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    England’s Wags fly across Germany to lift spirits of squad following woeful 0-0 draw against Slovenia

    ENGLAND’S glamorous WAGs flew across Germany yesterday to try and lift their fellas’ spirits after the woeful 0-0 score bore against Slovenia sent fans to sleep.The players left the pitch in Cologne with boos ringing in their ears and drinks cups being hurled at Gareth Southgate after the team limped into the knockout stage.Anthony Gordon’s girlfriend Annie Keating at the Slovenia gameCredit: ReutersBukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson was snapped at the Euros matchCredit: GettyJarrod Bowen’s partner Dani Dyer at Tuesday’s group gameCredit: GettyAfter the final whistle their families gave them reassuring hugs and words of comfort in the stand.Harry Kane’s wife Katie Goodland, Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson and Jarrod Bowen’s partner Dani Dyer were in the stands for the match.And some of them yesterday flew 170 miles on private jets to spend a few hours with the team at their five-star hotel.Conor Gallagher’s girlfriend Aine May Kennedy, 25, and Anthony Gordon’s partner Annie Keating flew into Erfurt airport in a Cessna 525 jet with other family members.READ MORE ON EURO 2024And John Stones’ girlfriend Olivia Naylor, 34, landed moments later in a Cessna 560 after a 36-minute flight from Cologne.Olivia, wearing a white dress, walked down the plane’s steps holding the couple’s six-month-old son in a baby carrier.Aine was wearing a white vest top and was holding a red leather jacket which she put on as she walked the short distance across the tarmac to a waiting people carrier.Annie was wearing a white crop top and denim shorts.Most read in Euro 2024They were driven the 28 miles to the team’s base at the 350-acre Weimarer Golf Hotel and Spa at Blankenhain.The families got to spend a few hours with the players, who had themselves travelled back to base camp after the match by charter jet, before flying home to England yesterday evening.An onlooker said: “It must be exhausting for them to be doing all this travelling around Germany but they obviously want to spend valuable time together.Five reasons for England to be positive after Slovenia draw“You can tell from the pictures you see in the stands after the games when the players chat with families how much they appreciate their support.”Yesterday’s visit was a lot shorter than the family fun day held after the 1-1 draw with Denmark.FA staff laid on a whole range of activities including burger trucks and bouncy castles as the players’ kids spent seven hours enjoying themselves at the luxury resort.But skipper Harry Kane, 30, later joked that seven hours with the kids was more than enough.He said: “It was a fun day, just maybe a little too long.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe families have had the opportunity to visit the players after each of the group games.But their remote camp in the old East Germany is hundreds of miles from where the Group C matches have been staged, meaning those who have done the trip each time have travelled a total of 3,200 miles including flights from England.Gordon and partner Annie embrace after the matchCredit: Paul EdwardsJohn Stones pictured playing with his young sonCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) England vs SloveniaEngland’s Gallagher with partner Aine after the drawCredit: PACaptain Harry Kane with partner Katie GoodlandCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) England vs Slovenia More

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    Joey Barton set for another legal battle as ITV footie pundit Eni Aluko files defamation case against him

    JOEY Barton is set for another legal battle after football pundit Eni Aluko filed a new defamation case against him.The controversial former player, 41, was recently ordered to pay telly host Jeremy Vine £75,000 for calling him a “bike nonce”.Joey Barton is set for another legal battle after calling Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward ‘the Fred and Rose West of football commentary’Credit: AlamyThe ITV football pundit said it had led to a torrent of online abuseCredit: GettyThe Sun can reveal Ms Aluko has lodged another claim over Barton’s social media tirade after a match in January, in which he called her and Lucy Ward “the Fred and Rose West of football commentary”.Ms Aluko, 37, who was capped 102 times for England, said it had led to a torrent of online abuse, which left her scared to leave the house.At the time, Barton revealed he had received a legal letter from “jokers”. And Ms Aluko has now lodged documents at the High Court using the same solicitors as Vine.READ MORE ON JOEY BARTONEx-Bristol Rovers boss Barton was forced to apologise to Vine this month over a string of vile posts, including calling him a “paedo defender”. He said: “I have agreed not to make the same allegations again about Mr Vine and I apologise to him for the distress he’s suffered.”Joey Barton and Jeremy Vine in court showdown More

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    Basketball star Shaquille O’Neal in talks over stake in legendary Premier League club

    BASKETBALL star Shaquille O’Neal is in talks about taking a stake in West Ham United.The LA Lakers legend, 52, got the Hammers bug after watching a game last season and has said he is interested in becoming a shareholder.Shaquille O’Neal, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002, is looking to invest in West HamCredit: LUCY NICHOLSON/AFP via Getty ImagesShaq is said to have got the Hammers bug when he went to watch West Ham playCredit: GETTYA source told The Sun: “Shaq loves British football and he has been talking about putting some serious cash into the club. “He went to a game at the end of the season and loved it. It’s now a case of whether the financials stack up for him. “Shaq is really interested in what deal he could strike.”The Hammers finished ninth in the Premier League last year, a year after winning the Europa Conference League.MORE ON SHAQUILLE O’NEALFans will likely be delighted with some investment after making a £18.3million loss in the 2022/23 season.New boss Julen Lopetegui took over from David Moyes last month. Shaq retired in 2011 and was regarded as one of the best centres in the world.The 7ft 1in ace played for six teams during his 19-year career and is a four-time NBA champion.Most read in FootballOff the field he turned to commentary and previously revealed he harboured a secret passion for British football.In 2016 he backed Northampton Town when they were pushing from promotion from League Two.Shaq, who co-owned a radio show with the Cobblers’ chairman Kelvin Thomas, recorded  a video for the players  urging them to secure  first place.‘I’m jealous of them,’ Shaq says about Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic as he discusses evolution of NBA centersIf Shaq invests in the Hammers he would be the latest US star to put their fortunes into British clubs.Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney own Wrexham FC, Anchorman star Will Ferrell is involved at Leeds, and NFL star Tom Brady at Birmingham City. More

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    Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner delighted after nemesis Lauryn Goodman’s show about dating footballers is axed by ITV

    KYLE Walker’s wife Annie has chalked up a win after Lauryn Goodman’s reality show about dating footballers was axed.ITV had signed Kyle’s former mistress Lauryn, 33, for the series, as we revealed earlier this year.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner scored a win over Lauryn Goodman after learning her reality show about dating footballers was axedCredit: BackGridKyle with Annie and their family after the Denmark game last weekCredit: PALauryn with son Kairo at the Denmark gameCredit: SplashBut the show — also featuring Rita Mahrez, ex-wife of former Man City ace Riyad — has been scrapped due to pending legal matters involving Lauryn.A source told The Sun last night: “The show’s cancellation is a win for Annie.“The last thing she wants is Lauryn being able to parade her dirty laundry on TV. Annie is elated and relieved.“The wives and girlfriends had all started filming but with the legal issues, the team working on the show said it would be better to axe it totally because they thought it might be stopped — leaving them with a big bill and nothing to show for it.”READ MORE IN FOOTABLLLauryn, who has two children with defender Kyle, took their son Kairo to England’s Euro 2024 1-1 against Denmark last week.Model Annie, 31, has also been at matches with three of the couple’s four young sons.Both women’s kids have been photographed in England No2 shirts personalised “Dad”.Last night Annie could not make it to Cologne to watch her husband play against Slovenia in the final Group C game due to family commitments.Most read in FootballShe has chosen to charter a private jet to each game rather than stay with other Wags.The source added: “Annie has hated every moment of Lauryn parading herself around and talking about their family.Lauryn Goodman shares messages of support from taking Kyle Walker’s son to Euros“It has been incredibly difficult for her and she has always maintained a dignified silence.“She leaves the matches almost immediately and doesn’t want to be part of the circus.” At the start of the year we revealed how Kyle had fathered a second love child with Lauryn.And in an exclusive interview with The Sun in January, Kyle told how he was sorry for betraying Annie, who he described as his “soul mate”.Before yesterday’s game, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Pickford and Luke Shaw’s other half Anouska Santos were spotted out for a stroll.The pair met a mate for lunch and ordered salads.A friend of Annie’s said she was elated to hear Lauryn would not get the air time she craved, above the Walkers at the EurosCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandLauryn’s show has been canned for legal reasonsCredit: GettyEarlier this year, it was revealed that Kyle had fathered a second child with Lauryn and apologised to wife AnnieCredit: Refer to Caption More

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    ‘World’s hardest geezer’ tells England heroes they can win Euros in rallying cry as he runs to every Three Lions game

    ENGLAND’S self-styled Hardest Geezer issued a rallying cry to the Three Lions stars while he jogged to tonight’s match: “Keep going boys and you’ll reach the finish line.”Russ Cook, 27, made history by completing the equivalent of 377 marathons in Africa as he ran 9,891 miles from Cape Town to Tunisia over 352 days.England’s self-proclaimed Hardest Geezer rallied the Three Lions stars while running to today’s match, saying: ‘Keep going, boys, and you’ll reach the finish line’Credit: Paul Edwards’Hardest Geezer’ Russ Cook is now running to every England game in Germany after setting off from Wembley Stadium a fortnight agoCredit: Paul EdwardsRuss previously set himself the ultimate test — running the length of Africa, aboveCredit: GiveStarHe is now running to every England game in Germany after setting off from Wembley Stadium a fortnight ago.As he headed to Cologne for tonight’s final group game against Slovenia, the long-distance specialist took a brief rest to give skipper Harry Kane and co a lift after their painful draw against Denmark.Russ, who was joined by Sun mascot Harry Mane when he set off, said: “Tournament football is tough.“It’s a long hard slog, just like an ultra marathon, and you’ve got to stay focused. The team have got to keep putting one foot in front of the other and just keep going.READ MORE ON ENGLAND EURO 2024“They can make it. We’ve got the stamina and dedication — we can win the Euros. Come on England!”Former boozer and gambler Russ, who once dubbed himself the hardest geezer in his home town of Worthing, Sussex, turned his life around at 19 after a pal challenged him to run ­the Brighton Half Marathon.He said: “I was in a bad place, I was unfit and drinking and blowing money in the bookies, so I agreed.“Through training, I learnt the values of running and discipline and self-belief, which empowered me, and I applied it to other things in life.”Most read in Euro 2024After completing a series of endurance challenges, he set himself the ultimate test — running the length of Africa. He completed it in April, taking 19million steps in 20 pairs of trainers to cross 16 countries.He battled injuries, food poisoning, extreme heat, a kidnapping and robbery to become the first to do it.Chesney Hawkes trains on the beach with Harry Mane before England’s crunch World Cup clash with FranceHis magnificent efforts raised ­£1million for charities which help the homeless and refugees.The huge red beard and ponytail he grew during the trek earned him the nickname “Africa’s Forrest Gump”, in a nod to the Tom Hanks movie.Brighton fan Russ was looking forward to watching the Euros on TV until he was offered the chance of going to games — by running to them.Russ, sponsored on the run by Sports Direct, said: “I ran from ­Wembley Stadium to Harwich, got the ferry over to the Netherlands, then ran from the Hook of Holland to ­Gelsenkirchen for the first game.“Then I went from there to Frankfurt and now to Cologne.”England are top of their group with four points and are almost guaranteed a place in the knockout stage.But it feels as if the team has hit the wall early. Critics such as Gary Lineker blasted their display in the 1-1 draw against Denmark and a row blew up between players and ex-internationals working as TV pundits.But Russ is confident England can keep going and cross the finishing line first. He said: “I’m fine with how things have gone. We’ve got four points from two games, we’re top of the group.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd he is hoping he is still running when the final takes place in Berlin on July 14.ENGLAND fans arriving in Cologne were relieved last night after brewery bosses rushed in extra beer supplies. A crisis was feared after Scotland fans drank bars dry. Back home, up to 25 million pints will be downed today in pubs and homes.MEDIUM IN PLEA TO TAKE RISKSTHE Sun’s medium Chloe Smith yesterday urged England boss Gareth Southgate to “take risks and don’t overthink”.
    She pulled a “fool” tarot card ahead of tonight’s clash with Slovenia.
    But she said the “strong card of energy is actually a good omen — as long as the fans keep the faith in the team”.
    Chloe, 26, of Uttoxeter, Staffs, said: “Stay open and embrace the unknown. Football is bringing the nation together, it’s time to take this new path of love, take risks and don’t overthink. What will be will be.”
    Meanwhile, The Sun’s druid, King Arthur Pendragon, backed England to win 1-0 tonight.
    And he cast a spell from Stonehenge “using our nation’s natural energy to fire up the lads to beat Slovenia and top the group”. More

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    England players in air con nightmare at luxury hotel which cost £800,000 as stars wake up ‘boiling hot’

    ENGLAND players have been struggling with the air conditioning at their luxury hotel.Some of the stars have been waking up boiling hot – others freezing cold.The FA spent £800,000 booking out all 94 rooms at the 350-acre Weimarer Golf Hotel and Spa at BlankenhainCredit: Cover ImagesEngland players have been struggling with the air conditioning at the luxury hotelCredit: GettyIt raises worries that not all of them have been getting a perfect night’s sleep at the five-star luxury golf resort where the England squad is based.A source said: “The air con seems to have a mind of its own and keeps disturbing players’ sleep. “They are waking up baltic or boiling.”The FA spent £800,000 booking out all 94 rooms at the 350-acre Weimarer Golf Hotel and Spa at Blankenhain where 160 staff are attending to the players’ every need.Read More on SportThe hotel complex is the most luxurious in that region of Germany, but players have been struggling to get the temperature right in their rooms.It is not known if the problem is down to a fault with the AC system or user error.Another problem with some hotel residents has been hay fever. The grass pollen count has been ‘very high’ and some FA staff have been suffering due to grass cutting on the resort’s three golf courses.Most read in Euro 2024An FA spokesman said the issues had not been raised as a major concerns.The hotel has been contacted for comment. More

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    England fans face beer drought in Cologne after Scotland fans drink pubs dry

    ENGLAND fans face a beer drought in Cologne after Scotland’s Tartan Army fans drank bars dry – knocking back a million pints in three days.A record-breaking army of at least 50,000 Three Lions supporters have begun arriving in the historic city for the crunch clash with Slovenia tomorrow.Scotland’s Tartan Army fans drank bars dry in Cologne – knocking back a million pints in three daysCredit: Story Picture AgencyBut bars are struggling to restock after 100,000 thirsty Auld Enemy drinkers drained the city when the Scots’ drew 1-1 draw with Switzerland last week.A manager at Cologne’s Corkonian Irish pub, on the main Alter Markt square, said: “The Scotland fans drank everything – beer, Guinness and vodka. Our cellar was emptied.“It was the same at other bars, with record beer sales – even more than carnival.“Now we’re all now trying to get more deliveries from breweries to get drinks for England fans.”Read More on SportA staff member at Papa Joe’s Biersalon, also on the square, said: “The Scotland fans showed us how much they could drink.“Our supplies are low and we need more beer so the England fans don’t miss out.”England fans are now gearing up to rise to the challenge – and out booze their rivals ahead of Tomorrow’s 8pm kick-off.A record English surge is expected as Cologne is the closest Euro 2024 host city to Channel ferry ports.Most read in Euro 2024England fans were last night dreading a draw as much as a defeat against Slovenia – as it could put us on a collision course with new tournament favourites, Germany.Mathematicians say if not a win – which will secure last 16 game against a third-placed team – that England are better to concede goals and lose rather than draw with Slovenia.‘I’ll have to talk to my agent’ says Harry Kane as England star offered transfer from Bayern during press conferenceDraw would mean England finish as runners-up in group, facing Germany in the Round of 16.But finishing third means England would play Belgium or Portugal in second round. More

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    Furious taxi drivers slam ‘woke’ ban on flying England flags during Euros

    FURIOUS taxi drivers have hit out at a “woke” ban on flying England flags during the Euros.Leftie London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Transport for London bosses say the St George’s Cross could “distract” other drivers and even cause accidents.Furious taxi drivers have hit out at a “woke” ban on flying England flags during the EurosCredit: AFPAnd the capital’s 125,000 drivers have been warned they could face serious penalties including losing their black cab licence if they fly the red and white banner.Drivers have hit back insisting the flags are no more distracting than the colourful paint jobs on vehicles plastered with advertisements.And they accuse Khan’s killjoys of pandering to woke concerns that the English flag is offensive to minorities.Cabbies across the rest of the nation are not affected with many flying the flag to show support for the Three Lions’ campaign in Germany.Read More on SportLondon’s 125,000 black cab, taxi, private hire and Uber drivers have all been barred by TfL from displaying mini flags – and even stickers – of any countryBosses say their rules only permit only “official taxi signs and stickers” to be displayed in or on vehicles.Black cab driver Fred Perkins, 60, based on a rank in Chelsea, West London, said: “It’s nonsense. It’s all coming down from Khan at the top, because he’s ultimately in charge.“Our society has really gone woke when we can’t fly a little flag for England for the Euros. Loads of drivers used to have flags on their cabs in years gone by.Most read in Euro 2024“How can a little flag be a distraction compared to the great big advert on the side of my cab?”David Lawrie, director of the National Private Hire Association cabbies’ organisation, which represents hundreds of London drivers, said: “Khan should not have put this rule in place.Awkward moment when BBC commentator pulls up pal for shoehorning England scenario into match commentary“It’s woke mentality. Is it because some people view the England flag as offensive?“There are St George’s flags on private hire vehicles in Manchester, so why can’t drivers fly them in London?“Black cabs can have adverts over the whole taxi for sponsorship, so it’s hypocritical to say a small flag could be a distraction compared to that.“Common sense should allow mini England flags for the Euro. The ban should be overturned.”TfL guidelines say: “Breaches of regulations could lead to a formal sanction – such as a warning, Fixed Penalty Notice, prosecution or licence review.”A TfL spokesman said: “For the safety of all passengers and drivers, we have guidelines about what can be displayed in or on taxis and private hire vehicles.“Only official signs and stickers can be displayed. Any other signage or flags are not permitted because they could cause a distraction to other drivers and other road users.READ MORE SUN STORIES“These guidelines apply to all flags and signage.”“We expect all taxi and private hire operators and drivers to comply.” More