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      Watch Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea icons troll England in hilarious video as Scots become honorary Spaniards

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      SCOTTISH legends have scored a “Hola!” in one – by becoming honorary Spaniards to troll England.Alan Brazil, Charlie Nicholas and Pat Nevin are ex-top flight heroes who insist they are now ex-pats ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.Charlie Nicholas claims the Spanish lifestyle is ‘second nature’ to himAlan Brazil revealed the musical side to his love for SpainPat Nevin says he enjoys cooking tapas and revealed his ‘personal favourite’And in a fun Paddy Power video, the pundits revealed their previously-hidden love for Spanish culture, cooking tapas and ability to play… the castanets!They were all very much the Three Amigos rather than the Three Lions.But the trio all denied indignantly a suggestion from an off-camera interviewer that “you just don’t want England to win the final”.Bookmaker Paddy Power introduced the mischievous clip by stating: “There’s a growing Spanish community in Scotland, and we paid them a visit ahead of the Euros final…”READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSFormer Manchester United and Tartan Army striker Brazil kicked things off by bigging up his team as a “joy to watch this tournament” – with the “best football we’ve played since 2012”.When it was pointed out to him that his nation were “terrible” that year, he replied: “I’m not talking about Scotland.”It appears the unofficial Spaniard was referring without naming it to his new nation’s golden generation – of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Co.Meanwhile, ex-Chelsea winger Nevin revealed: “Basques, Catalans – I love them both the same.”Most read in FootballMeet 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 hereBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe explained his family had been “cooking tapas for generations” – with “of course my own personal favourite, Patatas Bravas”.Former Arsenal frontman Nicholas was just as enthusiastic, boasting that “the culture, the language” of Spain was “second nature” to him.Inside the Spain camp as England face even tougher test than France didJust to prove it, the Celtic legend was wearing a matador outfit and flamboyantly flashing a Spanish flag as he added in a controversial accent: “Living’ La Vida Loca, as we say in Valencia!”Naturally, despite being in Glasgow, the trio were outraged at the idea they were backing Spain as a subtle way of bashing England.And after a rousing rendition on the castanets, Brazil put it most dramatically: “Don’t talk s***!… Now I’m off for a siesta.”Not only that, as Three Lions’ fans get ready to roar on Sunday evening, Nicholas got in their first for the opposition with: “Viva E-f***ing-spana!”Viewers – even a few English supporters – loved the video.”Brilliant, fair play Paddy Power,” said one.Another fan posted: “One of the funniest things I’ve seen through this 2024 European Championship. Scotland is with us! Oleee!”Nicholas gave his wine the ultimate praiseThe final word must go to BrazilSpain Euro 2024 guideSPAIN’S team may not be a patch on the one that dominated world football 15 years ago – which had superstars coming out of its ears.But they still topped a qualifying group consisting of Scotland and Erling Haaland’s Norway by winning nine out of ten games.MANAGER: Luis de la FuenteSurprise choice as coach but won the Under-21 Euros in 2019 and an Olympic silver medal a year later.KEY MAN: RodriRodri is arguably the greatest holding midfielder the Premier League has ever seen. But will he have enough left in the tank after complaints of tiredness at Man City?How Spain attackSpain will be a different side to that which we have seen in recent years, with the 4-3-3 replaced by a more structured 4-2-3-1 formation.The full-backs, attacking midfielders and wingers are all ready to push forward while Rodri and Fabian Ruiz sit deep in the quarterback role.How Spain defendSpain’s two deep midfielders allow the rest of the team to push forward and press high up the pitch.Their focus will be on either dispossessing the opposition defence or forcing opponents to play long by cutting off the short pass option.Read the full Spain Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

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      John Stones tattoos: What are the meanings behind the England & Man City defender’s body ink?

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      MANY England players proudly display tattoos, each telling a unique story.Here we explore how John Stones’ tattoos serve as symbols of dedication, inspiration, or cherished memories.John Stones has many tattoos on his bodyCredit: GettyHow many tattoos does John Stones have?John Stones boasts a collection of tattoos with deep personal significance.He has many tattoos on his left arm but also some on his left thigh.Portrait of ex-girlfriend Millie Savage on left tricepVivid Ink Stafford tattoo that done John Stones armCredit: Instagram @vividinkstaffsAmong his notable inkings is a portrait on his left tricep depicting his ex-girlfriend Millie Savage with a clock around her neck.John Stones is removing the tattoo of his childhood sweetheart from his arm after they split upread more john stonesA source told The Sun in 2019: “John has been having a lot of work on his Millie tattoo for the past year or so.”He’s trying to have it erased because as far as he is concerned, there is no going back between them.”Millie is in the past and he doesn’t want a reminder of her every time he looks down at his arm.”Laser tattoo removal uses high-intensity light beams to break down tattoo pigment into smaller particles, which are then absorbed and eliminated by the body’s immune system. Most read in Euro 2024The process involves multiple sessions spaced weeks apart to fade the tattoo gradually. Norman Rimmington portrait on left thighStones tattooed Norman Rimmington on his body as tributeOn his left thigh, Stones proudly displays a portrait of Norman Rimmington.Norman Rimmington, affectionately known as ‘Mr. Barnsley,’ was a legendary figure in the history of Barnsley Football Club.Rimmington played as a goalkeeper for Barnsley FC during his active playing career.After retiring as a player, Rimmington continued his association with Barnsley FC as a coach.Furthermore, on his left thigh, Stones displays two additional portraits encircled by roses. These may serve as tributes to significant figures in his life or embody qualities and memories he holds dear.Love You Always Left ArmJohn has a tattoo saying “love you always”Credit: GettyOn the same arm as the portrait of ex-girlfriend Millie Savage, Stones has a tattoo that reads “Love you always.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCollection of smaller tattoos on left armJohn Stones has a collection of different tattoos on his left armCredit: AlamyCloser look at his tattoosCredit: GettyStones also has a collection of smaller tattoos such as an authentic heart, a feather, flowers, butterflies and many more.He also has a small tattoo on his right arm, featuring a rose and Roman numerals, which translates to 19.11.2018.England football stars’ tattoosThe England squad are known for their love of body art and a lot of them are covered in tattoos. More

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      England Euro 2024 stars’ tattoos explained from touching reason for Foden neck ink to ace with Coco Pops logo on his arm

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      ENGLAND’S Euro 2024 heroes have caught the eye with their performances on the pitch in Germany.However, their selections of body art have also been on display during their run to the final.Jordan Pickford and his England team-mates have a selection of tattoosCredit: RexKyle Walker has explained the touching reasons behind his body artCredit: GettyIvan Toney also has a wide collection of different pieces of inkCredit: GettyThe Three Lions will face off against Spain on Sunday for all the glory.Several members of the squad have impressive collections of tattoos, with a variety of reasons behind the different pieces of ink.The likes of Phil Foden and Kyle Walker have revealed the touching reasons behind their tattoos.Here are the explanations behind the England stars’ body art.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSJordan PickfordThe Three Lions’ number one Jordan Pickford has a full sleeve on his left arm, going from his shoulder to his wrist.His piece consists of a prominent dagger design encased in flowers and completely covers his arm.Daggers often symbolise a blend of strength and protection, while flowers are known to represent beauty and life.Pickford has a full sleeve covering his left arm which features a dagger and flowersCredit: RexPhil FodenFoden’s tattoos include two distinctive pieces on his neck.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe midfielder has the words “Sky is the limit” going down from his left ear to the bottom of his neck.He had the piece done in February 2022 by popular artist Gabriel Maniak, referring to the idea that nothing is impossible or beyond reach.Watch Jordan Pickford absolutely lose it as he celebrates with fans after Ollie Watkins’ England winner vs NetherlandsPhil Foden has the words ‘Sky is the limit’ going down his neckCredit: RexHe also has the number 47 on his neck as a tribute to his late grandfatherCredit: RexMeanwhile, Foden has the number 47 on the other side of his neck in reference to his Manchester City shirt number.The 24-year-old has had the number since 2017 in a reported tribute to his grandfather Ronnie, who sadly passed away aged 47.Kyle WalkerFoden’s City team-mate Walker also has sleeves on both his arms as well as several torso pieces.The defender has his own name and a star on his hand, previously revealing: “The first tattoo that I ever got was ‘K. Walker’ on my hand and it actually had one star.“But I got a lot of stick for it from my friends saying ‘well, you are only one star, is that how much you rate yourself?’”The words “To the stars through difficulties” can also be seen on his right arm, as is a tribute to his grandfather.Walker’s first tattoo was his name and a star on his armCredit: Instagram @kylewalker2The defender explained the meaning behind his eye tattooCredit: Instagram @kylewalker2Walker paid tribute to his niece with an angel tattoo on his shoulderCredit: Instagram @kylewalker2He also has his youngest son’s date of birth across his torsoCredit: Instagram @kylewalker2Walker has an eye to show he is always looking down on him, with his grandfather having got him into football.His strong family connection is also shown by an angel on his right shoulder for his niece who sadly passed away.Elsewhere, Walker has his youngest son’s date of birth in Roman numerals across his torso and a matching K tattoo with his wife Annie Kilner on his ring finger.Ivan ToneySimilarly to Walker, Ivan Toney has a large collection of tattoos across his body.The Brentford striker’s grandparents Elma and Benjamin appear on his abs, alongside a portrait of his son Ivan Jr.Toney has also explained the reasoning behind a portrait of Heath Ledger’s The Joker on the back of his bicep, revealing: “I’m confident, a winner, a joker and someone who will help anyone.”Toney has portraits of his grandparents and son Ivan Jr. on his absCredit: Getty ImagesHis selection of body art covers his arms and chest as well as a cross on his neckCredit: InstagramHis chest features the number 17, which Toney wears for both Brentford and England.Other tattoos include a kitten, tiger, ticking timer, a crown and the word “fearless”.Kieran TrippierFull-back Kieran Trippier has a sleeve on each of his arms as well a chest piece.His chest art includes a huge diamond, with the birds on his back often seen as a symbol of freedom.Trippier’s left arm sleeve is made up of a selection of smaller interconnected tattoos.In contrast, he has a single inking of a woman on his right forearm.Kieran Trippier has a diamond piece across his chestCredit: GettyThe birds on Trippier’s back are often seen as a symbol of freedomCredit: GettyThe full-back also has sleeves on both his armsCredit: GettyLuke ShawLuke Shaw has a selection of small tattoos on his left arm, with one in particular standing out.The Manchester United left-back has the Coco Pops monkey as a tribute to his son Reign.He previously explained: “My son is obsessed with Coco Pops, he has a lot of them in the morning, I thought it would be quite cool because he is interested in my tattoos.”Luke Shaw has several small tattoos on his arm, including the Coco Pops monkeyCredit: RexHe previously revealed the tattoo is a tribute to his young son ReignCredit: GettyJohn StonesJohn Stones has a host of tattoos, including touching tributes to his grandparents on his legs.He has a portrait of each grandparent as well as one of himself in front of Barnsley’s Oakwell and Wembley Stadium.Stones previously revealed his tattoos “tell a story” during an interview in April 2023.He told the FA Cup’s social media channels: “Ones on my leg, all my grandparents.John Stones revealed each of his tattoos ‘tell a story’Credit: GettyThe defender has portraits of each of grandparents on his legsCredit: Getty”I lost them, they’re not with us now, so that was kind of a big one for me and then I evolved and moved round to the back and that was kind of a dream of mine to become a professional footballer.”I ended up getting me looking at Barnsley’s stadium with Wembley behind that, which obviously is for England and that was a dream of mine.”Stones added that his stadium piece serves as a reminder that “dreams do come true and to keep striving for them”.Declan RiceMidfielder Declan Rice has two tattoos, including a sentimental tribute to his son.He got a simple arm band tattoo in 2022, with the delicate inking visible on his left arm.The small piece commemorates the birth of his son, who he had with his girlfriend Lauren Fryer.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt shows his name, Jude, date of birth – August 7, 2022 and the symbol of his star sign.Rice also has his England legacy number 1241 tattooed on his left knee.Declan Rice has his son’s name and date of birth tattooed on his left armCredit: RexYou 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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      This is your moment, Lions! When the Euros started I predicted we’d win – there are three signs I’ll be proved RIGHT

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      SO, here we are again.Three years ago, I slumped out of Wembley Stadium sick to the pit of my stomach after England choked the last Euros final against Italy. England finally kicked into top gear against the Netherlands, especially in the first halfCredit: GettyPiers expects England to meet Spain head-on and overwhelm them with a scintillating display of attacking flair and powerI say choked because we should have won it; we were the better team but played with far too much defensive timidity as the game wore on.The penalty shoot-out that night was one of the most agonising things I’ve ever endured, with the possible exception of breaking five ribs and collapsing a lung after falling off a Segway in LA – or facing Australian fast bowler Brett Lee in a cricket net which turned into another rib-crunching nightmare.Watch Piers’ explosive interviews on his Uncensored YouTube channel hereAnd my sick stomach turned out to be the least of my health problems as I also got infected with covid at the stadium, which led to long covid and seven months of no taste and smell.READ MORE FROM PIERS MORGANLosing a big football match is one thing, but losing my ability to enjoy fine wine was a catastrophe!I therefore have very profound personal reasons for wanting a different result this time round.But if that’s how I’m feeling, imagine what emotions the England players who lost that day are experiencing?Actually, we don’t need to imagine.Most read in Euro 2024Declan Rice admitted: ‘Seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever.’However, he added: ‘We know now what we have to do, compared to last time, in terms of how to control the game, not to sit back. We know how we can win this final which I think is a positive.’England gets ready for almighty Euro 2024 final party with fans set to spend £800MILLION on beer and pizzaYes, it is.As Frank Sinatra once said, the best revenge is massive success.And I’m convinced the pain and torment of the way the last final ended will now drive us to triumph and joy. One month ago, I wrote a Sun column right before the Euros began that predicted England could win because we have ‘pace, power, several genius ballers, a top goalkeeper, and a goal-scoring machine upfront.’But I cautioned that we would only do it if manager Gareth Southgate found his bottle and ordered his men to attack, attack, attack.Tomorrow night, I confidently predict that I’ll be proven right.First, because after an explicably dull, plodding, snail-like first few matches of the tournament, we finally kicked into top gear against the Netherlands, especially in the first half.  Carpe diem, lads!Second, because Safety-first Southgate has at last found his bottle, ripping the restrictive reins off his team, and making bold, daring, courageous late substitutions that led to a thrilling last-minute victory.And third, because after 58 years of bloody hurt, this is surely our time again?Yes, yes, I know Spain have played the best football in this year’s Euros.And they have brilliant young players like 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who Gary Lineker says is better than Pele and Messi at the same age.And the record of Spanish teams in international and club finals is ridiculous, with 26 straight wins since 2002.But this England team is man-for-man the best we’ve had since Bobby Moore’s 1966 World Cup winning heroes.And they’re hitting their best collective form right when it matters, at the business end of the tournament.They also, from Harry Kane to Jude Bellingham, have a steely glint in their eyes, fuelled by intense irritation at fully justified media criticism of their woeful early performances, that tells me coming second again simply isn’t an option.That’s why I confidently expect England to meet the rampaging Spanish footballing Armada head-on and overwhelm them with a scintillating display of attacking flair and power. To Gareth’s glory-hunters, I simply say this:This is your moment.READ MORE SUN STORIES This is England’s moment. Carpe diem, lads!Gareth Southgate has been making bold, daring, courageous late substitutionsCredit: APThe England team is the best we’ve had since Bobby Moore’s 1966 World Cup winning heroesCredit: Getty More

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      Who is Anthony Gordon’s partner Annie Keating?

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      ANTHONY Gordon’s football journey is intertwined with the steadfast support of his partner, Annie Keating, who quietly champions him as he climbs the ranks of the sport.Here is everything about her and their relationship and how she supports him during the Euro 2024.Annie Keating and Anthony Gordon know each other since childhoodCredit: SplashShe supports him throughout his careerCredit: GettyWho is Anthony Gordon’s partner Annie Keating?Annie Keating is Anthony Gordon’s longtime partner..Anthony Gordon, the promising winger from Newcastle, is widely discussed as one of England’s prominent young players.Annie is known for her reserved presence on social media.They have made a few public appearances together, including at his introduction at Newcastle United.read more on Anthony gordonWhile her Instagram is private, she occasionally uses her X, formerly Twitter, account to show her support for her boyfriend.Former Everton player Anthony Gordon has shown unwavering determination to compete in the Euros without hesitation.Talking about booking a holiday, he said: “I don’t think that I should.“My missus has been nagging me, ‘Can we book a holiday? Places are getting full.Most read in Euro 2024“I’ve told her, ‘Germany is very nice’.”Gordon earned his call-up to the England senior squad in March 2024, featuring in friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.He made his debut on 23rd March, starting in England’s 1–0 loss to Brazil at Wembley Stadium.Gordon was selected as part of England’s 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024.England is facing Spain in the final on Sunday July, 14, 2024 in Berlin at the famous Olympiastadion.How did Anthony Gordon and Annie Keating meet?Anthony Gordon and Annie Keating, both native to Liverpool, have known each other since childhood.Their relationship blossomed from their early years together in their hometown.How long have Anthony Gordon and Annie Keating been together?Anthony Gordon and Annie Keating have been together for several years.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever it is not know since when they were dating.The couple welcomed a baby boy in November 2023.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 here More

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      Major change could be made to Euros as nation faces being STRIPPED of hosting rights by Uefa

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      FOOTBALL governing bodies Uefa and Fifa could throw the book at Italy and strip them of hosting rights for Euro 2032, it has been revealed.The Euro 2020 victors are joint hosts with Turkey for the 2032 tournament after being awarded the rights by Uefa’s executive committee last year.Euro 2032 could see its host nation stripped of the rightsCredit: GettyUefa president Aleksander Ceferin sent a joint letter with Fifa to the Italian FACredit: GettyFIGC President Gabriele Gravina was warned a new policy could breach rules on government interference in footballCredit: EPAHowever, a major change could be in the works for the competition in eight years time.A new policy known as the Mulè Amendment is pushing for Serie A, Serie B and Lega Pro to break away from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).This would work in a similar way to how the Premier League broke away from the English Football Association.The amendment had been criticised as a breach of the rules regarding government interference in sports administration. READ MORE IN EURO 2024And as revealed by Repubblica, Uefa and Fifa sent a letter warning Italy they may face severe repercussions as a result of the new amendment.Originally, it had motioned that club’s and players be allowed to bypass the sporting justice system and appeal directly to the TAR tribunal.In their letter to FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, football’s governing bodies said: “We are forced to intervene in the interest of the principles and values of the sports system that we support…”The amendment is in stark contrast with these principles. It has blatantly ignored the central role that federations play in ensuring the balanced and healthy development of sport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We expect politics to respect the autonomy of football.”The letter added: “It turns out that every single point of the original amendment was incompatible with the obligations of the FIGC.England vs Netherlands Player Ratings”If the amendment were to be approved in its original form or in a new wording that would still support the elements addressed in this letter, we would have no choice but to refer the matter to our decision-making bodies to assess possible measures, including the possible suspension of the FIGC.”One such punishment would be the aforementioned stripping of hosting rights for the 2032 tournament, as well as them being booted out of international tournaments such as the World Cup.However, according to news agency ANSA via Business Day, the amendment was passed with some changes.It turns out that every single point of the original amendment was incompatible with the obligations of the FIGCUefa and Fifa letterRepubblicaThe changes included the removal of the provision allowing clubs to bypass the sporting justice system and appeal directly to the TAR tribunal.It is understood this new version has been sent to Uefa and Fifa for evaluation.Giorgio Mulé, who drafted the ruling, said on the latest draft: “To guarantee an adequate representation in the federal systems, the professional leagues have the right to equal representation in the directive organizations of the sporting federations that take into account the economic contribution given to the system.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “A new era begins for Italian football today with the fair recognition of the weight and role that the Lega Serie A has within the Federation.”A new page finally brings us up to date with modern times.”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. More

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      Lamine Yamal’s Spain pals to throw small party for 17th birthday… as they hope for massive bash after Euro 2024 final

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      LAMINE YAMAL’S team-mates will throw a small party to celebrate his 17th birthday on Saturday – hoping for an even bigger one just 24 hours later.The Spain sensation turns 17 tomorrow, having already claimed a slice of history at Euro 2024.Lamine Yamal turns 17 tomorrowCredit: GettyTeammate Dani Olmo has explained the Spanish side’s plans to celebrate his birthdayCredit: ReutersYamal became the youngest ever goalscorer at a European Championship with his stunning semi-final strike against France.By simply starting the game the Barcelona youngster also beat Pele’s record as the youngest player to appear in a major tournament semi-final.Teammate Dani Olmo said: “We’re going to celebrate with a cake, probably, and with a song.”He added: “Lamine is an amazing player. He has shown already what, at 16 years, I think not many players in history did.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“What is most important is his mentality, his way of thinking.”He’s calm, he’s a good guy, he’s a good team-mate as well.“He’s working for the team, bringing the individual quality to the team, which is the most important thing.“At the end, everything that’s coming will be good for him and for us.”Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turns 17 tomorrow and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full…Fellow winger Nico Williams, who is Yamal’s closest friend in the Spain squad, celebrated his 22nd birthday on Friday.The two close pals could even end up playing together at Barcelona next season, with the Spanish giants looking to sign Williams from Athletic Bilbao.Amazing footage shows Spain star Lamine Yamal holding hands with Sergio Ramos as mascot at iconic El ClasicoTogether the pair have notched up six goal contributions in Germany this summer and have looked like the biggest threats for Spain’s red hot side.But they will have the tough task of facing off against England’s resolute defence on Sunday.Yamal became the youngest every goalscorer at a European Championship with his stunner against France in the semi-final on TuesdayCredit: AP More

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      Bitter German press accuses England of ‘CHEATING their way into Euro 2024 final’ ahead of huge clash vs Spain

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      BITTER German press have accused England of “cheating” their way into the Euro 2024 final.Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions will face off against Spain in Berlin on Sunday as they look to lift a major trophy in the men’s game for the first time since 1966.Bitter German media have claimed England have ‘cheated’ their way into the Euro 2024 finalCredit: RexIt’s not been an easy journey for England as they’ve battled through every game, relying on penalties, extra time, injury time goals and their own resilience to force their way into this weekend’s showpiece.And German media have claimed that Southgate’s side have “cheated” their way to the bright lights of Berlin, hinting that England should not have progressed past the Netherlands on Wednesday.Ollie Watkins’ 90th minute winner against the Dutch was the goal that sealed a second shot at European glory for Southgate’s Lions.Watkins had built upon Harry Kane’s first half spot-kick equaliser, which left Dutch players and staff fuming after Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to have fouled the England skipper in the box.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The Oranje players were adamant that the penalty should not have stood with many suggesting the referee got the decision completely wrong after a VAR check.And German outlet BILD has since labelled England as cheaters in their build up to Sunday’s showpiece clash with Spain.A post on their website reads: “Only two days left until the 17th European Championship final between Spain and England will take place in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.”The signs on Sunday are clear: While the British cheated their way into the final, the Spanish impressed throughout the entire tournament.”Most read in Euro 2024Denzel Dumfries’ high challenge caught the foot of Harry Kane to give England a penalty in the semi-finalCredit: GettyKane netted the controversial penalty to level the scores for EnglandCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile another post on the site bills the game as “the team that plays the most beautiful football against the team that plays the most pragmatic football”.Following England’s dramatic 2-1 win over the Netherlands, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk also hinted that the penalty awarded to the Three Lions shouldn’t have stood.England vs Netherlands Player RatingsIn a post-match interview he took aim at referee Felix Zwayer, saying: “I don’t know what I should say, I don’t know if I should say something about this.”I said it outside to our Dutch media, it says it all that the ref went in quite quickly after the game and we had no time to shake his hand.”It is what it is, the game is done, it’s very tough to take.”Certain moments it’s obvious that it [decisions] should’ve gone our way, it didn’t. I don’t know what to say, it’s difficult to accept this.”It’s been a very long year, a tough year. We had a big dream and we felt like we could’ve achieved it as a team, unfortunately, it didn’t happen.”While Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman gave a similar assessment in his interview following their exit.He said: “This is not a penalty. His only intention was to block a shot. Harry Kane then shoots and their feet collide.”Football is getting broken with these types of calls by VAR.”Virgil van Dijk was left fuming with the decision to award a penalty to EnglandCredit: ReutersRonald Koeman was also dumfounded by the referee’s callCredit: RexBut Dumfries, who fouled Kane for the penalty, held his hands up and took responsibility for the decision.He said: “I take all responsibility for the penalty moment. I didn’t do it on purpose. I just wanted to block the shot.”Sections of the English media even thought that the Three Lions were lucky to get the decision themselves, as Gary Neville described the penalty call as “a disgrace”.But others thought the decision was spot on, with Ian Wright labelling Dumfries’ intervention as “reckless”.England’s hard work has earned them a spot in Sunday’s final and they have continued to look better and better as each game has gone by.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will play in their first major final on foreign soil this weekend against Spain, who Southgate has claimed have been “the best team” at Euro 2024.Germany were knocked out by the Spaniards themselves in the quarter-finals – losing 2-1 after a 119th minute winner from Mikel Merino got Spain over the line.Ollie Watkins scored a 90th minute winner to book England a spot in the finalCredit: GettyThe Three Lions have left it late a number of times as they’ve grafted their way to BerlinCredit: GettyGareth Southgate has warned of a tough challenge against Spain on SundayCredit: Rex More