emotional tributes to Emma after she was treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the season.The presenter has also recently had to overcome the brain infection encephalitis.However, he did have to leave her in the hospital as he had to take charge of Lens’ Ligue 1 match against Marseille.His side sealed an important win as Neil El Aynaoui scored the winner in the 94th minute.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite the win, Still told L’Equipe that he is still mostly thinking about his partner.He said: “It’s tough.”We realise that there are more important things in life than a football match or a shot that goes into the top corner.”I was honest with the guys. My girlfriend was in a coma. We had to be with her, we had to take care of her. Most read in Football”The group reacted admirably well. My girlfriend is stable, she’s fine.”That’s the most important thing. When I came back last Saturday, I knew she was in the best possible place to get treatment.”I asked her the question openly: ‘Do I go, do I not go?’ She said to me: ‘You have to go.'”I thank the staff and my brothers who were there to do the work when I wasn’t there.Will Still goes public with Sky Sports girlfriend Emma Saunders”I felt like I had to give something back, hence the frustration and disappointment last week.”Emma recently thanked Still in a heartwarming post on Instagram as she shared a health update for her 71,5000 followers.It read: “Hi folks.Still had to leave Saunders in hospital to take charge of Lens’ win over MarseilleCredit: ReutersNeil El Aynaoui scored the winning goal in the 94th minuteCredit: AFP”Unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago and I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain.”I hope it won’t be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer.”So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding again – I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care.”And of course you Will Still just for being you and being there for me.”The message accompanied a picture of Emma holding a toy giraffe while lying in her hospital bed.Plenty of her fans flooded the comment section to send her their well wishes.In her career, Emma has also worked for the likes of BBC Sport, fronting women’s football on the channel alongside her work at Sky.Seen as a trailblazer for women’s broadcasting in sport and football, she’s also worked as a stadium presenter for the World Cup, Six Nations Rugby matches, and the first-ever MLB game in the UK.Still made a name for himself as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.He was just 30 when he took over at Reims – even before getting his Uefa Pro Licence, costing the club £22,000 per match.Still guided the club to ninth in Ligue 1 last season before announcing his exit to take over at RC Lens in May 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career aged 24.The English gaffer admitted that his love of coaching was born through playing Football Manager.She shared this picture from her hospital bedCredit: https://www.instagram.com/emmasaunds/?hl=enShe works for Sky SportsCredit: Instagram / @emmasaunds More

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      Sky Sports presenter reveals she’s battling brain infection after fighting cancer and pays tribute to manager boyfriend

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      SKY Sports presenter Emma Saunders bravely revealed she has been struck down with a brain infection after fighting cancer.Emma told fans she treated for thyroid cancer at the start of the 2024-2025 season in an emotional Instagram post.Emma Saunders is a regular face on Sky SportsBut the talented presenter has given her fans an update on her healthSaunders is dating English football manager Will StillAnd talented football journalist explained she’s off work at the moment while recovering from a brain infection called encephalitis.Emma began dating English football manager Will Still, 32, last year and went public with their relationship during Euro 2024.And the life-long Watford fan thanked him for his support as she has opened up on her health battle.She posted a picture from her hospital bed, while holding a mini giraffe stuffed animal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSShe captioned her heartwarming post with: “Hi folks 🤍, unfortunately life took a bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago.”I’m now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain. “I hope it wont be long until I’m back to see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for Thyroid cancer.””So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding – I just wanted to thank my family & friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal, and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care🤍.Most read in Football”And of course you @wrstill just for being you & being there for me ❤️.”Still made a name for himself as the youngest manager in Europe’s top five leagues.Will Still goes public with Sky Sports girlfriend Emma SaundersHe was just 30 when he took over at Reims – even before getting his Uefa Pro Licence, costing the club £22,000 per match.Still guided the club to ninth in Ligue 1 last season before announcing his exit to take over at RC Lens in May 2024.He was born in Belgium to English parents and began his managerial career aged 24.The English gaffer admitted that his love of coaching was born through playing Football Manager.In her career, Emma has also worked for the likes of BBC Sport, fronting women’s football on the channel alongside her work at Sky.Seen as a trailblazer for women’s broadcasting in sport and football, she’s also worked as a stadium presenter for the World Cup, Six Nations Rugby matches, and the first-ever MLB game in the UK.Meanwhile, her Sky Sports colleagues flooded her post with well-wishes.Soccer Saturday presenter Simon Thomas wrote: “So sorry to hear you’ve gone through this Emma. “You’re missed! Look after yourself and hope you’re feeling much better soon.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile England star Kyle Walker replied: “Sending you love.”Premier League presenter Olivia Buzaglo added: “Sending you all the love in the world ♥️.”The couple posed together in Frankfurt at Euro 2024 More

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      Real Sociedad 1 Man Utd 1: Controversial VAR penalty cancels out Zirkzee opener as Amorim rues chances to put tie to bed

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      NO English football fan will forget the name Mikel Oyarzabal any time soon.He was the Spain striker who popped up with the late winner which broke Three Lions hearts in the Euro 2024 final.Joshua Zirkzee opened the scoring for Manchester United in SpainCredit: ReutersBruno Fernandes gave away a penalty for handball which was awarded by VARCredit: TNT SPORTSMikel Oyarzabal then scored the equaliser from the penalty spotCredit: GettyEight months later he was at it again – the calmest man on the park as he stroked home the penalty that keeps this Europa League tie very much in the balance.It meant more penalty woe for Ruben Amorim’s men four days after they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Fulham in a shoot-out.For a few second half minutes at least – it looked as though Manchester United were going to put that disappointment firmly behind them.And there was redemption for Joshua Zirkzee, who had seen the final spot-kick saved by Bernd Leno before slumping to the turf in tears.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis time he was all smiles as he swept home a cross from Alejandro Garnacho to give the visitors a crucial lead on the hour.But Oyarzabal – just as he did in Berlin last summer – had the last word and the tie is still on a knife edge.As is United’s season.Ruben Amorim has tried to play down the importance of winning this competition – but surely he isn’t kidding anybody.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWinning a trophy would lift the gloom which is hanging over Old Trafford, not to mention give them a passport to the Champions League next season.It would also put a very different slant on a season which is in danger of becoming the worst since the club was relegated more than 50 years ago.’I know the consequences’ – Ruben Amorim insists he’s the right man for Man Utd but fears he may not get time to show itYet for all the problems in the current campaign, United have not lost a game in Europe – which is why they are among the favourites to go all the way to Bilbao on May 21.So there was so much at stake in San Sebastian – particularly after their FA Cup exit.And Amorim had to go into the game with a squad of just 18 – and only five outfield players on the bench – as the injury problems got worse still.United’s form at Old Trafford has been so dismal this season that it was hard to work out what would be classed as a good result here.Man Utd ratings vs Real SociedadMANCHESTER UNITED were left to rue missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad in the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie. Joshua Zirkzee scored his first European goal for the Red Devils, before a tame Sociedad outfit levelled through Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty.United, perhaps, deserved more. And should’ve come away with a lead going into the second leg at Old Trafford next week.Ruben Amorim’s side started on the front foot and found space on the counterattack, which has been a rarity this season.They even prevented the hosts threatening Andre Onana’s goal in the first half.Sociedad, in truth, offered very little, perhaps still shellshocked from their 4-0 demolition away at Barcelona this past weekend.The gameplan should’ve been simple at half-time: simply pass the ball in behind to Rasmus Hojlund, with the Basques slow at back.United’s dominance of the match was rewarded when Zirkzee’s shot crept past Alex Remiro in the 57th minute.But the noise – and the Poznan – came back into the Reale Arena after Bruno Fernandes’ handball was spotted by VAR and allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to level from the spot.From that point on, the home side, who had offered nothing, were the better team.But it is Man Utd who have more right to feel aggrieved about taking just a share of the spoils back to Old Trafford.SunSport’s Katherine Walsh runs the rule over how each Manchester United star performed in the Basque Country.Yet they had the best chances of a largely forgettable first half with the first one falling to Garnacho who cut in but thumped his shot straight at home keeper Alex Remiro.Rasmus Hojlund was then furious with Diogo Dalot for passing up the chance to put him in on goal – choosing instead to go back to Garnacho.The Danish forward has not scored since mid December – and no wonder with that kind of service from the wings.Like United, Sociedad did not look to have much confidence or energy early on.They have saved their best form for the cup competitions this season and currently languish in mid-table in their domestic league.But star man Martin Zubimendi – who has been a target for Arsenal and Liverpool in the last 12 months – was pulled out due to illness.He is likely to be back for the return next week so that only added to the feeling this was United’s chance to take the tie by the scruff of the neck.They had opportunities to do so as well – most notably when Dalot chose the right option – cutting it back for skipper Bruno Fernandes.His effort was blocked by Aritz Elustondo and the rebound fell for Joshua Zirkzee who was denied by Remiro before poking the loose ball wide.Fernandes returned the compliment to his fellow Portuguese as his searching chip forward was met by the head of Dalot but his effort lacked the power’They’re anxious to score and win games’ – Amorim rues missed chancesBy Martin BlackburnRUBEN AMORIM admits the pressure is on next Thursday after Manchester United suffered more penalty woe.The Portuguese refused to comment on the controversial spot-kick which gifted Real Sociedad a draw in this Europa League last-16 first-leg clash.VAR Pol van Boekel spotted a handball by skipper Bruno Fernandes — despite nobody appealing.And after going over to his monitor, Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak agreed.The decision came just four days after the Red Devils were dumped out of the FA Cup following a 4-3 shootout defeat to Fulham.Asked about the  penalty, boss Amorim said: “I don’t want to talk about that — let’s just try to win the second game.”But he did acknowledge the heat will be on at Old Trafford after his ‘tired’ stars failed to build on the lead given to them by Joshua Zirkzee.Amorim said: “The pressure is going to be on us in that stadium. We have to be ready and fresh. It was clearly fatigue in that last half hour.”Alejandro Garnacho, Fernandes and Zirkzee were all guilty of missing good opportunities.Asked if United need to be more clinical, Amorim added: “That is clear, we are creating chances but sometimes you don’t see it because we manage not to shoot.“One thing I am sure of — they’re anxious to score and win games.”Amorim played down a row between Diogo Dalot and goal-shy forward Rasmus Hojlund.The Dane — who has not scored since December — was furious when Dalot failed to play him in.And Amorim said: “The decision from Diogo was not the best but the important thing is to move on and not be fighting.”Winning the Europa League is United’s last chance for silverware this season — and to clinch a Champions League spot.Rene Meulensteen — Sir Alex Ferguson’s former No 2 — feels they need Europa glory to lift some of the gloom over the club.He said: “It is so important as that’s the way back into the Champions League. If that happens you win a trophy.“Does it paint over cracks? Yes. I that falls away it is a totally disastrous season.“Manchester United has not been Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson left.“It has been a constant decline. It is a club in unrest — on and off the pitch.”The big plus was that Sociedad had posed almost no threat to United at all in the first half – although they did have a chance soon after the break.Takefusa Kubo’s cross was flicked on by Oyarzabal but Leny Yoro got across to make the block.However the best openings were still coming at the other end as Fernandes curled a free-kick from 20 yards narrowly wide.Then Patrick Dorgu’s cross found Garnacho at the back post but he directed his shot into the side-netting.It felt like things were starting to happen for United and just before the hour mark the breakthrough came.Garnacho rolled a pass to Zirkzee on the edge of the box and his low effort went through the legs of a defender which may have unsighted Remiro as it zipped past him.Nobody could deny the Dutch forward deserved his moment after what he went through on Sunday.It was what United deserved but as we know – nothing is ever straightforward for the Red Devils these days.The VAR spotted a handball by Fernandes as a corner was headed down and when the Slovakian ref went to check the monitor he agreed.READ MORE SUN STORIESOyarzabal never looked like missing and the tie was back in the balance.Sociedad could even have nicked it late on as Sheraldo Becker’s cross was right into the path of Orri Oskarsson but he somehow planted it the wrong side of the post. More

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      Prince William meets new England boss Thomas Tuchel at Windsor Castle ahead of German’s first match in charge

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      FOOTY fan Prince William gave the new England boss a winning start at Windsor Castle – as he gave a warm handshake to Thomas Tuchel.William, 42, spent an hour chatting about football and, of course, his favourite football team Aston Villa’s Champions League form.Prince William shakes hands with new England boss Thomas Tuchel at Windsor CastleCredit: InstagramTuchel’s first game in charge is against Albania at Wembley on March 21Credit: GettyWills with England ace Harry Kane at the Euros last summerCredit: EPAThe Prince of Wales cheered Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions from the stands in Germany as they went all the way to final at Euro 2024 only to agonisingly lose against Spain.And he took Prince George to games at Wembley during their run to the final in Euro 2021.Tuchel, 51, who won the Champions League with Chelsea, officially took on the ‘Impossible Job’ in January.Wills and Tuchel first met in the stands when Villa beat Celtic 4-2 last month.Read More on SportSources close to William, who is Patron of the FA, said yesterday’s royal welcome was an opportunity for the German boss to share his views on the team since taking over and his hopes for the future.While William was highly likely to speak about Villa’s European campaign and last 16 clash with Club Brugge next week, they said.Tuchel’s first game in charge is against Albania at Wembley on March 21 and his contract runs out after the 2026 World Cup.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches More

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      Bournemouth star, 21, switches international allegiance to play under ex-Premier League boss after representing England

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      BOURNEMOUTH star Daniel Jebbison has switched his national allegiance away from England.The 21-year-old striker has agreed to represent Canada, according to reports.Daniel Jebbison has switched his national allegiance away from EnglandJebbison was born in Oakville, Ontario, but is eligible to represent England and Jamaica through his parents.He has been capped 13 times across three different age groups in England’s youth set up.The Prem star was part of the Three Lions side that won the 2022 Under-19 Euros, where he scored against Serbia in the group stage.But he has swapped his allegiance as Canada Soccer has landed one of the most sought-after dual-nationals in the programme’shistory. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSJebbison has started the process of his Fifa one-time change of association.An official announcement from Canada Soccer is expected soon, reports The Athletic.Should that be completed in time, he would likely attend his first Canada training camp in March as part of the Concacaf Nations League finals.Canada will face Mexico in the semifinals, with the winner advancing to meet either the U.S. or Panama.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEx-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has managed Canada since May 2024.Marsch attended Bournemouth’s 1-0 loss to Wolves at the Vitality Stadium to see Jebbison come on in the 89th minute.Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen couldn’t be happier being nominated for Premier League player of the month Marsch had several conversations with the striker and stressed the importance of Canada being one of three host nations for the 2026 World Cup.Jebbison has been a regular substitute for Bournemouth in the second half of this season, since returning from a loan to Championship side Watford.He has two goals in two FA Cup appearances this term and previously starred for Sheffield United in 2019.Jebbison last played for England’s Under-20 side in May 2023 at the Fifa U-20 World Cup.He was also partly convinced of how he could thrive with Canada thanks to a video Marsch and his staff created.Canada turned to three top stars in Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Alistair Johnston, to record video messages expressing their interest in having Jebbison join.Marsch also put a personal touch in his recruitment plan by creating a one-off Canada-themed pair of Air Jordans to gift to Jebbison.Ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has managed Canada since May 2024 More

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      ‘I cannot explain it to this day’ – Gary Neville admits biggest regret of his football career still haunts him now

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      GARY NEVILLE won the lot with Manchester United – but claims there’s one huge “disappointment” on the pitch he’ll never get over.The 1999 Treble winner won eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups and 85 England caps.Gary Neville revealed the one huge huge frustration of his playing daysCredit: GettyBrothers Gary and Phil Neville celebrated after Man Utd beat Bayern Munich in the European Cup final to complete the Treble in 1989-99Credit: Allsport – GettyThe former right-back, who will be 50 on Monday, admits opposition players “absolutely despised him”.But that’s not what bothers him – especially as he even reckons they were RIGHT to hate him!Nev is now a Sky Sports pundit, successful businessman and one of the United Class of 92 group who helped take over Salford in 2014.And he believes a vow he made at the age of 36, to enjoy the second half of his life even more than the first, is proceeding well.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he is haunted by his record with the Three Lions.Neville played under Glenn Hoddle, Kevin Keegan, Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren for England from 1995-2007.He was part of the “Golden Generation” – an era launched with a 5-1 World Cup qualifying victory away to Germany in September 2001.That squad also included Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard and Michael Owen.Most read in FootballGary Neville & Co exited the 2006 World Cup to Portugal on penaltiesCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEriksson took that incredible selection of individual talents to the quarter-finals of three major tournaments in a row.But their failure to get beyond that stage in the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup is regarded as a wasted opportunity. ‘It’ll become so toxic’ – Gary Neville pinpoints exact date he thinks Tottenham will sack Ange PostecoglouAbove all, England never quite worked out how to use their clutch of world class midfielders – or whether to drop some to ensure a better balance to the team.And Neville, arguably the most unsung member of the side, expects his frustration over his international CV to remain forever.Even more so because he was a coach under Roy Hodgson when the Three Lions flopped at Euro 2012 and the World Cup two years later.Nev told The Times: “It’s one of my biggest disappointments.”I’ve been to eight tournaments as a player, and then a coach, and I think in five we were knocked out on penalties. “I look at the current team, who have got through on penalties, and the mentality, what they’ve done in preparation terms, and think it could have been so different for us.“I was playing with an exceptional group of players at times but we didn’t know how to get over the line. I cannot explain it to this day.”Neville accepts that club rivalries – in particular with United and Liverpool – might have played a part in the Golden Generation under-achieving.He said: “We carried something into the games because there was such animosity at times. “I think I carried it as a player: anti-everybody else, siege mentality; United, or everyone else can do one. There was no doubt that Alex Ferguson created that at the club and we bought into it, carried that with us.”Nev added: “To be fair I look back and think I’d absolutely despise me if I was playing against me!READ MORE SUN STORIES“For me the idea of being despised was a trophy. I want to be despised, I didn’t want you to like me. “But maybe at times [with England] there was something of a hangover. You’re kicking lumps out of each other and then, all of a sudden, you rock up and you’ve got to be team-mates.” More

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      Jude Bellingham showed why is England’s best player in 50 years – with wonderfully un-English winning mentality

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      WHEN Jude Bellingham rescued England’s Euros campaign from humiliation with a spectacular overhead-kick, his celebration caused a stir.After that 95th-minute equaliser in the last-16 clash with Slovakia, Real Madrid’s Brummie was seen yelling: ‘Who else?’Jude Bellingham scored an added-time winner for Real Madrid at Manchester CityCredit: AFPBellingham goaded the City fans with his trademark celebrationCredit: APBellingham rescued England’s Euros campaign with his spectacular injury-time overhead kick against SlovakiaCredit: GettyHe also netted TWO injury-time Clasico winners last season, this one at the BernabeuCredit: AFPAnd this one was in Barcelona last seasonCredit: EPADid it indicate arrogance? An over-inflated ego? A desire for individual glory over team success?Not really. It was probably just the instinctive reaction of a player who seizes big moments so frequently, that he simply expects them to happen.When Bellingham poked home in the 92nd minute at Manchester City on Tuesday, it was the sixth time in his 75-match Real career that he had netted an injury-time winner.“Who else?”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTwo of those previous efforts arrived in Bellingham’s first two Clasicos against Barcelona – the most prestigious and ferocious club fixture on Earth.Bellingham had been quiet in the first half at the Etihad. He hadn’t illuminated the place like his fellow Galacticos – especially Vinicius Jr, his club’s spurned unofficial ‘winner’ of last year’s Ballon d’Or.But in the second half his influence grew, although he missed a couple of very presentable chances.And when Vinicius lobbed Ederson in the dying seconds, it was Bellingham who found the killer touch which allowed Real to carry a 3-2 advantage into the second leg of their Champions League play-off.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBecause that’s what Bellingham does.This time, it was his trademark celebration – standing with his arms outstretched in front of the seething City faithful. Like Christ the Redeemer peering down over Rio.Man City player ratings vs Real MadridIf there is an element of arrogance about this then, well, Bellingham has plenty to be arrogant about.Bellingham is England’s best and most influential footballer in more than half a century, since Sir Bobby Charlton was in his pomp.Paul Scholes, one of England’s finest since Charlton, says Bellingham is ‘better than anything we’ve seen’.And he is also quite unlike any other English footballer we have known.He can often seem other-worldy because, despite the Premier League’s global financial dominance, the 21-year-old has never played in England’s top flight.Leaving Birmingham as a 16-year-old for Borussia Dortmund then snubbing Liverpool, most notably, before joining Madrid and firing the world’s famous club to the Spanish title and their 15th European Cup in his maiden campaign as Real’s top scorer and La Liga’s Player of the Season.We don’t see all that much of him, and we hear even less.Bellingham rarely speaks to the media. After 40 caps, he is yet to be interviewed by the written press. During the Euros, a set-piece TV interview was suddenly cancelled at the last minute to the disappointment of the FA.In an era of openness and accessibility around the England camp, Bellingham’s fiercely-protective father Mark – who seems constantly angry at the world his son inhabits – keeps the 21-year-old wrapped in cotton wool.This contributes towards the feeling that, while Bellingham is admired in England, he isn’t loved.It adds to the idea of detachment, of difference, of ‘otherness’.Bellingham has inherited some of his father’s anger. That irrational belief that the world is against him.Last weekend, he was heard F-bombing a linesman who had failed to award Real a throw-in during the Madrid derby against Atletico and earlier this season he called a referee a ‘piece of s***’ during a victory over Espanyol.While at Dortmund, Bellingham was fined for bringing up the match-fixing past of referee Felix Zwayer.Since joining Real 18 months ago, Bellingham has clocked up 22 yellow cards for club and country, as well as one red for dissent after the final whistle robbed him of another injury-time winner against Valencia.This is no Mr Nice Guy. In truth, winners rarely are.And then there is that supreme self-belief, which seems, rather wonderfully, un-English.England players, even the best of them, so often end up as plucky losers.The idea of heroic failure is a national characteristic. But it’s not for Bellingham.Bellingham keeps on winning games in injury-time.He was widely perceived to have suffered a disappointing Euros last summer.And yet he dominated the first half of England’s tournament opener against Serbia, scoring the only goal, he saved the summer with that extraordinary leveller against Slovakia and he assisted Cole Palmer’s equaliser in the final defeat by Spain.There is that supreme self-belief, which seems, rather wonderfully, un-EnglishDAVE KIDD ON BELLINGHAMThis despite being shunted out to the left wing for much of the campaign to accommodate Phil Foden, who has never seized the momentum and turned international matches in England’s favour as Bellingham has often done.There were mutterings about Bellingham’s character. Suggestions he didn’t fit into Gareth Southgate’s team ethos.And yet even in that tournament, with Bellingham physically and mentally drained after an all-conquering campaign in Spain, he was able to bend big occasions to his will.For Real last season, despite no previous experience in the role, he played much of the campaign as a ‘false nine’.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince the arrival of Kylian Mbappe, he has reverted to his preferred midfield role and yet when Real needed an injury-time winner at the Etihad, who was in the right place at the right time?Bellingham, who else?SAVED BY THE BELLJUDE Bellingham’s injury-time winners for Real MadridGetafe (h) Sept 2 2023 – 2-1 winUnion Berlin (h) Sept 20 2023 – 1-0 winBarcelona (a) Oct 28 2023 – 2-1 winBarcelona (h) Apr 21 2024 – 3-2 winValencia (a) Jan 3 2025 – 2-1 winMan City (a) Feb 11 2025 – 3-2 win  More

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      Gareth Southgate’s next career move revealed as former England boss agrees lucrative deal

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has announced his next career move – and it’s not a job in football.The 54-year-old stepped down from his role as England manager following the Euro 2024 final last July.Gareth Southgate is releasing a new bookCredit: EPAHe is yet to accept another full-time job in football but has been taking up some temporary roles.Southgate is a technical observer for Uefa and recently became a visiting lecturer at Harvard Business School. But now he is set for a completely new challenge – writing a book.But for those hoping it will be a tell-all book revealing what happened behind the scenes in the England camp could be disappointed. Read More in FootballThe former England manager’s new book is set to focus on leadership.It is expected to feature some of the lessons he learned while guiding the Three Lions to successive European Championship finals.Southgate’s book is titled ‘Dear England’ and is scheduled to be released in October.The ex-England boss said: “After stepping down as England manager following eight very special years, I’ve been reflecting on what I have lived through and what comes next.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Coaching top players and playing against some of the best teams in the world pushed me to operate at the highest level in football.”Rather than write a memoir of those times I decided to share my experiences in a different way, through the lens of leadership which I hope will provide lessons for anyone who wants to discover their own authentic leadership style.”From Gareth Southgate receiving a knighthood to Keely Hodgkinson’s MBE, all the stars who got gongs in New Year honoursPublishing director Ben Brusey went on to add: “Just as Gareth inspired the nation with his England leadership, every page of his book will inspire readers with his characteristic sense of purpose, honesty, resilience and integrity. “This will be a landmark leadership book, which I know will be enjoyed by readers for years to come.”Southgate received a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list at the start of 2025.He followed in the footsteps of Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alf Ramsey in being knighted for services to sport.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. 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