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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

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      How you can bunk off work on Monday after Euros final WITHOUT getting sacked, lawyer reveals

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      THERE is a way England fans can bunk off work on Monday after the Euros final without losing your job, a lawyer has revealed.Depending on the outcome of the big game against Spain, Brits across the country are likely to be either celebrating or drowning their sorrows.Depending on the result, fans could be celebrating or drowning their sorrows on SundayCredit: AlamyEngland fans in Manchester celebrate Ollie Watkin’s goal against the Netherlands in the Euro semi-final gameCredit: PAHopefully England supporters will be celebrating a historic win on SundayCredit: AlamyEither way, many could over do it and find themselves the worse for wear come Monday morning and the need to head to work.Lawyer Lynette Calder, from 5 Pump Court, has revealed there is a way you can be excused from a day’s toil without being fired.In most cases, not turning up for work when you’re due in would be a breach of the terms and conditions of your employment.Lynette warned: “Basically you have a contract with your employer and in most cases not turning up when you should will breach that contract, unless you are covered – as most people are – by a clause about sickness but it unlikely that a hangover will be covered by that.”Read More on the EurosBut there is a way you can swerve this but it depends on how long you have worked for your employer as well as your track record of attendance there.Any employer who has worked for the same employer for at least two years has the statutory right not to be dismissed unfairly.Lynette said: “This means that in certain circumstances, whatever your contract says, the statutory rules apply.“The key question here is likely to be your employers trust and confidence in you, if you lie and are caught out in a lie then that can be even more damaging than the not turning up.Most read in Euro 2024“On the other hand who wants to tell their boss they aren’t coming in because they are hungover?”But a large factor is down to just how well you get on with your boss.England gets ready for almighty Euro 2024 final party with fans set to spend £800MILLION on beer and pizzaLynette added: “If it’s good and your company needs you then a strictly truthful ‘I really don’t’ feel very well’ is unlikely to be a big deal, unless everyone in the company does the same thing.“In which case your employer may well want to make something of it to discourage it happening again, here you could be looking at a verbal or a written warning.”Which would mean you are likely to find yourself in the clear with no problems, but things could be trickier if things aren’t so good.Lynette said: “If you already have problems and there is a history of your employer querying your performance then they could take more drastic action up to and including dismissal for gross misconduct depending on all the circumstances.”Another aspect to consider is just how important is it that you turn up for work on Monday and are able to perform your role.The legal expert said: “If it is crucial to the business that you turn up on Monday and you don’t, or you turn up not capable of performing your job, then your employer may well be able to fairly impose sanctions up to and including dismissal.”However, anyone trying to duck out of work when they have worked for their current boss for two years may find themselves in a sticky situation.Lynette said: “If you have less than two years service bear in mind that the ‘fairness’ test doesn’t apply to you.“That means in practise that your employer can get rid of you with very little risk to themselves, so you may be even less inclined to give them any sort of reason to want to.”To give yourself peace of mind, come Monday morning and the possibility of being hungover, the advice is simple – book a day’s holiday.If it’s too late for getting some time off there are some decent alcohol-free beers on the market that you can enjoy, safe in the knowledge you’ll have a clear head in the morning.BIG SPENDINGThe news comes after it is expected a whopping £800million will be spent on pizza and beer for the Euro 2024 final.World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff is hoping Gareth Southgate’s men will finally end 58 years of trophyless hurt — and he is backing growing calls for a bank holiday if football does comes home.With warm weather forecast, packed boozers around the country will be allowed to stay open extra late on Sunday night — as they were for Wednesday’s semi-final triumph.Experts reckon Ollie Watkins’ dramatic 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands has triggered a £405million spending bonanza in pubs and supermarkets.An estimated £120million worth of booze will be sunk on Sunday alone, with pubs expected to sell ten million more pints than usual.READ MORE SUN STORIESTesco, Britain’s biggest supermarket, reckons it will sell four million packs of beer and cider, plus 1.2 million cans and bottles of low and zero-alcohol beer.Andrew Rennie, chief executive of Domino’s, said the takeaway chain expects to be making 20 to 25 pizzas a second during the game.Fans could find themselves in hot water with their boss if they don’t show up for work on Monday morningCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Fans may feel the worse for wear come Monday morning if they’ve over-indulgedCredit: EPA More

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      ‘Mystic’ meerkats predict who will win tonight’s Euro 2024 semi-final between England and the Netherlands

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      A GROUP of mystic meerkats has predicted victory for England over the Netherlands tonight.The creatures choose one of two buckets of nuts — each decorated with a national flag.A mob of mystic meerkats have predicted victory for England over the Netherlands tonightCredit: PAThe one most head for wins and, so far, the predictive pack has correctly forecast England’s results.Gemma Romanis, head keeper at Drusillas Park, East Sussex said: “Don’t doubt the mystic meerkats’ psychic powers!”Meanwhile, The Sun’s Mystic Wag Chloe is backing our boys again.Chloe, 27, reckons goalie Jordan Pickford will be key as he is born on a month’s 7th day — March — which indicates “luck and divine alignment”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLast month, The Sun reported that a psychic eagle said never to get anything wrong predicted glory for England as they started their campaign at the Euros.Honey, an African tawny eagle, indicated a win for the Three Lions when they faced Serbia in their opening match in Gelsenkirchen.Alex Leonard, director of Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Eynsford, Kent, had bird of prey handlers hold up an England and a Serbian flag, with Honey then flying to her choice.Alex said: “Honey is our psychic eagle and she never gets anything wrong.Most read in Euro 2024“She correctly predicts if members of staff are going to head off to pastures new by giving them grief.“And she knows when members of the crowd don’t like birds by flying low and brushing a wing gently across their head to say ‘Hello’.Teddy Sheringham backs England to beat Netherlands like he did in 1996 then go on to WIN Euro 2024“She even predicts the weather and won’t come out if it’s going to rain heavily.“The team here is doing an accumulator based on Honey’s abilities and tonight she says it’s glory for England.” More

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      Hero BA air hostess ensured passengers could watch England’s penalty shootout win over Switzerland mid-flight

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      A QUICK-thinking air hostess ensured passengers saw England’s penalty shootout win over Switzerland mid-flight.She came to the rescue after Saturday’s BA flight from Heraklion, Greece, to Heathrow was delayed.A quick-thinking BA air hostess ensured passengers saw England’s penalty shootout win over Switzerland by holding up a phoneCredit: XIt meant travellers who had hoped to land in time to see the end of the game were still in the air when extra time ended and penalties approached.Take-off of the Airbus A321 twin-jet was pushed back from 4.50pm to 5.27pm, meaning touchdown in the UK was not until 7.20pm, rather than the scheduled 6.32pm landing.But the flight attendant held up a phone to passengers — who could not use their own — so they could watch the gripping climax streamed live.Impressed flyers looked on in delight as penalty hero Trent Alexander-Arnold secured the 5-3 spot-kick victory following the 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPassenger Lee Douglas said: “Well done that crew.” Another described her as “an angel”.BA bosses are set to announce special tech plans to enable passengers to watch the Netherlands game today when flying at 30,000ft.England’s penalty shoot-out secrets More

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      The Sun’s mascot Harry Mane crowned King of the Jungle after slaying the Dutch Lion ahead of tonight’s Euro 2024 semi

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      THE Sun’s mascot Harry Mane was crowned King of the Jungle yesterday after he slayed the Dutch Lion ahead of tonight’s Euros semi.The two alpha males went claw to claw in party-loving Netherlands capital Amsterdam — and our mascot, named after goal-hungry Harry Kane, came out on top.The Sun’s mascot Harry Mane was crowned King of the Jungle after beating the Dutch Lion ahead of tonight’s Euros semiCredit: Paul EdwardsThe pair pre-fight in AmsterdamCredit: Paul EdwardsAs they shook paws, events company boss Merlijn Boshuizen, 47, who is behind the Dutch Lion, said: “I have to admit, Harry is the main man.“But although he might have won this little contest, I still hope Netherlands can win the main one on the pitch.”The mascot cycled through the city streets which thrilled the Brits who were on holiday there – and annoyed the locals.One shouted at him: “You’re brave to do that around here!”READ MORE EUROS NEWSBut Harry – who has supported England at tournaments all over the world – has never been lacking in courage.He also headed to the Rembrandt Monument, erected in the honour of the 17th Century Dutch painter.And while tourists were taking selfies Harry slipped in at the far post to celebrate England’s midfield artist, striking a Jude Bellingham goal celebration pose.Harry then popped on a huge pair of giant yellow clogs, before meeting up with the Dutch Lion for their showdown at high noon.Most read in Euro 2024Once the Orange Lion had admitted defeat they shook paws – and then did the Dutch fan walk dance together.A school is giving pupils a “lie in” so they can stay up late to watch England. Rosegrove Infants kids in Burnley can come in two hours late.Sun mascot Harry Mane roared into Slovakia yesterday to discover the locals fear a gou-lashing off EnglandThe pair exchanging pleasantries before the boutCredit: Paul EdwardsHarry took photos with excited England fansCredit: Paul EdwardsThe mascot cycled through the Amsterdam city streetsCredit: Paul EdwardsHarry Mane has supported England at tournaments all over the worldCredit: Paul Edwards More

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      Vegan burger bar chain backed by huge sports star and A-list actor is slammed by health inspectors 

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      A VEGAN burger bar backed by F1 ace Lewis Hamilton was quick to clean up its act after being deemed the pits.The Neat Burger branch was rated just two out of five for food hygiene in a recent inspection.A vegan burger bar backed by Lewis Hamilton was rated just two out of five for food hygieneCredit: AlamyA council team inspected Neat Burger in Camden, LondonCredit: InstagramAlthough the report said food handling and management on site were satisfactory, it also stated “improvement was necessary” in other areas.Bosses were quick to tackle the issues, caused by a pest problem, and challenged the rating.A spokesman said: “Following a reassessment, our branch received a five-star rating, reflecting our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety.”A council team had inspected Neat Burger in Camden, North London, in May.READ MORE IN SPORTSIt is one of four in the capital operated by the celeb-backed chain.Investors include seven-time F1 champ Sir Lewis, who adopted a plant-based diet in 2017, and Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio.Neat Burger launched in 2019 with a mission “to create sustainable delicious dishes”.Sir Lewis, 39, said: “I believe we need a healthier high street option that tastes amazing and offers something exciting to those who want to be meat-free every now and again.”Most read in MotorsportBut last year the company posted substantial losses and confirmed half of its eight outlets in London would close.At the time, a company spokesman said: “We are concentrating our efforts on our best performing restaurants — we believe that sometimes taking a step back is necessary to make a bigger leap forward.”The report stated ‘improvement was necessary’ at Neat BurgerCredit: InstagramLewis Hamilton grimaces as he ‘eats a dog biscuit’ in NFL schedule release video for team F1 star part owns More

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      Chelsea hire lawyers to probe sexual harassment complaint made by female worker against male employee

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      PREMIER League giants Chelsea have hired lawyers to investigate a sexual harassment complaint made by a female worker.Club owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are aware of the grievance she has raised against a male employee.A female worker at Chelsea has made allegations about an incident she claims took place on club property in 2022Credit: RexTodd Boehly, one of the owners of Chelsea, is said to be aware of the complaintCredit: GettyThey  said they take concerns of sexual harassment seriously.The woman made allegations about an incident she said took place on club property in May 2022.Club officials began looking into the matter last year when they were made aware, but earlier this year the male employee was cleared of misconduct and sexual harassment. The alleged incident took place before the new owners took over control of the club.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe woman resigned and has appealed against the ruling. Now the club has appointed independent barrister Tara Shahbahrami  to review her appeal, overseen by Chelsea’s chief financial officer Adriel Lares.Ms Shahbahrami’s LinkedIn profile says she has “more than ten years’ experience of conducting complex, lengthy and sensitive investigations  in workplace settings”.The timing of the allegations coincided with the club’s £4.25billion takeover by a  consortium led by US businessman Mr Boehly. The purchase was approved by the Government as it had control of the club after previous owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned with the freezing of his financial assets here following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Most read in FootballRussian oligarch Abramovich had owned Chelsea for 19 years.Since the takeover  the West London club have spent around £1billion on new players.However, they endured a turbulent period on the pitch last season, ultimately finishing sixth. The club have been approached for comment. EXCLUSIVE: How ‘lovely’ Carlo Ancelotti stunned Chelsea TV worker with humble act after taking over at the Blues More

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      England get boost as Germany fans pledge to cheer Three Lions on at Euro 2024

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      ENGLAND’s army of fans will be boosted tonight by a fanatical band of supporters – from Germany.A generation of soccer nuts from the east of the once-divided Euros host nation supported teams which played against the old West Germany.England fans have extra support from a section of German fans backing them to win Euro 2024Credit: GettyAnd many fell in love with the Three Lions in the glory days of 1966 when Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup – and never looked back.East Germans now in their 60’s and 70’s – as well as their children and grandchildren – told yesterday how they will gather to roar on Gareth Southgate’s stars tonight.Reinhard Lisker, 66, and his wife, son and grandson was among dozens of Germans wearing England shirts as they turned out to watch Southgate train in Jena.He said: “As a boy growing up under communism I supported teams which played against West Germany.READ MORE EURO 2024“So I became an England fan the day they won the World Cup in 1966.“I’m proud to wear my England shirt today alongside my family who all support Gareth Southgate’s team, and it’s a thrill to see them in my home town.”The grandad is among dozens of England superfans who live close to England’s trainingbase in Blankenhein in the old east.German England fan Stephan Kühl, 64, is even know as Keegan for once sporting the same permed hairdo as his 70’s Three lion hero Kevin.Most read in FootballStephan said: “I sing ‘England ‘til I die’ when I watch games live.”Jude Bellingham takes selfies with fans as England star prepares for Switzerland clashHis 50-year-old pal Stefan Meissner – known as “Gunner” thanks to his love of Arsenal and England – is also a member of the Eagles fan club which also backs German club Carl Zeiss Jena.Gunner said: “For most people here it was not natural to see your home country as your country, or something you would be proud of.“But to me the West Germans were arrogant and I didn’t like their style of football.“I totally fell in love with the way England played – toughness, the fighting spirit, but also their kind of gentleman’s attitude.“When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 and there was German reunification, one of my first trips was to England. I saw Arsenal playing for the first time.”Keegan is backing England but begged Southgate to fire-up his stars yesterday.“I hope they win but they’re very boring – too much defence.“But if England plays against Germany, it’s even more important to me that England wins.”East Germans fell in love with Bobby Moore’s England side when they defeated West Germany in 1966Credit: Getty More