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      Imagine being s**t at football like me with ‘Lineker, 10, on your shirt, says George

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      IT isn’t easy being the child of a famous parent – just ask Charlie Chaplin Jr, Liza Minnelli or Kelly Osbourne.So spare a thought for a young George Lineker, son of England legend Gary, as he lumbered around the pitch with “Lineker, 10” on the back of his shirt.
      George Lineker opens up on his famous dad, GaryCredit: PA
      Which, as a modest — and now grown-up — George admits, are where the pair’s similarities ended.
      Speaking on the eve of Father’s Day, George says: “I am so proud of him.
      “It’s unbelievable to have achieved what he has but I suppose there was a little bit of pressure on me in terms of football, especially as I was so useless. Actually, I was sh*t, can I say sh*t? (Yes, George).
      “I was a striker, which meant there was even more pressure. So when opponents clocked who I was, they expected me to be good.
      “I’d beg everyone not to call me ‘Lineker’. I hated when they saw that name on the back of my shirt, it was just so embarrassing, especially when you’re at secondary school, and you’re in a sh*t team and they’d shout ‘Lineker!’. I just wanted to run and hide.
      “Even if I had been any good, it was very unlikely I’d ever live up to expectations.” 
      Such expectations, of course, result from the former Spurs and Everton star’s 80 England caps — scoring 48 goals in the process — a successful stint playing for Barcelona (during which time he became fluent in Spanish), a whiter than white disciplinary record of no yellow cards as a player, an OBE and then a seamless, award-winning transition into TV.
      George, pictured at Old Trafford, had ‘Lineker, 10’ on the back of his shirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxfbim3g2Sk/
      DETERMINED TO STRIKE OUT
      For the past 22 years Gary has hosted Match Of The Day, becoming one of the BBC’s most coveted, successful — and highly paid — broadcasters of all time.
      He’s also been paid a lot to eat many crisps over the years.
      In addition, the proud family man recently announced he was quitting BT Sport in order to spend more time with his sons, watching his beloved Leicester City in Europe next season.
      As the eldest of four boys, the others being Harry, 27, Tobias, 25, and Angus, 23, from Gary’s marriage to first wife Michelle Cockayne, usually the clan would congregate for a roast lunch on Father’s Day.
      Tomorrow, though, Gary is in Manchester covering the Euros meaning the clan will make do with a phone call.
      Now 29, George remains incredibly close to his dad — but is determined to strike out on his own. (Just not as a striker).
      He adds: “It’s so annoying, whatever my dad does, he does brilliantly. He won’t do it unless he knows he’ll be the best. It’s probably a sportsman thing. So he’s amazing at cooking, for instance. It’s like living with a personal chef. I live ten minutes away so will drive round and he’ll cook me dinner.
      “So with the cooking, he kept practising and became obsessive and obviously got really, really good.
      Gary Lineker in his England kitCredit: Getty
      “My favourite dish of his is probably his Spanish style seabass with crispy potatoes and tomatoes.
      “He’s really good at cricket, and golf, and snooker, and obviously football, and is now one of the very best broadcasters in the game.
      “Everything he does, he does well. I’m the opposite. I’m sh*t at everything. Except cricket, maybe – I’m average at that.”
      George says he never got to see his dad, a massive fan of his first club Leicester City, play a game and has still, to this day, not watched a replay of him play a full 90 minutes. I’ve seen maybe a few old YouTube clips,” he says with a grin. “And I support Man United, which he absolutely hates! 
      “My friend at school told me to support them and I went home that night and told him I support Utd, and he said: ‘No, you don’t.’
      “The more p***ed off he got, the more I supported them because I wanted to be so contrary back then. I’m the only one in the family not to support Leicester.
      “But I remember one morning my mum coming upstairs, telling me I needed to go into the kitchen. 
      “I went, and Peter Schmeichel was sitting having breakfast with Alan Hansen. That was quite cool. I have a signed, framed shirt of his that he once gave me after a game. I’m a big fan.” 
      George tries his hand at cricket with dadCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      George, pals with Spencer Morgan — the son of another famous man, Piers, with whom he went to school, is playing down his talents.
      Extremely likeable, he carries none of the sense of entitlement of many a privileged kid.
      He’s launched a new tech app, YourBusinessNumber, which allows users to set up a second mobile phone number without the hassle of getting another phone.
      Alongside business partner, entrepreneur Sebastian Lewis, 35, the pair have politely declined any funding from Gary, determined to forge their own path. The app is being targeted at the self-employed, and those working from home post-pandemic. And if all goes to plan they will turnover £1million a year within their first 18 months of trading. 
      Speaking over a pint in London bar 180 The Strand, George adds: “We need financial help but I don’t want to just go running to my dad.
      “I want people to invest in me because they believe in the product – not because of who my dad is.” 
      Going back to his dad though, how does he feel about him being an unlikely sex symbol, aged 60.
      Or, even worse for a twenty-something lad, how did he feel reading a magazine interview two years ago in which Gary said he wasn’t “massively into sex”?
      “Oh God,” he says with a grimace. “I saw that headline and was like: ‘Gaz, what is this?!’ 
      “And he said ‘It’s out of context!’ I don’t really want to think about him having sex but he didn’t seem too bothered. I didn’t read it.
      “I think he’s just given up now, he’s not that fussed. But he is 60. I think he’s done with dating now . . . 
      “It’s weird that people think of him as a heart-throb. Sometimes my female mates tell me he’s fit and ask me to set them up, and I tell them absolutely not, it’s not happening!” 
      George with his parents in 1995 after his health scareCredit: Rex
      HAPPILY SINGLE
      Like father like son, George is also happily single.
      Unsurprisingly he’s been asked to go on “almost every reality show out there” — including Love Island. “That was something I was tempted by,” he adds. 
      “But then I have to look at it and think I’m only getting asked because of my dad. And if he’s not keen on it, then I wouldn’t do it. The thought of him seeing me snog someone on telly is a bit sketchy too. You’ve got to be a big personality, and be in silly shape — and I’m neither of those things. I’m quite chilled and laid back.”
      George is also a big charity campaigner. It is something close to his heart after he battled acute myeloid leukaemia as a baby.
      Gary has previously said he was plagued by nightmares that his son would die from the rare blood cancer, suffering recurring dreams that he was left clutching a “small, white coffin”.
      Three years ago the pair filmed a moving four-minute clip for Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer documenting George’s “devastating” fight for life.
      They were widely praised by viewers, with many saying Gary’s tribute left them in floods of tears.
      “I was given a ten to 20 per cent chance of survival about four times,” George explains. “But it was a lot worse for my parents as I was six months old and obviously don’t remember any of that time, but I know it was traumatic for them.
      Gary Lineker with sons George (far right), Angus (second right) and Tobias (left)Credit: PA:Press Association

      “They had to wear gloves to touch me because the levels of radiation that I was undergoing were so intense. 
      “I had to go for tests every year until I was 18 just to make sure everything was all right, and I go back every now for blood tests etc, to then to help with research.
      “But I survived, so I just feel pretty lucky really.”

      YourBusinessNumber allows you to set up a new phone number without needing to get a new SIM card, data package or mobile phone. Visit yourbusinessnumber.com to generate a new UK number you can use on your current device for £4.99 a month. You can cancel at ­any time.

      ‘Day 12 of not being able to smell or taste’: Gary Lineker’s son George displays the extent of his coronavirus symptoms by downing VINEGAR More

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      Paul Gascoigne on England going all the way in Euro 2020 and his goal that crushed Scotland in ’96

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      PAUL Gascoigne relived the glory goal which crushed Scotland in Euro 96 — and fired up England for tonight’s Euro 2020 showdown by roaring: “We can go all the way this time.”The Geordie, 54, smashed home an amazing volley against the “Auld Enemy” to seal a 2-0 win and send the Three Lions on a thrilling run to the semi final.
      England legend Paul Gascoigne is tipping his team to go all the way in Euro 2020Credit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Now he says Gareth Southgate’s young squad can top that by winning the tournament.
      Gazza declared: “We have brilliant players and are good enough to go all the way. Our strikeforce this time is unbelievable.
      “We have so much power going forward we’re going to be very hard to beat at Wembley.
      “And we’re going into the Scotland game having beaten Croatia, who I thought were good enough to win the tournament.
      Gazza jinxes past Scotland’s Colin HendryCredit: Reuters
      “The Scots were unlucky in their first match and have their strongest squad in ages. They’ll be bang up for playing us at Wembley and it’ll be a hard game.
      “But, if we can play like I did that day and knock them out, we have our best chance in years of lifting a trophy.”
      The Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio and Glasgow Rangers legend — who has battled booze and drug demons — also paid tribute to his England team-mate Southgate, 50.
      The Three Lions boss missed his shootout penalty against Germany in the dramatic 1996 semi-final.
      Gazza said: “I’m so proud of Gareth  and how he’s come back from the disappointment.
      Gazza cheekily mimicked the infamous ‘dentist chair’ stunt by sprawling on his back with teammates grabbing  a bottle of water to squirt at him
      “I scored my penalty against the Germans even though it was a miss-kick. He missed his and put us out of the tournament. But I ended up in rehab and he ended up manager of the most successful England team in decades!
      “Gareth’s been a good friend down the years and I respect him for what he’s done with the team.”
      He added: “Covid and all these lockdowns have been a f*****g nightmare and an England run in the Euros is just what the country needs right now.”
      Gazza had the nation in raptures with his Wembley moment of magic which came — like tonight’s Battle of Britain showdown — in the second of three qualifying group games.
      Running towards goal on the left edge of Scotland’s penalty area,  he deftly lifted the ball over defender Colin Hendry’s head before letting it drop on his right boot and lashing it past ’keeper Andy Goram.
      Gazza celebrates the goal that ‘crushed’ Scotland in the Euro ’96 clash
      Gazza said: “It’s the best goal I ever scored in an England shirt and the greatest goal ever scored in 100 years at Wembley.
      “I had a little glance and I could see Colin coming across towards me. If he had stopped, I would have controlled the ball then beat him. But when he kept coming, I knew I had him.
      “I flicked it over Colin’s head with my left and banged it past Andy Goram in goal with my right.
      “Colin was left on his a*** and the whole of Wembley just erupted. It was pure joy. No words can describe that feeling.
      “I’d worked on being a two-footed player from the age of eight, banging a ball against a wall with only my left foot to train myself and that was the day it paid off.”
      The squad in ‘96 had been criticised after holding an infamous pre-tournament bonding party in Hong Kong where some players had booze poured into their mouths while sitting in a bar’s novelty dentist’s chair.
      Gazza says: ‘It’s amazing to see so many youngsters coming through in Gareth’s squad’Credit: Getty
      Gazza cheekily mimicked the stunt by sprawling on his back with team-mates grabbing  a bottle of water to squirt at him.
      He recalled: “I said in the dressing room before the game, ‘Lads, whoever scores, let’s do the dentist’s chair’.
      “The mad thing is that people remember the celebration as much as the goal.
      “I’d put the bottle there to prepare for it and just lay there with my mouth open waiting for the lads to give me a good soaking.
      Colin Hendry can only watch as the ball is fired towards the netCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “The goal was made even sweeter by the fact that I was a Glasgow Rangers player in those days and had never managed to score a single goal against Andy Goram in training.
      “But I did it at Wembley in front of 100,000 people and millions on TV when it mattered.
      “I daren’t look at him after I finished celebrating because I knew he’d be fuming and he would probably have knocked my f*****g head off! It made me a bit anxious about going back to  Rangers after but I decided, ‘F*** — I’ll wind ’em up anyway when I get back’.
      “So when I rejoined the team in the dressing room, I stuck pictures of the goal on the walls.
      “Then I got a mop which looked like Colin Hendry’s head, flicked a ball over it and volleyed it straight at Andy.
      Marcus Rashford has already shown he has pace and power and is lethal up front, says PaulCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “He went off his f*****g head and had to be held off me. He said, ‘If you ever do that again, I’ll knock you out’.”
      Now it’s the turn of a new generation of stars to make the headlines. Gazza said: “Jack Grealish is great to watch and wants the ball all the time just like I did. Phil Foden is also going to be an incredible player.
      “And Marcus Rashford has already shown he has pace and power and is lethal up front.
      “But, if I’m honest, I don’t think there’s one player in the England team or in the tournament who could score my greatest goal! It was a one-off.”

      He went on: “It’s amazing to see so many youngsters coming through in Gareth’s squad.
      “They look so strong and skilful and seem to be able to handle the pressure.
      “All they have to do against the Scots is attack their opponents and play with passion. My message  to them is, ‘Don’t hold back. This is your time, lads, so go for it! Go for it’.
      “I’ll be watching all the games on TV on my own because I get cross when I see players who don’t celebrate in front of the fans like I did when they score.
      “I’ve had my problems with drink but if we win the tournament I won’t care — I’ll be straight off the wagon and down the pub.
      “There’ll never be a better excuse for the whole country to celebrate.
      “And mine will be a pina colada if anyone wants to buy me one!”
      HENDRY’S GOAL WOETHE Scotland centre-half bamboozled by Gazza before the wizard’s Euro ’96 wonder-strike says he is still ribbed about it.
      Colin Hendry, now 55, was left for dead when Gazza flipped the ball over his head before smashing it home.
      Former Blackburn star Hendry, right, said he had only a moment to decide whether to foul Gazza and be sent off — or hold off.
      He said: “I held back and the rest is history but I feel no shame about being beaten that day — despite the ribbing I’ve had  since. I’m still teased about it.
      “It took England’s greatest footballer to beat me by scoring the best goal of his life.” England won 2-0. 
      Former Scotland captain Hendry reckons England will be “too strong” today.

      TARTAN ARMY IS WAY OF LIFE
      By Ally Ross
      HERE we go again. It’s England versus Scotland, at Wembley — a soulless place. 
      You set off at dawn, you’re back at four the next morning with a hole in your heart, Covid in your bloodstream and nothing to say for yourself except: “Never, EVER again.”
      Sun columnist Ally Ross in London’s Trafalgar Square for the 1988 England Scotland clash
      So, no, in answer to your polite question, I won’t be going to today’s game. Nor could you pay me enough to do so.
      That might seem a little odd given that, as The Proclaimers’ song suggests, I have walked 500 miles and I have walked 500 more for the national football team I adore. 
      I’ve loved almost every step of the journey that’s taken me from Kazakhstan in the east, to Mexico in the west.
      I’ve got a total of 31 Tartan Army stamps on my passport and seen countries I would never have dreamed of visiting, like Georgia, Macedonia, Lithuania (twice) and beautiful little Slovenia, where I  watched our under 21s play next to a “Warning, bears” sign.
      The Tartan Army marches onCredit: Getty
      I’ve also woken up on railway station platforms in Switzerland, made friends for life in sleepy little Liechtenstein, made my excuses and left Amsterdam’s Banana Bar and even managed to witness the miracle of Scotland winning once or twice.
      So, more than anything, during lockdown, I’ve craved following the Scotland football team again. Not just to the countries I haven’t yet visited with my friends, like Austria, Hungary and Denmark, but to some places I’ve already seen.
      If Scotland were playing France, Germany, Holland, Malta, Israel, Slovakia, Poland, the Galapagos Islands or even Belgium, in a friendly tomorrow, I promise you I would be there.
      Why? Because the Tartan Army is as much fun as you can have in your life, once you’ve passed the age of 40. 
      Add 2,000 men in kilts and other fragments of national dress to some obscure corner of Eastern Europe or Asia and you have a city that’s transformed. 
      The party has arrived, the beer and the stories never stop flowing and before you know it, downtown Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, is looking like a Tartan Rio carnival. 
      As anyone who does “Scotland trips” will tell you, supporting Scotland is a way of life. 
      That’s why I have my heart set on attending our World Cup qualifiers, in Copenhagen and Vienna, in September and even gave Monday’s horrendous game against the Czech Republic, in Glasgow, a go.
      So why not Wembley? The bits I haven’t enjoyed have all been in London. 
      Bad timing on my part, to an extent. I was born in June 1967, just two months after Scotland famously became world champions by beating England 3-2.
      I also wasn’t old enough to attend the great invasion of 1977 when the troops headed back home singing: “England one, Scotland two, nicked yer pitch and yer goalposts too.”
      By the time I was of an age to attend my first “Auld Enemy”  encounter (I hate that phrase) the atmosphere had turned nasty and Scottish football was on a long slow path to nowhere.
      I didn’t even make this first trip to Wembley until 1986. A disappointing 2-1 defeat that, if it’s remembered at all, is remembered for Graeme Souness thumping Ray Wilkins.
      Graeme Souness thumping Ray Wilkins made a disappointing 2-1 defeat more memorable in 1986Credit: Getty
      The great days had long gone by then, but I got the all-night train down from Aberdeen to see us lose 1-0 in 1988 and was back again, in 1996, watching the famous Gazza goal at a Dixons showroom, in Wembley, because I couldn’t get a ticket.
      Just as a stopped clock is right twice a day, you will see Scotland beat England if you wait long enough. I nearly did, in 1999, but I was ejected from the stadium, “for my own safety”, in the 37th minute, after Don Hutchison scored what would be our winning goal.

      That’s partly why I won’t go back. The fact some dumb people take this particular game of football far too seriously means Wembley is not an enjoyable day out in any shape or form.
      It’s also not what the Tartan Army should be all about, which is the joyful adventure of football, heading somewhere new, with friends you love and being able to say, a few years down the line: “I went to Celje once. Cracking place. There was a Hoover convention going on in the city and I saw Scotland beat Slovenia 3-0.”
      So, if you don’t mind, I’ll sit out this next game.
      Gazza on his best and worst gaffers More

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      Euro 2020: UK’s cleverest dog predicts England will tear Scotland to shreds at Wembley

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      WILLOW the wonder pooch has tipped England’s heroes to tear Scotland to shreds at Wembley.The clever Cockapoo barked Harry Kane and Co to get a result against Croatia in their Euros opener.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Willow the Cockapoo has ‘a 100 per cent record’ in predicting Euro 2020 winnersCredit: The Sun
      And when she was asked to chews tonight’s winner she was in absolutely no doubt.
      Willow, who watched Scotland’s abject 2-0 defeat to the Czech Republic, did not even paws to mull it over.
      She was so certain of victory she took hold of Scotland’s Saltire flag and pulled it to pieces to double down on her prediction.
      Owner Charlotte Price, 30, said: “Willow’s got a 100 per cent record so far after predicting an England win against Croatia.
      “She’s got off to the best possible start – just like England.
      “And after watching Scotland the other day she is in no doubt who will come out on top at Wembley.
      Willow has tipped England to tear Scotland to shreds at WembleyCredit: The Sun
      “There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation. We tried it a number of times and each time she picked England.
      “She doesn’t see anything other than another win.”

      Willow, who has pedigree when it comes to predicting major events, even had time to bask in the glow of her first triumphant prediction against Croatia.
      The nation’s most intelligent dog – who has been tipped for stardom herself – took a moment to read our story from last week.
      But then it was down to work.
      Willow, who can count to ten, spell her own name and identify shapes, was presented with three bowls.
      We stuck a football in each one and labelled them with a flag for England, Scotland and a third for the draw.
      The three bowls were placed in different positions this time to ensure strictly controlled scientific conditions.
      Special needs teacher Charlotte, of Baildon, West Yorks., then asked her: “Who is going to win – England, Scotland, or do you think it’ll end in a draw? Show me.”
      Before Charlotte even had time to finish the word ‘draw’ Willow had pounced on England – and was so sure she almost knocked the ball out of the bowl.
      Her skills echo those of tentacled tipster Paul the Octopus, who successfully predicted the results of Germany’s seven matches at the 2010 World Cup.
      The patriotic cockapoo was again wearing her England shirt for the prediction and was sat in front of a giant St George’s flag.

      Charlotte started training Willow as a pup in 2018 and quickly moved on to tricks.
      She chose between her teddy and a ball – and letters and numbers. Willow gets a treat for every five she identifies.
      She also picks out shapes, including her favourite, the pentagon.
      Belgium class shines through as they beat brave Denmark 2-1 in emotional Euro 2020 match More

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      England Euro 2020 stars prepare to face Scotland by working out with bizarre fruit-shaped underwater footballs

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      ENGLAND footie stars have been twisting their melons to sink Scotland tomorrow — by working out with fruit-patterned under­water balls.Players love kickabouts with “watermelon balls” at their training base. The soft, coloured globes can be kicked or thrown up to 10ft under water.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Tyrone Mings of England smiles in the swimming pool following the England training session at St George’s ParkCredit: Getty
      The team — managed by Gareth Southgate — had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at Wembley.
      Coaching staff at the camp in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, introduced the bizarre balls in place of the unicorn pool inflatables which players loved at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      They allow the stars to enjoy fun games with minimal impact on tired joints and muscles. Tyrone Mings, 28, Phil Foden, 21, Kyle Walker, 31, and Jordan Pickford, 27, were snapped with their new toys.
      A Three Lions source said: “The atmosphere in the camp is very relaxed but very focused.
      “The players seem to be enjoying themselves.
      “It’s hard training then recovering from the physical and mental stress of such big games.
      “Having fun is a big part of keeping them happy and sharp for the next challenge. The watermelon balls have been a big hit.”
      Phil Foden, Jordan Pickford and Kyle Walker of England head a ball to each other in a swimming pool during a recovery sessionCredit: Getty
      The lads appeared to be having funCredit: Getty
      The Sun revealed yesterday how players are relaxing between games in a cocoon-like yoga “Hotpod” with chill-out tunes and relaxing aromas piped in.
      The Watermelon Ball combo pack like those used by the stars costs just £9.99. They include one patterned like a green watermelon and another multi-coloured version.
      Makers Cardonely say on their website: “Watermelon Ball is a water-filled ball that mimics the flotation of a watermelon, the ball will sink slowly then rise to the surface when thrown in the water.
      “The ball can be bounced, dribbled and passed under water making it great for all sorts of water games.”
      The England team released snaps on social media of Aston Villa centre back Mings poised to throw one of the balls and Manchester City’s Foden and Walker and Everton goalie Pickford joining the fun.
      The photos were captioned: “Making a splash”. But some fans said they missed the inflatables. Luke Oliver tweeted: “Where’s the unicorn?”.
      Kyle Walker controls the ball during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between England and CroatiaCredit: Getty
      Tyrone Mings acknowledges the fansCredit: Getty

      Jack Blake added: “Need Maguire on a unicorn” and Nicola Ferris said: “Get the unicorns out.”
      A win for the Three Lions over Scotland would ensure them a place in the tournament’s last 16.
      Wales took a huge step towards that stage by beating Turkey 2-0 yesterday, despite star man Gareth Bale missing a penalty.
      Jordan Pickford of looks on during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D matchCredit: Getty
      The team — managed by Gareth Southgate — had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at WembleyCredit: Reuters
      England’s secret weapon against the Scots is this yoga Igloo where players are stretched to their max with chill out tunes and calm aromas More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo used to down fizzy drink for breakfast despite Coca-Cola snub at Euro 2020 press conference

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      COCA-Cola remover Cristiano Ronaldo used to down fizzy drinks for breakfast, it was revealed today.Ronaldo, 36, wiped £3.4billion off the value of Coke by casting aside two bottles at a Euro 2020 press conference.
      Coca-Cola remover Cristiano Ronaldo used to down fizzy drinks for breakfast, it was revealed today
      He then urged fans after scoring two in Portugal’s 3-0 win in Hungary: “Drink water.”
      But his ex-Man United teammate Ryan Giggs revealed earlier this year he once had a heated row with Ronaldo over his love of soft drinks.
      Fellow team-mate and now-Reds boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed angry Giggs pinned him against a wall over it.
      Giggs, when quizzed about the incident, replied: “Maybe. I don’t know if I pinned him.
      Ronaldo posing in a Coca-Cola advertCredit: Coca Cola
      Ronaldo fans were left baffled by his snub having previously endorsed the company
      “I might have told him, ‘We don’t do this’ and then he went and scored a hat-trick! ‘I drink what I want, Giggsy!’”
      However he is thought to have followed Giggs’ suggestion, and his actions on Tuesday evening sent Euro 2020 sponsor Coke’s share price crashing by 1.6 per cent.
      It was followed hours later by another sponsor snub — as France’s Paul Pogba removed a Heineken bottle positioned directly in front of him at his press conference.
      The Manchester United midfielder, 28, is a Muslim, which forbids booze.
      The footie great was previously the face of fast food giant KTC
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s name was used in a McDonald’s advert in 2006Credit: Mcdonald’s
      He picked up the bottle – which was a no-alcohol version – and put it out of sight after a man-of-the-match role in France’s 1-0 win over Germany in Munich on Tuesday night.
      Fans were left disgusted with tournament staff.

      One raged: “He’s a Muslim. Why put beer in front of him? Sponsors must be rational.”
      Another tweeted: “Quite understandable that, as a Muslim, Pogba wouldn’t want to be seen promoting beer.”
      France international Paul Pogba removed a Heineken bottle during his post-match press conference
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2006 Coca-Cola advert resurfaces after Portugal star’s Coke snub in Euro 2020 press conference More

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      England’s Euro 2020 stars aim carry on winning with help of yoga ‘Hotpod’

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      ENGLAND’S Euro 2020 stars aim to keep calm and carry on winning — with the help of a new-age yoga “Hotpod” at their training base.The battle-weary heroes of the 1-0 triumph over Croatia have been recharging inside an inflatable purple pod at the squad’s St George’s Park camp.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      England stars aim to keep calm and carry on winning at Euro 2020
      The Three Lions have a new age yoga ‘Hotpod’ at their training base
      Relaxing mood music is played in the dimly lit dome, while the air is infused with calming aromas of lavender, orange and bergamot.
      The temperature inside the pod is kept at a constant 37C to aid flexibility.
      Players are put through a range of yoga moves by a fully trained female member of the FA’s fitness staff working inside the Covid-secure bubble.
      As she led them on a set routine, Mason Mount and Tyrone Mings collapsed in giggles struggling to hold a carefully balanced pose.
      But the smiling instructor encouraged them saying: “Well done ­— it’s hard.”
      Coach Gareth Southgate has backed the glowing dome to revitalise key players ahead of Friday’s crunch clash with old enemy Scotland.
      The team have been recharging inside an inflatable purple pod
      Raheem Sterling reacts as he scores his team’s first goal during their first game of Euro 2020Credit: AP
      An England source said yesterday: “Players used to crash out with a few beers after the game to wind down, but this is a very different, very focused England squad.
      “They’re athletes competing at the highest level — often in extreme heat as in the game against Croatia — and they need to recover both mentally and physically.”
      The spokesman added: “Yoga is regarded as an excellent aid to muscle recovery and the addition of heat to the exercise helps.
      “We’ve created a relaxing environment in which the players can stretch and wind down between games, which is great for both their physical and mental well-being.”
      Stars including Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Declan Rice, John Stones and Kyle Walker were seen zipping themselves inside the pod for a workout with the aide yesterday.
      A second, one-man Hotpod has also been supplied to allow stressed stars to cocoon themselves completely.
      Relaxing urban mood music is piped into the dimly lit dome
      The air is infused with calming aromas of lavender, orange and bergamot
      It is fitted with a TV monitor for one-to-one remote tuition and is also infused with calming signature scents, while chill-out tunes are piped in.
      The players ran an incredible total of 62 miles in the sweltering 28C heat to edge out Croatia with a Raheem Sterling goal at Wembley on Sunday.
      Hotpod Yoga co-founder Max Henderson said: “It’s a huge privilege to be working with the Three Lions.
      “Having built up a lot of experience working with elite sports teams over the years, being part of the England team’s set-up at the Euros is something special.
      “We’ll be doing our best to help make sure they’re in tip-top shape to go all the way.”
      Hotpod Yoga sessions were pioneered by the England rugby squad who reached the World Cup final after taking a pod to Japan in 2019.
      The lads are put through their stretches by a highly-trained yoga instructor
      Declan Rice of England trains in the gymCredit: Getty

      As well as using yoga, goal hero Sterling has been undertaking nightly meditation sessions.
      The Man City winger, 26, said: “I’ve been meditating.
      “I’m doing a little bit of meds before I go to sleep to get relaxed. Just taking time out, being thankful and grateful for the day.”
      England train ahead of Euro 2020 game against Scotland More

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      Euro 2020: England star Kalvin Phillips says ‘Mum skipped meals for me…I ran to her when we scored’

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      NEW England hero Kalvin Phillips last night told how he dedicated his match-winning performance against Croatia to his mum.During a stunning all-round display, playmaker Phillips, 25, beat two Croatians before pinpointing a perfect pass for Raheem Sterling to grab the winner on Sunday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Kalvin Phillips, 25, beat two Croatians before pinpointing a perfect pass for Raheem Sterling to grab the winner on SundayCredit: Getty
      He dedicated his man-of-the-match showing to mum Lindsay Crosby who guided him on his path to stardom during his tough childhood in Leeds — and was in the stands at Wembley celebrating her birthday.
      The man dubbed The Yorkshire Pirlo after the genius Italian midfielder said: “I’m buzzin’ — it’s hard to put it into words.
      “I can’t even remember doing it [setting up the winner] — it was just a blur, then the ball hit the back of the net.
      “It was my mum’s birthday the day before and she was right at the front in the stands right at that side so I felt I was celebrating with her.”
      Superstar Kalvin is now a millionaire Premier League ace with a stunning childhood sweetheart in Ashleigh Behan.
      But his tale of rags to riches is all down to proud mum Lindsay, who has been instrumental in her son’s success.
      It’s an inspirational tale of hard work and the selfless devotion of amazing women in his life, in the face of tragedy.
      Kalvin was born a triplet but his sister Lacreasha died when she was just a couple of months old.
      Growing up in Armley, West Leeds, Kalvin would often find mum Lindsay crying in the kitchen, playing music that reminded her of her daughter.
      It forced him to grow up and, in the absence of his father, Mark, become the man of the house.
      Growing up in Armley, West Leeds, Kalvin would often find mum Lindsay crying in the kitchen, playing music that reminded her of her daughterCredit: INSTAGRAM/KALVIN PHILLIPS
      He said: “Seeing her like that made me feel I’ve got to help her out, make tea, look after my brother and sisters when she was working.”
      Every year, he and his twin, Deren, say “happy birthday” to Lacreasha on their special day and place flowers on her grave.
      And every time he scores, he kisses his arm where he has a tattoo in her honour and points heavenward for the sister he never got to know.
      At the family’s three-bed home, a stone’s throw from Leeds’ Elland Road ground, Lindsay slept on the sofa so Kalvin, Deren and younger siblings Terrell and Tasiana, could have the bedrooms.

      Lindsay worked two jobs but money was scarce and she would skip meals to ensure her children were well fed.
      Kalvin said: “There have been times where my mum didn’t eat at night because she had to feed us.”
      Kalvin’s beloved grandma, Valerie Crosby, who died in February, aged 82, would “chip in for food”.
      Like his fellow England international, Marcus Rashford, Kalvin relied on free school meals at The Farnley Academy, Leeds.
      Lindsay worked two jobs but money was scarce and she would skip meals to ensure her children were well fedCredit: INSTAGRAM/KALVIN PHILLIPS
      He said: “I’d see kids coming in with packed lunches, having sandwiches and chocolate bars.
      “Some kids would laugh at me, saying, ‘You’re getting free school meals’. I’d come home and say, ‘Mum, why can’t I have a packed lunch?’ She’d say, ‘We can’t afford it’.”
      And like Marcus, who succeeded in funding food parcels for low-income families through the pandemic, Kalvin now donates to a food bank.
      Lindsay has only recently stopped working one of her two jobs, as a receptionist and cashier at Harpo’s Pizza, Leeds.
      On Sunday, the takeaway tweeted a picture of Kalvin grinning in his post-match interview, with the caption: “Our Kalvin! Well done, great assist!”
      Kalvin’s Jamaican father, Mark, has been in and out of prison since Kalvin was a boy.
      Kalvin with his little brotherCredit: INSTAGRAM/KALVIN PHILLIPS
      Kalvin told the Times last year: “He got into the wrong crowd, drugs, fighting, anything you can name.”
      He has visited him at HMP Wealstun, not far from Leeds’ Thorp Arch training ground, but prefers to speak to Mark on the phone every couple of weeks.
      He called him after Leeds were promoted to the Premier League and could hear inmates singing the club’s anthem, Marching On Together, in the background.
      Kalvin said of his dad: “He is proud of me. He’s lived in Leeds all his life.”
      As well as his mum, sister and grandma, there is one other woman who holds a special place in Kalvin’s heart — girlfriend Ashleigh Behan, a make-up artist he’s been with for 11 years, having met at school.
      Kalvin said: “I don’t want to meet anybody else because we’re that close. I keep my circle tight, keep newcomers at a distance.”
      Superstar Kalvin is now a millionaire Premier League ace with a stunning childhood sweetheart in Ashleigh BehanCredit: TWITTER/KALVIN PHILLIPS

      Kalvin made his international debut last September against Denmark and admitted joining the squad was nerve-racking.
      He said last year: “Every single day, I go home to my girlfriend, see my mum and grandma, and I always talk about football.
      “It’s what I live for, it’s what I do, and they have always supported me 100 per cent. I don’t think I’d be here right now if it wasn’t for my mum and grandma.”
      Kalvin made his international debut last September against Denmark and admitted joining the squad was nerve-rackingCredit: Rex
      Kalvin was born a triplet but his sister Lacreasha died when she was just a couple of months oldCredit: INSTAGRAM/KALVIN PHILLIPS
      England manager Gareth Southgate names Leeds star Kalvin Phillips named for first time More

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      Sheffield United star Oli McBurnie avoids court after video of him attacking man in street went viral

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      PREMIERSHIP striker Oli McBurnie has avoided court after a video of him attacking a man in the street went viral.The £20million Sheffield United striker was arrested after he was caught on camera stamping on a phone and assaulting insurance broker Elliott Wright, 21.
      Oli McBurnie has avoided court after attacking a man in the street
      A viral video showed the striker stamping on a phone and assaulting insurance broker Elliott Wright
      The Sheffield United star was arrested and held in custody last monthCredit: PA
      Leeds United fan Wright had been with friends when he spotted McBurnie arguing with a girl in the street.
      He said he told him to calm down – and then poked fun at him for his team getting relegated to the Championship.
      Scottish international McBurnie, 25, who missed the Euros because of injury, was seen in the video to approach Wright before knocking the phone to the ground.
      The 24-second film – which was viewed more than a million times online–showed him stamping on the phone before kneeing and punching Wright who was left with a swollen black eye and cuts to his face.
      McBurnie was arrested and held in custody overnight following the incident in his home town of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, last month.
      He has now accepted a caution for a public order offence of threatening behaviour which means he does not have to go to court.
      Footage later emerged showing McBurnie being harassed in the street before approaching a heckler and swatting at his phone
      He became angered after being mocked for getting relegated
      The first film was viewed more than a million times online
      Elliott Wright was left with a swollen black eye and cuts to his face
      Police said a 21-year-old man involved in the incident was issued with a penalty notice for the same offence.
      Wright said at the time: “We were walking and I saw him arguing with this girl. I said chill out mate it can’t be worse than getting relegated as a joke.
      “He seemed alright at first. He was saying put your phone away lads, put your phone away. I said: ‘Why? Why would I want to put my phone away?’ And then he’s just smacked me.”
      McBurnie earned a £20m move to United from Swansea in 2019 after scoring 24 goals in a season for the South Wales side.
      He was joint top scorer for United in his first season with six goals but struggled to find form this season, hitting the net just once.
      The £20,000-a-week forward missed the end of the season after he broke his foot in the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in April.
      McBurnie earned a £20million move to Sheffield United from Swansea in 2019Credit: Getty

      In July last year he was fined £30,000 by Leeds JPs after he was caught drink driving in his Audi R8 in October 2019.
      A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “Following an investigation, a man in his 20s has been cautioned for a public order offence, namely using threatening behaviour.
      “A second man, also in his 20s, was issued with a penalty notice for the same offence.”
      Sheffield United refused to comment. More