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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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 

    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