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      England’s victories have ended 25 years of hurt for Gareth Southgate — and for his parents, old pal Tony Adams reveals

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      ENGLAND’S victories have ended 25 years of hurt for Gareth Southgate — and for his parents, his old pal Tony Adams has revealed.And now Tony, England’s Euro 1996 skipper, believes his former lieutenant is going to lead the team to glory as manager, declaring: “It is time for us to tell the world: ‘It’s our time’.”
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Gareth Southgate, centre, after missing a penalty in the semi-final of Euro 1996Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Tony, 54, was set to take England’s next penalty against Germany a quarter of a century ago until Gareth stepped forward for the nerve-shredding task.
      Gareth missed the spot kick to send his team crashing out and has felt guilty ever since.
      By beating the Germans on the way to reaching this year’s final, Tony feels his mate has “laid to rest demons of the penalty miss”.
      When he sent his congratulations in a text, Gareth replied: “Thank god my mum and dad don’t have to put up with all that pain anymore.”
      Tony Adams, 54, says England’s recent victories have ended a 25-year hurt for his old palCredit: The Sun
      Last night, Tony told The Sun: “I felt compelled to say it’s over and it’s just like Gareth to say, ‘I’m more pleased for my parents’.”
      He revealed that his old mate always had the mental strength to cope with the trauma of being blamed for England’s defeat.
      Tony says: “I have 25 years of therapy under my belt, but he seems to be able to process it.”
      Both players have now found redemption since that loss.
      Tony Adams and Gareth Southgate during an England match against GermanyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Having suffered from alcoholism, Tony quit booze and went on to set up a charity to help football players with their mental health.
      Meanwhile, Gareth, 50, is using the pain of 1996 to drive the national side on to success.
      Tony says: “He was meant to be where he is today. Gareth has a purpose. He is very driven to making amends. Gareth is writing a story of redemption.”
      What Gareth soaked up about group dynamics 25 years ago is paying dividends now.

      But win or lose on Sunday, Tony and his charity Sporting Chance will be there if any of the team needs some mental health support.
      He concluded: “It won’t hit this squad when they leave the camp.
      “It will take a lot of emotional and mental support whether they win or not to make sure they are not affected like me and Gareth Southgate were.”
      Alan Shearer says everything England manager Gareth Southgate has done is perfect More

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      Mason Mount RECOGNISED me when we drove past him last month says girl, 10, who got his shirt – and now won’t take it off

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      THE starstruck schoolgirl who cried tears of joy after Mason Mount gave her his England shirt beamed yesterday: “It was a dream come true.” Belle McNally, ten, captured the nation’s hearts after Three Lions ace Mount picked her out in  the Wembley crowd following England’s historic 2-1 victory over Denmark.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Belle tries out her prized shirt given to her by Mason Mount at WembleyCredit: The Sun
      Three Lions ace Mason Mount picked Belle out in the Wembley crowd following England’s historic 2-1 victory over DenmarkCredit: AFP
      Belle, a model for brands including Burberry, reckons Mount may even have recognised her from an encounter on a motorway a month ago. She and her dad saw the team bus as it headed to Wembley for the Group D opener against Croatia. Belle filmed as they drove past — and was left giddy and excited when Mount waved at her.
      In heart-warming video footage from the Euro 2020 semi-final thriller, Belle is seen sobbing with happiness as Mount jumps the security barriers to personally give her his jersey.
      The open-mouthed youngster cries and embraces stunned dad Tommy, 36, in the viral clip — which has been viewed more than three million times.
      Chelsea star Mount, 22, is then seen walking away before looking back at Belle with a cheeky smile.
      Yesterday the schoolgirl, who is Mason Mount-mad despite being an Arsenal fan, said: “It was the best night of my life.
      Mount spots Belle in crowd after England’s semi-final victory over Denmark
      In heart-warming video footage, Belle is seen sobbing with happiness as Mount jumps the security barriers to personally give her his jersey
      The 10-year-old sobbed after the kind gestureCredit: Twitter/@remmiewilliams
      “It was so crazy when he gave me the shirt that I started crying and my leg wouldn’t stop shaking.
      “I wore the shirt to school yesterday and I haven’t taken it off since.
      “All my friends recognised me from the video and have been saying how brilliant it is.”
      Last night, Mount told The Sun that it marked a “special moment” for him, too.
      He said: “Winning the game was a big achievement but to see that reaction from Belle topped it off for me. That level of support really means a lot.”  
      Belle with dad Tommy McNallyCredit: The Sun
      Belle recreates the joyful moment after being picked out by MountCredit: The Sun
      In the clip taken of the England coach on the motorway, Belle can be heard screaming with excitement as her dad asks: “Who can you see?” The ecstatic youngster replies: “Mason Mount!” Her dad responds: “Whoa, can you? He’s waving!” 
      Belle thinks Mount might have recognised her red hair in the Wembley crowd as she held a banner bearing his name. 
      The sporty youngster, of Bromley, South East London, added: “After we saw him on the team coach, it made me really want to see him again at the game.
      “I thought it was really nice of him to smile and wave as we drove past so dad and I made an England flag for the Denmark match and wrote his name on it with love hearts.
      “Luckily he saw it and came over and everyone knows what happened next. It was a dream come true and I just want to say thank you to Mason for what he did and good luck to the team on Sunday.”
      Belle’s prized shirt from England star MountCredit: The Sun
      Belle thinks Mount might have recognised her red hair in the Wembley crowd as she held a banner bearing his nameCredit: The Sun

      Dad Tommy said Belle cried into the shirt all the way home. He added: “It was a really special evening and an amazing experience for her.
      “It was even better for me. Seeing your daughter experience pure joy like that is the best thing for any father. 
      “She’s on Cloud Nine and hasn’t taken the shirt off since he gave it to her.”
      Girl, 10, who cried tears of joy after Mason Mount gave her his shirt ‘bunked off school’ to watch her England heroes More

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      England Euro 2020 stars Mason Mount and Declan Rice create Love Island skit

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      ENGLAND stars Mason Mount and Declan Rice showed off their set-piece skills yesterday — with a Love Island skit.The giggling pair, best pals since they were eight, recreated an eviction scene from the matchmaking show on the Three Lions’ YouTube channel.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
      Footie aces Mason Mount and Declan Rice sealed their bromance at England’s training camp with a hilarious Love Island skitCredit: Getty
      The Lions’ Den videos have been looking at life behind the scenes at England’s St George’s Park training camp in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs.
      In their skit for a video, Rice, 22, posed as an anxious partner, unsure whether his mate Mount, also 22, had coupled up with someone else.
      Lions’ Den presenter Josh Denzel laughs as the show’s suspenseful music is played.
      He says: “Dec, you have decided to stay loyal to Mase — and if Mase walks through that door with another best mate you’re in danger of going home.”
      Mount then walks in alone   and laughs “Of course I’d   stay loyal mate” and throws   out his arms for a hug as   Rice says: “I knew you   wouldn’t let me down.”
      Holding midfielder Declan is eager to join forces with his pal again tonight to crush Denmark.
      The England stars, both 22, who have been best pals since they were eight, recreated a scene from the dating showCredit: Getty
      In the video, Rice posed as an anxious partner, unsure whether Mount had already coupled up with someone elseCredit: Getty
      Presenter Josh Denzel told Declan: ‘if Mase walks through that door with another best mate you’re in danger of going home’Credit: Getty

      He said of the big game: “It’s a massive opportunity for us – the first time since 1966 to potentially get into a final – to go one step beyond this time would be something special.
      Chelsea star Mason, also 22, said: “This is going to the next level now.
      “We are all focused and ready.”
      Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell train on their own ahead of England v Germany Euro 2020 game More

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      Euro 2020: UK’s cleverest dog predicts win for England against Denmark

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      THE SUN’S soothsaying wonder pooch yesterday backed England to bring home the bacon.Clever Cockapoo Willow has correctly predicted all but one of England’s matches at the Euros.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Clever Cockapoo Willow has correctly predicted all but one of England’s matches at the EurosCredit: The Sun
      She munched on Bratwurst ahead of the 2-0 win against Germany and snacked on a chicken Kiev as we thumped Ukraine 4-0.
      Now she’s homing in on a rasher or two. 
      Owner Charlotte Price, 30, of Baildon, West Yorks., said: “She’s growing in confidence.
      “She’s had an amazing run so far.
      Owner Charlotte Price, 30, of Baildon, West Yorks., said: ‘She’s growing in confidenceCredit: The Sun

      “No one could have predicted the Scotland result – not even Willow.”
      “But she’s got everyone right apart from that one and is starting to believe like the rest of us.
      “It’s coming bone.” More

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      Bobby Moore’s widow calls on England Euro 2020 squad to summon the spirit of 1966

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      BOBBY Moore’s widow today calls on Harry Kane and Co to summon the spirit of 1966 – and make history at Wembley.Stephanie Moore MBE reckons the famous stadium will give England the edge in their seismic semi-final against Denmark.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
      Bobby Moore’s widow thinks Wembley will give the team the edge in the semi against DenmarkCredit: AP
      Victory will send Gareth Southgate’s men into their first final since her beloved Bobby lifted the World Cup 55 years ago.
      And in an emotional rallying cry ahead of the match she told them: “It’s time to go and write your own history.”
      In an exclusive interview Stephanie, 70, told The Sun: “They all know how significant 1966 was for the country. It’s now time for the boys to become legends in their own right. 
      “Winning it would do so much to lift the mood of the whole country after the nightmare of the last 18 months. I’ve been struck by how united the team has seemed throughout the tournament. I hope they can stick together and fight for each other, just like Bobby and his teammates did.”
      And she reckons the noise from 60,000 fans inside Wembley – the biggest gathering since Covid began last March – will be key. She said: “There were 45,000 people at the game against West Germany, but you wouldn’t have known that from watching it on TV – it sounded like far more. 
      “Bobby always loved the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro but he considered Wembley his home turf and his favourite stadium in the entire world. 
      Stephanie Moore MBE told Gareth Southgate’s triumphing team to bring back the spirit of 1996 todayCredit: Family
      She said: ‘It’s now time for the boys to become legends in their own right’, pictured is Bobby receiving the World Cup trophy from the Queen after beating GermanyCredit: Getty
      “Once, when we were watching a game there, he turned and said to me: ‘Do you know, stepping out onto the Wembley pitch is like levitating’. So I think it will be a big advantage for the boys playing there.
      “We have an excellent chance but it will be challenging and emotional. Denmark are coming into the lion’s den tenacious and focused. England can do it if they believe in their ability and execute what Gareth has taught them.”
      She heaped praise on the England boss and skipper Harry Kane and said the pair both remind her of Bobby. He died from bowel cancer in 1993 aged just 51.
      Stephanie says there is no one more deserving to follow in Bobby’s footsteps than the 27-year-old who has supported her charity-crusade. She added: “Harry is a tremendous role model and ambassador for Bobby’s charity as well as football.
      “Like Bobby he represents all that is honourable and dignified in an England Captain. If we were to lift a major trophy again, it would be fitting for Harry to be that  captain and follow in Bobby’s footsteps.
      “I also see a lot of similarities between Bobby and Gareth. They are both dignified and statesman-like. Bobby was a remarkable man and a remarkable footballer and Gareth is doing a remarkable job at the moment.”
      Harry is a tremendous role model and ambassador for Bobby’s charity.Stephanie Moore
      Stepahnie’s comments come as she embarks on a major new campaign for the Bobby Moore Foundation which has fought tirelessly to raise awareness of cancer for the last 28 years.
      She set up the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK shortly after his death to fund world-class research and awareness projects to tackle bowel cancer. It has since raised over £28m for bowel cancer research.
      Bobby died from bowel cancer in 1993Credit: Getty
      Praising the skipper, Stephanie said: ‘Harry is a tremendous role model and ambassador for Bobby’s charity as well as football’Credit: Rex
      Stephanie has raised over £28m for bowel cancer research after setting up the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UKCredit: PA

      Proud Stephanie said: “Despite the enormous progress made in this time, bowel cancer is still the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, claiming the lives of 45 people every day, so there is still so much more to do.
      “As this past year proves, more than any other, the value of investing in science and medical research and what can be achieved with collective focus and collaboration. Just like science is our route out of the pandemic, science is our route to beating cancer.
      “During these difficult times, I can’t help but recall and admire how Bobby faced extreme adversity with calm stoicism and I try to emulate that strength.”

      Show that you believe in England and tackling bowel cancer by purchasing a ‘We Believe’ tee at webelieve2021.com. A minimum of £5 from the sale of each adult T-shirt (or £3 for the kids’ T-shirt) will go to Cancer Research UK’s Bobby Moore Fund.

      World’s most intelligent dog, Willow the Cockapoo, ‘predicts winner’ of England v Denmark Euro 2020 semi-final game More

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      England legend Peter Shilton backs England to beat the Danes in Euro 2020 clash and salutes keeper Jordan Pickford

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      FOOTIE great Peter Shilton has backed England to beat the Danes tonight — and to go on to win Euro 2020 without Jordan Pickford conceding a goal.The goalie, 71, saluted current keeper Pickford’s incredible five-game clean-sheet tally — a record for Euros tournaments.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
      Former goalie Peter Shilton says England will go all the wayCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And the Three Lions’ most-capped star said the Everton stopper, 27, could even hold firm until captain Harry Kane lifted our first trophy in 55 years on Sunday.
      Shilts, who played in two European Championships and three World Cups, told The Sun: “England should have enough to beat the Danes and won’t fear whoever they play in the final.
      “To go all the way and win it without leaking a single goal would be astonishing — but this team can do it. Jordan Pickford is on the cusp of becoming a great goalkeeper and has had a terrific tournament. He seems to play better in an England shirt.
      “He’s stepped up when it mattered but hasn’t had a lot to do thanks to the hard work and skill of the players in front of him. It’s been incredible to see a team reach the semi-finals without conceding and they’re just two games away from achieving the ultimate.
      They can do it and lift the trophy in style — then win the World Cup next year.Peter Shilton
      “They can do it and lift the trophy in style — then win the World Cup next year. That’s how good they are.”
      England are the only Euro 2020 side yet to concede, with clean sheets in their three group games against Croatia, Scotland and Czech Republic.
      Pickford also kept the ball out of his own net in the last 16 match against Germany and the 4-0 quarter-final demolition of Ukraine.
      The Footie legend, 71, saluted current keeper Jordan Pickford’s five-game clean-sheet tallyCredit: Marc Aspland EURO 2020 Newspapers Pool
      Shilton says the Three Lions will win Euro 2020 without Jordan Pickford conceding a goalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It is a feat never achieved by any national team in the history of European Championship football.
      England were 25/1 long-shots with bookies to not concede before the semis at the start of the tournament — and 200/1 to win it without leaking a goal. Those odds have now crashed to 4/1 with two games to go.
      And Shilts is convinced the sound defensive performances will be the bedrock of a push for England’s first tournament glory since 1966. He said: “Jordan Pickford has stepped up when it mattered.
      “But, in truth, he hasn’t been called upon many times because he’s a cog in a very effective defence which has worked brilliantly so far. He’s pulled off a string of fine saves — particularly one against Scotland when it really mattered — and I’ve loved to see him both rollocking and encouraging his defenders.
      Jordan Pickford has stepped up when it mattered.Peter Shilton
      “He had that blip when he miskicked against Ukraine but the match was already won by then and he got away with it.
      “But our defence was not breached yet again — and with Raheem Sterling and Kane now on fire up front we will take some beating.
      “I’ve experienced the agony of penalties in an England semi-final when the Germans knocked us out of the World Cup in 1990 and wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
      Shilton said: ‘England should have enough to beat the Danes and won’t fear whoever they play in the final’Credit: Getty
      He added: ‘Jordan Pickford is on the cusp of becoming a great goalkeeper and has had a terrific tournament’Credit: AP
      “But I’ve a feeling that won’t happen against the Danes — and if it does this team will be ready to win on penalties. Jordan has the great advantage of having saved the penalty that won us our last shoot-out against Colombia at the last World Cup.
      “But he also has a great defence in front of him which works as a unit. We’ve waited so long for a trophy it’s hard to believe that the great Gordon Banks was in goal for us last time we did it.
      “But now it’s the turn of ­Jordan and his teammates and they can do it.” Shilts also paid tribute to England boss Gareth Southgate and predicted a bright future for his squad.
      The whole country is smiling again and looking forward to the game in front of a Wembley full of fans.Peter Shilton
      He said: “I can’t praise Gareth highly enough for the way he’s kept faith with players through thick and thin. Players like Pickford, Kane and Sterling have had their critics but Gareth has stuck to his guns and trusted them and he’s been proved right.
      “After all we’ve had to endure as a nation with Covid over the past 18 months, it’s fantastic that the team is coming good now to give us all a lift.
      “The whole country is smiling again and looking forward to the game in front of a Wembley full of fans like the one I experienced so many times. And this England team won’t let them down.”
      Shilton also praised England boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: Reuters
      He said: ‘Players like Pickford, Kane (pictured) and Sterling have had their critics but Gareth has stuck to his guns’Credit: Rex
      The legend believes Southgate’s new team won’t let us down and will bring the trophy homeCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd

      Meanwhile, Pickford’s wife Megan Davison will also put her faith in him keeping a clean sheet — with some help from a crystal healing bracelet.
      Megan, 27, has worn the band — said to provide “emotional balance, stability and calm” — throughout the Euros.
      A source said: “Megan’s been into crystal healing for the last year. She believes it brings harmony and wellbeing, not just for her but also for those around her.”
      Jordan Pickford shows his goalkeeping skills at England training More

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      England fans launch petition to put up statue of Gareth Southgate in his home town

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      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”.
      Gareth Southgate tells England fans to ‘party hard’ after sealing semi-final vs Denmark More

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      Paul Gascoigne backs former England team-mate Gareth Southgate to deliver Euro 2020 glory

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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.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      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!”
      Roy Keane warns England ‘biggest danger is themselves’ against Ukraine as Man Utd legend hails Southgate at Euro 2020 More