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      Jude Bellingham tipped to play in shock position for England at Euro 2024 by former Three Lions manager

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      FABIO CAPELLO has watched, managed and screamed at some of the best footballers in the world over the past 30 years.Franco Baresi, Marco van Basten, David Beckham, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Paolo Maldini, Ronaldo and Clarence Seedorf are just some of the legends who have come under his expert guidance.Jude Bellingham received the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year AwardOn Saturday night Bellingham will hope to lead Real Madrid to Champions League gloryCredit: GettyBellingham was watched at training at Wembley by parents Denise and MarkCredit: GettyThe Italian, 77, may have his detractors, particularly for his time in charge of England, but he knows a good player when he sees one.And he has been left mighty impressed by Jude Bellingham’s inaugural season with Real Madrid.The former Three Lions boss gushed: “He is really from a different world!“Because he has quality but also competitive strength. And this is a plus that he brings to the team.”Read more football newsCapello, known as a strict disciplinarian, had two successful spells at the Bernabeu – he won the La Liga title in 1997 and 2007 – and fully understands the pressure, expectation and chaos that surrounds that club.Bellingham wore a hefty price tag when he came over to Spain from Borussia Dortmund last year for £88.5million.Yet the 20-year-old wooed the home crowd by scoring 19 goals in 28 league appearances as Madrid clinched the Championship – excellent numbers for a midfielder.Three of those goals came in three clashes with rivals Barcelona, including a stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory last month in the Spanish capital.Most read in FootballCapello, who also managed AC Milan, Roma and Juventus, said: “Bellingham has surprised me.“Because normally the English have difficulty making an impact in the Spanish or Italian leagues when they’re away from home.England footie star Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is a lads’ mag pin-up in her native Netherlands“Probably because he was coming straight from Germany, Bellingham already understood a bit of the European mentality.“But he really impressed me with his will-to-win and how much he’s loved by Madrid fans.“At El Clásico, he lifted Madrid. There were two or three times when he won the ball by sliding and the whole stadium rose to applaud him.“This means true devotion to the team and being a leader. One can tell a leader by how they behave on the field.”Bellingham can announce him to a worldwide audience if he guides Madrid to Champions League glory on the Wembley turf against his former club on Saturday.Capello reckons the Stourbridge-born star could easily transform into a second striker in the coming years.And in terms of a comparison to someone he has coached in the past, a certain German World Cup-winning captain immediately springs to mind.Capello said: “Bellingham’s position is hybrid. And that’s why it’s difficult to compare him with other players.“But I think of Lothar Matthaus a long time ago, who was more or less like that.“When he’d get close to the penalty area he was good but he wasn’t as good within the penalty area.“And Bellingham – that’s the difference he makes. He’s good both in midfield, as he immediately gets where the match is headed to, and also inside the penalty area.“I think that’s the position he needs to play in. As a second forward.“He can inflict a lot of damage in that position because he has this ability to just penetrate the defence and find the right spots.“And he’s someone who also helps the team out. In my opinion, he can really inflict a lot of damage in that position. As a manager, that’s how I’d use him.”It is 30 years since Capello’s famous AC Milan team crushed Barcelona 4-0 in the Champions League Final in Athens – the pinnacle of his managerial career.His four-year tenure with England was a flop as they were humbled 4–1 by Germany in the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.Since then he has worked closely with the Laureus Foundation, a global sports-based charity that works to improve the lives of young people.He said: “The most important thing, as ambassadors and sportspeople, is we have to help.“We should do it with such great joy, because seeing children, people in need, playing sports and being involved, being united is a beautiful thing.“We are an example to children and young people. And by engaging with them, talking to them and listening to them, they can be a part of this solution.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s impactful and can make a difference, now and in the future.”Fabio Capello was speaking to the Laureus Spirit of Sport in Madrid as Jude Bellingham received the World Breakthrough of the Year AwardFabio Capello saw Bellingham on the red carpet of the Laureus Sports Awards in Madrid last monthCredit: EPA More

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      Fears Fifa want to reduce Premier League to 18 TEAMS as row over Club World Cup rages on and stars threaten to strike

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      FOOTBALL chiefs fear Fifa wants to impose 18-team leagues around the world including the Premier League.The war of words between leagues and player representatives and the governing body is exploding over the planned expanded Club World Cup.There are fears the Premier League could be reduced to 18 teamsCredit: PAThat could see teams that survived the drop last season at risk of relegation if the league is streamlinedCredit: RexBut the big worry for the Prem, Spain’s La Liga and other domestic leagues is that Fifa will try to bring in rules restricting the number of club games in any country by limiting top divisions to 18 clubs and 34 games.La Liga boss Javier Tebas outlined the fears when he said: “If we don’t take action the industry is in danger, right now. Fifa’s solution is just to create new competitions.“But for that to happen and for us to be able to fit these competitions in, we would have to lose two clubs from La Liga.“That would mean we’d have to make 70 players unemployed at those clubs and it would lose thousands of jobs related to those clubs.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We need to fix the current problems before creating new competitions that will destroy the industry, clubs, jobs, the dreams of fans – and football.”Tebas’ comments in London came after Sun Sport reported threats of a boycott over the 32-club tournament due to be played in the USA next summer.PFA chief Maheta Molango then revealed Prem stars had told him they were ready to go on strike rather than play against their will.The Spaniard’s worries are shared by Prem bosses, with a genuine concern that Fifa might wish to mandate a reduction in top flight sizes.Most read in FootballLaLiga boss Javier Tebas has said LaLiga could be forced to reduce to 18 teams and Europe’s top leagues would have to follow suitCredit: AFPAn organisation headed up by Prem Chief Richard Masters are convinced that a decision has been madeCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWorld chiefs have already established a “working group on player welfare” which the World League Association – the umbrella group for major leagues, headed by Prem chief executive Richard Masters – is convinced has already decided on its recommendations.One source said: “We all think that this is the ultimate aim from Fifa, to find a way of making us drop to 18.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskMichail Antonio’s strike should be the wake up call football chiefs need… frazzled stars need a restBy Andrew Dillon

      WHEN highly paid footballers moan about their workload, most people roll their eyes, mutter about having a ‘real job’ then get on with their day.
      But there is something about Michail Antonio’s concerning revelations about his mental health that strike a different chord.
      Charismatic, engaging, outwardly confident and built like a prize bull, surely nothing can touch such a successful athlete with a life most young men dream of?
      So for West Ham’s 67-goal, all-time leading Premier League scorer, a veteran of more than 16 seasons in the game, to admit he has cracked, is a big deal.
      One of the drivers behind the 34-year-old striker’s reluctant advance into therapy is the now relentless football calendar, coupled with the similarly incessant levels of scrutiny.
      Trying to put the ball in the net for a top-flight team is a minor part of the job.
      Simply wondering where your passport is, or feeling secure enough to turn on your phone without receiving 50 gigabytes of abuse, is taking over from the role you have been hired to do.
      Antonio revealed he is now divorced, and what’s behind it is his business.
      But one of his old team-mates, Robert Snodgrass, once told me how he spent an entire season commuting from Essex to Aston Villa while on loan, forcing him to eat at motorway service stations en route.
      His reward for trying to be a good husband and dad by being at home each night?
      To be singled out for putting on weight by then Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini.
      It’s ironic that Jamaica international Antonio chose to air his deepest-held secrets on the High Performance podcast, because his struggle to cope with the “constant” of football has significantly harmed his game.Yes, top footballers are paid vast amounts but are we getting to a situation where that is not really the point?
      The latest cry for help from someone who should be enjoying every waking moment could not be better timed.
      Just 24 hours earlier, Fifa’s announcement that the spectre of the dreaded ‘39th game’ is being revived must send a shudder through every Premier League dressing room.
      To read more from Andrew Dillon, click here.

      “What you can put your money on is the working group saying there is too much domestic football, that we should all go down from 20 clubs to 18 and that the least impact on players comes from international matches.“We wouldn’t be shocked if they have already written their conclusions.”La Liga, the Prem and Italy’s Serie A all have 20 clubs and while Belgium’s Pro League comprises just 16 teams, they all play 10 matches in the end of season play-off stage to add up to 40 games.When the Prem was initially set up as a 22-club division in 1993-94 it was envisaged to go down to 18 eventually but that idea was canned after the reduction to 20 in 1995-96.Fifa declined to respond directly to the claims although senior figures insist the world body has not “directed” leagues to reduce to 18 teams.Sources suggest such a move is not under consideration at the moment and that competitions and national associations have the autonomy to act as they see fit.However, it was pointed out that the majority of major leagues do have fewer than 20 clubs.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. More

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      Jurgen Klopp opens up on new life in £3m Majorca villa but ex-Liverpool boss admits retirement is ‘out of the question’

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      JURGEN KLOPP is slowly but surely getting used to life without football.The German manager is currently unemployed after his nine-year love affair with Liverpool came to an end following the culmination of the 2023-24 season.Jurgen Klopp is a free agent after leaving Liverpool at the end of the seasonCredit: GETTYKlopp will now have plenty of time to spend with his wife Ulla SandrockCredit: REXThe couple are now spending the days at a plush villa in MajorcaCredit: PRP REAL ESTATETheir new digs cost a whopping £3.4millionCredit: PRP REAL ESTATEKlopp, however, won’t be immediately jumping back into a dugout as he plans to take a break from management to spend some time with his wife Ulla Sandrock.But he’ll soon be jumping into a plush pool at his stunning villa in Majorca.The 56-year-old spent £3.4million on the amazing mansion, where he’ll spend his days relaxing after “running out energy” in his final years at Anfield.He told BILD: “I’ve dreamed of having a house in the south all my life.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I like the weather, the climate, I like the people.”There are lots of things I like here and also people I already know. It’s not like I’m looking for new friends.”I already have friends for life, and if some of them are here too, that’s cool.”As much as he loves the Balearic island, Klopp won’t permanently up sticks to the Spanish hotspot.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKlopp’s stunning new home is spectacular, to say the leastCredit: PRP REAL ESTATE”I don’t want to emigrate,” he revealed. “We go on holiday here every now and then.”But when I’m here, I want everything to be as I know it.Ex Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp dances with club legend John Barnes”That’s totally boring but the point is that I want to get to know a different life, but not somewhere in the jungle or on the mountain.”Part of the attraction of having a home away from home in Majorca for Klopp was the facilities in place for when he eventually calls it a day.He admitted: “We’re getting older and the medical care here is great.”There are many German doctors and I would like to be able to understand every word, how I feel and so on, when the problems become bigger.”Although he admits he’s no longer a spring chicken, retirement couldn’t be any further from Klopp’s mind.He said: “It’s out of the question that I’ll stop working altogether.”But I don’t see myself continuing at the same pace as before at the moment.”Klopp has botched his Liverpool exit… and it’s cost him his legacy, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s final major trophy haul at Liverpool — one Champions League, one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups and (if you must) a World Club Cup.
      But where does his reign stand among the greatest of the Premier League era?
      In black-and-white terms, Klopp is way behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier Leagues and a Champions League at the same club.
      Those two sit alongside Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby as the undoubted all-time managerial greats of the English game.
      But Klopp ranks in the next tier down — with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
      These were all men with the strength of character to transform their clubs in their own image and enjoy success but who did not win as much as they might have done.
      Had Klopp managed to keep his intentions under wraps and ended up with another title, perhaps even a treble or quadruple, he’d have edged himself up into that highest echelon with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
      But deciding the timing and the manner of your exit is one of the toughest calls for any manager or sportsman.
      Klopp got it wrong.
      Read Dave Kidd’s take on Klopp’s demise in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

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      in Soccer

      Marco Reus wanted career as a PILOT and was inspired by Arsenal cult hero as Borussia Dortmund legend eyes fairytale end

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      MARCO REUS is getting ready to play the final big game of his career when he steps out at Wembley on Saturday.The Borussia Dortmund legend will bid farewell to his boyhood club in what promises to be an emotional night.Marco Reus is bidding farewell to Borussia DortmundCredit: APHis final game is the Champions League final at Wembley – 11 years on from heartache in the same matchCredit: GettyReus lifted two DFB-Pokals but never the BundesligaCredit: GettyAnd very few outside the Real Madrid fanbase could begrudge him bowing out in style.Even former team-mate Jude Bellingham, one of the men trying to stop him, would deep down be delighted for Reus. For a win in the Champions League final the day after his 35th birthday would be the crowning moment for Dortmund’s local-boy-done-good – and one who has endured his fair share of heartache over the years.Make no mistake about it, Reus is a living legend in the German city. READ MORE ON MARCO REUSHe secured that status a long time ago – thanks to a mutual love, connection and loyalty between the player, the club, the fans and the city. But the adoration has been clear to see in recent weeks during Reus’ goodbye.He announced earlier this month that his expiring contract would not be renewed so after 12 years back at Signal Iduna Park, the popular star is leaving at the end of the season.Reus received a resounding reception as he was subbed off late on in Dortmund’s final home game of the season – a 4-0 thrashing of Darmstadt.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club legend marked his departure with his 170th goal for the club – second on the all-time club list – after treating all 81,000 fans to a free beer, accompanied with hand-written notes in the concourse reading: “Thanks for everything! The farewell beer is on me. Yours, Marco.”After blowing kisses to the partizan crowd, including the iconic Yellow Wall, he was given a guard of honour by his team-mates who sent him off in style. Watch emotional moment Marco Reus says goodbye to Dortmund as stadium and players all give him incredible send-offJadon Sancho, back on loan at Dortmund from Manchester United, said: “He’s the GOAT, the legend, he is him… love you Marco.” And that leaves one final game in the famous yellow and black… the biggest one of all against the 14-time European champions. And it presents Reus with the chance to secure the most significant trophy of his career. BAYERN’S BRILLIANCERemarkably, he has been limited to just two DFB-Pokals and three German Supercups – with no Bundesliga title or Champions League crown… yet.Borussia Dortmund finished second to Bayern Munich in seven of Reus’ 12 seasons – with both the 2018-19 and 2022-23 seasons going down to the final day.In 2023, Edin Terzic’s side came within a whisker of ending their long wait to be national champions.Reus scored in his final home game for DortmundCredit: GettyFormer team-mate Jude Bellingham will try and deny Reus the dream finaleCredit: GettyKnowing a win at home to Mainz would be enough to secure the title, they could only manage a 2-2 draw allowing Bayern to pip them thanks to Jamal Musiala’s 89th-minute winner.Then there was the 2013 Champions League final as Dortmund lost to their bitter rivals at Wembley.Oh how sweet it would be for Reus to bury those demons for good against Los Blancos on the very same pitch 11 years later.INTERNATIONAL HEARTACHEBut while his Dortmund career has been a series of near misses, for superstitious Reus – who always puts his right sock, shin pad and boot on first but steps on to the pitch with his left – his international one is more about sheer bad luck.His superb 2011-12 form not only earned him Bundesliga Player of the Season and his move back to Borussia Dortmund from Borussia Monchengladbach – six years after he was released by Dortmund aged 16 for being too small.But it also earned him a spot in Joachim Low’s Euro 2012 squad, scoring in the 4-2 quarter-final win over Greece.Two years later, he looked on course to be a key man at the 2014 World Cup.However, heartbreakingly, Reus injured his ankle in a 6-1 warm-up friendly win over Armenia on June 6, just seven days before Germany’s opening game in Brazil. It forced him to withdraw from the squad and he watched on from home as best-mate Mario Gotze scored the dramatic extra-time winner in the final – before holding up a ‘Reus 21’ Germany shirt on the pitch amid the trophy celebrations.Reus injured his ankle against Armenia a week before the 2014 World CupCredit: AFPMario Gotze paid tribute to his close friend after his heroics in BrazilCredit: X @woodyinhoThe forward got his one and only World Cup goal in 2018 against SwedenCredit: GettyThen to make matters worse, Reus suffered a groin problem just before Euro 2016 so missed that tournament, too.He was fit to play at the 2018 World Cup – grabbing a goal and an assist in the 2-1 win over Sweden – but it was a nightmare tournament for the defending champions who were booted out in the group stages.Reus needed time for his body to recover from another injury-hit campaign and that saw him left out of the delayed Euro 2020 then an ankle problem ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup in further devastation. WOODY YOU BELIEVE ITIronically, that solo World Cup goal means Reus has one more than the man he was named after: Marco van Basten.Born in May 1989, Thomas and Manuela Reus were planning to call their baby son Dennis – but Dutchman Van Basten’s sensational volley in the Euro 1988 final convinced them otherwise. But Marco is not his only name with a story behind it. Plenty of his friends dub him Woody – after Woody Woodpecker thanks to his spikey hair – while Prince of Dortmund is another of his nicknames. DORT-MAN OF THE PEOPLEBorn in the city in western Germany and a stalwart for their football club, Reus is a hero in Dortmund.He has only added to his glowing reputation by regularly visiting children in the city’s hospitals, donating the profits of his own MRXI clothing brand to charity and donating a staggering €500,000 to local small businesses during Covid to help keep them afloat. Reus is cheered on by his doting wife Scarlett GartmannCredit: Getty – ContributorMarco and Scarlett married in 2019Credit: GettyScarlett is a glamorous supermodelCredit: Instagram @scarlettgartmannShe has racked up more than 273,000 followersCredit: Instagram @scarlettgartmannGartmann was in Russia in 2018 with the Germany Wags to cheer on her then-boyfriendCredit: Getty – ContributorHe did that alongside his stunning supermodel wife and YouTuber Scarlett Gartmann.The couple got together in 2015 and married in 2019 – the same year they welcomed their first child before No2 came along in January 2024. Glamorous Scarlett has modelled for various big-name brands including car manufacturers Hyundai and Volkswagen.But away from her work, she adores horses and regularly posts on Instagram to her 273,000 followers videos of her riding or tending to the animals – as well as workout videos, photoshoots, holiday snaps and dog content. Reus remains close to his parents and siblings – literally.TATT’S AMAZINGThat is because he has each of their initials tattooed on his arm – just four of the various inkings across his body.Just in case he forgets, Reus has “Marco 31.05.1989” as well as various illustrations including a lion, a flower and half a clock.Scarlett loves horse riding and is often in the saddleCredit: Instagram @scarlettgartmannShe posts plenty of content with their dogCredit: Instagram @scarlettgartmannThe couple keep their children’s faces private on social mediaCredit: Instagram @marcinho11They gave €500,000 to local small businesses in Dortmund during CovidCredit: Instagram @marcinho11He also has Opray Winfrey’s quote “the biggest adventure you can take is to live out your dreams” permanently etched on his skin.Asked about the artwork, Reus said: “I just love tattoos and I have a good tattoo artist. There’ll probably be some more in the future. It might even become an obsession.”A DIFFERENT FLIGHT PATH?However, Reus’ life could all have turned out very differently indeed had he pursued his first passion.Because before he wanted to become a footballer, young Marco dreamed of being a pilot.He told Bild in 2012: “I’ve been fascinated by flying since my early childhood.“Back then I always wanted to become a pilot. I loved flying as a child and still do today.”CZECH HIM OUTInstead, though, the flying forward soared in the Dortmund academy – taking flight through the age groups, inspired by a certain Czech midfielder who went on to star for Arsenal.Reus explained: “My idol was always Tomas Rosicky. “He used to be phenomenal. He had such a good eye for an opening and knew where his teammates were, and he was so quick.Reus has a load of tattoos including his name and date of birth on his left armCredit: GettyReus shone at Rot Weiss Ahlen and Borussia Monchengladbach before his Dortmund returnCredit: AP:Associated PressReus partially tore his cruciate ligament in 2017Credit: Instagram @marcinho11A young Reus idolised Tomas Rosicky and was desperate to emulate the Czech aceCredit: EPA“Rosicky had great technique and was so intelligent and mature even though he was still young at Dortmund. I copied everything about him, right down to his sweatbands.”Both Rosicky and Reus left Dortmund in 2006 in very different circumstances – Arsene Wenger snapped up the former while the latter headed to Rot Weiss Ahlen’s second team.BORUSSIA GLAD-TO-BE-BACHBut his strong performances quickly saw him promoted to the first team and then in 2009, Reus signed for Monchengladbach and three years later made his homecoming.The past 12 years have seen plenty of accolades including two further Bundesliga Player of the Year awards, two German Footballer of the Year gongs and a place in the Champions League Team of the Season. He was the third player to reach 100 goals and 100 assists in Germany’s top flight and captained Dortmund for five years, forging a special bond with plenty of team-mates over the years marked by his famous custom handshakes.Reus even beat the likes of Eden Hazard, James Rodriguez and Anthony Martial to be the face of EA Sports’ FIFA 17 cover.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut would the self-confessed Justin Bieber superfan trade that all in for the chance to lead Borussia Dortmund, his beloved Borussia Dortmund, to Champions League glory in his 429th and final appearance?What do you mean? Of course he would. He has been named Bundesliga Player of the Season three timesCredit: AFPInjuries have plagued the star’s careerCredit: REUTERS/Michael DalderReus played with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Erling Haaland and Robert LewandowskiCredit: Getty – PoolJadon Sancho declared his love for Reus and labelled his team-mate as the ‘GOAT’Credit: EPAReus was the cover star for FIFA 17The Dortmund fans showed their appreciation for a true club legendCredit: GettyReus was given a wonderful send off with a guard of honour in his final home gameCredit: Getty More

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      We had 5 hours of hell as Siena had life-saving op…but she’s fixed now. She’s our heart warrior, says Jack Wilshere

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      FORMER Arsenal and England star Jack Wilshere suffered “five hours of hell” as his five-year-old daughter Siena had life-saving cardiac surgery.And he said he had been “100 per cent” sure she would die during the operation to fix a hole in her heart in February.Retired football star Jack Wilshere suffered ‘five hours of hell’ as his five-year-old daughter Siena had life-saving cardiac surgery, pictured with wife Andriani, leftCredit: Eleven Miles.Siena had a rare kind of heart issue which required swift actionCredit: Eleven Miles.Jack, 32, also recalled how he and his wife Andriani spent 45 minutes crying as they were gripped by the fear of losing her.Only a month earlier, doctors had told the father-of-four that Siena — his second-youngest child — had the heart condition.While it can be fatal, it often does not need surgery — but Siena had a rare kind which required swift action.Arsenal ace Jack, who played 34 times for his country, told The Sun how he lost almost a stone due to stress during the month between her diagnosis and the surgery.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEven worse was the moment when Siena, now six, was given an anaesthetic just before the op began.He said: “When I took Siena down to the surgery I had to drag my wife out of the anaesthetic room and we went to a room upstairs and we were just crying, both of us, for about 45 minutes.Heart murmur“It was five hours from hell, waiting for the phone to ring. It was a blur.”Jack and Andriani have now become ambassadors for the British Heart ­Foundation, and he praises the charity’s work in helping to keep poorly children like their daughter alive.Most read in FootballHe also hopes to alert other parents to the signs of heart problems.In Siena’s case the early symptoms for a congenital heart defect, which means it was present from birth, were not ­obvious.Four Arsenal stars confronted Arsene Wenger after huge stars sold to bitter rivals, reveals Jack Wilshere Jack said: “She was probably a bit more out of breath than her friends when she was on a trampoline, and chest infections hung around for longer.”Medics thought it may be due to asthma, because Andriani had ­it as a child.But it took two years for the real cause to be discovered, during a family holiday in Cyprus, where many of Andriani’s relatives live.Jack said: “My kids got ill — nothing serious — ear infections. The doctor listened to her heart and said, ‘I don’t want to worry you, but I can hear a bit of a murmur in her heart’, and said, ‘You should get it checked when you get back to the UK’.“That doctor saved my daughter’s life.”A cardiologist carried out a series of tests on Siena, and days later, rang Jack, who coaches Arsenal’s under-18s, just as he was about to go away with his squad.He recalled: “At the time I found out I was with my assistant.“I was at the training ground and I virtually broke down in his arms when I told him. All my staff were brilliant.”The hole in Siena’s heart was so serious that surgery was arranged for just a month later.Tests had revealed the gap in the muscle wall between the lower ­chambers of her heart meant it had to work much harder, which is why she was so out of breath.A tearful Andriani, 33, said: “I remember just falling to the floor and crying, I just couldn’t believe the news. It was shocking.”Siena after the life-saving February operationCredit: BBC SportOnly 40 per cent of people born with a heart defect need heart surgery.Often the issues are spotted while the child is in the womb.But the worst cases carry the chance of sudden death, and it is necessary to carry out the operations while patients are still young.Siena had a rare condition in which, Jack said, her veins had rerouted because they were leaking into her lungs.The wait for the day when she would be “fixed” was almost impossible for the doting dad to bear.And there was also the fear of his daughter undergoing a precarious operation.He said: “I remember the date she got diagnosed — the 27th of January — and she eventually had the surgery on the 27th of February, and that whole month I lost six kilos.Bag of nerves“I can’t even remember it, it was so stressful, because obviously there were risks involved in the surgery.”There was a one per cent chance she wouldn’t wake up.”His wife was equally anxious.Andriani said: “The night before, we were a bag of nerves. I remember having this feeling in the pit of my stomach.”A team of medics had to close the defect in Siena’s heart, which could have caused sudden death.She had surgery on Monday and we were back home on Friday. She was laughing, she’s really bubbly, she loves lifeJack WilshireAfter crying with his wife, Jack went for a coffee with his parents and took a walk around the block.Thankfully, they got the message that Siena had pulled through.Andriani recalled: “When we went down to the intensive care unit, it was all such a blur.“I heard Siena cry and it was then that I knew she was going to be OK.”Jack is in awe of the way his brave daughter had dealt with the terrible ordeal.He said: “I have been through surgery. I had a lot of injuries as a player, and it took me ages to recover.“She had the surgery on the Monday and we were back at home on the Friday and she was laughing.“She’s really bubbly, she loves life. It’s great to have her fixed.”And he added: “We call her our heart warrior. The bravery and strength she’s shown has been incredible.”Three months on, it seems that Siena is making a good recovery.Jack said: “The surgery has made all the difference and she has so much energy now.”Up against itThe breathlessness and coughing fits have relented.The couple are far from alone, because every day 13 babies in Britain are diagnosed with congenital heart disease.It was the British Heart Foundation which helped Jack and Andriani to understand what they were up against.Andriani said: “We didn’t know anything about congenital heart conditions and never thought our daughter would ever require open- heart surgery.“Turning to the BHF made us feel less alone and gave us the answers and support we needed.”The charity has been funding research into heart conditions for more than 60 years and put £99million into the field during 2022-2023.Wilshere and partner Andriani have become ambassadors for the British Heart FoundationCredit: BBC SportProud dad Jack says: ‘We call her our heart warrior’Credit: Eleven Miles.Jack said: “We’re supporting the British Heart Foundation because without life-saving research keeping children’s hearts beating, we might not have Siena here with us today.”It is not the first time the star has faced a health crisis with one of his children.His eldest son, Archie, 12, from his relationship with Lauren Neal, often had to be rushed to hospital in the middle of the night, suffering from seizures.Under controlJack, who also has daughter ­Delilah, ten, with Lauren and a four-year-old son, Jack Junior with Andriani, said in 2019: “My wife and I would sit up most nights because most of the seizures were happening at night.”Fortunately, doctors got the ­condition under control.Now Jack’s aim as a British Heart Foundation ambassador is to raise awareness of the charity’s important work and to encourage people to have any problems or concerns properly assessed.Many adults don’t even know they have a hole in the heart.Jack said: “There are people ­suffering cardiac arrests who have gone undiagnosed.”And he added: “You know your child better than anyone. If you think something isn’t quite right, don’t take no for an answer.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It is the most common defect you can be born with.”
      To donate £5 please text FIVE to 70507 and help British Heart Foundation fund more life-saving research.
      Jack played 34 times for EnglandCredit: Getty More

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      Welcome to Mount Wank: Inside the German town where Scotland are staying & locals are backing Tartan Army at the Euros

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      THE whole country will be hoping the Scotland National Team will have a pleasurable experience when they head for Wank.If ever there was a place for the players to enjoy some me-time in peace and quiet, it’s in this little corner of Germany.Colan with Mayor, Elisabeth Kochat, at the top of Mount WankYou can take a cable car up Mount WankThere are stunning views over Garmisch-PartenkirchenSteve Clarke and his side will actually be based in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a 30,000 population resort town at the base of Mount Wank.The team will train in seclusion surrounded by snowcapped mountains at their Bavarian base.But the holiday spot for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking is far from a tourist trap. The region is most famous for its stunning scenery, especially when your vantage point is thousands of feet in the air.Visitors begin their journey at Wankstüberl, a fun-filled eatery next to the Wankbahn, a cable car system that lifts you 5,840 feet to the summit.Once you’ve reached the ride’s climax, it would be rude not to enjoy a wiener at Wank-Haus, the perfect bar and restaurant for a pint and plate of Bavarian Cuisine.The views of the Loisach valley, close to the Austrian border, rival anywhere else on the planet.Just 55 miles from Munich, around 200 miles from Milan and 175 miles from Switzerland’s Bern, there’s a real edge-of-the-world feel to the frozen terrain.But Elisabeth Koch, 61, the mayor of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, reckons the Scotland side will be at home in her stunning ski town.Most read in Euro 2024There will be a special public screening of the first game against Germany with hundreds of supporters expected to gather.She said: “We are doing a lot for the players, fans and tourists. We have two traditional bands who will play together for a very warm welcome.“The best team should win, whether it’s Scotland or Germany. Two hearts are beating in my chest.“But Steve Clarke told me he expected to win.”The national team are staying at the plush Obermuhle Hotel, a 250 euro a night spa resort with a history dating back to 1634.The stunning streets of the German villageThe side will stay at the plush Hotel ObermuhleManagement are clearly excited to welcome the team as they prepare for the country’s first foreign showpiece tournament in 26 years.But they’ve promised to keep the ball on the deck as the Tartan Army pins its hopes on their footie heroes.The same can’t be said for any fans who decide to follow the side to Wank.There’s a plethora of watering holes across the town where visitors can embrace traditional Bavarian culture complete with shoe flats, yodels and schnitzel. There’s also a handful of ex-pats ready to reclaim their national pride partying the night away.John Gourlay, 63, from Maryhill in Glasgow, is restaurant manager at Hotel Rheinischer Hof and has been waiting for a moment like this since emigrating 40 years ago.John has stayed in town for almost 40 yearsHe said: “This is the biggest event I’ve ever experienced here.“I wanted to offer to be a translator because they’ll have Americans doing it who won’t know what the Scottish people are talking about.”John added: “The biggest qualification success was beating Spain, that was a real highlight for me with my wife being Spanish. My son Tom sticks with his dad. He supports Scotland. I’m looking forward to the Tartan Army coming over, with kilts, bagpipes and hopefully some black pudding for me too.”Iain McNab, 84, lives in one of the town’s grandest homes after moving 30 years ago.Iain’s family are all backing ScotlandThe pensioner, from Uddingston, Glasgow, said: “It was an unbelievable surprise to have the Scotland national team choose us as a base.“Hopefully the fans come and it’s good for Garmisch-Partenkirchen.“My wife is German but supports Scotland and so do my children. I’m very patriotic.”Meanwhile, Andrew Syme, 51, swapped Aberdeen for the Austrian border at the age of 18 and ran his own restaurant for years.Andrew says there’s a buzz about the team comingNow he’s part of the team that looks after the dining scene surrounding Wank and hopes to welcome lots of his compatriots.He said: “Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a nice town and it’s not too big, if you walk through town you need to account for an extra ten minutes because you bump into people you know.“I’m so excited about Scotland coming. I think this will be our tournament and we will get to the next stage. I can’t walk through town without being asked by locals how many fans are coming and what they are like.“I hope lots of fans come. It’s a beautiful place only an hour away from Munich so is a great base.“It’s got that small-town feel but still with tourists and a lot happening, there’s always sporting events and beer tents and markets.”And if the Tartan Army are worried about laughing at the name Wank, they won’t be alone.John joked: “I still laugh at Wank more than 40 years later.“There’s going to be so many photos that fans get with signs that say Wank.”IF Scots want a taste of home, local whisky connoisseur Alexander Rhein is ready to host guests at The Dram Shop.
      He’s rooting for his second favourite nation to succeed in his homeland and reckons tourists will feel right at home having a tipple in such a traditional town.
      The expert, 63, below, said: “I am particularly pleased that the Scottish national team will be our guests in Garmisch for three weeks and that many Scots will be travelling with them.
      “The opening match between Scotland and Germany is of course the crowning glory. We won’t be stingy with the saltire in the store and will have a really delicious Bavarian whisky ready for our visitors.
      “We have had a cask bottled exclusively for our store at the Ardnamurchan distillery. The label documents the opening game between Scotland and Germany.
      “In addition, we will be holding a special tasting of six Ardnamurchan bottlings in a Bavarian pub.”
      Alexander, who usually roots for Italy due it being his wife’s homeland, added: “Since Scotland is also playing in the European Championship this year, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a big success. I think I would be very happy about Scotland beating Germany 2-1.”

      Meanwhile, Andrew quipped: “When I came here at 18 my friend and I had a real chuckle about that.“There’s stickers saying ‘I love Wank’ and they do quite well.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSo I’m proud to be a Wank convert after such a wonderful time in Garmisch. Just remember, the letter W is pronounced like a V in Germany. A tiny change that can make a massive difference.Remember, the letter W is pronounced like a V in GermanyThere’s some brilliant merch available More

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      I faced Jude Bellingham on his debut, we were warned about him but after 5 minutes I’d seen enough – he was exceptional

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      FORMER Portsmouth player GARETH EVANS had the perfect view of Jude Bellingham’s pro debut as a 16-year-old kid for Birmingham.Here, Evans, now 36, exclusively tells SunSport what he witnessed on that August day in 2019…Jude Bellingham has impressed his opponents since day oneCredit: GettyThe Real Madrid star has enjoyed a meteoric rise to reach the Champions League finalCredit: GettyI had never known there to be such a fuss about a player who had not played a minute of professional football before.We were preparing for a Carabao Cup first-round game and there was a deafening buzz surrounding some 16-year-old lad that was making his first appearance for Birmingham City that night.“He’s quick, agile, has lightning-fast feet and he can pick a pass”, I remember was the memo in our team talk from boss Kenny Jackett.I thought it was all a bit over the top but given that I was on the bench I had the perfect view of what this kid was all about.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter five minutes I’d seen enough.His name? Jude Bellingham.You could just tell that he was going to be exceptional, albeit nobody could have predicted what he would go on to achieve.I remember being amazed at his ability to turn with the ball and cruise past players like they weren’t there.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis was a lad that hadn’t played a minute of pro football before and in a few instances, he made established EFL players look like the teenagers.He was on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat that night at Portsmouth but all our lads talked about after the game was the No 22 in midfield.Roberto Carlos says Jude Belingham is as good as Zinedine ZidaneNobody could quite believe how young he was, his confidence on the ball was that of a player in his prime.Everybody was raving about him and rightly so. Ben Close played against Bellingham in midfield that night and scored a 25-yard volley that the Jude of today would be very proud of.Close recalled: “We’d heard that he was highly-rated but I was happy to be playing against a 16-year-old. I thought he would be nervous as the game was on TV as well.”Midfielder Close, now 27, was impressed with his ability to carry the ball as well — but it was his attitude that shone through most of all.He added: “I didn’t expect him to be so quick and sharp.“It was his belief and confidence though that stood out for me. He showed no signs of nerves or fear which is very rare.”His shirt number was retired by Birmingham at the end of that debut season as Borussia Dortmund paid £30m for him.That’s how good he is. Nothing seems to faze him.Could he cut it in the Bundesliga at the age of just 17? No problem.He was a mainstay in midfield for three years and was voted Bundesliga player of the year.His performances were nothing short of astounding and that led to Real Madrid paying £85.5m for him last summer, rising to a possible £115m.Questions were asked on whether he could cut it at the Spanish giants as the pressure mounted.But he has just won LaLiga by TEN POINTS in his first season and after scoring 19 times was yesterday voted player of the season in the Spanish top-flight.He is also playing the Champions League final on Saturday against his old team Dortmund. Just remarkable. His maturity on the pitch is there for all to see.His trademark celebration has been copied by his peers and kids alike all around the world.To go to Real Madrid and have Zinedine Zidane’s famous No 5 on his back takes a huge amount of confidence and courage.But it is not just his character on the pitch that has impressed the football world so much but his personality off it as well.He comes across so level-headed and down-to-earth. It’s hard to imagine the pressure that he is under playing for the biggest club in the world and on the biggest stage but no one would ever know. Rio Ferdinand recently interviewed Jude and said that he’s the kind of lad that you want your daughter to bring home. Compliment indeed.I played against Dele Alli when he broke through at MK Dons and I remember thinking that he would go on to big things which he did for a time.But Bellingham is something else.He has gone on to take over the world of football and I feel privileged to have witnessed Jude play his first game of professional football.I’m disappointed now that I didn’t get on to share the pitch with him that night at Fratton Park.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the flair, the charisma and the confidence will be there for everyone to see at Wembley.Don’t be surprised if you see his celebration as well. More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd cult hero who saved Sir Alex Ferguson from sack told his tragic story in lost tapes found years after his death

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      LES SEALEY helped save Sir Alex Ferguson from the Manchester United sack.But it came at a cost when a shocking Wembley injury nearly proved fatal.Les Sealey came in for the FA Cup final replay to beat Crystal PalaceCredit: Action ImagesSealey tragically died aged 43 in 2001 following a heart attackCredit: RexSealey got into a furious row with the United physio after suffering a horror knee injuryCredit: RexNow his story has been unearthed thanks to lost tapes found 23 years after his death.Sealey joined United on loan from Luton in 1990 and had played just twice under Ferguson – with Jim Leighton the clear No1.However, Fergie decided to drop his Scottish compatriot for the FA Cup final replay after he shipped three in the initial 3-3 draw.Ferguson said: “Sealey was cocky and sometimes downright arrogant, so I did not foresee a failure of his nerve at Wembley.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDThat decision permanently wrecked Leighton’s relationship with the boss but proved to be a smart call as United ran out 1-0 winners, in turn landing Ferguson his long-awaited first trophy since taking over at Old Trafford in 1986. His heroics earned Sealey a permanent transfer to Manchester United and he became first choice in 1991.But another Wembley appearance 11 months later would change his life forever. United faced Sheffield Wednesday – led by captain Nigel Pearson – in the 1991 League Cup final.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJohn Sheridan gave the Owls a half-time lead but it was an incident in the 78th minute that had a far greater impact.Sealey was caught in a challenge with Wednesday striker Paul Williams which “sliced right through to the bone” of his knee.Fans say ‘this man breathes Man Utd’ as emotional footage of Sir Alex Ferguson at full-time of FA Cup win emergesHe revealed: “You could actually see the workings of my knee inside the skin.”The animated shot-stopper got into a furious row on the pitch with the United physio, as skipper Bryan Robson tried to calm him down, while blood poured from the joint.Incredibly, though, Sealey CARRIED ON – because there was no sub goalkeeper on Fergie’s two-man bench to call upon and replace him.He was treated after full-time but his condition deteriorated on his way to hospital as an ambulance was called.And that quick intervention may have saved his life.Sealey went under the knife but woke up in the early hours of the morning and recalled in the tapes dug out by his family: “I always remember him saying, ‘Who’s a lucky boy then?’”But it then transpired that the wound had been stitched up with dirt inside and subsequently got infected.Any further delay getting to hospital could have been life-changing – by virtue of needing his leg amputating – or even life-ending if he contracted blood poisoning.The FA Cup success was Sir Alex Ferguson’s first trophy as United bossCredit: AlamySealey started in the European Cup Winners’ Cup 24 days after his horror injuryCredit: GettyWithin 24 DAYS, though, Sealey made a dramatic and extraordinary comeback and started in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final against Barcelona in Rotterdam – with Leighton exiled by Fergie.So the East Ender began between the sticks despite no training sessions and not “handling a ball” since his Wembley ordeal.Mark Hughes scored twice for United in the second half before Ronald Koeman curled home a free-kick 11 minutes from time – but the Red Devils held on for Ferguson’s second major honour. On Koeman’s free-kick, Sealey said in his memoirs: “I’d have saved it with my nose if I’d have been fit, but I just couldn’t get across the goal.”The pair were reunited after the game when they were called in by drugs testers and Koeman saw the extent of the damage to the goalkeeper’s knee, prompting a “total look of amazement” from the Dutchman. Another voice recording from Sealey said: “He just said to me, ‘Les, I don’t know how you played with it.’”A cult hero at Old Trafford, then-33-year-old Sealey rejected a one-year contract extension because he wanted two more years and ending up leaving United for Aston Villa at the end of the 1990-91 season.Two years later, though, he returned as Peter Schmeichel’s understudy and was drafted into the starting XI for the 1994 League Cup final against Villa as the Great Dane served his red-card suspension. Jim Leighton on FA Cup final snub
      SIR ALEX FERGUSON ditched his regular No1, Jim Leighton, for the FA Cup final replay in 1990.
      Leighton was in goal for the 3-3 draw at Wembley – but was ditched for loanee Les Sealey for the replay.
      It was a big call – but one that proved to be the right call as Ferguson ended his long wait for his first United silverware.
      But it came at the cost of his relationship with Leighton.
      The former goalkeeper told the BBC in 2018: “It got pretty frosty over the period, sort of about the last six months I was in the team.
      “And then it went to zero about a couple of weeks after the final.
      “And we’ve never spoke since and never will do again.”
      Asked why, he said: “I didn’t like a lot of the things that he said and he done.”
      Ferguson later explained: “Sealey was cocky and sometimes downright arrogant, so I did not foresee a failure of his nerve at Wembley.”

      It turned out to be his final United appearance – meaning three of his last four United games were cup finals – and again ended up on the losing side, just like three years earlier.Sealey had stints with Blackpool, West Ham and Leyton Orient but continued to be plagued by his knee never fully recovering – even revealing in his tapes he visited a faith healer recommended by his United team-mate Robson.The goalkeeper said: “Robson swears blind that he had a small, hairline fracture on his shinbone.“She’d put her hands on his shinbone and he had an X-ray the following day and the fracture had gone.” He added that it felt “like a red-hot iron” when she touched his knee. Fittingly, Sealey made the last appearance of his career for the Hammers away at United on the final day of the 1996-97 season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was kept on the West Ham playing squad all the way until 1999-2000, by which time he was working as a goalkeeper coach for the club. And Sealey remained in that role until his tragic death in August 2001, passing away following a heart attack aged just 43. Sealey collided with Wednesday striker Paul WilliamsCredit: YOUTUBE / officialswfcBryan Robson tried to calm the goalkeeper downCredit: YOUTUBE / officialswfcBlood was pouring out of the gash and he could see the boneCredit: YOUTUBE / officialswfcSealey somehow carried on to play the remaining 12 minutesCredit: YOUTUBE / officialswfcSealey, pictured with Shaka Hislop, was still coaching at West Ham when he diedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More