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    Keir Starmer vows to BLOCK English clubs joining new European Super League as he slams hated plot to revive it

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    ENGLISH clubs will be BLOCKED from joining the newly-proposed European Super League, Sir Keir Starmer vowed today. The footie-mad PM went studs up on the latest threat of a breakaway tournament and said Premier League sides would not participate “on his watch”. Sir Keir Starmer has attacked plans for a European Super LeagueCredit: ReutersA22 have written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for permission to form a new league of 96 teamsHe is currently passing laws for a new football regulator with powers to ban teams from joining adjacent competitions. Downing Street hit out after promoter A22 Sports announced proposals for a 96-team series.The bizarre “Unify League” worships the EU – with its four divisions named Star, Gold, Blue and Union after the bloc’s flag. Arsenal-fan Sir Keir’s spokesman said: “Clearly this is not something the Prime Minister supports.Read more on politics“You’ve heard him previously say that on his watch, there’ll be no Super League-style breakaway from English football. “And as part of the strength in the Football Governance Bill, the regulator will be able to prevent English clubs from joining future breakaway competitions by taking into account factors such as sustainability, heritage and fairness should be at the heart of our game.They added they hope to pass the legislation – currently going through the Lords before coming to the Commons – “as quickly as possible”.Ex-Sports Minister Tracey Crouch – who first proposed the regulator in her Fan Led Review – slammed this “latest wheeze”.Most read in FootballShe told The Sun: “While this is a matter for UEFA, after the huge fan reaction to the breakaway super league that ultimately led to the Bill now going through Parliament to protect the long term future of English football, it will be a brave move for any Premier League club to support this latest wheeze without the approval of its fans.”Niall Couper, chief executive of football campaign group Fair Game, added: “The spectre of a new Super League needs to be killed immediately. And that is exactly why football needs a regulator with real teeth and why it needs one now.”The owners of elite clubs cannot be allowed to run roughshod over football.”But it is not just about urgency, it is also about ensuring the regulator has real power.”Without the ability to stand up to the top clubs, then it will betray not just the fans but the entire football pyramid that the success of our national game has been built on.”What’s the ‘Unify League’ and which Prem teams would play in new version of European Super League?Revived Super LeaguePromoter of the new league, A22 Sports, unveiled plans for a radical revamped format named the “Unify League” on Tuesday.The Madrid-based firm, backed by Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez, said it had written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for official endorsement for the league.The previous attempt by the firm to form a breakaway league announced in April 2021 was met by huge fan backlash.But the new refined league will see 96 teams spread across four divisions – Star, Gold, Blue and Union – and crucially include promotion and relegation, meaning inclusion will be based on merit.As many as TEN Premier League teams will be offered the chance to take part in the new competition.Participation in the league would NOT affect membership of the Premier League, but the tournament would effectively spell the end of the Champions League.SunSport understands a significant number of Prem clubs have privately said they would be willing to take part in the new league.A22 bosses believe Uefa must endorse its latest proposal following a December 2023 European Court of Justice ruling that previous tactics used to block a Super League were contrary to EU law.And the league’s bosses are confident the latest iteration of their “Super League” will receive authorisation from Uefa, according to The Guardian.The report adds that Uefa is unlikely to respond in haste and that authorising the league, in essence calling A22’s bluff, will be an option under consideration.The prize fund for the tournament is yet to be confirmed, but A22 has promised £330million in “solidarity” payments for smaller clubs and countries.The total pot is expected to exceed the current £2billion Uefa fund for the Champions League and the £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeasures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included in the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, currently going through Parliament and backed by all major parties.But the new competition seeks to supplant Uefa and be club-run — as happened when the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.Plenty to like… but will fans back it?By Martin Lipton, Chief Sports ReporterTHE biggest issue with the first version of Super League was that it was utterly unfair.Football has always been about what you earn on the field — and offering the Prem’s Big Six a place in a breakaway elite for life would have destroyed the fabric of the game.So while many fans reacted in anger at the ­latest proposals unveiled by Madrid-based A22, its new plans do tick more boxes.Qualification by merit, rather than on the basis of what a club did ten, 15 or 20 years ago is a step in the right direction.As are extra “big” games, playing all teams in a mini-league, home and away — it’s hard to keep tabs on a Champions League table of 36 clubs.Then an end-of-season knock-out with real tension, especially with a final four-style week of one-off semis and the final.But it seems unlikely that a new streaming platform, offering both ad-supported “free” games and a bells-and-whistles subscription service, can really earn the billions required to run four competitions every season.The potential autumn 2026 launch means huge obstacles will have to be cleared quickly — and that includes winning over the fans whose determination torpedoed Super League version one in 48 hours in 2021.In the end, it will come down to the clubs.If they feel their bread is being buttered the way they like it, then it could be on — and if that means jettisoning the Carabao Cup, so be it More

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      Major change to airport rules for pampered Premier League stars after government closes ‘special’ loophole

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      PAMPERED Premier League stars must go through airport security despite arguing for special treatment.Footie chiefs had argued they should be excused from anti-terrorism security laws on UK private charter flights for fear of an increased risk of injury.Premier League stars must go through airport security despite arguing for special treatment (stock picture)Credit: GettyPlayers such as Harry Maguire got a reprieve last seasonCredit: GettyPremier League boss Richard Masters said security probes could spark long queues before and after internal flights — meaning stars were in danger of being accosted by fans.Players such as Harry Maguire got a reprieve last season.But the government has now insisted they should be scanned like everyone else.A source said: “This is not a good look for the Premier League. Read More on Sport“The government clamped down on potential security loopholes, with small planes included in checks.“Richard Masters’ lobbying raised eyebrows within the government. “It beggars belief he thinks footballers should be treated differently from the rest.“He even threatened to go to No 10. Most read in Football“It was an ill-conceived point to pick a fight on.“He was initially successful, but the footballers are now having to toe the line.”Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in faceThe rules were brought in last year. After the year’s exemption, players are now subject to the same additional screening as anyone else — even on short flights from regional airfields.Government sources confirmed to The Sun that special security arrangements were in place for some private charter flights used by football teams in the past — but this is no longer the case.The Department for Transport said: “Aviation security is of paramount importance to keep passengers safe. “That is why all aircraft passengers are fully screened before they travel.”The Premier League was approached for comment. More

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      England could be BANNED from playing in Euro 2028 despite hosting tournament due to Keir Starmer proposal

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      UEFA have threatened England with a ban from playing and hosting Euro 2028.Prime Minister and Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer is set to push forward with plans to implement a football regulator.Keir Starmer is ready go ahead with plans to implement a football regulatorCredit: APUefa are unhappy about the regulator and could ban England from the EurosCredit: GettyThe new legislation is set to prevent clubs forming a breakaway-style Super League and “protect clubs” by “ensuring their financial sustainability”.Britain will be the first country to have a football watchdog in place and Uefa are said to be unhappy about it.The European governing body has slammed the proposed “interference in the running of football”.And in a leaked letter sent to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis has threatened to strip England from competing in tournaments.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheodoridis wrote: “We do have concerns remaining… as normally football regulation should be managed by the national federation.”One particular area of concern stems from one of Uefa’s fundamental requirements, which is that there should be no government interference in the running of football.”We have specific rules that guard against this in order to guarantee the autonomy of sport and fairness of sporting competition.”The ultimate sanction for which would be excluding the federation from Uefa and teams from competition.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis would mean that English clubs could be banned from European tournaments like the Champions League.Uefa also hit out at the football regulator’s proposed “backstop powers”.England fans SLAM Lee Carsley for not singing the national anthem at Wembley The move could see the watchdog be allowed to intervene in talks between the Premier League and EFL over funding.On this, Theodoridis said: “Mandating redistribution which effects the competitive balance in the game and wider European competition would be of concern to us. “We also fear that having a third party intervene in redistribution would likely prevent amicable solutions being found.”As we see it, the ‘backstop’ power, while intended as a safety net, should be carefully reconsidered to avoid undermining these fundamental principles.” More

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      Laura Woods bonds with Sir Keir Starmer over Arsenal at Euro 2024 final before cheering on England

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      LAURA WOODS bonded with fellow Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final with Spain.The Three Lions are on the brink of history as they look to win their first-ever European Championship.Laura Woods bonded with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer alongside Gary NevilleCredit: Instagram / @laurawoodsyBritain’s new PM revealed his support for England… and also opened up over ArsenalStarmer lifted the lid on potential plans for a Bank HolidayAnd Gareth Southgate will go to war under the watchful eye of Britain’s new Prime Minister.Starmer and the Labour Party were voted into power earlier this month with a landslide majority.The PM is a major football fan and is often spotted watching his beloved Arsenal.And Starmer found common cause with fellow Gooner Woods as they bonded on the touchline ahead of kick-off.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The PM and ITV’s glamorous host shared a laugh and a smile as they talked up England’s chances of winning tonight alongside pundit Karen Carney.The pair were also likely to be talking about Arsenal’s upcoming season after seeing Mikel Arteta’s side narrowly miss out on the title for a second consecutive time.And Starmer wished England the best of luck as he enjoyed a pre-match interview with ITV pundit and Labour backer Gary Neville.The Prime Minister said:  “I can totally relate (to Southgate), when I started as Labour leader people said you’re not going to get it over the line. Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“You’re not going quick enough in five years. You’ll never turn it around in five years and get a Labour government.”Gareth obviously started here and people said it wasn’t good enough. I always said, by the way, that this is a fantastic squad.Sea of chanting England fans descend on Berlin’s Olympiastadion ahead of Euro 2024 final vs Spain Woods also posed with fellow ITV star Karen CarneyCredit: Instagram / @laurawoodsy”He’s a great manager who’ll get the best out of them. They should all be so proud, we’re all proud. The whole squad’s been brilliant if I’m honest.”But to see Declan and Saka – Saka down that right-hand side creating stuff. Even at left-back for a little while. He’s made a lot there.”I’m very proud of them, but I’m proud of the whole squad, they have been phenomenal.”Starmer also revealed he may have to give up watching Arsenal religiously after getting into No10.He explained: “I don’t know (if I’ll be going as much), it’s going to be a lot harder.“I have already got the Arsenal fixtures in my diary, whether I make them or not is another matter.”We start on the 17th of August so that’s in, hoping to be there but we’ll see.”Finally, Starmer hinted he could yet announce a new Bank Holiday should England secure victory tonight.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added with a smile: “(Bank holiday?) I don’t know about that. Let’s get through the next few hours and get their hands on that trophy.”We need to mark it somehow but we’ll have to see what that is.”THE TIME IS NOWENGLAND face their destiny against Spain TONIGHT – hoping to end 58 years of hurt in the Euro 2024 final. More

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      Keir Starmer hints at a bank holiday if England win Euros final against Spain on Sunday

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      HOPES of an extra Bank Holiday to celebrate an England Euros win rose today as Sir Keir Starmer vowed to mark any victory. Fans dared to dream of a day off as calls for a national celebration grew should the Three Lions romp home in the final on Sunday.England fans could get a Bank Holiday if we win the EurosCredit: PAFans were in full voice last night at the Netherlands triumphCredit: GettyThe new PM said he did not want to “jinx” the historic clash but would not rule out let giving millions have time off work to revel in a glory.He was speaking after the “fantastic” win last night while he was in America for a NATO summit.And the football-mad premier was asked about comments he made about granting a Bank Holiday if the Lionesses won the World Cup last year.He said: “We should certainly mark the occasion, I don’t want to jinx it. I went to the last Euros final, I don’t want to go through that again.”I don’t want to jinx anything but we must mark it in some way. But the most important thing is getting it over the line on Sunday.”He spoke about how he watched some of the game despite being at the defence and security summit in Washington DC.He added:  “It was fantastic. I managed to pop out from one of my sessions for just five minutes which is when I saw Harry Kane get the first goal.  I missed the second one but it was brilliant.”So on we go now, great chance. I’ve always said this team were going to go all the way so I’m really, really pleased and just good luck for Sunday.”Most read in Euro 2024The prospect of Sir Keir granting a Bank Holiday are quite slim as they come at great cost to the economy.The campaign for a Bank Holiday roared into life following last night’s nerve-shredding 2-1 win over the Netherlands.Adele fans spot her celebrating England’s Euros win in Rio Ferdinand’s video Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey was first out of the blocks today to throw his weight behind the Bank Holiday bonanza.He said: “The Three Lions are playing their first ever final on foreign soil, and if they bring it home, the government should bring home a bank holiday to celebrate.”England deserves the chance to celebrate a once in a generation event.”Who knows we might even get decent weather.”Sir Keir previously called for a Bank Holiday should the Lionesses have won the last women’s World Cup.He said: “It’s almost 60 years since England won the World Cup. “I’m never complacent about anything… but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.”Roar them onIf you want to help the England team to Euro 2024 glory… here’s your chance.On Sunday they will face Spain in the biggest game of their lives and we are giving YOU and your children the opportunity to send messages of support.Tell us who your favourite player is, tell us how you plan to watch them and send us pictures of your little ones in their England kit helping the Three Lions get to glory.To send our boys – including manager Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane, goalie Jordan Pickford and our goal-scoring genius Ollie Watkins – a message and photo simply sundayfeatures@the-sun.co.uk.  Please send us your phone number too so we can get in touch.    More

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      I’m a former Premier League chairman and FA board member… now I’ve just been elected to Parliament as a Reform MP

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      FORMER Premier League chairman Rupert Lowe has been elected as an MP for Reform UK.The ex-Southampton chairman won the vote in Great Yarmouth in the General Election.Rupert Lowe has been elected as a member of ParliamentCredit: GettyHe won one of the four Reform UK seatsCredit: GettyLowe, 66, was initially in charge of the Saints between 1996 and 2006.He had a second spell at the club from 2008 to 2009 and left with he club being relegated to League One and in administration.He was at the club during the move to St Mary’s from The Dell in 2001 and for the FA Cup final in 2003, which they lost to Arsenal.While working in football, he also had a role as a board member for the Premier League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was not his first time working in politics, as he previously represented the Referendum Party and the Brexit Party.In the 1997 General Election, he stood in Cotswold as the Referendum candidate and lost by over 20,000 votes to the Conservatives.During his time with the Brexit Party, he was lined up to be the candidate for the Dudley North constituency.However, he withdrew just before the deadline on November 14 2019 for unknown reasons.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe returned to politics by joining Reform UK in March 2023 and won the seat in Great Yarmouth with 35.2 per cent of the vote.He claimed the seat with a majority of 1,426 over the Labour Party candidate Kier Cozens.Adam Lallana seals emotional free transfer after leaving BrightonAfter his success, he said: “This is a huge, seismic event in British political history, to break into the two-party state as the people’s army is massive.”It shows that people have had enough, they want change, they want better government and they want freedom.”My job is to reform Westminster with other members of the Reform Party.”Reform UK won four more seats in its debut election, with leader Nigel Farage finally getting a place in Westminster at his eighth attempt.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Premier League clubs WON’T face up to 10% tax on transfers under Labour, Starmer says in breakneck U-turn after backlash

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      PREMIER League clubs will NOT be taxed millions of pounds when buying star players, Sir Keir Starmer said today in a breakneck u-turn.The Labour leader slapped down his shadow sports secretary who only yesterday opened the door to a transfer levy.Sir Keir Starmer on a visit to Bristol Rovers football ground yesterdayCredit: GettyShadow Sports Secretary Thangam Debbonaire (right) floated a transfer tax yesterdayCredit: GettyIt would see top-flight teams like his beloved Arsenal pay up to 10 per cent tax on each purchase to help fund struggling lower leagues.But just hours after putting the proposal back on the table, Labour pulled the plug following backlash. Asked about the prospect this morning, Sir Keir told LBC: “No, let me just kill that one, we’re not looking at that.”The idea was first proposed in the independent fan-led review carried out in 2021 by Tory MP Tracey Crouch but not taken on by the government. READ MORE ELECTION NEWSYesterday Labour’s sports chief Thangham Debbonaire said the party would revisit the report to see if more bits could be added to legislation.Speaking to reporters at Bristol Rovers’ ground, she said: “I’m going to look at everything again that was in Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review.Watch our daily politics show
      Watch The Sun’s DAILY Never Mind the Ballots Election Countdown show on our YouTube channel here.
      Every weekday Sun Political Editor Harry Cole brings you the latest news and analysis from the election campaign trail.

      “I think it’s important we go back to first principles just to make sure there’s not something that’s been missed that is needed in order to ensure the financial sustainability.”Pressed if the prospect of a transfer levy was back on the table, she added: “I’m obviously going to look at absolutely everything that was in Tracy’s review.”Most read in FootballLabour leader Sir Keir Starmer will set out his party’s plan for government if they win the July 4 electionA transfer levy was one of the few ideas in the fan-led review that was not adopted by the current government in its Football Governance Bill to overhaul the sport’s finances.It could have raised hundreds of millions of pounds to redistribute into cash-starved lower league teams.Report author Ms Crouch said: “This would work in a similar way to stamp duty and distribute revenues across the pyramid and into grassroots.”  The paper added: “If a 10 per cent levy had been applied in the last five seasons, an estimated £160 million per year could have been raised for redistribution.”The move was seen as a step too far after already committing to an independent regulator to oversee the game.Labour backed the Tories’ plan and have committed to taking it on if they win power. More

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      Make Hey Jude England’s new football anthem urge Sunak & Starmer after Jude Bellingham’s Euro 2024 Serbia heroics

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      RISHI Sunak and Keir Starmer both urged the nation to sing Hey Jude after Bellingham’s sensational header clinched England’s 1-0 win over Serbia.The PM and Labour leader’s good luck call came as a leap in sales of the Beatles’ 1968 classic was set to send it up the charts.Jude Bellingham’s sensational header clinched England’s 1-0 win over SerbiaCredit: GettyRishi Sunak urged the nation to sing Hey Jude after Bellingham’s goalCredit: AFPSir Keir Starmer’s good luck call came as a leap in sales of the Beatles’ 1968 classic was set to send it up the chartsCredit: AFPSir Paul McCartney wrote Hey Jude – which looks set to race up the chartsCredit: GettyChesney Hawkes led Three Lions fans in a singalong at the Boxpark fanzone in CroydonCredit: LNPRishi said: “We want more goals and more singing Hey Jude.”Bellingham’s goal and stellar performance secured a 1-0 win over Serbia, with thousands belting out the 1968 Beatles anthem in his honour on Sunday night.Music site Spotify said downloads had rocketed 19 per cent overnight, and are set to rise further.Rishi urged England fans to chant that instead of the war-related Ten German Bombers which has upset some of the locals.Read More on SportThe PM said yesterday: “It’s great to see England get our Euros campaign off to a winning start, the whole country is behind them to go all the way. “And when it comes to the chants specifically, I agree with what Gareth Southgate has said about that chant in the past.“What we want is to represent the best of our country at these tournaments – and that means more goals for Jude Bellingham and more singing of Hey Jude.”In a rare show of election unity, Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer agreed.Most read in Euro 2024The Labour leader told The Sun: “What better way of celebrating our new wonderkid Bellingham than belting out the classic Hey Jude?”He added: “Our songs should be about backing the players on the pitch rather than anything else.”Jude Bellingham reacts to match winning England display in euro 2024 opener against SerbiaStourbridge-born Jude – who shot to fame with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid – revealed he feels proud to hear England fans singing his name. He said after his heroics in Gelsenkirchen: “I like the Beatles, I listen to the Beatles a lot. “My style of music is a bit old so that’s right up my street. “I really enjoy playing in front of the England fans, it’s a different experience for me because obviously I play abroad.“They give me a lot of appreciation and a lot of love and I try to give that back with my performances and energy on the pitch.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAs its writer Sir Paul McCartney celebrates his 82nd birthday today, Hey Jude looks set to race up the charts — and replace Sweet Caroline and Football’s Coming Home as England’s anthem.Pop star Chesney Hawkes led Three Lions fans in a singalong at the Boxpark fanzone in Croydon, South London, on Sunday night. West Ham fan Chesney, England’s lucky mascot at the World Cup in Qatar, said: “Jude was amazing last night. “I knew he would be so Hey Jude was the perfect song to sing. “As soon as I started, the whole crowd joined in. “It was incredible.”How England rated vs Serbia… as Bellingham shines but TWO big names get 5s
      JUDE BELLINGHAM was England’s head boy as Gareth Southgate’s side made a winning start in Germany.
      The Real Madrid superstar oozed class throughout and broke the deadlock with only 13 minutes played thanks to an excellent header, dispatching Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.
      But, despite the brilliant start, it was a nervy affair here in Gelsenkirchen.
      Serbia exerted significant pressure in the second half, with a few narrow escapes for Southgate’s men.
      Harry Kane barely had a kick and the Premier League’s player of the year Phil Foden struggled to have any influence on the left of the Three Lions’ front three.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… with TWO stars getting just a 5.

      Jude’s social media profile is rocketing, as he gained 1.6million followers on Instagram in the run-up to the Euros. He now has 33.2million, nearly twice the next-highest in the England squad, skipper Harry Kane with 17million.Sir Paul yesterday announced his first UK tour dates in six years — playing Manchester and London in December.READ MORE SUN STORIESViewing figures for Sunday night’s game peaked at 15million, with an average of 10.5million, the BBC said yesterday.Train services were cancelled after drivers and staff refused to work overtime on the day of England’s opening group game.Jude said: ‘I like the Beatles, I listen to the Beatles a lot’Credit: Getty More

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      England footie stars WILL have to complete National Service under Tory plans

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      ENGLAND’S footie wonderkids will have to complete their National Service under Tory plans – despite claims it could wreck our chances in tournaments like the Euros.Rishi Sunak’s election campaign confirmed this morning the “highly paid 18-year-olds” will still be compelled to participate.Luke Shaw has been part of a senior England squad at an international competition when aged 18Credit: ReutersShadow Paymaster General Jonathan AshworthCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt came after Labour warned the Conservative pledge would mean young Three Lions stars would have to skip training during international competitions.An attack dossier says: “Jude Bellingham, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw have all been part of a senior England squad at an international competition when aged 18.“Would they have been required to complete their one weekend of National Service during those tournaments?”Under Mr Sunak’s plan all 18-year-olds will be forced to do at least 25 days of voluntary community work – while some can choose a full-time military placement.READ MORE ABOUT POLITICSLabour’s Jonathan Ashworth added: “Would they be taken out of playing during the inevitable shootout in the semi-finals?”But he was dismissed by the Conservatives who claimed he was wilfilly twisting their flagship plan.A Conservative source said: “Of course extremely highly paid 18 year olds will be required to do their national service.“The 25 days can be completed at any point in the year and if Jon Ashworth could be bothered to engage in policy detail he would know that.”Most read in FootballThe PM’s National Service plan has become a major rift of the general election campaign, getting both praise and criticism.Mr Sunak insists it would help stir a sense of pride in young people while helping them give back to their communities.[embedded content]Senior Conservatives accused Sir Keir Starmer of “sneering” yesterday after he branded the plan a “teenager’s Dads’ Army”.And they pointed out that England legend Sir Bobby Charlton completed mandatory National Service.What is the National Service pledged by Rishi Sunak?EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLDS would be forced to carry out a form of national service if the Tories win the General Election.
      The most recent form of compulsory national service, which required all physically fit male British citizens aged between 18 and 26 to serve in the armed forces, was abolished in 1960.
      However, national service in various forms still exists in countries around the world including in some European countries and South Korea.
      Under the Conservatives’ new proposal, young people would be given a choice between a full-time placement in the armed forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year “volunteering” in their community, the Tories said.
      The Prime Minister said the policy would help unite society in an “increasingly uncertain world” and give young people a “shared sense of purpose”.
      He said volunteering could include helping local fire, police and NHS services as well as charities tackling loneliness and supporting elderly, isolated people.

      Brilliant way for young to gather skillsBy Jerome Starkey
      NATIONAL Service is a great idea. It exalts the idea of giving something back.
      It gives people a chance to be part of something bigger.
      Covid showed there was no shortage of those ready to help a crisis.
      But opportunities are scarce, especially for youngsters who are not qualified for teaching or health roles.
      It will train youngsters in skills our predecessors took for granted.
      It’s not about stripping a rifle or polishing boots. It’s about self-reliance, camaraderie and teamwork.
      Those that choose the military route will learn how to cope when the power is out and the wi-fi is down.
      The skills and confidence they learn will help them get better jobs and lead better lives.
      National Service lets the country build the structures it would need for mass conscription if the flag went up for all-out war.
      Ukraine has shown us — and our generals have warned us — that if Britain fought a state-on-state war of survival, the professional Army would wear out fast.
      Our best chance of victory would be calling up reserves and using professionals to train the volunteers.
      It would also solve the Forces’ recruitment crisis.
      The Army, Navy and RAF have struggled to fill their vacancies.
      National service would return the Armed Forces to the heart of British life, where they rightfully belong. More