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      England best and worst football songs, from Baddiel and Skinner’s Three Lions to Ant & Dec’s We’re on the Ball

      by

      FOOTBALL songs don’t often work.But when they do, they have the power to rouse a nation into getting behind a football team, which is what rapper Krept and Konan will want to do with this year’s tune – which will be featured in BBC Three doc, Krept and Konan: We Are England already available on BBC iPlayer.
      Rappers Krept and Konan have recorded England’s official Euro 2020 songCredit: PA
      And over the years, as England have made us proud or shed a tear by their performances in major tournaments, we’ve been treated to pop songs designed to make us feel nationalistic in support of our boys.
      From bands like The Lightning Seeds and Embrace to the all-conquering Spice Girls, they’ve all had a go at producing a pop hit.
      THE BEST
      Baddiel & Skinner and The Lightning Seeds, Three Lions
      It’s testament to this song’s longevity and timeless appeal that it’s still sung today by England fans – some who weren’t even born when it was originally released.
      At Euro ’96, it was the accompaniment to a great tournament – thanks in part to its brilliant lyrics written by Fantasy Football hosts David Baddiel and Frank Skinner that managed to capture the hurt and hope we all have as England fans.
      Add a catchy chorus and tune by Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds and you have a winner.
      David Baddiel, Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds and Frank Skinner penned the definitive football song that’s still sung todayCredit: Alamy
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      Fat Les, Vindaloo
      Simplicity is the key to making a song sing-along worthy — and Vindaloo has that to a tee.
      Fat Les, made up of actor Keith Allen, Blur guitarist Alex James and shark slaying artist Damien Hirst, made their anthemic song ahead of the 1998 World Cup that’s led by a simple marching drum beat.
      The video, a mickey-take of The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony, had actor Paul Kaye getting a bit of a buffeting too.
      Fat Les captured the zeitgeist of the nation in 1998Credit: Rex
      Vindaloo reached No2 in the pop chartsCredit: Rex
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      New Order, World In Motion
      Hipsters in London’s East End or Manchester’s Northern Quarter will consistently argue this to be the greatest football song EVER written.
      Originally called ‘E is for England’, the FA vetoed the title because they thought it sounded like a drug reference to ecstacy.
      Famously, the 1990 hit featured a John Barnes rap – which we all know the lyrics to. Again, Keith Allen was involved in this one too.
      New Order’s World In Motion featured an infamous John Barnes rap
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      England United, (How Does it Feel to Be) On Top of the World
      To be fair, England United didn’t stand a chance coming up against Fat Les and Vindaloo – even though their’s was supposed to be the official anthem of the France ’98.
      The supergroup were formed by Echo and the Bunnymen, Ocean Colour Scene, Space and the Spice Girls.
      The song, co-written by The Smiths legend Johnny Marr, peaked at No9 in the charts, and on reflection doesn’t sound as bad as others we’ve heard since.
      The Spice Girls formed part of the England United supergroupCredit: PA:Press Association
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      Embrace, World At Your Feet
      Released in 2006, Embrace’s World At Your Feet is somewhat of an underrated football anthem, in our eyes.
      It’s the McNamara brothers Danny and Richard at their finest – belting out a big chorus for the masses to enjoy.
      There’s even a tease to Three Lions, with the stirring “It’s coming…” lyric.
      Embrace’s World At Your Feet is an underrated football anthem from 2006Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
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      THE REST
      Ant & Dec, We’re On the Ball
      Perhaps the purveyors of light TV entertainment Ant & Dec should have stayed in their lane.
      They were charged with singing the official England song for the 2002 World Cup – and boy did they do an questionable job.
      Frank Skinner called it right in an interview the same year it was released. “Terrible,” was his one-word to describe it.
      Ant & Dec’s forgettable We’re On The Ball never caught anyone’s imagination in 2002Credit: PA:Press Association
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      Bell & Spurling, Sven Sven Sven
      Clearly English comedy music duo Bell & Spurling were trying to have a laugh.
      However, their Sven Sven Sven ditty called then England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson a “lovely geezer” and said goalie David Seaman should own a Mark one Escort and sovereign ring because of his pony-tail and moustache.
      There’s even a Jimmy Saville haircut reference in this ill-timed effort from 2002.
      English comedy music duo Bell & Spurling’s Sven Sven Sven just wasn’t funnyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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      Chris Kamara, Sing 4 England
      Kammy has always fancied himself as a bit of a crooner.
      But, perhaps, he should’ve left it to the professionals with his 2012 tune Sing 4 England.
      Hindered by terrible lyrics, it tried to be catchy… we say tried faintly.
      Chris Kamara’s Sing 4 England was hindered by some dreadful lyrics
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      England ’82 World Cup Squad, This Time (We’ll Get It Right)
      Now this is an absolute stinker. And we didn’t either, getting eliminated from the 1982 World Cup at the second group stage.

      Featuring the likes of Kevin Keegan, Peter Shilton and Viv Anderson, This Time (We’ll Get It Right) incredibly charted at No2.
      Beats us how, it’s as tuneless as Shilts’ vocals and instantly forgettable.
      Will Krept and Konan get it right with their rap song? They’ll need the team to capture the nation’s attention to.
      Kevin Keegan was one of many England stars from the 1982 World Cup squad who sang This Time (We’ll Get It Right) but they didn’t
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      The England team arrive at basecamp for EURO 2020 More

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      Best and worst England kits, from Moore’s iconic 1966 shirt to Seaman’s garish Euro 96 goalie jersey

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      THROUGH the years the likes of Umbro, Admiral and Nike have encouraged us to reach deep into our pockets to buy an England jersey.Some of those kits have been memorable, often linked to the team’s performance, and have become collector’s items.
      England, wearing the jersey they’ll wear for Euro 2020, have sported a variety of shirts over the yearsCredit: Getty
      Others, however, have been simply forgettable – mainly because they were rarely worn or their design was simply too garish.
      SunSport has delved into its wardrobe to pull out the best and worst kits we’ve ever seen England perform in. There are some crackers… but there are some true stinkers too.THE BEST
      5. 2010-11 HOME KIT
      This special kit was one for the hipsters.
      Designed by Peter Saville, the graphic designer responsible for creating album artwork for Joy Division, Pulp, Suede and more, it was produced by Umbro.
      The cross of St George was carefully stitched onto the shirt and socks to give it that extra patriotic feel.
      While the shorts were a royal blue colour – that certainly suited Chelsea legend John Terry.
      In 2010 iconic graphic designer Peter Saville created this England top
      One for the hipsters, the flag of St George was stitched into the jersey and socks
      4. 1990-92 THIRD KIT
      One for the purists.
      Designed for Italia 90, it only ever got one outing – and that wasn’t just from Bernard Sumner in New Order’s World In Motion video.
      Dennis Wise and Co wore it for a game against Turkey in 1991, and it never appeared again.
      It did look very similar to Manchester City’s shirt of the same era though, that also featured a diamond pattern running through it.

      1990-92 Replica Third Shirt, £35 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      England’s third kit looked like Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Umbro kit was only worn once in a friendly against Turkey before it was shelvedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      3. 1990-93 HOME SHIRT
      A jersey linked with special memories.
      From David Platt hammering home a last-minute volley against Belgium to Gazza’s tears and Lineker’s goals, it was worn infamously during the 1990 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
      Its design is steeped in the 90s, with subtle zig-zags adorning a slightly flammable material.

      1990-93 Replica HOME Shirt, £30 form Pro Direct soccer – buy here

      Paul Gascoigne made England’s 1990-93 home jersey iconicCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gary Lineker and England reached the semi-finals in Italia 90Credit: Getty – Contributor
      2. 1980-83 HOME KIT
      While England didn’t lose a game at the 1982 World Cup, where they wore this number created by Admiral, they failed to make it past the second group round.
      Two frustrating draws against West Germany and Spain, the latter in which an unfit Kevin Keegan missed a sitter of a header saw the Three Lions crash out.
      But in the style stakes, we definitely had the best kit – with a stonking v-neck flanked by a blue and red pattern either side of it.

      1980-83 Replica HOME shirt, £30 from Pro Direct Select – buy here

      Admiral’s England kit is recognised as one of their coolestCredit: Mark Leech Sports
      From 1980-83 England wore a v-neck collar
      1. 1966 AWAY SHIRT
      It had to be.
      Worn expertly by Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst as we marched to World Cup glory at Wembley defeating West Germany 4-2, it was only worn because (strangely) our opponents were the designated home team that day.
      But its simple design and round collar screams the 1960s, and it’s still a jersey you see fans wearing in the stands today.
      The question is; would it be number one if we hadn’t won the World Cup? Who cares, we did and that’s history.

      1966 Replica AWAY shirt, £25 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      Bobby Moore wears the iconic red 1966 World Cup jerseyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      England only wore red that day because West Germany were the designated home teamCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      THE WORST
      5. 1999-2000 HOME KIT
      Desperate to recreate the feel of England’s 1966 shirt, Umbro introduced a round collar for this effort in time for Euro 2000.
      But even David Beckham couldn’t pull it off – as we fell to a last minute goal against Romania in a 3-2 loss in our last group game and were eliminated.
      The fact the shirt only retailed for a year showed you what the FA thought of it.
      Umbro brought back the round neck collar for this design in 1999Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2000 after a dismal Euros the shirt was in the binCredit: Getty – Contributor
      4. 1997-1998 HOME KIT
      Ironically, it’s predecessor wasn’t much better.
      Another Umbro effort, it did have an iconic moment attached to it when an 18-year-old Michael Owen waltzed past several Argie defenders to slam home one of the best World Cup goals.
      But in terms of design, it was all over the place – with a bulky trophy neck collar and strange stripes on the side not adding to its glory.
      The centralised badge was a bit too radical too.

      1997-98 Replica HOME shirt, £30 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      Michael Owen’s iconic goal against Argentina made the 1998 jersey memorableCredit: AFP – Getty
      But placing the badge in the centre of the kit went against traditionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      3. 2016 AWAY SHIRT
      When an England legend speaks out about a kit, it must be bad.
      In 2016, Gary Lineker tweeted: “Can’t think of a worse England strip” when the red away jersey was unveiled for the first time.
      And he wasn’t the only one, as fans online lambasted its design.
      For some reason it came with bright blue socks too. Just, no.

      2016 AWAY shirt, from £45, at Vintage Football Shirts – buy here

      England legend Gary Lineker was one of the first to criticise England’s 2016 away jerseyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      For some reason Umbro paired bright blue socks with the red away kitCredit: PA:Press Association
      2. 1995-1996 AWAY SHIRT
      Sorry, Umbro.
      But when a company designs a shirt they hope looks good with jeans, is grey, and is said to be ‘indigo blue’ you know you’re in trouble.
      The strip was only worn three times, against Bulgaria, then against Georgia and finally against Germany in the Euro 96 semi-final.
      That defeat certainly put the nail in the coffin for it, and the kit was shelved soon after.

      1996-97 AWAY shirt, from £60, at Vintage Football Shirts – buy here

      England’s indigo blue shirt was created by Umbro with the idea it would look good with jeansCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      After England’s Euro 96 heartbreak against Germany the kid was never seen againCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. POOR DAVID SEAMAN
      The Arsenal goalie had a momentous tournament at Euro 96.
      A penalty save against Scotland that inspired the Three Lions to victory, the hero in a penalty shootout win over Spain, he became renowned as one of the world’s best keepers soon after.

      But this kit he wore did him absolutely no favours, even if he did stand out from the crowd.
      A bright red colour, mixed with a splash of green, yellow, purple made it look like something someone who had indulged in too many Skittles might’ve thrown up.
      And why was the E backwards on it? We’ll never know.
      David Seamans goalie jersey from Euro 96 was a monstrosityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      For some reason the E was backwards on the jersey

      Ranking every England manager More

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      10 best Euro 2020 kits ranked, from England’s blue Nike away shirt to Germany’s clean Adidas black top

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      FOOTBALL fans across Europe will repping their countries by wearing their teams’ jerseys this summer.As is customary with brands like Nike, Adidas and Puma, some national sides will be sporting new unseen tops for the tournament.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will be sporting a stylish Portugal jersey at the Euros, but where does that rank in our top 10?Credit: EPA
      SunSport has seen them all – and donning our best fashion cap ranks them from 10-1.
      But which one is your favourite?
      10. England, away
      When Nike released the Three Lions’ two jerseys for the Euros back in September, opinion was divided online.
      But the blue away top definitely works better with the logo traditionally to the side and not in the middle like the home one.
      While the two-button collar looks like a smart polo top.
      England’s away jersey features a Lions pattern and a smart polo shirt-like collar
      9. Germany, away
      Pipping us to the post are the Germans… how that never changes.
      Their away Adidas top is a menacing black number – painting them as a sort of Darth Vader-like figure of international football – with a lovely red and gold trim on the sleeves.
      Of course, it has those familiar Adidas stripes on the shoulders.
      Germany’s blackout kit will have them looking menacing at the Euros
      8. Holland, home
      There’s something about this brilliant orange Dutch jersey that stirs memories of Marco Van Basten and Ruud Gullit ripping sides to shreds at Euro ’88.
      And there’s also a sniff of the same pattern used in Manchester City’s home top, although that one was designed by Puma.
      Does that mean Holland might be crowned champions at the end of the tournament?
      Holland’s orange kit is iconic at major tournaments and this new design is impressive
      7. Turkey, home
      The Turks have got it right with both kits this summer, but their home one just shades it for us.
      It does away with tradition to allow the flag wrapped across the centre of the top.
      The Nike emblem sits above that, in what is a simple design but definitely effective.
      The Turkish national team goes against tradition with its design
      6. Scotland, away
      Playing in their first Euros since 1996, the Scots needed a decent kit to remember their tournament fondly – which will only be more iconic should Steve Clarke’s men have a good run this time round.
      And it’s a little bit of a throwback to early-90s kits in its design, with a hint of Argentina about it with its colours and pattern.
      Scotland’s badge really pops out at you as well on that shade, so Adidas have done them proud.
      Scotland’s away top looks like something Argentina would wear
      5. Portugal, home
      Nike’s Portugal jersey is all red – and looks like something Tiger Woods would wear on the final day of the Masters.
      But it’s a clean design with a beautiful red, black and green trim down the sides and on the sleeves, as well as a brilliant collar.
      To be fair, Cristiano Ronaldo will be modelling it, so the kit will only look better on his chiselled torso, especially in HD.
      Portugal’s top boasts a beautiful red, black and green trim down the sides
      4. Russia, away
      We can’t imagine Putin wearing it, but there’s something incredibly retro about what Russia will be wearing in these Euros.
      We love the blue and red stripe through the middle of it, as well the trim on the sleeves.
      However, with Russia’s odds to win Euro 2020 as high as 75-1 with Paddy Power – chances are we might not get to see it much.
      Russia’s retro kit features a blue and red stripe through the middle of it
      3. Wales, home
      It definitely looks like Adidas were inspired by Admiral’s Wales kits of the late 1970s for this one.
      The yellow, green, red, and white trim on the sleeves is the giveaway, and is different to anything else we’ve seen.
      Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale will certainly enjoy wearing it.
      The trim on the sleeves of the Wales jersey is a throwback to Admiral’s kits from the 70s
      2. France, away
      Narrowly beaten as shirt of the tournament, perhaps they’ll make up for it by winning the whole thing, is the French.
      Their away jersey features mod-like colours, is white with a blue and red stripe down the sides.
      With a cockerel on the top left and the Nike logo on the right, it’s certainly a classic cut.
      Simplicity is key to France’s away top
      1. Italy, home
      With Milan being the fashion capital of the world, of course the Italians would have the best shirt for the Euros.
      And perhaps this makes up for the formal clobber Giorgio Armani has designed for the Italy national side – which looks something like a chef’s attire.

      The pattern etched into the jersey is a dedication to the country’s historic art and architecture culture.
      It “reinterprets the luxurious Renaissance patterns of the past into a modern geometric graphic”, as the blurb supporting its design claims.
      They’ve won us over.
      The Italians boast the best shirt at the Euros for us
      Ukraine’s Euro 2020 kit includes Crimea in map of country on front of shirt More

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      Meet Man Utd and France star Anthony Martial’s gorgeous reality TV star Wag Melanie Da Cruz, who is mother to son Swan

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      SIMPLY irresistible…Melanie Da Cruz, 30, is the gorgeous wife of Manchester United and France forward Anthony Martial.
      Melanie Da Cruz is the gorgeous wife of Anthony MartialCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      The blonde bombshell made her name on French TV and has been dating the Red Devils star since 2016.
      However, their romance began in controversial circumstances when Martial dumped his then girlfriend Samantha Jacquelinet in 2016 and soon shacked up with Da Cruz.
      In 2018, they welcomed their first child together – a boy called Swan.
      However, just months after Da Cruz gave birth Martial was alleged to have cheated on her with a French model.
      It forced Martial to admit he made mistakes and beg for forgiveness from his family and Da Cruz.
      She made her name on reality TV…
      Before she met Anthony Martial, Melanie Da Cruz was a French reality TV starCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff

      In 2015, Da Cruz appeared on Secret Story – loosely based on our own Big Brother.
      She didn’t exactly win over the public’s affection and was voted out on day 78.
      The show came to a premature end on day 85 when the Paris attacks happened in November that year.
      Incidentally, Zinedine Zidane’s cousin Jonathan appeared in the series and was runner-up.
      In 2015, Melanie Da Cruz appeared on the French equivalent of Big Brother called Secret StoryCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      Social media loves her…
      Well, her fans do.
      Da Cruz is showered with attention on Instagram and has amassed an insane amount of fans.
      Currently, she’s adored by three million followers who follow her every move, whether she’s filling up her car with petrol or posing in a bikini on the boat.
      With three million followers on Instagram, Melanie Da Cruz is a social media hitCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      She supports her man…
      Give her an opportunity and she’ll wear a Man United shirt with pride.
      Da Cruz often poses in a Red Devils jersey, wearing very little else, and posts the saucy snaps on her Instagram.
      Not only does she guarantee herself millions of likes all over the world, she must also score points with her man.
      Melanie Da Cruz loves wearing a Man United shirt and posting snaps on social mediaCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      Anthony Martial and Melanie Da Cruz have been dating since 2016Credit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      When Da Cruz and Martial began dating, it wasn’t best received…
      Certainly if you’re his ex girlfriend, Samantha.
      Back in 2016, Sun on Sunday reported that Martial cheated with singer Emily Wademan in 2016.
      They tried to work through their problems, but months later Martial dumped Samantha for Da Cruz.
      The woman scorned blasted her love rival, insisting Da Cruz was a “prostitute” after their relationship fell apart.
      Melanie Da Cruz was branded a “prostitute” by Anthony Martial’s ex girlfriendCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      With a body to die for, Melanie Da Cruz isn’t afraid of baring all to her fansCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      In recent years, Melanie Da Cruz has shared pictures of her holidays in Santorini, Mauritius and DubaiCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff

      Survived alleged cheating…
      In 2019, Martial was forced to apologise to his then-fiancee amid cheating allegations.
      The Daily Star claimed the former Monaco striker slept with French model Malika while Da Cruz was eight months pregnant.
      Soon after, Martial took to Instagram to address the story.
      “I would like to apologise to my relatives, my beautiful family and especially my fiancée for the harm I have done in recent months,” he posted.
      “I made mistakes and I’m sorry it will not happen again.”
      Martial with Wag Melanie and their son Swan
      Martial was forced to issue an apology for allegedly cheating on Melanie
      Malika Semichi was alleged to have had an affair with Martial
      But they’ve proved their doubters wrong…
      Almost five years later the pair are as loved up as they were when they first met.
      They often share selfies together enjoying holidays in Santorini, Mauritius and Dubai.
      Even adopting a slightly nerdy look, Melanie Da Cruz looks stunningCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      Melanie Da Cruz shows off her enviable figureCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      Melanie Da Cruz became Mrs. MartialCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff

      Samantha Jacquelinet was Martial’s previous girlfriend and has a daughter called Peyton by him
      And the two are proud parents to son Swan, who is coming up to his second birthday.
      Martial already has a five-year-old daughter called Peyton from his relationship with Samantha.
      After missing out on selection for France’s Euro 2020 squad, at least he will get to spend this summer winding down with his family.
      Manchester United’s Anthony Martial and model girlfriend Melanie Da Cruz go bowling More

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      Why Brazil stars like Neymar should boycott Copa America in coronavirus protest at fixture chaos

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      The answer will not come until late Tuesday night – the early hours of Wednesday morning UK time – after the final whistle has blown on their World Cup qualifier away to Paraguay.Then, Brazil’s players will issue a statement on the Copa America, which is set to kick off in their country on Sunday.
      Brazil’s stars will reveal later today if they are going to pull out of the Copa AmericaCredit: AFP
      There is no doubt that they are unhappy that Brazil has stepped in at the last minute to host the tournament.
      Discontent is rife both about the decision and by the way it was handled – like the rest of us, they heard about it via social media last Monday.
      The players have two options – either they play the competition under protest, or they boycott the thing.
      The second option has the potential to torpedo the entire competition. With less than five days to go before the kick off it would leave the hosts without a team or a coach – boss Tite seems solidly behind the players in any decision they take.
      And it would almost certainly lead to the withdrawal of big name stars in other national teams.
      Last Friday sources close to the team were suggesting that the players would take the historic decision to boycott the Copa.
      By Monday the position appeared to have changed, with almost all sources predicting with confidence that the players will reluctantly take part in the competition.
      There are plenty of reasons for their discontent.
      Brazil is set to host the Copa America, which begins on FridayCredit: Rex
      At the last Copa America in 2019 Brazil were victoriousCredit: AFP
      The obvious one is the coronavirus pandemic, which forced Argentina to pull out as host at the end of May.
      The virus has now claimed more than 470,000 lives in Brazil, the death toll is going up at more than 1500 a day and the gruesome half a million mark will certainly be reached during the tournament.
      Local specialists and the World Health Organisation are advising that it would be better if the Copa did not go ahead.
      It is true that domestic football is being played in Brazil – and may well be true that this presents a greater health risk than the Copa.
      But things brings us to the next point – is it worthwhile to run the risk presented by the Copa? Does the competition have enough sporting merit to go ahead?
      On this point the players would seem to be convinced that it does not – indeed, the European based stars (the vast majority of the squad) are casting doubts on whether it is worthwhile giving up their holidays to take part in such a tournament.
      This is an extra Copa – squeezed in, ironically enough, to take advantage of a shift from odd years to even.
      The Copa has been held every four years – 2007, 11, 15 and 19 – with another extra one in 2016 to celebrate its centenary.
      The mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes revealed he would cancel Copa America football fixtures planned in the city if the COVID-19 pandemic worsenedCredit: AFP

      This extra Copa, originally planned for 2020, was going to be staged in two countries – Argentina and Colombia.
      This explains the format – two groups of five. And the ludicrous aspect of the format – a group phase that stretches for more than two weeks, only to eliminate the bottom team of each group.
      The final week of the competition, from the quarter finals onwards, will be exciting. Up until then the Copa will be a drag.
      The players recognise a key defect in all of this – because of the pandemic South America is well behind in its World Cup qualifiers.
      Tuesday’s is the sixth round of eighteen. Twelve more rounds have to be crammed in before the end of March.
      Even with an additional set of FIFA dates being made available at the end of January, it is still not clear how this can be done.
      There is space for five double headers – ten games. And twelve games to play. 
      A possible solution is to try and squeeze three games into a couple of the FIFA dates. This is happening in Europe.
      Will Neymar be one of many Brazil stars boycotting the Copa America?Credit: Rex

      In South America the distances involved make this much more problematic. The common sense solution, then, would be to use the next couple of weeks to catch up with the qualifiers.
      It would probably be best if the players dug in their heels to make this point, using their influence to force the adoption of a more rational calendar.
      At the moment, though, it seems more likely that they will agree to play the Copa under protest – a gesture that might be forgotten all too quickly.
      Neymar WIPED OUT by two fans and has shoe stolen outside Brazil hotel before security jump in More

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      England’s Euro 2020 aces as kids from pals Mason Mount and Declan Rice to Arsenal trainee Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham

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      ALL eyes will be on Harry Kane, Jack Grealish and Mason Mount this summer as England aim to win their first ever Euros.Of course, many fans will remember how close the Three Lions got at Euro ’96 – only to lose in the semi-final to the Germans in a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out.
      All eyes will be on England stars Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Declan RiceCredit: Getty
      But plenty of our stars wouldn’t have been born when boss Gareth Southgate became the fall guy at Wembley that summer.
      However, they would have definitely dreamed of going a few steps further than their current manager and leading their country to glory as they were growing up.
      But what did they look like when they were kids? Join SunSport for a flick through the family albums….
      HARRY KANE
      Captain Kane will, probably, forever be haunted by this photo.
      Dressed in an Arsenal kit, rivals to his beloved Tottenham, the England hotshot trained with the Gunners’ U8 team as a youngster before switching allegiances to Spurs.
      Such was allegiance to the red side of North London, he even dyed his hair the same colour.
      Kane famously played for Arsenal’s U8 team
      When Harry Kane was a youngster he could only have dreamed of playing for his country
      Kane is now England’s captainCredit: Getty
      JACK GREALISH
      England’s poster-boy for this year’s Euros, Grealish grew up in Birmingham.
      And he’s always been as a cute as a button, wearing his boyhood Aston Villa shirt with pride as a five-year-old.
      However, his hair wasn’t the flowing locks we’re used to seeing, and he preferred a more closed crop cut.
      Jack Grealish, aged five here, was cute as a button as a kid in his Aston Villa kit
      Grealish played for Highgate United as a kid while training for Aston Villa
      Grealish could be England’s breakthrough star at the EurosCredit: PA
      JORDAN PICKFORD
      No1 Pickford was Sunderland through and through.
      He climbed through the ranks of the youth team to eventually play for the club before signing for Everton in a £25million deal in 2017.
      But before that he was just a fan of the Mackems – posing for a snap with former captain Kevin Ball.
      Jordan Pickford sported gorgeous curly blonde hair when he was a toddler
      Pickford would later be seen posing for a snap with ex-Sunderland captain Kevin Ball
      Pickford will be tasked with keeping the opposition at bay at the EurosCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      RAHEEM STERLING
      Before he became a superstar at Manchester City, and before that Liverpool, the London-born winger was another hopeful at QPR.
      In 2010, he moved to the Reds from the Hoops for a fee of just £500,000.
      At 15, we saw Sterling showing off his talent on Sky Sports show Soccer AM for their infamous Skill School segment.
      Raheem Sterling grew up in London
      Sterling famously appeared on Soccer AM as a 15-year-old
      Sterling has established himself as England regularCredit: PA

      MASON MOUNT
      Cheeky kid Mount has been with Chelsea since he was six. And in 2019, he shared a brilliant video of himself in his pre-adolescent years whipping a free-kick into the top corner.
      “I try to base my free-kick on Ronaldo, hit the ball by the valve, and it moves,” he says in the video.
      “That’s all you do. Top corner – top bins.”
      Mason Mount has been with Chelsea since he was sixCredit: Tony Mount
      A cheeky Mount poses for a snap with Chelsea legends Ashley Cole and John TerryCredit: Supplied

      Playmaker Mount will want to follow his Champions League success with Chelsea and win the Euros with EnglandCredit: PA
      DECLAN RICE
      Growing up through the Chelsea ranks alongside Mount was best-mate Declan Rice.
      Now a West Ham star, the pair were said to be heartbroken when Rice was released in 2014.
      Still, with Jordan Henderson still struggling for match-fitness Mount and Rice could be starring in England’s midfield in the opener against Croatia together.
      Declan Rice, left, and Mason Mount were best pals in their Chelsea youth daysCredit: Tony Mount
      Rice, first from the right, meets football legend Jimmy HillCredit: Tony Mount
      Rice in action against Austria in pre-Euros friendlyCredit: Getty
      MARCUS RASHFORD
      Young Rashford would never have imagined he would have an MBE at 23, nevermind be a regular for Manchester United and England.
      But for the former skinny kid growing up in Wythenshawe has achieved wonders already in his short career.
      Will he add a Euros to his glittering CV?
      Skinny Marcus Rashford grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester
      Standing in the middle of the back row, Rashford played youth football at the Fletcher Moss Academy when he was sixCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Rashford celebrates his goal against RomaniaCredit: Getty
      PHIL FODEN
      As he says, he’s been City since he can remember.
      Phil Foden, 20, is coming off an excellent season with his club and will hope to transform that on the international stage.
      And he hasn’t changed one bit from when he was a nipper.
      Credit: Instagram

      Foden could be England’s jewel at the EurosCredit: AFP
      KALVIN PHILLIPS
      Leeds-born midfielder was told as a schoolboy to forget about football and concentrate on his studies.
      Luckily, he didn’t listen to his teachers and has blossomed into the one of the country’s best defensive midfielders – nicknamed the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ by Leeds United fans.
      And, it seems, he was a very happy kid – always smiling for the cameras.
      Kalvin Phillips was always a happy kid
      Phillips’ school teachers told him to forget a life in football and concentrate on his studies
      Phillips could see plenty of playing time at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      JUDE BELLINGHAM
      England’s potential wildcard, in truth Bellingham is still a kid – astonishingly he’s still only 17.

      But the Borussia Dortmund star began his football journey at Birmingham City.
      There, he was spotted by Trevor Francis as a star of the future during one youth game the former Blues star was watching.
      Did the former Sheffield Wednesday manager also discover a future England Euros winner?
      Jude Bellingham, aged six here, could be England’s wildcard at this year’s EurosCredit: Twitter @bellinghamjude
      Bellingham poses with football legend Trevor FrancisCredit: Refer to Caption
      17-year-old Bellingham could be England’s wildcard at Euro 2020Credit: AP
      “I was a wreck” – Tony Adams on his secret battle with alcoholism as captain of England’s 1996 Euros side More

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      Where are England’s 2010 Under-17 European Championship winning team now, from an ex-Man Utd ace to Chelsea reject

      by

      ENGLAND fans might remember 2010 as they year the Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup in the last-16 to Germany on the back of a highly contentious no-goal decision.But that same summer, the Young Lions were victorious at the Under-17 European Championships in Liechtenstein.

      England’s youth team fought back from a goal down to beat a Spain team featuring the likes of Paco Alcacer and Gerard Deulofeu 2-1 in the final.
      Many of the players in the squad from that day were tipped for big things in the future.
      However, despite their early promise, the starting XI have mostly flopped at senior level.
      Take a look back at the starters from that May day in 2010 and where they are now.
      JACK BUTLAND
      Heralded as a potential goalie legend, Butland started off his career at Birmingham before moving to Stoke City in a £3.5million deal.
      He made his full debut for England in a 2012 defeat to Italy – and is still to this day the youngest goalie to ever play for the Three Lions.
      In 2015, he was handed the No1 jersey by Mark Hughes when Asmir Begovic left for Chelsea.
      However, a series of injuries to a bothersome ankle hampered his progress.
      Still only 28, Butland is currently down the pecking order at Crystal Palace.
      Jack Butland is currently No2 at Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Press Association
      BRUNO PILATOS
      Originally a promising Middlesbrough full-back, Pilatos signed for Swedish side Ytterhogdal in 2016 after failing to secure first-team football.
      He was released again in 2017, and in 2018 spent two months in Scotland with Livingston FC, according to his LinkedIn page.
      Currently Pilatos is a free agent.

      LUKE GARBUTT
      Predicted to be the heir to Leighton Baines, Garbutt was an attacking left-back in a similar mould to the Everton legend.
      But he failed to establish himself with the Toffees, and was sold to Blackpool in 2020.
      He also had several loans with Ipswich Town – and has enjoyed loan spells at Fulham, Wigan and Oxford United in the past.
      Luke Garbutt failed to make the grade at EvertonCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      NATHANIEL CHALOBAH
      When Chalobah was starring at centre half for England’s U17 team he was a promising Chelsea starlet, alongside brother Trevoh.
      In 2012 he enjoyed a loan at Watford, impressed at Middlesbrough and Reading, which saw a move to Napoli.
      Five years later, upon his return to the Blues, he was sold to Watford, where he has enjoyed some success but has suffered with injuries.
      Nathaniel Chalobah has struggled with injuries at WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association
      ANDRE WISDOM
      The central defender managed to make 22 appearances with Liverpool, often at right-back.
      But it was always going to be a big ask to break into a Reds side brimming with talent.
      He has been playing in the Championship with Derby since 2017 after impressing on loan there during the 2013-14 season.
      Andre Wisdom has been playing in the Championship with Derby since 2017Credit: JOHN CLIFTON
      CONOR COADY
      Coady failed to make the grade at Liverpool.
      However, at Wolves he has proven to be a steady Premier League player – and is captain of the side.
      In August he was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad, and has been included in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad.
      Conor Coady is now captain at WolvesCredit: PA:Press Association
      WILL KEANE
      The Manchester United starlet played three times at Old Trafford, but was never good enough to make the grade.
      Most of his career has been spent plying his trade in the Championship with QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Preston North End, before he signed for Hull and Ipswich.
      He now plays for Wigan. He has also made himself available for the Republic of Ireland.
      Former Man Utd starlet Will Keane reps Ireland nowCredit: Rex Features
      ROSS BARKLEY
      The cream of the crop after breaking into the Everton side as a teen, Barkley showed flashes of brilliance that saw him compared to Paul Gascoigne.
      Sadly, he never managed to sustain his form with the Toffees, and a move to Stamford Bridge in 2018 for £15million was seen as a chance for him to start afresh.
      He hasn’t quite lived up to expectation at Chelsea, which is why he was shipped off to Aston Villa on loan.
      But with Dean Smith’s side, the 27-year-old did show glimpses of the old magic.
      Ross Barkley moved to Chelsea in 2018 for £15millionCredit: Alamy Live News
      JOSH McEACHRAN
      Chelsea product McEachran was dubbed a class outfit at youth level for the Blues because of his brilliance on the ball.
      The tidy midfielder managed to play 11 times for the West Londoners, before he was sold to Brentford in 2017 for £750,000.
      In 2019, he moved to Birmingham for a free transfer. He was released at the end of the January transfer window in 2021 and is now with Milton Keynes Dons.
      Josh McEachran played 11 times for the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BENIK AFOBE
      The former Arsenal starlet was once targeted by Barcelona before committing a deal as a youngster with the Gunners.
      Following a series of loans, most successfully at Wolves when they were in the Championship, Premier League Bournemouth paid £10million for Afobe’s services.
      He failed to live up to standards of the top division, and was loaned out to Turkish club Trabzonspor the season just gone.
      He has since gone on to play for DR Congo.
      Ex-Arsenal starlet Afobe has found goals hard to come by at the top levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      CONNOR WICKHAM
      After showing promise with Ipswich in the Championship, the powerful centre forward signed for Premier League Sunderland in a deal worth £12million in 2011.
      In his four years with the Black Cats he struggled for goals – scoring just 15 times in 91 games.
      In 2015, Crystal Palace signed Wickham for £9million – but a serious knee injury put pay to his progress in South London.
      He just finished  a loan with Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship, but couldn’t save them from relegation to League One.
      Connor Wickham celebrates scoring for Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst backs Boris Johnson’s offer to host Euros in the UK More

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      England star Phil Foden became dad at 18 with childhood sweetheart Rebecca Cooke and bought parents a £2million mansion

      by

      ALL eyes will be on Phil Foden as a potential England star after an incredible campaign for Manchester City.The outrageously talented midfielder could be set for a starting berth in Gareth Southgate’s first eleven in the Euro 2021 opener, and he has done a lot of growing up since he made his City debut aged just 17.
      Man City hero Phil Foden became a dad at 18 to son RonnieCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      Foden came of age in the Carabao Cup final win over Aston VillaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      On a fishing holiday in Spain Foden caught a a 130lb catfishCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      Foden, now 21, became a dad a year after he made his bow for his boyhood club.
      The wonderkid welcomed a son, Ronnie, with long-term girlfriend Rebecca Cooke, and he dedicated his MOTM display in the Carabao Cup final in 2020.
      And just a few months before he penned a £30,000-per-week deal that ties him to the Etihad till 2024 in 2018, he splashed £2MILLION on a home for his parents.
      There was only one snag to him becoming a dad so young… Foden had to sacrifice his love of fishing, for now.
      FAMILY COMES FIRST
      In January 2019, the birth of his first child changed Foden’s life.
      He had already been dating Wag Rebecca for some time but they kept their romance under wraps.
      Foden – who made his England debut in the 1-0 win over Iceland in 2020 – admitted he shed a tear when his son arrived.
      “I was there for the birth,” he told Manchester City’s official website.
      “I walked out of the room, gave it a little tear and then went back in like nothing happened.
      In January 2019 Foden and long-term girlfriend Rebecca Cooke became teenage parents
      Son Ronnie changed Foden’s life completelyCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      “I’m not one for crying in front of people. I like to be on my own, but I was there in the room, watched it happen and it was a special moment.”
      And fatherhood certainly must agree with him, because back in April Foden revealed he and Rebecca are expecting their second child together.

      GETTING SOME PERSPECTIVE
      His team-mates told Foden that it would be the best thing that ever happened to him, but being a dad wasn’t going to be easy.
      But, if he has a bad game or training session, having Ronnie at home does make things better and puts things into perspective.
      Away matches, however, mean he doesn’t get to spend as much time with his son as he would like.
      Foden revealed: “If you have a bad game or a bad session, you’re disappointed, but now I think about the bigger picture.
      “I go home and see him smiling, so there’s more important things than worrying about one bad session.
      “You look at things in a different way when you’ve got a kid.
      “Honestly, I’m really enjoying it, but I find it quite difficult, always having away games and being away from him. He’s one now, so he’s missing me a bit.
      “There are things you miss when you’re not there because you’ve got an away game.
      “I was there when he started crawling, but I think I was in London when he started to walk.
      “Now he’s getting about and walking everywhere, so you have to have eyes in the back of your head or he starts running off.
      Phil Foden scores amazing free kick for England U21 against Albania
      Fatherhood hasn’t been easy for FodenCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      Foden revealed he misses Ronnie whenever Manchester City are playing awayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “It’s unfortunate to miss things like that but it’s a sacrifice that he’ll appreciate when he’s older.”
      HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
      Foden was raised by dad Phil and mum Claire in Edgeley, a modest Stockport suburb – far removed from the affluent towns and villages of Cheshire, nicknamed the Golden Triangle, where his team-mates now live.
      But as soon as Foden had established himself in Pep Guardiola’s squad, he set out to repay his parents for helping him achieve his dreams of becoming a footballer.
      The starlet spent £2m on a luxury home in Bramhall, near Stockport, where the family all live together.
      Often, he’s seen walking around the neighbourhood with Rebecca, pushing Ronnie in a pram, while dribbling a ball at his feet on the streets.
      Like any Premier League footballer, he loves gaming and has always preferred nights in playing FIFA over clubbing at one of Manchester’s famous nightspots.
      Foden treated his parents to a £2m home in Manchester months before singing a new dealCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      Foden (left) grew up in modest surroundings in StockportCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      As a boy Foden grew up supporting Manchester CityCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      It was Foden’s dream to play for CityCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      FAST CARS? NO, HE LOVES FISHING
      Modest for a man expected to be England’s next big thing, ‘Pep’s Lad’ also christened the ‘Stockport Iniesta’ by City fans has an unexpected hobby.
      Although he’s had to put his love of fishing on the back-burner, with his time dedicated to Ronnie, he loves nothing more than catching carp with his pals.
      Foden would even trek to Spain, where he once hooked a 130lb catfish.
      “I was probably about six or seven and my dad had a fishing rod of his dad’s and said we should go and try it out,” he recalled.
      “I fell in love with it and we ended up going every weekend. I still remember my first catch.
      “It wasn’t very big, I was just learning, but it’s the excitement of when you get one for the first time.
      “I think that’s the buzz that makes you want to go again, but it’s also a chance to chill and relax and to spend time with my dad.
      “I think it’s really good after games when you have to rest your legs and I just find it really enjoyable.
      Instead of collecting cars, Foden loves fishingCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      When he was six, Foden’s father introduced him to anglingCredit: Instagram @philfoden

      “There’s tactics. Knowing in which spots to fish, knowing where the fish are, fishing at different lengths…
      “There’s a lot behind it but when I get the odd day off, I fish simple. I’m not a specialist at it but I still manage to catch.
      “I generally love all types of sport, but I don’t do any others apart from fishing.”
      Phil Foden sprints to the touchline to celebrate with Pep Guardiola as Man City march on to Champions League semi-final More