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      Jude Bellingham first showed off footie skills as four year old at nursery

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      ENGLAND ace Jude Bellingham first showed off his footie skills as a four year old – at a nursery called Twinkle Toes.The future star raced around the playground booting a ball about already showing signs of his future star potential.Jude Bellingham first showed off his footie skills as a four year old – at a nursery called Twinkle ToesEngland ace Jude raced around the playground booting a ball about already showing signs of his future star potentialCredit: GettyLuisa Mead-Blandford said: ‘We are all so proud of him and everything he has achieved’Credit: Roland LeonJude was one of the first ever kids to join Twinkle Toes nursery in the town when Luisa started itCredit: Roland LeonProud nursery manager Luisa Mead-Blandford, 54, said: “He will have been one of the better ones but that’s no surprise because his dad was a really good footballer as well.“We are all so proud of him and everything he has achieved.”Bellingham, 20, has gone on to forge a reputation among Three Lions fans as a twinkle-toed midfielder who can dance his way past defenders.But it all started almost two decades ago in Stourbridge, West Midlands.Read More on SportHe was one of the first ever kids to join Twinkle Toes nursery in the town when Luisa started it.She said: “He was one of our very first customers when I opened the nursery and then his brother Jobe joined.“It’s wonderful to see how he has grown and developed.“But it doesn’t surprise us because he had that natural ability and he was brought up so well.Most read in Euro 2024“His family are lovely. I remember his mum and dad well, they were always very friendly when they dropped off Jude and his brother and picked them up.”Dad Mark, 48, was a prolific non-league striker, netting 700 goals by the time he was 40.Why we love Jude BellinghamHe played for 15 different clubs and once described himself as “not very good”.But it was watching his dad that inspired Jude’s passion for the game in the years after he showed his first natural ability as a four year old at nursery.The England midfielder said of his dad: “I used to watch him play all the time, it’s where I started to get that love for football.”As he grew up in Stourbridge Jude developed an outstanding sporting ability not just on the football pitch – he also could have been a star cricketer.Mark Baker, 71, chairman of Hagley Cricket Club, Worcs, said: “His dad brought him along and he had a couple of years playing in our youth sides.“You could tell he was a natural-born cricketer from a really early age.“He was a very good player – especially because he didn’t have a lot of time for cricket because of his football commitments.“I remember he took a fantastic catch in a youth game. Most people wouldn’t have been able to get near it – but he did.“He had incredible coordination, it was just raw natural ability.“If he had focused on cricket, he could have gone far in the game. He’s just a special sporting talent.”Former cop Mark acts as agent for Jude and his younger brother, Sunderland’s Jobe, 18.And their mum is equally supportive – she moved to Germany to live with Jude when he signed for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 for £25million making him the most expensive 17-year-old ever.Instant impactShe did the same when he moved to Real Madrid for £115million last summer.He made an instant impact in La Liga and in November broke a club record after scoring 14 goals in his first 15 games, one more than club legends Alfredo Di Stefano, who played in the Fifties and Sixties, and Cristiano Ronaldo.Luisa is delighted that one of her former charges at the £79-a-day nursery is now one of the most famous footballers on the planet.The nursery has posted a snap of him on their Facebook page holding one of the many awards he has won in recent years with the words: “The Nursery of Champions– We are so proud of you Jude Bellingham.”Luisa said: “I’m not a huge football fan but I do watch Jude play.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When someone you know is playing then you want to watch it and he is on the television a lot now of course.“It’s wonderful to see, he is a lovely young man and deserves all of his success – we love him.” More

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      Harry Kane called players’ summit after dismal display against Denmark to rally troops ahead of crunch Euro qualifier

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      ENGLAND skipper Harry Kane called a players’ summit after the dismal display against Denmark to try to rally his troops.The Bayern Munich ace put England ahead against the Danes only to see it cancelled out as England limped to a disappointing 1-1 draw.Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate in training yesterdayCredit: Paul EdwardsKyle Walker seems to row with Kieran TrippierCredit: Paul EdwardsPhil Foden steps in as peacemaker to calm down TrippierCredit: Paul EdwardsTrippier sees the funny side and peace is restored in trainingCredit: Paul EdwardsAnd he later decided that his teammates needed a rousing call to arms to lift them for their next match on Tuesday.Kane summoned the rest of the 26-man squad to a private meeting with no coaches present.He wanted them to thrash out any differences and bring the squad closer — as well as reminding them that they had the class to win the Euros.And it appeared from the players’ training session yesterday that more team bonding might well be in order.Read More on SportAt one stage, fellow full-backs Kieran Trippier, 33, and Kyle Walker, 34, had an exchange of words. They stood a few feet away from each other, both with their arms spread — clearly disagreeing about something.They had been laughing and joking moments earlier until Newcastle’s Trippier appeared to take exception to something Manchester City defender Walker said.Walker’s club teammate Phil Foden, 24, appeared to step in as peacemaker, putting his hands on Trippier’s shoulders in an apparent bid to calm him down. Most read in Euro 2024The players were all smiles again soon after.The exchange followed Kane’s attempts to rouse the squad, thought to have taken place on Thursday morning at the team’s camp in Blankenhain.Awkward moment when BBC commentator pulls up pal for shoehorning England scenario into match commentaryA source said: “Harry is a natural leader and wanted to gee the lads up after Denmark.“That game left the whole country feeling a bit flat, never mind just the players. Harry wanted to remind them how good they are. He urged them to pull together, to bond more, to express themselves.“They are world-class players. They don’t really need reminding of that but everyone needs a pick- me-up now and then. It was a really rousing speech from Harry.”All but Luke Shaw took part in training at the team’s camp yesterday — the first full session since the Denmark clash. Manchester United defender Shaw is still battling to regain fitness.The pitch was watered throughout the session. There had been complaints about the state of the surface on Thursday after match organisers insisted on watering it before kick-off — against the advice of Frankfurt’s specialist grass technicians.Kane said after the game: “It was tough out there with the heat and the pitch.”Three Lions fans will hope his speech to the players worked and Gareth Southgate’s men can improve for the last Group C game against Slovenia in Cologne.Meanwhile, Jarrod Bowen, 27, hailed his family, including partner Dani Dyer, for supporting him at the Euros — but said she does not give him tactical advice.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said her actor dad, Danny Dyer, had sent good luck ­messages, also telling him to “always play with a smile on your face”.Jarrod’s dad Sam, brother Harry and two mates are travelling to games in Sam’s campervan — and “just kind of park up somewhere”.Cab flag ban
      TAXI drivers have hit out at a ban on flying England flags during the Euros.
      The capital’s 125,000 cabbies and private hire drivers have been told they risk losing their licences if they show their support.
      Transport for London bosses say the St George’s Cross could distract other drivers.
      Cabbie Fred Perkins, 60, said: “Our society’s really gone woke when we can’t fly a little flag for England for the Euros.”
      David Lawrie, director of the National Private Hire Association, said: “Common sense should allow mini England flags. The ban should be overturned.” More

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      England’s draw with Denmark was caused by eco idiots vandalising Stonehenge, claims The Sun’s druid

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      ENGLAND’S dreadful Euros draw was caused by eco idiots vandalising Stonehenge — which ruined the spell cast by The Sun’s druid, he insisted last night.Three Lions fan King Arthur Pendragon used sorcery to summon up the spirits of the ancients to fire up Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed Stonehenge’s sacred stones with orange powder on WednesdayCredit: PAThree Lions fan King Arthur Pendragon used sorcery to summon up the spirits of the ancients to fire up Gareth Southgate’s Three LionsCredit: Jon RowleyHarry Kane scored the opening goal in what ended as a draw for England against DenmarkCredit: GettyBut Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed at least three of the sacred stones with orange powder on Wednesday, hours before King Arthur directed the circle’s mystic power to Germany.The desecration of the 5,000-year-old monument led directly to the awful 1-1 draw with Denmark, he reckoned — and blew our chances of qualifying as winners of our Euro 2024 group on Thursday.White-bearded wise man King Arthur — who performed an ancient rite with his followers before kick-off — seethed yesterday: “The protestors disturbed the peaceful majesty of the sacred place.“They made it more difficult for our powerful thoughts to reach the England team. The orange powder not only defaces the stones but affected their mystic powers — it was heresy!”Read More on FootballEngland took the lead after 18 minutes with a goal from captain Harry Kane and were on their way to grabbing the 2-0 win which King Arthur had predicted.But stars including Jude Bellingham failed to shine and the Danes equalised minutes later — with England going on to struggle to hold on to the draw in Frankfurt.Aces including Phil Foden, Trent-Alexander Arnold and Declan Rice also appeared to wilt in one of England’s most woeful performances of Southgate’s reign.King Arthur, 69, added: “The crazy thing is that the protesters were acting against their natural allies as we pagans share concerns about the natural environment.Most read in Euro 2024“We’re livid, but we keep the faith and believe Gareth and the team can recover and win the Euros.“Once the stones have been cleaned I can re-cast the spell for the Slovenia game — this time without the eco-idiots spoiling it.”England fans’ must watch guide to Frankfurt ahead of Three Lions’ Euro 2024 clash vs DenmarkWiltshire Police arrested and bailed a man in his 70s and woman in her 20s on suspicion of criminal damage and damaging an ancient monument.The druid king — a former soldier — changed his name from John Timothy Rothwell 37 years ago.He was convinced he is a reincarnation of the mythical monarch and has been leading the solstice ­celebrations since the Eighties.Around 15,000 people greeted the sun with cheers, drumming and chanting as it rose over Stonehenge for the solstice on Thursday.England’s draw against Denmark was watched by more than 11 million people, up from 10.5 million for their first Euro 2024 match against Serbia. More

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      England’s Wags cheer on Three Lions during dismal draw amid praise for travelling thousands of miles to support team

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      WAG Megan Davison lifts a cup — which is more than her fella and his England team-mates look capable of after the dismal draw with Denmark.Megan, 28, wife of 30-year-old goalie Jordan Pickford, was pictured cheering on her man at Thursday’s game in Frankfurt.Jordan Pickford wife’s Megan Davison showed her support by wearing a cropped yellow goalkeeper’s topCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandBukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson was among the Wags who visited the players at the hotelCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandAnd yesterday she joined the other Wags, including Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson, in a visit to the England team’s base at a remote resort in eastern Germany.Their journey to Blankenhain means the Wags will have travelled around 3,200 miles during the tournament — including flying to and from Germany.A source said: “The fact that they have to do so much travelling to see the players shows how supportive they all are. “The players really appreciate it.READ MORE ON WAGS“The Wags and families got to enjoy a relaxed lunch with the players, then spent a few hours with them through the afternoon and early evening.“It’s all aimed at giving them a morale boost and they needed it after the opening two matches.“They rely heavily on the Wags and their families for support.“This is a huge deal to them and they feel the pressure and the weight of expectation on their shoulders.Most read in Euro 2024“A bit of time with their partners and kids will ease the tension and give them a huge lift. Lauryn Goodman shares messages of support from taking Kyle Walker’s son to Euros”Everyone was together and that’s important for the team going forward.”The only frosty atmosphere at England’s base at the 350-acre Weimarer Golf Hotel and Spa is likely to have been between Kyle Walker, 34, and his missus Annie Kilner, 30.They had a bitter bust-up earlier this year when it was revealed he had fathered a second child with ex- ­mistress Lauryn Goodman.Annie has attended both matches so far. Lauryn was also at the Denmark game with Kairo, her first son with Walker. She said on Instagram that Kairo “had the best day”.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie has been in attendance at both games despite the couple’s troublesCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP) – Denmark vs EnglandLauryn Goodman took Walker’s son Kairo to watch him play at the EurosCredit: Splash More

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      Man hunted by cops is doppelganger for England footie ace – can you tell who?

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      A LOOKALIKE of footie ace Jack Grealish is wanted by police on recall to prison.Curtain-haired  Kaine Blissett’s similarity to the  England discard was flagged up on social media after cops released his mugshot.People took to social media to point out how similar Kaine Blissett is to Man City ace GrealishJack Grealish missed out on a place in England’s Euro 2024 squadMan City’s Jack, 28, was left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad and one wag said of the photo: “That’s what happens when you don’t get picked.”Another said: “Jesus. Grealish has hit hard times!” A third, referring to the online discount store, said: “Jack Grealish if you ordered him off Temu.”Kent Police urged the public to call them if they see Blissett, who has links to Margate and Ramsgate.READ MORE ON GREALISHThis comes as Alan Shearer tore into England after a painful 1-1 draw with Denmark – and revealed the player he’d bring in to help out Harry Kane.The Three Lions’ legend insisted there can be “no excuses” for a Euro 2024 display with “no energy, no pace”.Kane’s early opener in Frankfurt was countered by Morten Hjulmand’s stunner – with Shearer claiming the Danes deserved more than their point.England are still two points clear in Group C, meaning they are likely to go through after Tuesday’s clash with Slovenia.Most read in FootballAnd skipper Kane appealed for “calm” – albeit admitting there would be “noise” as well as “disappointment” over Thursday’s performance.However, Shearer believes the display offered nothing of encouragement.The BBC pundit said after the final whistle: “You can see players lying on their back, they look absolutely shattered.England boss Gareth Southgate axes stars from Euro 2024 squad”There’s no excuse for that. No energy, no pace to the game.”We didn’t run in behind until the last 10 or 15 minutes.”We got caught too many times on the ball, too many sloppy passes. “And in truth Denmark were the better team and deserved to win. There’s so much more to come. It’s really concerning.”Shearer also reckons England have a tactical problem concerning Kane – and feels he has the answer. More

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      Wag security warned to keep eye out for Kyle Walker’s ex Lauryn Goodman

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      THE security team looking after England’s Wags were warned to keep an eye out for Kyle Walker’s ex Lauryn Goodman — in case she  bumped into his wife Annie.Lauryn, who has two kids with the defender, flew to the match with their son Kairo, who wore a Three Lions’ No2 shirt personalised “Daddy”.Lauryn Goodman is in Germany with Kyle Walker’s son KairoKyle with wife Annie Kilner and family after the Euro 2024 match against DenmarkLauryn takes son Kairo to watch Kyle play at the EurosAnnie, mum to four boys with Kyle, sat with other wives and girlfriends.A source said: “Lauryn is seen as a bit of a troublemaker and Annie’s worst nightmare was running into her.“There was talk of Lauryn’s seats being less than 100 metres away. Annie  wants absolutely nothing to do with her.“The security team were aware of Lauryn’s presence and were primed to make sure she couldn’t get anywhere near the Wags’ area. READ MORE ON KYLE WALKER“Lauryn is a blagger and a chancer, and they were worried she might be able to talk her way in.”But given the sensitivities around it, she was kept well away.”Annie kicked Kyle out of their Manchester home after learning he had fathered two children with Lauryn behind her back.She has chosen to fly out for each England match with their sons to support Kyle, rather than staying in a hotel with the other Wags.Most read in Euro 2024Lauryn claimed earlier this month that Kyle had offered her tickets to the matches, something his team have vehemently denied. The defender during England’s 1-1 draw with DenmarkLauryn walks with her son Kairo towards the stadium where dad Kyle will be playingLauryn Goodman Joins Celebs Go Dating: New Beginnings More

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      I’ve renamed my pub after West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen for the Euros & even added a new sign

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      A PUB has renamed itself after West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen for the Euros — replacing all its signage for the duration of the tournament.The Wheatsheaf in Chelmsford, Essex, has become the Jarrod Bow Inn to mark his selection after four-fifths of punters voted for it in a poll.Punter Emma Lock, 37, above with pal, said: ‘It is exactly the kind of stuff you want to see during the Euros’Credit: Peter JordanOwner Paul Kelly, 53, said: ‘I’m a Gooner so I didn’t enjoy sticking up the signs but when it comes to England we’re all in it together’Credit: Peter JordanThe Jarrod Bow Inn – with its new sign for the EurosCredit: Peter JordanOwner Paul Kelly, 53, said: “I’m a Gooner so I didn’t enjoy sticking up the signs but when it comes to England we’re all in it together.”Punter Emma Lock, 37, added: “It is exactly the kind of stuff you want to see during the Euros.”Residents of Bellingham in Northumberland, meanwhile, have adopted starman Jude as their own ahead of tonight’s clash against Denmark. Villager Les Armstrong, 87, said: “He’d be made mayor if he visited here.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Meanwhile in Germany, the bad weather has forced Uefa into making a late decision regarding England’s upcoming Euro 2024 clash.The Three Lions face Denmark looking to confirm their place in the knockouts with a victory in Frankfurt on Thursday.However, the Group C showdown at the Waldstadion will be played with the stadium roof closed due to stormy conditions in the city.Uefa made the decision today ahead of the clash, which will kick-off at 5pm UK time tomorrow.Most read in Euro 2024The roof of the Waldstadion was closed prior to Denmark’s players training on the pitch tonight.The rain storms have already put a dampener on Euro 2024.England injury blow as Luke Shaw is ruled OUT of Denmark clash with Man Utd star still training alone at Euro 2024 More

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      England Euro 2024 boost as Druid King Arthur vows to cast spell to power Three Lions to 2-0 victory over Denmark

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      DRUID King Arthur Pendragon will cast a summer solstice spell to power England to victory over Denmark at Euro 2024 tonight.His Stonehenge ceremony, set to pounding drums, will summon the spirits of the ancients to fire up Gareth Southgate’s heroes.Druid King Arthur Pendragon predicts 2-0 pain for the Danes in this evening’s crunch Euro 2024 clashCredit: Jon RowleyThe druid’s Stonehenge ceremony will summon the spirits of the ancients to fire up Gareth Southgate’s heroesCredit: PAThree Lions fan King Arthur, 69, of Salisbury, Wilts, said: “I’ll be sending special healing power to John Stones to get him fit to face the Danes. We’ll need our defence to be as strong as Stonehenge from now — so we definitely need Stones.“The spell will channel all of our country’s natural energy to help the Three Lions to a 2-0 victory.“Druids are like sorcerers and ancient wizards. We can direct ­natural energy — it’s very powerful and our boys will be able to pick up on it in Frankfurt.”Prince William, as President of the FA, will be among the ­stadium crowd — on the eve of his 42nd birthday.READ MORE ON EURO 2024And a third of fans are ­planning to dodge work to watch the Group C clash.King Arthur was born John Timothy Rothwell.A former soldier and biker-gang member, he changed his name by deed poll 37 years ago after becoming convinced he was a reincarnation of the mythical monarch.He and lionhearts across England are praying for an upsurge in form after Jude Bellingham starred in England’s laboured 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday.Most read in Euro 2024Another win would secure England’s place in the knockout rounds.England fans’ must watch guide to Frankfurt ahead of Three Lions’ Euro 2024 clash vs DenmarkThe last time the Three Lions played on the summer solstice was a 0-0 draw with Slovakia at Euro 2016.They won 4-2 against Croatia at Euro 2004 on the longest day, but lost 2-1 to Brazil in the 2002 World Cup quarter-final.But King Arthur said: “The solstice can affect people in different ways. England might have been nervy in past solstice-day games, but the positive energy we send will help get the national team’s record back on track.“King Arthur and the ancients will be on our side. And if Gareth needs any more help, he can just give me a call.”Jude Bellingham fans were ready to cheer him on in front of a 12ft portrait in his hometownCredit: PAAround 15 million are expected to watch on BBC, the biggest tea-time TV rating of the year. Bosses are braced for a mid-afternoon rush for the door.The economy faces a £208million hit with workers leaving early or watching at desks, says the Office for National Statistics.Experts estimate 14 million staff will work from home, three million will take a day’s leave, and holiday rates will rocket by 123 per cent.HR boss Alan Price said: “It looks like Slope-off Thursday. The best advice for bosses to keep staff on side is to let them watch the game at work and make up lost working time later.” Pubs and supermarkets are set for a £100million bonanza.And data from the British Beer and Pub Association suggests ten million pints will be drunk in pubs and 13 million more at home.BEER BONANZAChief executive Emma McClarkin said: “Fans know there’s no better place to watch live than at the pub, so many will enjoy a post-work beer and cheer on England.”Yesterday thousands of England fans sang with Danes and had kickabouts in Frankfurt’s Romerburg Square. Only 10,000 England tickets were available through Uefa but many more supporters were expected to be among the crowd. Meanwhile, Bellingham fans were ready to cheer him on in front of a 12ft portrait in his hometown of Stourbridge, West Mids.The mural, by Brummie street artist Gent 48, appeared ahead of the Qatar World Cup in 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESRev Andrew Sillis, 58, of nearby St Thomas’s Church, reckons England can go all the way.He said: “The whole world now knows of Jude Bellingham and his exceptional talent. We’re all really proud of him.”AND THESE SILLY STUNTS WON’T STOP THEM…
      By Alex West
      ECO-IDIOTS who sprayed Stonehenge with orange ­powdered paint were branded “disgraceful” by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
      Two Just Stop Oil protesters attacked the Wilts world heritage site at midday — hours before thousands gathered to see in the summer solstice.
      The pair, named as Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 21, were arrested at the scene.
      Regular visitor Sean Moran, 64, said: “It was devastating. I was very angry.”
      English Heritage said experts were assessing the damage to the stones. More