Exclusives

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Secrets to England star Marc Guehi’s meteoric rise – from church on Sunday to Three Lions legend he idolised as a kid

      by

      WHEN he was a lad, England ace Marc Guehi loved playing the drums at church.His religion was so important to him that he didn’t play football on Sunday.As a youngster, religion was so important to Marc Guehi, he would go to church on Sundays and not play footballCredit: GettyMarc (circled) aged around seven, celebrates a trophy with South London club Cray WanderersMarc, left, celebrates England U17s World Cup in 2017Credit: Getty – ContributorYet at just 23, the Crystal Palace captain didn’t miss a beat as the Three Lions won their first game in the Euros and he continued to establish himself as a fixture in the heart of the defence.After England’s warm-up stinker against Iceland, his faultless and composed display in the 1-0 win against Serbia eased fans’ nerves after Harry Maguire missed out on the 26-man squad. Marc still attends church and family is hugely important to him. This has made him respected and reliable both on and off the pitch and has helped put him on the path to success.His drive to succeed started early. Marc’s school motto was “Be The Best That You Can Be” and he took it to heart.READ MORE ON MARC GUEHIHe was a very quiet boy and comes from a religious family. They are a very tight unit.Steve Owen, coached Marc from the age of five in South LondonThe Crystal Palace ace was born in Abidjan, the largest city in the Ivory Coast, West Africa, but moved to England aged one.His dad John, 52, became a minister at a church in Lewisham, South East London, where Marc played the drums.Steve Owen, 65, who coached him from the age of five with Cray Wanderers, in Sidcup, South East London, before Marc moved to Chelsea’s youth system, said: “Marc was in a younger group but I used to sneak him in to play with older boys aged six.“He was a left-sided centre-back like he is now, and not many players got past him. He wasn’t a flair player, but was solid in everything he did.Most read in Football‘Amazing dedication’“He was a very quiet boy and comes from a religious family. They are a very tight unit.“I still speak to his dad occasionally. He was always the one to take Marc to training, from when he was at Cray to Chelsea.Wyett ratings England v Serbia“Marc was never late once, he was always early. His dedication for such a young kid was amazing.“He is still very regimented in what he does and I think that is down to his background.”Marc, whose full name is Addji Keaninkin Marc-Israel Guehi, moved to Chelsea’s academy at the age of eight and idolised club legend John Terry throughout his youth.He worked his way through the ranks and played in two Carabao Cup matches for the Blues before two loan spells at Swansea City.In 2021, the muscly 6ft defender — who is not on social media — signed for Palace for £18million on a five-year deal and has become one of the Premier League’s most highly-regarded young defenders.Steve, who scouts for Chelsea’s academy, said: “When Marc was at Chelsea he came to Cray to do a presentation for the lads. He is a role model to everyone at our club. Seeing him at the Euros is fantastic, it’s a dream come true for any young footballer.”As well as his no-nonsense defending, he is superb on the ball, with the ability to dribble past opponents and launch attacks.And despite his quiet nature, he is also a natural leader, becoming Palace’s youngest captain in ten years when he wore the armband for the first time in 2022. He is now the Eagles’ permanent skipper.Marc also captained England under-17s in the Euros in 2017, when they lost the final on penalties to Spain.Later that year he scored in the final of the under-17s World Cup, starring alongside fellow Euros team-mates Phil Foden and Conor Gallagher, in a 5-2 win, again against Spain.He has maintained his friendship with Conor in the England camp in Blankenhain, where in downtime they compete against each other in games of Mario Kart, basketball and table tennis.Conor said: “Me and Marc go way back. We both joined Chelsea academy, we would’ve been seven or eight years old.“We played with England together growing up, we went to Swansea together, Crystal Palace . . . so yeah, pretty much anywhere I’ve gone he’s kind of been following me.“He’s a great friend of mine and he’s a top player as well.”Marc’s leadership skills were clear at school, where he was a “responsible person” who acted as a role model to other pupils.Marc’s old headteacher Edward Dove, of Marvels Lane Primary School in Lewisham, said: “Marc was with us for five years and he was a great kid. We have been following him with interest and pride.“It’s not often you get a club captain at such a young age.“That’s got something to do with his values, which hopefully we played a little part in.“He embraced our motto of ‘Be The Best That You Can Be’. He always knew he was part of a team. He was a great role model.“Marc hasn’t forgotten his roots. He has come back to visit us twice, after the under-17s won the World Cup and when he joined Crystal Palace.“He has got great values which he seems to have maintained.”Living with parentsAs of last October, Marc was still living with his parents and sisters Lois, 21, Joelle, 16, and 12-year-old Shirel. He said previously: “It’s actually hard to put into words what my mum and sisters have done for me, because anything I say wouldn’t actually justify what they’ve done.“I’m just so grateful to have them in my life.“My sisters and I have always been close.“We are all fortunate because not everyone has that and I’m very aware of it. I’m just glad we’ve grown up together.”“God first” was the rule in Marc’s house growing up, which is why he would never play football on a Sunday until he began pursuing it as a career — and it is now paying off.With two years left on his £50,000-a-week deal with Palace, he is being touted with a £65million move to Prem giants Liverpool, among others.I still go to church on Sundays when I can and it’s played a big part in both my football and my life in general, with my morals, my values and who I put my trust in.Marc GuehiHe has won 12 senior England caps and is in line for another in today’s match against Denmark, with a win putting the Three Lions through to the Euros knockout stage.And he will have Man United’s Maguire, 31, worrying about getting back into Southgate’s starting 11 if he keeps up his perfect performances.Marc has said: “My dad was a minister, so faith is massively important in my life.“I still go to church on Sundays when I can and it’s played a big part in both my football and my life in general, with my morals, my values and who I put my trust in.“My faith is something I value very highly in my life, for sure.“Church was also where I used to play the drums. We didn’t have a set at home so it was the only time I could play.“It was nice to just be free and enjoy it and it was an enjoyable part of growing up.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m not up there with the greatest drummers in the world but I’d like to think I’m OK at it.”If England are to win this year’s Euros, after losing in the final in 2021, they could do worse than follow the beat of Marc’s drum . . .Marc making his name at Chelsea’s academyPutting in the hours of training in GermanyCredit: GettyDespite his quiet nature, he is also a natural leader, becoming Crystal Palace’s youngest captain in ten yearsCredit: Getty More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chesney Hawkes creates TikTok version of Hey Jude as he makes plea to Bellingham

      by

      ENGLAND fan Chesney Hawkes has done a TikTok version of Hey Jude urging the star to make it better for England fans – by winning the Euros.The One and Only singer had fans blasting the Beatles number out at a London fanzone before the Serbia game.Chesney Hawkes has taken to social media with catchy new lyrics for Hey JudeCredit: TikTokJude Bellingham’s sensational header clinched England’s 1-0 win over SerbiaCredit: GettyAnd he has now taken to social media with catchy new lyrics to celebrate Jude Bellingham’s emergence as England’s star man.It follows Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer urging the nation to adopt Hey Jude as our new footie anthem.Chesney, 52, told The Sun: “It’s a classic song and the Beatles’ lyrics will always stand the test of time.“This is just a fun reworking for the Euros to celebrate Jude’s brilliant performances.READ MORE ON JUDE BELLINGHAM“Jude is going to be our star man in the Euros.“He is different level – a future England captain for sure.”Hey Jude was a number one hit in the UK, America, Australia and Canada when it was released in 1968 and has gone on to sell around eight million copies.HEY JUDE (CHESNEY LYRICS)
      Hey Jude, we’re all England fans
      It’s been a long time
      Please make it better
      A trophy would seal you into our hearts
      Then we can start to make it better
      Hey Jude, don’t be afraid
      You were made to go out and get this
      The minute you bring us back the big win
      Then you begin to make it better
      Nearly 60 years of pain
      Hey Jude we place
      A nation’s hopes upon your shoulders
      And with your teammates by your side
      This nation’s pride
      Is cheering you on so bring it home now

      Chesney Hawkes starts a rendition of Hey Jude at Box Park More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League drama after thieves stole HALF the £250k trophy forcing bosses to secretly replace it

      by

      HALF the Premier League trophy had to be secretly replaced after being stolen, The Sun can reveal.Thieves in Belgium nicked a suitcase containing the crown and base of the prized football silverware, valued at £250,000.Thieves stole HALF the £250k Premier League trophy forcing bosses to secretly replace itCredit: GettyThe Premier League managed to keep the theft under wraps, andthe items have never been found. The revelation yesterday came as the ­Premier League announced the new season’s fixtures, with Man United home to Fulham the first match on August 16.But Prem chiefs were less keen to publicise that a suitcase containing the top of the trophy and weighty 15.9kg base had been ­stolen at a corporate event in Belgium. It was believed the thieves did not realise what was inside, and the missing parts may have since been melted down.READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUEThere are two identical trophies, both insured for £250,000. One is kept by the champs while the other belongs to the Premier League and gets taken around the world.It often has its own plane seat, and is normally heavily protected by a guard at events.Asprey London, which made the trophies, was asked to produce another identical crown and base after the theft in late 2022.Most read in FootballIn 1966, four months before the World Cup kicked off in England, the Jules Rimet Trophy was ­famously stolen in London.Man City WIN the Premier League for record fourth time in a row as they see off Arsenal on tense final dayA week later, David Corbett was walking his dog Pickles when the collie found it in bushes at Upper Norwood, South London. Corbett got £5,000 while Pickles received a medal.The Premier League was approached for comment.Man City lift the Premier League trophy after a triumphant season last monthCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Germany have own NAKED national team and want to challenge England to bare all in clash during Euro 2024

      by

      GERMAN football fans have given ‘Die Mannschaft’ a whole new meaning with their own naked national team.And they are challenging 11 brave English souls to strip off and face them as Mother Nature intended in a one-off match during Euro 2024.A naked German football team have challenged England to a one-off matchGermany’s ‘Nacktionalmannschaft’ want to take on 11 English souls wearing mother nature’s wardrobeSquad numbers are painted on players backsThe team was set up in 2015Their last match in May drew 1,000 fansThey have already had games against HollandThe leaflet being handed out by the team as their challengeGermany’s ‘Nacktionalmannschaft’ – or ‘naked team’ is run by photographer Gerrit Starczewski.He will be at England’s opening game in Gelsenkirchen today looking for hardy players to form a starkers Three Lions squad willing to bare all in a game next Sunday.Starczewski, 37, told SunSport: “Our dream is to play England. And this is the best moment to challenge Germany. We are waiting.“I am driving to Gelsenkirchen and will be handing out leaflets to see if the English are up for it.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGermany’s naked team was set up in 2015 by a group of fans growing disillusioned by the growing commercialism within the game.Their last match was in May and it drew a crowd of around 1,000 fans.They also played against Holland – or the appropriately named ‘Nether’ lands in 2021 and they held out for a ballsy draw.The team includes women. Squad numbers are painted on the players’ backs and the only kit worn is socks.Most read in FootballIt was set up by a group of fans disillusioned with growing commercialism within the gameOrganiser and photographer Gerrit Starczewski said it was their dream to play EnglandSocks and football boots are the only pieces of kit allowedStarczewski said ‘football should be natural, simple… Not all about money, money, moneyStarczewski said: “Maybe the England players can wear red and we will wear black or white. We don’t mind.“To us football should be natural, simple. Not all about money, money, money. So this is why we play naked.SunSport’s Euro 2024 headlines“And it is fine for men and women to hug each other when a goal is scored because we are about body positivity too. There is nothing sexual in it.“I know it is funny to see people play naked but honestly, after about one minute the fans forget that nobody is wearing any clothes.He joked: “And in a normal game you get booked for taking your shirt off to celebrate. With us, you get booked if you put one on.”England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
      The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
      MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
      The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
      Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
      STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
      The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
      How England attack
      England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
      Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
      How England defend
      England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
      However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
      Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

      Germany are rumoured to be experts at dead-ball situations but Sarczewski reckons his team is just made up of eager fans trying to make a point.He added: “Most England fans go to games almost naked anyway with their shirts off so why not take everything off?”Starczewski even has a pitch ready and waiting. A field near Cologne, where England play their last group match on Tuesday week, has been earmarked to host the unique game.He said: “On the flyer will be a QR code for all the details to play in the match. It will be great.”The team champions body positivity for men and women playersStarczewski will be handing out flyers to England fans in Gelsenkirchen to playThey have a field ready in Cologne for the match after the Three Lions final group gameThey are rumoured to be experts at dead ball situationsEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTGermany Euro 2024 guideGERMANY’S reputation as tournament football’s greatest nation has taken a battering in recent years.
      The hosts haven’t won a knockout game in eight years and the pressure is on for them to get it right in front of their home crowd.
      MANAGER: Julian Nagelsmann
      Bright, young and a bit of a maverick. The ex-Bayern Munich boss is known for his flashy outfits and arriving for training on a skateboard. 
      STAR MAN: Jamal Musiala
      The 21-year-old former Chelsea star could have been playing for England and can make things happen out of nothing.
      How Germany attack
      Toni Kroos will typically drop deep to take the ball off the defence with the Germans then overloading the side of the pitch the ball is on.
      That gives them the option of either passing through the congested area or attacking the other side with a crossfield ball to the man in space.
      How Germany defend
      Germany’s striker and the team’s five midfielders will form a diamond shape in the hope of preventing the opposition playing through the middle.
      Should opponents then play the ball wide, the German full-backs will be expected to press high up the pitch in an attempt to win possession.
      Read the full Germany Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s heroes will earn staggering record bonus if they win Euro 2024 with one star in line for huge £4m windfall

      by

      ENGLAND stars will earn a staggering bonus of £14million if they win Euro 2024.The Three Lions kick off their European Championship campaign against Serbia at 8pm this evening.England stars such as Harry Kane are set to land a tidy bonus if they win the EurosCredit: GettyGareth Southgate is in line to be the biggest winner of allCredit: GettyAfter suffering defeat on penalties to Italy in the final last time, Gareth Southgate’s side will be hoping to go one better in Germany.And on top of Euro’s glory, the Three Lions stars are also in for a nice bonus treat if they are able to bring home the trophy.That is because if they go on to lift the trophy on July 14, the squad has negotiated a bumper share of the £24million the FA will receive.Players including captain Harry Kane and superstar Jude Bellingham will share a pot adding up to £9.6m.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, boss Southgate is in for the biggest windfall of all.The 53-year-old will receive a cool £4m bonus, while assistant Steve Holland has also been promised a tidy sum.This £14m total pot is a new record up from the 2022 World Cup, when stars were in line to make £13m.Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said Kane and co would rake in millions more in big money deals for the rest of their careers.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “Of course, the players love playing for their country but football is huge business and they would fully deserve their bonuses.“Sponsorships and endorsements will go through the roof. Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the Euros”Their transfer value will increase and they will have life-long fame. “Unlike the class of 1966 their fame and rewards for winning will begin from day one and continue for many years to come.”SunSport revealed yesterday that Bukayo Saka was set to start for England in Gelsenkirchen after winning a fitness battle.The full expected line up will also feature Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, Marc Guehi in centre-back and Phil Foden off the wing.England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
      The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
      MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
      The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
      Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
      STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
      The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
      How England attack
      England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
      Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
      How England defend
      England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
      However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
      Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

      England and Serbia have only faced off once back when the latter competed as Serbia and Montenegro.The two teams met in 2003 during an international friendly at the King Power Stadium.The Three Lions won 2-1 thanks to goals by Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole, while Nenad Jestrovic temporarily equalised for his country.England also hold a better record from back when Serbia competed as part of Yugoslavia.The national team won five out of 14 matches, of which they lost four.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe likes of AC Milan’s Luka Jovic and Juventus’ Filip Kostic available to fire up the attack of manager Dragan Stojkovic.Al-Hilal’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could also prove a problem in midfield.Serbia Euro 2024 guideSERBIA have qualified for three of the last four World Cups but been non-existent on the European front in the past 24 years.
      When they last appeared at the Euros, back in 2000, they were still called Yugoslavia and played in blue, as opposed to the red they wear today.
      MANAGER: Dragan Stojkovic
      Captain, leader, legend of the old Yugoslavia. Was named in the team of the tournament at Italia 90.
      STAR MAN: Dusan Tadic
      His best years may be behind him, but the 35-year-old is still capable of controlling games in midfield with a creative spark that cannot be ignored.
      How Serbia attack
      Serbia have a slow and patient build-up as they look to work the ball into the middle of the pitch.
      But when they reach those areas they will rapidly change the pace and look to find foxes in the box, Aleksandar Mitrovic and/or Dusan Vlahovic.
      How Serbia defend
      Serbia’s striker tends to press high while the rest of the team sit deeper.
      But their press can be inconsistent, leaving them easy to pass through or beat with a ball over the top.
      Read the full Serbia Euro 2024 guide, including predicted line-up, odds and Wags

      EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Lauryn Goodman WILL take son Kairo to see dad Kyle Walker play at Euros with camera crew despite feud with wife Annie

      by

      KYLE Walker’s ex-girlfriend Lauryn Goodman has tickets and flights booked to Germany to take his son Kairo to England’s third Euros group game.But influencer influencer Lauryn, who shares Kairo, four, and a daughter, who is nearly one, with the married defender, has ditched plans to attend tonight’s game against Serbia.Lauryn Goodman has tickets and flights booked to Germany to take Kyle Walker’s son Kairo to England’s third group game in the EurosCredit: SplashLauryn is also mum to the Man City fullback’s daughterCredit: SplashShe changed her mind to avoid a backlash and will now fly out for the game against Slovenia, in Cologne, on June 25.Meanwhile, Kyle’s wife Annie Kilner, 31, is scheduled to depart on a £30,000 private jet this morning to attend tonight’s game.She is expected to travel with three of their four sons but not to stay for more than a day.When Lauryn, 33, arrives, Kairo will be wearing a ­football top at the Slovenia match with “Daddy and Kyle’s number 2 on the back.read more on Lauryn GoodmanA source said a camera crew could be there to capture her every move as Lauryn has signed up for a new docu-ality series lifting the lid on life as a Wag.The source told The Sun on Sunday: “Lauryn truly believes that Kyle will want his son there. “She has been given ­tickets and the flights have been sorted out for her to go. “Kyle and Lauryn aren’t speaking since Annie found out they have a daughter together too.Most read in Football“But when they were, during the World Cup, it was Kyle who ­actually asked for Kairo to be at the Euros.“Since that day, Kairo has been excited. What little lad wouldn’t be?Kyle Walker risks explosive showdown between wife Annie and Lauryn Goodman after ‘inviting’ ex and two kids to Euros”Kairo shouldn’t have to watch his daddy playing for his country from a TV set in England — he deserves to be there.“Kairo has been filling in a chart with football-shaped stickers. “It is in his bedroom and he fills it in every night.“Lauryn doesn’t encourage it — Kairo has been football mad since he was tiny. “He has football goal nets in the living room too. “He plays every morning before nursery and gets Lauryn to tackle him.”Lauryn had been due to fly out with her son and her grandfather today to England’s opening game.The source added: “She was offered tickets for the first match and was planning to go but turned them down at the last minute.“She knew the focus would turn to her and she would be blamed by fans if they didn’t win, or if Kyle played badly.“She doesn’t want that pressure on her or Kairo. “Going to ­Germany is not about some daft WAG war, it is about being a good parent.Kyle’s wife Annie Kilner is scheduled to depart on a £30,000 private jet this morning to attend today’s gameCredit: BackGridLauryn became pregnant while Kyle, 33, was on a break from Annie in 2019. Son Kairo was born the following year.Despite fathering a child with Lauryn, the Man City star and Annie rekindled their relationship and got married in 2021.But Kyle stayed in touch with the influencer and they started to have time together including days out with Kairo and then rekindled their relationship, too.Their daughter was conceived in October 2022 while he was in London for treatment for a groin injury.In December, Lauryn broke the news about her baby girl to Annie, who was herself pregnant with her fourth child.Annie announced she was separating from the £160,000-a-week footballer.He moved out of the home they shared with sons Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, and Reign, five, in Prestbury, Cheshire, to a rented property nearby.Annie gave birth to Rezon in April with Kyle at her side. The boy’s arrival was announced the day before Kairo’s fourth birthday.Last night, a spokesman for Kyle said: “Kyle is laser-focused on the games ahead so as to give the team the best possible chance of bringing home the trophy for the millions of England fans watching, including his wife and their children.“He will not be distracted by any off-pitch activity.”Kyle did not invite Lauryn to the Euros.”Two other Wags arrived at Manchester Airport last night to jet off to Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESLuke Shaw’s long-term partner, Anouska Santos, 34, was set for a flight to Dusseldorf, and said: “I’m really excited to be going.”She was joined by Megan Davison, 28, wife of goalie Jordan Pickford, 30,, who was wearing a necklace adorned with her husband’s name.Lauryn fell pregnant with Kairo while Kyle was on a marriage break from Annie in 2019Credit: GettyLuke Shaw’s partner Anouska Santos and Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan leave for GermanyCredit: Zenpix More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      England team for Euro 2024 opener vs Serbia REVEALED with Bukayo Saka set to start after winning fitness battle

      by

      BUKAYO SAKA is expected to start for England against Serbia on Sunday.There had been a slight doubt over Saka’s fitness after he missed the final game of Arsenal’s season with a groin injury.Gareth Southgate’s expected starting xi against Serbia has been revealedCredit: RexBukayo Saka is expected to start for England after winning a fitness battleCredit: GettyHe is set to play behind captain Harry KaneCredit: GettyHe came on for the final 25 minutes of the shock 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley last Friday.The winger has not completed all the training sessions in the last ten days.But SunSport understands the 22-year-old, the second highest scorer in the Three Lions squad after Harry Kane with 11 goals, is in line to play from the off in Gelsenkirchen.Trent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to start his first game at a major tournament in six years alongside Declan Rice in midfield, getting the nod over Conor Gallagher.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJohn Stones is set to start in a backline also including Kyle Walker, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier, with Jordan Pickford in goal.The Manchester City centre-back, 30, is ready to go despite missing training on Wednesday with a sickness bug.He trained on Saturday along all 25 other players in Southgate’s squad.Skipper Kane will start up top with a trio of Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden behind him, barring injury.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTrent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to start in midfieldCredit: GettyThe game kicks off at the Veltins-Arena at 8pm tomorrow and will be broadcast on BBC One.England and Serbia have only faced off once back when the latter competed as Serbia and Montenegro.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the EurosThe expected line up for England’s game against SerbiaThe two teams met in 2003 during an international friendly at the King Power Stadium.The Three Lions won 2-1 thanks to goals by Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole, while Nenad Jestrovic temporarily equalised for his country.England also hold a better record from back when Serbia competed as part of Yugoslavia.The national team won five out of 14 matches, of which they lost four.The likes of AC Milan’s Luka Jovic and Juventus’ Filip Kostic available to fire up the attack of manager Dragan Stojkovic.Al-Hilal’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could also prove a problem in midfield.England saw Scotland get thumped 5-1 by hosts Germany in the tournament curtain raiser last night.England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
      The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
      MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
      The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
      Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
      STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
      The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
      How England attack
      England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
      Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
      How England defend
      England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
      However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
      Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

      EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Royal Mail bans its 100,000 posties from flying England flags during Euro 2024 to avoid sparking streets clashes

      by

      Royal Mail has banned its 100,000 posties from flying England flags during the Euros.Bosses say displaying mini flags on vehicles and letter trollies could spark streets clashes – and claim the red and white emblems could even cause crashes.Royal Mail has banned its 100,000 posties from flying England flags during the Euros – claiming they may spark clashes on the streets, or even crashesCredit: GettyAll flags – of England, Scotland and other countries – are barred from the Royal Mail’s 48,000 vans and lorries, and from tens of thousands of walking postal workers’ trollies.Posties in south London – who used to fly flags at big tournaments – claimed the ban was really a PC ruse and the mail giant had gone woke.But the Royal Mail confirmed yesterday that its flag ban – which has been operated during previous tournaments – would also apply this summer.A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Flags on vehicles can be a distraction to other road users and poorly positioned items can block vision.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“Poorly fitted items can fall off and be an obstruction or hazard. “Flags also introduce risk of confrontation with other road users or pedestrians.“For this reason we do not permit celebratory flags to be displayed on any of our vehicles.”England start their campaign on Sunday evening as they take on Serbia. Most read in Euro 2024England fans’ must watch guide to Gelsenkirchen ahead of Three Lions’ Euro 2024 clash vs Serbia More