Exclusives

ENGLAND fans want a statue of Gareth Southgate erected in the town in which he grew up.They have launched a petition to honour the Three Lions boss in Crawley, West Sussex.
England fans want a statue of Gareth Southgate erected in the town in which he grew upCredit: PA
His parents, Barbara and Clive, still live there.
Southgate went to Hazelwick Secondary and the school’s motto — “Effort Achieves” — was sewn on to pupils’ blazers and serves him well to this day.
He played for the school football team — and lined up alongside X Factor star Chico.
The change.org petition, started during the 2018 World Cup in Russia where England also made the semi-finals, has more than 1,500 signatures.
It reads: “Gareth grew up in Crawley . . . and we believe the council should recognise his achievements with a statue of the man himself!”
The petition has been resurrected following the latest successes.
A council spokesman said: “We’re tremendously proud of what Gareth Southgate has achieved.
“He’s a son of Crawley who grew up here, went to school here and learnt a lot of his football here so we want to recognise his achievements. Nothing has been ruled out.”
Meanwhile, social media users joked Southgate would make a perfect partner after one, Madeline Brettingham, called him “the ultimate middle-aged crush.”
A council spokesman said: ‘We’re tremendously proud of what Gareth Southgate has achieved’Credit: Getty
Gareth went to Hazelwick Secondary and played for the football teamCredit: Google maps
The school’s motto, ‘Effort Achieves’ was sewn on to pupils’ blazers and serves the England manager well to this dayCredit: Hazelwick Secondary

One user wrote: “Gareth would put all the cutlery pointing the same way in the cutlery drawer and hang the tea towel neatly across the oven handle to dry.”
Another said: “He wouldn’t complain about the decorative cushions and would plump and rearrange them after sitting on the sofa”.
Others stated that he would defrost the car and warm your coat on a cold winter’s morning, and do the toast “just how you like it, making sure the butter goes all the way to the edges”.
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PAUL Gascoigne says England can win the Euros if we throw all our support behind boss Gareth Southgate.Legend Gazza told fans and players ahead of tonight’s quarter-final with Ukraine in Rome: “If we trust in Gareth, everything else will come good.”
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Paul Gascoigne believes England can go on and win Euro 2020Credit: Dan Charity / The Sun
England boss Gareth Southgate gives a thumbs up as the team board the plane to UkraineCredit: Getty
Gazza’s Three Lions battle cry came as captain Harry Kane got off the plane ready to cane Ukraine. 
Urging supporters at home and in Italy to play their part, he told The Sun: “The crucial thing is for as many England fans as possible to get to the game and, most importantly, get behind Gareth.
“He’s the answer to everything for us, and we need to believe in him.”
Gazza, now 54, was England’s hero in the 1996 tournament and rallied to Southgate’s side after his cruel penalty miss against Germany in the semi-final.
The ex-Spurs and Lazio ace added: “I know Gareth well and we’re still good mates so I know he’s got what it takes to take us all the way. He’s the key.”
Gazza consoled Gareth Southgate after his critical Euro 96 missed penaltyCredit: Colorsport
Euro 96 hero Gazza says supporters must get behind Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty

England players yesterday boarded their flight to Italy from Birmingham — led by a determined-looking captain Kane.
Defender Harry Maguire also looked steely-eyed on the aircraft steps.
Midfield ace Phil Foden appeared relaxed as he smiled to the cameras, and central defender John Stones gave a quick thumbs-up.
Just over two hours later, they landed safely in Rome, with Kane and Kieran Trippier in masks as they disembarked.
Captain Harry Kane led the England team into Italy after flying to RomeCredit: Getty
Harry Maguire is the rock in England’s defence hoping to shut Ukraine outCredit: Getty
Defensive partner John Stones was in good spirits as he boarded the flightCredit: Getty
 Gazza has good memories of tonight’s Stadio Olimpico venue, having played there for Lazio in the early 1990s.
He added: “I know that stadium well. It’s big, but we don’t need to be intimidated. We have the right man in charge and the right players to go the distance, but we can’t have any doubts in our manager if we’re going to go all the way.
“Of course fans can make a difference if they are in full voice on a big night — I’ve experienced that myself.
“A packed house of supporters behind you is an amazing thing, so hopefully an army of England fans will make it one way or another, even if it is people already living out there.
Gazza believes England’s Euro 2020 team have what it takes to go all the wayCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
“Italy is a fantastic footballing country. I love the fans and they were very good to me. The atmosphere will be fantastic. With England fans behind the team and the manager, there’s no reason we can’t win this one, but obviously we mustn’t get carried away — it will be tough.”
Paul added of the Three Lions boss, 50: “Gareth is amazing, and a good mate. I’ve spoken to him fairly recently before the tournament.
“We’ve always stayed in touch. When we played together, he was an amazing team-mate but a brilliant bloke off the pitch, too.
“He’s always been good to me on a personal level. He’s very approachable.
“He understands people and he understands football. He’s a smart guy.
“He’s also very proud of his role with England, which he should be. It’s the ultimate job for a football man, and he really deserves it.”
Phil Foden dyed his hair just like Gazza at Euro 96Credit: Getty
Gazza, who has overcome a raft of personal demons, added: “I’ll be watching Saturday of course, even if it’s quite bittersweet.
“I don’t mind admitting it, we never quite got there in 1996 but this squad might go all the way.
“As a footballer, it’s hard not to be jealous, but I wish Gareth and the team all the best. They have a real shot of this.”
And after watching England’s clashes so far, he backed Foden and midfield pal Jack Grealish to make the difference tonight.
He said: “Jack and Phil both remind me of me, in the centre of the park trying to make things happen.
“They’ve both played well so far, but my advice would just be for them to follow the ball, that’s their role.
Gazza is a big fan of Jack Grealish and says Harry Kane must not go too deepCredit: Getty
“Harry Kane needs to stay around the 18-yard box ready, that’s his job, don’t track back.
“Terry Venables (England boss in 1996) used to tell us to just focus on our own job, for Harry that’s scoring goals.
“We don’t need you back at the halfway line. Stay up top ready.
“Foden and Grealish should be tracking the ball, staying within ten yards of it as much as possible, being involved in everything.
“With this side and an army of England fans behind them there’s no reason we can’t make it to the semis.
“And, as I keep saying, if the country believes in Gareth, and I really do, then there’s no reason we can’t win this.”
Neil thrill for LionsSINGING legend Neil Diamond is backing England to go all the way after his classic hit Sweet Caroline became an anthem for Three Lions fans.
The legendary US songwriter, 80 said he was “thrilled” his 1969 tune was belted out by fans and players after Euros victories.
And he hopes it can spur the Three Lions ahead of their vital quarter final showdown against Ukraine.
He said: “What a thrill to hear everyone singing Sweet Caroline. I hope you can do it again — here’s to England.”
England coach Gareth Southgate has revealed his backroom team played the song on their coach following Tuesday’s win.
Southgate said of the song: “That is a belter, really.”

 PM flag tribute
Boris Johnson found the biggest England flag possible to back the teamCredit: Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

BORIS Johnson stands in the centre of a giant England flag outside No10 as he sends his support to the Three Lions.
The PM will be cheering on England against UkraineCredit: Tim Hammond / No10 Downing Street

The PM gave a thumbs up as the team prepares to meet Ukraine in the quarter-final clash tonight.
He and wife Carrie tweeted a picture of themselves watching England’s 2-0 victory against Germany on Tuesday night, saying: “We’re all behind you — bring it home!”
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AN England fan won £360 in a Euros bet on the Germany game after an ultrasound scan showed his unborn son sticking two fingers up.Johnny Howell, 30, put down £30 to win 2-0 at 12-1 and watched in delight as it came in.
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Johnny Howell won £360 on a Euros bet thanks to his unborn sonCredit: East Anglia News Service
An ultrasound showed his baby sticking two fingers upCredit: East Anglia News Service
The gas engineer said: “It is just incredible that my boy came up with the right result.
“It’s a shame that he didn’t put up four fingers and a thumb to predict five goals.”
He went for the scan with fiance Alice Morling, 25, in Gorleston, Norfolk, on Tuesday, before Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling’s goals that evening.
Johnny, of Great Yarmouth, said: “The sonographer said the fingers were a peace sign.
His fiance Alice Morling said she couldn’t believe the prediction had come trueCredit: East Anglia News Service

“But it dawned on me that he may have been predicting a 2-0 England victory.”
Alice said: “The second goal came and I thought, ‘Are you joking?’ ”
They will spend the win on baby equipment.
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ENGLAND fans travelling to Rome for Saturday’s Euro 2020 quarter final won’t be allowed into the stadium even if they have a ticket.Italian officials have said they’ll turn away any Three Lions supporters who have recently arrived in the country at the gate.
⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
Fans travelling to Rome for the Euro 2020 quarter final will be barred from the stadiumCredit: PA
Italian officials have boosted security at airports to catch crafty England fans sneaking in to watch their match against UkraineCredit: AFP
In a statement the country’s embassy in London warned anyone trying to flout its quarantine rules “will be punished”.
Those who try to take advantage of exemptions from self-isolation, such as claiming they’re on a business trip, will be rejected.
The embassy said: “Anybody who has been in the UK in the previous 14 days, irrespective of their nationality or residency, will not be admitted to the stadium even if they have a ticket.
“Only those who can prove that they have arrived in Italy at least six days previously, have observed five days of quarantine, and have taken a post-quarantine COVID-19 test with a negative result will be allowed into the Stadio Olimpico.
“Fans based in the UK should therefore not travel to Italy to attend the match on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
“Being exempt from quarantine in Italy for any legal reason, will not translate into permission to enter the stadium.
“For example, travellers who are transiting through Italy for less than 36 hours or visiting briefly for work reasons are not required to quarantine, but they will not be permitted to enter the stadium.”
Italian officials plan to introduce checkpoints on roads from neighbouring countries and boost security at airports with direct links to the UK in a bid to catch crafty England fans sneaking in.
Italy will host the England and Ukraine match at the Olympic Stadium in RomeCredit: Splash
England fans unable to travel to Rome to watch the Three Lions due to Covid rulesCredit: PA
The prefect of Rome, Matteo Piantedosi, was holding talks with the regional committee for public order and security, and senior police chiefs were also brought in to discuss security for Saturday’s game.
Italy is among the countries hardest hit by the Covid pandemic, and officials are desperate to take all measures necessary to make sure there is not another devastating wave.
Andrea Costa, undersecretary for the Italian Ministry of Health, told The Sun: “The rules are clear and concise — English fans will not be able to travel to Italy.
“There are currently five days of obligatory quarantine on arrival, so unless fans arrived before June 28 and completed quarantine, there is no point travelling to Rome.
“Those that do attempt it and are caught will be fined and punished. Rules have to be obeyed and we cannot afford to be running any risks.” Officials said that other measures being considered would include stopping ticket holders and asking them to prove how long they had been in the country — with boarding cards being requested.
Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, who has been advising the Italian government, said: “Allowing fans in from the UK would be a disaster because there is a very high probability that they will spread the virus.”
Last night the British Embassy in Rome, which had wrongly been announced as a point of ticket sales for expat England fans, posted a statement on its Facebook page after being swamped with calls.

According to official figures there are around 250,000 Ukrainian citizens in Italy — with around 80 per cent being female cleaners or carers.
Fans from the Ukraine have it worse than those from the UK as they have to undergo ten days of quarantine and provide a negative Covid test.
Entry into Italy for tourism purposes for Ukrainians is expressly forbidden.
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ITALIAN officials plan to introduce checkpoints on roads from neighbouring countries and boost security at airports with direct links to the UK in a bid to catch crafty England fans sneaking in.Last night the prefect of Rome, Matteo Piantedosi, was holding talks with the regional committee for public order and security, and senior police chiefs were also brought in to discuss security for Saturday’s game.
⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
Italian officials have boosted security at airports to catch crafty England fans sneaking in to watch their match against UkraineCredit: AFP
Italy is among the countries hardest hit by the Covid pandemic, and officials are desperate to take all measures necessary to make sure there is not another devastating wave.
Andrea Costa, undersecretary for the Italian Ministry of Health, told The Sun: “The rules are clear and concise — English fans will not be able to travel to Italy.
“There are currently five days of obligatory quarantine on arrival, so unless fans arrived before June 28 and completed quarantine, there is no point travelling to Rome.
“Those that do attempt it and are caught will be fined and punished. Rules have to be obeyed and we cannot afford to be running any risks.” Officials said that other measures being considered would include stopping ticket holders and asking them to prove how long they had been in the country — with boarding cards being requested.
Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, who has been advising the Italian government, said: “Allowing fans in from the UK would be a disaster because there is a very high probability that they will spread the virus.”
Last night the British Embassy in Rome, which had wrongly been announced as a point of ticket sales for expat England fans, posted a statement on its Facebook page after being swamped with calls.
Italy will host the England and Ukraine match at the Olympic Stadium in RomeCredit: Splash
England fans unable to travel to Rome to watch the Three Lions due to Covid rulesCredit: PA

According to official figures there are around 250,000 Ukrainian citizens in Italy — with around 80 per cent being female cleaners or carers.
Fans from the Ukraine have it worse than those from the UK as they have to undergo ten days of quarantine and provide a negative Covid test.
Entry into Italy for tourism purposes for Ukrainians is expressly forbidden.
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ENGLAND’S heroes will be reunited with their WAGs and families today as a reward for beating Germany.They will spend time with their loved ones at a secret location ahead of the quarter-finals in Rome.
⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
England’s Wags will briefly reunite with the players todayCredit: Instagram
It comes after the Three Lions’ 2-0 victory against GermanyCredit: Getty
A source said: “It’ll only be for a few hours but it’ll be enough to carry the team into the next round.
“They need to see their families. Gareth has always recognised the important role they play in helping the team reach its full potential.
“They have been at pitch side throughout the tournament so far and it’s been hard.
“In the last game against the Czech Republic they were allowed some contact inside Wembley but this will be a proper get together.”
The move marks a dramatic shift after UEFA ruled Covid bubbles must remain secure throughout the tournament.
Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood was in an entourage of Wags at tonight’s matchCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
Megan Davison, Jordan Pickford’s partner, was seen outside WembleyCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd

The Wags and families will have to provide a negative test result before the reunion which will take place at a hotel.
Speaking ahead of the Euros Southgate said: “It is going to be limited access, which we have to accept is going to be harder for some players to cope with than for others.
“You know everybody’s going to react to that and respond to that differently.”
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