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      Euro 2020: England star Kalvin Phillips says ‘Mum skipped meals for me…I ran to her when we scored’

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      NEW England hero Kalvin Phillips last night told how he dedicated his match-winning performance against Croatia to his mum.During a stunning all-round display, playmaker Phillips, 25, beat two Croatians before pinpointing a perfect pass for Raheem Sterling to grab the winner on Sunday.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Kalvin Phillips, 25, beat two Croatians before pinpointing a perfect pass for Raheem Sterling to grab the winner on SundayCredit: Getty
      He dedicated his man-of-the-match showing to mum Lindsay Crosby who guided him on his path to stardom during his tough childhood in Leeds — and was in the stands at Wembley celebrating her birthday.
      The man dubbed The Yorkshire Pirlo after the genius Italian midfielder said: “I’m buzzin’ — it’s hard to put it into words.
      “I can’t even remember doing it [setting up the winner] — it was just a blur, then the ball hit the back of the net.
      “It was my mum’s birthday the day before and she was right at the front in the stands right at that side so I felt I was celebrating with her.”
      Superstar Kalvin is now a millionaire Premier League ace with a stunning childhood sweetheart in Ashleigh Behan.
      But his tale of rags to riches is all down to proud mum Lindsay, who has been instrumental in her son’s success.
      It’s an inspirational tale of hard work and the selfless devotion of amazing women in his life, in the face of tragedy.
      Kalvin was born a triplet but his sister Lacreasha died when she was just a couple of months old.
      Growing up in Armley, West Leeds, Kalvin would often find mum Lindsay crying in the kitchen, playing music that reminded her of her daughter.
      It forced him to grow up and, in the absence of his father, Mark, become the man of the house.
      Growing up in Armley, West Leeds, Kalvin would often find mum Lindsay crying in the kitchen, playing music that reminded her of her daughterCredit: INSTAGRAM/KALVIN PHILLIPS
      He said: “Seeing her like that made me feel I’ve got to help her out, make tea, look after my brother and sisters when she was working.”
      Every year, he and his twin, Deren, say “happy birthday” to Lacreasha on their special day and place flowers on her grave.
      And every time he scores, he kisses his arm where he has a tattoo in her honour and points heavenward for the sister he never got to know.
      At the family’s three-bed home, a stone’s throw from Leeds’ Elland Road ground, Lindsay slept on the sofa so Kalvin, Deren and younger siblings Terrell and Tasiana, could have the bedrooms.

      Lindsay worked two jobs but money was scarce and she would skip meals to ensure her children were well fed.
      Kalvin said: “There have been times where my mum didn’t eat at night because she had to feed us.”
      Kalvin’s beloved grandma, Valerie Crosby, who died in February, aged 82, would “chip in for food”.
      Like his fellow England international, Marcus Rashford, Kalvin relied on free school meals at The Farnley Academy, Leeds.
      Lindsay worked two jobs but money was scarce and she would skip meals to ensure her children were well fedCredit: INSTAGRAM/KALVIN PHILLIPS
      He said: “I’d see kids coming in with packed lunches, having sandwiches and chocolate bars.
      “Some kids would laugh at me, saying, ‘You’re getting free school meals’. I’d come home and say, ‘Mum, why can’t I have a packed lunch?’ She’d say, ‘We can’t afford it’.”
      And like Marcus, who succeeded in funding food parcels for low-income families through the pandemic, Kalvin now donates to a food bank.
      Lindsay has only recently stopped working one of her two jobs, as a receptionist and cashier at Harpo’s Pizza, Leeds.
      On Sunday, the takeaway tweeted a picture of Kalvin grinning in his post-match interview, with the caption: “Our Kalvin! Well done, great assist!”
      Kalvin’s Jamaican father, Mark, has been in and out of prison since Kalvin was a boy.
      Kalvin with his little brotherCredit: INSTAGRAM/KALVIN PHILLIPS
      Kalvin told the Times last year: “He got into the wrong crowd, drugs, fighting, anything you can name.”
      He has visited him at HMP Wealstun, not far from Leeds’ Thorp Arch training ground, but prefers to speak to Mark on the phone every couple of weeks.
      He called him after Leeds were promoted to the Premier League and could hear inmates singing the club’s anthem, Marching On Together, in the background.
      Kalvin said of his dad: “He is proud of me. He’s lived in Leeds all his life.”
      As well as his mum, sister and grandma, there is one other woman who holds a special place in Kalvin’s heart — girlfriend Ashleigh Behan, a make-up artist he’s been with for 11 years, having met at school.
      Kalvin said: “I don’t want to meet anybody else because we’re that close. I keep my circle tight, keep newcomers at a distance.”
      Superstar Kalvin is now a millionaire Premier League ace with a stunning childhood sweetheart in Ashleigh BehanCredit: TWITTER/KALVIN PHILLIPS

      Kalvin made his international debut last September against Denmark and admitted joining the squad was nerve-racking.
      He said last year: “Every single day, I go home to my girlfriend, see my mum and grandma, and I always talk about football.
      “It’s what I live for, it’s what I do, and they have always supported me 100 per cent. I don’t think I’d be here right now if it wasn’t for my mum and grandma.”
      Kalvin made his international debut last September against Denmark and admitted joining the squad was nerve-rackingCredit: Rex
      Kalvin was born a triplet but his sister Lacreasha died when she was just a couple of months oldCredit: INSTAGRAM/KALVIN PHILLIPS
      England manager Gareth Southgate names Leeds star Kalvin Phillips named for first time More

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      in Soccer

      How Christian Eriksen’s partner Sabrina Kvist Jensen gave up career to become WAG, mum & best pal to Harry Kane’s wife

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      THE world gasped in shock when Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch on Saturday, in the middle of Denmark’s clash with Finland.But for loyal love Sabrina Kvist Jensen – who leapt over the barriers to run to his side – it was a moment of pure terror.
      Sabrina, Chris and little Alfie in a recent InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Peter Schmeichel said Sabrina believed her partner “had died” during the shocking Euro 2020 incident, which was later confirmed to be a cardiac arrest.
      The legendary goalie’s own son, Kasper Schmeichel, had to reassure mum-of-two Sabrina the Danish midfielder, 29, was still breathing after he collapsed.
      The 26-year-old, who has stood by his side for nine years, moving around the world as his football career blossomed, was by his side when he woke in hospital.
      Sabrina sacrificed her own life in Denmark to move to London, ditching her hairdressing career to become a WAG when Christian, 29, signed for Tottenham in 2013.
      Christian is helped by medics after collapsing in Euros matchCredit: Reuters
      Terrified Sabrina climbs over the barrier to run to her manCredit: AFP
      After building a life in London, including a close friendship with Harry Kane’s wife Katie Woodland, she upped sticks again to followed him to Italy when he signed for Inter Milan last year.
      The couple, who met when Sabrina was 18, are as devoted as ever and despite Christian’s huge salary of £6.5m a year, they have always shunned the wild parties in favour of quiet dinners with friends and nights out at music gigs.
      The couple have shared romantic holidays in Dubai, Tanzania and Malaysia in recent years as well as rubbing shoulders with Danish royalty.
      While other WAGS spend their days in beauty salons and shopping in designer stores, Sabrina keeps a low key existence, looking after three-year-old Alfie and his sibling, born in January this year.
      Sabrina is comforted by Kasper Schmeichel after Eriksen’s collapseCredit: AP
      Chris and Sabrina met in 2012Credit: Instagram @chriseriksen8
      Quiet life in a £7m Hampstead mansion 
      Born in Tommerup in Denmark, Sabrina was 18 and studying to be a hairdresser when she began dating Christian in 2012.
      When he signed for Tottenham the following year, she initially stayed in Denmark to complete her beauty course, before following him to London where she briefly worked for a clothing brand.
      Christian has admitted that adjusting to life as a premier league player in London was difficult for both of them.
      The couple work out in their private gymCredit: Instagram
      “You have to learn how to cope physically and mentally, but I can handle the pressure and the demands because I live seven days a week for my job,” he says.
      “That is very tough for my girlfriend. Of course I would like to go out in the city with her and friends, but it just doesn’t fit in with playing in England.”
      In 2016, Christian signed a new longterm contract with Spurs and splashed out on a mansion in Hampstead, where a five-bed house costs between £7m and £28m.
      Chris’s 26th birthday celebrations at home
      Snow in the garden of their Hampstead houseCredit: Instagram
      Fine dining and a date with royalty
      Even before becoming parents, the couple shunned red carpets and glitzy parties for intimate meals with their closest friends, Harry Kane and Katie Woodland.
      Tottenham Striker Harry, 26, took the Danish player under his wing as soon as he joined the club and Sabrina and Katie became close friends very quickly.
      They bonded further over their pregnancies, with Katie giving birth to daughter Ivy just four months after Alfie was born, and both giving birth to a second child early this year.
      The couple dine out with Harry Kane and wife KatieCredit: eriksen.christian24/Instagram
      On couples’ nights out, before the couple moved to Milan last year, they choose high end London restaurants including Zuma, in Knightsbridge or Aqua Shard – where a steak costs upwards of £40.
      Sabrina and Christian also love live gigs, and were spotted singing along at a Major Lazer gig in London before the pandemic. The four friends recently got together for a Bruno Mars concert, in 2019.
      Although they swerve the limelight as much as possible, they do make exceptions for royals.
      In 2014, they met the Danish Queen Magrithe II at an official bash in their native country, posting a glamorous picture from the event.
      Chris wrote: “An absolute honour to meet the Queen of Denmark yesterday! A night to remember!”
      The couple after meeting the Queen of DenmarkCredit: Instagram
      Christian on the pitch with buddy HarryCredit: Rex Features
      Holidays in Dubai and a safari in Tanzania
      The couple like to travel and are adventurous in their destinations.
      In 2017, before Sabrina fell pregnant, they took an extended break in Tanzania, where they went on a luxury safari holiday, costing around £5000 a head.
      The couple were thrilled to see elephants, rhinos and lions as well as enjoying some downtown on stunning golden beaches.
      Other pre-lockdown trips have included Dubai, where they were pictured riding a camel, and Malaysia, where they stayed in Kuala Lumpur.
      The romantic pair have also taken breaks in Rome and Amsterdam, where they visited Christian’s old Ajax haunts.
      Chris pictured with an elephant in TanzaniaCredit: Instagram
      The couple on a camel in DubaiCredit: Instagram
      A short break to AmsterdamCredit: Instagram
      Beach destinations are a favourite getaway tooCredit: Instagram
      Romantic partner born on Valentine’s day
      With a birthday on Valentine’s Day, it’s not surprising Christian likes to get a little slushy on his Instagram posts.
      Every August he posts an anniversary picture, writing in 2017: “Five years with this incredible and wonderful person.”
      In December 2017, the couple announced they were expecting their first child with a cute shot of themselves cuddling, with Chris holding the scan pic and Sabrina wearing a shirt reading “coming soon.”
      He wrote: “Mum and dad to be. #proud” with a heart emoji.
      And fatherhood has made him even more romantic.
      On February 14, 2019, he posted a picture of Sabrina and Alfie with the message: “My birthday, Valentines and any other day of the year crew.”
      On holiday last year, he posted a picture of Sabrina kissing Alfie with the words: “Not enough love for these 2!”
      In January this year, Eriksen announced the arrival of baby number two – although the tot has never been publicly named.
      Sharing a picture of himself with Sabrina, Alfie and the newborn, he wrote: “Family of four.”
      The couple shared the birth of baby number two in JanuaryCredit: Instagram @chriseriksen8

      The pair announce Sabrina’s pregnancy onlineCredit: Instagram
      Sabrina joins her partner at a Spurs matchCredit: EPA
      Rocked by fake ‘scandal’
      The path of this true love was running smoothly until 2019, when false cheating rumours put a bump in the road.
      The couple were forced to rubbish online rumours that Sabrina had cheated on him with married team-mate Jan Vertonghen.
      The original tweet spreading the fake news read: “Christian Eriksen’s wife has reportedly been caught having an affair with his team-mate Jan Vertonghen.”
      But Christian stood by his partner, answering with a simple “Bulls***”.
      Chris posted this with the words ‘Not enough love for these 2’Credit: Instagram
      Christian shares a sweet moment with Alfie, threeCredit: chriseriksen8/Instagram
      The Tweet also claimed the Spurs squad were involved in a bust-up – with Harry Kane involved – attaching pictures of Jan Vertonghen sporting a black eye.
      But Jan replied with a series of emojis, including a heart next to Christian’s Twitter handle.
      The Sun revealed that the injury was instead from an ‘accidental’ training ground collision with Eriksen earlier this season.
      The vicious gossip would test any relationship but Christian stuck by his girlfriend as steadfastly as she has always stuck by him.
      Christian with baby Alfie in a Daddy shirtCredit: Getty – Contributor

      In the terrifying moment, this weekend, when she thought she had lost him, Sabrina’s world looked like it was crumbling.
      But whatever his future holds, she’ll be thanking her lucky stars the love of her life is alive, on the mend, and will still be there to see their precious family grow up.
      Peter Schmeichel says Denmark game shouldn’t have continued after Christian Eriksen collapsed on pitch More

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      in Soccer

      Euro 2020: The glamourous women taking to terraces to support their superstar footballer partners

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      IT just wouldn’t be the beautiful game without the beautiful Wags.As the Euros kick off tonight, some of the Continent’s most glamorous women will be taking to the terraces to show their support for their superstar partners.
      Georgina Rodriguez will be cheering on Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2020Credit: @effek
      They include the business mogul wife of Chelsea’s Croatian star Mateo Kovacic, who has been likened to a “Croatian Shakira”.
      Then there’s the Russian Wag who has been snapped hanging around with President Vladimir Putin.
      Others include bikini models, beauty pageant winners — and even a karate master.
      Here’s our guide to the top 2020 Euro Wags. 
      IZABEL GOULART (Kevin Trapp, Germany)
      Model Izabel Goulart is dating Kevin TrappCredit: Steve Earle/Lickerish Syndication
      Kevin Trapp’s girlfriend Izabel was mocked for her looks at schoolCredit: Getty
      MOCKED for her looks at school, the former Victoria’s Secret model has since been voted one of the world’s sexiest women.
      And the 36-year-old Brazilian beauty is so beloved in her homeland she was chosen to lead a parade of 200 dancers at the closing ceremony of the Rio Olympics in 2016.
      She has also made guest appearances in US TV shows including Two And A Half Men and Entourage.
      MIA McCLENAGHAN (Reece James, England)
      Mia McClenaghan recently celebrated finishing her law degreeCredit: Instagram/@miamcclenaghan
      Mia’s dating Chelsea right-back Reece JamesCredit: PA
      LAST year was a great one for Chelsea right-back Reece, who made his England debut and got together with girlfriend Mia .
      The 5ft 2in student recently celebrated finishing her law degree with a string of photos on Instagram.
      Mia’s account also has snaps of her in designer clothes and spending time with 21-year-old Reece.
      MIRJANA ZUBER (Steven Zuber, Switzerland)
      Mirjana Zuber was a Miss Switzerland finalist in 2014Credit: Instagram/@mirjanazuber
      The 28-year-old is dating Steven ZuberCredit: AFP
      FROM being a Miss Switzerland finalist in 2014, the 28-year-old went on to host her own successful podcast, Spielerfrauen On Air (the German word for Wag), sharing insights from her private life.
      Continuing to break convention, she has since shared clips of herself training in the US to perform as a TV stuntwoman.
      MAJA NILSSON LINDELOF (Victor Lindelof, Sweden)
      Maja Nilsson Lindelof enjoys flash holidays and motorsCredit: Instagram/@majanilssonlindelof
      Maja is married to Manchester United player Victor LindelofCredit: Getty
      WHILE she enjoys the flash holidays and motors, 27-year-old Maja doesn’t love everything that comes with being the wife of a Manchester United player.
      She complained about the cost of executive boxes at Old Trafford, saying on her podcast Life In The Stands: “It’s a disgusting amount. If you don’t buy one, you’re considered a loser.”
      EDURNE GARCIA (David De Gea, Spain)
      Edurne Garcia represented Spain at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, coming 21st out of 27Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Edurne is the wife of Man Utd goalkeeper David De GeaCredit: AFP
      SINGER Edurne, wife of Man Utd keeper David, 30, knows a thing or two about competing on a Continent-wide stage herself.
      The 35-year-old represented Spain at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, coming 21st out of 27.
      She has also recorded a promotional song for Coca-Cola and is now a judge on Spanish TV singing contest show Idol Kids.
      TEREZA KADERABKOVA (Pavel Kaderabek, Czech Republic)
      Tereza is the daughter of a football refereeCredit: Instagram/@terezakaderabkova
      Tereza married Pavel in 2017Credit: Getty
      THE daughter of a football referee, 30-year-old Tereza was brought up in the game.
      But she made her name as a model, taking the Miss Czech beauty pageant crown in 2012.
      She has since ditched the catwalk to cover football as a TV reporter.
      Tereza married Pavel, 29, in 2017 and the couple have two daughters, Ema and Elva.
      KATRINE FRIIS (Andreas Christensen, Denmark)
      Katrine is usually pictured in warmer climates than her native DenmarkCredit: Instagram/@katrinefogtfriis
      Katrine’s dating Andreas ChristensenCredit: Getty
      BIKINI model Katrine is usually pictured in warmer climates than her native Denmark.
      She has also shared photos of swanky shopping trips to Harrods and Cartier in central London.
      Katrine, 23, was pictured grinning ear to ear on a confetti-strewn pitch after Andreas, 25, helped Chelsea win the Champions League final in Portugal last month.
      LEONITA LEKAJ (Granit Xhaka, Switzerland)
      Leonita was first spotted cheering on hubby Granit, 28, at the 2016 Euros against her native AlbaniaCredit: Instagram/@leonita.x

      Leonita and Granit have been together for six years and have two childrenCredit: Getty
      THE 29-year-old Instagram model was first spotted cheering on hubby Granit, 28, at the 2016 Euros against her native Albania, for whom Granit’s brother Taulant plays.
      It was the first time two brothers had faced each other at the tournament.Leonita and Granit, who plays for Arsenal, have been together for six years and have two children.
      VLADA SEDAN (Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ukraine)
      Vlada is married to Man City’s ZinchenkoCredit: Instagram/@v.lada_sedan
      Zinchenko popped the question on the pitch of the Olympic Stadium in KievCredit: Getty
      MARRIED to Man City playmaker Zinchenko, Vlada, 25, is a TV sports reporter by trade.
      Zinchenko, 24, popped the question on the pitch of the Olympic Stadium in Kiev following Ukraine’s qualification for the Euros.
      But he had to issue an apology on their wedding day last year after she publicly criticised City boss Pep Guardiola’s tactics.
      INES DEGENER TOMAZ (Bernardo Silva, Portugal)
      Ines hooked up with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo, 26, during lockdownCredit: Instagram/@inesdegenertomaz
      Romantic Ines shared a soppy compilation video of the couple together to celebrate their first anniversaryCredit: Reuters
      THE 22-year-old model, who hooked up with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo, 26, during lockdown, loves sharing racy bikini snaps with her 60,000 followers on Instagram.
      Romantic Ines also shared a soppy compilation video of the couple together to celebrate their first anniversary in May.
      ANNA LEWANDOWSKA (Robert Lewandowski, Poland)
      Anna is the wife of Bayern Munich star Robert LewandowskiCredit: Instagram/@annalewandowskahpba
      Anna married Robert in 2013 and they’ve since had two daughtersCredit: Getty
      THE 32-year-old wife of the Bayern Munich goal machine is an athlete in her own right, having won medals at karate championships around the world.
      Anna married Robert, 32, in 2013 and they’ve since had two daughters. Last year, they donated one million euros to help in the fight against coronavirus.
      MICHELE DE BRUYNE (Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium)
      Michele de Bruyne liked one of his tweets while he was on loan in Germany, but he was too nervous to replyCredit: Instagram/@lacroixmichele
      Kevin got one of his friends to write his first message to MiseleCredit: Getty
      MICHELE saw the potential in the 29-year-old Manchester City playmaker long before he was considered one of the best players on the planet.
      The 27-year-old beauty liked one of his tweets while he was on loan in Germany, but he was too nervous to reply, so got a friend to draft a message on his behalf instead.
      APRIL IVY (Ruben Dias, Portugal)
      Proud Wag April topped the iTunes chart in her native Portugal with her single Be OKCredit: Instagram/@aprilivymusic
      April praises her boyfriend Dias often on social mediaCredit: Getty
      POP star April, 21, topped the iTunes chart in her native Portugal with her single Be OK.
      But she is a proud Wag, too.
      She recently posted a pic of her and Dias, 24, on Instagram – with the caption “Keep shining, this is only just the beginning” – after he was named the EA Sports Player of the Season following his debut year at Manchester City.
      ALICE CAMPELLO (Alvaro Morata, Spain)
      Alice Campello is the wife of Spanish striker Alvaro MorataCredit: Instagram/@alicecampello
      Morata and Campello have three kids, but hope to adoptCredit: AP
      THE 26-year-old wife of the Spanish striker is an Italian model and fashion designer.
      Morata, 28, proposed to her on stage during a magic show just eight months after she had ignored his flirty messages on Instagram.
      The couple have three kids, but hope to adopt, too.
      VICTORIA THOMSON (Lyndon Dykes, Scotland)
      Victoria and Lyndon are married and have a son togetherCredit: INSTAGRAM/@LYNDON SYKES
      Aussie-born Dykes is 13 years younger than VictoriaCredit: SNS
      VICTORIA and striker Dykes met when he played at Queen Of The South – and she was married to his manager Jim Thomson.
      When they split, Aussie-born Dykes, 25, who is now at QPR, started dating Victoria, 13 years his senior.
      They’re now married and have a son together, while Victoria has two daughters from her time with Jim.
      JESSICA MELENA (Ciro Immobile, Italy)
      Jessica moved in with Ciro Immobile after just one week of datingCredit: Instagram /@jessicamelena
      The couple have three kids togetherCredit: Getty
      LAZIO striker Immobile, 31, was so struck by Jessica, they moved in together just week after they started dating in 2012.
      Jessica, 30, studied criminology and forensics and had ambitions to become a crime scene investigator.
      But she changed tack after becoming pregnant with the first of the couple’s three kids.
      EMMA RHYS-JONES (Gareth Bale, Wales)
      Emma and Gareth have been together since they met at school in CardiffCredit: Instagram/Emma Rhys-Jones
      Emma has three kids with GarethCredit: Getty
      THE 29-year-old has been with the Tottenham ace since they met at school in Cardiff.
      She has three kids with Gareth, 31, but has a strained relationship with her own father, who was jailed for money laundering and was believed to have wanted to bring an unknown woman to Emma and Gareth’s planned 2018 wedding.

      GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ (Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal)
      Georgina met Cristiano when working at a Gucci shop in MadridCredit: Mega
      Georgina shacked up with Ronaldo after he split from Russian model Irina ShaykCredit: EPA
      SHE was working in a Gucci shop in Madrid when she met Ronaldo, 36, then playing in the Spanish capital.
      The 27-year-old beauty, whose father Jorge spent ten years in jail for being a cocaine and cannabis kingpin, now boasts 24.5million Instagram followers.
      Georgina shacked up with Ronaldo after he split from Russian model Irina Shayk, 35, who is now rumoured to be dating rapper Kanye West.
      Meet the Euros 2020 WAG squad – from models, pop stars to lawyers More

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      in Soccer

      We were only allowed out for one night before Euro 96… I ended up in dentist’s chair, says Teddy Sheringham

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      WHEN we think of Euro ’96, several beautiful images come to mind — Gazza’s goal, Pearce’s ­penalty and all of the win against Holland.But two unpleasant images pop up too — one being a heartbroken Gareth Southgate after his penalty miss in the semi-final against Germany.
      Teddy Sheringham was pictured in the ‘dentist’s chair’ in Hong Kong before Euro 96Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      And, from a month or so before that, the photos of the infamous night out in Hong Kong.
      Teddy Sheringham, his clothes inexplicably in shreds, was one of many faces staring out of our front pages along with a spirit-soaked Gazza, obviously enjoying an almighty pre-tournament bender.
      They were indulging in the “dentist’s chair” — a notorious drinking game where bartenders poured a succession of drinks into the open mouths of punters.
      As preparations for an international tournament went, it was not a good look.
      A quarter of a century on, Teddy allows himself a sheepish smile at the memory. “It was a great night out, yes. Great fun.
      “I mean, you’re with 20 of your mates. You know you have four weeks of staying in and are allowed this one night out.
      “It’s not great pictures, I know, how it turned out. But you know you want to enjoy yourself for that one night — and we certainly did.”
      Boozing Paul Gascoigne pictured alongside Teddy in shredded clothingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Teddy sheepishly says the Hong Kong was ‘great fun but not great pictures’Credit: The Sun
      But Teddy recalls how England boss Terry Venables somehow managed to turn it into a positive.
      “We know it didn’t look very good to the public and Terry wasn’t best pleased about it and he let us know in no uncertain terms. But what he did afterwards with the Press was pure genius.
      “He said, ‘Look, I allowed them out; it’s on my shoulders.’ And he protected the players. He defended us and we loved him for it.”
      Indeed, the whole furore seemed to end up bringing the whole group together.
      “I think that is exactly how it brought us together. When you’re in each other’s company, you get to know people.
      “And then when someone defends you like (Terry did), it gives you a sturdiness in your group and a unity that perhaps you wouldn’t have got if we had stayed at home and stayed at (team hotel in England) Burnham Beeches and all been on a quiet front.”
      It’s unlikely that Southgate will have the dentist’s chair as part of his strategy for this year’s tour­nament. He gave the night a pass thanks to Stuart Pearce’s sage advice.
      But Euro ’96 will be front of mind for England’s current coach, reckons Teddy, partly because of what the current coach learned from the whole experience.
      Teddy recreates dentist’s chair with GazzaCredit: Getty
      Teddy admits England boss Terry Venables ‘wasn’t best pleased’ about the photographsCredit: Action Images
      Paul Gascoigne celebrates his goal with Teddy Sheringham in the Euro 96 clash against ScotlandCredit: PA:Press Association
      “I’m excited with what Gareth’s doing. I like that he’s worked under Terry Venables.
      “He’ll take a lot from what Terry did in Euro ’96 — the way he tried to build that team spirit, that unity, that club feel. We’ve got some fantastic players.
      “I love the look of Mason (Mount). I love the look of Foden. I love the way they take it to the opposition.
      “You know, Declan Rice has come of age in that position. I’m excited about (Jack) Grealish coming on to the scene too.”
      This enthusiasm for England’s young stars is quite something, coming from a player who in his career won a Champions League, three Premier League titles and an FA Cup, yet wasn’t picked for England until he was 27. Why?
      “Good question,” says Teddy, without any noticeable bitterness. “I was probably in better form when I was around 24 or 25, and just when my form was dipping a little bit, I got the chance when I was least expecting it.”
      Until then Teddy was exactly what he is now — a proper England fan. Of the Italia ’90 semi-final against West Germany, he says, “I remember being at a pub, I think down in Southend, and just getting ­carried away with it.
      “I was a professional footballer by then but I was just enjoying being part of the crowd watching, and the excitement it brought to so many people, watching Gazza turn it on and England coming so close to being in the final.
      “Once you’re a professional footballer, you dream that maybe one time it might happen to you.” Thankfully, for him and the rest of us, it did happen.And the next time England were so close to being in a final he was there, a great player in a great side with a wonderful manager.
      Teddy says the Hong Kong night out incident brought his England team togetherCredit: Getty
      Teddy thinks England could go all the way in the Euros if they ‘come together as a real unit’Credit: The Sun
      Teddy, along with most footballers you talk to who were coached by Venables, say his genius was in how brilliantly he explained stuff to them.
      He had a way of making you understand what was expected.
      Teddy says: “With a lot of managers, if you were told a lot of things, it would all get muddled.
      “But he had a way of making it clear. I mean, it sounds very easy, doesn’t it?
      “But so many managers I’ve played under make it hard work — when you come out of the meeting, you’re like, what was that? And you can see other players thinking that too. With Terry, it was different.”
      As well as bringing the group together, the dentist’s chair drama also, of course, led to a celebration worthy of a sublime goal from Gazza against Scotland.
      Teddy’s memory of it remains razor sharp. “I remember it very clearly. David Seaman hit a long ball up from a goal kick and it dropped quite kindly for me.
      “I laid it off to Darren Anderton who played a beautiful floaty ball over the top and rest is just Gazza’s pure genius.”
      The lads celebrated by recreating the dentist’s chair episode, Gazza lying on his back as Teddy sprayed his water bottle into his mouth.
      Teddy admits some careful planning had gone into it. “I think we were all party to it, agreeing if we scored we could have a bit of fun with it.
      “I took a while to get there as I was probably still coming over the halfway line and I’m not the quickest, but I had to be involved.”
      Teddy thinks this England side have the same kind of talent, but he has a warning that they, and us fans, should heed — England, for all their class, didn’t have it all their own way in ’96.
      Darren Anderton, Paul Gascoigne and Steve McManaman celebrate with goal scorer Teddy SheringhamCredit: Getty
      Terry Venables talks with Teddy Sheringham and Stuart Pearce at an England training session during Euro 96Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      They laboured against Switzerland, the first half against Scotland was a struggle and the Scots’ missed penalty was crucial.
      “Sometimes you just have to dig in. Even looking back at the Holland game, the Dutch had three or four very good chances. It was actually a very even game between two very good teams, but we took our chances, and they didn’t.”
      His point being that when it does get sticky, the players must work through it and, crucially, the fans have got to be patient and stay behind them.
      Teddy’s other advice, in so many words, is not to lose the semi-final.
      Because it hurts like hell. I’d forgotten that the first sudden death penalty, effectively, fell to him.
      “It’s the most nervous I’ve ever been on a football pitch. Taking a penalty for your country, especially the fifth penalty, you know if you miss you’re going to get ridiculed for the rest of your life.”
      He scored, Gareth didn’t, and you know the rest. The horror of that moment has stayed with Teddy. From all the excitement and all the euphoria, that feeling we’re going all the way to, cut, that’s it. Got to go home. Wow. That’s it. It was surreal, awful.”
      He thinks England could go all the way, but says: “You’ve got to come together as a real unit, because any little splits in the camp will get shown up at some stage.
      Adrian Chiles with England legend Teddy SheringhamCredit: The Sun

      “Get into it. Stick together. Fight like hell at times
      “Show your skill, but make sure you give your all because I’m here now 25 years later still swearing ifs and buts.
      “Give it your best shot and come back as heroes. That is what I say.”
      Enough said. More

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      in Soccer

      Leading out England at Wembley was the proudest moment of my life but inside I was a wreck, says Tony Adams

      by

      TWENTY-FIVE years ago England’s football fans really were believing that years of hurt could end when football came home for Euro ’96.This week The Sun reveals the secrets behind our hosting of Europe’s biggest international tournament, starting with hero skipper Tony Adams. 
      Tony Adams captaining his country for the Netherlands clash at Euro ’96Credit: Rex
      Now 54, he tells how after years of battling addiction, he banished his demons in the summer of 1996 and found redemption – and says Gareth Southgate’s side can do the same when the delayed Euro 2020 kicks off this Friday.
      Now an armchair fan like the rest of us, the former Arsenal defender says: “We can win this! It would mean so much for all of us from Euro ’96.”

      WHEN England were to brush agonisingly close to glory in 1996, Tony Adams was at the heart of it all.
      He was the captain the whole team looked to, from the moment he led them on to the pitch at Wembley for the opening match against Switzerland. 
      The England legend as he is todayCredit: The Sun
      “It was the top, you know,” he says. Even now his eyes glisten at the memory and his voice starts to crack.
      But Tony’s Euros story doesn’t begin here. Nor does it start with anything in the build-up, the dentist’s chair drinking games in Hong Kong or any of that carry-on. 
      No, for Tony it started eight years earlier with his first tournament for his country, the European Championships of 1988. 
      “I had a horrific tournament,” he says. “On and off the pitch, it was damaging.”
      England lost to Ireland and were then dismantled by Holland with the rampantly brilliant Marco Van Basten hat-trick. 
      For Tony, it was all nothing short of traumatic. 
      He reveals: “I was so young, you know, 22 years of age, playing against the Dutch and probably the greatest player on the planet at the time.
      “I got turned inside out for a couple of the goals and it was like all the blame was coming towards me.
      Tony wears a Sun bowler while training for 1996 EurosCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      SCARED TO DEATH
      “I had no tools to cope. I had a good drink after we went out of the tournament and ended up weeing the bed. The chambermaid found it. 
      “When I went down for breakfast with the squad, all the lads stood up and they were going, ‘Pee, pee, pee, pee’.” Tony wafts his hand under his nose, mimicking them.
      He continues: “The humiliation and the shame — I laughed it off and put the front up but inside that really did hurt. That really killed me.”
      And there was more humiliation to come for Tony when the squad returned to England. 
      The great season he’d just had with Arsenal, winning the Littlewoods Cup against Liverpool and being awarded the Fiat Uno Young Player Of The Year award, now counted for nothing. 
      He says: “Oh my God, I remember when we landed at Luton and running to my Fiat Uno with about three busloads of England supporters chasing me.” 
      And that was the last Tony saw of tournament football with England for eight long years. Off the field, sinking ever deeper into his addiction to alcohol, his life was in chaos. 
      Tony and David Seaman sing the national anthem before Euro ’96 clash with Spain
      He didn’t make the squad for Italia ’90, and barely even remembers the famous semi-final and Gazza’s tears. 
      “I watched it in a social club just where I lived, drinking and getting smashed,” he recalls. “I felt no emotion about anything at that point.
      “I was completely oblivious to it all, completely oblivious.” Tony was injured for Euro ’92 and England failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in the USA, so it wasn’t until Euro ’96 that he made his return to international duties. 
      Having shown his natural leadership at Arsenal, new England manager Terry Venables named Tony as captain — but the build-up to the competition could hardly have been more inauspicious for him. 
      In January his then wife — like him, losing a battle against addiction — went into treatment. 
      In February an injury in training put him out of action for several weeks. And all the time alcohol was tightening its grip. 
      He says: “In March I passed out while looking after my three kids.
      Tony kisses David after he stops Scotland penaltyCredit: Rex
      “It was a Sunday afternoon and I’d drunk six or seven bottles of Chablis and passed out. I woke up with my mother-in-law smacking me around the face, saying she’d take the kids off me.
      “By April, I had kind of come to the place where I knew something was up. There was something about that tournament.” 
      For Tony to become the leader and player he needed to be, the drinking had to stop until the tournament was over. He would, as he puts it, “white-knuckle it” for as long as it took.
      “I said, ‘All I am going to do is train, train, train, play, play, play. I am going to do this’. 
      “I had this mask on, this wall of denial. I am the skipper, I am the captain. So when they said to me, ‘Would you want to go down to a club with a dentist’s chair?’ and all that, I said, ‘Go on, you go and have fun’.
      “I was absolutely scared to death because I knew at that point if I had that first drink I couldn’t stop.
      “And I knew somewhere deep inside of me I had to stop or there was no tournament for me.
      “I was sweating and shaking, and I remember knocking on their doors the next morning, saying, ‘Come on lads, training’ — so I was all training and the football pitch.
      Arsenal win Premier League trophy in 2002Credit: Allsport – Getty
      VERY ASHAMED
      “I knew how to not drink and play football, and football was the thing that was kind of holding me together at that point.
      “The paradox of all this is that the proudest moment of my life was leading out my country at Wembley.
      “But personally, I was a complete and utter wreck. Such a conflict going on. And it was so intense.” 
      Tony was just relieved to get through that first match against Switzerland, which was a 1-1 draw.
      He said: “Even if you just take a point, you taste the atmosphere. You know what it is going to be like, you are in the competition.”
      Now he felt he was really back in business: “I had been around the block. I was 13 years into my professional career. I was a seasoned pro, being captain at Arsenal for nine years, so I think I knew what I was doing on the football pitch.
      “I didn’t know what I was doing off of it, but I knew what I was doing on it.” 
      Against Scotland, disaster struck when he gave away the penalty, but he got away with it. “This England captain felt very ashamed, and the minute I did it I kind of went, ‘Oohh’. But the goalie did me proud and I went across and gave him a big kiss on his forehead.” Moments later, Gazza scored his wonder goal, and that game was done. Next up, for Tony, was the big one — Holland. Still scarred by the defeat at their hands eight years earlier, this was the victory he wanted more than any other. 
      “It was my redemption, to be honest with you, from ’88 and losing heavily, a young boy at 22 getting ridiculed, and it was just a little bit of revenge. It was really emotional personally.” 
      The quarter-final against Spain is another match Tony frames in terms of redemption — in that case for Stuart Pearce and his penalty.
       “That was his redemption from 1990, getting up and smashing it in and going to the fans. I was so proud of Stuart because he totally deserved that.” But there were no further redemptions that summer — against Germany in the semi-final it all fell apart. 
      After England lost on penalties, having drawn the game 1-1, the skipper held it together for a few moments longer to console Gareth Southgate, who missed the crucial spot kick, and the rest of the team.
      Tony in action for England at Euro ’96Credit: Alamy
      SORDID PLACES
      He says: “I remember thinking, ‘OK, I will go and break down later, but first and foremost you are the captain of the team, you need to go and help this person’.” 
      An hour or so after that, someone handed Tony a can of beer, and that was that. “I was away on a six-week bender during which I did everything I’d done in the previous 12 years of drinking — weeing myself, blackouts, things coming out the windows. I went to some sordid places.”
      Euro ’96 turned out to be the last sticking plaster holding Tony together. When it was torn away, he soon went to pieces completely.
      “I’d got to the end. I was 29 years of age and I didn’t want to live, I didn’t want to be here any more. The pain was too much. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
      And now, finally, he got the help he needed to address his issues and change his life for ever. Euro ’96 somehow ended up being the turning point in his life story. 
      He reveals: “We got so close to winning it, and I will be forever grateful for that. It still hurts me, but personally I had a significant shift in my emotional experience that completely changed my life for the better.” Since then he has given up alcohol for good.
      And what about one more redemption, this summer, for Gareth? Tony will be suffering with the rest of us praying for it.
      “We have got some super players that are every bit as good as Euro ’96.
      Adrian Chiles sits down with Tony Adams for a chatCredit: The Sun

      “Technically good defenders? We are awash with them! Harry Maguire, John Stones and Tyrone Mings are all so talented. Mings, he’s bigger than me, really strong.
      “I am more engaged now watching it. I’ve joined the real fans,” he laughs. “I’m like you now.” More

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      in Boxing

      My dad Muhammad Ali loved watching himself on TV…’weren’t I something’, he’d say to us

      by

      MUHAMMAD ALI spent his final days watching documentaries about his stellar boxing career, according to his daughter Hana.The boxing legend, born Cassius Clay Jr, died aged 74 in June 2016, 32 years after he went public with his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
      Boxing champ Muhammad Ali died in 2016 after a battle with Parkinson’sCredit: Getty
      His daughter Hana has opened up about his passing five years onCredit: HANA ALI / INSTAGRAM
      Hana says Ali spent his final days watching documentaries about his careerCredit: Getty
      Speaking about her father five years on from his death, Hana, 44, told The Sun: “He loved watching himself on TV. ‘Weren’t I something’, he would say to us, his children.
      “He would watch Elvis films on TV, and documentaries about James Brown and Little Richard, but mainly about himself, especially at the age he had Parkinson’s.
      “You could see that light in his eyes. That spark. His eyes were dancing although his body wasn’t. He would look around the room smiling, it was so funny. No matter how bad his position was, he didn’t complain.
      “He never questioned his illness, he never asked, ‘Why me?’
      “He never felt sorry for himself, he felt a blessing in everything and said having Parkinson’s helps other people that are scared and frightened who are hiding away in their homes.
      “Even in his illness he inspired people, his journey on this earth.
      “He found a way to keep on going and life was all the blessings he had.”
      She reveals he would beam at the TV and say ‘weren’t I something’Credit: Getty
      During his 21-year career, Ali, who was married four times and had seven children, became known as the best boxer of all time – with 56 wins, including 37 knockouts.
      ‘OUR FUN-FILLED HOME’
      He retired in 1981 following a final fight against Trevor Berbick in the Bahamas, where he lost on points.
      Three years later in 1984, Ali revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
      Hana, whose mother was Ali’s third wife, Veronica Porché, said life at home with Ali was always filled with fun and that it was totally normal to have major celebrities dropping by for dinner.
      Hana added: “Clint Eastwood was around a lot, Stevie Wonder, Cary Grant.
      “Michael Jackson visited a few times. Prince would come later in the Nineties and we had dinner with Madonna a few times.
      “Over the years, so many celebrities that you’ve heard of tried to meet my father and have been to our home. The list is endless. Everyone was a fan of my dad’s.”
      Hana was born from Ali’s third marriage to Veronica PorchéCredit: Getty
      She says life with her dad was filled with fun – and plenty of celebrities would drop byCredit: HANA ALI / instagram
      But Hana says her dad taught her what was important in lifeCredit: HANA ALI / INSTAGRAM
      Another close pal of Ali’s was Sylvester Stallone, 74, and Hana revealed the actor even filmed scenes for Rocky III at his home in LA.
      Hana said: “I remember watching Stallone filming for Rocky III. They filmed different scenes. One was in my parents’ bedroom, one was on the patio, on the southern side.
      “We had beautiful furniture – they used all our original furnishings in the scenes. They didn’t change it, they didn’t bring in any props.
      Over the years, so many celebrities that you’ve heard of tried to meet my father and have been to our home. The list is endless. Hana
      “The house was set up for the scenes as we lived in it.
      “My dad was always entertaining the crew – he loved doing his magic tricks for them and they would laugh out loud. And my father would try to sit them down, to take a break so he could feed them.
      “My dad and Stallone would have fun during breaks. He was like a big kid, he enjoyed being Muhammad Ali.”
      Despite the A-listers that came through the door of their home, Hana said she and her father connected the most with Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, 85.
      His family say they still feel his presence to this dayCredit: Getty
      Recalling their meeting, Hana explained: “My dad and I hung out with the Dalai Lama in 2004. He was the only person I felt was a spiritual being like my dad.
      “That was the only person I can say I was kind of excited about – not like the celebrities over the years who are admired for other reasons.
      “Just because you make music or people know your name or you are famous – I wasn’t impressed by this because, as I was growing up, my father told me what was important and what wasn’t important in life.”
      ‘I FEEL HE’S STILL HERE’
      Although it has been five years since Ali died of Parkinson’s-related complications, Hana said she feels her father’s presence to this day.
      Multiple films and books have been dedicated to him, and Hana said these help keep his memory alive.
      She said: “It’s like he’s here. Everywhere I turn there’s a poster of daddy, or he’s on TV. His energy is everywhere. I talk to his photo and say, ‘Daddy I love you! When it’s my time, I hope I can see you – come and get me’.
      “He brought all his kids together from all the marriages and made sure we knew each other. This was a beautiful gift he gave us. Now we’re all good friends.
      During his 21-year career, Ali became known as the best boxer of all timeCredit: Getty
      Multiple films and books have been dedicated to his life and achievementsCredit: Getty

      “Our father gave us so much joy. I feel he’s still here and still not gone.
      “I knew from an early age he wasn’t just my dad, but we had to share him with the world. I’m OK with that.
      “I stopped fearing death when he went to the other side.”
      Muhammad Ali’s hometown bids emotional farewell to boxing legend More

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      in Soccer

      England Euro 2021 squad: Meet their WAGs including an interior designer, fitness instructor, model and legal student

      by

      THE England team has changed a lot since the World Cup – and the lineup of glamorous WAGs in the stands will be completely different at this year’s Euros too.Gareth Southgate unveiled his provisional squad picks this afternoon giving fans a peak at which gorgeous wives and girlfriends will be cheering the Three Lions on this summer.
      Marcus Rashford recently split with Lucia Loi – there’ll be a new line-up of WAGs supporting the England team at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      The likes of Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire, and Kalvin Phillips are all being assessed for injuries in the following days, with the England gaffer choosing to delay the definitive 26-man squad selection until June 1.
      Several star players have split with their WAGs since the ladies stole the show from the stands at the 2018 World Cup.
      That includes pandemic hero Marcus Rashford, who recently parted ways with Lucia Loi citing lockdown strains after eight years together.
      So which WAGs will be supporting their footballing fellas all the way to the final at Wembley at this year’s Euros? 
      Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford)
      Everton Keeper Jordan Pickford married childhood sweetheart Megan Davison in March last year.
      Jordan, 27, and 24-year-old Megan had their plans for a lavish Maldives wedding scuppered by the pandemic.
      Megan Davison, 24, has stuck by England goalie Jordan PickfordCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Instead, the couple tied the knot in a simple ceremony last year in front of just a handful of guests, including their two-year-old son Arlo.
      They met at St Robert of Newminster RC secondary school in Washington, Tyne and Wear, and Megan went on to study at the University of Sunderland.
      Fern Hawkins (Harry Maguire)
      Brunette beauty Fern Hawkins is Harry Maguire’s fiancee.
      Maguire met Fern from Sheffield, South Yorks., in 2011 during his time at the Blades.
      Fern Hawkins, 26, has been with 28-year-old Maguire for years
      Fern is believed to follow in Harry’s sporty interests by holding a First Class degree in Physiotherapy.
      He popped the question during a romantic trip to Paris in 2018 and they’ve since had two daughters, Lillie Saint and Piper Rose.
      The proud mum loves sharing snaps of their idyllic family life together with her 46,000 followers on Instagram.
      Chloe Wealleans-Watts (Mason Mount)
      Mason Mount is thought to be in a relationship with model and singer Chloe Wealleans-Watts, according to The Express.
      The 303 vocalist reportedly met Mount in 2017 and they started dating shortly afterwards.
      Chloe Wealleans-Watts, 21, has posted cosy snaps with Mount on Instagram
      Chloe shared a picture of them together on holiday in Dubai and Mount let it slip he was spoken for in a hilarious call with a veteran Chelsea fan.
      When the elderly supporter tried to set Mount up with her granddaughter, he laughed and replied: “I don’t think my girlfriend would be too happy.”
      Undeterred, she advised him to “play the field”.
      Kate Kane (Harry Kane)
      Fitness instructor Kate has been with the current England captain since their school days.
      Premier League Golden Boot winner Kane proposed to her on a 2017 trip to the Bahamas before tying the knot two years ago.
      Kate and Harry have three kids together and got married in 2019
      The happy couple are parents to two girls, Ivy and Vivienne Jane, and son Louis, who was born in December.
      Kate recently revealed on Instagram that she’d turned to “hypnobirthing” during all of her labours.
      Paige Milian (Raheem Sterling)
      Paige Milian quit her job at JD Sports to be with Man City star Raheem Sterling.
      The couple got engaged in 2018 after Paige gave birth to their son, Thiago, the year before.
      Paige Milian, 25, is mum to Raheem Sterling’s son Thiago
      They’ve lived together in his £3.5 million home in Cheshire since he joined Manchester City on a £49million transfer in 2015.
      She’s racked up over 78,000 Instagram followers from uploading pictures of herself and their children to her page.
      Charlotte Trippier (Kieran Trippier)
      Charlotte Trippier was spotted cheering on hubby Kieran from the sidelines during the 2018 World Cup.
      The couple married in Cyprus in the summer of 2016 after their original plan to wed in St Lucia was scuppered by an outbreak of the Zika virus.
      Charlotte Trippier has been married to Atletico star Kieran for five years
      Later that year they had a son, Jacob, and have since had a daughter.
      While keeping out of the limelight, Charlotte posted on Instagram to say she was a “proud wife” after hubby Kieran clinched the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid at the weekend.
      Ellie Alderson (Ollie Watkins)
      Interior designer Ellie Alderson certainly has an eye for style.
      She’s reportedly been with Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins since 2018, and they’ve stayed together through his rise to the national squad.
      Ellie Alderson will be cheering on partner Ollie Watkins at the EurosCredit: Instagram @ellsalderson
      “Omg I can’t believe my eyes,” she tweeted after news of Watkins’ first cap broke last year. “I am so proud.”
      Despite being with a £70,000-a-week striker, thrifty Ellie sells designer clobber she no longer wants on shopping app Depop.
      Mia McClenaghan (Reece James)
      It was a good year for Chelsea right-back Reece James in 2020 – enjoying his England first-team debut and a relationship with Mia McClenaghan.
      The 5ft 2 student recently celebrated finishing her degree with a string of photos on Instagram.
      Reece James is with Mia McClenaghan who is believed to have just finished a law degreeCredit: Instagram/miamcclenaghan
      Her account, which has over 16,000 followers, also shows off snaps of her in designer clothes and spending time with 21-year-old lover Reece.
      The £36million defender was sent off after the final whistle during his second outing in Southgate’s side for dissent against the referee after England’s 1-0 Nations League defeat to Denmark last October.
      Lauren Fryer (Declan Rice)
      West Ham defender Declan Rice is thought to be with Lauren Fryer.
      Fryer originally hails from Chessington, Greater London, the Daily Star reports.
      Declan Rice and Lauren Fryer have previously shared cuddly snaps on Instagram
      Declan has previously posted loving birthday messages about Lauren on his social media accounts.
      Rice scored the third goal in the Hammers’ 3-0 thumping of Southampton at the weekend to ensure his club an impressive sixth-place finish.
      Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden) 
      Phil Foden became a dad for the first time when he was just 18 as partner Rebecca Cooke gave birth to their son, Ronnie, in 2019.
      Now the couple, both 20, are currently expecting a baby girl later this year.
      Phil Foden’s partner Rebecca Cooke is also the mum to his son and is pregnant with a daughter
      They live together in a £3.25million mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire.
      News of the couple’s second child came after teen Lara Clausen said she slept with the Man City midfielder in a Reykjavik hotel after England’s 1-0 win over Iceland last year.
      Anouska Santos (Luke Shaw) 
      Anouska Santos is a regular fixture at Old Trafford thanks to her relationship with Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw.
      It’s unclear when they started dating, but they welcomed a son together, Reign London, back in November 2019.
      Anouska Santos and Luke Shaw have started a family together in recent yearsCredit: Instagram / @anouskasantos
      Announcing her pregnancy, Anouska shared a picture of her scan along with a snap of her Luke.
      “I hope he’s just like you, with a little bit of me,” she wrote.
      Ashleigh Behan (Kalvin Phillips) 
      Ashleigh Behan has been with the Yorkshire Pirlo throughout his rise from Leeds United hero to the England squad.
      The make-up artist staved off lockdown boredom by sharing TikTok videos of her and Phillips dancing and decorating their house together.
      Ashleigh Behan and Kalvin Phillips spent lockdown enjoying each other’s company
      She also enjoyed wild promotion celebrations with the Leeds United midfielder when they returned to the Premier League last summer.
      Gareth Southgate named Philipps in his provisional squad after a last-minute shoulder injury scare in Leeds’ 3-1 win over West Brom at the weekend.
      Rebecca Burnett (Jordan Henderson)
      Rebecca Burnett is believed to have met Jordan Henderson while he was at Sunderland as a teen.
      She reportedly married the Liverpool playmaker in 2014 and they’ve since had three kids.
      Jordan Henderson is married to Rebecca Burnett and the couple have three kids
      Despite being present at games supporting her hubby, little is known about Rebecca as she’s kept out of the spotlight.
      Henderson was an injury doubt after being sidelined by a groin problem since February, but Southgate has named in his provisional squad all the same.
      Amie Coady (Conor Coady) 
      Amie Coady is the wife of Wolves centre-back Conor Coady and they have three kids together called Henri, Freddie and Louie.
      Conor represented England from under-16 to under-20 level but had to wait till last year for his first call-up to the senior national team.
      Amie and Conor Coady have three children togetherCredit: Rex
      “Me and my wife said to my parents: ‘We’ve got news for you,'” Coady said of the moment he told his parents about being selected by Southgate.
      “I had my arm round my wife and my mum and dad said: ‘Oh, Amie is not pregnant again is she?'”
      Harriet Robson (Mason Greenwood)
      Harriet Robson will be giving her full support to Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood.
      News of the stunning model reuniting with Greenwood broke in November after they split in early 2020.
      Harriet Robson is back with Mason Greenwood after they separated last yearCredit: Instagram/hasrobson

      They’re thought to have known each other since their school days at Ashton on Mersey School in Greater Manchester.
      Despite their separation, the couple now look to be stronger than ever.
      Sharing a picture of her and Greenwood with her 183,000 Instagram followers last week, Harriet wrote: “We ain’t perfect but we damn close.”
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football gamePlay Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      The richest WAGs of 2021 More

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      in Soccer

      After Marcus Rashford’s split from girlfriend Lucia Loi, what happened to WAGs from the 2018 World Cup team

      by

      WHEN it comes to the wags of the 2018 World Cup it hasn’t always been from Russia with love.The Sun on Sunday this weekend revealed that England ace Marcus Rashford had split from Lucia Loi, his girlfriend of eight years.
      The Sun on Sunday this weekend revealed that England ace Marcus Rashford had split from Lucia LoiCredit: Getty
      The 23-year-old PR executive fell for Marcus while they were at school.
      The pair have blamed their break-up three months ago on the stress of lockdown, with pals claiming the Manchester United player is devastated.
      Sadly, some of his England team-mates have been shown the red card too.
      Kate Jackson takes a look at what happened to the wags of the 2018 squad and their superstar partners.
      The 23-year-old PR executive fell for Marcus while they were at school, eight years ago
      We take a look at what happened to the wags of the 2018 squadCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      REBEKAH VARDY
      Rebekah Vardy starred on Gogglebox with Jamie and has been a panellist on Loose WomenCredit: PA
      IT’S a big week for Rebekah and husband Jamie after his team Leicester City bagged the FA Cup on Saturday.
      The striker, 34, has three children with Rebekah – one-year-old Olivia, Finley, three, and Sofia, five.
      Since the World Cup, Rebekah, 39, has been a panellist on Loose Women and starred on Gogglebox with Jamie.
      But the most talked-about event has been Rebekah’s “Wagatha Christie” spat with Coleen Rooney, 35.
      The wife of former Man United ace Wayne accused Rebekah of leaking stories to the press, claims she strongly denies.
      Their legal battle continues.
      FERN HAWKINS
      MANCHESTER United defender Harry Maguire, 28, and fiancée Fern have two daughters – Lillie Saint, two, who was born exactly nine months after England beat Colombia on penalties, and one-year-old Piper Rose.
      They met in 2011, when Harry had graduated to Sheffield United’s first team.
      Fern Hawkins, 26, has two daughters with fiancé Harry MaguireCredit: Instagram @_fernhawkins
      Fern, 26, has a degree in science and physiotherapy.
      The pair met in 2011, when Harry graduated to Sheffield United’s first teamCredit: Getty
      MEGAN DAVISON
      GOALIE Jordan Pickford, 27, and Megan started dating when they were both 14.
      The university graduate cheered the hero goalie on from the stands in Russia.
      Megan Davison started dating Jordan Pickford when they were both 14Credit: The Mega Agency
      Soon after the England squad returned, the couple announced their engagement. But there was no multi-million pound do.
      They got hitched in March 2020 at a register office in Crewe and the groom wore ripped jeans and a baseball cap.
      They planned to celebrate in the Maldives but have had to postpone due to Covid.
      They now live in a five-bed home worth £2.1million in Cheshire with their two-year-old son Arlo.
      They got hitched in March 2020 and now live in a five-bed home worth £2.1million in Cheshire with their sonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      JENA FRUMES
      AMERICAN actress Jena dumped Jesse Lingard, 28, before the World Cup.
      She had met the now West Ham ace at a party in Los Angeles in 2016, but dropped him 15 months later, shortly after it was claimed he had a steamy hot-tub romp with a single mum.
      Jena Frumes, 27, dumped Jesse Lingard just before the World Cup and is pregnant from Jason DeruloCredit: PA
      Jena, 27, is now expecting a baby boy with American pop star Jason Derulo.
      The England midfielder revealed in December 2019 that he had a one-year-old daughter, Hope, from a short relationship with fitness trainer Rebecca Halliday.
      She dropped Jesse 15 months into their relationshipCredit: Getty
      KATIE GOODLAND
      THE romance between fitness instructor Katie and England captain Harry Kane, 27, could not get any cuter.
      The pair started dating while at school, and Harry popped the question in 2017.
      Katie Goodland and England captain Harry Kane, 27, have two kids togetherCredit: Getty – Contributor
      They married in June 2019 with the Tottenham Hotspur striker posting: “Finally got to marry my Best Friend! I love you.”
      Katie gave birth to their first daughter, Ivy, in 2017.
      She was pregnant with their second girl, Vivienne, during the World Cup, and sent her father to cheer Harry on in the stands instead.
      Their son, Louis, was born in December last year. 
      MILLIE SAVAGE
      THE World Cup spelled disaster for Millie and Manchester City defender  John Stones, 26.
      In the months after England’s heroics, the ace ended their relationship.
      Millie Savage and John Stones broke up as ‘fame got too much for him’ she revealedCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      Millie later told how he had said he was no longer in love.
      Millie, who met John when she was 14 and shares a four-year-old daughter with the ace, revealed he had started partying more after the tournament.
      She said: “Fame got too much for him when he went to City then the World Cup.”
      Weeks after their split, Millie received a message on Instagram from a mystery sender telling her the £100,000-a-week defender had started dating beautician Olivia Naylor. 
      ANNABEL PEYTON
      CRYSTAL Palace keeper Jack Butland, 28, and fiancée Annabel have two sons, George, two, and two-month-old Freddie. 
      Jack, then with Stoke, was flown over to Russia as a back-up goalie, while his air hostess girlfriend was more than happy to party into the early hours with the other wags. 
      Annabel Peyton and Jack Butland are engaged and have two sons, George and FreddieCredit: Instagram
      He popped the question in Italy just ahead of the tournament, in May 2018, and posted a picture on Instagram with the caption: “Mrs B to be.”
      The couple had planned a big family get-together to celebrate George’s first birthday in April 2020, but had to cancel due to the pandemic.
      GEMMA ACTON
      GEMMA married Crystal Palace’s Gary Cahill, 35, in 2013 at Brookfield Manor in Derbyshire, near to where they grew up. 
      The pair, who met at school, have two children, Freya, 11, and eight-year-old Leo. 
      Gemma Acton and Gary Cahill have two kids but like to stay out of the limelightCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gary only made one appearance during the World Cup, when England lost 1-0 to Belgium.
      When he was playing for Chelsea in 2019, the couple kitted out their children in the team’s strip as they joined Gary for a lap at Stamford Bridge after the final home game of the season. 
      Unlike some other footie families, the Cahills tend to stay out of the limelight.
      He last posted an Instagram snap of Gemma in 2015.
      ANNIE KILNER
      MAN City ace Kyle Walker and Annie have three kids together. Their 12-year relationship has been more turbulent than most.
      In March 2019 Annie kicked the footballer out after reports he had romped with Ex On The Beach star Laura Brown.
      Annie Kilner and Kyle Walker have three kids together and are thought to still be together despite cheating scandalsCredit: BackGrid
      They were working on their relationship when, a few months later he bedded reality star Lauryn Goodman, who became pregnant.
      She gave birth to his son in April last year.
      Annie, 27, eventually forgave Kyle and he proposed with a £250,000 ring.
      In October she was spotted without the sparkler, but they are thought to still be together.
      SHANNON HORLOCK
      SHANNON was used to a football lifestyle before she met Burnley keeper Nick Pope in 2013.
      Her dad is former Manchester City player and Northern Ireland international Kevin Horlock.
      Shannon Horlock and Nick Pope are thought to have had a child in 2019
      Nick was a 65th-minute substitute as England beat Costa Rica 2-0 in the World Cup’s pre-tournament friendly.
      On the couple’s three-year anniversary, Shannon posted on Facebook: “You make me feel happy, proud and loved every single day.”
      Nick, 29, and Shannon prefer not to share much of their private life online, but it is thought they had a child in 2019.
      RUBY MAE
      THE lingerie model began dating Spurs ace Dele, 25, in 2016.
      During the World Cup Ruby shared a loving picture of the pair relaxing after England’s victory over Colombia.
      Ruby Mae spent lockdown with Dele Alli but the pair split just before Valentine’s Day this yearCredit: INSTAGRAM/RUBE MAE
      The pair split the following February and Dele was rumoured to have dated Love Island’s Megan Barton Hanson before reuniting with Ruby.
      They spent lockdown together at his £2million mansion in Elstree, Herts, but split just before Valentine’s Day this year.  
      A source told The Sun that they had been having heated rows and Ruby was “incensed” at Dele’s behaviour, including “spending too much time playing Fortnite”.
      Last week we showed exclusive pictures of Dele snogging the 20-year-old daughter of Man City boss Pep Guardiola.
      A source told The Sun that Ruby thought Dele was ‘spending too much time playing Fortnite’Credit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
      PAIGE MILIAN
      PAIGE and Raheem Sterling got engaged before the World Cup.
      They were set to marry last year, but the pandemic scuppered their plans.
      Paige Milian got engaged to Raheem Sterling but their wedding plans fell through during the pandemicCredit: Instagram

      The winger and Paige met as teens, when he was playing for Queen’s Park Rangers and she was working at JD Sports. They moved in together when Raheem was signed for Liverpool in 2012.
      They now live in a £3.5million Cheshire mansion with their two sons, Thiago, four, and Thai-Cruz, one. The Man City ace also has a daughter, Melody Rose, from a ­previous relationship.
      He proposed to Paige, who runs Milian Property Group, in 2018. She often shares snaps of their boys with her 78,000 Instagram followers.
      The pair now live in a £3.5million Cheshire mansionCredit: Rex More