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      England Euro 2020 football team’s bizarre superstitions and rituals from Kane’s shaving to Walker’s rotten shin pads

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      MONTHS of intense training, international friendlies, and endless analysis have gone into making England as strong as they can be for the Euros.But some players leave nothing to chance and turn to bizarre pre-game rituals and superstitions they believe will give them an extra edge – which could come in handy in tonight’s clash against Germany.
      ⚽️ Read our Euro 2020 Live Blog for the latest news and updates
      England boss Gareth Southgate has done all he can to lead the Three Lions to Euro 2020 successCredit: Reuters
      There’s a particularly rich history of wacky habits in England dressing rooms over the years. 
      John Terry reckoned he had about 50 superstitious rituals, including always sitting in the same seat on the team coach and repeatedly listening to the same Usher album. 
      Phil Jones decided which sock to put on first depending on whether he was playing at home or away.
      John Terry thinks he had over 50 rituals and superstitions during his playing careerCredit: Getty
      And Gary Lineker is believed to have changed his shirt at halftime if he hadn’t scored in the first 45 minutes of the game. 
      Now the latest Three Lions squad will be doing their own pre-match rituals ahead of tonight’s match.
      Razor precision
      Alexander the Great once ordered his army to shave before a showdown for the control of Asia, believing “in battles, there is nothing handier to grasp than a beard”. 
      But when England skipper Harry Kane goes to war on the pitch, he takes a different view. 
      The striker, 27, has previously attributed a goal streak at Spurs to ditching his razor. 
      Harry Kane has previously avoided shaving to continue a hot streak of scoringCredit: Getty
      In 2014, after scoring in three consecutive games, he said: “I have not had a shave since my first goal.  
      “It is the first time I have gone for the bearded look and the missus might not be too happy if I score the next couple of weeks but it is a superstition I am keeping.” 
      Let’s hope that by the time the Euro final comes round that he looks like Gandalf. 
      Smells like team spirit
      Kyle Walker will do anything to avoid a rotten performance – including wearing rotting shin pads.
      The £150,000-a-week defender, 31, wears the same pair he’s had for 14 years since his fledgling days at Sheffield United.
      “They’re hanging together a bit, but they are doing OK and I will not change them. I will never change them,” Walker recently told The Telegraph. 
      Kyle Walker has worn the same shin pads for well over a decadeCredit: Getty
      “I’ve never lost them or anything, they have to be there. It’s impossible not to have them. I’d rather lose my boots.”
      Walker also eats spaghetti bolognese every night before a game. 
      But spare a thought for the poor England kit man having to schlep those smelly old shin pads from game to game this summer.
      Making a point
      For striker Marcus Rashford, his tribute is to a beloved family member. 
      The school meals hero always points to the sky remembering his grandmother Cillian who imparted valuable wisdom to him when he was a young boy.
      Marcus Rashford taps his boots before coming on – as well as a more personal pre-game ritualCredit: Getty
      In his book You Are a Champion, 23-year-old Rashford wrote about the pain of losing his nanna when he was just 11. 
      He wrote: “Next time you see me playing football, check out what I do before I get on the pitch: I always do the sign of the cross, and then I point up to my nanna.
      “She never got to watch me play, but I know she’s a part of me and I always try to say something to her before a game.
      Rashford with his mum Melanie – he pays tribute to his family when he playsCredit: AP
      “I remember the lessons she taught me, tap my boots four times before I step on the pitch – which is my little routine I do to keep focused – and then I know I’m ready to go out there and give it my best.
      “That’s my way of trying to share what big moments I can with her, even though she is gone.”
      Sock it to ’em
      Luke Shaw’s superstition manages to blend the football-wide phenomenon of wearing “lucky” clothes with a tribute to his son.
      The Manchester United left-back, 25, was gifted a pair of socks adorned with his baby’s face by his girlfriend, Anouska Santos.
      Luke Shaw wears lucky socks that have his and partner Anouska’s son’s face on themCredit: anouskasantos/instagram
      Now he believes his customised footwear bearing the image of little Reign London brings him good fortune. 
      Shaw recently told Sky: “I always make sure I have them on. 
      “They are kind of like my lucky socks.”
      Head in the game
      Tyrone Mings’ knows football is a game of the mind as much as the body.
      That’s why the Aston Villa defender, 28, speaks to his psychologist for a few minutes before every game to put himself into a hyper-competitive state.
      He told the High Performance podcast: “We talk about settling down the inner child and any feelings he might have in what I’m about to do.
      Tyrone Mings chats with a psychologist before kick-off to get into a competitive mental stateCredit: The Sun
      “We talk about settling down the inner child and any feelings he might have in what I’m about to do.
      “Then we talk to the best version of myself and what he looks like, how he’s stood, how he feels, how he competes. 
      “Then we distinguish which one we need right now and then going out and playing.”
      On a roll
      You might think Grealish needs to pull his socks up – but he likes them low for a reason.
      The Three Lions playmaker, 25, usually has them rolled down so far that his shin pads are visible. 
      Grealish told Birmingham Live: “Obviously your socks are supposed to go above your calves.
      Jack Grealish is said to wear shin pads for teenagers and keeps his socks low for superstitious reasonsCredit: Reuters
      “But one year when I was here, the socks once shrunk in the wash. So they wouldn’t go higher.
      “That season, I ended up playing really well. So it became a superstitious thing for me. I thought ‘I’m going to keep doing this because I’ve done well’.” 
      The Villa ace is even said to wear shin pads designed for teenagers.
      He says some referees have taken issue with his sartorial superstitions, but he insists he has no plans to change.
      Football crazy, chocolate mad
      Extremely strict dietary control is a huge part of the modern game for elite players. 
      But the Toffees’ blistering striker Dominc Calvert-Lewin swears by pre-match chocolate.
      Dominic Calvert-Lewin is thought to munch on Maltesers before playingCredit: Rex

      According to the Daily Mail, the 24-year-old forward always scoffs down a bag of Maltesers before kick-off. 
      It’s unclear how the quirky superstition started – but with 16 Premier League goals last season, we hope he’s packed his suitcase with the sweet snack for the Euros.
      Heartbroken France fan stops playing his drum as Switzerland grab shock lead in Euro 2020 last-16 showdown More

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      Euro 2020: The English are secretly quite fond of Germany but let’s stuff them right up the Wembley way

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      DEAR continental cousins — please don’t tell anyone, but the English are secretly quite fond of the Germans.Your cars. Your washing machines. Your world-famous sense of humour. Your pop music . . . well, maybe not so much.
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest England news and updates from Euro 2020
      Dear continental cousins, please don’t tell anyone but the English are secretly quite fond of the GermansCredit: Rex
      But Jurgen Klopp’s smile. And Frau Merkel’s style. And what red-blooded Englishman could dislike a country where they eat sausages for breakfast?
      We are even trying to be understanding about Merkel’s wish to ban all Brits from all European beaches this summer when the Germans were part of the great EU vaccination cock-up.
      But we get it. We left your precious European Union. You’re hurt. Nobody likes getting dumped. True, England and Germany have some previous. We spent some torrid times in the last century kicking lumps out of each other.
      But in the end, there was grudging respect in England for the fine country that Germany became after the last war. A place of peace and prosperity and democracy — at least the part of Germany that didn’t have a Russian jackboot on its throat.
      My father had German shrapnel in his legs on the day he died. But I honestly can’t remember Dad ever having a bad word to say about Deutschland — even when I brought home a German girlfriend. Forgive and forget, eh?
      And despite what Basil Fawlty said, we did not even need to pretend. As someone once said, you do not make peace with your friend. You make peace with your enemy. The exception is on a football pitch. Because it rankles.
      The English invented football but Germany perfected it.
      We came up with a sport and a pastime where flair, creativity and joy could run amok. And Germans turned football into a machine of frightening efficiency.
      The English invented football but Germany perfected itCredit: AP
      We need a defining moment like 1966
      As dull as a VW Beetle, perhaps. As boring as a Miele washing machine in full spin cycle, possibly. As dreary as Frau Merkel’s face when Boris Johnson is attempting to do one of his elbow bumps. But German football — like any German product — works. The proof is on the respective shirts.
      One tiny star twinkles on the England shirt, representing that golden day in 1966. The Germans have four.
      They have also won the Euros a couple of times, although not for a while. That’s why they like to talk about “seven years of hurt” — that German sense of humour again — since they won a major title.
      While England has other football rivalries — Argentina, Portugal and Scotland — it is true that the agony and the ecstasy of English football has largely revolved around games versus Germany.
      With all that silverware back in the Fatherland, these dates might not mean much to the German football fan. But to the Englishman, they are sacred.1966 at Wembley. 1990 in Italy. The Euros of 1996. And tonight.
      After all our people have endured over the last 15 months, it could truly mean as much as any of those sacred dates. But this is more than a chance to avenge penalty shoot-outs.
      One tiny star twinkles on the England shirt, representing that golden day in 1966 but the Germans have four, here pictured Harry KaneCredit: Getty
      Around 20 million of us will watch England v Germany tonight, Raheem Sterling poses during the official UEFA Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      This is a chance to feel good about ourselves again.
      Around 20 million of us will watch England v Germany tonight.
      The fate of the nation does not rest on the result of the match, but the mood of the nation certainly does. Beating the real old enemy would be the shot in the arm our country so desperately craves and so badly needs.
      Because right now the prevailing mood here is less than glorious. Because right now it feels like the UK is a nation suffering from long Covid. The shaming of Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed a stinking hypocrisy at the heart of our government.
      When he was caught with his metaphorical pants down, it proved that our rulers truly do think there is one set of rules for them and another for the rest of us.
      The frustration and the fury in the country is palpable.
      This is a chance to feel good about ourselves again, pictured is Jordan PickfordCredit: Getty
      There is something undeniably perfect about this mood-defining match being against GermanyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Something perfect about this match
      The English are not a docile people like the Germans. It would be impossible to imagine, for example, the Germans ever voting to leave the European Union.
      Even now, they are really good at obeying orders. It’s a bit different for the English. And our mood is sour.
      Anger with Boris Johnson’s timidity — and hypocrisy — is palpable.
      Frustration is everywhere. Tonight can set us free. It’s time to stuff Die Mannschaft — the German national team — right up the Wembley Way, just like we did in ’66. It’s nothing personal.
      The Germans can quote our footballing national anthem — Football’s Coming Home — but it’s already home for us, here in Wembley at five o’clock tonight.
      There is something undeniably perfect about this mood-defining match being against Germany.
      It’s time to stuff Die Mannschaft — the German national team — right up the Wembley Way, just like we did in ’66Credit: AFP
      For in the soul of every England football fan, no matter their generation, there is a secret chamber where it is always a rainy summer’s day in 1966, and Bobby Moore is smiling, Bobby Charlton is crying, and Nobby Stiles is dancing.
      The 1966 World Cup Final was just a football match.
      But I vividly remember what it did to the mood of a people who — 21 years on — still seemed to be recovering from the wounds, trauma and sacrifice of war. ­People like my mum and dad, my aunts and uncles.
      Ordinary, working people. Good people. Worthy of love. Something in them came alive that day.
      It was when the Sixties started.
      Tonight’s match can be like that — a moment of national unity and collective euphoria, the chance for a battered, weary people to begin again.
      The Germans can quote our footballing national anthem, Football’s Coming Home, but it’s already home for usCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      We need a defining moment like 1966 — to lift our spirits, to remind us of who we are, to wipe away the gloom that hangs like a shroud over our battered nation.
      From the local primary school sports day to the green fields of Glastonbury, this should be the height of English summer.
      Yet the summer feels like it is already slipping away. But what if the Three Lions run rampant against the Germans tonight? Then it will feel like all our summer days arrived at once.
      Gareth Southgate tells England stars to show no fear against Germany… and go and become Three Lions LEGENDS More

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      Wembley is our living room England… so WE are the ones coming home

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      DEAR island snowflakes — don’t whine just because we dare to quote your title song Football’s Coming Home when we return to Wembley Stadium — aka “unser Wohnzimmer” (our living room).It was you, who chose this song for Euro ’96, that we won. So, get over it! Please believe me — we’re not really being serious here. Well, almost not.
      Wembley is our living room England… so WE are the ones coming home, says Peter TiedeCredit: AFP
      But seriously — our team is coming home. Wembley is a place full of beautiful, good ­German history.
      A bitter moment with the stolen victory in 1966 — almost every German knows the “Wembley-Goal”. And many sweet victories, like in 1972 or 1996.
      We cherish this sacred space with respect and secret glee. Wembley is part of our collective German football heritage.
      With us it’s always the same story — we just love to tease each other. Just a tiny bit. We Germans call this “love-hate”. A little bit of both.
      We tell each other these stories, lounging on the sunbeds we took from you early in the morning on Majorca or the Costa del Sol.
      But seriously — our team is coming home. Wembley is a place full of beautiful, good ­German history, says Peter TiedeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      And we attest to the fact that we cannot find a decent meal in Portugal or Andalusia, because all menus everywhere are occupied with your “food”.
      You are in our thoughts, when we need to binge drink as of 18:00 with warm, foamless beer in your (great) pubs, because of early closing hours, instead of enjoying our sacred Pils and Helles.
      While not only watching our own football league, but your league (with our own coaches and players).
      Every year there is a feeling of amazement when I look at English people in an Andalusian trailer park eating fish and chips in 35 degree or more heat. Then there’s the beachside search game — “find a Brit without tattoos”.
      As much as we feud with each other on vacation, we are united in the fact we are great football nations and that others are mystified by our rivalry.
      Paul Gascoigne of England argues with Stefan Kuntz of Germany during the England v Germany semi-final of Euro 96Credit: Allsport
      Your delegates burned bright red — and ours in socks and sandals. And our kids: one part drunk in Magaluf, the others at the “Ballermann” in Majorca.
      We look upon England, that for us always seems to waver between stiff upper lip and drunkenly uninhibited, with respect.
      Here’s hoping for tonight because if nothing major changes we will show up basically without a defence.
      This was obvious during both games against Hungary and Portugal. We had to force Portugal to shoot two own goals so we could have half a chance. We almost failed against Hungary due to harmlessness.
      But we do know we Germans stumble through preliminary and middle rounds and at the end we are victorious . . . at least against England.
      England’s captain Alan Shearer punches the air as he celebrates his goal against GermanyCredit: Reuters

      So, no worries. We would love to celebrate our victory at Wembley, but — too bad our fans can’t be there. We’ll see you next time — at Wembley or anywhere else.
      You have the better football songs. We have more football titles. So, don’t be sad when we Germans sing “Football’s coming home” tonight. And just in case you do manage to grab the title, just sing our song: “So ein Tag, so wunderschön wie heute . . . ”*
      *Such a day, as beautiful as today . . .
      Willow the Cockapoo predicts the result of Euros clash between England and Germany More

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      England legend Sir Geoff Hurst believes glory beckons for Gareth Southgate’s young lions

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      ENGLAND legend Sir Geoff Hurst told Gareth Southgate’s young lions: “Beat Germany and you’ll go on and win it!”The hero, whose hat-trick conquered our old foe in 1966, lined up with The Sun’s mascot Harry Mane — and also had advice for England’s star striker.
      Sir Geoff Hurst rallied the nation behind Gareth Southgate’s young lions saying: ‘Beat Germany and you’ll go on and win it!’Credit: The Sun
      He said: “There’s nothing quite like an England versus Germany game at Wembley and the hairs still stand up on the back of my neck every time it happens.
      “It’s a massive, massive game — one of those do-or-die occasions which will produce moments we’ll never forget.
      “German teams never give up and we have a hell of a fight on our hands. But this time it’s a fight we can win — and once we clear this obstacle it’ll take a hell of a team to stop us.”
      A win tomorrow will send England to Rome for a quarter-final with Sweden or Ukraine. Another victory would tee up a semi-final back at Wembley against either Denmark or Czech Republic.
      Sir Geoff, 79, believes glory beckons for our young side — and he is unconcerned at striker Harry Kane’s lack of goals so far. Sir Geoff was a sub for the 1966 group games and did not score.
      But he got the only goal against Argentina, laid on another against Portugal before his epic hat-trick in the final against West Germany.
      The England legend gave advice to England’s star striker Harry KaneCredit: Reuters
      He said: ‘I would love to see him score a hat-trick in the final like I did’Credit: The Sun
      He said: “I got off to a much slower start than Harry Kane in 1966. I didn’t even get a kick in the first three games. But I took my chances in the knockout stages just like I believe Harry will.
      “He has the class, power and skill to come alive at the business end of the tournament and I would love to see him score a hat-trick in the final like I did.”
      The old foes have not clashed at the Euros since 2000, when England won 1-0.
      But the Germans hit back with a 4-1 hiding the last time they met in a major tournament — at the 2010 World Cup. England also famously crashed out on penalties to them twice — at the 1990 World Cup then again at Euro 96.
      But if tomorrow’s game ends in a shootout, Sir Geoff is confident they can get revenge. He said: “We hopefully shook off that hoodoo when we beat Colombia on penalties at the last World Cup.
      “No England fan likes the prospect of a shoot-out — least of all against the Germans given our track record. But I’m sure England now practise hard at spot-kicks and study video of their opponents before games to make it less of an ordeal. It’s going to be tough and tight.
      A win against Germany tomorrow will send England to Rome for a quarter-final with Sweden or UkraineCredit: The Sun
      Sir Geoff, 79, confident in a win added: ‘I’m sure England have the grit and talent to win — even if it goes to penalties’Credit: The Sun
      England’s captain Bobby Moore is carried by teammates including Geoff Hurst after England defeated Germany 4-2 in the final at WembleyCredit: AP

      “I’m sure England have the grit and talent to win — even if it goes to penalties.”
      He also said the 45,000-strong crowd will sound like there’s double there, and called on them to roar like our mascot.
      He said: “I love The Sun’s Harry. We had a lion mascot called World Cup Willie in ’66 – and he roared us all the way to the final. Everyone should get behind this lion — and our lions on the pitch.”

      FAKE replica England shirts are shifting in their thousands after fans refused to pay £69.95 for the official Nike tops.

      England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst backs Boris Johnson’s offer to host Euros in the UK More

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      Inside ‘boring’ Michael Owen’s scandals – from ‘nude requests’, oral sex gag, nastiness, divorce fears & Shearer feud

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      MICHAEL Owen was once branded the “most boring pundit in sport” but behind the cameras, his life appears anything but with X-rated jokes, “nastiness” nearly ending his marriage and his age-long feud with Alan Shearer.Now the BT Sport commentator has been called out for allegedly “begging” for nude photographs from a former Big Brother star.
      Michael Owen hung-up his boots in 2013 – after scorring 163 goals in 363 appearance during his football league careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The BT Sport pundit allegedly sent sexual text messages to ex-Big Brother star Rebecca JaneCredit: ladyrebeccajane/Instagram
      Owen, a father of four, has been married to his wife Louise Bonsall for around 16 yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Owen has not responded to claims that he “judged” more than 20 topless photos from reality star Rebecca Jane and sent her hundreds of explicit messages.
      Owen, who has been married to Louise Bonsall since 2005, remarked “great t**s” according to The Sunday Mirror and “tremendous by the way” in response to the saucy snaps.
      The 41-year-old, who played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City during his 16-year professional career, is no stranger to controversy. 
      In the wake of the recent allegations, we look back at the shocking scandals to turn Owen from the darling of English football to unlikely bad boy.
      X-rated Twitter joke
      Owen caused quite the stir when he tweeted a photograph of his two dogs lying on top of each other and a remark about his wife. 
      Michael Owen tied the knot to his childhood sweetheart Louise Bonsall in 2005Credit: Reuters
      The footballer made a joke about oral sex on Twitter – but his wife was less than amused
      The 2014 snap, which showed one his pet’s face next to the other’s testicles, was accompanied by the comment: “I wonder if Mrs O will be so kind tonight!”
      He sent the message to his then-three million Twitter followers – to a mixed response.
      One wrote “best ever tweet” and another questioned whether he was of sound mind, adding: “Haha I can’t believe you wrote that! Are you drunk?”
      ‘It was worth asking’
      Another quipped: “Disgusting. Why do you want [your] wife to lick your dog’s b*****ks?”
      Later on, Owen updated fans with a photograph of his wife sticking two fingers up at him, which he captioned: “Oh well, it was worth asking.”
      Some were surprised by the pundit’s remarks and suggested it was an unlikely move from the star because they considered him “boring”.
      Owen shared his wife was not impressed and flipped two fingers at him in response, which he shared online
      Louise (second right) joined WAGs Victoria Beckham, Coleen Rooney and Elen Rivas in 2018Credit: Rex Features
      One person wrote: “If [you] were to pick one man to do something like that I think he would be almost last on the list.”
      Owen has since deleted the tweet but misconceptions about his personality emerged during his alleged sexting with Rebecca Jane.
      In one message, he was claimed to have written: “I love the way everyone says I’m an angel then within a minute of meeting me can’t believe how wrong they were.”
      Shear-er fury
      Owen once described Alan Shearer as “not only a strike partner… [but] a good mate” and even stayed at his home for a while after moving to Newcastle United in 2005.
      The pair played alongside one another in the England team and bonded off the pitch with games of golf – but eventually their friendship turned sour.
      In Owen’s 2019 autobiography, Reboot: My Life, My Time, he wrote: “At no time did I get the impression that he (Shearer) saw things any differently.
      Michael Owen and Alan Shearer seemed to be ‘best mates’ during their time on the pitch together – but not all was as it seemedCredit: Getty
      But when Shearer took over as manager in 2009, their relationship turned sourCredit: Getty
      “To put it simply, there has been a lot of lies, bulls*** and general misinformation surrounding the end of my time at Newcastle.” 
      Their feud began after Shearer was put in charge of the Magpies in 2009, during the club’s desperate bid to avoid relegation. 
      Ahead of their final clash against Aston Villa, Owen told the skipper he “wasn’t fully fit but was prepared to play” despite having a groin injury.
      ‘Scapegoat for failure’
      But Owen claimed his boss “made an insinuation” that he wasn’t invested in the club and “had half an eye on my next contract”.
      Later he was told Shearer “was apparently seething” with him and Owen felt he was being “used as a scapegoat” for the club’s relegation.
      In his book, he wrote: “Perhaps, rather than examine his own shortcomings, it felt easier to blame Michael Owen.”
      Owen stayed at Shearer’s home when he was looking for a place to live after joining Newcastle UnitedCredit: Getty
      The footballers are not believed to be on speaking terms after rowing on social mediaCredit: Redferns
      It seemed his beliefs weren’t completely unfounded after Shearer vented about the star on the Match of the Day podcast.
      He said: “I felt he could have done more at Newcastle in my time when I was the manager.”
      Owen noted that it was “a shame” the pair hadn’t “talked this out face to face” before taking a dig at Shearer’s managerial record, branding it “hardly God-like”.
      ‘F***ing Newcastle fans’
      Later that year, the footballer caused a stir after told the Daily Mirror: “I don’t need to justify myself to f***ing Newcastle fans.”
      In response, Shearer posted a video of Owen on Twitter where he said: “I hated it, I couldn’t wait to retire.”
      The former manager fumed: “Yes Michael, we thought that also, whilst on £120k a week…”
      Shearer fumed after Owen’s remarks about wanting ‘hating’ his time at Newcastle UnitedCredit: Getty
      The online spats seemed to worsen their feud and cull Shearer and Owen’s friendshipCredit: Getty
      Owen accused Shearer of hypocrisy and felt there was nothing wrong with wanting to leave Newcastle United. 
      He pointed out that while his former-manager was playing for Sir Bobby Robson he “tried everything to get out”.
      He added: “Not sure you are as loyal to Newcastle as you make out mate.”
      Nastiness, rage and divorce
      Owen sought out counseling after staring “into an abyss called divorce”  in 2014 as he struggled to adapt to life after retiring from football.
      He believed the pressure of playing in the top flight had left him “extremely focused and driven” but it took a toll on his mental health.
      The star wrote: “Some have even said that they’ve seen a cold darkness in me… the truth is, inside, I have raged at times.”
      Owen embraced by David Beckham after scoring an equiliser against France in the 1998 World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
      The star admitted he struggled to adapt to normal life after retiring from footballCredit: BT Sport
      Owen candidly recounted the difficulties he put his family through on match days when “nobody dared say a word to me” and other “nasty” responses.
      He felt lucky his family showered him with the “most profound… unconditional love” at that time and for being able to “tolerate half of what I threw at them”.
      Owen continued: “Because of my own inner demons, I was intentionally really hard on Louise about subjects that I knew would push her buttons most.
      ‘I couldn’t stop!’
      “I’d take everything out on Louise, though – I’d accuse her of spending all her time with her eldest and ignoring the other kids. It wasn’t even true.”
      In hindsight, Owen was able to recognise that he was being “picking, needling” and “being nasty” but at the time he “couldn’t stop it”.
      The couple edged closer to divorce and had marriage counselling – after that concluded, Owen continued to have sessions on his own.
      Owen shared a photograph of him and Louise along with the message ‘Happy Birthday to my gorgeous wife’ in 2017
      Rebecca Jane has starred in Big Brother, This Morning and other showsCredit: ladyrebeccajane/Instagram
      The star believed his bad behaviour was down to his own “flaws and insecurities” and felt “like a new person” after therapy.
      Owen said it made him realise that he “deeply loved” his wife and “wholeheartedly loved” his family.
      He said: “My life-changing liaison with the idea of splitting with Louise and the family in 2014 has passed.
      “I’m pretty sure that everyone who knows me will say that I’m now a completely different person – in the best possible way.”
      ‘Sext scandal’
      How this new alleged scandal will affect his marriage is yet to be seen and Owen’s spokesman declined to comment when approached by the Sunday Mirror.
      The footballer started following Rebecca on Twitter back in March before their chats reportedly turned sexual.
      Messages from Rebecca Jane allege that Owen flirted with the reality starCredit: ladyrebeccajane/Instagram
      Rebecca Jane’s messages claim Owen asked to judge which nudes would be fit for social mediaCredit: ladyrebeccajane/Instagram
      Messages from the reality TV star, who also appeared on This Morning, showed her asking Owen whether he had cheated on his wife during their marriage. 
      He allegedly responded: “I’d say it’s pretty naive to, as I’ve been with my partner virtually all my life.
      “If I was s***ging left right and centre I’m pretty sure I’d have been found out by now.”

      Rebecca’s messages also suggest he tried to arrange a rendezvous so they could “meet for a debate” in April – but she backed out ahead of the big day.
      Her friend claimed Owen “continued to message her and even tried calling her at 3am” when she didn’t show up.
      Michael Owen falls off his bike while standing still as England hero shares hilarious clip from outside his house More

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      Paul Gascoigne on England going all the way in Euro 2020 and his goal that crushed Scotland in ’96

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      PAUL Gascoigne relived the glory goal which crushed Scotland in Euro 96 — and fired up England for tonight’s Euro 2020 showdown by roaring: “We can go all the way this time.”The Geordie, 54, smashed home an amazing volley against the “Auld Enemy” to seal a 2-0 win and send the Three Lions on a thrilling run to the semi final.
      England legend Paul Gascoigne is tipping his team to go all the way in Euro 2020Credit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Now he says Gareth Southgate’s young squad can top that by winning the tournament.
      Gazza declared: “We have brilliant players and are good enough to go all the way. Our strikeforce this time is unbelievable.
      “We have so much power going forward we’re going to be very hard to beat at Wembley.
      “And we’re going into the Scotland game having beaten Croatia, who I thought were good enough to win the tournament.
      Gazza jinxes past Scotland’s Colin HendryCredit: Reuters
      “The Scots were unlucky in their first match and have their strongest squad in ages. They’ll be bang up for playing us at Wembley and it’ll be a hard game.
      “But, if we can play like I did that day and knock them out, we have our best chance in years of lifting a trophy.”
      The Newcastle, Spurs, Lazio and Glasgow Rangers legend — who has battled booze and drug demons — also paid tribute to his England team-mate Southgate, 50.
      The Three Lions boss missed his shootout penalty against Germany in the dramatic 1996 semi-final.
      Gazza said: “I’m so proud of Gareth  and how he’s come back from the disappointment.
      Gazza cheekily mimicked the infamous ‘dentist chair’ stunt by sprawling on his back with teammates grabbing  a bottle of water to squirt at him
      “I scored my penalty against the Germans even though it was a miss-kick. He missed his and put us out of the tournament. But I ended up in rehab and he ended up manager of the most successful England team in decades!
      “Gareth’s been a good friend down the years and I respect him for what he’s done with the team.”
      He added: “Covid and all these lockdowns have been a f*****g nightmare and an England run in the Euros is just what the country needs right now.”
      Gazza had the nation in raptures with his Wembley moment of magic which came — like tonight’s Battle of Britain showdown — in the second of three qualifying group games.
      Running towards goal on the left edge of Scotland’s penalty area,  he deftly lifted the ball over defender Colin Hendry’s head before letting it drop on his right boot and lashing it past ’keeper Andy Goram.
      Gazza celebrates the goal that ‘crushed’ Scotland in the Euro ’96 clash
      Gazza said: “It’s the best goal I ever scored in an England shirt and the greatest goal ever scored in 100 years at Wembley.
      “I had a little glance and I could see Colin coming across towards me. If he had stopped, I would have controlled the ball then beat him. But when he kept coming, I knew I had him.
      “I flicked it over Colin’s head with my left and banged it past Andy Goram in goal with my right.
      “Colin was left on his a*** and the whole of Wembley just erupted. It was pure joy. No words can describe that feeling.
      “I’d worked on being a two-footed player from the age of eight, banging a ball against a wall with only my left foot to train myself and that was the day it paid off.”
      The squad in ‘96 had been criticised after holding an infamous pre-tournament bonding party in Hong Kong where some players had booze poured into their mouths while sitting in a bar’s novelty dentist’s chair.
      Gazza says: ‘It’s amazing to see so many youngsters coming through in Gareth’s squad’Credit: Getty
      Gazza cheekily mimicked the stunt by sprawling on his back with team-mates grabbing  a bottle of water to squirt at him.
      He recalled: “I said in the dressing room before the game, ‘Lads, whoever scores, let’s do the dentist’s chair’.
      “The mad thing is that people remember the celebration as much as the goal.
      “I’d put the bottle there to prepare for it and just lay there with my mouth open waiting for the lads to give me a good soaking.
      Colin Hendry can only watch as the ball is fired towards the netCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “The goal was made even sweeter by the fact that I was a Glasgow Rangers player in those days and had never managed to score a single goal against Andy Goram in training.
      “But I did it at Wembley in front of 100,000 people and millions on TV when it mattered.
      “I daren’t look at him after I finished celebrating because I knew he’d be fuming and he would probably have knocked my f*****g head off! It made me a bit anxious about going back to  Rangers after but I decided, ‘F*** — I’ll wind ’em up anyway when I get back’.
      “So when I rejoined the team in the dressing room, I stuck pictures of the goal on the walls.
      “Then I got a mop which looked like Colin Hendry’s head, flicked a ball over it and volleyed it straight at Andy.
      Marcus Rashford has already shown he has pace and power and is lethal up front, says PaulCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “He went off his f*****g head and had to be held off me. He said, ‘If you ever do that again, I’ll knock you out’.”
      Now it’s the turn of a new generation of stars to make the headlines. Gazza said: “Jack Grealish is great to watch and wants the ball all the time just like I did. Phil Foden is also going to be an incredible player.
      “And Marcus Rashford has already shown he has pace and power and is lethal up front.
      “But, if I’m honest, I don’t think there’s one player in the England team or in the tournament who could score my greatest goal! It was a one-off.”

      He went on: “It’s amazing to see so many youngsters coming through in Gareth’s squad.
      “They look so strong and skilful and seem to be able to handle the pressure.
      “All they have to do against the Scots is attack their opponents and play with passion. My message  to them is, ‘Don’t hold back. This is your time, lads, so go for it! Go for it’.
      “I’ll be watching all the games on TV on my own because I get cross when I see players who don’t celebrate in front of the fans like I did when they score.
      “I’ve had my problems with drink but if we win the tournament I won’t care — I’ll be straight off the wagon and down the pub.
      “There’ll never be a better excuse for the whole country to celebrate.
      “And mine will be a pina colada if anyone wants to buy me one!”
      HENDRY’S GOAL WOETHE Scotland centre-half bamboozled by Gazza before the wizard’s Euro ’96 wonder-strike says he is still ribbed about it.
      Colin Hendry, now 55, was left for dead when Gazza flipped the ball over his head before smashing it home.
      Former Blackburn star Hendry, right, said he had only a moment to decide whether to foul Gazza and be sent off — or hold off.
      He said: “I held back and the rest is history but I feel no shame about being beaten that day — despite the ribbing I’ve had  since. I’m still teased about it.
      “It took England’s greatest footballer to beat me by scoring the best goal of his life.” England won 2-0. 
      Former Scotland captain Hendry reckons England will be “too strong” today.

      TARTAN ARMY IS WAY OF LIFE
      By Ally Ross
      HERE we go again. It’s England versus Scotland, at Wembley — a soulless place. 
      You set off at dawn, you’re back at four the next morning with a hole in your heart, Covid in your bloodstream and nothing to say for yourself except: “Never, EVER again.”
      Sun columnist Ally Ross in London’s Trafalgar Square for the 1988 England Scotland clash
      So, no, in answer to your polite question, I won’t be going to today’s game. Nor could you pay me enough to do so.
      That might seem a little odd given that, as The Proclaimers’ song suggests, I have walked 500 miles and I have walked 500 more for the national football team I adore. 
      I’ve loved almost every step of the journey that’s taken me from Kazakhstan in the east, to Mexico in the west.
      I’ve got a total of 31 Tartan Army stamps on my passport and seen countries I would never have dreamed of visiting, like Georgia, Macedonia, Lithuania (twice) and beautiful little Slovenia, where I  watched our under 21s play next to a “Warning, bears” sign.
      The Tartan Army marches onCredit: Getty
      I’ve also woken up on railway station platforms in Switzerland, made friends for life in sleepy little Liechtenstein, made my excuses and left Amsterdam’s Banana Bar and even managed to witness the miracle of Scotland winning once or twice.
      So, more than anything, during lockdown, I’ve craved following the Scotland football team again. Not just to the countries I haven’t yet visited with my friends, like Austria, Hungary and Denmark, but to some places I’ve already seen.
      If Scotland were playing France, Germany, Holland, Malta, Israel, Slovakia, Poland, the Galapagos Islands or even Belgium, in a friendly tomorrow, I promise you I would be there.
      Why? Because the Tartan Army is as much fun as you can have in your life, once you’ve passed the age of 40. 
      Add 2,000 men in kilts and other fragments of national dress to some obscure corner of Eastern Europe or Asia and you have a city that’s transformed. 
      The party has arrived, the beer and the stories never stop flowing and before you know it, downtown Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, is looking like a Tartan Rio carnival. 
      As anyone who does “Scotland trips” will tell you, supporting Scotland is a way of life. 
      That’s why I have my heart set on attending our World Cup qualifiers, in Copenhagen and Vienna, in September and even gave Monday’s horrendous game against the Czech Republic, in Glasgow, a go.
      So why not Wembley? The bits I haven’t enjoyed have all been in London. 
      Bad timing on my part, to an extent. I was born in June 1967, just two months after Scotland famously became world champions by beating England 3-2.
      I also wasn’t old enough to attend the great invasion of 1977 when the troops headed back home singing: “England one, Scotland two, nicked yer pitch and yer goalposts too.”
      By the time I was of an age to attend my first “Auld Enemy”  encounter (I hate that phrase) the atmosphere had turned nasty and Scottish football was on a long slow path to nowhere.
      I didn’t even make this first trip to Wembley until 1986. A disappointing 2-1 defeat that, if it’s remembered at all, is remembered for Graeme Souness thumping Ray Wilkins.
      Graeme Souness thumping Ray Wilkins made a disappointing 2-1 defeat more memorable in 1986Credit: Getty
      The great days had long gone by then, but I got the all-night train down from Aberdeen to see us lose 1-0 in 1988 and was back again, in 1996, watching the famous Gazza goal at a Dixons showroom, in Wembley, because I couldn’t get a ticket.
      Just as a stopped clock is right twice a day, you will see Scotland beat England if you wait long enough. I nearly did, in 1999, but I was ejected from the stadium, “for my own safety”, in the 37th minute, after Don Hutchison scored what would be our winning goal.

      That’s partly why I won’t go back. The fact some dumb people take this particular game of football far too seriously means Wembley is not an enjoyable day out in any shape or form.
      It’s also not what the Tartan Army should be all about, which is the joyful adventure of football, heading somewhere new, with friends you love and being able to say, a few years down the line: “I went to Celje once. Cracking place. There was a Hoover convention going on in the city and I saw Scotland beat Slovenia 3-0.”
      So, if you don’t mind, I’ll sit out this next game.
      Gazza on his best and worst gaffers More

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      England Euro 2020 stars prepare to face Scotland by working out with bizarre fruit-shaped underwater footballs

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      ENGLAND footie stars have been twisting their melons to sink Scotland tomorrow — by working out with fruit-patterned under­water balls.Players love kickabouts with “watermelon balls” at their training base. The soft, coloured globes can be kicked or thrown up to 10ft under water.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Tyrone Mings of England smiles in the swimming pool following the England training session at St George’s ParkCredit: Getty
      The team — managed by Gareth Southgate — had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at Wembley.
      Coaching staff at the camp in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, introduced the bizarre balls in place of the unicorn pool inflatables which players loved at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      They allow the stars to enjoy fun games with minimal impact on tired joints and muscles. Tyrone Mings, 28, Phil Foden, 21, Kyle Walker, 31, and Jordan Pickford, 27, were snapped with their new toys.
      A Three Lions source said: “The atmosphere in the camp is very relaxed but very focused.
      “The players seem to be enjoying themselves.
      “It’s hard training then recovering from the physical and mental stress of such big games.
      “Having fun is a big part of keeping them happy and sharp for the next challenge. The watermelon balls have been a big hit.”
      Phil Foden, Jordan Pickford and Kyle Walker of England head a ball to each other in a swimming pool during a recovery sessionCredit: Getty
      The lads appeared to be having funCredit: Getty
      The Sun revealed yesterday how players are relaxing between games in a cocoon-like yoga “Hotpod” with chill-out tunes and relaxing aromas piped in.
      The Watermelon Ball combo pack like those used by the stars costs just £9.99. They include one patterned like a green watermelon and another multi-coloured version.
      Makers Cardonely say on their website: “Watermelon Ball is a water-filled ball that mimics the flotation of a watermelon, the ball will sink slowly then rise to the surface when thrown in the water.
      “The ball can be bounced, dribbled and passed under water making it great for all sorts of water games.”
      The England team released snaps on social media of Aston Villa centre back Mings poised to throw one of the balls and Manchester City’s Foden and Walker and Everton goalie Pickford joining the fun.
      The photos were captioned: “Making a splash”. But some fans said they missed the inflatables. Luke Oliver tweeted: “Where’s the unicorn?”.
      Kyle Walker controls the ball during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between England and CroatiaCredit: Getty
      Tyrone Mings acknowledges the fansCredit: Getty

      Jack Blake added: “Need Maguire on a unicorn” and Nicola Ferris said: “Get the unicorns out.”
      A win for the Three Lions over Scotland would ensure them a place in the tournament’s last 16.
      Wales took a huge step towards that stage by beating Turkey 2-0 yesterday, despite star man Gareth Bale missing a penalty.
      Jordan Pickford of looks on during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D matchCredit: Getty
      The team — managed by Gareth Southgate — had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at WembleyCredit: Reuters
      England’s secret weapon against the Scots is this yoga Igloo where players are stretched to their max with chill out tunes and calm aromas More

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      How water-loving Cristiano Ronaldo made millions with a string of junk food deals… including Coca-Cola

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo shunned fizzy drinks giant Coca-Cola by moving bottles off-screen and telling fans to drink water – but the footballer has made millions from advertising ‘unhealthy products’ in the past.The Portuguese star’s stunt at a press conference, ahead of his team’s 3-0 Euros victory against Hungary, cost the brand $4billion (£2.8bn).
      Cristiano Ronaldo wiped $4bn off the value of Coca-Cola with his stunt during a Euros press conference
      The Portugal international told fans ‘agua’, meaning ‘water’, as he pushed Coca-Cola bottles out of sight of the cameras
      The share price for Coca-Cola, which is one of the competition’s sponsors, dropped from $56.10 to $55.22 – lowering their market value from $242bn to $238bn.
      While the 36-year-old footballer is known to be a health fanatic, in the past he’s lent his name, image and support to junk food and fizzy drink companies in the past.  
      Sponsorship deals have helped to top up the £28million-a-year Juventus salary by hundreds of millions.
      Ronaldo’s recent Coca-Cola swipe comes in spite of him promoting countless products, which according to Forbes made him football’s first billionaire.
      Fizzy drink
      Despite blasting the carbonated drinks company, the football ace seemed more than happy to promote them in the past.
      Ronaldo appeared in a Coca-Cola advert during his early careerCredit: Coca-Cola
      In the clip, he showed-off a few of his legendary football skills and drank Coca-ColaCredit: Coca-Cola
      In the resurfaced clip, Ronaldo was featured on the front of a Coca-Cola can and displayed a number of his legendary football skills. 
      Early into the advert, the star beamed after giant droplets of the fizzy-drink fell into his mouth. 
      After scoring a goal into the top-right-hand corner of the net, the mulleted star raced towards the screen in celebration before the ad ended. 
      ‘His views on Coke are BS!’
      It’s not known how much he was paid to appear in the advert, which was believed to have been broadcast in 2006.
      On Monday, Ronaldo took aim at his former employer, Coca-Cola, and told fans “agua” – the Portuguese word for water – as he pushed the bottles out of view of the camera.
      Some eagle-eyed fans were quick to point out the hypocrisy of the footballer’s decision online, including one who said “his views on Coke is BS”.
      Ronaldo has made millions from advertisers in the pastCredit: EPA
      His comments after of the star scoring twice in Portugal’s 3-0 victory over HungaryCredit: Getty
      A second questioned how Juventus would “generate the astronomic pay he gets” without big sponsors and a third claimed Ronaldo was “silly” for moving the bottle “to prove his point”.
      Fast food
      In an advert for the “finger lickin’ good” chain KFC, fans were offered free food if they purchased items endorsed by the footballer.
      They included a snack plate on the house for anyone who purchased Ronaldo headphones or cheesy wedges for buying a Ronaldo water flask.
      The series of adverts, which were aired in the Middle East, also included the footballer tucking into a bucket of wings and telling fans “so good” before winking at the camera.
      One of the slides in the clip stated “KFC Cristiano Ronaldo Limited Edition Premiums”, which had a silhouette of the star protruding from one of the letters.
      Ronaldo promoted KFC in the Middle East for a reported $2.25m in various online and TV adverts
      The footballer took a bite from KFC wings bucket before telling fans ‘so good!’Credit: KFC
      In data shared with The Sun, GlobalData valued the deal at $2.25million (£1.6m) between 2013 and 2016 – or $750,000 (£531,000) per year. 
      Energy drinks
      Ronaldo was also the face of energy drink Soccerade and appeared on their 500ml bottles for an unreported sum in 2008.
      The caffeine-free beverage, which claimed to provide natural energy, had flavours including wild berries, orange and cold blue.
      The brand, which was owned by Iceland company Leppin, aimed to take-on rival sports drinks Powerade and Gatorade.
      Ronaldo is now a brand ambassador for Herbalife Nutrition, whose sponsorship deals have earned him more than $12.5million (£8.85m) in the past eight years.
      Ronaldo became the face of Soccerade – an energy drink to rival Gatorade and PoweradeCredit: WENN
      The Porugal international will have earned more than $12.5m from being an ambassador for Herbalife at the end of 2021Credit: CAPITAL PICTURES
      According to GlobalData, he first signed a five-year agreement with the sports brand in 2013 for $5million (£3.54m).
      As part of the agreement they launched a Ronaldo-inspired drink named ‘Herbalife24 CR7 Drive’, which he promoted online and in adverts.
      When his first deal came to an end in 2018, the footballer signed-up for another three years for $7.5million (£5.31m).
      Herbalife are now flogging a Ronaldo-endorsed H24 Hydrate electrolyte drink that is free of artificial colours or flavours and is calorie free until 2021. 
      Here for the beer
      GlobalData also claimed the star signed a $2.3million (£1.6m) deal to promote the Brazilian beer company Ambev – now known as ABInBev.
      NINTCHDBPICT000058058313Credit: Handout
      NINTCHDBPICT000114529686Credit: Handout
      This year, Ronaldo was reported to have signed a one-year $1.75m (£1.4m) deal with Therabody, who create massage gun products.
      He also agreed to a $2million (£1.42) deal with LiveScore, who report sports results, fixtures and more, for two years.
      This joins a list of other sponsorships of the past including Nike, Emporio Armani, Samsung, Toyota, Emirates Airline, PokerStars.com, Egyptian Steel and more.
      Player backlash
      After Ronaldo pushed away the Coca-Cola bottles, teetotal Paul Pogba moved a bottle of Heineken out of shot. 
      Conrad Wiacek, Head of Sports Analysis at GlobalData, said it was “quite interesting” to see how athletes have started to fight back against advertisers.
      A KFC ad claimed Ronaldo had a “passion” for fried chickenCredit: KFC
      Ronaldo promoting his own brand of pants
      He told The Sun: “You’ve got this interesting dynamic happening at the moment where athletes are more aware of their personal brand than anything else.
      “Someone like Ronaldo railing against Coca-Cola and promoting water speaks of his personal brand – he has the power and success to affect that sort of change.
      “If you’d have asked me five years ago if Ronaldo would have done this, I would have said no but now we’ve seen a lot of athlete activism, they are forces for change.
      “For example, I think there is a slightly hypocritical message having a highly-tuned-in performance athlete sitting in front of a bottle of Coca-Cola.”
      Mr Wiacek felt brands “need to be more aware” ahead of bigger competitions because sports stars “are no longer willing to sit there, nod and play along”.
      He told The Sun: “Athletes now have a voice and a means of speaking to fans and the public outside of their clubs, national teams and things like that. 

      “That change is empowering and a lot of them are saying they are not comfortable with it more than ever before. 
      “It’s not their sponsor, so for Ronaldo it will not affect his personal sponsorships and he is well insulated. 
      “The cost of him doing that is minimal but if an athlete who had a lower-profile was punished for it the public backlash would be significant.” More