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    A ‘world class goalie’ and a ‘winger who offers something different’, meet the Switzerland stars looking to down England

    SWITZERLAND should “not be scared of anybody” and have the belief and momentum to down England.That is according to 47-year-old Raphael Wicky, who led Young Boys to the Swiss Super League and Cup double last year.Raphael Wicky provided a run-through of the Swiss men looking to down EnglandCredit: GettySwitzerland face the Three Lions in the quarters of Euro 2024 on SaturdayCredit: GettyWhen asked by Sun Sport if Murat Yakin’s side can create history in Germany by overcoming England to reach their first semi-final, the ex-Atletico Madrid star said: “Absolutely, the belief is there.“The energy in the country after the performances from the players is amazing and everyone has the right to dream big.“The momentum is really positive for the team, and you can see that even if players don’t play, they are all happy for each other and celebrate together.“Playing Hungary and Scotland, the expectation was that we needed four or six points from both fans and the players and staff.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“Then, Switzerland played one of the best tactical games in the last few years against Germany where they were very strong defensively and they interrupted the German game very impressively.“They then dominated Italy completely, but dominated not defensively but with the ball.“So we have shown that we have a lot of different ways to play and be very solid in defensive but very dominant with the ball.“That’s why I don’t believe that we should be scared of anybody right now. The momentum is very big with Switzerland.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYakin’s team have lined-up in a 3-4-3 formation so far, and Wicky believes that will be the case again against Gareth Southgate’s England in the quarters.The ex-Basel coach said: “Switzerland have played it very well this tournament, it’s very fluid, they can press high and remain in a low block without possession.Watch as Switzerland supporter is smacked in face by ball but fans can’t get over Scot’s reaction in front of him“There is no reason to have a change but there was not really to change and after the first game we did because they had a plan.“I don’t expect many, but it is possible there are one or two changes.“He may bring Silvan Widmer back in a right wing-back, which will be a little bit more defensive, and put Dan Ndoye back into his wing position, that is a possibility.“I don’t think anything will change on the left, but on the right it is possible – but for sure there will be no changes in the midfield, that will be Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka.“They have worked very well together for many years and they are the heart of this team.”Wicky continued: “I think Embolo will play, but it depends on his fitness. He had a big injury and didn’t play much after being out with an ACL.“So he did not play for Monaco much and now, at a tournament where he plays every three or four days, the biggest question is how is his body doing?“But they’ve had a longer break now and it should be enough time to recover, then I expect him to go in.”So who exactly are the Swiss stars looking to roll over Gareth Southgate’s side? Wicky told SunSport in his own words:YANN SOMMER“A proven world class goalkeeper for many years and he is so important because of his experience, calmness and he is really, really good with his feet as well as being a good shotstopper.“He is a very, very important piece for this team.”FABIAN SCHAR“A lot of experience and has been with the national team a long time.“His strengths are also that he is very calm and good with the ball, his diagonal passing fits very well to this system with the width on both sides.”MANUEL AKANJI“A world class defender who I coached in Basel before he went to Dortmund and I’m not surprised with how his career has gone.“He is one of THE most important parts of this team with his overall package; strong is duels, very fast and he is unbelievably intelligent when in possession which helps a lot to build.”RICARDO RODRIGUEZ“A different player from Schar and Akanji, he was originally a left-back, but just as much experience and intelligence.“But I think that he is perfectly suited to play a back three as he’s the left-footed but he is always able to make a numerical advantage on the left hand as he often goes to help the wing-back on the offensive.“So this suits him as he is used to going forward from playing as a left-back.”England must go old-school to shock Switzerland… this formation would be perfect, says Jurgen KlinsmannIT might be time for England to try something different at these Euros, writes Jurgen Klinsmann.Maybe Gareth Southgate will want to start the quarter-final against Switzerland in a 4-4-2 formation, with Ivan Toney alongside Harry Kane up front.I think it might work, and if Gareth feels the same, he should do it.This is the time when, as a manager at a tournament, you have to trust your gut instinct and never hold back from unpopular decisions.The quarter-finals are make-or-break time. Win and you’re in the last four and everyone respects you.Lose and it’s not acceptable for big nations like England, Germany, France and Spain.England are facing the best Swiss team of all time on Saturday – and it is certain to be another rollercoaster.I understand there can be snobbery about playing a 4-4-2 but sometimes you have to do something different. It can still be a fantastic system — two hard-working frontmen like Kane and Toney can be a real threat to the opposition.I think England need to surprise the Swiss, to try something different.And that just might be a good old-fashioned 4-4-2.Read Jurgen Klinsmann’s column in full.Or check out all of Jurgen’s Euro 2024 opinions.DAN NDOYE“Ndoye is a very fast winger and a very vertical player who is always a threat when one-on-one with a defender.“He offers something different to the other players that we have.”REMO FREULER“It did not quite work out as he’d have wanted at Nottingham Forest so English fans may not have seen the real side of him but he’s another very experienced player.“He played for many years in Italy and has a very good tactical understanding. He’s everywhere, sees the spaces very well and he is a box-to-box midfielder.“For me, he is the complete team player – the team always comes first and that is why everyone really respects him in Switzerland.”GRANIT XHAKA“Swiss fans love him – he is with Sommer and Akanji the rhythm of our game, they are the leaders.“He is the captain, leader and along with those other guys, he is the most important player in this team.”Granit Xhaka will lead Switzerland out against EnglandCredit: GettyMICHEL AEBISCHERA central midfielder originally, he may play defensively as a left wing-back but in possession he usually goes into the centre to create an overload.“He then has the full freedom to go into the No.10 and No.8 position and float around and that has worked really well.“But then he has to defend as a left wing-back, where he did not often play for his club. So he and Ndoye are completely different players but the combination works well on the flanks.”FABIAN REIDERDespite only being 22, he is very mature for his age.Has an extremely good left foot and engine, a real box-to-box central midfielder with big volume.RUBEN VARGASHe’s similar to Ndoye and is also a winger and a big threat with his pace and in one-on-one situations.In them, we have two players that whenever they receive the ball wide, they are always a threat.He has made a great progression from playing in Germany the last few years. We need this mix of vertical players to go with our good central midfield players.BREEL EMBOLO“He is completely different to Shakiri, who would play as a false nine, and have the freedom to go anywhere and drop between the lines, but then you relieve the threat from Vargas and Ndoye to go in behind.“With Embolo, he is very strong, very physical and can hold the ball. And that would provide a very different problem for the English defenders than Xherdan Shaqiri.”Wicky played twice for Switzerland at the European Championship and won honours for Sion, Werder Bremen, Atletico and Hamburg before retiring in 2008 after a stint in America.His coaching career started at youth level with youth sides FC Thun, Servette and Basel before he took over their first-team late in the 2016/17 season.They wrapped up the title days later and followed that up with Swiss Cup success but he left the club the following summer after they finished runners-up.Wicky then had spells as USA under-17 and Chicago Fire in the MLS but returned to his homeland in June 2022.He took over Young Boys and led them to a Swiss double in his first season in charge but he left them in March despite them still being a point clear in the title race.Wicky is working as a pundit for Swiss TV throughout Euro 2024 but is looking forward to a challenge that excites and feels right enough for him.He added: “I’m enjoying some time off because, as every coach will tell you, the job is very intense so I’m enjoying this little bit of a break.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I always say though that I’m not just searching for A job – I’m very open if there is an interesting project that I can work with good people who have the same philosophies of how I see the game.“Whenever there is a good possibility then I am open, but I’m also very relaxed at the moment and don’t need to just jump into any job. It needs to feel right.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

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    Chris Eubank Jr shock ‘favourite’ to be Canelo Alvarez’s next opponent in huge world title opportunity for Brit boxer

    CHRIS EUBANK JR is allegedly set to be the shock next opponent to fight the legendary Canelo Alvarez.The Brit, 34, has a 33-3 record and gained revenge on Liam Smith in their rematch last year with a tenth round TKO in his last bout.Chris Eubank Jr could finally be set for a huge career paydayCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe four-weight world champ is looking to fight before the end of 2024Credit: ReutersNow the son of the iconic Chris Eubank Sr is set for a shot at the undisputed super-middleweight king.At least according to ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez, who states that Eubank Jr is the new favourite to challenge the 33-year-old Mexican.Canelo dominated Jamie Mungia in May in his last 168lbs title defence.He dropped his compatriot before then claiming a unanimous decision victory to take his incredible career tally to 64 wins, two losses, and two draws.READ MORE ON BOXINGNow he is hunting for his next opponent after that fourth straight win.And Canelo is eyeing a return to the ring towards the end of 2024.Eubank Jr, a former WBA title challenger, is said to be top of the pile on the list of potential names.He has publicly called for an opportunity to fight Canelo for a number of years.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut he has so far been snubbed by matchmakers for the four-weight world champion.However, just as he prepares to turn 35 in September, he may finally get the birthday he has long waited for and the mega career payday.My five-year old son already wants to be a boxer… I said he must learn to take a punch first, reveals Canelo AlvarezMost boxing fans have been clamouring to see Canelo take on fellow Mexican David Benavidez Jr, who has recorded 24 knockouts in his 29-0 record.Unfortunately for them, that seems a bout that fails to excite Canelo.Regarding Benavidez, he recently told Fight Hub TV: “Maybe it’s one of the biggest fights, who knows.“But you know, he brings nothing to he table for me, he just brings 25 pounds on the night of the fight.“I feel if some promoter, not him because he’s not in a position to offer anything me any money, I’m the one, but if one promoter who I work with, if they offer $150m-$200m, I fight tomorrow.“That’s the only reason I fight with him, the only thing he brings to the table is 25 more pounds.”“No pressure to make the fight, I don’t need to fight anybody, I don’t need to prove anything to anybody because I remember when this happened with Golovkin. I don’t need to prove anything to anybody.”READ MORE SUN STORIESCanelo is widely-considered to be one of the top pound-for-pound boxers on the planet after his dominance at four different weights.Eubank still has not managed to claim a world title but did hold the IBO belt at super-middleweight. More

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    Uni graduate Johnny Fisher has dad with famous catchphrase but he’s from a different world to brutal bouncer Alen Babic

    JOHNNY FISHER is too posh to push around Alen Babic, says the Croatian bouncer.The 25-year-old heavyweight is a fans’ favourite thanks to his knockout power, social media star dad Big John and the classy way he carries himself.Jonny Fisher (left) squares up with Alen BabicCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingCroatian heavyweight Babic only wants brutal boutsCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom BoxingThe strapping Romford Bull is a hero around Exeter – as well as Essex – after he gained a 2:1 history degree at the university and starred in the rugby team.But Saturday night’s opponent Babic – a 33-year-old former doorman and graduate from the school of hard knocks – reckons he will teach the bachelor of arts a lesson.The shaven-headed slugger said: “Me and Johnny have very different stories, very different.“I only knew one way, so me standing here means a lot more than him standing here.MOST READ IN BOXING“I was meant to be in jail or dead or even robbing drug dealers, I was meant for all the worst things“This is a collision of two worlds, we are two worlds far apart.“There’s a big difference in age – and everything else – and it will tell on Saturday.”Babic was a fan-friendly wrecking ball when he burst onto the scene – ignoring almost every basic boxing rule.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter 11 violent wins – nine in the UK where he gained the nickname of The Savage – he was given an April 2023 world title shot at the new and unnecessary bridgerweight title.The one-round battering he suffered against Lukasz Rozanski was brutal but nothing compared to the fall out that followed and changed his perspective.I was forced to flog meat on doorsteps with social media sensation father…now I’m chasing boxing titles“I don’t want belts,” he growled with conviction. “I just want fights the fans can enjoy .“I went for a world title last time and it f***ed my whole life.“I paid one year of my life a year of depression, all the sorts of bad things you can imagine“I paid with my own blood, literally. And I’m never going to do it again.”Fisher with his catchphrase-loving dad Big JohnCredit: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing More

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    Abandoned Euros stadium bigger than Villa Park shadow of its former self with overgrown grounds and shattered turnstiles

    A STADIUM which once hosted Champions League and European Championship matches looks completely different after it was abandoned. The historic Donbas Arena used to seat more 52,000 fans when it served as the home stadium of Shakhtar Donetsk, making it bigger than Villa Park.The Donbas Arena was abandoned by Shakhtar Donetsk in 2014Credit: AFPIt came as the Ukraine conflict escalatedThe ground once hosted Champions League and Euro 2012 matchesCredit: Twitter/Shakhtar_uaBut war has left the ground strew with debris including shattered glass and broken turnstilesCredit: Twitter/FCShakhtar_engThe ground took three years to build from 2006 until opening in 2009, costing an estimated $400million (£313.4m). The ground served as the home of the Ukrainian giants Shakhtar as they won five titles in a row.In the Champions League the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all failed to come away with three points.On the international stage it hosted five games at Euro 2012, including the semi-final between Portugal and Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDuring this game alone, superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez all took to the hallowed turf.The England national team even had the chance to play there twice, first in a 1-1 draw with France before a goal from Wayne Rooney secured a 1-0 win over the host nation in a second Group D match.However, as a result of the growing conflict in Ukraine, in 2014 the ground was abandoned.That came despite it playing host to a “Peace March” against the violence of the 2014 pro-Russian unrest in Ukraine and the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe stadium cost £313m to buildCredit: AFPBut reported artillery shelling has hit the infrastructureCredit: GettyAnd this has left the ground looking completely unrecognisable from its heyday.As early into the conflict as 2014, the ground was hit by reported artillery shelling.SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesPictures of the ground today show the mess it has become, with shattered glass, overgrown vegetation and broken turnstiles all visible features.Following the expansion of the conflict in 2022, the old football infrastructure has continued to sustain damage, with drone footage from February this year showing the damage that has been inflicted.Shakhtar have moved four times since abandoning the Donbas Arena.Between 2014 and 2016 they played in the the Arena Lviv, before moving to the Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv, some 155 miles to the northwest of Donetsk.The Stadion Wojska Polskiego in Warsaw, Poland, then played host to the club’s home European matches in 2022/23, with the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, Germany hosting games last season.And they are set for a fifth new home next season after it was announced the club will play their European home games at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen for the 2024/25 season.A club statement said: “Our new European Cup home.”Shakhtar will play the home games of the Champions League for the 2024/25 season in Gelsenkirchen in the Veltins-Arena.”Club CEO Serhii Palkin has hailed the deal and argued that the decision was made due to the club’s support in the country.He said: “We are glad to hold our Uefa Champions League matches at one of the best stadiums in Germany.”The positive experience of the last season shows that Shakhtar has a strong support of the fans in this country – both local residents and Ukrainian refugees.”This factor is of great importance to our club.”We thank the management of Schalke 04 and the city of Gelsenkirchen for solidarity and do not doubt the mutually beneficial cooperation.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We are looking forward to the Uefa Champions League matches.”The move to the Veltins-Arena is 1,582 miles from the club’s original home.The stadium could host some 52,000 people, making it bigger than Villa ParkCredit: PA:Press AssociationA drone showed the damage from the expanded conflict in 2022Shakhtar will play their home European games next season at the Veltins-Arena in GermanyCredit: AFP More

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    Inside Riyad Mahrez and Taylor Ward’s relationship from £400,000 engagement ring to dream third wedding in Lake Como

    ANOTHER footballer’s wedding, ANOTHER lavish occasion.But for lovebirds Riyad Mahrez, 33, and Taylor Ward, 26, it’s the third time they have walked down the aisle together.Riyad Mahrez and Taylor Ward are football’s most loved-up coupleCredit: Instagram / @taylorwardxGorgeous Taylor has said her ‘I do’s’ to Mahrez for a third timeThe ex-Man City ace, now playing in Saudi Arabia, and his Cheshire-born missus are clearly a match made in heaven and cannot get enough of one another.This time they said their ‘I do’s’ in the wondrous setting of Lake Como, Italy at the exclusive Villa Balbiano, where the Hollywood movie House of Gucci was filmed.It’s another chapter in their relationship that began in 2020.Following a whirlwind romance, they secretly wed a year later.Read more football newsTheir love affair has continued to blossom as the years have passed.Unlucky in loveBefore they met one another, Mahrez and Taylor appeared unlucky in love.She was linked to footballers Mason Holgate and the Algerian’s former teammate Sergio Aguero, however happiness was short lived.Mahrez was married to British model Rita Johal, after they met on London’s Oxford Street, where he asked her out in 2012.Most read in FootballThey married in 2015, but it wasn’t to last – with the pair filing for divorce five years later.Pregnant Taylor Ward reveals she’s having a girl with footballer boyfriend Riyad Mahrez in sweet gender revealRita was in the headlines for ‘chatting intently’ to boxer Deontay Wilder in a Manchester nightclub, which reportedly left Mahrez devastated.The reason why they divorced was never disclosed.Finding each otherWard and Mahrez met in 2020 in the street in Manchester when she was visiting a Christmas market, and soon fell madly in love with another.They were soon engaged by 2021, after the winger whisked the beauty off to Mykonos for a stunning summer holiday.While on their break way, it is believed he dropped to one knee and presented Taylor with a diamond sparkler worth an estimated £400,000.In January, 2022 they walked down the isle in a secret traditional Islamic Nikah ceremony.It was merely the start for the pair who love devoting themselves to each other.Building a familyIn the summer of 2022, Taylor and Mahrez welcomed their first child together.Mahrez and Taylor began dating in 2020 after they met on the street in ManchesterSoon, Mahrez proposed with a £400k diamond engagement ringTaylor shows off her £400k engagement ring after romantic Mykonos proposalBy 2021, Taylor was expecting her first child with MahrezBaby Mila was born in the summer of 2022They announced their daughter Mila on Instagram – sharing a photo of her nestled in a carrier.A caption next to the adorable snap read: “One week of loving you. Mila Mahrez 01.07.22.”Previously, an excited Taylor showed off her extravagant baby shower on social media.The bash featured lavish decorations, including a huge balloon arch,  sprawling pink table and a bespoke three-tiered cake.That came after the pair revealed the gender of their new-born, once again on Instagram, in a sweet reveal video.A second ceremonyBlissfully happy, Mahrez and Taylor exchanged their nuptials for a second time in September, 2023.This time they upped the ante, marrying in front of their closest friends and family at the five-star The Londoner hotel found in the heart of the West End.She looked incredible in a beautiful white dress.While Mahrez was dapper in a black tuxedo.Mahrez and Taylor walked down the aisle for a second time at the five-star The Londoner hotelCredit: Instagram / @taylorwardxBaby Mila was present for the occasion, as was Mahrez’s daughters Inaya and AylaCredit: Instagram / @taylorwardxTaylor looked beautiful in a white dress, while dapper Mahrez opted for a black tuxCredit: Instagram / @betiolacekaaread more sport featuresMahrez and Taylor were also joined by his two daughters, Inaya and Ayla, from his previous marriage and their baby, Mila.The football world united in their love for the couple, after pictures of the ceremony were shared online.Taylor’s furniture designer and Real Housewives of Cheshire star mum, Dawn, declared: “The most amazing day you all look incredible. Me and Dad are super proud, love you all so much.”Former Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin commented: “Very beautiful, it’s strong ♥️.”While ex-Man City Ilkay Gundogan’s partner Sara added: “Omg congratulations 🤍🫠😭😍 love it.”Settling in SaudiIf ever there was a test on a relationship, it would be moving to foreign shores.When Mahrez was offered an incredible opportunity – a £45million-per-year contract with Al-Ahli – it was too good to turn down.But, that could have put a strain on the couple’s marriage.In the Married to the Game docuseries put together by Amazon Prime, Mahrez and Taylor offered fans a glimpse into their lives.One emotional scene saw Taylor confessing her struggles to adapt to a new way of living.She admitted: “I feel like it is so hard, there are times I can’t, I just don’t like it.”Mahrez was offered a princely sum to join the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: AFPTaylor has adapted to her surroundings in the name of love for her partnerAlthough Taylor has admitted it’s been tough at times in the Middle EastTaylor also spoke about an experience she had at a hotel pool.She said on camera: “I won’t lie, I had a freak out yesterday. I rang the hotel to ask ‘I’m coming with my baby, what do people wear around the pool’, I know it is a lot more conservative there and you have to dress a certain way.‘”I said ‘I just want to check when I come with a baby what is the best thing to wear, do I need to wear something covered if I am going in the water?'”They were like ‘oh no sorry, it’s just a man’s pool, it is just a gents pool'”.Third time’s a charmNeedless to say, they have now adapted perfectly to life in the Middle East.Their undying love prompted the pair to wed for a THIRD time in the romantic setting of Lake Como.They did this at the luxury Villa Balbiano, famously featured in Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci starring Adam Driver, Lady Gaga and Jared Leto.The luxurious property boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a private pier and a boathouse.They had an outdoor ceremony, followed by a party with guests. Taylor looked stunning in a long sleeve white gown.Mahrez and Taylor tied the knot again at the splendid Villa Balbiano in Lake ComoLeona Lewis performed at Taylor and Mahrez’s third weddingThe stunning occasion was shared by Taylor’s mum Dawn WardHer footballer dad Ashley walked her down the aisle to Callum Scott’s You Are The Reason surrounded by hundreds of white roses.READ MORE SUN STORIESSinger Leona Lewis, who shot to fame on The X Factor in 2006, performed after the wedding.She famously sang ‘Bleeding Love’. And that’s exactly what Mahrez and Taylor do for each other. More

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    Inside England squad’s bizarre life at Euro 2024 – from Ed Sheeran gigs to cringe personalised pillows and goodie bags

    THE pressure may be on for the Three Lions on the pitch, but once the final whistle has blown the team behind the players is making sure they have the perfect environment to relax and recover.The England team is staying at the swanky five-star Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land in sleepy Blankenhain for Euro 2024. Pop megastar Ed Sheeran joined the England squad at their base this weekCredit: GettyHe treated them to an impromptu gigCredit: GettyThe England squad are staying in a £300-a-night resort for the Euro tournamentCredit: GettyThey have access to a stunning indoor swimming pool, among other featuresCredit: Darren FletcherOn Monday, they were joined by Ed Sheeran, who treated the team to an impromptu performance to celebrate their win against Slovakia, which took them into the quarter-finals.England fan Ed has been in Germany supporting his team and was spotted in the stands celebrating Jude Bellingham’s winning goal.As the team prepares for their next match against Switzerland, every effort has been made to make the base camp a home-from-home for Harry Kane and co.Manager Gareth Southgate and his staff have ensured the hotel is full of personal touches to ensure homesickness or boredom doesn’t impact the players’ performance on the pitch.READ MORE FEATURES In every player’s room, there are photo collages of their families and pets, along with inspirational notes from their nearest and dearest telling them how proud they are of them for representing their country.Attention to detail is second to none and even the hotel’s sofas have had a cringe makeover – decorated with cushions printed with the faces of their loved ones, according to the Telegraph.And instead of the customary solitary chocolate on their pillows at bedtime, Southgate’s team each have an individually selected goodie bag with their favourite sweets and treats.The hotel even smells like home too, with specific scents imported from England’s UK base, George’s Park, to Germany.Most read in Euro 2024The resort’s corridors feature the same ‘signature’ scent used at England’s headquarters – a “fresh, comforting aroma that is distinguishable and lets you know you’re in a high-end space,” with notes of bergamot, lily, and jasmine. There is a different, more energising fragrance for the gym and recreation areas, while a lavender-based aroma will be used in bedrooms to create a relaxing and sleep-friendly atmosphere at night. England squad get serenaded by Ed Sheeran ahead of Switzerland clash as star finally completes his Lego HogwartsTheir bedrooms have been customised with pictures of their loved ones. Pictured, the hotel ahead of their stayCredit: Darren FletcherSofas in their rooms have been decked out with cushions featuring their family’s facesCredit: Darren FletcherAlongside an indoor pool, there’s also an outdoor pool where they can cool offCredit: Darren FletcherEngland’s players can relax in this luxurious spa after a hard day’s workCredit: Darren FletcherThe hotel’s swanky barCredit: Darren FletcherPools, darts… and Harry Potter LegoThe £300-a-night resort has everything to keep the players entertained in their downtime – two 18 hole golf courses, a luxury spa, saunas, swimming pools, and a a football pitch.There’s also a basketball court and a padel court, dart board, pool table and cinema room – meaning they will certainly have no excuses to be bored.And as Gareth Southgate has allowed the players’ wives and families to come to the resort after each match to give them much-needed family time, there are plenty of activities for the WAGs and children to enjoy.Declan Rice posted a picture of himself and Eberechi Eze enjoying a game of padel, the world’s fastest-growing racquet sport. Padel is a cross between tennis and squash.The team have been mountain-biking around the hotel’s extensive grounds to flush out their legs in between games.The resort also features two 18-hole golf coursesCredit: GettyDeclan shared a snap of the lads playing padelCredit: InstagramHe also showed off the fancy firepit at nightCredit: InstagramAnthony Gordon tries his hand at dartsCredit: GettyKobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer have a game of poolCredit: GettyBut Newcastle star Anthony Gordon came a cropper last week when he fell off his bike whilst trying to film himself cycling, suffering gashes to his face, hands and arms.Another less risky activity keeping the players busy is Lego, with Lewis Dunk building a 6,000-piece Harry Potter castle with the team masseuse.The Brighton captain said: “It’s going to be Hogwarts. It’s not just me. Me and Ben the masseuse, we’re working on it.”To be fair, he has done more than me so far. He’s loving it. I’ve done a little bit. I’m just glad my kids ain’t here to smash it up!”In the evening the team can relax around fire pits over-looking one of the resort’s luxury swimming pools.And all the players have been spotted getting competitive over games of darts and pool.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAnd Jude Bellingham revealed his new goal celebration was inspired by the card game Werewolf that the team plays together.After scoring the winner in England’s first match against Serbia, Bellingham unveiled a new celebration with Trent Alexander-Arnold where they both fell to one knee and covered their faces with outstretched hands.He later explained the inspiration behind it was a backroom game of cards, saying: “The celebration was from a game we play called wolf and one of the staff always holds his face like that when he doesn’t know what’s going on.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So it was more a celebration for the backroom staff who put in so much work every day and they won’t receive any awards like this or get to have the moments we get to have on the pitch.”But we value them so much and it’s important going through the tournament that we keep that atmosphere.”Lewis Dunk has been building a Lego Hogwarts with the team’s masseuseJude Bellingham says his goal celebration pose is a way to pay tribute to England’s backroom staffCredit: GettyConnor Gallagher and Marc Guehi in a game of head tennis ahead of a training sessionCredit: GettyThe stars have access to the hotel’s pools when at the resortCredit: GettyThere is an incredible gym where the lads can work outCredit: Darren FletcherEngland’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.” More

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    Andy Carroll’s troubled history of bar brawls and stag do scandals… and how he rebranded for ‘livid’ wife Billi Mucklow

    DRUNKEN brawls, racy club nights and the most notorious stag do in football – Andy Carroll’s life off the pitch has often been a series of embarrassing own goals.We revealed this week how the footballer, 35, was filmed stumbling down a posh Mayfair street after scrapping with another man at 1am.Andy Carroll was seen brawling in London at 1am as wife Billi tried to calm him downCredit: SuppliedWitnesses claim he was yelling at members of the publicCredit: SuppliedThe former England star has never been far from scandalCredit: EmpicsAndy and Billi have stuck together through thick and thinCredit: Instagram @billimucklowHe was then seen shouting, “You f***ing want some?” at bystanders while wife Billi Mucklow, 36, and the staff from Sexy Fish restaurant, where they had dined, tried to calm the footie ace down.Towie star Billi is said to be disappointed with her husband for his outburst, with a witness saying: “She was not impressed.“It looked like they had been having a pleasant evening, knocking back the drinks and enjoying the Asian cuisine.“But Andy had a row with a guy as they were preparing to leave.”READ MORE FEATURESIt is just the latest booze-fuelled scandal to hit the former England striker, who infamously nearly torpedoed his own wedding after being pictured in bed with two women on his stag do.In recent years, he has cut a reformed figure on social media, sharing sweet ‘Instagram dad’ snaps of his kids’ birthdays and gushing posts about his wife. But unfortunately for long-suffering Billi, trouble always seems to be around the corner.Drunken brawlsThe couple have three children together, Arlo, eight, Wolf, five, and Marvel Mae, two, while the sports star also has two children, Emilie, 13, and Lucas, 12, from his previous relationship with former fiancée Faye Johnstone.Most read in FootballAndy and Billi started dating in 2013 and got engaged a year later, but she was aware that he had a troubled side before they met.Back in 2010 he was arrested and subsequently fined for assaulting a man outside a Newcastle nightclub.Footie ace Andy Carroll wrecks £130k Mercedes in horrifying head-on crash with Ford FiestaAndy went to court aged 21 for his role in a drunken brawl that left a victim in hospitalCredit: PA:Press AssociationHis time at Newcastle United was marred by his off-the-pitch behaviourCredit: APAndy claims having a family has helped him to calm downBilli is said to be disappointed in her husband over his latest brawlCredit: InstagramAndy had been drinking at the city’s Blu Bambu club on December 7 when things descended into a fight and the victim required hospital treatment.The Premier League star paid £1,000 after admitting to the assault. He was also ordered to pay an additional £2,500 compensation.Then in October 2010 he was charged with assault in an incident with his ex-girlfriend, but due to a lack of evidence, the charges were dropped.That same year, Andy was alleged to have attacked fellow Newcastle player Steven Taylor, leaving him with a broken jaw. Andy was seen with a bandaged hand.I was stupid, I was young, and I was carried away with the lifestyle that I hadAndy CarrollHowever, it was never confirmed by the club, Andy or Steven. He was also involved in a scuffle with a photographer in 2012, just a year before he started dating Billi.Paddy Cummins claimed that he was attacked by a drunk Carroll when he tried to take a picture of him apparently without his leg brace at around 2.30am following a West Ham Christmas party.The footballer was alleged to have tried to gouge the snapper in the eye for trying to take photographs.Andy denied the allegations, and it never went to court.Hotel room fiascoAndy was pictured lying in bed with two unknown women on his stag doTaylor, one of the girls, claimed nothing happened and that Andy was too drunk to try anything onCredit: Simon JonesSince meeting Billi, Andy has credited her with turning his life around – so much so that he has even taken up yoga, which she teaches.In 2019, he told Newcastle United FC: “I’ve got no doubt that I was daft when I was here, and no doubt that I was daft for a couple of years after as well.“But I met my missus, and we’ve got four kids living at home now, we’ve got animals, we’ve got responsibilities. There’s no more behaviour like it was, you know.”I was stupid, I was young, and I was carried away with the lifestyle that I had.“Now it’s completely different. I’m actually a dad, I’ve grown up, and got responsibilities, so… I’ve got a purpose.”Unfortunately for Andy, he landed himself in hot water with his wife and the nation three years later, just days before their wedding.While on his Dubai stag do in 2022, the sportsman invited two girls back to his hotel room.Taylor Jane Wilkey, then 27, was one of the women who ended up back at the accommodation with Andy, and alleged he’d been on a 17-hour bender.Billi was livid over the picturesAnnonymous sourceThe party girl also claimed that she had no idea he was celebrating his upcoming wedding and had been told it was just a lads’ holiday.She told The Sun: “It was an amazing day, the booze was flowing and Andy seemed to be having a great time.“He came over to chat to us and asked what we did, he seemed nice, a gentleman.“But at no point did anyone mention it was a stag do, we were told it was a lads’ holiday. I didn’t know he was getting married.”Taylor told that, despite how it looked, nothing had happened between the girls and the 6ft 4inch footballer.“He was honestly in no state to do anything,” she said, before adding: “I’m so sorry for all this mess — but I did nothing wrong.”The incident came to light when a photo of Andy bare-chested in bed flanked by two girls circulated on the internet.His then wife-to-be was said to be furious at his behaviour, but still opted to go through with their wedding.Wedding bellsThe couple went ahead with their wedding despite the stag do chaosCredit: INSTAGRAMBilli regularly posts photos from their wedding to celebrate birthdays and anniversariesCredit: InstagramThe couple read their vows at a lavish ceremony at Hampshire’s five-star Four Seasons Hotel, where champagne flowed.But Andy’s recent antics still cast a cloud over the happy day. One onlooker said: “Billi and Andy were both emotional when they saw one another, but the atmosphere totally changed when the officiator asked if anyone present knew why they should not be married.“Everyone in the ceremony started to laugh really loudly, and Billi and Andy joined in.“It really broke the ice in what has been a very difficult build up to the wedding for Billi.”They added: “She has been waiting for this day for a long time and after everything that has gone on over the past week, to finally get to say their vows was massive.“Billi was almost 20 minutes late, which added to Andy’s nerves, but after the hysterics, everyone was far more relaxed.”Billi has been getting fed up with Andy’s wild behaviour over the yearsCredit: InstagramAndy was spotted looking cosy with DJ Kitty McPaws last yearBut last year Andy was in hot water again after being filmed cuddling up to a DJ named Kitty McPaws on a night out.A party guest said: “He caressed her bum. It was very flirty.“Someone made a joke that Kitty McPaws was living up to her name because they were pawing each other.“Andy was very carefree. He knew others were watching and that at one stage he was filmed with Kitty.”After the video became public, Kitty said: “He was on a night out and I was DJing. We had a quick chat before my set. That was it.”Andy Carroll’s careerAndy Carroll was just seven years old when he was scouted for Newcastle United’s academy.He then went on to play for their youth team before making his first team debut in 2006.His first match was against Palermo in the UEFA cup where he was brought on as a substitute. At just 17-years-old, he became the youngest player to represent Newcastle United in a European game.While at the club he was seen as a rising star thanks to his goal scoring abilities. In 2011, Andy was transferred to Liverpool FC for a fee of £35million.After a year playing for the club we was loaned to West Ham United, who would later buy him for £15million.His time at the London club was marred by injuries and he only appeared 18 times in the 2013-2014 season. The club released him in 2019, following his ankle surgery and he returned to Newcastle United. In 2021 he was transferred to Reading and a year later moved to West Bromwich Albion.In 2022 he was back at Reading but he left again after a year to move to Amiens in FranceWhile Billi didn’t make any public statement about the incident, behind closed doors she was reportedly furious.At the time, insiders told Closer: “Billi was livid over the pictures. Andy totally denies any wrongdoing at all – he’s assured her that nothing happened and that he was just on a night out with his mates, which ended up carrying on and that it was all just innocent fun – but Billi wasn’t happy.”However, the pair managed to work it out behind the scenes and continued to share photos of their seemingly idyllic life on social media. Car crash horrorAndy was involved in a freak head on collision with another vehicleCredit: © Jeff MooreLuckily no one was seriously hurt in the collisionCredit: RexIn 2022, Andy made headlines after being involved in a horrific car crash in his £130,000 Mercedes GLS SUV.Witnesses saw him and a driver of a Ford Focus being breathalysed at the scene but neither were arrested. The cars had collided head on and the red Ford had been shunted 30 yards up the road. John Cooper, who lives nearby, said: “I heard the most awful bang.“I saw Andy Carroll emerge from his vehicle. He was wandering around in a daze.”The dad-of-three was said to go and check on the occupants of the other motor to ensure no one was seriously hurt. Just one crash victim went to hospital with chest pains. Move abroadAndy enjoys being able to spend time with his family in France without people knowing who he isCredit: InstagramThe couple share lots of photos of them with the kidsCredit: InstagramAndy and Billi doing yoga with their totCredit: InstagramThey often post loved-up snapsCredit: Instagram/@billimucklowNowadays, Andy plies his trade in France, playing for Ligue 2 club Amiens since signing last September.His life with Billi appears more settled, with his wife regularly sharing enviable snaps of their glamorous holidays abroad and pictures of him tending to the kids.For his part, the footballer says he is enjoying the level of anonymity that living in France provides him with.He told MailOnline: “Here [in France] I can walk into the bakery and get a pain au chocolat and no one’s saying, ‘How was the game? Can I get a picture?’ Here I feel like I’m normal. I just wanted to get out. Be free. Be me.”He later added: “Here I can take my kids to the zoo here and they’re not saying, ‘Come on dad’ because people are asking for photos or autographs. There’s a little pub around the corner where me and a couple of the boys went to watch Newcastle beat PSG the other week. What a game! No one said a word to me.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Billi may not have completely tamed Andy’s wild side, she has certainly tempered it with time and patience.However, more of both might be required after his latest brawl. More

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    Best-ever tournament saves including Euro 2024 star Gulok, Banks and the most controversial stop in World Cup history

    IT was a stop that prompted sheer disbelief.With just seconds remaining, Christoph Baumgartner’s header was bound for the back of the Turkey net to force extra time in Leipzig.Mert Gunok’s unbelieveable save from Christoph BaumgartnerCredit: APGordon Banks’ iconic save from Pele at the 1970 World CupCredit: Allsport – GettyYet Turkey keeper Mert Gunok somehow twisted and angled his right arm to turn the bouncing ball behind for a corner and the stop was instantly hailed as the best in Euros history.Sun Sport’s MARTIN LIPTON ranks his all-time top tournament goals – and adds one who will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.1) Gordon Banks v PeleENGLAND v Brazil (Guadalajara, 1970 World Cup)Surely the one save that will never be topped – certainly as far as England fans are concerned.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor about the only time in the game, Jairzinho got past Terry Cooper and crossed to the back post.Pele rose, hanging like a high jumper, before thundering the ball down and surely into the net.But Banks, wearing that purple top that looked even bolder in front of the first generation of colour TV cameras, reached back and down to flip the ball over the top of the bar.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSPele admitted he never witnessed anything like it. Nor had anybody else.Most read in Football2 Mert Gunok v Christoph BaumgartnerTURKEY v Austria (Leipzig, Euro 2024)Shocking moment ex-Man Utd ace Sabitzer falls to ground after he is struck in face by object in Austria’s loss to TurkeyGiven that this was almost the final act of a pulsating last 16 tie, with Turkey hanging on for absolutely grim death, it was perhaps the greatest DECISIVE save of all time.Baumgartner could have done no more, making flush contact and zipping the ball off the sodden turf as he headed down and back across goal.It made Gunok’s sensational reactions all the more remarkable, perfect timing of his right arm flick to read the bounce and turn behind.Devastated Austria boss Ralf Rangnick drew parallels with events of 54 years ago as he ruefully reflected: “It’s difficult if you have Gordon Banks in the goal.”3 Dino Zoff v OscarITALY v Brazil (Barcelona, 1982 World Cup)This match is always remembered for the Paolo Rossi hat-trick that sent Brazil, Socrates, Zico and all, spinning out of the tournament.But in many ways it was Zoff’s match.The Azzurri veteran was four months past his 40th birthday but played with the agility of a teenager as he made a series of superb stops.He saved the best until last, with just a minute to go, when Eder curled a free-kick in from the left.Oscar outjumped the wall of blue shirts and headed towards the corner but Zoff reached out to parry and then grab the ball as it threatened to dribble over the line.4 Emiliano Martinez v Randal Kolo MuaniARGENTINA v France (Lusail, 2022 World Cup)Argentina looked in control until the Kylian Mbappe show but without this 123rd minute save by the Aston Villa keeper there would not have been any shoot-out heroics.Ibrahima Konate pumped a looping ball over the top and Kolo Muani was in on goal with only Martinez in his way.He could have passed to the unmarked Mbappe inside him – and that would have been FOUR for the France ace – but the ball bounced for a clear volley, which Kolo Muani smashed goalwards.But Martinez stretched out every limb in a last desperate act, with the ball blocked by the big toe of his left boot,Kolo Munai admitted: “This will be in my throat for the rest of my life.”Emiliano Martinez’s vital stop from Randal Kolo Muani at the 2022 World CupCredit: Getty5 Gianluigi Buffon v Zinedine ZidaneITALY v France (Berlin, 2006 World Cup final)Zidane’s later clash with Marco Materazzi, which was – albeit unofficially and wrongly – effectively the first VAR red card means the French genius’ final match is recalled more for his shame-faced dismissal.But if Buffon had not made the save of the tournament just before the mid-way point of extra-time.Willy Sagnol, who coached the impressive Georgians in Euro 2024, crossed from the right and Zidane steamed in to add power and direction with a fantastic header.But Buffon extended those Dr Octopus arms up and to his right to guide the ball behind and set up the drama to follow.6 Peter Schmeichel v Jurgen KlinsmannDENMARK v West Germany (Gothenburg, Euro 1992 Final)Schmeichel’s thrilling save from Klinsmann’s late back post header is the one that appears on the YouTube highlights reels.But the great Dane insists his first half stop to deny “Klinsi” was the REAL save of his international career.Steffen Effenberg drive from half way before teasing into the path of Klinsmann, just outside the box.His shot was instant, hard and low, arrowing towards the far bottom corner, with Schmeichel, who saw it late, flying full-length to tip behind.Current SunSport columnist Klinsmann could not believe his ill-luck.Luis Suarez handballs on the line to help knock Ghana out of the 2010 World CupCredit: AFPAnd, erm, Luis Suarez v Dominic AdiyiahURUGUAY v Ghana (Johannesburg, 2010 World Cup)Suarez was to bite off more than he could chew in Brazil four years later and in between became a Liverpool cult idol.But his illegal save in Soccer City was unforgettable too.Suarez stopped Stephen Appiah – legally – on the line but Appiah headed the rebound past keeper Fernando Muslera and Diego Lugano.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut not past Suarez, who batted away with both hands to see red.Asamoah Gyan smashed the spot kick against the bar, Suarez celebrated wildly, Uruguay won the shoot-out. The striker said: “It was the save of the tournament.” More