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      Inside Ollie Watkins’ meteoric rise from non-league football and lads’ holidays to England Euro 2024 star

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      NINE summers ago Ollie Watkins went on a lads’ holiday after helping to save Conference South side Weston-Super-Mare from relegation.Now he’s in Germany as part of the England squad trying to win Euro 2024 after helping Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League.Ollie Watkins is looking to fire England to Euro 2024 gloryCredit: GettyThe star was playing for Weston just nine years agoWatkins was instrumental in securing Champions League football for Aston VillaCredit: ReutersHe has now headed out to Germany after sealing his place on the plane for Euro 2024Credit: GettyWatkins arrived on the Somerset coast as a teenaged striker on loan from League Two Exeter in December 2014.His 10 goals in 24 league games were a big factor in stopping Weston from slipping into the sixth tier for the first time in their history and in giving them something to celebrate on a post-season trip to Spain.But it was also his workrate and attitude that earned him the respect of the dressing room, and helped him take the first significant steps on the road to stardom.Ryan Northmore, boss of Weston at the time, said: “His goals saved the club from relegation. But he contributed much more than his goals, which is really important when you’re scrapping away for your lives.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“He wasn’t just sat at the top of the pitch waiting for the ball to come. He would roll his sleeves up and get involved in all aspects of the game.”Among Watkins’ team-mates at Weston was Tom Jordan, son of former Leeds, Manchester United and Scotland striker Joe.Jordan said: “He always struck me as the kind of lad who had his eyes wide open to different aspects of the game.Sometimes you would have loan lads come in from a League club to non-League and they would be looking at you like they were doing you a favour.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“His attitude was very different. He was coming in thinking, ‘I’m going to learn from this experience’.“I was one of the older lads in the dressing room. Even when you were giving him basic messages about how you wanted him to perform in your team, he was receptive to it.Former England and Arsenal star Jack Wilshere picks his Euro 2024 Dream Team“He had respect for the lads and we had respect for his abilities.”Those abilities were obvious from Watkins’ very first game for Weston.Days after arriving from Exeter with close friend Matt Jay, he starred in a crucial game against Farnborough.Northmore said: “For an 18 year old to come in as our No 9 was a big responsibility.“Ollie was right up for it. He had a big grin on his face. That’s what I think he craved: to have that responsibility.“On the Tuesday night we had Farnbrough at home. They were down in the dumps with us. It was a six-pointer in December. Ollie got off to a flier.”Watkins came on in the 50th minute with the score at 2-2. Farnborough took the lead soon afterwards, but the teenager grabbed the equaliser and Weston snatched a late winner to seal a crucial victory.Northmore said: “Ollie hadn’t even trained with us yet but after the impact, the group really got around him and Matt and were really pleased to have them on board.”Watkins scored some vital goals as Weston went on a great run that all but secured safety before March.Northmore said: “Ebbsfleet had their Kuwaiti owners and one of their players was on the same money that we had for our full first-tam budget.“We nicked a 1-0. Ollie ran his socks off all night, got one chance and slotted it in the bottom corner.“Centre forwards can sometimes expect the team to play for them and rightly so.“But he also puts the hard yards in and is willing to play for the team.“It was really important in times like that when we were the underdog, when we needed someone with the character and the quality to give some kind of hope.“That’s what he became in the end, the player that the senior players were looking up to and looking after.”Jordan added: “He would go long spells in matches where he would be doing the ugly side of the game: chasing down clearances, coming back to defend corners and set-plays, and not having much of a glimpse of goal.“But he was very clinical when he got his couple of chances, left and right foot.“On the counter or breakaway, he was the perfect outlet for us.”It was during Watkins’ spell at Weston that the then Walsall boss Dean Smith spotted him.Smith would later take the striker to Brentford and bring him to Villa, where he has reached new levels under current boss Unai Emery.The Villa manager has praised Watkins’ desire to learn and improve every day, the key quality that also shone through all those years ago.Both Northmore and Jordan have watched with pride and pleasure as Watkins has made his way up the pyramid, all the way to a top-four finish in the Premier League and international honours with England.Jordan, now a personal trainer and grassroots coach, said: “I go down with my son to watch Bristol City a fair bit and I remember seeing Ollie with Brentford down there.“You could see a change in him physically but also in his contribution without the ball.“I remember saying to my lad, ‘Watch Ollie Watkins. Watch how hard he works,’ and messaging Ollie after the game and saying how impressed I was, considering he had moved on from playing in front of small crowds to playing at Ashton Gate.“He seems to be continually improving because I think he is a bit of a sponge.Dean Smith is one of the forwards biggest fans and signed him several timesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd“Now it’s England representation and all the things he’s doing at the moment. It’s a credit to his attitude and workrate.”Watkins has never forgotten the part that Weston played in his rise to the top.One of his Villa shirts is on display there, he has spoken to young players coming through and happily tells the local press how important and enjoyable his time at the club was.And he even helped fund an end-of-season boys’ trip to Spain due to his fines for being late – although he was allowed to join the rest of the squad.Northmore, who is now head of football at an international school in Singapore, said: “It helped his transition from youth to senior football.“We never talked about him being on the road to being a Premier League or England striker.“It made Ollie go: ‘OK, I’m at Exeter and my career might go one of two ways.’”“He was a Weston player, and no disrespect to that level of football, it’s not glamorous.READ MORE SUN STORIES“That served as a motivation to go back to Exeter and to maximise every day in training and really focus on developing his talent.“It really did fit into the idea of arriving as a boy and leaving as a man.”EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT More

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      Jamie Carragher reveals pro footballer son’s injury hell left him in ‘dark place’ that he ‘wouldn’t wish on worst enemy’

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has revealed that he was in a “dark place” after his son’s injury hell.The retired Liverpool star enjoyed a 17-year career in which he suffered some serious injuries.Jamie Carragher has admitted he was in his ‘darkest’ place during James’ injuriesCredit: Instagram @jcarragher31Carragher had a largely injury-free playing careerCredit: PAJames has suffered from a reoccurring knee problemCredit: Kenny RamsayCarragher, 46, did manage to avoid suffering niggling injuries and muscular problems.His son James has not been as lucky as he has had to deal with a reoccurring knee issue.The injury has threatened to end the 21-year-old defender’s career.He is currently contracted to League One outfit Wigan and spent time on loan at Scottish side Inverness Caledonian Thistle for the end of last season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCarragher admitted that James’ injuries affected both of their mental health.He said on The Overlap: “12 months ago I was in a dark place over my son’s injuries. I wouldn’t wish that on my own enemy.”I didn’t get injured [as a player]. I’ll be honest, my mentality with injuries, even when I was at Liverpool. I’d go in the treatment room and see people on the bed and think ‘they’re faking it, they’re not tough enough’, because I didn’t get injured, I didn’t understand how people got injured.”Now I had a broken leg, I had a knee operation, but in terms of hamstrings, calves or something not feeling right, I would always play through things, that’s just the way I was brought up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I would dismiss people for it because I couldn’t understand, but then my own son went through it.”He had a knee problem on the back of Covid – so Covid came in so no one could go to the training ground, so I said ‘you’ll have to do a bit of training on your own because we don’t know when you’ll go back’.Gary Neville demands APOLOGY from Jamie Carragher for showing up nearly an HOUR late as Jill Scott asks ‘are you rough?'”One-on-one coaching and his knee blows up, but everything was closed, you couldn’t get an operation or go to physio, nothing.”His knee would keep swelling up and swelling up.”It went on for a couple of years, and he had the operation and I’m thinking he’ll be back now.”He’d been playing on with it, taking anti-inflammatories, played non-league at Oldham.”He then got a knock on the knee so we said let’s get the operation.”He then starts pre-season, I go on holiday, and as soon as he phones me – it was a big day, his first day back with the group – I knew already, my stomach dropped. As soon as I got that phone call I booked a flight that night, I knew he couldn’t be at home on his own.”Seeing him and what we did to get to the bottom of the issue last summer, I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.”I was thinking ‘Is he going to play again?’ I remember on the flight home I made a list of things that me and him could do together if he couldn’t play again, I was thinking I’ve got to keep him going, because mentally… I knew where I was, but what about him?”For me it was probably one of the darkest moments of my life.”James spent much of his youth career at Liverpool before moving to Wigan in 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile his father, spent his whole career at the Reds, making 737 appearances in all competitions.He won one Champions League title, a Uefa Cup, three League Cups and two FA Cups.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Staggering sum Soccer Aid has raised for charity since Robbie Williams created it called ‘incredible’ as new record eyed

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      SOCCER AID has raised a staggering amount of money for charity since it started.The football event was created by pop star Robbie Williams in 2006.Robbie Williams created Soccer Aid in 2006Credit: PA:Press AssociationEngland will take on a World XI at Stamford BridgeCredit: RexKasabian’s Sergio Pizzorno scored a wondergoal in 2012Actor Woody Harrelson scored a winning penalty in 2018Credit: AFPThe money raised from the celebrity charity match is donated to children’s charity Unicef.Soccer Aid was initially held every two years, but since 2018, it has become an annual event.There have been some of the most famous names from inside and outside of football take part.This includes the likes of retired footballers such as Paul Gascoigne, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCelebrities that have joined in include, actors Woody Harrelson, Mike Myers and Will Ferrell, rockstar Sergio Pizzorno and comedians Jack Whitehall and John Bishop.This year is no different with Eden Hazard and Theo Walcott joining as well as retired cricketer Stuart Broad, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and boxer Tommy Fury to name a few.The event has seen some brilliant moments happen from Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison’s winning penalty in 2018, Jose Mourinho bringing down Olly Murs despite managing the World XI in 2014 and Serge Pizzorno’s stunning goal in 2012.Walcott is making his debut for the England team this year and has hailed the “incredible” work Unicef has done for young children.Most read in FootballPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

      He told SunSport: “The work that Unicef do around the world to give that opportunity to young children to have a start in life is incredible.”What they do behind the scenes which we don’t see, we were blessed last night to see a few videos of the work they have done and it really does touch a lot of the guys.The pros and celebrities arrive for Soccer Aid 2024 “To experience this is a dream because I always watch it, but now I want to change that pattern of England losing the last six, so it’s going to come home on both fronts this year.”Each event has seen millions be raised for the charity.In total, it has raised over £90million since 2006.Last year was the most successful edition as a record-breaking £14.6m was donated.Should that amount be beaten, then Soccer Aid would have surpassed the £100m mark of money raised.This year’s match will be played at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge for the second time.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland have only won the match four times with the World XI winning seven.The World XI have won the match for the last five years, including the 2023 4-2 triumph.Olly Murs was memorably tackled by manager Jose Mourinho in 2014Zinedine Zidane is one of the most famous footballers to play in the matchCredit: AFPDiego Maradona played in the first-ever Soccer AidCredit: AP:Associated PressThe World XI won the match last yearCredit: GettyTheo Walcott is making his debut this yearCredit: RexSoccer Aid line-up 2024FANS can’t wait for Soccer Aid to kick off on Sunday, June 9, 2024. More

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      England star Ollie Watkins reveals he has regular therapy before and after games to offload his troubles

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      ENGLAND star Ollie Watkins has revealed he has regular therapy with a life coach before and after games to get his worries off his chest.The Three Lions hot-shot’s career has taken off since he started talking to the guru – offloading all his troubles.Ollie Watkins’ career has taken off since he started talking to his life coachCredit: GettyThe striker, in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad, hailed his new life adviser for clearing his mind of everything except hitting the net.Although he bravely admitted to still being wracked by self-doubt, he’s learned to trick his brain into ignoring any nagging doubts.The £80m-rated forward, whose 27 goals and 13 assists last season fired Aston Villa into the Champions League, also sees a performance therapist twice every week.Ollie said: “Just working on my mind-set and just making sure going into the game I’ve got everything off my chest.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”I speak to a life coach. Since I’ve been working with him, he’s definitely helped me.“If there’s anything I’m hanging on to, anything that I need to get off my chest maybe before going to the game so I can just focus on that and leave that aside. “Just to perform to the best of my ability and bring the best version of myself on that day.“I feel like it’s the best investment I’ve made, investing into myself, investing into my mind-set definitely made me become a better player.”Most read in FootballOllie, 28, who has two children Amara, two, and 13-month old Marley with long-term partner Ellie Alderson, first turned to the life coach in October 2022.He said: “If I haven’t scored or if I’ve scored three goals, I’ll still speak to him.Roy Keane tips Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to make move to ‘top team’ like Man Utd, City or Liverpool”I still speak to him before a game and after games, to make sure I debrief on everything and then I can move on to the next game. And since he came in, it’s helped me a lot.”The star told the High Performance podcast “Sometimes I just need to call him for a chat and just to check in and sometimes pick his brains on things.“I never feel like I want to reach out just when I need something.“He’s very, he’s very blunt. I remember I scored a hat-trick after Brighton and he said like ‘well done, but it doesn’t mean anything’.“And he’s right. It doesn’t because I’ve still got the next game to perform in. You need to move on to the next.I feel like it’s the best investment I’ve made, investing into myself, investing into my mind-set definitely made me become a better playerOllie Watkins“But also when I’ve had a bad game, but that doesn’t mean anything.”He says ‘you’ve got the next game to put it right’.“I think the mind is probably the most powerful thing. People train every day physically in the gym, but it takes a lot to change your mind-set.”Ollie has learned to overcome the self-doubt that held him back earlier in his career.He said: “Belief was one thing that maybe was holding me back.“You need to have that bit of arrogance, you know that self-belief that no-one’s going to stop you.“I’d say mind-set is the most important thing. Your brain can tell you a lot of things. You kind of can trick your brain into believing different things.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It did hinder my performance, but I feel like it’s got me where I am today. I put pressure on myself, but not as much as I used to.”Ollie said of the Euros: “I’m ready. I have had one of my best seasons, well undoubtedly my best season, and I feel like I’m confident in myself and in my ability and there’s not a better time for me to go into a tournament.”Ollie Watkins says he is confident he can make an impact for England at Euro 2024Credit: EPA More

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      I had to pull out of a lads’ holiday to Magaluf… but days later I was scoring in England’s only EVER win in Brazil

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      SCORING for England for the first time. Against Brazil. In the Maracana.It was a life-changing experience.John Barnes and Mark Hateley became heroes for their double act in BrazilCredit: Bob Thomas Sports Photography – GettyHateley, second left, went on to match Paolo Rossi, Paolo Virdis and Ray Wilkins at AC Milan for hair flair, plus was the best of the bunch in the air!But not just for John Barnes — because another player registered his first senior international goal for the Three Lions in the 2-0 win on that famous night, which marks its 40th anniversary tomorrow.And, if anything, the impact on Mark Hateley was greater and more instant.Hateley, 62, recalled: “It was a crazy, crazy six weeks. Everything changed for me — from Second Division football to playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.”Within days of scoring the second goal in England’s only ever away triumph in Brazil, Hateley was on his way to join AC Milan from Portsmouth for a fee of £1.2million.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt was an astonishing turn of events for a young man who had defied his dad, Tony, a former top-flight striker for Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool, to drop down from First Division Coventry to play for Pompey. Hateley hit 22 goals in 38 league games for the South Coast club and caught England boss Bobby Robson’s eye with his exploits for the Under-21s.When the Young Lions won the European Championship in 1984, he scored six goals in the knockout stages and one in the second leg of the final against Spain.Hateley said: “I’d booked a holiday to go away with the lads. Magaluf, I think it was.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“Sir Bobby gave me a call and asked me if I would like to go to South America as a precursor  to the World Cup qualifying campaign.“I was disappointed not to make the trip to Spain but out of the blue everything opened up for me.”Southgate speaks out after England humbled by Iceland ahead of EurosBefore flying across the Atlantic, Hateley made his senior debut as a substitute at Wembley against the USSR.A 2-0 defeat sparked chants of “Robson out”, with the Three Lions boss already under the cosh after failing to qualify for that summer’s Euros in France. Hateley thought he was going on the trip to learn the ropes but injury stopped Paul Mariner travelling, so the 22-year-old found himself making his first start for his country in the legendary Maracana Stadium.Brazil were fast out of the blocks and Peter Shilton made some good early saves.Hateley said: “It took us a while to get used to the surface.“It was bobbly underneath but if you look at the footage, you can’t really see the football boots because the grass was that long.“They seemed to be able to scoop the ball up off the floor very easily, like they were playing on the beach.”Robson’s team weathered the storm and in the final minute of the first half, Hateley rose high to win and control the ball, before sweeping it out to Barnes on the left flank.He said: “I am actually claiming the assist! I’m looking for the ball back, basically. Centre-forwards only ever lend the ball.“But Barnesy had such ability, he went past three or four players.“When we get to the edge of the box, I’m level with him looking for the little cutback and a side-foot into an open goal.Hateley later joined Glenn Hoddle at Arsene Wenger’s MonacoCredit: GettyGareth Southgate will take the handbrake off at Euro 2024… because he has no choiceBy Charlie Wyett

      GARETH SOUTHGATE will have no choice but to take the handbrake off his England team at Euro 2024.
      The defensive crisis gripping the Three Lions means the only option in Germany, within ­reason, will be outright attack.
      Southgate has often been lambasted for his safety-first approach — even if he points out you must go back to Walter Winterbottom’s sides in the 1950s to find an England manager with a better scoring record.
      But with the crocked Harry Maguire left out, Luke Shaw not fit enough to start the tournament and John Stones having made just 12 ­Premier League starts this season, this is not a defence you would stake your life on.
      The last time England went to a major tournament in Germany — the 2006 World Cup — the four centre-backs selected were Sol Campbell (68 caps), Rio Ferdinand (47), Jamie Carragher (25) and John Terry (24).
      This time, when England fly out on Monday, the quartet will be Lewis Dunk (six), Joe Gomez (14), Marc Guehi (ten) and Ezri Konsa (three).
      It makes Southgate’s decision not to recall the 49-cap Eric Dier for his ­provisional squad even stranger — especially considering his strong end to the season with Bayern Munich.
      The elder statesman in his defence — and the one who absolutely has to stay fit — is 71-cap Stones.

      Hateley poses with Neil Murray after Scottish Cup glory with RangersCredit: SNS“But Barnesy dropped his shoulder, put the goalkeeper on his backside and scored.“The only thanks I got from that was that I copped a right good elbow from Barnesy, right on my jaw, as he celebrated.”Such was the quality of Barnes’ goal that it has always overshadowed Hateley’s own magic moment, in the 65th minute.Hateley, who also shares his November 7 birthday with Barnes, said: “It was a good, old-fashioned centre-forward’s goal from a good, old-fashioned winger’s cross to the far post from Barnesy.“He just hung it up and said, ‘Get on the end of that!’”Brazil keeper Roberto Costa did not cover himself in glory, failing to stop Hateley’s header.The  home team, missing stars in overseas leagues, was hardly vintage. But the victory eased pressure on Robson and was transformative for Hateley.He said: “Ray  Wilkins signed for AC Milan in the Easter.“Two or three days after the Brazil game, he came to me and said, ‘Milan have contacted me — would you be interested  in joining them in the  summer?’“This was how young  and naive I was, I said, ‘I’ve got two years left, Ray, I don’t think Portsmouth will sell me’.“He said, ‘Apparently, that deal has already been done. It’s just about personal terms now.’“I said, ‘Yes, is the answer!’.”The targetman was a huge hero for PortsmouthCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHateley loved Milan and Milan loved Hateley.The header he scored to win his first derby against Inter is still talked about to this day.The self-confessed old-school British centre-forward learned plenty from boss Nils Liedholm, the former AC and Sweden striker and from Fabio Capello, then coach of the Primavera youth team, on how to play like a European No 9.The arrival of Silvio Berlusconi as club supremo led to Hateley leaving after three seasons. But a certain young manager named Arsene Wenger made the England frontman his first signing for Monaco in 1987.Playing alongside Three Lions team-mate Glenn Hoddle, Hateley helped the club become French champions.All was going well until he  suffered an horrific ankle injury in a European Cup quarter-final against Galatasaray in 1989.Hateley bounced back to become a legend at Rangers, where he won five Scottish titles and where he is about to resume the role of club ambassador.But his success can be traced to that night in Rio de Janeiro.Hateley added: “This is what I say to any young player, ‘You never know where you can be next week in the game of football’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“‘Always play like it’s going to be the last game you ever play. If you do that, you’ll never leave yourself short’. It completely changed my life.“And to be the last player to score in England’s only away win over Brazil? I’ll take that plaudit.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Incredible map shows every England star’s first club including iconic Sunday League team that produced Prem legends

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      FROM Senrab to Serbia – or in other words, from the odd name of your first club to outstanding fame at Euro 2024.That’s the fairytale chapter just one star is dreaming of in an amazing map showing the first club of every player in England’s 26-man Euro 24 squad.Ezri Konsa began with Senrab and is now at his first England tournamentCredit: GettyDeclan Rice is revered at first club Dickerage Lane Adventure IslandCredit: Times Newspapers LtdThe fascinating information was shared by the England Football account on Twitter.Ezri Konsa is the latest star to emerge from Senrab – a Sunday League club in East London with a jaw-dropping Premier League production line.Players trained at Marion Richardson School in Senrab Street, Stepney – close to Barnes Street.Too much detail? Possibly yes – except that Barnes spelt backwards is Senrab, and that dozens of their players have since gone forwards to have spectacular careers.READ MORE TOP STORIESCrystal Palace defender Konsa, is preparing for his first international tournament at the age of 26.And if he wants advice from ex-Senrab kids, he has plenty of top class experience to turn to.John Terry, Jermain Defoe, Sol Campbell, Ledley King and Ray Wilkins are just a few of their major successes in the men’s game. Fittingly, however, the team where Three Lions’ skipper Harry Kane initially played also has a staggering “hit” list.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      Chingford-based Ridgeway Rovers – just 11 miles from Senrab – not only developed Kane but also another ex-England captain in David Beckham.Manchester United legend Becks was coached there by dad Ted.And Rovers still proudly say on their website that Beckham Junior has “always championed” the club.England star Kieran Trippier reveals ‘lunatic’ team-mate drove TRACTOR to training and did donuts on the pitchRidgeway can even boast of Goldenballs: “In his biography he states that he was at his happiest when playing with his mates at Ridgeway Rovers.”Fellow ex-Three Lions wideman Andros Townsend, 32, who is now with Luton, also started his football life with the Londoners.Meanwhile, Tyne and Wear local Jordan Pickford began his playing days with the team furthest north on the England map.In fact, it turned out to be a red letter day when Pickford joined home-town team Washington Envelopes.That’s because in those days the now-Three Lions No 1 wasn’t normally a goalkeeper.However, he soon stamped his mark between the posts after joining the Envelopes.The Everton hero told the EnglandFootball website: “I remember going to see my brother play and there was an U7s team on the same pitch and they didn’t have a keeper.”I was younger than them, but used to go in goal when I was knocking on the street so I joined in and ever since then I’ve been in goal. “That team was Washington Envelopes, my first club. “I didn’t really think much about playing with the older lads, but I just liked being brave and getting in front of the football.”Jordan Pickford began with Washington Envelopes and is now first classCredit: RexHarry Kane launched his playing days with Ridgeway RoversCredit: GettyAnd if “Washington Envelopes” sounds fun, listen to some of the names of the other teams who launched football for Gareth Southgate’s players, whose group action begins against Serbia on Sunday.So far Declan Rice’s career has only gone up, rather than a rollercoaster ride let alone a slide – his first club was Dickerage Lane Adventure Island.The £105million Arsenal midfielder even opened a new pitch at the London venue as recently last month.Rice told ITV at the special occasion:  “I’m so proud. I’ve obviously spent a massive part of my life here.”I’ve been coming here since I was two year old and now I’m 25.”Rice’s ex-West Ham team-mate Jarrod Bowen began with home-towners Leominster Minors in Herefordshire.Elsewhere, Sheffield’s Penistone Church FC have seen their clubhouse and marquee pack out to watch old boy John Stones for the Three Lions.And Red Devils’ hot prospect Kobbie Mainoo was initially with Stockport side Cheadle and Gatley Juniors FC.Map-wise, Ollie Watkins is the sole representative for the South West, starting out at Devon’s Newton Town & Buckland Athletic – on the way to Exeter City and now his free-scoring Prem pomp with Aston Villa.Predictably, the largest bunch of England’s squad originated in or around London.That includes Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka at Greenford Celtic, Liverpool’s Joe Gomez with Ten-Em-Bee and Man Utd’s Luke Shaw for Molesey Juniors, plus Palace duo Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze at Kent’s Cray Wanderers and Bruin JFC respectively, as well as Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher via Epsom Eagles.Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk flies the flag for the south coast as local side Oakwood were his first team.Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Conor Gallagher began with London clubsCredit: GettyKyle Walker had less exotic roots with the Sheffield United academyCredit: GettyPride of place for less modestly-named clubs goes to Soccer Stars FC in Northampton. Brentford forward Ivan Toney is their man of the moment.And when Toney picked up the first of four caps last October, Stars’ chairman James Witkiss told the BBC: “We have been following his progress for a long time.”You could always see he had the ability. For him to actually make it is absolutely phenomenal.”Arsenal back-up stopper Aaron Ramsdale began with Marsh Town in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was in the Walton & Kirkdale League with Country Park, who also supplied the Reds with Jon Flanagan and Adam Lewis.New Palace hero Adam Wharton was at Lancashire’s Moorlands International Football Academy – where he was so bright that teachers believe he could have come a rocket scientist.Phil Foden first took flight with Stockport’s Reddish Vulcans – but is now totally blue as arguably the star man for Prem champs Manchester City.Former City team-mater Cole Palmer began with Manchester team NJ Wythenshawe Juniors.And another ex-Red Devil in Dean Henderson, who has dug deep to revive his career at Palace, played as a kid for Whitehaven Miners.Jude Bellingham delighted kids with a return trip to StourbridgeCredit: PARather boringly, Kyle Walker began with Sheffield United Academy – a rare example of a club name in this list being so straightforward that it speaks for itself.The first main club of Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was Sunday League side Whiston Juniors in Merseyside – leading to a short spell with Liverpool and then six years at Everton.Gordon’s club-mate Kieran Tripper was with Woodhey, near his birthplace in Bury.That just leaves Jude Bellingham – and a story of going from home-town Stourbridge Juniors to Birmingham City aged seven and then to Real Madrid last year.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe £115m midfielder retains strong roots in the midlands and thrilled kids at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Stourbridge last September… when he turned up for a football session!After so many exciting ventures for so many England players over so much of the country, that’s the perfect example of keeping it Real.Gareth Southgate will take the handbrake off at Euro 2024… because he has no choiceBy Charlie Wyett
      GARETH SOUTHGATE will have no choice but to take the handbrake off his England team at Euro 2024.
      The defensive crisis gripping the Three Lions means the only option in Germany, within ­reason, will be outright attack.
      Southgate has often been lambasted for his safety-first approach — even if he points out you must go back to Walter Winterbottom’s sides in the 1950s to find an England manager with a better scoring record.
      But with the crocked Harry Maguire left out, Luke Shaw not fit enough to start the tournament and John Stones having made just 12 ­Premier League starts this season, this is not a defence you would stake your life on.
      The last time England went to a major tournament in Germany — the 2006 World Cup — the four centre-backs selected were Sol Campbell (68 caps), Rio Ferdinand (47), Jamie Carragher (25) and John Terry (24).
      This time, when England fly out on Monday, the quartet will be Lewis Dunk (six), Joe Gomez (14), Marc Guehi (ten) and Ezri Konsa (three).
      It makes Southgate’s decision not to recall the 49-cap Eric Dier for his ­provisional squad even stranger — especially considering his strong end to the season with Bayern Munich.
      The elder statesman in his defence — and the one who absolutely has to stay fit — is 71-cap Stones. More

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      Meet prospective Everton owner who is world’s 10th richest man, tech mastermind and owns 33,000 square foot mansion

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      EVERTON’S takeover has taken a new twist.According to reports, Michael Dell, 59, has joined a consortium that includes lifelong Toffees fans Andy Bell and George Downing in trying to buy the club from majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri.American billionaire Michael Dell is reportedly interested in buying a stake in EvertonThe Mail claims Dell, who owns the computer brand of the same name, has strengthened the belief that business could be resolved before the start of the new season.Some have described talks as being at an “advanced” stage, while others remain more cautious over a potential deal.Other interested parties include venture capital firm MSP Sports Capital.At the age of 19, Dell founded Dell Technologies with just $1,000 in the bank. Read more football newsHe famously said at the time, “technology is about enabling human potential” which proved to be prophetic in the world we live in today.Some 30 years later, his wealth has rocketed to around £95billion, according to Forbes, making him the 10th richest man in the world.In a pinned tweet on his X account from 2021, he wrote: “I started Dell Technologies 37 years ago with $1000. Revenues in 1984 were $6million. Last year’s revenues were $94.2billion. Impossible is nothing.”Such a huge wealth has enabled Dell to become a huge player in the property market.Most read in FootballHomes to die forUnsurprisingly, Dell, who married wife Susan Liebermann in 1989 and has four kids, has a number of homes dotted around the States.Famously, Susan designed the inaugural ball gowns for Jenna and Barbara Bush in 2001, according to Business Insider.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskThey reportedly reside in Austin, Texas in a super mansion that boasts eight bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, a tennis court, indoor and outdoor pools.The 33,000-square-foot home is surrounded by a total of 119 acres, and features insane views of Lake Austin.The property is 20 miles from Round Rock, where Dell Technologies is based.Just a few miles away, Dell has another mansion dubbed the 6D ranch.The grounds are used by family and friends for recreational hunting, which allowed Dell to receive a $1million agricultural tax break.Fashion designer Susan Dell married Michael Dell in 1989The Dells called Austin, Texas their homeEast Coast digsNot content with his luxury digs in the Lone Star State, Dell has expanded his property portfolio to the East Coast.In 2014, he paid £100.47million for a Manhattan penthouse on Billionaire’s Row.The purchase made it the city’s most costliest home at the time.Found in One57, a 1,005 feet tower on West 57th Street, it has six bedrooms.There are also multiple smart kitchens built within its 11,000-square-feet.Sitting on top of the Park Hyatt New York, residents can also take advantage of the five-star hotel’s dining and catering services, as well as get a birds-eye view of Central Park.Three years after splashing the cash in the Big Apple, Dell turned his attentions to Boston.He paid £32million for a 7,200 square-foot unit in the exclusive Four Seasons Private Residences One Dalton Street.The tallest residential building in New England, it’s just over an hour away by plane.In 2014, Dell paid £80m for the penthouse in the One57 buildingOverlooking Central Park, Dell’s property purchase was the most costliest in New York at the timeread more sport featuresIncidentally, Dell can get there in his own $50million Gulfstream V jet.Typically, they accommodate 12 passengers and four crew.American billionaire Mark Cuban also owns one, while Steve Jobs was given a Gulfstream V as compensation from Apple in 2000.Holiday homeLike many Americans, Dell loves to take his holidays in the US.For that, he can rely on his astonishing Hawaii compound.Nicknamed the ‘Raptor Residence’ because it looks like something out of Jurassic Park, it’s not known how much he paid for the home,But it is placed on the oceanfront, spanning 4.3 acres in the exclusive gated community of Kukio, found on the Big Island’s Kona Coast.Dell’s next door neighbour is reportedly former Wells Fargo chairman Paul Hazen.READ MORE SUN STORIESRecent reports have suggested that Dell could become a trillionaire by 2033.Expect more lavish property buys, alongside that Everton takeover.Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk
      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
      Everton
      Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
      Sheffield United
      Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
      OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
      Everton (again)
      The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season.

      Dell can travel anywhere in the US he wants in his Gulfstream V jet worth $50mIn 2017, Dell added a 7,200 square-foot unit in the exclusive Four Seasons Private Residences One Dalton Street in Boston to his property porfolio More

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      How hosts Germany can win Euro 2024 – squad, predicted line-up versus Scotland, latest odds and star players

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      GERMANY’S reputation as tournament football’s greatest nation has taken a battering in recent years.At Qatar 2022 the Nationalmannschaft went out at the group stage for the second World Cup in a row, having lost in the last 16 to England at Euro 2020 in between the two.Germany have turned to Julian Nagelsmann after a disappointing few yearsCredit: RexSo when Julian Nagelsmann took over last autumn, expectations were at their lowest for some time.But hosting a big competition brings back happy memories for German fans. They won the 1974 World Cup on home soil, finished third under Jurgen Klinsmann in the game-changing 2006 tournament, and reached the semis of Euro 1988.And there have been recent signs of improvement.read more on the eurosAfter disappointing friendly defeats by Turkey and Austria in November, Germany beat World Cup runners-up France and Qatar quarter finalists Holland in back-to-back games in March.They were Toni Kroos’ first matches back following his decision to return from three years in international retirement.Kroos, 34, brings experience, quality and grit to a midfield that has lacked all three.The backline remains a bit of a concern, however, and Germany’s best form of defence may be attack. Most read in Euro 2024Their impressive options include Florian Wirtz, fresh from helping Bayer Leverkusen win their first Bundesliga title.Germany play Scotland in the opening game of Euro 2024 on 14 June at Munich’s Allianz Arena.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024Manager: Julian NagelsmannBright, young boss and a bit of a maverick. Known for his flashy outfits and arriving for training on a skateboard. Nagelsmann, 36, was appointed as Hansi Flick’s successor in September 2023.His masterstroke was to talk Kroos back into the fold, after the Real Madrid man had retired from international football in 2021.Julian Nagelsmann has brought hope to German fans ahead of Euro 2024Credit: APKey Man: Jamal MusialaStill only 21, Musiala can make things happen out of nothing. Maybe the disappointment of Bayern Munich’s season will spur him on to greatness.The former Chelsea academy star is one of the most creative players on show at Euro 2024.Musiala likes to come in from the right to cause havocLikely line-upNagelsmann has yet to decide on a settled formation. He used a back three against Austria in November, before opting to go four at the back in a defeat to Turkey – with Kai Havertz at left back.Recently however he has gone for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kroos and Robert Andrich in front of the back four, and three attacking midfielders.He can chose between Niclas Fullkrug of Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal star Havertz as lone striker.How Germany could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formationHow they attackGermany will be very structured in their build-up with an emphasis on creating situations that allow them to dominate the ball from the middle of the park.This is generally achieved by the two deepest midfielders who will look to take up positions to support the attack.Toni Kroos drops deeper to take the ball off the defendersAs Germany are building the attack Kroos likes to drop from the midfield back to take the ball off the defence to help with ball progression.When the ball is out on the wing, Germany will look to overload the ball side of the pitch with revolving triangles and passing options to help the player in possession.But this overload creates space on the far side, away from the ball, that can be exploited through a quick cross-field ball.Focussing on one side of the pitch occupies the opposition, which frees up space on the opposite flankThese angles and passing triangles mean that the man in possession will have options to play through.But it also means that the player on the far side is left in acres of space.As Germany attack they have options – pass their way through the congested area of the pitch or to switch the play and attack the space behind the opposition defence.And with the creative talents of Wirtz, Musiala and Ilkay Gundogan in midfield, they have the ability to unpick any opposition.Germany dominate the ball on one side of the pitch with two players on the far side then able to make aggressive off the ball runs to hurt the opposition.How they defendDefensively we will see Germany working hard to protect and shut off the centre of the pitch. Because of their likely structure of play as 4-3-2-1, the two deeper midfielders will hold the base of the defensive shape.The three more attacking midfielders and the striker position themselves in more of a narrow shape to stop the opposition from being able to play through the middle.The Germans stay narrow to limit the options available to the French defence as they try to play from the backBy working in this way to prevent the opposition from playing through the centre of the pitch they are trying to force the opposition either out wide, where they can press against the line, or long where they can win the duel.As Germany force their opposition to pass wide to try to play around the defensive block we will then typically see the Germans press out.The midfielders and the fullback on that side of the pitch look to engage the ball carrier to try to win the ball back high.Once the opposition attack down the wing, the Germans use the touchline as an extra defenderThe passes from the opposition to move the ball will then be immediately pressed as Germany use the touchline as an extra defender to try to regain the ball.Germany have a very proactive and effective form of defending as they look to choke off the pitch in a medium to high defensive block and win the ball back high. Indeed, defending in this way is likely to be one of the most used defensive systems at the tournament as teams try to protect their defensive line at all costs.As the ball is played across to the far side we see Germany quickly break out to try to engage the ball and win possession in the opposition halfPredictionShould Germany win Group A, they’ll face the runners up of England’s Group C.If they get through that last-16 game, the likely opponent are the Group B winners, which many expect will be Spain.Then it’s a potential semi-final against the likes of Portugal, Netherlands, or Slovakia.And the final could pit Germany against the likes of France or England.Latest oddsAs hosts, Germany are the third favourites to win the competition, behind England and France respectively.William Hill price them as 5/1 to lift the Euros in Berlin on July 14.Glam fans and WagsSara Gundogan was one of the stars of Prime Video’s series ‘Married to the Game’, which followed the lives of five football Wags.The Italian model had a highly-successful career as a TV presenter before meeting former Manchester City Gundogan in 2021.She sparked fury when she called the Manchester restaurant scene “horrible” in 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Germany’s lone striker Havertz will be supported by his fiancee Sophia Weber.But with Germany hosting Euro 2024, the squad will be blessed with an army of Wags cheering them on.Sara Gundogan models for Chanel and PradaCredit: Instagram @sarabenamiraShe married Ilkay Gundogan in 2022Credit: Instagram @sarabenamiraThe Italian beauty has been enjoying life since moving to Barcelona last summerCredit: Instagram @sarabenamiraSophia Weber is engaged to Germany and Arsenal striker Kai HavertzCredit: Instagram @sophiaaemeliaSophia Weber has amassed 180,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @sophiaaemeliaHavertz and Weber are high school sweetheartsCredit: INSTAGRAM @sophiaaemeliaGerman left-back David Raum is married to Eva KatharinaCredit: InstagramGlam Eva Katharina boasts an enviable lifestyle of travel and loves shoppingCredit: InstagramEva and Raum like to keep their relationship privateCredit: Instagram @katharina.raumToni Kroos’ wife Jessica will return to watch tournament football after watching her husband win the 2014 World CupCredit: GettyThe couple were married in June 2015 and have three childrenCredit: GettyNina Neuer is married to legendary German goalkeeper Manuel NeuerCredit: GettyNeuer tied the knot with the German beauty in 2017Credit: Splash News More