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      Cops foiled suspected terror plot ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final when they raided ‘ISIS cell’ hours before kick off

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      POLICE foiled a suspected terror plot from IS ahead of England’s Euros final – raiding a series of addresses just hours before kick-off.Officers swooped amid fears of an imminent attack on the Three Lions fan zone in Berlin’s sprawling Breitscheidplatz.Three suspects were detained by German special forces during a series of co-ordinated raidsCredit: Story Picture AgencyThe raid on the suspected terror cell came hours before England’s Euro 2024 finalCredit: AFPThe men were said to be known IS supporters already under German police surveillanceCredit: EPAThousands of supporters had gathered there ahead of England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in last Sunday’s football showpiece.Three suspects were detained by German special forces during a series of co-ordinated raids in nearby Potsdam. It has since emerged that police searched three addresses while looking for five men after pictures were taken on phones of Breitscheidplatz and a large church.The men were said to be known IS supporters already under German police surveillance.READ MORE EURO 2024A 2016 terror attack at Breitscheidplatz saw jihadists drive a truck into a Christmas market, killing 12 and wounding 56.A spokesperson for Berlin Police told The Sun on Sunday: “The homes of three men were searched at three addresses in Potsdam.“Forces from the special task forces were involved in the operation.The measures were carried out in connection with an immediate threat from the Islamist spectrum.”Most read in FootballSources said the men were put under surveillance in the days leading up to the final.The suspects have since been released under investigation.ISIS will make comeback… we must act now or face another 911, says CIA bossIt comes after we exclusively reported a chilling terror warning ahead of the Euros from the German Interior Minister in March.Nancy Faeser said: “One thing can be said for sure – the dangers have reached a new level. The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats.”The latest threat comes amid heightened security in Paris ahead of the Olympics which begins on Friday. British cops will be among a 45,000-strong force patrolling the streets of the French capital.Central parts around the Seine, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, are already shut to vehicles.Last month IS terrorists threatened attacks on the Olympics.The group posted an appalling propaganda image showing one of its terrorists flying an armed drone into the Eiffel Tower.READ MORE SUN STORIESSome 130 people on France’s terrorist watchlist have already been prevented from entering the country.At least 10 terror attacks have been foiled across Europe in the last 12 months alone, according to Dutch spooks.                        More

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      England aces Declan Rice and Ivan Toney party at Wayne Lineker’s Ibiza club as they overcome Euro 2024 disappointment

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      ENGLAND aces Declan Rice and Ivan Toney show off more fancy footwork — overcoming their Euros final woe on the dancefloor.Midfielder Dec, 25, and no-look penalty king Ivan, 28, were partying at O Club Ibiza — owned by England great Gary Lineker’s brother Wayne.England star Declan Rice let loose in Ibiza just days after their agonising defeat against Spain in the Euro 2024 finalStriker Ivan Toney was also spotted partying at the exclusive O Club IbizaFootage obtained by The Sun showed unshaven Arsenal star Rice in a white vest jigging to disco tunesOne clubber said: “It was great to see them enjoying themselves. They deserve some down time after the Euros.”The nightclub owner said: “Had some incredible days and nights in my life but this will take some beating.”He joked that they had “been regulars”.The duo have been given time off by their clubs after the agonising 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euros final.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd they opted for the Ibiza sunshine to recuperate and put their England agonies behind them.Footage obtained by The Sun showed unshaven Arsenal star Declan Rice in a white vest and dark sunglasses jigging to disco tunes.The £100m, 25-year-old grinned and looked to be having a ball, with the disappointment of the Euros final long forgotten.At one point the midfield ace linked arms with a pal and jumped up and down on the spot.Most read in FootballYards away, tattooed Ivan Toney also managed a smile as he gyrated in a brown t-shirt, black shorts and grey baseball cap.The striker, linked with a £50m million move from Brentford to another Prem side, made friends with other clubbers.BREAKING: Watch moment Declan Rice held back by Aaron Ramsdale as heated scenes unfold after England survive Euro 2024 scareAn attractive blonde woman in a revealing orange bikini and white dress was seen dancing provocatively beside the 28-year-old.At one stage the duo linked arms and swayed together in time to the music, as happy Ivan waved to the crowd from the DJ stage.Hundreds of clubbers could be seen with their arms in the air enjoying the party.But missing from the island’s popular O Club was regular visitor Jack Grealish, who is already back in training with Man City and spending time with pregnant partner Sasha Attwood.Declan and Ivan partied at a club owned by England great Gary Lineker’s brother WayneCredit: RexThe aces were spotted at the O Club IbizaCredit: Olivia WestRice celebrating England’s semi final victory over the Netherlands with teammate ToneyCredit: Getty More

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      Gareth Southgate set for huge career change as global firm bids to sign him after he quit as England boss

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      DISNEY+ has emerged as the surprise front-runner to net the definitive documentary on Gareth Southgate.All the streaming firms are scrambling to sign the outgoing England boss after his resignation.Disney are said to be frontrunners for a Gareth Southgate documentaryCredit: GettySouthgate resigned following England’s loss to Spain in the Euros finalCredit: AlamyNetflix has had huge success with its David Beckham series, while Prime Video covered Wayne Rooney.But Disney — home to the Lion King and the Marvel and Star Wars blockbusters — were said to be front of the queue for football’s waistcoat-loving Mr Nice Guy.A TV insider said: “Disney+ might not seem like the obvious choice, but they’re an organisation with huge amounts of money, not to mention a truly global platform as Gareth starts the next chapter of his career.“It just depends what he has planned after quitting as England manager.READ MORE ON SOUTHGATE“Will he want to nurture a career in the media, take time away from the limelight or get back into football management at some level?“Either way, the biggest TV names will be buzzing round him with big-money offers — and Disney is likely to be the biggest.”Disney+ is also home to global hit Welcome To Wrexham — following Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s takeover of the Welsh club.Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. Gareth Southgate quits as England manager after Euro 2024 exit More

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      Lee Carsley in pole position to succeed Southgate as interim manager and lead England into Nations League campaign

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      LEE CARSLEY is in pole position to take over as interim England boss after Gareth Southgate’s exit following Euro 2024, SunSport understands.The former Everton star, who is currently in charge of the U21 side, is expected to lead the Three Lions into their Nations League campaign which starts in September.It is understood England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley will be handed the reignsCredit: AlamyGareth Southgate announced he was stepping down as England manager earlier todayCredit: AFPFA bosses are big fans of Newcastle manager Eddie Howe but feel Carsley is best placed to take over for the next match against the Republic of Ireland.A move for Carsley would mirror the appointment of Southgate in 2016 who was promoted from U21s boss to England manager – also initially on an interim basis.The FA have confirmed they are already working on appointing the next manager, and want the position to be sorted by the time the Nations League campaign starts in September.A number of candidates have been linked with the vacant position, including Graham Potter, Howe, Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, SunSport understands German tacticians Tuchel and Klopp are not realistic prospects at this stage.Carsley, 50, has been in the England youth set up since 2018.The Birmingham born coach was firstly England U21 assistant manager, before taking over the U20 side and then becoming the U21 boss in 2021.In 2023, England faced Spain in the final of the U21 European Championship final and managed to claim a 1-0 victory courtesy of a first half injury-time winner from Curtis Jones.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCarsley has an incredible record as U21 manager, winning 79 per cent of his 29 matches in charge.When Southgate first took over the England team following Sam Allardyce in 2016, it was initially only on a temporary basis.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Charlie Wyett discuss Gareth Southgate quitting as England manager and who could replace himHowever, after going unbeaten in his first four games with two wins and two draws, the FA appointed him as the full manager to lead the team forward.In the end the 53-year-old managed 102 games while putting England on their most successful tournament run since 1966.He oversaw England reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and reached back-to-back European Championship finals for the first time in the nation’s history.However, after eight years in charge Southgate said he believed it was “time for a change”.In an emotional 331-word statement, he said: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.Southgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out.”But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.”I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.”I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72″The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.”I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.”My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.”We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. “I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.”Thank you, England – for everything.”Tributes poured in for Southgate following news of his resignation from players, pundits, royals and politicians alike.Declan Rice said: “Thank you Gaffa. It’s been a privilege to play for England under your guidance. Memories that will stay with me forever. All the best in your next adventure.”Southgate statement in full as he QUITS EnglandAs a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.Thank you, England – for everything.Jude Bellingham re-shared England’s post announcing he was leaving to his Instagram story, while Jordan Pickford shared a picture of him hugging Southgate with the caption: “Thank you Gareth.”Harry Maguire, who did not make the Euro 2024 squad but was a mainstay for much of the Southgate era said: “You made us all believe again – memories that will last forever. Thank you boss.”Elsewhere, former England star Gary Neville said: “Thank you Gareth you did a great job.”Jamie Carragher said: “It’s been a great ride for all involved over the last eight years. Two finals, semi final & a quarter final in Gareth Southgate’s four tournaments is a very tough act to follow!”Southgate’s gone – now it’s time to go foreignBy Dave KiddThere is a natural preference to appoint an English successor.And in an ideal world, the England manager should always be English. But this is not an ideal scenario.So the FA must be ambitious in sounding out the best man for the job, regardless of nationality.Because England need a manager who would gain instant respect with players, who would be tactically bold enough to take on Spain and a strong enough character to deal with Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid Galactico status, which threatens to cause future issues within the England squad. Yes, when the FA have gone foreign in the past, it hasn’t worked out well.Yet the problem with Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello was that neither had any previous involvement in English football.They lacked knowledge and understanding of the football culture — indeed, Capello barely spoke the language.Now there is a wealth of overseas managerial talent with significant Premier League experience, including Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel.Read more from Dave Kidd on who England should turn to.David Beckham wrote on Instagram: “Thank you boss. You wasn’t just one of our most successful managers but you also did it with elegance. Congratulations to you and your staff.”Gary Lineker added: “Wishing Gareth Southgate all the very best in the future. “He brought pride, respect and a togetherness to @England that we hadn’t seen for a long time.”He was close, very close to footballing immortality and he always did the job with humility, decency and dignity. Thank you, Gareth.”Piers Morgan on why it was time for Southgate to goGARETH SOUTHGATE created a team in his own cool, calm, collected image, developed a fantastic team spirit with his players, and has performed better in major international tournaments than any manager of our national side other than World Cup-winning Sir Alf Ramsey.But when the final whistle blew in Berlin’s Olympiastadion stadium, it felt like the right moment to say goodbye to Gareth.I was there, with two of my sons, to watch England come up short, again, against Spain.And none of us was enraged.Disappointed, yes.Angry, no.Truthfully, for all our bullish ‘It’s Coming Home!’ social media posts, we knew in our hearts it probably wasn’t.Why?Because for all his ‘safe-pair-of-hands’ positives, the problem with Gareth, ironically, is that he’s just too safe.This very talented squad of players should have been ordered to play with far more attacking flair through this tournament, as Spain did.Put someone like Jurgen Klopp or Alex Ferguson in charge of these guys, managers with a love of rampaging flamboyance and with in-built desire to entertain, and we’d have won it just as we’d have won the last Euros too.Read more from Piers Morgan here.Prince William said: “Gareth, I want to thank you – not as the President of the FA, but as an England fan.”Thank you for creating a team that stands shoulder to shoulder with the world’s finest in 2024.”Thank you for showing humility, compassion, and true leadership under the most intense pressure and scrutiny.”And thank you for being an all-round class act. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved. W.”READ MORE SUN STORIESIn the FA’s thank you statement, CEO Mark Bullingham confirmed Southgate’s successor was being searched for.And now the new coach in question looks set to be Carsley, who is intimately familiar with the England national team set up.Next England manager oddsGraham Potter – EvensEddie Howe – 3/1Mauricio Pochettino – 4/1Lee Carsley – 10/1Frank Lampard – 10/1Jurgen Klopp – 10/1Pep Guardiola – 16/1 More

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      Three England fans sacked after ‘risking it all’ and telling bosses they were heading to Euro 2024 final

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      THREE England fans were sacked from their jobs after they told bosses they were heading to Berlin for the Euros final.The trio of train engineers said they “risked it all” for their love of the Three Lions.Three England fans were sacked from their jobs after they told bosses they were heading to Berlin for the Euros finalThree Lions fans on the streets of Berlin in GermanyCredit: RexAn England fan holds a flag inside the stadium before the matchCredit: ReutersDylan Reely, 26, his brother Billy, 29, and their dad Allan, 58, were told on their way to Dover that their contracts were being terminated with “immediate effect”, and that the company needs staff who are “committed”.The trio told The Sun: “We’ve risked it all.”They told their employers that they’d be heading to Germany after England won their semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday.On their way to Dover on Thursday, the Birmingham trio say they received an email from bosses stating that their contracts were being terminated with “immediate effect”, and that the company needs staff who are “committed”.Read More on SportBut Dylan told us: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity”, as he continued his trip to Germany to watch England bring it home.He said: “It’s the most important thing in the world – England is the most important thing for us. We’ve risked it all.“All three of us are self employed – jobs come and go but this might be the last time my dad can see us in the final – It took eight hours refreshing the UEFA website [to get the tickets] and it might never happen again.”The trio have been travelling to Germany from the Midlands to make it in time for Sunday’s final, spending 16 hours driving to Hannover, and plan to turn the trip into an experience, win or lose.Most read in Euro 2024“It’s worth it – it’s great to experience this with my dad and my brother regardless of the result. We spent £3000 on three tickets for the weekend of our lives!”But Dylan remains confident that the Three Lions can bring it home from Berlin, with the Aston Villa season ticket holder hopeful for another magic performance from club hero Ollie Watkins.Boozy England fans on hols hit Tenerife bars & plead ‘bring it home boys’“Spain look like the most confident team, but we have the best team in the world.” It’s in our hands .If we go toe to toe, I think we can bring it home – COME ON ENGLAND!”All three friends have even squeezed in time for an open-top bus parade in London if England brings it home, before returning to Birmingham.And as for their job prospects, the self-employed trio remain in high spirits.Dylan added: “We will deal with our jobs in the future, our country means the world to us, up the three lions!”No-show train blowHUNDREDS of rail services across Britain were cancelled as train drivers and other staff refused to work overtime so they could watch the football.Northern, Great Western Railway, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway all cancelled scheduled services.Many drivers and other crew do not have Sunday working included in their contracts, with numerous operators often relying on them volunteering to work extra paid shifts.Drivers’ union Aslef said: “Some drivers are on holiday and some like to watch football.” More

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      Stuart Pearce reveals reason he thinks England will beat Spain 2-1 in Euro 2024 final

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      ENGLAND hardman Stuart Pearce says the champion-filled Three Lions squad is ready to win the Euros by beating Spain 2-1.The defender, nicknamed Psycho, lost out in the semis with England in Italia 90 and Euro 96.Stuart Pearce scored his penalty against Spain at Euro 96Credit: PA:Press AssociationEngland’s Stuart Pearce is consoled after England loose on penalties to Germany at the 1996 EurosCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut he says: “These players are used to playing under pressure all the time and having to perform at a real high standard.“There’s Champions League winners, there’s players that know what it’s like to win in an England shirt.“They’re more rounded nowadays. “We’re up against the team of the tournament, but I’m going to go for a 2-1 England win.”READ MORE ON THREE LIONSPearce, 62, who has been commentating on games in Germany for talkSPORT, missed from the spot against West Germany in the 1990 World Cup.But he scored from 12 yards vs Spain at Euro 96. He said: “I’d be confident we’d win if it went to penalties this time against Spain.”TALKSPORT has non-stop coverage in the build-up to today’s final, with full commentary from 8pm.Most read in Euro 2024England fans belt out Three Lions at Boxpark Wembley ahead of quarter final clash with Switzerland More

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      England’s Euro 2024 heroes in line to bank £1BILLION if they beat Spain as Southgate’s HUGE bonus is revealed

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      ENGLAND’S superstar players are in line to bank £1billion if they beat Spain tonight — with boss Gareth Southgate already making £2million for getting them there.The Three Lions coach celebrated wildly on Wednesday when Ollie Watkins set up the historic clash with a last minute winner in the semi-final against the Netherlands.Harry Kane is hoping to lead England to their first Euros trophyCredit: Paul EdwardsEngland manager Gareth Southgate has already got half of his huge bonus just for making it to the finalCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold trains for the Euros final against SpainCredit: PAIt sealed a bumper bonus for wily strategist Southgate, who has defied his critics to lead England to a second successive Euros final.The Sun told last month he would get a £4million bonus if England won the tournament — and now we can reveal he has already got half of that just for making it to the final.Meanwhile, a win for England in Berlin would mean the players could earn a combined £1billion during their careers from increased wages and megabucks endorsement deals.Brands expert Marcel Knobil said: “Winning the Euros would make England close to being a billion-pound team in terms of future earnings.”READ MORE ON EUROS FINALThe earnings league is likely to be topped by Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, 21, whose brand looks certain to outstrip even David Beckham’s, raking him in £400million.And part of that could even be down to his cheeky crotch-grabbing celebration after scoring a last-gasp bicycle kick in the last 16 match against Slovakia.His antics led to a Uefa investigation, a suspended match ban and a £27,000 fine. But it could boost his appeal as it demonstrated super-confident swagger.Marcel said: “Jude has all the ingredients to overtake Beckham’s £372million by the end of his career. Most read in Euro 2024″He could be looking at £50million earnings annually with his Real Madrid salary plus sponsorships and endorsements.“That amasses into the hundreds of millions.Bukayo Saka breaks silence on amazing reaction to Watkins’ Netherlands winning goal to fire England into Euro 2024 final“Jude will need the same business acumen and longevity of his playing career as Beckham. “But he is right at the top of the world game from such a young age and is on a trajectory similar to Ronaldo. He’s got everything.”Elsewhere, a further £100million would be picked up by each of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo, experts predict. They would be put on a pedestal and enjoy celebrity status for the rest of their lives, just like England’s 1966 World Cup-winners.And they would be able to increase their salaries by about £50,000 a week — adding up to £25million each in wages alone over ten years of top-tier football for the younger stars.Meanwhile, England’s stars, who include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi, have bonded into a battling band of brothers at their Euro 2024 base in Germany after a shaky start sealed their resolve.Southgate’s team-building skillsThe team struggled to impress in the early stages, despite topping their qualifying group.But insiders revealed Southgate’s team-building skills came to the fore as he brought the group together.Fun, and noise, inside their camp at the Weimarer Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain grew along with their belief as they made their way to the final.A source told The Sun on Sunday: “There was a little concern about how quiet it was in there at first. Other teams hosted by the hotel make a lot more noise.“But that seems to be Gareth Southgate’s style — he keeps his boys very calm and focused and brings them closer together.Jude has all the ingredients to overtake Beckham’s £372million by the end of his careerBrands expert Marcel Knobil“Lots of creature comforts were installed alongside all of the training equipment, including a big TV screen beside the pool so they could relax while watching games and their favourite shows.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They loved mountain biking on the trails and getting out on the resort’s three golf courses.“It was very noticeable how they seemed to relax and become more of a family and really began enjoying themselves between games.Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi have a laugh in trainingCredit: GettyLion cubs staying up for a treatBEDTIME will be put on hold for a legion of young England fans tonight.Alex Naughton, five, from Manchester, will be among the little Lions hoping to stay up long enough to roar the team onto victory.He said: “I’ve been told I can stay up late and eat ice cream.” Jude, five, from Locksbottom, Kent, will also be hoping for a goal from namesake “hero” Jude Bellingham when he watches with brothers Frank, eight, and two-year-old Jasper.And Roxy and Bobby Wicks, aged ten and six, are big Phil Foden fans. The siblings, from Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, said: “We love Phil Foden and can’t wait to see him score in the final.”Jude, 5, with brothers Frank, 8, and two-year-old JasperExcited Alex Naughton, 5, from ManchesterRoxy and Bobby Wicks, aged ten and six, are huge Phil Foden fans More

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      England legend Paul Ince praises diversity of Euro 2024 squad – and reveals his prediction for score in Sunday’s final

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      ENGLAND great Paul Ince has praised the diversity of the Euros squad — highlighting  quarter-final goal hero Bukayo Saka. The 58-year-old, the only black player in the Euro ’96 starting line-up, also applauded Three Lions fans for helping expose the racists who have abused Gareth Southgate’s squad.England great Paul Ince has praised the diversity of the Euros squad, above with his son Thomas InceCredit: The TimesEzri Konsa, Jude Bellingham, Ollie Watkins and Marc Guehi celebrate together following the semi-final victory over the NetherlandsCredit: GettyInce was the only non-white player in England’s Euro 96 teamCredit: Offside SportsAhead of tonight’s final against Spain, Ince said: “Saka, for such a young lad, has performed very well for England. “There’s always going to be a few idiots who are going to criticise, and make racist remarks.“That’s the society we live in, you’ll never change that.“Everyone’s got to get behind the team. It’s a fantastic occasion for everyone, including the fans.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Meanwhile, he is backing England to lift the trophy in Berlin tonight.The former Manchester United ace told The Sun on Sunday in an exclusive interview: “We’ve got a chance of making history. Maybe it’s aligned with the stars. Maybe it’s our time. I honestly believe it.“I’ve got this feeling again with this team. It’s our time. It’s so overdue. “Let’s win and forget the hoodoo of 58 years without a major trophy. I’ve had enough of the ‘Football’s Coming Home’ tag.”Most read in Euro 2024On tackling racism, Ince said: “Credit to Saka and Marcus Rashford who have come out of that horrible situation in the last final and moved on with their careers.“The FA and Professional Footballers’ Association, managers, players, and the media have done so much to try and out these people and educate that we won’t tolerate this type of discrimination against all different creeds and colours.Sven-Göran Eriksson’s Rallying Cry for England“The message is getting out there. Would I like to go a bit quicker? Yes, I would. But the good thing for me now is that fans are outing their own fans.“You’re not getting away with these remarks and insults.”The midfielder recalled the hullabaloo around the build-up to Euro ’96, when the players let their hair down with a drinking game in Hong Kong after warm-up matches.He said: “When I hear Jude Bellingham talking about the siege mentality within the ranks. I totally get that. “We were getting slaughtered in 1996 from all corners, so there was that siege mentality within the camp. Today’s team can do the same.”Ince said nothing would change the way his old England and Middlesbrough team-mate Gareth Southgate prepared for the final — despite getting flak early on.’Chance of making history’He added: “Does it really matter now? No, because we’ve got a chance of making history. “That’s the good thing about it. All the criticism won’t bother Gareth.“He’s one of those really calm people. He doesn’t let things fluster him. He knows that as soon as you take the job you’re going to be out there for criticism.“Southy has been in the job long enough now, for eight years. It’s just water off a duck’s back. People are always going to have an opinion, that’s the great thing about football.“But Gareth has changed. At the World Cup, he would never take Harry Kane off.“We’ve seen a different side to Southgate where he’s now prepared to make those changes. Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins have come on and made a difference.“Gareth has tried to make changes to benefit the side.”Ince said of preparations for the 8pm clash: “Gareth and the players will be chilled. You’ve got to try and relax the players. “We did a lot of fun games, racing nights, just not focusing too much on the job in hand.We’ve seen a different side to Southgate where he’s now prepared to make those changesPaul Ince“That will come tonight once they walk into that stadium.“It’s important the senior players recognise anyone who’s worried. Everyone’s going to be nervous.“It’s hard not to show. A little bit of nerves is good.”The player-turned-pundit, who managed teams including Blackburn Rovers and Reading, said: “It’s sad if you think about the 58 years since we’ve won a major trophy.“Think about the generations of retired footballers — Bryan Robson, Kevin Keegan, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard. “Great, great players like Paul Gascoigne and Alan Shearer. Yes, we’ve been unlucky along the way but it’s sad for us as a nation.“But the pressure today might come from the fact we lost to the Italians in the last Euros final. That would be more on the players’ minds than anything else.“Spain tonight is just another game. History makers? I don’t think that will be going anywhere near their minds.“We have to peak. We’re probably playing the best team in the tournament in Spain. Their style of football has got past the Germans, and the French.’England will win’“There haven’t been that many outstanding games in the tournament. The quality of the Euros hasn’t ultimately been great.“England have underperformed but we’ve still managed to reach the finals, which is a great thing for us. “We’ve shown a lot of character, going down and coming back. We’ve had a bit of luck, too. It’s about coming together.”Ince, who was too nervous to watch the Euro ’96 penalty shoot-out, said he was much calmer now.He will watch the game, glass of white wine in hand, at home with his wife. He said: “All my mates said to come to the pub but I said absolutely no chance — I want to watch it in peace.READ MORE SUN STORIES“At least if I’m watching it, nervous and jumping around, I don’t look like an idiot like I would if I’m watching it in the pub.”And his score prediction. “I think England will win 2-1,” he said.England’s Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring in the 80th minute against Switzerland in the quarter finalsCredit: Getty More