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    Who is Nacho Fernandez’s wife Maria Cortes? Meet the Spain and Al Qadsiah centreback’s spouse

    NACHO Fernandez’s wife Maria Cortes is not only his childhood sweetheart but also a dedicated manager of the football academy he co-founded with his brother.Maria is standing by Nacho at the Euro 2024 final, where Spain takes on England, and here’s everything we know about her.Nacho Fernandez and his wife Maria Cortes have been together for 20 yearsCredit: Instagram/@ mcm1989The couple met when they were childrenCredit: GettyThe couple has four children togetherCredit: Instagram/@ mcm1989Maria Cortes likes to share a glimpse of her life on her Instagram accountCredit: Instagram / @mcm1989Who is Nacho Fernandez’s wife Maria Cortes?Nacho Fernandez’s wife, Maria Cortes, is his childhood sweetheart whom he began dating in 2004. She was born on February 13, 1989, in Spain and studied Marketing, Administration, and Company Management at a university in Madrid.Maria has been actively involved in managing a football academy that Nacho and his brother founded. She is also known as a brand ambassador. read more on nacho fernandezThe couple has four children together, Alejandra, Nacho Jr, Guillermo, and Lola. Nacho has shown his dedication to his family by prioritizing them, such as when he flew back to Madrid from a Club World Cup game in Morocco to be with Maria and Lola after her birth.Maria is currently in Germany supporting her husband at the Euro 2024.Spain is facing England on Sunday July 14, 2024 at 8 pm in Berlin at the Euro 204 final.Most read in Euro 2024England’s Billion Pound Players: The Clash with SpainWhen did Nacho Fernandez marry Maria Cortes?The couple maried after dating for 10 years in 2014Credit: GettyNacho Fernandez married Mary Cortes on 31st May 2014 in Meco, Spain.The guest list included Alvaro Arbeloa and his wife Carlota Ruiz, Isco accompanied by Victoria Calderon, and Alvaro Morata alongside his ex-girlfriend Maria Pombo.Maria maintains an active Instagram account where she shares frequent updates with her 84,900 followers.Her profile offers glimpses into their family life, including travel adventures and special events with loved ones.Meet Spain’s Euro 2024 WagsSpain Wags range from teenager sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Alice Campello (Alvaro Morata’s wife)Alice Campello is an Italian model and fashion designer and has been married to Alvaro Morata since 2017. The pair has four children together.Sara Botello (Aymeric Laporte’s wife)Sara Botello is a trained dancer, having performed ballet and contemporary dance in shows around Spain. She married Aymeric Laporte in 2023 and the pair have two children together.Tatiana Trouboul (David Raya’s girlfriend)Tatiana Trouboul is the girlfriend of David Raya. Before moving to London with him, she worked in a nightclub. Now she is working as a model.Claudia Rodriguez (Marc Cucurella’s girlfriend)Claudia and Marc met in Barcelona after he messaged her on Instagram. The pair has third children together and have been together since six years.Lola Liberal ( Mikel Merino’s wife)Lola Liberal is a blogger and loves to share loving moments with ex-Newcastle star Mikel Merino. The pair married in January 2024.Laura Cascante (Rodrigo Hernández’s girlfriend)Laura Iglesias is a medical student and is training to become a surgeon. The pair met during university.Laura Abla Schmitt (Dani Olmo’s girlfriend)Laura Abla Schmitt and Dani Olmo made their relationship public on New Year’s Day in 2024. Read more about the Wags supporting Spain at Euro 2024 here More

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    Euro 2024 most disappointing XI revealed… with four Premier League stars featuring alongside Cristiano Ronaldo

    CRISTIANO RONALDO was named alongside four Premier League players in the worst XI of the Euros by a Spanish outlet.The five time Ballon d’Or winner failed to score in his five matches across the tournament as Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals by France.Ronaldo was named in the worst Euros XI after failing to score in the tournamentCredit: GettyLukaku joined Ronaldo in the ‘disappointing XI’Credit: GettySpanish outlet Marca named him alongside Prem stars Oleksandr Zinchenko, John McGinn, Dominik Szoboszlai and Romelu Lukaku in their most disappointing XI of the Euros.Zinchenko was joined by Ukraine team-mate and Real Madrid keeper Andriy Lunin in goal after he made two high-profile mistakes in their team’s opener against Romania.Lunin had a successful season going into the Euros, playing 21 times as Real Madrid won LaLiga in place of the injured Thibaut Courtois.But his mistakes in the opening match saw him dropped by the time Ukraine’s third group game came around.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Zinchenko was joined in defence by former Chelsea star Andreas Christensen and Italian duo Gabriele Mancini and Giovanni Di Lorenzo.In midfield was Liverpool’s Szoboszlai, Aston Villa’s McGinn and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who now plays for Saudi side Al-Hilal.In an attacking front three consisting of three number nines, Ronaldo was joined by Romelu Lukaku and Dusan Vlahovic.Lukaku struggled again in an international tournament as he spurned several great opportunities for Belgium during their disappointing group stage where they acquired just four points.Most read in FootballMarca have named their XI of most disappointing players at the EurosCredit: MarcaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe striker spent last season on loan at Serie A club Roma but has now returned to parent club Chelsea.It remains to be seen if he will be part of new boss Enzo Maresca’s plans.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesRonaldo’s tournament will likely be remembered most for his tears during Portugal’s round of 16 game against Slovenia.The forward missed a penalty in the 114th minute and then teared-up after seeing his mother being shown on the big screen.Juventus star Vlahovic also makes the most disappointing XI after failing to score in the group stages as Serbia crashed out of England’s group. More

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    Finally a rich man I like – Fans love Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cheeky message to Luke Shaw ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has sent Luke Shaw a cheeky message ahead of the Euro 2024 final.The Manchester United left-back is part of the England squad preparing to face Spain in Berlin on Sunday night.Sir Jim Ratcliffe had a cheeky message for Luke Shaw ahead of the Euro 2024 finalCredit: RexThe Manchester United co-owner left fans in hysterics with his good luck messageCredit: BBCAhead of the match, a host of celebrities have wished the players good luck for the final.Famous faces including Amanda Holden, Ellie Goulding, George Russell and Ed Sheeran all provided video messages for the squad.United co-owner Ratcliffe also appeared in the video as he said: “All the very best of luck on Sunday and I sincerely hope that you are successful.”He had another message just for Shaw at the end of the video, though.READ MORE IN SPORTThe British billionaire quipped: “Luke, please don’t pull your hamstring again.”Fans were left in hysterics, with one commenting: “Finally a rich man I like.”Another added: “Sir Jim is our guy.”Meanwhile, a third supporter also wrote: “Lol I’m finished.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSShaw endured an injury-hit campaign with United last season, missing 34 matches across two lengthy spells on the sidelines.After returning to action in November, another muscle issue in February prompted the end of his season.Bukayo Saka’s reaction after Luke Shaw claims Arsenal star is a Man Utd fan and says ‘ask anyone in the England squad’A host of famous faces wished England luck, including Amanda HoldenCredit: BBCSinger Ellie Goulding also appeared in the good luck videoCredit: BBCThe 29-year-old did not return to action until England’s quarter-final clash with Switzerland on July 6.He also appeared off the bench against the Netherlands in the last four on Wednesday night.Shaw, who scored in the last Euros final three years ago, has now won 33 caps for the Three Lions, scoring three goals.United team-mate Kobbie Mainoo is also part of Gareth Southgate’s squad and has started all three knockout matches so far in Germany.F1 star George Russell will be cheering on the Three LionsCredit: BBCEd Sheeran has shown his support for Gareth Southgate’s squadCredit: BBC More

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    Brazen England fans don ‘winners’ tattoos before Euros 2024 final even begins as supporters say ‘it’s coming home’

    BRAZEN England fans have donned Euro 2024 winners tattoos before the final even begins.Multiple Three Lions supporters have been inked in the days since Gareth Southgate’s men saw off the Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-final on Wednesday night.England fan Dan Thomas is very confident the Three Lions will win tonightCredit: Dan Thomas / PAThe data consultant had ‘England Euro 2024 Winners’ and the trophy tattooed on his thighCredit: Dan Thomas / PADan spent two and a half hours in the chair getting the inking doneCredit: Dan Thomas / PAThe tattoo artist asked Dan three times if he was definitely sure before startingCredit: Dan Thomas / PADan Thomas, from Swindon, Wiltshire, is among those who is ultra-confident England will defeat Spain tonight in Berlin and end 58 years of hurt.The data consultant spent two and a half hours getting a trophy and the words “England Euro 2024 Winners” tattooed on his leg three days ago. The 29-year-old went to the Reign Barbers and Tattoos parlour in Swindon on Thursday – the day after Ollie Watkins’ last minute strike booked the nation’s place in the final.”I thought (England) would get far, so it’s come as no shock,” he said.Read more football news”I’m pretty confident. I think it will happen. I wouldn’t have got it done if I didn’t think it would happen.”I think it will be close and I think it will be 1-1, but go to extra time. I think we’ll win 2-1 at extra time.”Mr Thomas considered getting a similar tattoo in 2021 when England faced Italy in the Euro 2020 final, but hopes this year’s tattoo will secure Southgate’s team victory.”I went into the studio and just said it would be great to have (the tattoo). I was joking, but then I thought, ‘actually, no, I’m really confident I’m going to get it done’ so it was a spur of the moment, last minute thing,” he said.Most read in Euro 2024″My tattooist has already told me that as a punishment if they do lose then he’s not going to cover it up for at least a year.”England’s Billion Pound Players: The Clash with SpainMr Thomas livestreamed the moment he had the artwork tattooed to his leg, which received 42,000 views on TikTok, and he has encouraged others considering getting a similar tattoo to “go and get it”.”They’re going to win so you may as well get it before the queues start on Monday,” he said.Mr Thomas’s friend, Jack Wilkinson, who owns Reign Barbers and Tattoos, did not believe Mr Thomas would go ahead with the tattoo “until the needle actually touched the skin”.Mr Wilkinson said: “I thought it was a joke to start with, but he said he was full of confidence and wanted to be the first one to get it done before everyone else gets it done after they win.”It still feels surreal that he actually got it done. It sums up Dan as a person. He’s quite eccentric and Mr Positive.”Tattoo artist Tinashe Chikerema applied the ink, not before he “triple checked” with the data consultant if he wanted it done.”I couldn’t believe he actually wanted the tattoo, but I triple-checked with him. Fair play to him for being so confident in the team,” Mr Chikerema said.”I predict the score will be 3-1 to England, and I hope (Eberechi) Eze scores, as he’s my favourite player.”Meanwhile, Mr Wilkinson believes the game will end on penalties, but admits he does not share the same certainty as Mr Thomas.”I think it will be 1-1 and then they’ll potentially win on penalties. I’m not as confident as Dan. I’ve got a lot of tattoos, but I wouldn’t go that far.”He said the Euros has been a “nice boost” for business particularly after his shop struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic.”We’ve had quite a few queries off the back of (Dan’s tattoo),” he explained.”We’re a barbers as well and we don’t always open on Sundays – we do it on booking only – but we’ve got quite a few people coming in who want their hair cut before the game.”I think from a business point of (the Euros) has helped the country with the England team doing well.”The economy has been struggling recently, especially since Covid, and I think it has been a nice boost, especially for SMEs (small and midsize enterprises) like myself.”Meanwhile, fellow die-hard football fan Jack Pancaldi also got a brave tattoo while on holiday in Portugal.And the 20-year-old got it done before the Three Lions had even got past the semi-finals.What’s more, “England” has been spelled wrong and reads: “Engerland 2024 Winners”.Pal Oliver Adams wasted no time in documenting Jack’s new ink on social media – roasting him for the spelling fail. Oliver, also 20, filmed the ink in its full glory, asking Jack what he had done before adding: “Look at the state of it.” Where to watch the Euro 2024 final tonightEngland vs Spain will be broadcast LIVE on BBC One AND ITV 1 in the UK.Coverage is expected to commence from 7pm BST on both channels – an hour before kick-off.Fans can stream the entire action through BBC iPlayer or ITV X via any compatible device.Alternatively, head to SunSport’s live blog to keep up with the whole match including pre and post-match coverage.However, taking it in his stride, Jack proudly showed off his tattoo and laughed as Oliver zoomed into his chest.Oliver captioned the video – which got thousands of views on TikTok: “It’s coming home” and gave some context to the tattoo. He said: “He got it after watching England vs Switzerland while we were on a lad’s holiday in Albufeira, Portugal.”Another confident fan ‘Ben’ was congratulated by BRUX tattoo studio for his optimism after getting an inking on his back listing England as winners of the Euros.It comes after he made several blunders listing the Three Lions as winners in 2020 when the team was runners up, as well as World Cup victors in 2018 and 2022 before having them all crossed off.Sharing a video of the latest bold prediction being applied on Instagram, the studio wrote: “Come on England! Thanks Ben, love the optimism mate.”The clip had the 1998 version of Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds’ Three Lions anthem.One wrote: “Why doesn’t he wait until afterwards? Will he not have enough time when it happens?”Another joked: “This tattoo will get another red line this Sunday.”A third said that he “jinxed it” while others claimed that they “love the confidence”.While others were also annoyed that he had completely ignored the Lionesses Euro 2022 triumph.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt comes after Brazilian model Tyffany Santos said a fan paid £7,000 for her to have Jude Bellingham’s name inked below her belly button ahead of England’s semi-final clash against the Netherlands last week.The model recently went viral for wearing nothing but body paint in the colours of the Brazilian national team on the London underground.Jack Pancaldi, 20, got the tattoo after England beat Switzerland in the quarter finalsCredit: CatersThe inking even has a spelling error, but Jack doesn’t mindCredit: CatersConfident fan Ben has already boldy predicted a win despite his previous tattoo blunderCredit: Instagram @bruxismtattooTyffany Santos had a tattoo of Jude Bellingham’s nameCredit: Jam Press/ CO Press OfficeThe Brazilian model said a fan paid £7,000 for her to have the tat done in an intimate areaCredit: Jam Press/ CO Press Office More

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    Who is Francois Letexier? Meet the French referee officiating at Euro 2024 final between England and Spain

    REFEREE François Letexier is seen as a trusted pair of hands to officiate at high-profile football matches – and fans will be seeing him in action TONIGHT!Read on to find out more about who he is and his journey towards the Euro 2024 final.ENGLAND VS SPAIN: LIVE UPDATES FROM EURO 2024 FINALFrancois Letexier refereeing Rangers v Sporting Braga in 2022Credit: ReutersWho is Francois Letexier?François Letexier is a French football referee who’s officiated at a large number of top flight Ligue 1 matches.He was born on April 23rd, 1989, in Bédée in northwest France.He’s been a FIFA referee since 2017 and is ranked as elite by UEFA.more on the eurosFormer Olympique de Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas is booked by referee Francois Letexier in 2020Credit: ReutersThe first Ligue 1 game he oversaw was a match between Montpellier and Caen in 2016.He then officiated his first senior international match in 2018 between Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina.Has Francois Letexier officiated at major tournaments before?François Letexier has been in charge of thirteen Champions League matches since 2020.Francois Letexier shows the red card to Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell during the 2023 Champions League quarter finalCredit: APHe’s twice officiated semi-final clashes, including the 2024 game between Manchester City and Real Madrid, which saw tensions flare up between him and Blues striker Erling Haaland.Most read in Euro 2024It wasn’t the first time Letexier’s been caught up in a bit of a barney though.Braga striker Iuri Medeiros was sent off after he squared up to him during their 2022 Europa League semi-final against Rangers.You never actually stop. I think that I’ll still be learning about being a referee when I blow the whistle for the last time!”François LetexierThe Frenchman also took charge of a number of 2022 World Cup qualifiers.In 2023 he refereed the tense UEFA Super Cup match, which saw Champions League winners Man City beat Europa League victors Sevilla on penalties.Letexier has officiated three matches at Euro 2024, with his latest outing coming in Spain’s 4-1 win over Georgia in the last 16.What else has Francois Letexier done before?Away from football, François Letexier has a young son.He also works part time as a court bailiff, something he says helps him keep a good life balance.Letexier says it’s important to be courageous as a referee, as you have to make sometimes unpopular decisions.He’ ha’s spoken about the need to win the trust of players and understand what may make them frustrated.Has Francois Letexier used VAR before?François Letexier has a lot of experience of working with VAR.In 2021 he acted as the video-assisted referee in the UEFA Europa League final between Villarreal and Manchester United.VAR was introduced in Ligue 1 for the 2018/19 season, however it’s not exactly been universally popular.It’s expected to be used at the 2024 Euros in Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 2018 FIFA World Cup was the first major tournament to use it fully, where it was deployed in all matches throughout the final stages.It was credited with making the 2018 edition the cleanest World Cup since 1986, with no red cards issued in the opening 11 games. More

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    England player numbers at Euro 2024 – full squad for final vs Spain in Berlin

    ENGLAND take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final as Gareth Southgate’s side go for history in Berlin!However, to do just that, the Three Lions will need to beat a Spain side that sent pre-tournament favourites France crashing out of the tournament.The England team line up is expected to be the same as the semisCredit: GettySouthgate – who has now led England to back-to-back Euro finals – is expected to name the same team who started in the 2-1 semi-final triumph over the Netherlands.This means keeping Kieran Trippier in place of Luke Shaw in the left wing-back slot.And Phil Foden playing in a more central position behind Harry Kane up front.Here is who is set to be play for England in the big final…Who is playing for England tonight?1 Jordan Pickford Position: GoalkeeperClub: EvertonEngland caps: 67Most read in Euro 20242 Kyle Walker Position: DefenderClub: Man CityEngland caps/ goals: 89/ 15 John StonesPosition: DefenderClub: Man CityEngland caps/ goals: 78/ 36 Marc GuehiPosition: DefenderClub: Crystal PalaceEngland caps/ goals: 16/ 07 Bukayo SakaPosition: Right wing-backClub: ArsenalEngland caps/ goals: 39/ 1226 Kobbie MainooPosition: MidfieldClub: Man UtdEngland caps/ goals: 8/ 04 Declan RicePosition: MidfieldClub: ArsenalEngland caps/ goals: 57/ 312 Kieran TrippierPosition: Left wing-backClub: NewcastleEngland caps/ goals: 54/ 111 Phil FodenPosition: Attacking midfieldClub: Man CityEngland caps/ goals: 40/ 410 Jude BellinghamPosition: Attacking midfieldClub: Real MadridEngland caps/ goals: 35/ 59 Harry KanePosition: ForwardClub: Bayern MunichEngland caps/ goals: 97/ 66Who is on the substitutes bench for England?8 Trent Alexander-ArnoldPosition: Midfield/ right-backClub: LiverpoolEngland caps/ goals: 29/ 313 Aaron RamsdalePosition: GoalkeeperClub: ArsenalEngland caps/ goals: 514 Ezri KonsaPosition: DefenderClub: Aston VillaEngland caps/ goals: 7/ 016 Conor GallagherPosition: MidfieldClub: ChelseaEngland caps/ goals: 18/ 017 Ivan ToneyPosition: ForwardClub: BrentfordEngland caps/ goals: 5/ 118 Anthony GordonPosition: WingerClub: NewcastleEngland caps/ goals: 4/ 019 Ollie WatkinsPosition: ForwardClub: Aston VillaEngland caps/ goals: 14/ 420 Jarrod BowenPosition: WingerClub: West HamEngland caps/ goals: 10/ 021 Eberechi EzePosition: MidfieldClub: Crystal PalaceEngland caps/ goals: 7/ 022 Joe GomezPosition: DefenderClub: LiverpoolEngland caps/ goals: 15/ 023 Dean HendersonPosition: GoalkeeperClub: Nottingham ForestEngland caps/ goals: 124 Cole PalmerPosition: ForwardClub: ChelseaEngland caps/ goals: 8/ 125 Adam WhartonPosition: MidfieldClub: Crystal PalaceEngland caps/ goals: 1/ 0You can say it hasn’t been pretty, but England are in the final… and we’re peaking at just the right time, says Jack WilshereAFTER what has been a tough tournament of times, what an opportunity Gareth Southgate and his team will have to end in the best possible way, writes Jack Wilshere.We might like a team that played better football. But it’s a results business.Germany, Italy, France, Portugal and of course Holland would love to be where we are.People will say we’re lucky because we’re on this side of the draw.But we won the group. France didn’t and then ran into Spain.You can say it wasn’t that pretty, but we’re there.Gareth and his coaches won’t have been happy with some of the performances.But I did like the way Gareth and his team have dealt with it.There was no panic coming out of the camp.Everyone gave the same message: ‘We know we can better, but we’re here still.’And on Sunday they will be in Berlin to play Spain.They will probably have to produce two halves of football as good as the first against Holland to beat them.We have improved as the tournament has gone on and that is how you win things.You want to peak in the final.If Gareth can lead England to that major trophy we’ve all been waiting for, it will be the perfect answer to the critics and a brilliant day for us all.Read Jack Wilshere’s England vs Holland verdict in full.Or check out all of SunSport columnist Jack’s Euros 2024 opinions…How can I watch the Euro 2024 final?England vs Spain in the Euro 2024 final kicks off at 8pm BST tonight.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis is 9pm local time in Berlin.And the match is being broadcast on both BBC 1 and ITV 1. More

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    Gareth Southgate’s greatest England wins and most shattering defeats in rollercoaster tenure with Three Lions

    GARETH SOUTHGATE’s rollercoaster spell as England boss has seen many twists and turns during his century of matches.The Euros final with Spain will hopefully be his crowning glory – and what a ride it has been.Gareth Southgate has reached a century of England matchesCredit: GettyHe and his waistcoat became national treasures back in 2018Credit: AFPSo far, he has been in charge for 101 games, with 61 wins under his belt and counting.Having taken over in late 2016, Southgate became a national hero – and style icon with his famous waistcoat – as he led the Three Lions to the 2018 World Cup semi-final.Three years later and he came with a penalty kick of becoming the first man since Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966 to lead England to glory.He guided our boys to the final of the European Championship, only to suffer penalty shootout heartbreak.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Any dreams of World Cup glory in 2022 came to an end in the quarters.But now it’s another Euros final, this time against Spain, in what many believe could be his last shot at securing silverware for the Three Lions.Here we take a look at his greatest wins and most crushing defeats at the helm:THE HIGHS…COLOMBIA 1-1 ENGLAND (3-4 ON PENS)This was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Most read in Euro 2024Despite 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.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSPAIN 2-3 ENGLANDFollowing 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.The England squad celebrate after beating Colombia on penaltiesCredit: GettyRaheem Sterling fired England to a brilliant win in Spain in 2018Credit: GettyENGLAND 2-1 DENMARKSouthgate 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.Harry Kane fired England to a first final since 1966 at the last EurosCredit: AFPBukayo Saka was on target as England brushed past Senegal in 2022Credit: GettyENGLAND 3-0 SENEGALEngland 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?Declan Rice scored as England gained some revenge on Italy in March 2023Credit: APITALY 1-2 ENGLANDOn 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 NETHERLANDSThe 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.England’s Ollie Watkins scores the winnerCredit: ReutersMeet England’s Euro 2024 WagsEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.Read more about the Wags supporting England at Euro 2024 hereAND THE LOWS…CROATIA 2-1 ENGLANDHaving 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.Mario Mandzukic celebrates the goal that ended England’s 2018 World Cup dreamCredit: GettyItaly beat England on penalties at Wembley to be crowned European championsCredit: AFPITALY 1-1 ENGLAND (3-2 PENS)Will 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 HUNGARYA 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.Jude Bellingham and Marc Guehi looked stunned after Hungary thrashed EnglandCredit: GettyHarry Kane fired a penalty over the bar as France beat England 2-1 in QatarCredit: PAENGLAND 1-2 FRANCEAnother 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead, 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.Euro 2024 final stadium is home to English football’s most shameful episodeGARETH SOUTHGATE and his players will walk in the footsteps of sporting infamy on Sunday.And they also have the chance to wipe out the memories of English football’s most shameful episode by replacing it with glorious triumph.For many, the Olympiastadion will always be the place where Jesse Owens humiliated Adolf Hitler in his own backyard.But the 1936 Olympics WERE used by the Nazis as pure propaganda, as a statement about the supposed supremacy of the “Aryan race”.The ghosts of those Games still flit between the towers and the colosseum-style architecture.Fans walking in on Sunday will see the plinth where the Olympic cauldron was lit by Fritz Schilgen – handpicked by propagandist film-maker Leni Riefenstahl – still there, high in the stands above one goal.And two years later, when the FA disgracefully ordered England’s players to raise their arm in the Nazi salute before beating Germany in a friendly, it seemed that the British state was implicitly accepting Hitler’s authority and power.The Three Lions have the opportunity to right that ancient wrong yet nothing can detract from the stadium’s place in the pantheon of sport’s darkest hours.Read the full story HERE. 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    England star Declan Rice bursts into laughter after realising incredible Lamine Yamal stat ahead of Euro 2024 final

    DECLAN RICE burst into laughter after realising just how young Lamine Yamal was.Rice was speaking to the media at England’s final press conference before the Euro 2024 final this evening.Declan Rice laughed when discussing Lamine Yamal’s age ahead of the Euros finalCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footballontntYamal has been the tournament’s breakout star having played much of it aged 16Credit: Rex”It’s pretty scary that he was 12 when COVID was around.” 😳Declan Rice has nothing but praise for the quality of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal 🤝 pic.twitter.com/AkTrTLZqJC— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 13, 2024

    And the England man was asked to discuss Spain’s breakout star, Yamal, who has played much of this tournament as a 16-year-old.The Barcelona youngster turned 17 yesterday, having fired Spain into the final of the Euros with a brilliant goal in the semi-finals against France days before.When speaking about the Spanish phenomenon, Declan Rice laughed as he said: “As soon as we won the game [against the Netherlands] I saw a stat that he was 12 when Covid hit.”So, that was pretty scary that he was 12-years-old when Covid was around so it shows how good he is.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”He’s 16, look, I din’t know why the French players would talk a player down like that because what he’s done at Barcelona as a 16-year-old you have to just applaud it.”Me as a football fan as well as a football player, you have to just respect it and sometimes you have to say at 16 ‘wow’ it shows a lot of guts to play for Barcelona one but also do what he’s doing at that age it’s really really special.”Rice was referring to attempts by the French team to intimidate Yamal in the build-up to the two sides semi-final.Before the game, Rabiot said: “It is always complicated to manage a semi-final in a tournament like this – but it will be up to us to put the pressure on him [Yamal] above all.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Not to let him feel comfortable and show him that to play in a Euro final he will have to do much more than what he has done so far.”In response, Yamal scored a wonderful curling effort from 25-yards to become the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros.Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match In the process of scoring his goal, he dummied the ball past Rabiot in a brilliant bit of revenge.Yamal had responded cryptically to Rabiot’s comments before the game when he posted on social media saying: “Move in silence only speak when it’s time to say checkmate.”After scoring his goal and Spain triumphing 2-1 Yamal shouted into the camera: “Speak now” in response to Rabiot.Meanwhile Rice is expected to start for England tonight having been a mainstay of the Three Lions throughout this tournament.The Arsenal star started during England’s last Euro final against Italy.He was controversially substituted for Jordan Henderson in the 74th minute of that game, with many feeling that the sub lost England control in midfield that day as England went on to lose to Italy on penalties.England’s route to the Euro 2024 finalENGLAND began their Euros final campaign in Germany on June 16. More