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      Who is Aymeric Laporte’s wife Sara Botello and how many kids do they have? Meet the Al Nassr & Spain centreback’s family

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      STANDING between England and the Euro 2024 trophy this weekend will be Spain centreback Aymeric Laporte.Find out more about the wife of the Al Nassr player ahead of Sunday’s final. Sara Botello is the wife of Spain and Al Nassr centreback Aymeric LaporteCredit: InstagramWho is Aymeric Laporte’s wife Sara Botello?Sara Botello was born on October 9, 1994, in Spanish city Bilbao.She’s had a successful career as a dancer, and has performed in many shows, specialising in ballet and contemporary dance. Sara Botello is a professional dancer and has appeared in many shows in her native SpainCredit: InstagramShe was also previously a cheerleader for the Bilbao-based basketball team, Bilbao Basket.Sara’s also got a pretty solid social media following – nearly 37,000 people keep up with what she’s up to on Instagram.Sara has a younger brother called Iker.How did Aymeric Laporte and Sara Botello meet?Aymeric Laporte met Sara Botello in his early days of playing for Athletico Bilbao.It’s reported that Sara’s parents helped Aymeric’s move to the city in 2011.They began dating soon after, and she’s stuck by him ever since. The couple have shared pictures of their many travels togetherThe couple moved to the UK when Laporte signed for Manchester City, and Sara’s by Aymeric’s side at Saudi club Al Nassr.How long have Aymeric Laporte and Sara Botello been together?Aymeric Laporte and Sara Botello got together not long after they met in 2011, and they’ve been together ever since.Their relationship has seen them spend time in different countries as Laporte’s footballing career has progressed. Sara Botello and Aymeric Laporte have been by each others’ side for over a decadeThey’ve shared pictures of their travels together on both of their Instagram pages, regularly visiting exotic locations with each other.When did Aymeric Laporte and Sara Botello get engaged and married?Aymeric Laporte and Sara Botello got married in 2023.It was quite a while after the pair first met, but they finally tied the knot after over a decade together.Only two of Laporte’s Manchester City teammates made the trip to Spain for the big day – Erling Haaland and City’s Champions League final hero Rodri.They were surrounded by friends and family on a sun-drenched afternoon on their big day. Sara Botello and Aymeric Laporte have travelled to lots of exotic places togetherCredit: InstagramThey got engaged in June 2022, with Laporte announcing the news on Instagram with the caption “mas juntos que nunca”, which translates as “more together than ever”.How many kids do Aymeric Laporte and Sara Botello have?Aymeric Laporte and Sara Botello have two children together.Their son Lucay was born in 2021.They then had a daughter born a few months in 2024, leading to speculation Laporte might not be able to make it to take part in the Euro 2024 tournament.Even though he was born in France, Laporte plays for the Spanish national side.The fears were unfounded though – he’s part of the squad and is expected to be part of the line-up for this Sunday’s final against England. More

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      Watch Man Utd legend Solskjaer give cheeky comment about Watkins’ England winner against Netherlands

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER might be the best super sub of all time.And the Manchester United legend was a big fan of Gareth Southgate’s decision to unleash Ollie Watkins off the bench yesterday.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Rio Ferdinand had a laugh after England’s winCredit: X/ FIVEUKOllie Watkins scored the biggest goal of his careerCredit: GettyOle Gunnar Solskjaer knows a thing or two about impact subsCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Aston Villa sensation, 28, bagged a later winner to break Dutch hearts and send England into the final of Euro 2024.Rio Ferdinand shared a video of himself celebrating wildly with some A-list company.And after the game he bumped into former team-mate Solskjaer, 51.The Norwegian hugged Ferdinand and joked: “Bring a sub on and he’ll get you the winner. That’s how it’s done.”READ MORE EUROS NEWSRio, 45, replied: “He made a career out of that this guy.”Fans were loving the clip Ferdinand shared on X.One replied: “It takes one to know one.””Bro’s a magician he knows how it’s done,” added another.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third posted: “He knows! Proper legend!!”When he retired in 2008, Solskjaer held the records for most goals scored for Manchester United as a substitute (28) and most Premier League strikes off the bench (17).‘Brutal’ Roy Keane leaves Gary Neville in hysterics with savage dig at ex-Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar SolskjaerInside humble Ollie Watkins’ remarkable rise from non-league to England’s Euro 2024 heroNINE summers ago Ollie Watkins went on a lads’ holiday after helping to save Conference South side Weston-Super-Mare from relegation, writes Dan King.Now he’s just fired England into the Euro 2024 final with a sensational 90th-minute winner.And even helped Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League last season.Watkins arrived on the Somerset coast as a teenaged striker on loan from League Two Exeter in December 2014.His 10 goals in 24 league games were a big factor in stopping Weston from slipping into the sixth tier for the first time in their history – and in giving them something to celebrate on a post-season trip to Spain.But it was also his workrate and attitude that earned him the respect of the dressing room, and helped him take the first significant steps on the road to stardom.Ryan Northmore, boss of Weston at the time, said: “His goals saved the club from relegation. But he contributed much more than his goals, which is really important when you’re scrapping away for your lives.“He wasn’t just sat at the top of the pitch waiting for the ball to come. He would roll his sleeves up and get involved in all aspects of the game.”Days after joining, Watkins made an instant impact with an equaliser against Farnborough.Team-mate Tom Jordan said: “He always struck me as the kind of lad who had his eyes wide open to different aspects of the game.“Sometimes you would have loan lads come in from a League club to non-League and they would be looking at you like they were doing you a favour.“His attitude was very different. He was coming in thinking, ‘I’m going to learn from this experience’.”It was during Watkins’ spell at Weston that the then Walsall boss Dean Smith spotted him.Smith would later take the striker to Brentford and bring him to Villa, where he has reached new levels under current boss Unai Emery.But Watkins has never forgotten the part that Weston played in his rise to the top.One of his Villa shirts is on display there, he has spoken to young players coming through and happily tells the local press how important and enjoyable his time at the club was.And he even helped fund an end-of-season boys’ trip to Spain due to his fines for being late – although he was allowed to join the rest of the squad.Read all about Ollie Watkins’ incredible rise in full…The latter record has since been broken by Jermain Defoe (24).Nine summers ago, Watkins went on a lads’ holiday after helping to save Conference South side Weston-Super-Mare from relegation.He has risen through the ranks ever since and now will have a chance to play in Sunday’s showpiece.Harry Kane is likely to lead the line from the off but Watkins and Ivan Toney will both be hoping to make an impact.They would be delighted to recreate Solskjaer’s historic strike off the bench to seal United’s Treble in 1999.You 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… More

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      ITV viewing figures for England’s Euro 2024 win over Netherlands revealed with biggest audience in 19 months

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      ENGLAND’S Euro 2024 semi-final victory over the Netherlands was watched by a peak audience of 21.6 million on ITV.Their 2-1 win, which will see them head to Sunday’s final against Spain, was the most-watched television programme in 19 months.England’s Euro 2024 semi-final victory was watched by a peak audience of 21.6 million on ITVCredit: GettyThe Three Lions beat the Netherlands 2-1Credit: GettyThe Three Lions will now face Spain in the final on SundayCredit: GettyThis is the highest peak audience on a single channel since December 2022, when the nation watched England’s quarter-final exit on ITV in the FIFA World Cup.Broadcasters are hoping more than 30million viewers will tune into Sunday night’s final against Spain, based on the numbers that tuned in for England’s defeat in the Euro 2020 final. Across TV and streaming an average audience of 19.6million viewers watched the match between 8pm and 9.55pm.This also marked ITVX’s largest livestream audience with 16.8million streams of the semi-final.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Coverage of Euro 2024 in the UK has been split between ITV and the BBC, with the two channels swapping first choices for matches in each round. The Euros is regarded as one of the UK’s “crown jewel” sporting events – alongside the World Cup, Wimbledon and the Olympics – which is required by law to be shown on free-to-air channels.It had all started poorly for the Three Lions, though, as they fell behind when Xavi Simons sent a rasping strike into the top corner in the opening minutes.But a much-improved England deservedly hit back soon after as Harry Kane dispatched a controversial penalty.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Neville slammed the referee over his controversial decision to award England a penalty and said his initial decision was the correct one.It was then super-sub Watkins who fired home in the 90th minute with a brilliant finish past Bart Verbruggen.Ian Wright and Gary Neville go wild after Watkins’ England winner… but eagle-eyed fans spot Roy Keane’s reaction to goalWatkins’ well-taken winner was animatedly celebrated by ITV pundits Ian Wright and Gary Neville, who jumped for joy at the goal.However, Irishman Roy Keane kept his arms crossed and casually walked away from the celebrations, with some fans joking that he had reacted in the same way Irish fans across the world had done.England will now take on Spain on Sunday, and fans will need to decide who to watch the game with as there will be live coverage from both ITV and the BBC.ITV pundits were celebrating back in the studio except for Irishman Roy KeaneGary Neville fumed over the penalty decisionEngland ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke. 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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      Moment ITV are forced to censor Ronald Koeman’s interview after England’s Euro 2024 win over Netherlands

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      ITV were forced to censor Ronald Koeman’s post-match interview after Holland were beaten by England.The Dutch manager was left fuming at German referee Felix Zwayer after he awarded the Three Lions a controversial penalty.Ronald Koeman slammed the decision to give England a penaltyCredit: X/ itvfootballDenzel Dumfries caught Harry Kane in the boxCredit: GettyReferee Felix Zwayer gave a penalty after looking at the monitorCredit: GettyXavi Simons had put Holland in the lead in the Euro 2024 semi-final at the Signal Iduna Park with a stunning effort early on.The lead was wiped out as captain Harry Kane netted from the spot just 11 minutes later.However, there was much debate about the penalty as Kane was caught by Denzel Dumfries while taking a shot.Zwayer had initially turned down penalty appeals before being sent to the monitor to have another look by VAR.READ MORE ON EURO 2024After a couple of viewings he decided to change his mind and give England the penalty – despite experts unanimously agreeing it should not be a spot kick.It proved crucial to the result as Gareth Southgate’s side would go on to win the match after Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute winner.Koeman, spoke to the press after the match and was not happy with the officiating over the decision.While speaking to ITV, the former Everton manager labelled the decision as “s**t”.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I don’t agree with the final decision.”What do you need to do as a defender? Somebody is kicking the ball in the box you like to defend the shot.Virgil Van Dijk fumes ‘that says a lot’ after spotting controversial referee’s antics at full time in England clashEngland’s controversial penaltyBy Mark HalseyHARRY KANE was gifted a penalty by controversial referee Felix Zwayer.If England had been on the receiving end of that decision, we would have been absolutely fuming.The German official, previously banned for six months for his part in a match-fixing scandal, should not have been sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR Bastian Dankert.Both Denzel Dumfries and Kane had their feet in the air as England’s captain got his shot away.It was just a clash of legs and certainly NOT a ‘clear and obvious error’.Once Zwayer went over to the monitor, we knew what was going to happen.He is an excellent referee but we have seen that none of the officials seem mentally tough enough to stick with their original call.I know some people will argue Dumfries was late to the tackle and it would have been a free-kick elsewhere on the pitch.But it is a contact sport and it’s natural that there will be a coming together in instances like that.Aside from the penalty award, Zwayer had a good game.There were fears decisions would go against England because of Jude Bellingham’s previous comments about Zwayer.Bellingham was fined £34,000 in 2021 for blaming Zwayer and his match-fixing past for Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich.But Zwayer was right to caution Bellingham for his reckless challenge on Stefan de Vrij in the second half.”And maybe you touch a little bit his foot but come on, if we whistle definite penalty then I don’t agree.”In my opinion it is a s**t decision.”ITV had to bleep the expletive used by the manager.Dutch captain and Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk also agreed with his manager as he insisted it was “difficult to take”.Former England star Gary Neville labelled the decision as a “disgrace” while giving his analysis.The Three Lions will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Spanish reached the last two with a 2-1 win over France in the first semi-final.A supercomputer has predicted heartache for England once again and has given Spain a 54 per cent chance of winning.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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      Meet England Euros hero Ollie Watkins’ supportive Wag Ellie Alderson who was seen kissing Three Lions star in the stands

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      WHEN Ollie Watkins became England’s hero with his last-minute strike to down the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi, the nation celebrated ecstatically.But when TV cameras panned to the stands, they caught sight of his beautiful partner, Ellie Alderson.Ollie Watkins’ partner is the stunning Ellie AldersonCredit: Instagram @ellsaldersonGorgeous Ellie has been seen in the stands cheering England onAfter the final whistle against Netherlands, Ellie and Watkins shared a kissCredit: SplashWearing an England top with his name and number on the back, she was spotted jumping up and down wildly in the stands.At the final whistle, Aston Villa forward Watkins joined his missus and celebrated with a loving embrace.Gorgeous Ellie has been with Ollie through his meteoric rise, playing the role of supportive Wag.Together, they have two children – and are the happiest of families.Read more football news They have been seen at Villa Park, celebrating the end of the season in front of the home fans.”Wow! What a season!!” she wrote in a caption of them together. “Haven’t stopped crying happy tears since it started.”Sooo proud of you. Your hard work is paying off and you deserve every part of it ❤️ and how lucky are the kids and I to witness it all. Love you OW❤️.”Most read in Euro 2024While Ellie, 28, has her own sideline as an interior designer.RISE OF WATKINSGlam coupleWatkins and Ellie have been together since 2018.In 2020, she was by his side as the former Brentford striker was crowned Championship Player of the Year at the London Football Awards.She turned heads in a little black dress, while Watkins looked dapper in a navy tuxedo and bow tie.Their romance soon blossomed and they became inseparable.They started a family – with the loved-up pair welcoming their first child, Amara, in September 2021.They added to their brood with the birth of Marley last year.Alderson, herself, is originally from Berkshire.She graduated from university with a diploma in interior design.She takes pride in her work, sharing her own Instagram page ‘Ellie Anderson Home’ which features all her home interiors designs.And Ellie has a twin, Sophia, who she often shares pictures with.Her brother Ben is a published fantasy and contemporary fiction author.Watkins and Ellie cut a fine looking pair at the London Football Awards in 2020Ellie boasts a degree in interior designCredit: Instagram @ellsaldersonEllie lives a glam lifestyle as a footballers’ WagCredit: Instagram @ellsaldersonEllie has been with Watkins every step of the way during his football careerEllie has a twin sister while her brother is a published authorread more sport featuresReal fashionistaDespite her glam lifestyle, Ellie is thrifty.She has a Depop account, where she has sold designer clothing from her collection.The gorgeous brunette has an eye for fashion – with a designer wardrobe and accessories by the likes of Tom Ford, Loewe and Van Cleef & Arples.Like any footballer’s Wag, Ellie lives an amazing lifestyle.The family go on dream holidays, from Ibiza to Maldives – living a life of luxury.Celebrate good timesEllie has been a constant at the Euros in Germany.She has appeared alongside the Three Lions stars’ Wags in the stands, supporting their football star partners.Watkins’ dream moment came in the 90th minute against Netherlands, when his angled shot rifled into the back of the net.It was the crowning moment of what has been an epic year for the forward.Meet 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 hereFashionista Ellie has a penchant for designer wear and expensive Dior handbagsCredit: Instagram @ellsaldersonWatkins and Ellie proudly show of their two children at Villa ParkCredit: Instagram @ellsaldersonWatkins and Ellie first got together six years agoThe pair are still going very strong as Ellie plays the role of supportive WagAnd that was recognised by Ellie after the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe dedicated a post on Instagram to her beloved writing: “You got your moment and you took it!!!!! I am soooo proud of you.”Ellie, you echoed the thoughts of a nation.Roar them onIf you want to help the England team to Euro 2024 glory… here’s your chance.On Sunday they will face Spain in the biggest game of their lives and we are giving YOU and your children the opportunity to send messages of support.Tell us who your favourite player is, tell us how you plan to watch them and send us pictures of your little ones in their England kit helping the Three Lions get to glory.To send our boys – including manager Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane, goalie Jordan Pickford and our goal-scoring genius Ollie Watkins – a message and photo simply sundayfeatures@the-sun.co.uk.  Please send us your phone number too so we can get in touch.    More

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      Virgil van Dijk casts doubt on Liverpool future and hints at Netherlands retirement after Euro 2024 exit

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      NETHERLANDS defender Virgil van Dijk has hinted at leaving Liverpool and retiring from international football after refusing to commit to club or country following his Euro 2024 heartache.Dutch captain Van Dijk, 33, cut a distraught figure in Dortmund on Wednesday night after Oli Watkins’ 90th-minute winner sent England to Sunday’s final in Berlin.Virgil van Dijk’s Netherlands were eliminated from Euro 2024 by EnglandCredit: GettyVan Dijk may have played his final international game against EnglandAfter the match, the Liverpool centre-back fumed at referee Felix Zwayer for controversial decisions during the game – namely awarding England a penalty which Harry Kane scored.It remains unclear whether 74-cap Van Dijk will continue with the national team as he prepares to enter his mid-30s.But he has also cast doubt on his Liverpool future in the wake of Netherlands’ Euros disappointment.Van Dijk, whose Anfield contract expires in 2025, said: “I haven’t the slightest idea right now [about his future].READ MORE ON ENGLAND”I will think carefully this summer about what I want at club level and as an international player. Then we’ll go for it again, but first recover from this.”After a season like this, where all kinds of things have happened, it gets emotional at the end because you know it’s over.”Especially in the second half I had the feeling the outcome would fall our way. But [Ollie] Watkins was perhaps given a little too much space and he finished well.”It hurts a lot that we conceded this goal so late in the match and are now empty-handed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke. “You put everything into it, everyone gives everything and if the goal comes like that in the last minute, that just sucks. Yes… sorry.”Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 for £75million, three years after making his Netherlands debut.Watch bizarre moment Virgil van Dijk BEATBOXES while forgotten Premier League star RAPS during Euro 2024 coverageHe has racked up 270 appearances and 23 goals for the Reds.His trophy haul on Merseyside stands at a Premier League title, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.Back in January, following the announcement that Jurgen Klopp was leaving Liverpool, fans linked Van Dijk with a Barcelona transfer. More

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      How England lined up last time they played Spain with just three survivors at Euro 2024 from thrilling 3-2 win

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      ENGLAND will face Spain in the final of Euro 2024 after some last-gasp heroics from Ollie Watkins.The Aston Villa hitman fired the Three Lions into their second straight Euros final with a sensational stoppage-time winner in Wednesday night’s semi-final against the Netherlands.England booked their place in the final of Euro 2024 in stunning fashionCredit: AFPA stoppage-time winner from Ollie Watkins fired The Three Lions into Sunday’s final in BerlinCredit: GettyEngland will play red-hot Spain in what will be a nailbiting affairCredit: GettyThe starting XI Gareth Southgate deployed for his last game against Spain looks completely different to the one he fielded on WednesdayCredit: GETTYWatkins brilliantly rifled the ball past a helpless Bart Verbruggen just minutes after replacing skipper Harry Kane up front.Gareth Southgate’s troops will face their toughest task of the tournament to end the nation’s 58-year-long wait for silverware.Spain are the huge favourites having knocked out two of the pre-tournament favourites en route to Sunday’s final.Luis de la Fuente Castillo’s charges dumped hosts Germany out in the quarter-finals before ending 2016 runners-up France’s hopes of winning the tournament in the semis.READ MORE ON ENGLAND VS SPAINIt’s been nearly SIX YEARS since England last came up against the Spaniards, who lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy in 1964, 2008 and 2012.And to say their starting XI for the October 2018 Nations League clash, which England won 3-2, is unrecognisable from Southgate’s current go-to team would be an understatement.Only THREE players who started the match in Seville played in Wednesday’s downing of the Dutch.Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, makeshift left-back Kieran Trippier and star striker Kane are the relics of that starting XI.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEngland’s last starting XI against SpanOnly a further three stars in the matchday squad were on the plane to Germany this summer, those players being Joe Gomez, Lewis Dunk and Kyle Walker.England’s goalscoring heroes that night – Raheem Sterling, who netted twice, and Marcus Rashford – weren’t selected for the tournament due to their poor seasons with Chelsea and Manchester United respectively.Shocking moment member of staff injures Spain star moments after reaching Euro 2024 final with victory over FranceEngland’s starting XI vs Spain in October 2018: Pickford; Trippier, Gomez, Maguire, Chilwell; Winks, Dier, Barkley; Sterling, Kane, RashfordDespite having received immense pre-tournament criticism, Southgate has maintained his belief that his troops can end the nation’s trophy drought.But the 53-year-old admits his Lions will need to turn in a tournament-best performance against the all-conquering Spanish to finally bring football home.He said: “I took the job to try to improve English football and we’re now in a second final.”The last one was the first in over 50 years. We’re now in a first one overseas.”We’re giving people amazing nights. We’ve given our supporters some of the best nights in the last 50 years. I’m hugely proud of that.”I’m delighted if everyone at home is feeling the way we are and the way those in the stadium were. But we’re not finished.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ve got the greatest possible test to prepare for.”We came here to try to win the tournament and that’s still our aim.”Jordan Pickford, Kieran Trippier and Harry Kane are the only survivors of the last England starting XI to face SpainCredit: AFP More

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      Watch rowdy England fans pile into bus because destination shares same name as Three Lions star

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      ENGLAND fans were in high spirits last night after a thrilling comeback win over the Netherlands.The Three Lions earned a place alongside Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.Jude Bellingham fans saw his name up in lightsThey piled in to party on the busAnd after packing into pubs and fan zones, the celebrations spilled out on to the street.Not even the busses were safe.Bemused commuters heading to Bellingham in South London were suddenly swarmed by a huge group of fans getting on board.They were honouring England playmaker Jude Bellingham.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The Real Madrid starlet has enjoyed a stellar tournament but took a back seat last night as Kobbie Mainoo ran the show.Bellingham did earn plaudits for his incredible gesture towards England’s beaten opponents.He initially fell to his knees after the final whistle and was congratulated by Anthony Gordon and Trent Alexander-Arnold.The Real man was then spotted shaking hands and hugging each of his opponents.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland 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.He could be seen talking to Daley Blind, Stefan de Vrij, Bart Verbruggen and Virgil van Dijk.Bellingham ended his walk by consoling Dutch scorer Xavi Simons before running off to join in with the celebrations.Inside the Spain camp as England face even tougher test than France didBellingham was not the only England star who was seen checking on the defeated players.Manchester United’s Mainoo was also thoughtful enough to offer help to De Vrij after he collapsed to the floor.Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Luke Shaw, Alexander-Arnold and Gordon could also be seen shaking hands with the Dutch.England face Spain at 8pm on Sunday, looking to win a first trophy since 1966 – and a first ever on foreign soil.You 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… More