Features

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League is back… and with it comes new wave of top-tier Wags

      by

      THE Premier League is back – and with it comes a new wave of Wags.Already, almost HALF A BILLION POUNDS has gone on new players. And as there are still two weeks to go until the transfer window closes, that figure will continue to rise.
      As the Premier League is back, we introduce the new wave of WagsCredit: AP
      Man City’s signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for £100million saw him become the most expensive Premier League player ever.
      And behind many big signings there is a very glamorous woman with the latest Hermes handbag. Today, former Wag Suzi Walker, 50, the ex-wife of England and Tottenham goalkeeper Ian, runs the rule over ladies who are about to take the Premier League by storm.
      She said: “Being a Wag is a big job. Not only are you supporting your player but your fortunes can be interlinked with their career. For example, if they are on the bench for a long stint or out of the team, you might get left out of lunches with other Wags or not invited to parties.
      “When I was in that world, I knew Victoria Beckham, Cheryl, Coleen Rooney and Carly Cole. But there is extra pressure today with social media. There might be a lot of money in football but you are constantly keeping up with the other players and their partners.
      “My advice would be to be yourself and be as nice as you can to others. I hope the new Wags are given help to adjust and get to know people. Having said that, I’m quite happy to be away from it now in all honesty.”
      We introduce the new Wags whose other halves have arrived in the Premier League this season and those who are top targets by our big clubs. Suzi gives her opinion and marks them out of ten.

      Agustina Gandolfo
      Girlfriend of Lautaro Martinez
      Partner: Lautaro Martinez (Tottenham target, valued at £60million)
      Age: 25
      Argentinian Agustina Gandolfo, 25, is Lautaro Martinez’s girlfriendCredit: Refer to Caption
      From: Mendoza, Argentina
      Job: Model and Influencer
      Instagram followers: 842k
      Interesting fact: The pair were introduced by Martinez’s Inter Milan teammate Mauro Icardi’s wife Wanda Nara
      Suzi says: “She is stunning. Maybe the reason her hubby’s value is so high.”
      Wag rating: 10
      Tottenham target Lautaro, valued at £60million, met the stunner through Milan teammate Mauro Icardi’s wife Wanda NaraCredit: Rex
      Marrion Areola
      Wife of Alphonse Areola
      Partner: Alphonse Areola (West Ham, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain)
      Age: 33
      Model Marrion Areola, 33, is Alphonse Areola’s wife
      From: Philippines/Lebanon
      Job: Model
      Instagram followers: 113k
      Interesting fact: Has three daughters with the goalkeeper
      Suzi says: “She reminds me of Susie Amy who played Chardonnay in TV show Footballers’ Wives. She looks very motherly in some pictures I’ve seen but has a look of real class. Clearly a natural beauty.”
      Wag rating: 8
      The West Ham goalkeeper has three daughters with MarrionCredit: Rex
      Karen Cavaller
      Girlfriend of Cristian Romero
      Partner: Cristian Romero (Tottenham, on loan from Atalanta)
      Age: 23
      Argentinian Karen Cavaller, 23, is Cristian Romero’s girlfriend
      From: Argentina
      Job: Model
      Instagram followers: 4.6k
      Interesting fact: The pair married in 2016 in a private ceremony before breaking the news of it on Instagram
      Suzi says: “Karen appears born to be a Wag. She looks great fun to be with. I can imagine her spending time in the players’ lounge talking about where she’s been shopping, rather than the game.”
      Wag rating: 9
      The Tottenham star married the model in 2016 in a private ceremonyCredit: Getty
      Emma Hickman
      Girlfriend of Demarai Gray
      Partner: Demarai Gray (Everton, £1.7million signing from Bayer Leverkusen)
      Age: 24
      English Emma Hickman, 24, is Demarai Gray’s girlfriend
      From: England
      Job: Model
      Instagram followers: n/a
      Interesting fact: Emma is no stranger to life in the Premier League. Before moving to Germany with her man, they lived in Worcestershire, when Demarai played for Leicester
      Suzi says: “She doesn’t look like your standard Wag. She looks very down to earth. She might get asked to show her ID when trying to get into the players’ lounge.”
      Wag rating: 6
      The Everton footie lived in Worcestershire with the model when he played for LeicesterCredit: Colorsport
      Claudia Buendia
      Wife of Emi Buendia
      Partner: Emi Buendia ( Villa, £30million from Norwich City)
      Age: 24
      Stay-at-home mum Claudia Buendia, 24, is Emi Buendia’s wifeCredit: Instagram @greengagew
      From: Argentina
      Job: Stay-at-home mum
      Instagram followers: 10k
      Interesting fact: They love working out together
      Suzi says: “Could’ve walked straight out of Footballers’ Wives. He wears the shorts but I reckon she wears the trousers.”
      Wag rating: 7
      The Aston Villa ace loves working out with his partnerCredit: Getty
      Cecilie Porsdal
      Girlfriend of Joachim Andersen
      Partner: Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace, £15million signing from Lyon)
      Age: 24
      Danish Cecilie Porsdal, 24, is Joachim Andersen’s girlfriend
      From: Denmark
      Job: Influencer
      Instagram followers: 2.5k
      Interesting fact: Enjoyed a party holiday in Greece, before Joachim signed for Palace
      Suzi says: “I could see Cecilie in posh London restaurant Scott’s having lunch most weeks. She’s a natural beauty – no fillers, no work. ”
      Wag rating: 9
      The influencer enjoyed a party holiday in Greece before the player signed for Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      Kera Rashica
      Wife of Milot Rashica
      Partner: Milot Rashica (Norwich, £9.4million signing from Werder Bremen)
      Age: 25
      Kera Rashica, 25, is Milot Rashica’s wife
      From: Kosovo
      Job: Model
      Instagram followers: 59k
      Interesting fact: The pair announced they were expecting their second son in May
      Suzi says: “Oozes glamour. Might be the Prem’s answer to Kim Kardashian. She looks high maintenance, not very girl-next-door. Could be a regular in Norwich’s high-end shops.”
      Wag rating: 7
      The Norwich footie announced he was expecting their second son in MayCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Camille Tytgat
      Wife of Rafa Varane
      Partner: Rafa Varane (Man United paid £41million for the Real Madrid star)
      Age: 28
      French Camille Tytgat, 28, is married to Rafa VaraneCredit: AFP
      From: France
      Job: Lawyer
      Instagram followers: 1.2k
      Interesting fact: The childhood sweethearts married in Le Touquet, France, in 2015
      Suzi says: “She looks like she’ll become a regular at the high-end Neville’s hairdressers and will be seen out with the latest Birkin bag. Clearly has the brains and looks, very chic.”
      Wag rating: 9
      The Man United ace met the lawyer when they were just kidsCredit: AFP
      Say ciao to Italy’s wags ahead of huge Euro 2020 final More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Boxing

      Floyd Mayweather was ‘TARGETED’ in drive-by shooting that left his bodyguard with horrific gunshot wound

      by

      FLOYD Mayweather’s bodyguard was shot protecting the retired boxing star from a “targeted” drive-by shooting that left him with a horrific wound.Greg La Rosa, 39, exclusively recounted to The Sun how he took a bullet to the leg while traveling in a convoy to a hotel in Atlanta, Georgia with Mayweather on April 9, 2018.
      Greg La Rosa, 39, has worked for Floyd Mayweather for the last eight yearsCredit: Greg LaRosa
      In 2018 he was shot in the leg in a drive-by shooting he called an ‘ambush’Credit: Greg La Rosa
      The Money Team (TMT) security member said he was driving one of three vehicles in a convoy carrying the boxer and his entourage back to their hotel after an appearance at the Medusa nightclub.
      “I guess Floyd had put the event on his Instagram page,” La Rosa said. “It was a pre-planned party appearance.”
      La Rosa said there were “no issues” inside the club and described the evening as a “great night”. Mayweather stayed inside the club for a little over an hour before leaving to head back to the InterContinental Hotel.
      ‘ABSOLUTE AMBUSH’
      The “ambush” happened as the convoy made a left turn towards the hotel’s valet, La Rosa said.
      “All I heard was a big bang on the side of the car,” he recounted. “It almost sounded like a car accident, or as if someone had grabbed a baseball bat and hit the side of the car as hard as they could.”
      La Rosa said he didn’t realize that shots were being fired initially. After a few seconds, however, he dropped down in his seat and clamored for cover.
      “It was an absolute ambush,” he said. “You don’t know where it’s coming from. And as I was going down between the seats, I felt one go into my leg on the inside of my left leg.
      “Honestly it didn’t hurt, but in my head, I knew I was shot. I said, ‘Guys, I’m hit.'”
      In total, police say 12 shots were fired at Mayweather’s convoy. In a press release at the time, Atlanta PD said the shooting was “not random” and appeared to be targeted.
      La Rosa was the only one injured. He was rushed to the hospital by other members of the TMT security team.
      La Rosa was the only person injured in the shooting
      The suspect’s car is seen aboveCredit: Atlanta PD
      The bodyguard said he was in shock when he arrived in hospital, taking the situation “lightly” as they rushed him into a room on a gurney and placed a heart monitor on him.
      As time went on, La Rosa said the wound started to hurt.
      “I felt as if my leg was in a meat grinder,” he said.
      “The bullet was deep in my leg but had come out.  I think the way it came out is that the bullet mushroomed as it hit the metal to go through the door and it hit my leg and went into my leg with my pant leg and my sock there.
      “So as I pulled it up to look, I think I pulled it out,” he continued. “I had a big hole there.”
      ‘IT WAS TARGETED’
      La Rosa, who describes his relationship with Mayweather as “brotherly” and “close”, said the 15 world title winner called him immediately when he heard that he’d been shot.
      “He told me, ‘Greg, they told me you got hit. Are you OK?’ He was obviously scared and nervous. I said, ‘I’m good. Just get your stuff and get out of here.'”
      La Rosa said Mayweather was insistent that he wanted to come to the hospital and see him.
      “I said, ‘Do this for me and don’t come right now,'” La Rosa said. “I didn’t want him there because that would mean that he was exposed, and I didn’t know who else was there.”
      La Rosa said he’s “put money” on the shooting being targeted.
      “We’re a peaceful bunch. With the exception of when Floyd does his fights, it’s promotional,” he said. “That’s not street stuff, that’s promotional business.
      “It’s just sad to see that people are willing to take people’s lives over stuff like that.”
      La Rosa recovered from his injuries without any lasting effects but still has a large scar.
      La Rosa said he and Floyd share a brotherly bondCredit: Greg LaRosa
      Police released a video of the shooting back in 2018, showing a red Dodge Durango pulling up alongside Mayweather’s convoy at an intersection and opening fire.
      The vehicle sped away from the scene after firing 12 rounds. No arrests were made.
      RELENTLESS WORK
      La Rosa said he’s been working as part of Mayweather’s security detail for the last eight years.
      Describing the role as a “365 day a year, seven days a week, 24 hours a day type job”, his work as part of the TMT entourage has taken him all across the US and beyond, including the Maldives and the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
      He first encountered Floyd after being employed to work for him for a BET event in Miami in 2013.
      La Rosa said he was one of seven or eight other bodyguards drafted in for the gig. But after his work was done, La Rosa said Floyd approached him with a stack of cash and said, “I need you to stay with me.”
      “The other guys, none of them stayed. So I guess I did something impressive,” he mused.
      In the near-decade since, La Rosa said he and Floyd have forged a “super close” relationship.
      “We’re like brothers,” he said. “More like a family relationship than a boss and employee.”
      La Rosa said he’s been working as part of Mayweather’s security detail for the last eight years
      La Rosa is pictured arguing with Conor McGregor ahead of his bout with Floyd in 2017Credit: Greg LaRosa
      FLOYD IS A ‘REGULAR GUY’
      Working for Floyd varies on a day-to-day basis, La Rosa says, but he described the decorated and undefeated boxer as a kind and humble person, in contrast to the flashy and larger-than-life persona he often projects in the media.
      “Floyd likes to experience regular stuff,” he said. “He doesn’t like high-class restaurants. We go to – he calls them hole in the walls. He loves that kind of stuff.
      “We just go to normal restaurants and sit at normal tables. They’re like, ‘do you want the back room?’ He says ‘No. We’ll sit right there.'”
      La Rosa continued: “He likes to feel as normal as possible. Now that I’ve known him for so long, he’s nothing else but a regular guy. …He’s not high maintenance at all.
      “Floyd’s is very different than other celebrities. I’m not saying all other celebrities are, but there are many that are.
      He also lets us – we went to Bora Bora, Maldives, stuff like that, he doesn’t get us rooms off to the side. We have the rooms that are on the water which cost six or seven thousand dollars a night sometimes those rooms.
      “So we’re experiencing what like an NBA star or something would experience.”
      ‘I’M MORE AWARE NOW’
      La Rosa said he wishes others could experience what it’s like to be a bodyguard for a major star, but insisted it’s not all fun, games, and expensive dinners – as the shooting in April 2018 demonstrated.
      While the incident was frightening, La Rosa said it hasn’t changed much about how he operates, only making him “a little more aware now” when he’s on the job.
      “You’re aware that things can happen. Mostly I was just aware of how easy it is for somebody to just take somebody’s life like it’s nothing. Like you’re just a piece of garbage or something.
      “When you sign up for this job you know these things are possible and that they can happen.
      La Rosa said he wishes others could experience what it’s like to be a bodyguard for a major star, but insisted it’s not all fun and games
      “So when people on the internet say, ‘you’re lucky, you have the best job in the world’, I do feel lucky, but at the same time, you don’t see the crap that goes with it.
      “I have experiences that only the rich and famous have, and that’s kind of the stuff that people see. They see the lights and glamour but they don’t see what’s behind the scenes.
      “It’s a lot of work 24/7. You’re sacrificing. You give up your family life. You can’t make plans to do things. It’s not easy.”
      When he does find spare time for himself, La Rosa said he works in real estate.

      He also spends time with his aunt Paula, whom he says he gets his “toughness from.”
      “My Aunt Paula, she’s my godmother, she’s always been a big part of my life, growing up. It’s an Italian tradition. Godmother is a very big thing. She’s always been there for me.”
      “She’s so tough. She’s a really tough, tough, tough woman. I can attribute some of my toughness to her.”
      Floyd Mayweather is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. He retired with a perfect professional record of 50-0Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Floyd Mayweather cried on camera after 1996 Olympic final defeat More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate’s England can’t end the agony of failure after 55 years

      by

      WHEN England lifted the gleaming Jules Rimet trophy in 1966, manager Sir Alf Ramsey, in typical dour style, insisted the celebrations were muted. Hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst woke up the next day and mowed the lawn.
      Gareth Southgate after missing his penalty at Euro 1996Credit: Getty
      The England manager celebrates the Three Lions making it to Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
      In their moment of triumph, they were not to know that we would all endure another astonishing 55 years of seemingly never-ending hurt.
      And when Gareth Southgate’s men took to the famous Wembley turf last night after 29 days of a glorious Euros campaign, it seemed as though the curse would finally be lifted. It was not to be. 
      Once again, penalties were missed and tears flowed. The search for glory and redemption goes on.
      But having got as close as this, it feels worse than ever. 
      Long-suffering fans who have endured flops, failure, hard-luck stories and error-strewn performances since 1966, were denied the sight of captain Harry Kane lifting the Euro 2020 trophy. 
      Our unwanted history of disappointment, blunders, self-inflicted footballing wounds — and being robbed by the blatant cheating of others — began within just two years of that glorious triumph. 
      Through to the semi-finals of Euro 68, England only had to negotiate a path past Yugoslavia. But in an incident that was to repeat itself on three other occasions in a major tournament, key player Alan Mullery was sent off for violent conduct. 
      He later said: “They were doing all the dirty stuff, going over the top into tackles and the referee was diabolical.
      “With one minute to go, Dobrivoje Trivic did me. 
      “I’d had enough of them injuring people so I kicked him in the b*******. I regret it now and it’s something I had to live with for the rest of my life.” 
      That feeling of being kicked in the naughty bits was to be a near-biannual event for 50 years.

      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      I can’t change 1996… but today we gave fans a day to remember
      1970 World Cup: A dejected Bobby Moore sits on the grass as England are knocked outCredit: Offside
      1982 World Cup: England’s Kevin Keegan looks downcast during the match against SpainCredit: Getty – Contributor
      1986 World Cup: Ray Wilkins trudges back to the dressing room after being sent offCredit: Empics
      1998 World Cup: David Beckham is sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone
      In the quarter-finals of the Mexico World Cup of 1970, England were 2-0 up and cruising but Bobby Charlton was controversially subbed to save his energy.
      England lost 3-2 and Charlton said ruefully: “I felt I could run all day.” 
      Gary Lineker’s first memories of watching England came in that match.
      He said: “Around that time, my dad had a card school with his mates once or twice a week at our house. Engelbert Humperdinck, a Leicester lad, was among the many who used to come round and play all night. 
      “The only thing that could ever stop that endless card game in its tracks was England.
      “It has stayed with me how when England played West Germany in the quarter-finals of that tournament, everyone put their hands down — no matter what they were holding — turned around and focused on the telly. And then it was over, England had lost, and the men turned back around and my dad started dealing out cards again. Just like that.
      “I was left heartbroken. But that moment started my journey as an England supporter.”
      The defeat set the tone.
      Over the next 20 years, England failed to qualify for the 1974 and 1978 World Cups and were bundled out of the 1982 tournament after successive goalless draws. 
      Defender Terry Butcher said: “We flew back with the wives and girlfriends, I got into my car and drove back to Ipswich. It’s when you get back home that it hits you.
      “You feel like there’s something missing because you’ve been living this dream for five weeks. And it had come to nothing.”
      2006 World Cup: Wayne Bridge consoles England teammate John Terry following defeatCredit: Getty
      2014 World Cup: Roy Hodgson buries his head in his hands during the match against UruguayCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      1990 World Cup: Paul Gascoigne celebrates after the quarter final match between England and CameroonCredit: Getty – Contributor
      1986 World Cup: Diego Maradona scores for Argentina with his Hand of GodCredit: Bob Thomas Sports Photography – Getty
      Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God denied England in 1986, the tournament when Ray Wilkins became the first to be sent off in a World Cup during an embarrassing 0-0 group draw against Morocco.
      While redemption looked possible at Italia 90 as Bobby Robson’s side reached the semis, a match famous for Paul Gascoigne being reduced to tears, they lost on penalties to the Germans.
      Lineker observed: “Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.”
      Never has a Sun newspaper headline captured the mood better than when England lost to Sweden as they were knocked out of Euro 92. 
      It read: “Swedes 2 Turnips 1”.
      Manager Graham Taylor never quite recovered from the humiliation.
      Current boss Southgate had tasted more semi-final torment when he missed the spot kick against Germany at Euro 96 that denied us another final place.
      We crashed out of the 1998 World Cup on penalties two years later to Argentina after David Beckham was sent off. Effigies of him were hung from lampposts in the street. Sven Goran Eriksson’s England were beaten by a fluke Ronaldinho goal to crash out 2-1 to Brazil at a World Cup quarter-final in 2002.
      We lost on penalties again to Portugal in a quarter-final at Euro 2004.

      And the same country did us on penalties yet again in 2006 in Germany despite England holding on to a 0-0 draw in the quarter-final after Wayne Rooney was sent off — like Mullery, Beckham and Wilkins before him, another self-inflicted wound, and the fourth time in a major tournament England have had a red card.
      Germany humiliated Fabio Copello’s Three Lions side with a 4-1 thrashing that knocked us out of the South Africa World Cup in 2010.
      Italy knocked Roy Hodgson’s England out of Euro 2012 at the quarter-final stage — again on penalties.
      Flop Hodgson’s side failed to qualify from the group at the 2014 World Cup before crashing out of Euro 2016 to soccer minnows Iceland.
      It was truly England’s nadir. 
      As the Icelanders celebrated with their famous thunderclap, England fans in the stadium chanted in derision: “You’re not fit to wear the shirt.”
      Gareth Southgate took over amid a muted fanfare — but within two years had built a confident, young team that got to within 22 minutes of a World Cup final in Moscow.
      His lions lacked the steel to hold on to a lead against Croatia and lost 2-1. But this month saw belief growing not just among his team but the whole country. 
      Beating the Germans at Wembley saw the first part of the hoodoo laid to rest. 

      David Baddiel and Frank Skinner’s anthem Three Lions has been sung by glory-starved fans harder this summer than at any time since its released for Euro 96.
      Songwriter Ian Broudie said: “It’s a plea. If your team loses, the tears are dripping into your pint as you cry, ‘It’s coming home’. If they win, you’re shouting, ‘It’s coming home’ from the back of a bus.” 
      Beating Italy would have had us cheering from the top deck. Instead, the Magical Misery Tour goes on. Next stop, Qatar 2022.
      Fans react to England’s amazing start in the Euro 2020 final against Italy More

    • 163 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      How football glory in 1966 and 2021 shaped history and made England great

      by

      ON a warm, overcast morning 55 years ago, Nobby Stiles got up at 7am, walked down a busy London high street unnoticed and went to church.Team-mate Bobby Charlton popped out of the team hotel to buy a couple of shirts while goalkeeper Gordon Banks went to the newsagents for a paper he was too excited to read.
      Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, like Alf Ramsey’s Boys of ’66, have got the nation dreaming of glory
      Just hours later, Stiles and Co were at Wembley playing in the World Cup Final — the undisputed biggest game of football in the nation’s history . . . until today.
      Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, like Alf Ramsey’s Boys of ’66, have got the nation dreaming of glory once again as they take on Italy in tonight’s Euro 2020 final.
      But their cup final days will be very different.
      Southgate’s squad will wake at five-star hotel The Grove in Hertfordshire, where due to Covid ­protocol, they will be restricted to meeting only the people in their coronavirus bubble.
      A team breakfast at 9am is planned, prepared by their chef, which will include cereals, porridge, eggs and juices.
      The stars will have a team meeting and be encouraged to have a nap, enjoy a swim or make use of The Grove’s championship golf courses on its 300-acre grounds.
      On July 30 1966, the England team were in the unassuming Hendon Hall Hotel — 12 miles away from The Grove.
      There were no rings of steel, no high-level security. They all took breakfast in their rooms which included bacon, eggs and kippers and coffee.
      Bobby Charlton recalled: “Over a hearty breakfast, I told Ray Wilson that I planned to fill some of the dead time by going to Golders Green to replace a shirt I had bought earlier in the week.”
      Alan Ball said: “I roomed with Nobby Stiles. I went to see the Adidas representative who gave me the cash we were to receive for wearing the company’s boots — £1,000 a man.
      “I walked back into our room and Nobby was still in bed. I tossed all the notes in the air so that they came down all over the place like confetti. We laughed like kids.”
      Fans celebrate England reaching the final at Boxpark in Croydon
      LUXURY PARTY BUS
      Gordon Banks added: “I joined half a dozen of the lads on a walk down Hendon High Street. Even at 8.30am the streets were buzzing and ­people came up to us to wish us luck. I bought a paper. I was too nervous to read it.”
      An 8pm kick-off tonight means today’s England stars won’t make the 25-minute coach drive to Wembley until about 4pm.
      In 1966, a 3pm start meant they left their hotel at 1pm — just two hours before kick-off.
      Gordon Banks remembered: “On leaving the hotel I was staggered to see a crowd well in excess of 2,000 gathered around the forecourt.”
      Alan Ball said: “The enormity of the occasion began to kick in. People were banging on the sides of the bus. There were banners everywhere.”
      “When the class of ’66 arrived, they met their wives at the players’ entrance to give them their tickets.
      Many of them had taken buses, car-shared or even hitch-hiked after breaking down to get there.
      Today’s Wags have travelled down in style. Harry Maguire and Jordan Pickford’s wives took a luxury party bus down on Friday.
      On Wembley Way, things will look very different today too. A giant arch is now the stadium’s iconic feature instead of the twin towers.
      Harry Kane, bottom, celebrates with team mates after scoring against Denmark
      But as 66,000 fans exit Wembley Park Tube station from lunchtime today, the euphoria will be the same.
      Many will have spent a small fortune to be among the Covid-restricted crowd — top tickets are £815 at face value while £54,000-a-pop is the rate on the black market.
      In 1966, fans could still get a ticket on the day.
      Despite a whopping attendance of 96,924 then, Wembley was still 76 below capacity.
      Touts mingled among the crowds ahead of the final trying to offload tickets — which cost ten shillings or £8.73 in today’s money — for little more than face value.
      When Southgate’s warriors arrive at around 5pm, they will be escorted to the dressing room where shirts embroidered with the game’s details will be hung.
      As in ’66, the players will assess the pitch before returning to the dressing room.
      It is expected that Southgate will have given his main team talk before leaving for Wembley so the duties of inspiring the troops pre-match are due to be left to Harry Kane.
      In ’66, manager Alf Ramsey. sent out the rallying call.
      It is all over as Geoff Hurst’s late goal seals a win against West Germany
      Banks said: “Nobby Stiles traipsed across the dressing room and into the toilet for the umpteenth time.
      “Jack Charlton stood in front of a mirror applying Vaseline to his eyebrows. Martin Peters sipped tea. George Cohen leafed through the match day programme. How could he, at a time like this?”
      Just before heading to the tunnel, Alf Ramsey told England’s talisman Bobby Charlton his job was to mark the German maestro Franz Beckenbauer.
      Later it emerged Helmut Schoen, the German manager, had told Beckenbauer to mark Bobby.
      ‘MY WIFE FAINTED’
      Could Declan Rice be on similar duties today against Italy’s Marco Verratti?
      Superstitions were as rife then as they are today. Bobby Moore had ironed his boot laces.
      Luke Shaw will do his usual nervous sway in the tunnel, Kyle Walker will don the same pair of shin pads he’s had for 14 years while Jack Grealish will roll his socks to calf-height, a trend he has kept since they shrank in the wash.
      Shortly before 7.50pm, Harry Kane will lead his side, adorned in their white shirts, into the Wembley tunnel.
      They will hear the strains of Three Lions and Sweet Caroline before heading into the raucous cauldron.
      Moore’s team wore red shirts due to losing a coin toss to get first choice.
      The weather forecast is similar — 20 degrees, overcast with a threat of a shower.
      At 7.55pm, the national anthem will be belted out.
      In 1966, it was only the second time in the tournament that England had sung God Save The Queen after anthems were shunned to save controversial North Korea’s being played.
      The first Englishman to touch the ball was a ball boy.
      Ecstasy for England as Peters, Hurst and Hunt celebrate a historic victory at Wembley
      Neil Rioch, now 65, from Erdington, Birmingham, said: “After only a few seconds of the final a West German player kicked the ball out of play and I gathered it.”
      On that day, there wasn’t a replica shirt or advertising board in sight. Today, space on the electronic board can cost almost £500,000 a game.
      At home in ’66, 32million settled in to watch the match. Up to 45million are expected to see tonight’s nail-biter.
      In the stands, there was no Atomic Kitten, no Neil Diamond. The only songs that could be heard were Attack, Attack, Attack and When The Reds Go Marching In.
      England led 2-1, until a Wolfgang Weber scored the equaliser, a minute from the final whistle to send the game into extra time.
      Ball said: “We went ahead when Hurst had a shot half-cleared and Peters forced it in. Surely we had won.
      “The fans were celebrating with a ­minute to go when Weber equalised. I learned later that my wife Lesley had fainted when the Germans equalised.”
      Before extra-time kicked off Alf Ramsey told his team: “You have won the World Cup once. Now you must go and win it again.”
      In the first period of extra time, Hurst ­thundered a shot off the bar and towards the goal line.
      It was too close to call. The Russian linesman famously gave the controversial goal.
      Hurst said: “I probably had the worst view in the stadium to see whether it had gone in. I’d fallen over and was looking over my shoulder. I turned away to celebrate but it wasn’t kidology.

      RARE ECSTASY
      “It was 2-2, in the final. You want to believe that ball is over the line.”
      But there was no doubt about Hurst’s goal for his hat-trick with the last kick of the match.
      As fans flooded on to the pitch, thinking they had heard the final whistle, Hurst fired the ball in.
      He said: “Bobby Moore’s delivery was inch-perfect. It caught my bony instep, so that’s where the power came from. My dad had taught me that, to kick with my left foot, in the back garden in Chelmsford.”
      Moments later the final whistle sounded, crowning England world champions.
      Southgate’s men are close to experiencing that same rare ecstasy.
      Bobby Charlton said: “When I see my brother Jack  . . . we embraced on the field of celebration after he held out his arms and said, ‘What about that, kidda?’”
      Thousands of Union flags were waved as captain Moore proudly walked up the steps to the royal box, where the Queen presented him with the Jules Rimet trophy.
      Tonight, a plinth will be erected in the centre of the pitch facing the royal box.

      UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin will hand over the trophy, with The Duke of Cambridge in attendance, to the winning captain.
      England prays it will be Harry Kane.
      If it is, fans can expect a statue of him to join that of Sir Bobby Moore outside the famous old stadium.
      England stars reveal celebration plans if they win Euro 2020, with trip to Vegas, a first beer and dying hair blonde More

    • 300 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      What the kids of Euro 96 England team are up to now – from singers to glamour models – and lots of pro footballers

      by

      WHEN your dad is an England hero, it can’t be easy making a name for yourself on the pitch. But several kids of the legendary Euro 96 team are giving it a go with professional footballing careers of their own – while others have taken a radically different route in life.
      The Euro 96 England team became the stuff of legends – but where are their kids now?Credit: Getty
      Some have chased stardom of their own with performing careers as pop singers and dancers.
      While others have sought the limelight through modelling and reality TV.
      And there’s even a few who’ve sought athletic greatness – just in a different sport to their old man.
      Here’s where some of the kids of the Euro 96 England squad are now.
      Hollie Shearer – The pop star
      Age at Euro 96: 18 months
      Age now: 26
      Perhaps inspired by dad Alan’s singing skills, Hollie Shearer is living her dream of being a pop star.
      The 26-year-old singer/songwriter has put out several singles including the tracks “Love You Better” and “Sauvignon Blanc”.
      Hollie Shearer, 26, is a singer/songwriter with several pop releases to her nameCredit: instagram/hollieshearer
      Hollie with brother Will and sister Chloe at Wembley cheering on the Three LionsCredit: Instagram/hollieshearer
      Her latest tune, “Unlucky in Love”, came out in February – and she’s teased upcoming releases with pictures of her in the studio posted on Instagram.
      She also shared snaps of her with sister Chloe, a sports media agent, and brother Will at Wembley for the semi-final against Denmark.
      “What a day,” she captioned the snaps to her 38,000 followers.
      Bianca Gascoigne – The Love Islander
      Age at Euro 96: Nine
      Age now: 34
      Paul Gascoigne’s daughter Bianca is arguably the most well known child of the Euro 96 England squad.
      The 34-year-old glamour model in 2006 won the second series of Love Island along with series one finalist and fellow footballer’s kid, Calum Best.
      Bianca Gascoigne, 34, has had a successful career as a model and TV personalityCredit: Instagram
      Bianca has been showing her support for England during Euro 2020Credit: Instagram/biancagascoigne1
      She also starred in Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, losing out to winner Coleen Nolan.
      Ahead of England’s dramatic win over Germany, Bianca posed in an England top and trainers, and said she’d be watching the game with her dad.
      “My excitement levels are through the roof,” she told her 336,000 Instagram followers.
      Gazza, who recently backed his teammate Southgate to deliver England glory, is also the father of boys Mason and Regan.

      Regan Gascoigne has spoken out about his sexuality and his dad’s supportCredit: Rex Features
      Pro dancer Regan, 25, recently came out as bisexual on Lorraine – Gazza said he was “very proud” of his boy.
      “I told him: ‘It doesn’t matter what you do son, I will support you 100 percent, you have to do what makes you happy’,” Gascoigne told The Mirror.
      Sophie Walker – The beauty queen
      Age at Euro 96: Not born yet
      Age now: Early 20s
      Spurs keeper Ian Walker wasn’t the first choice at Euro 96, but he was proudly included in the Three Lions squad all the same.
      His daughter, Sophie, also proudly represented her home when she competed in the Miss London competition four years ago.
      Aged just 18 at the time, Sophie spoke out about the difficulties of growing up with having a famous father.
      Sophie Walker competed for Miss London in 2017Credit: @thesophiewalker : Instagram
      Ian Walker was a goalkeeper for Spurs – Sophie says it wasn’t always easy having a famous dadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Everyone at my school would always say how jealous they were about my ‘great life’ and assumed that having a famous parent and a lot of money was a brilliant life – and I won’t lie, I was very lucky to have lived in the houses, been on the holidays, and had the toys etc.,” she told Surrey Live.
      “However, when I was little I would cry and pray to God that I would give it all away to have my dad home and have a normal family.
      “It is hard to explain without sounding ungrateful, but I missed him every day.”
      Ian, 49, is now the goalkeeping coach at Shanghai Port F.C.
      Chelsea Pearce – The equestrian champion
      Age at Euro 96: Not born yet
      Age now: 23
      Stuart Pearce isn’t the only member of his family to represent his country on an international sporting stage.
      His daughter, Chelsea, has represented Great Britain three times in equestrian events.
      Chelsea Pearce has competed on the European stage, just like her father
      Horse-mad Chelsea has even won a silver medal in Eventing at the Pony European Championships.
      In April, she shared a snap of herself as a young girl with her father as he captained Manchester City back to the top division in the early 2000s.
      The heartwarming post came just a few weeks after Chelsea updated her followers about a scary horse-riding accident she had in Hampshire.
      “I feel lucky to have walked away from it, having been kicked in the head and knocked unconscious,” Chelsea told her 8,000 followers.
      Proud dad Stuart pictured with Chelsea during his Man City days in 2002Credit: PA:Press Association
      “A huge thank you to the team at Tweseldown, paramedics, doctor and fence judge who were there immediately to unblock my airways.
      “Thanks also to the doctors and nurses at the Great Western Hospital.”
      Dan Seaman – The golf pro
      Age at Euro 96: 11
      Age now: 36
      As one of England’s greatest ever goalies, David Seaman certainly knows how to excel between the sticks.
      But his son, Dan, traded the stadium for the clubhouse – and became a pro golfer.
      “Dan is a specialist at club fitting making him as safe a pair of hands as his Dad (David Seaman) for you to be in,” Leeds Golf Centre announced when Dan joined their team back in 2012.
      Dan Seaman with his dad, David – he’s taught his old man a thing or two about golfCredit: Twitter
      David Seaman celebrating after saving a penalty for England at Euro 96Credit: Getty
      He’s even been snapped giving a lesson to his father, who is himself a keen golfer.
      David, now 57, also has two other sons, Robbie and Thomas, and a daughter, Georgina.
      He recently told The Sun he reckons Jack Grealish is just like a better looking version of Gazza.
      Tom Ince – The gaffer’s son
      Age at Euro 96: Four
      Age now: 29
      As you might expect, a good few cubs of the 96 Lions have gone on to pursue their own careers as professional footballers.
      Paul Ince’s son, Tom, has represented England at under-21 level and now plays for Stoke City, joining Championship rivals Luton Town on loan last season.
      Paul Ince managed his son, Tom, at Blackpool FC in 2013Credit: Getty
      Charlie Sheringham – The striker
      Age at Euro 96: Eight
      Age now: 33
      Teddy Sheringham’s lad, Charlie, is currently a striker with Chelmsford City in the National League South.
      He’s also had spells at Bournemouth, Wimbledon, and Bangladesh Football Premier League side Saif Sporting Club.
      Teddy Sheringham with son Charlie, who followed in his famous father’s footstepsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jack Barmby – The midfielder
      Age at Euro 96: 18 months
      Age now: 26
      Nick Barmby’s son, Jack, most recently played as a midfielder for Arizona outfit Phoenix Rising FC.
      The Harlow-born ace began his career at Manchester United and represented England at under-20s level.
      Jack Barmby playing for Leicester City in 2014Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      Harvey Neville – The defender
      Age at Euro 96: Not born yet
      Age now: 18
      Phil Neville’s child, Harvey, kept the family business going by signing with Manchester United on his sixteenth birthday.
      The 18-year-old right-back now plays for Fort Lauderdale CF in Florida.
      Harvey Neville playing for Manchester United’s under-21s – he now plays in the USCredit: Getty

      Phil’s daughter, Isabella, achieved her dream of becoming a model when she was just 13.
      Isabella was born with cerebral palsy after suffering a stroke in the womb.
      “The first time I modelled I was nervous, but there have been cameras around since I was little so I soon got used to doing it,” Isabella told the Daily Mail.
      “I was a wreck” – Tony Adams on his secret battle with alcoholism as captain of England’s 1996 Euros side More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s 1966 World Cup stars as rich as Kane and Co? No, their lives were much Moore modest

      by

      WHEN, God-willing, England lift the Euro trophy tomorrow, the heroes who ended 55 years of hurt are assured fame and fortune.Five decades may have passed, but the players who won the World Cup in 1966 seem to have been living on another planet.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Following the victory, the team were whisked to a banquet at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, their wives and girlfriends were not allowed in and were given burgers insteadCredit: Mirrorpix
      Agents for Harry Kane and his team will long ago have negotiated eye-watering bonuses from bosses at the English FA for taking the ­honours at ­Wembley tomorrow night.
      But in 1966, in the bowels of the famous London stadium while the rest of the team were recovering after their 4-2 extra-time win over ­Germany, team captain Bobby Moore slipped out of the dressing room.
      He went to meet FA chiefs who told him — with no negotiations back then — that the players would share a total bonus of £22,000.
      Moore decided each man would get £1,000, whether they had played in the tournament or not. He told his teammates: “We were all in this together and that’s how it will stay.”
      Goal hero Martin Peters  with wife KathleenCredit: Mirrorpix
      While our present-day England stars earn millions, have lucrative sponsorship deals and live in gated mansions, things were very different back in 1966.
      ‘Players of the people’
      Then, they were on around 80 quid a week — and felt LUCKY. Because only four years earlier the £20-a-week cap on players’ wages had been lifted — and they were now earning five times the average worker’s pay.
      The team’s youngest member, winger Alan Ball, was one of the few players with a kit deal.
      Bobby Moore vs Harry Kane
      MOORE: Aged 22 (died 1993). Pay:  £80 a week. Home: £3,000  semi in Chingford, Essex. Car: Jaguar. Family: Divorced wife Tina in 1986 after 22 years, two kids. Honours: OBE.
      KANE: Aged 27. Pay: £180k a week – likely to rise to £300k.  Home: Rented London apartment for £15,000 a week. Car: Range Rover, Jaguar, Bentley. Family:  Married to childhood sweetheart Kate Goodland, three kids. Honours:  MBE  – but knighthood if we win. 

      At 9.30 on the morning of the ’66 game, he went to see an Adidas rep staying at the team hotel.
      Ball, who only 45 minutes earlier had learned he was playing, ­collected £1,000 —  enough for a new car —  for wearing Adidas boots in the game. 
      Centre back Jack Charlton, on the other hand, got just £100 from his bootmaker. The FA had done a  deal with Marks & Spencer and the team ­travelled to the game in St Michael suits.
      In ’66 Arthur Edwards was a young photographer on the local East ­London paper and took pictures of Moore and World Cup final goal scorers Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. Arthur, now The Sun’s royal photographer recalls: “They’d invite me to their homes to take pictures and never asked for a penny and there was no agents making demands. 
      “It was a different world back then. They were players of the people.” 
       Hurst was living in a £3,000 semi in Chigwell and returned home to wife Judith after England’s victory — and mowed the lawn.
       Moore’s wife Tina recalled: “After the match, we went back to our semi in Essex and held a party for some of our close friends. It wasn’t anything fancy, just a few drinks and a bit of music for a couple of hours.
      Gordon Banks vs Jordan Pickford
      BANKS: Aged 28 (died 2019). Pay: £60 a week with Leicester, plus gate money. Home: £3,000 1930s  semi. Car: Ford Consul. Family: Wife Ursula, a West German who supported England, three kids. Honours: OBE.
      PICKFORD: Aged 27. Pay: £150,000 a week at Everton. Home: £2.1million  mansion in Cheshire. Car: £160,000 Lamborghini Urus 4×4. Family: Wife Megan Davison, one son. Honours: None.

      “After everyone left, it all felt a bit flat. Bobby poured himself a lager while I cleared away the glasses.
      “I suppose Bobby and I did start to experience some things similar to footballers and their wives nowadays. 
      “After the World Cup, people wanted to take photos of us, and we had offers coming in from every direction.
      “We got a telegram from composer Lionel Bart, inviting us to a party with Tom Jones and Joan Collins.
      “Bobby got a contract modelling for Hornes Brothers, a men’s outfitters. He bought us a Jaguar — a car he had always longed for — and we had the house of our dreams built on a plot of land on the best street in Chigwell.”
      Hurst, who was later knighted, also bought a bigger house — for £12,750. Liverpool striker Roger Hunt returned to his home in Culcheth, near Warrington, to find his lawn had been trampled by 600 fans chanting ‘Eey aye adio, we won the Cup!’
      Geoff Hurst vs Declan Rice
      HURST: Aged 24 (now 79). Pay: £80 a week at West Ham. Home: £3,000 three-bed semi in Chingford. Car: Ford Anglia. Family: Married Judith in 1964, three daughters. Honours: Knighted in 1998.
      RICE: Aged 22. Pay: £60,000 a week at West Ham. Expected to double after Euros. House: Mansion in Surrey. Car: Range Rover. Family: Girlfriend Lauren Fryer, no kids. Honours: None.

      In 1966, Bobby Charlton also lived in Cheshire, in a modest detached home in Knutsford.
      Today’s team are staying at England’s posh St George’s training facilities at Burton on Trent with its pools, gyms and even an oxygen chamber. A huge staff including chefs and nutritionists tend to their needs.
      In July 1966, England’s squad plus two coaches and manager Alf Ramsey, stayed at the ­Hendon Hall Hotel, where the team ate the same menu as the other guests. For lunch before the final, the players had chicken, apart from Moore who had beans on toast.
      To relax, they went shopping and played cards and cricket or sunbathed in the grounds. 
      There was no ring of steel around the players, like today.
      Wags ate burgers
      Back then fans could stop and chat to them in the grounds, or hail them in the streets nearby while they went shopping. 
      The players’ wives had to stay at home and wait for their ­husbands or boyfriends to phone after training.
      Fulham full-back George Cohen’s wife Daphne was left at home with their baby  Andrew for eight weeks while England trained for the tournament. She recalled: “I couldn’t call George at the team hotel — I didn’t even know the number. 
      “I had to write letters and wait for him to call. Alf Ramsey made it clear wives should keep away.” 
      The night before the big match, Ramsey took his team to the local cinema in Hendon to see the film Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines.
      Alf Ramsay vs Gareth Southgate
      RAMSEY: Aged 46 (died 1999). Pay: £4,500 a year. Home: Mock Tudor semi in Ipswich. Car: Austin 1100. Family: Married to Rita Norris, one dachshund. Honours: Knighthood, statues at Ipswich and Wembley.
       SOUTHGATE: Aged 50. Pay: £3million a year. Home: £3.5m haunted 16th Century mansion near Harrogate. Cars: Bentley and Aston Martin. Family: Married to ­Alison, two girls. Honours: OBE – but Sir Gareth if we win.

      On the day of the match the wives, who were given two ­tickets each, had to make their own way to Wembley.
      Pat Wilson, wife of left-back Ray, left their two children with her mum in Liverpool to drive to London for the final. 
      She said: “I picked up Bobby Charlton’s wife Norma on the way, but halfway down the motorway the exhaust went on our Ford Zephyr.”
      Following the victory, the team were whisked to a banquet at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington. Their wives and girlfriends made their own way there to discover they were not allowed in — although Pickles, the dog that found the stolen World Cup trophy four months earlier, was.

       Instead, they ate burgers in a restaurant downstairs.
      Daphne Cohen, who had hitched a lift to Wembley said: “I remember passing the banqueting suites and feeling a little fed up that we didn’t even get a ticket for the tearoom.”
      But the FA did thank the Wags for their sacrifice during the tournament —  presenting each with a pair of scissors in a box.
      Iconic moment late Nobby Stiles danced with trophy after England won 1966 World Cup More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Say ciao to Italy’s wags – from a Brit singer, beauty queen and brain box

      by

      ENGLAND go head to head with Italy tomorrow night in a historic footie final to become European champions. But behind each suave Italian player lies a stunningly beautiful Wag.Sure to be cheering the stars on will be the glamorous partners of England’s ­toughest rivals yet. From British pop singer Catherine Harding to former ­criminology student ­Jessica Melena, meet the Italy Wags.
      Jessica Aidi celebrates her 30th birthday on the day of the finalCredit: Jessica Aidi Instagram
      Swimsuit model
      FRENCH model Jessica Aidi is sure to be cheering on her fiancé Marco Verratti tomorrow night.
      The occasion will be doubly special as ­Jessica celebrates her 30th birthday tomorrow.
      In May 2019, she and Marco were spotted holding hands at the Monaco Grand Prix, but didn’t go public until Paris Fashion Week five months later.
      Marco Verratti is preparing to wed Jessica AidiCredit: Getty
      The athletic model showed off her figure in a strappy bikini in the 2020 swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated.
      Once the Euros are over, Jessica and Verratti will begin preparations for their wedding.
      Influencer
      Jessica Melena is married to striker Ciro ImmobileCredit: Jessica Melena Instagram
      AFTER just three dates with Jessica Melena, hotshot striker Ciro Immobile, 31, told the Italian beauty: “You will be the mother of my children.”
      Recalling the message, Jessica – who now has three children with her husband – revealed: “’I said that I thought it was a bit strong, but then soon after he kept his promise. His were true words.’”
      Ciro fell for gorgeous wife Jessica straight awayCredit: Getty
      Stunning Jessica, 30, who has 970,000 Instagram followers, was a student in criminology and forensic sciences at L’Aquila University when she met Immobile in a restaurant in Abruzzo, Italy.
      Soon after, Jessica quit her studies and married Immobile in 2014.
      Student
      Alessia Elefante inspires goalkeeper Gianluigi DonnarummaCredit: alessia_elefante_gossip
      LARGER-than-life goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma has ­conceded a mere three goals in six games and recently bagged a spot at top French team Paris St Germain.
      The 6ft 5in Italian stands head and shoulders above his fiancée Alessia Elefante, 21.
      Gianluigi Donnarumma has just clinched a move to PSGCredit: EPA
      The couple have shared heartwarming photos of Gianluigi bending down to share a kiss with his petite partner.
      While student Alessia keeps a low ­public ­profile, the 22-year-old has been in a relationship with Gianluigi ever since she was 16.
      TV broadcaster
      Giorgia Duro is a TV broadcasterCredit: isaanascimento/instagram
      Andrea Belotti has been with wife Giorgia for seven yearsCredit: EPA
      CAPTAIN of Serie A side Torino, Andrea Belotti, 27, welcomed his first child with wife Giorgia Duro in February – but had to wait to meet newborn daughter Vittoria after he tested ­positive for Covid.
      However, dazzling mum Giorgia, 28, said at the time that the couple were doing “fine” and the young family were later reunited.
      Giorgia, a TV broadcaster and model, met Andrea in Palermo in 2014, and they married in the church of San Francesco Di Paola, in Palermo, in June 2017.
      Beauty queen
      Rachele Risaliti is a former Miss ItalyCredit: Rachele Risaliti Instagram
      Rachele posts about her relationship with Gaetano Castrovilli on her Instagram pageCredit: Getty
      FORMER Miss Italy Rachele Risaliti hasn’t been shy about her relationship with ­midfield ace Gaetano Castrovilli.
      Sharing a snap on Instagram of the couple locked in a passionate embrace, Rachele posted the comment “miss you” as Castrovilli rushed off to take part in the Euro 2020 build-up in June.
      Born in Prato, Italy, Rachele, 26, rose to fame after being crowned Miss Italia 2016.
      And she’s been a keen supporter of her Italian beau, sharing pics of her with fellow Wag ­Benedetta Quagli online.
      Full time mum
      Genoveffa Darone is known as JennyCredit: jenny__darone/instagram
      ‘Jenny’ has been married to Lorenzo Insigne for almost a decadeCredit: Rex
      FULL-TIME mum Genoveffa Darone – known as Jenny – has been married to Napoli ­captain ­Lorenzo Insigne, 30, for nearly ten years.
      Friends since childhood, the couple started dating while Lorenzo played for Pescara in Italy.
      Their whirlwind romance saw the ­couple get engaged seven months later, before enjoying an elaborate ­wedding in their Naples hometown in 2012.
      An arts graduate and former saleswoman, ­dazzling Genoveffa, 28, now dedicates her time to looking after their children Carmine, eight, and six-year-old Christian.
      Singer and songwriter
      Catherine Harding faces split loyalties between England and ItalyCredit: Mega
      BRITISH singer Catherine Harding will have to pick her side tomorrow as boyfriend Jorginho’s team battles England for the big prize.
      Born in Enfield, North London, Catherine rose to fame after reaching the knockout stages of ITV’s The Voice last year.
      Her ­mercurial rendition of I Put A Spell On You captivated judges in the blind auditions and won her a dedicated fan base in Britain.
      Spending much of her life in Ireland, Catherine, 30, also shared a fleeting romance with actor Jude Law and in 2015 gave birth to his fifth child, daughter Ada, now six.
      Catherina is loved up with Chelsea midfielder JorginhoCredit: Getty
      A few years later, Catherine and Jorginho quietly coupled up after the footballer split from his wife ­Natalia Lefteri.
      Catherine gave birth to the couple’s son last September, sharing a snap on Instagram of Jax’s tiny feet and the caption, “How crazy life is and how wonderful.”
      The singer’s latest flame has clearly fuelled her imagination, as Catherine admitted she has written “a lot of love songs, especially last year”.
      When announcing her pregnancy, she said: “I entered into a new relationship and that definitely gave me loads of creativity and inspiration.”
      Italian midfielder Jorginho, 29, will be counting on ­Catherine’s support for Italy tomorrow as his team take on the formidable England team.
      Born Jorge Luiz Frello Filho in Brazil, he moved to Italy aged 15, later choosing to play for the country.
      The Chelsea player has boosted Italy’s performance in this year’s Euros with his clever positioning and swift passing.
      Women’s right’s advocate
      Clarissa ­Franchi is a passionate campaigner of women’s rights
      Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been with Clarissa since 2013Credit: AFP
      THE long-term partner of defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Clarissa ­Franchi lives in Naples with the football star and their year-old daughter Azzurra.
      They have been together since 2013, when Di ­Lorenzo, 27, began playing for a club in Reggio Calabria, but are not married.
      A passionate campaigner of women’s rights, Clarissa, 26, works on the WeWorld campaign with Italian football league Serie A to end violence against women.
      London based mum
      Thaiany Xavier hails from Brazil and not ItalyCredit: thaixavier_/instagram
      LIKE her Chelsea player boyfriend Emerson Palmieri, London-based Thaiany Xavier, 27, is originally from Brazil.
      Defender Emerson, 26, has been drafted into Roberto Mancini’s side since Leonardo Spinazzola’s achilles injury in Italy’s quarter-final Euros match with Belgium.
      Chelsea defender Emerson helps Thaiany live a life of luxuryCredit: Rex
      Thaiany regularly shares snaps of her glitzy London life with her 62,100 followers on Instagram.
      In May, she cheered on her man at Stamford Bridge as the Champions League final saw Chelsea beat Man City 1-0. She posted in her native tongue: “What a joy to be part of this very special moment in your life my love @emerson palmieri.”
      Thaiany, who has a daughter from a previous relationship, had a son with Emerson in 2018.
      While she wears a ­diamond ring on her left hand, the couple have not confirmed if they married.
      In a recent picture of Thaiany’s birthday party, Emerson gush­ed: “You deserve the world, my girl, my woman. I love you so much.”
      Digital marketing expert
      Thessa Lacovich is dating rising star Manuel LocatelliCredit: Thessa Lacovich Instagram
      COSTA Rican Thessa Lacovich has been rooting for her boyfriend, midfielder Manuel ­Locatelli, throughout the tournament.
      Sharing a shot of the 23-year-old Italian hunk on her social media, the hazel-haired beauty celebrated her boyfriend’s long-range goal in their early match against Switzerland.
      Locattelli has been one of Italy’s best players at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      Thessa, 23, who has a masters degree in digital communications strategy, is a digital marketing specialist who moved to Italy to study.
      The pair began dating aged 19.
      Sports scientist
      Brainy Federica Schievenin is studying sports scienceCredit: Federica Schievenin Instagram
      AFTER their semi-final with Spain went to penalties, midfielder Nicolo Barella scored a vital goal, helping secure Italy’s spot in the coveted Euros final.
      But off the pitch, the 24-year-old is supported by his wife Federica Schievenin, 31, who studies sports science, and their daughters Rebecca, four, Lavinia, two, and five-month-old ­Matilde.
      The tight-knit couple were childhood sweethearts and tied the knot in 2017 at the picturesque royal Villa d’Orri in Sardinia.
      Nico Barella has two daughters with FedericaCredit: Getty

      Model and influencer
      Benedetta Quagli is five years older than boyfriend Federico ChiesaCredit: Benedetta Quagli Instagram
      BENEDETTA Quagli has been spotted cheering on her ­boyfriend, rising star Federico ­Chiesa, throughout the Euro 2020 tournament.
      While little is known about the ­elusive brunette, Benedetta and midfielder ­Federico, 23, are thought to have been together for two years – and often jet off for lavish trips abroad when Chiesa is off-duty.
      Boasting 90,000 followers on her Instagram, Benedetta, 28, loves to share shots of her posing on sun-soaked beaches or playing tennis.
      Federico Chiesa has been dating Benedetta for two yearsCredit: Getty
      England’s Wags support their partners in Wembley crowd More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      How an early investment in England star Raheem Sterling has paid dividends

      by

      IT was the blissful smile of a man with all of England at his feet.When star winger Raheem Sterling whipped a close-range shot against the flailing legs of the Denmark keeper in the dying seconds of Wednesday’s Euro 2020 semi-final win, he did not grimace or swear at a missed chance to seal the match.
      Raheem beams after an extra-time shot is saved against Denmark in the semi
      Raheem with fiancé Paige with whom he has two children
      He simply raised his hands to his head and flashed the radiant grin of a man whose childhood dream was to be “King of Wembley”.
      Known as Raz to his fellow players, 26-year-old Raheem personifies the sense of fun and solidarity the England team has tapped into.
      Amid the sweat and toil, it appeared he was simply relishing the occasion as the final whistle neared.
      And the internet has exploded in love for a player who had described himself as the #TheHatedOne in an Instagram post at Euro 2016.
      After the latest victory at this Euros, one tweeter wrote: “I dote on Raheem Sterling’s wondrous and sweet smile.”
      Another added: “Raheem Sterling: A god among men with the smile of an ANGEL.”
      Wembley had rocked to a bespoke version of song Freed From Desire by Gala in homage to Raheem.
      “Sterling’s on fire,” the crowd sang. “Your defence is terrified.”
      The Manchester City star has been England’s best player in the tournament, spearheading the team’s assent to their first major final in 55 years.
      With 67 England caps already under his belt, he is a national role model on and off the field.
      He’s the same lad he was when he was 16. He’s great to have around the place. He’s vocal. He’s a leader on the pitchJordan Pickford
      Last month he was awarded an MBE for his efforts in fighting for racial equality.
      Before the game, captain Harry Kane said: “People maybe underestimate him as a person and as a leader.”
      Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who first played alongside Raheem when they were teenagers, said: “He’s the same lad he was when he was 16. He’s great to have around the place.
      “He’s vocal. He’s a leader on the pitch.”
      For his part, Sterling has not forgotten his roots on his heady rise to England immortality.
      His tweets during the tournament have been signed off with the hashtag #BoyfromBrent.
      Like something from a tear-jerking movie, Raheem grew up just a decent goal kick away from Wembley Stadium in North West London.
      He told the Players’ Tribune website: “I grew up in the shadow of my dream. Literally.
      “I watched the new Wembley stadium go up from my back garden.
      “One day, I walked outside and I saw this massive arch in the sky. It was rising up over the top of the housing estates like a mountain.
      “I used to kick about in this green right by my house, and I could take a shot on goal then turn round to celebrate and the Wembley arch would literally be right above my head. It was like you were there.
      In control, Sterling on the ball at Wembley, a stadium he watched being rebuilt from his back gardenCredit: AP
      Raheem shares smiles with his two boys Thiago and Thai-CruzCredit: Refer to Caption
      Mentor Clive Ellington said: ‘I took him to the park one day and I thought, ‘He’s got something about him’, he was outshining all the others’Credit: The Sun
      “I was really like, I can play there. I can do it.”
      As well as dreaming of being “the King of Wembley one day”, Raheem even has a tattoo of the stadium’s iconic 133-metre arch on his forearm.
      But to realise his dream, he had to battle tragedy, poverty and adversity.
      Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Raheem Shaquille Sterling began life sharing a three-bedroom bungalow with his ten-strong extended family.
      His father, Phillip Slater, was gunned down in 1996 in Jamaica when Raheem was just two years old after being wrongly caught up in a gang turf war.
      The star would later say that losing his dad, “shaped my entire life”.
      When he was four, his mum Nadine Clarke travelled to the UK to forge a new life for her family.
      He used to kick a juice carton aroundJoy Morris
      He and elder stepsister Lakima were cared for by his gran, Joy Morris.
      She said of her grandson: “His life hasn’t been easy. It was a tough place to grow up and he had to be sharp.
      “We didn’t have lots of money but we were a very close family and we helped one another out with raising the children.
      “His love for football came from playing at the front of the house when he was three. He used to kick a juice carton around.”
      Raheem and Lakima then joined their mum in London, where she worked as a cleaner to help pay for a degree course.
      Sterling remembers waking at 5am before school to help his mum clean toilets at a hotel in North London.
      Raheem’s childhood street with Wembley Stadium in the background – where he dreamt of being ‘the King of Wembley one day’Credit: Tim Stewart
      Lakima was also instrumental in helping him achieve his dreams, travelling miles by three buses to get him to football training.
      Raheem told Players Tribune: “Mum would never let me go to training alone. And she always had to work, so my sister would have to take me all the way out to Heathrow.
      “Three buses. The 18 to the 182 to the 140. The red double-deckers with the blue wool Eighties vibe on the seats. Spent ages on those.
      “We’d leave at 3.15pm and get home at 11pm. Every. Single. Day. She’d sit upstairs in the little cafe and chill until I was done with training.
      “Imagine being 17 years old and doing that for your little brother. And I never once heard her say, ‘Nah, I don’t wanna take him’.
      “At the time, I didn’t understand how much she was sacrificing.”
      Aged eight, Raheem was referred to Vernon House, a school for children struggling because of behavioural issues.
      He’s as humble as they come. It was never about the money, it was about the football. He was one of the nicest boys I’ve ever mentoredClive Ellington
      There he was assigned mentor Clive Ellington, who he credits with kickstarting his career.
      The youth worker said: “I took him to the park one day and I thought, ‘He’s got something about him’, he was outshining all the others.”
      Raheem was not even playing for a team at the time, so Clive invited him to a training session at local club Alpha & Omega FC.
      Clive added: “As coaches we stood there, arms folded, just thinking ‘What on earth have we unearthed here?’, because he was a gem.”
      And he insists that Raheem has never been motivated by money.
      He said: “He never discussed money or cars. He’s as humble as they come. It was never about the trimmings, it was about the football.
      “He was one of the nicest boys I’ve ever mentored.”
      When Clive drove his young protege to games he would hold out a pen as a pretend microphone and say: “Raheem Sterling, how do you feel about making your debut for England at 16?”
      Star man Sterling in action with Denmark’s Kasper SchmeichelCredit: Reuters
      Raheem would look at him, “like I was a nutter”.
      But Clive was only a year out, as Raheem made his Three Lions debut aged 17 against Sweden.
      The star says of his mentor: “He was the person who made me realise there’s more to life than being a naughty kid.”
      The 5ft 7in striker joined QPR at the age of 11 and moved to Liverpool at 15 in a £500,000 deal.
      Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard told The Times: “He was a very respectful kid. He was someone who hung on to every word.
      “He always wanted to learn, he used to take information on.”
      In 2015, then an England regular, he joined Manchester City in a £50million deal.
      Shortly before the 2018 World Cup he was pictured with a tattoo of an MI6 assault rifle on his right leg.
      Raheem explained on Instagram: “When I was two my father died from being gunned down.
      “I made a promise to myself I would never touch a gun in my lifetime. I shoot with my right foot, so it has a deeper meaning.”
      When the dust finally settles on his stellar career, he will perhaps be remembered as much for fighting racism as the trophies he has won.
      Having been subjected to a barrage of abuse, he has used his profile to call for equality.
      When some fans booed the England players for taking the knee before games, he expressed his “disappointment”.
      Now reportedly earning £300,000 a week, Raheem lives with his fiancée Paige Milian, 26, and their sons, Thiago, three, and Thai-Cruz, one, in a Cheshire village.
      Raheem Sterling celebrates the win with his sonCredit: Getty
      Raheem lives with his fiancée Paige Milian and their two sons in a Cheshire villageCredit: paigemilian/Instagram
      Raheem and team mate Jordan Henderson pose having both received their MBECredit: Getty

      He also has an eight-year-old daughter, Melody Rose, from a previous relationship.
      When England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, Raheem had failed to find the net.
      Now, with three goals already this time, the smiling “King of Wembley” returns to his beloved Brent for Sunday’s final, ready to take his place among England’s sporting immortals.
      Raheem Sterling is ‘world class’ and England’s’ ‘most effective player’ beam Ferdinand and Lampard More