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      in Boxing

      Inside Tyson Fury’s £1.7million Morecambe mansion that boasts gold radiators and curtains and a red marble kitchen

      by

      IT’S a home fit for the Gypsy King.Back in 2020, Tyson Fury upgraded from his £550,000 abode to a stunning £1.7million home in Morecambe.
      Tyson and Paris Fury live in a £1.7m home in Morecambe
      The elaborate property cost the boxer a reported £1.7m
      And the heavyweight champ, 33, known for his love of flashy cars, has given glam wife Paris free rein to decorate.
      Clearly crafted with an open cheque book, the mansion has gold curtains and radiators throughout.
      There are huge chandeliers dangling from the ceilings, and the kitchen is decked out in red marble.
      It’s no wonder Fury, who has amassed a net worth believed to be over £100million, says he’s retiring and wants to put his feet up in his huge house.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-xpuujo{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-tqcu81{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(149,199,208,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-bq4915{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,97,108,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-bq4915:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FAST & FURY-OUS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Tyson Fury’s car collection includes two new £384k Rolls & £20k Vauxhall
      Sneak peek
      It’s missus Paris, 32, who often gives us a glimpse into her fab property.
      On Instagram, she regularly shares snaps in different rooms – dressed head-to-toe in designer clobber.
      One photo showed the blonde clutching a Chanel handbag while stood in front of a set of ornate gold curtains.
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      In another, the beauty is surrounded by family in her kitchen – sipping a coffee and laughing.
      Behind her, red-topped marble decorates the surfaces. And there’s also a silver chandelier, fit for a queen, hanging from the ceiling.
      In the hallway, Paris – wearing a patterned blouse – leans on a gold radiator that’s clearly a statement piece. Next to her is an outstanding floor to ceiling mirror.
      For the musical, underneath the wood staircase is a grand black piano that sits on marble flooring.
      Height of luxury
      The Furys don’t skimp when it comes to high-end luxury.
      Tyson practically lives in a set of £390 Versace gowns, while Paris is a huge fan of the Italian fashion brand.
      Paris told us her favourite part of the house was her walk-in wardrobe.
      Paris Fury regularly shares images of the home on social media
      Sweeping gold curtains adorn the property
      A lavish gold radiator and and grand piano can be seen in the hallway
      “Having this walk-in wardrobe was a big dream of mine. I got it and I do appreciate it,” she said.
      Incredibly, it houses her mega shoe collection that’s worth an estimated £50,000.
      And they are certainly proud of their digs – keeping on top of housekeeping in-between looking after their six children.
      Paris once described Tyson as ‘a bit of a clean freak’, so you can bet you won’t find a spec of dust anywhere.
      Plot twist
      According to land registry records, Fury bought the property for £1.695million in December 2020.
      It was paid for by their firm Tyson Fury Ltd, and is mortage-free.
      The kitchen boasts hanging chandeliers and red-topped marble kitchen counters
      One of the kids’ rooms has a pink and blue themeCredit: instagram
      The Furys have six children
      They used to live in a £550,000 house that overlooked Morecambe Bay, before moving to a new plot that was once home to a static caravan-style.
      However, the previous owner had it demolished and replaced it with a stone-clad palace – complete with a water fountain on the driveway.
      In terms of security, the property has a castellated front wall, and a wrought-iron black and gold fence. Of course, that boasts its own lavish decor – with lion motifs and four eagle sculptures on the gate posts.
      Unwanted burglars are warned off by signs that reveal the home is guarded by CCTV.
      Tyson Fury has previously boasted about having an expensive property portfolio.
      He once revealed he had bought a mansion in Marbella for £6million, although that was never confirmed.
      While last year, he claimed to have splashed the cash on a home in Las Vegas, which again was never substantiated.
      But Fury’s love affair with Morecambe knows no bounds.
      He recently agreed to sponsor League One side Morecambe FC. And he appeared at the nearby Sultan of Lancaster Experience restaurant where he cut the red ribbon to open the establishment.
      Glam Paris is the height of fashion and the decor in her home reflects that
      For Fury there’s no place like home More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      The 1972 match that put the Lionesses on the road to Wembley (and ended 50 years of hurt)

      by

      JUST 400 people paid 20p each to file through the turnstiles at a kids’ foot­ball ground near Glasgow to see history being made.Exactly 50 years ago, England’s women footballers played their first ever international with the official backing of the game’s governing body.
      Exactly 50 years ago, England’s women footballers played their first ever international with the official backing of the game’s governing bodyCredit: Mirrorpix
      That match set the Lionesses off on the long road that has led them to Sunday’s Euro 2022 final at WembleyCredit: Getty
      In that debut game against Scotland at the Ravenscraig Stadium in Greenock, England won 3-2 and set off on the long road that has led the Lionesses to Sunday’s Euros final at Wembley.
      Although striker Pat Davies scored twice to wipe out Scotland’s 2-1 lead, the final score was almost irrelevant.
      What DID matter that Saturday afternoon in November 1972 was that this game signalled the end of half a century of hurt for women who had been BANNED from playing football.
      A hundred years ago, most UK towns and cities had women’s football teams and many of those female players were international superstars.
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      On Boxing Day morning of 1920 a capacity crowd of 53,000 crammed into Goodison Park, Liverpool, to watch two of the country’s most exciting women’s teams play a charity match to raise money for wounded war veterans.
      ‘ABSOLUTE OUTCRY’
      That record-breaking crowd was far bigger than Liverpool or Everton men’s teams were getting — and the Football Association was worried.
      Former women’s footballer Gail Newsham, 69, of Preston, Lancs, says: “That match sent shock waves through the football establishment.
      “Despite being factory workers, one of those women’s teams — Dick, Kerr Ladies from Preston — played 67 games of football in a year and almost 900,000 people came to watch them.
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new Brazilian girlfriend, 35, days after divorce
      “Back then women players were the superstars of the day because they played exciting football.
      “Fans wanted to be pictured with them and get their autographs, the selfies of that time.”
      Then, almost a year after that famous Boxing Day match, the game’s ruling body, the FA, banned women from playing on any grounds operated by the Football League.
      Gail says: “Imagine saying to today’s incredible Lionesses after Sunday’s game at Wembley, ‘right that’s it you’re not playing anymore. You’re banned’.
      “Whatever you’d done, it didn’t matter. Nobody was going to care or remember. That’s what happened to those famous female footballers.
      “If the same thing happened today there would be an absolute outcry. But back in 1921 life was very different for women. What drives me mad is the injustice of it.”
      It had all been so different, when four years earlier the matron of a military hospital asked women workers at William Dick and John Kerr’s munitions factory in Preston to raise money for veterans with a Christmas concert.
      The factory girls had a better idea — a charity football match against women from a nearby foundry.
      Incredibly 10,000 fans turned up at Preston North End’s Deepdale ground to see Dick, Kerr Ladies beat Arundel Coulthard Foundry and raise the equivalent of £50,000 for wounded soldiers. It was the start of an amazing run of 200 games without defeat, as the women footballers took not only Britain but the world by storm — they even became the unofficial England team.
      Gail tracked down former players and fans for her book about the Dick, Kerr Ladies Team, In A League Of Their Own.
      Imagine saying to today’s incredible Lionesses after Sunday’s game at Wembley, ‘right that’s it you’re not playing anymore. You’re banned’.Gail Newsham
      She says: “I met two elderly gentlemen who had seen the Dick, Kerr Ladies play — one during the general strike and the other remembers seeing a night match by search light in 1920.
      “They both told me it wasn’t about women running around in shorts or anything like that. They just wanted to see a good game of football.
      “The most outstanding player was the team’s first captain, Alice Kell, who was a defender in the Bobby Moore mould and a great figurehead for the team. The women looked up to her.
      “All those years later, that old man still remembered Alice Kell’s name.
      “Florrie Redford was the centre forward and she was naturally gifted, could kick with either foot. She scored 170 goals in 1921.
      “She was probably the most famous woman footballer of her generation.
      “Everybody talks about Lily Parr but before her came Jenny Harris, a very small girl but a fantastic player. She could dribble from one end of the pitch to the other and score goals.
      “Those women players would be absolute superstars today.”
      But the Boxing Day game at Goodison Park sealed their fate.
      The FA’s council ruled that football was “quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged.”
      Despite women playing soccer for years doctors on the FA’s payroll decided: “Football is a rough game and is more harmful for women than men.”
      The most outstanding player was the team’s first captain, Alice Kell, who was a defender in the Bobby Moore mould and a great figurehead for the team. The women looked up to her.Gail Newsham
      Dr Elizabeth Sloan Chesser even said: “Women may receive injuries from which they may never recover.”
      Banned from playing at league stadiums, women’s teams were reduced to doing so in parks and rugby grounds.
      Gail says: “Rugby grounds opened their doors to them and they would play on pitches that the FA had no jurisdiction over. But the FA still kept rearing their ugly heads throughout the history — they would try to prevent games from going ahead.”
      Dick, Kerr Ladies team owned their own ground and managed to continue playing until 1965. They even travelled to America to play and they won tournaments in Europe.
      WASHED IN A POND
      Watching Dick, Kerr Ladies in the early Sixties, legendary manager Sir Matt Busby described Val Walsh as one of the best players he had ever seen. He would have signed Val to play for Manchester United if she had been a man.
      Other clubs like Heys from Bradford, Huddersfield Atlanta and Manchester Corinthians Ladies Foot­ball Club defied the ban on women’s football on FA-affiliated grounds.
      Percy Ashley, a Bolton Wanderers scout, set up the Corinthians in 1949 so his deaf daughter, Doris, a gifted player, could play and socialise with other women.
      Conditions were so primitive at their home ground in Fog Lane Park, Didsbury, that women players washed in a nearby duck pond because there was no running water in the unheated changing rooms.
      But by touring Europe the team won more than 50 trophies by 1970, and raised £275,000 for charity.
      Gail grew up playing football with boys in the street but was not allowed to play in matches until the FA lifted their ban in 1971.
      She says: “When I first started, we used to play at a pitch where the changing room was an old chicken hut and there were panels missing so the wind and rain came in and the toilet was a rusty oil drum.
      “But we didn’t mind. We’d play anywhere. We really did it for the love of the game.”
      The year after Dick, Kerr Ladies team finally quit, England’s men won the World Cup in 1966, inspiring more women than ever to play.
      In 1967, BBC worker Patricia Gregory was watching Spurs parade the FA Cup at Tottenham Town Hall and wondered why she had never seen girls playing football.
      Unaware of the FA ruling on women playing football she founded the Women’s Football Association and five years later the ban was lifted – allowing that first ever official female international to happen.
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      Gail says: “Here we are 50 years on and I believe the Lionesses can do it on Sunday. I can’t put into words how wonderful it will be.
      “It’s like, we are picking up now where the Dick, Kerr Ladies left off in the 1920s.”
      Dick, Kerr Ladies from Preston played 67 games of football in a year and almost 900,000 people came to watch themCredit: Getty
      Jeannie Allott scored the first goal of the 1972 Scotland game at just 16 years of ageCredit: Mirrorpix
      Florrie Redford was the centre forward for Dick, Kerr Ladies and she was naturally gifted, being pictured here on Joan Whalley’s leftCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      I played for Inter Milan and was Cristiano Ronaldo’s body double, now I’m slugging it out in non-league

      by

      PROMISING talent Ben Greenhalgh had the world at his feet.After seeing off 2,000 players to win Sky One reality TV show Football’s Next Star, the-then 17-year-old secured a six-month contract with Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan.
      Football’s Next Star winner Ben Greenhalgh secured a contract with Inter Milan in 2009
      Greenhalgh also worked as a body double for Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Sky One
      The left-winger, who bares an uncanny resemblance to Cristiano Ronaldo, also worked as the Portugal legend’s body double in adverts – and was offered a two-year contract at Tottenham, thanks to mentor Jamie Redknapp.
      Today, aged 30, Greenhalgh turns out for non-league Margate – a far cry from the dizzy heights of the San Siro.
      But, he looks back fondly at his experience.
      TV darling
      Football’s Next Star saw nine footballers whittled down from around 2,000 hopefuls trying to impress Inter youth coach Marco Monti.
      “We were chucked in a mansion, cameras everywhere, a bunch of boys who’d never met each other before. Realistically we were living the dream,” he told the Daily Mail.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GET YOUR GOSS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Frenkie de Jong wants Chelsea move over Man Utd, Newcastle want Werner
      The show’s climax, in true X-Factor style, featured a segment called the ‘danger zone’ where the contestants would find out their fate.
      Greenhalgh explained: “The danger-zone was three minutes of footage, but it took about two hours to film.
      “You did a different angle, you stood up, sat back down again and by that point you knew you were in the danger-zone.
      “It was definitely nerve-racking. Sometimes when I watch these shows now, people play up to the cameras but we didn’t do that.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      “Early on, we were watching the first-team train when they needed another body. I got the call over, and I remember receiving the ball from [Ricardo] Quaresma.
      “I started running at Lucio and my legs turned to jelly. I looked up and realised who I was trying to dribble past.”
      Inter you
      After winning Football’s Next Star, Greenhalgh trained with Inter’s first team stars in 2009-10.
      It was a successful team that won the treble, including the Champions League to record the most successful season in Italian football history.
      Greenhalgh even received a Champions League medal.
      “To this day, those memories you can’t compete with,” he remembered.
      “I was quite level-headed when training with the first-team, I knew where I was and where they were. Everyone was so respectful of Mourinho. Those he didn’t like, he’d freeze out.”
      For six months, Greenhalgh trained with Jose Mourinho’s InterCredit: Italy Photo Press
      Ex-Arsenal star Patrick Vieira tracks Greenhalgh’s run during a training session
      The modest teenager couldn’t make the breakthrough at Inter, but did enjoy a successful loan at third division Como, where he could have signed permanently if it not for match-fixing and the club then falling in to financial ruin.
      He returned to his hometown in Kent after his Italian adventure. Intriguingly, if he hadn’t won the show he could have been offered a deal with Spurs, as per his mentor Jamie Redknapp who hosted Football’s Next Star.
      “Jamie said if I hadn’t won, I could’ve had a two-year deal at Tottenham. I never look back on it. Football can take you on so many different journeys,” Greenhalgh revealed.
      Doubling for Ronaldo
      Before his Inter Milan experience, Greenhalgh used his good looks and playing style to be a body-double for Cristiano Ronaldo.
      He worked as a model for Select Sports Artists and met CR7 on a shoot.
      “I did a couple of adverts when I was 16 for my coach Mike Delaney, who was a football choreographer,” he revealed.
      “As I was growing up, I moved more like Ronaldo. I was a winger, who liked to do skills. Admittedly I based myself on him and ended up looking a little bit like him!
      “Back then at Manchester United, he was probably more willing than he is now. He hung about for three hours, did keepy-ups with me, showing skills, that’s what he was like.”
      Amusingly, Greenhalgh also worked as a body double for Diego Costa, who he shared a funny tale about.
      Greenhalgh scored work as a Cristiano Ronaldo body-double because they shared a similar playing style
      He said: “They got me to double for Diego Costa which I wasn’t too happy about! Anyway, as they tried to film he kept slide tackling the camera!
      “I’ve never seen anything like it, he was like a little kid in a man’s body. I think that’s why Chelsea got rid of him simply because [Antonio] Conte couldn’t handle him!”
      Sliding doors
      Greenhalgh bounced around the clubs – with spells at Ebbsfleet United, Maidstone United, Concord Rangers, and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, where he was coached by England legend Terry Butcher, and Tonbridge Angels in Dartford.
      “If anyone asks me what my best time in football was, I’d say it was Inverness,” he said.
      “We were in the middle of nowhere, we saw each other every day and the best thing was Terry Butcher bought into the culture of the changing room. 
      “The changing room matters. Terry was one of the most honest, most truthful men. You did not want to do wrong by him or let him down.”
      Last, following a stint coaching Tonbridge’s youth academy, Greenhalgh moved to Margate in the Isthmian League Premier Division
      Greenhalgh in action for non-league Tonbridge AngelsCredit: Alamy
      Greenhalgh coached the club’s academy and sees his future in managementCredit: Ian Tuttle 07929 793436
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}PAM IT UP .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I spent £43k to look like my idol Pamela Anderson – blokes always say same thing
      His plans to play until he’s 40, and is preparing take his UEFA B Badge next yea
      Having worked under Mourinho, perhaps Greenhalgh might be able to emulate the Special One too. More

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      in Soccer

      How England’s Lionesses are tantalisingly close to ending 56 years of hurt in epic semi-final clash with Sweden

      by

      ENGLAND’S Lionesses aim to get the nation roaring tomorrow.Striker Fran Kirby said: “Hopefully we are giving the country something to smile about and to be proud of.”
      England’s Lionesses are tantalisingly close to ending 56 years of hurt in epic semi-final clash with SwedenCredit: Getty
      Their Euros semi-final against Sweden, being screened on BBC One, is set to be watched by TEN MILLION people as support for the Lionesses reaches fever pitch.
      It shows how momentum is buiding, as 7.6million watched their thrilling eleventh-hour 2-1 victory over Spain last Wednesday.
      With the final tantalisingly in sight, this could be England’s chance to ease the pain of last year’s men’s final defeat to Italy on penalties.
      Fans are getting behind the Lionesses in a major way – 2,000 extra tickets for the clash at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane sold out in just ten minutes last week.
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LIONESSES.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FRAN MASTERPLAN .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Kirby insists England ready to end their semis hoodoo by beating Sweden
      And we will be sinking 11.2million pints as we cheer them on tomorrow, according to Voucher Codes.co.uk — that’s on top of the 4.7million said to have been guzzled as they powered past Spain.
      For the first time in women’s football history, up to 5,000 fans will flock to London’s Trafalgar Square to watch the semi-final on big screens.
      The event is free, with lucky fans able to bag tickets on a first-come-first-served basis at london.gov.uk/womenseuro2022.
      Announcing the event, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “With Euros fever gripping the country, I am delighted that thousands of Londoners and visitors will be able to come together and cheer the team on to glory.”
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      As the excitement builds to fever pitch the team, managed by the Dutchwoman Sarina Wiegman, are keeping their feet on the ground.
      Some are still smarting after being bumped into fourth place by tomorrow’s opponents in the 2019 World Cup.
      But a fresh start comes with a new captain — Arsenal defender Leah Williamson, 25.
      She said: “I set myself a path to play for Arsenal, then England.
      “Maybe I didn’t know exactly who I was but I knew where I was going.”
      Manchester City’s Ellen White, 33 — known for her “goggles” goal celebration — is just one strike behind Wayne Rooney’s 53-goal record for his country and will be looking to equal or beat it tomorrow.
      For some of the Lionesses the semi-final will be a time of divided loyalties.
      Chelsea’s Millie Bright, 28, will be facing off against her Swedish team-mates, club captain Magdalena Eriksson and potentially keeper Zecira Mušovic.
      Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, 27 — the top scorer in the tournament so far with five goals – are up against their Arsenal team-mate Stina Blackstenius.
      Success against the Swedes will be no mean feat. Unlike England, they can boast at least one Euros win, even if it was in 1984.
      ‘FEVER GRIPPING COUNTRY’
      But there are plenty of people who believe our girls can go all the way..
      Match Of The Day host and ex-Three Lions ace Gary Linker was among a handful of high-profile names who took to social media to praise England’s comeback against Spain, tweeting: “Wonderful victory for @Lionesses. Well played.”
      Prince William also congratulated them, writing: “Great performance and comeback @Lionesses, brilliant team effort! On to the #WEURO2020 semis.”
      And the public are right behind the girls as Lioness fever has taken hold — which has not gone unnoticed by the team.
      Fran Kirby added: “As the tournament has grown people have been going, ‘Well done, girls — we’re supporting you!’
      “If we get the through to the final it will be incredible for people to have something to celebrate and enjoy.”
      Fingers crossed the team make it to Wembley to face either France or Germany — the latter giving us a prospect as exciting as England’s 1966 World Cup final.
      Football’s not coming home quite yet, but it’s tantalisingly close.
      Below, we introduce you to the Lionesses, share pictures of them when they were youngsters dreaming of footie stardom and tell you sun facts about them.
      Plus The Sun’s Head Of Sport gives his view.
      LEAH WILLIAMSON
      Arsenal Centre Back
      Leah 25, is from Milton Keynes, Bucks She is studying part time to become an accountantCredit: Rex
      Leah was scouted for the top Rushden & Diamonds Centre of Excellence aged just sixCredit: Instagram
      GEORGIA STANWAY
      Bayern Munich Midfield
      Now 23, at 16 Georgia moved and from her home town of Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, to follow her dreams to become a footballerCredit: Getty
      Georgia’s favourite cake is a Cartmel Sticky Toffee puddingCredit: Instagram
      MARY EARPS
      Man Utd Goalkeeper
      Comeback queen Mary returned to the squad last year after being axed by Phil Neville in 2019Credit: Getty
      Mary, from Nottingham, attempted to learn German through podcasts while playing for VfL Wolfsburg
      MILLIE BRIGHT
      Chelsea Defender
      Millie, 28, is one of the toughest players on the pitch but as a kid growing up in Chesterfield, Derbys, she was obsessed with horse ridingCredit: Getty
      Millie dumped horse riding for footie after being scouted by Sheffield United. As a teen, she idolised Olympic hero Jessica Ennis-HillCredit: Instagram
      BETH MEAD
      Arsenal Forward
      The Euros’ top scorer so far with five goals, Beth was a sports all-rounder as a child in Hinderwell, YorksCredit: Getty
      Beth 27, excelled at netball, cricket, hockey and cross-country before bopting to pursue football. So she could afford her pairs of boots, she worked at a local pubCredit: Instagram
      LUCY BRONZE
      Barcelona Fullback
      Lucy, 30, from Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, is the team’s most experienced playerCredit: Getty
      Lucy is bilingual thanks to her Portuguese dad. She worked part-time in a pizza shop when she signed for Everton.Credit: Instagram
      RACHEL DALY
      Houston Dash Forward/Fullback
      Rachel, 30, is from Harrogate North Yorks. As a child, some mistook her for a boy due to her short hair when she played for a lads’ teamCredit: Getty
      St John Ambulance dedicated a staff member every year to count how many yellow cards Rachel got as a teen player and warned her when she was getting close to a suspensionCredit: Instagram
      FRAN KIRBY
      Chelsea Forward
      Fran is 29 and from Reading. Her mum once wrote in a birthday card that Fran would play in the World Cup. Tragically she died suddenly when Fran was 14.Credit: Getty
      Tragically Fran’s mum died suddenly when Fran was 14Credit: Instagram / @frankirby
      KEIRA WALSH
      Man City Midfield
      Seen as one of the world’s most talented midfielders, Keira, 25, from Rochdale, was obsessed with Man City from early onCredit: Getty
      As a kid Keira named her goldfish Shaun Goater and Nicolas Anelka after two former club strikersCredit: Instagram
      LAUREN HEMP
      Man City Forward
      Hailing from North Walsham in Norfolk, 21-year-old Lauren’s early passion was dancingCredit: Getty
      Lauren only took up football after watching her older sister play in their garden at homeCredit: Twitter
      ELLEN WHITE
      Man City Forward
      Last year Ellen became the women’s top scorer of all time when she slotted home the 55th career goalCredit: Getty
      Now 33, she was eight and being trained by her dad Jon when she was spotted by an Arsenal scoutCredit: Supplied
      By SHAUN CUSTIS Head of Sun Sport
      THIS Euros has proved that the women’s game can stand on its own two feet.
      Which is why we should stop comparing it with men’s football.
      Last week it was being said that if Ellen White nets another two she will go past Wayne Rooney’s England goal-scoring record of 53.
      No she won’t, she will extend her own incredible record in women’s football.
      After all if Harry Kane, currently on 50 goals, gets to 55 we wouldn’t say he’s beaten Ellen White, so why do it the other way round?
      Of course, should The Lionesses win the tournament at Wembley on Sunday, there will be the inevitable digs at the men about the females triumphing where they failed last year.
      And they will deserve all the plaudits that come their way.
      But for the women’s game to seriously progress in the years to come it needs to develop in its own space.
      Hopefully that means this Euros will encourage girls’ football teams in every primary school, rather than the best players being in the boys’ teams.
      Once that becomes the norm, then women’s football will really be on the march. More

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      in Soccer

      How England’s women’s team get match ready, from watching Love Island to eating beans on toast and Abba singalongs

      by

      AS Euros fever grips the nation, England’s women’s team are training for glory ahead of Tuesday’s semi- final against Sweden – at a resort in South West London.On the banks of the Thames, with more than 25 acres of ­landscaped grounds, the exclusive Lensbury Hotel is in Teddington, which in 2021 was named the best place to live in­ the capital.
      The footballers have a diary room in their hotel like Big BrotherCredit: Getty
      The stars are staying at the exclusive Lensbury Hotel is in TeddingtonCredit: Getty
      When training is done, the Lionesses play cards, watch Love Island and share problems in a Big ­Brother-style Diary Room, where staff encourage them to offload what is on their minds.
      And in a more literal reinterpretation of Sir Alex Ferguson’s “hair-dryer” treatment, super sub and Man Utd forward Alessia Russo, 23, is also the team hairstylist.
      Midfielder Jill Scott, 35, said: “Alessia is doing my hair and she is doing a really good job. I keep saying to her, now that we’ve won our matches, I’ve got to keep my hair like this. I keep pestering her.”
      The camp is clearly paying off, with 23-year-old Georgia Stanway’s extra-time winner on Wednesday seeing off pre-tournament favourites Spain in the quarter-finals.
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WOMEN.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}SHORT SHRIFT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}England Women ask Nike to change shorts over period concerns during Euro 2022
      Arsenal forward Nikita Parris, 28, said: “We’ve got unbelievable facilities — pitch, gym, relaxation room and the diary room. It’s class.
      “The relaxation room is the main room for most people. In there we’ve got darts, pool, table tennis and the basketball machine.
      “On days off we get to relax, wake up a bit later, come and go as we please.”
      Alessia, who scored the goal of the tournament so far in the 5-0 drubbing of Northern Ireland, said: “After training we recover, have lunch, then enjoy each other’s company.
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      “We play cards, sit in the sun, get a coffee. There’s a group of us who play cards. It’s a nice way to switch off and play a game called Trump, which gets really competitive.”
      It’s her first major tournament with England, helped by the presence of clubmate Ella Toone, 22 — the duo combining for Ella to score the crucial equaliser against Spain.
      Alessia said: “Being on this journey with my best friend makes it all that little bit more special.
      “Tooney’s an absolute doughnut, she has me in hysterics. I think we balance each other out quite nicely.”
      Winger Lauren Hemp, 21, is the queen of the dartboard, dominating at the squad’s favourite game, Around The World, according to Man City teammate Chloe Kelly.
      Chloe, 24, said: “I’ve been practising because Hempo flies away with the win every time.”
      Chelsea teammates Bethany England and Jess Carter, 24, have been going head-to-head at pool.
      Bethany, 28, said: “My competitive edge is quite extreme. I will get a face on if I lose.”
      Players recover from matches with yoga classes, ice baths and visits to the cryotherapy chamber.
      The team have conceded just once during their march to the semis, but their secret weapon might be a touch simpler — match-winner Georgia’s heroics were fuelled by a classic dinner.
      She said: “My pre-match meal is a bit of a superstition, but it’s got to be beans on toast. But sometimes, when we go abroad, it’s really hard to get the beans and they end up being kidney beans, so sometimes I have to go without.”
      Their success has prompted a rush for tickets to the semi-final, with an extra 2,000 tickets selling out in ten minutes on Thursday morning.
      Re-sale websites are offering £15 tickets for as much as £850.
      Those who do have tickets shouldn’t worry if they hear Swedish songs after the game, as Abba are a fixture in England’s post-match celebrations.
      Captain Leah Williamson, 25, is the squad’s designated DJ, including on the long coach rides back to Teddington after games — with communal singing at the tops of their voices until the early hours.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}NAME GAME .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}We named our son a strong, manly name but family laughed in our face at it
      As well as Abba’s hits, Proud, by Heather Small, and songs from the musical Grease are on the playlist.
      Defender Millie Bright, 28, said: “Some players text r­e­quests from the back of the bus. We like the singalong vibes.”
      A cryotherapy chamber helps the players to recover between gamesCredit: Getty
      England’s women’s team are preparing for the European Championship semi-finalCredit: Getty
      England face Sweden in the semi-final on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      Beans on toast is a staple snack for the footballersCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      I’ve been banging on about women’s football for ages – and this sensational England team are the reason why

      by

      I THOUGHT it was all over. England’s Euros dream was dying at around a quarter to ten on Wednesday night. Spain had been all over us and when they went ahead, they looked certainties for the semi-final. Yes, I thought it was all over.
      Ella Toone celebrates scoring a late equaliser against Spain, keeping the Lionesses in the gameCredit: AFP
      Ella scores in the 84th minute to send the game into extra-timeCredit: Getty
      Georgia Stanway’s stunning strike wins the game for England in extra-timeCredit: EPA
       But, what about England’s women? To keep channeling Kenneth Wolstenholme’s famous commentary of 1966, did they think it was all over?
      Did they hell. The Lionesses had other ideas.
      On came Alessia Russo and Ella Toone, and everything changed. With just six minutes left, in came the cross and the magnificent Russo somehow got to it ahead of the three defenders around her.
      Knock down. Toone. Bang. Equaliser.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ENGLAND 2 SPAIN 1 (AET) .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Stanway SCREAMER sends
      Amex wild as Lionesses roar into Euro semis
       Love it, love it, love it.
      If this match represents a tipping point for women’s football, it was at this moment that it started to tip. 
      Fifteen minutes later the process was complete. When Georgia Stanway advanced with the ball down the middle of Spain’s half, those supporting England would have fallen into two camps. 
      There were those thinking, for God’s sake, don’t waste your time having a pop from there. 
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      In this camp were supporters unfamiliar with the work of Ms Stanway. 
      In the other camp were those who knew exactly what she was capable of. 
      They screamed, SHOOT! And shoot she did. If the net hadn’t caught it that ball would still be travelling. What a strike.
      I don’t think women’s football in this country will ever be the same again.

      I’ve been banging on about the women’s game to my best mate for a while now. He’s not been having it.
       Yesterday, when I opened my mouth to ask him if he’d watched the Spain game, he cut me off mid-sentence. “Ok OK,” he said. “Now I get it.”
      We’ve all been on a journey with women’s football. Mine began on a school football pitch in the late Seventies.
      We were around 12 years old, about to play an away game. 
      The opposing team’s teacher called us over and told us gravely that there was a girl playing for them.
      He actually asked us if we minded! 
      We all looked at each other and shrugged. Er, no. Why would we?
      And as soon as the match started, we never gave it a second thought.
      On Wednesday night, I thought about that girl. I hope she was watching. 
      Talking about the match on Radio 5 Live there was a breed of male I wanted to hear from: those who had been unsure — or even scathing — about women’s football but were now converts. 
      They didn’t disappoint. Ok, hands up, was the general message. It was bloody amazing. 
      A text from a man from Nottingham was a bit off message with that hoary old chestnut about the goalkeepers not being up to much.
      I admit, that’s something I’ve grumbled about in the past. Not any more. 
      Mary Earps and Sandra Paños, at opposite ends, were both just great.
      More than seven and a half million watched the match on the box and even more on iPlayer.
      Nottingham man can’t have been among them.
      Perhaps he was one of the relatively few watching Love Island instead.
      I loved the camera shots of the crowd. They were as special as the occasion demanded. 
      There was joy, passion and sheer wonderment at the magnitude of what they were witnessing. Not just the result; all of it. 
      Rampaging Russo
      There was one guy celebrating with what looked to be a three-year-old daughter. Their smiles will stay with me for a good while. 
      The din the Euros crowds have made has been as loud as you like, but obviously at a higher pitch than we’re used to.
      At first this sounded a bit odd, but now it’s the deeper noise at the blokes’ matches which will sound a bit weird when the Premier League starts up again.
      By then, will the Lionesses be European Champions? I’ve been disappointed too many times by every team I’ve ever supported to be counting any chickens. 
      But at this moment I can’t imagine any team losing if it has the awesome Millie Bright at the back, the rampaging Russo leading the line and nine other legends swarming around them. 
      There’s plainly something special about the coach too, and not just because two of her subs combined to score and change the game.
      Sarina Wiegman radiates calmness as well as competence and confidence as coach.
      Her demeanour reminds me of Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti: they just make you believe that everything is going to be alright in the end.
      Her players are the real deal.
      They have shown us they can both win at a canter and come from behind against amazing opposition.
      They are ferociously talented with iron wills.
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      Yet there is a delicious hint of innocence about them, too. Of course there is — this is new territory for all of them. And for all of us, too.
      Together, let’s go all the way. 
      Ellen White celebrates her side’s quarter-final victoryCredit: Getty
      WE’RE IN THE SEMIS!
      England v Sweden or Belgium
      Tuesday, July 26, 8pm, Bramall Lane, Sheffield
      (Sweden v Belgium, today, 8pm, Leigh Sports Village)

      ‘CROWD GO SO CRAZY’By Lianne Sanderson – former England player
      PEOPLE have always been sceptical about the women’s game but this year has proved all the doubters wrong.
      I’ve never heard a crowd go so wild when our team gets the ball, it is crazier than the cheers at men’s games. And it’s all been kept positive in the stands, we haven’t seen a single fight or violence so far.
      Getting the girls to this point hasn’t been easy and Sarina Wiegman has been a key part of that. She’s the puzzle piece we’ve been missing.
      We’re not the best team in the world, we’re ranked eight, but you wouldn’t know it from their Euros performances.
      Games like the quarter-final this week showcase women’s football at its absolute best.
      I can’t stand Sweet Caroline as a song, but if I get to hear it every time our Lionesses win, I’ll learn to enjoy it.

      Hear Lianne commentate on all of the Women’s Euros England games on talkSPORT

      ‘EDGE OF OUR SEAT’By Jason Cundy – footballer turned radio host
      ENGLAND’S win against Spain was football at its finest.
      It had all the elements of unscripted drama from elite athletes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
      They have lived in the shadow of the men’s game for such a long time and last night they dominated the back pages of the papers. 
      For the first time ever, we’re doing phone-ins on the women’s game on talkSPORT.
      Thanks to it being broadcast on terrestrial TV, more people than ever can see just how technical women’s football has become. From the way the players move the balls around in triangles to the standard of goalkeeping, it’s no surprise people are being won over.
       There will always be sceptics, but they’re outnumbered now.
      It feels like we can win this tournament. It certainly feels like it is their time.

      Jason presents The Sports Bar on talkSPORT 10pm-1am from Monday to Thursday More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal transfer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko’s remarkable career, from fleeing war to winning trophies for Man City

      by

      BRAVE, honest, and a true spokesperson for his country – Oleksandr Zinchenko has come a long way in his football career.The Ukraine star, 25, has joined Arsenal in a £30million deal – after six years of winning admirers at Manchester City.
      Oleksandr Zinchenko has endured a remarkable journey to the topCredit: Reuters
      As a boy, Zinchenko (second from the left) has an affinity for ArsenalCredit: Twitter
      But it wasn’t just his football that did his talking – more his support for a homeland ravaged by a Russian invasion.
      Shortly after Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to march towards Kyiv, Zinchenko offered his support and had to be talked out of fighting for his country by friends, family and his club.
      “I’ll be honest, if not for my daughter, my family, I would be there,” he told the BBC.
      “I’m just born like that. I know the people from my country, the mentality of them, and all of them, they think exactly the same.”
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      Tears followed when he broke down during a press conference ahead of Ukraine’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Scotland – pleading for the war to stop.
      Conflict has always followed Zinchenko’s career around.
      When he was just 17, he fled Donbas with his family and headed to Russia, where his mum believed they would be safer.
      But that propelled the ambitious teenager and fuelled his football dream.
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      Leaving Ukraine
      Zinchenko captained Shakhtar Donetsk at youth level.
      Ironically, he came up against an Arsenal team in the UEFA Youth League that featured his new team mates Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Hector Bellerin in 2014.
      But just two months later, he left Ukraine and put his promising talent on hold as war broke out in Donbas.
      The Zinchenko family headed to Russia, where they momentarily settled.
      Young Oleksandr, though, was without a club and was forced to keep fit by playing street football.
      He trained for free with Rubin Kazan, who couldn’t sign him permanently because he was still under contract with Shakhtar and would risk a transfer ban if they did.
      “He had no salary and thus players just collected money so that he would be able to buy himself something in the city,” ex-Rubin coach Rinat Bilyaletdinov revealed to the BBC.
      “Eventually we were informed that signing him was impossible, and he left.”
      Zinchenko played in the amateur leagues in Russia for six months before he was allowed to sign for FC Ufa, where he would meet an Arsenal cult icon.
      The Zinchenko family moved to Russia to escape war torn Ukraine in 2014
      Zinchenko in action for Ukraine’s U21s in 2015Credit: Alamy
      The Frimpong effect
      Before signing for Arsenal, Zinchenko has seemingly always had an affinity with the Gunners.
      Doing the rounds on Twitter at the moment is an image of the midfielder wearing the famous red and white shirt.
      While at FC Ufa, he made pals with ex-star Emmanuel Frimpong – who came through the Hale End Academy.
      Amusingly, it was Frimpong who would help Zinchenko learn English ahead of his £1.7million move to Manchester City in 2016.
      “He never paid me for my work,” Frimpong would later joke with the Sport24 website.
      “Write that Zinchenko owes me.
      “We agreed with him that he would pay me when he left. I usually charge $2,000 an hour but he is my friend, so there is only $1000 for him. I spent so much time on him! Tell him it’s very important.”
      At Russian club FC Ufa Zinchenko befriended ex-Arsenal star Emmanuel FrimpongCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ahead of his move to Man City, Zinchenko was taught English by pal FrimpongCredit: Instagram
      Before appearing for City, Zinchenko spent a season on loan at PSV in HollandCredit: Getty
      City slicker
      City beat Borussia Dortmund to Zinchenko’s signature – and immediately loaned him out to PSV.
      But it was needs must a season later when he was drafted into manager Pep Guardiola’s side at left-back to replace the injured Benjamin Mendy.
      He featured eight times in the league – helping the club win the league title in 2018, playing all those matches in an unfamiliar position.
      His time at City would be laden with trophies – three more Premier Leagues, an FA Cup and four League Cups.
      Internationally he was already established as the Ukraine’s protagonist in midfield – having broken the record for the country’s youngest ever scorer two years prior to his City break through.
      Guardiola would admit back in April that Zinchenko’s best position was in midfield.
      “That’s his position, definitely,” he told reporters.
      “When we brought Oleks for £2million from Ukraine, he was a No.10 – a Phil Foden position, a creative player – but the needs we had… We didn’t have a left-back for many years.
      “Fabian Delph adapted incredibly well in that position and Oleks as well. That’s happened because he is well-educated, he knows exactly what it means.
      “He adapted and said: ‘Okay, what does the team need? I’m going to do it.’”
      Proud Ukrainian Zinchenko drapes his country’s flag over the Premier League trophyCredit: AFP
      Pep Guardiola has always spoken glowingly about Zinchenko and his sacrificesCredit: PA
      Tears for the Ukraine
      It’s Zinchenko’s self-sacrificing nature that contributed towards his success at City, where he was loved by team mates and fans.
      But the wider world took note when an emotionally charged Zinchenko delivered a rousing speech calling for an end to Russia’s invasion.
      “Every Ukrainian wants one thing – to stop this war,” he said ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Scotland back in June.
       “I have spoken with people from all around the world, from different countries, and also some Ukrainian kids, who just don’t understand what is happening back in Ukraine.
      “They only want the war to stop. They have one dream – to stop the war. When it comes to football, the Ukrainian team have their own dream: we want to go to the World Cup.
      “We want to give incredible emotions to the Ukrainian people because Ukrainians deserve it so much at this very moment.”
      Mrs Zinchenko
      Away from football, Oleksandr is married to the stunning football journalist Vlada Sedan.
      She gave birth to their daughter in 2021, and they are the glam couple of the Ukraine.
      But, Mikel Arteta better be wary of any tactical mishaps moving forward.
      Zinchenko fights back tears pleading for an end to the warCredit: Willie Vass
      Football fans around the country have taken to supporting Zinchenko and his country’s plightCredit: Getty
      Sedan famously bashed Pep Guardiola after City crashed out of the Champions League to Lyon for his team selection.
      “You saw what happened,” Sedan told Goal.
      “I’m not a football player, not a coach, not a critic or an analyst. I understand that my opinion is not authoritative.
      “Perhaps I have no right to say this, and perhaps Zinchenko will forbid me, but to put it mildly, in order not to swear, this is completely Guardiola’s fault.”
      Zinchenko would later have to dig his wife out of a hole.
      “On the night we lost to Lyon that doesn’t mean the manager was wrong to try,” he said.
      “If you have seen my interviews in the past and the way how I talk about our manager then you can believe me. He is No 1.”
      Any problems seemed to be ironed out at Pep’s 50th birthday party in 2021, which Sedan and Zinchenko attended.
      She dished about a conversation the player and his former boss had at the celebrations.
      Zinchenko is married to glam TV journalist VladaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/v.lada_sedan/?hl=en
      Sedan famously slammed Pep Guardiola after a Man City loss for his tacticsCredit: Instagram / @v.lada_sedan
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}’CUTE PAIR’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Fans beg former Love Island stars to get together as they meet up after show
      Sedan revealed: “Zina told him, ‘Already 50, old age’. Kidding in his own style.
      “Pep looked at him and said: ‘Alex, the most important thing for me is to be liked by your wife and all will be okay…”
      Arteta, you have been warned. More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez’s Wag is stunning showgirl Muri Lopez Benitez who has Instagram for beloved pet dog Polo

      by

      NO one is prouder of her man than the missus of Lisandro Martinez.Man Utd recently confirmed the capture of the Argentinian defender, 24, in a £55million deal,
      Stunning Muri Lopez Benitez shows off her curves as a showgirlCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri
      Benitez is the Wag of new Man Utd star Lisandro MartinezCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri
      Argie beauty Benitez will certainly turn heads at Old Trafford next seasonCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri
      And immediately gorgeous Muri Lopez Benitez, also 24, cosied alongside him on Instagram to celebrate the deal.
      The pair are longterm partners – having reportedly met when they were 14.
      She has seen his rise – from Newell’s Old Boys to Ajax and now Old Trafford.
      When she gets the opportunity, she also likes a carnival – dressing up in extraordinary costumes.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}PRETTY IN PINK .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Wanda Nara sends fans wild as she shows off bum in tiny bikini on the beach
      While, the pair also share a French Bulldog called Polo – who has his own Instagram page.
      Teenage kicks
      When Martinez was just an up-and-coming footballer, and hadn’t made it pro, he met Muri.
      She believed in him and followed him as his career took off.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      He began in Rosario with Newell’s Old Boys, then moved to Buenos Aires side Defensa y Justicia permanently in 2018, following a successful loan.
      Then in 2019, the pair moved country together – as Martinez joined Ajax of Amsterdam.
      She helped him settle in and joined him at the Johan Cruyff Arena to watch his games.
      Muri shared images at games on her Instagram page, which has over 30,000 followers.
      Wag life
      The blonde beauty lives the life of a typical Wag.
      She often shows off her glam existence on social media – wearing designer Balenciaga clobber and enjoying amazing holidays.
      Benitez lives the typical life of a WagCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri
      In the summer Benitez lives in bikinis on glam holidaysCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri
      Benitez visited Formentera in the Balearic Islands with MartinezCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri
      Martinez and Benitez also went to Dubai during preseasonCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri
      Back in June they headed to Dubai, then took a romantic trip to the Maldives.
      In early July they enjoyed Formentera and the Balearic Islands.
      Muri showed off her enviable bikini body in a variety of swimwear alongside her beau.
      It begs the question what she will think of a Manchester summer.
      Muri also seems to be a fan of carnival – appearing in many parades in her homeland – dressed in outrageously revealing costumes.
      Pampered pooch
      Lisandro and Muri are yet to marry, nor do they have any children.
      But, they are definitely practicing on their parental skills by owning a dog together.
      Benitez takes a dip in the sea in DubaiCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri
      Benitez gets into the carnival spirit in costumeCredit: Instagram @lopezbenitezmuri
      Martinez and Benitez share a French Bulldog together who has his own Instagram pageCredit: Instagram @yosoypolitoo
      They proudly own a French Bulldog called Polo – who is clearly spoiled rotten.
      And his adventures are shared on his Instagram account which has over 1,000 followers.
      Not only are the snaps with his owners giving him kisses, there’s plenty of photos on walks, wearing doggy coats and playing with toys.
      With Manchester boasting plenty of parks and reservoirs, Martinez’s move will have its benefits for Polo. More