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      Thank you England for reminding a bruised, battered, self-doubting nation, reeling from years of division of who we are

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      IT is not coming home because it is here already – a national mood of euphoria, optimism and hope.“The best feeling — ever!” gasped Ollie Watkins, describing the moment he saw the ball bobbing in the back of the Dutch net with 91 minutes on the clock in the semi-final of the Euros.England have reminded the nation of who we are in their run to the Euro 2024 finalCredit: GettyFans around the country have been brought together by Gareth Southgate and his never-say-die teamCredit: AFPWe know the feeling, Ollie.Because Gareth Southgate and the beautiful boys of ­summer have lifted the mood of this country.In less than a month, they have given us a reason to believe.In England. In our country. In ourselves.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd tonight there is now the very good chance that England’s men will win their first football trophy for 58 years.Tonight we can fulfil our footballing destiny.Tonight those three little words — it’s coming home! — will lose their wistful sense of plaintive longing and become glorious reality.Tonight there will be — I have always believed — a ­national reset.Most read in Euro 2024That would be joy unbound, for sure — but there is more.To be a fan of the national team of our national game is to carry with you a sense of ­fatalism.Honey the eagle predicts the result of the Euro 2024 finalAnd it does not matter if you are aged eight or 80.That nagging doubt about England is true of children whose first tournament saw England stumble at the last hurdle against Italy in the Euros final three years ago.Incredible squadAnd it is true of the first generation to sing “Football’s Coming Home” in 1996 — all those Oasis-loving lads who are now settling into middle age.And it is true of those of us who remember the boys of summer in 1966.That golden July day — undoubtedly the highlight of my childhood — has been ­followed by 58 years of failure.Until now.I took the job to try to improve English footballGareth SouthgateUntil Gareth Southgate and his incredible squad ripped up the rule book.“I took the job to try to improve English football,” Southgate said in his calm, quiet way after the semi-final against the Dutch.Can anyone doubt him? He is, without question, the ­greatest England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey. And the most beloved.And the flak he has received in Germany has been unforgivable.This quiet, decent and successful England manager has been booed, had beer chucked at him, and been torn apart by all those players- turned-pundits who are labouring under the delusion that THEY are still the big story.But no — it is Gareth ­Southgate’s world today.England are off to face Spain in Berlin’s Olympic stadium tonight — tonight! — for their second successive Euros final, and their first on foreign soil.Already this squad are ­history boys.Already they have taken us to somewhere we have never been before.Tonight they step over the line, and into sporting immortality.Some of the criticism aimed at Gareth has been inevitable.This is a man of caution, and loyalty, and reflection. But his substitutions work.Southgate is a winnerAnd — as Ollie Watkins proved as he stepped into ­history — they work brilliantly.Gareth Southgate gets far more criticism than he deserves because he is totally unlike the image of a Premier League manager that we see week in, week out — apoplectic with rage, eyes ­bulging with outrage, teeth bared with fury that a throw-in went the wrong way.That is not Southgate. He is too much the typical reticent Englishman to act like that.But this quiet, decent man is a winner — never doubt it for a second.And, yes, he is loved — loved in a way that cold, distant Sir Alf was never loved.Other England managers — Bobby Robson, Terry “El Tel” Venables — were liked, and even revered.But Gareth Southgate is on a different level.Tonight he seals his place in the pantheon of great British icons.Southgate and his squad have lit up this summer.We have the greatest substitutes’ bench that England have ever seenTonyWe don’t talk about a golden generation any more — because England have had too many golden ­generations that were found wanting — but on any objective level, this is the most lavishly talented England squad of all time.It feels like a special, ­precious moment in sporting history — when the 21-year-old Jude Bellingham is playing with the 30-year-old Harry Kane.When an entire raft of world- class talent — Phil Foden, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka — feel close to their prime.And we have the greatest substitutes’ bench that England have ever seen.Mercurial Cole Palmer, ­electric Ollie Watkins, ice man Ivan Toney — players that given their chance will do the ­business.Even if it is for ten minutes, even if it is for one minute.Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford celebrate with Southgate after their Semi Final win against the NetherlandsCredit: ©MI News & SportSo many magical moments!Jude Bellingham’s bicycle kick against Slovakia.Jordan Pickford’s penalty save against the Swiss, and his water bottle with a crib sheet of Swiss ­penalty-taking habits.Harry Kane — carrying a back injury, and no spring chicken now — still a goal machine.And — perhaps best of all for the long-suffering England fan — the sight of a perfect penalty shoot-out as Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney — NOT EVEN LOOKING AT THE BALL! — and Trent Alexander-Arnold all scored from the spot against Switzerland.  This does not happen. This is new. This is unprecedented.The England fan of every age is used to having their heart broken come the penalty shoot-out.Chris Waddle and Stuart Pearce in 1990.Gareth Southgate himself in 1996. Harry Kane in Qatar as recently as 2022.They have all known the horror of the scuffed or skied missed ­spot kick.Courage of KaneAnd worst of all was the three young black players — Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho — who missed their penalties in the last Euros final, and were then subjected to vile racist abuse.But there is redemption. We have seen it in brief flashes in the past.When Stuart Pearce scored his penalty against Spain in 1996. When Saka stepped up against the Swiss.In the courage of Kane to never duck a penalty.But this is different. This is not redemption for an individual player.This is redemption for the nation.England have scored all 13 of their penalties — including the shoot-out against the Swiss last weekend — since Harry Kane’s miss against France in the last World Cup.The idea that England always cock it up when it comes to penalties is, quite simply, no longer true.In this England squad, we see ourselvesTonyThis generation of England ­players do not fear the penalty shoot-out.And it matters so much because — this is who we are, isn’t it? This is us — now.A nation finally fulfilling its potential. A nation feeling better about things.A nation coming together after years of sporting hurt, economic agony and political chaos.We even have a Prime Minister who was actually elected!Things are changing. Things are getting better.And in this England squad, we see ourselves.We see ourselves as a nation in that Three Lions squad — in all their glorious diversity, an integration so total and successful that it does not even have to be discussed, it does not need to be talked about, where there are players whose ­family came from the Caribbean and Ireland and Nigeria and more, but they all sing the National Anthem with exactly the same voice.Watch them sing God Save The King tonight and feel the tingle run down your spine.This is who we are now and if there have been some frustrating moments in this tournament, well — that is who we are, too.But we find a way forward. Keep calm and carry on giving the ball to Bukayo Saka.For all the dips in energy levels, there has been so much to applaud, to celebrate, to make you chuck your beer in the air.The resilience of this England team. Their total refusal to ­surrender.Their backs-to-the-wall, never-say-die spirit. Their mental strength.Their bottle.Could football be coming home after 58 years? Get this free giant football posterComing from behind again and again and again.And I can’t help it — I think of Dunkirk, and I think of the Blitz, and I see flashes of a people who have not been invaded for one thousand years.But the old songs undoubtedly are changing now.All those England anthems about World War Two, The Great Escape and The Dambusters March, are making way for a 21st Century remix of Hey Jude and Phil Foden’s On Fire, sung to the tune of Springsteen’s Dancing In The Dark.Given your all and given so much“Phil Foden’s on fire — going to play the Germans off the park . . .”And tonight England face Spain as underdogs and, yes, it will be the best feeling ever if we can win.But we are proud of them already.Thank you, Gareth Southgate. Thank you, Three Lions.You have given your all, and you have given so much, and you have reminded a bruised, battered, self-doubting nation, reeling from years of division and despair, of exactly who we are.And it is a good feeling.Suddenly, this summer, we feel like a land that is healing.Suddenly we feel like a country that is comfortable in its own skin.All at once we feel like a nation where there are good, even glorious times ahead.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe are far more than the world gives us credit for.And tonight you’re going to believe us.Gareth Southgate revealed he wanted to ‘improve English football’ as manager – he’s done just thatCredit: Getty More

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      Inside the incredible worlds of teen sensations Kobbie Mainoo and Lamine Yamal, as they go head to head for Euros glory

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      WHEN Cristiano Ronaldo made his Euros debut in 2004 neither Spaniard Lamine Yamal nor Englishman Kobbie Mainoo had been born.Tomorrow the two exciting teenagers will face each other in the final of Euro 2024 in Berlin.Stats show Mainoo has the best pass accuracy for a midfielder in the history of the European Championship, at 96 per cent – making him key to England’s hopesCredit: GettyEven before Lamine Yamal’s wonder goal for Spain in the semi-finals, Barcelona had already set a billion-euro price tag on the talented youngsterCredit: GettyBoth have set the football world alight with a string of dazzling displays for their countries. Here we take a look at the teens playing for kicks . . . KOBBIE MAINOO, 19ALL dressed in replica England shirts bearing the number 26, Kobbie Mainoo’s family beamed with pride after England’s semi-final victory.Just a year ago Mainoo still had not made a league start for his club side Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAnd so they should — at the beginning of the Euros the 19-year-old central midfielder was not in manager Gareth Southgate’s starting XI.Yet, he is going to be key to England’s hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time tomorrow night having become the team’s most reliable passer.READ MORE ON ENGLAND V SPAINWaiting for debutStats from Opta show Mainoo has the best pass accuracy for a midfielder in the history of the European Championship, at 96 per cent.But just a year ago Mainoo still had not made a league start for his club side Manchester United.At the time, the most famous Mainoo was his half-brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames, who appeared on the ITV reality show Love Island.But in the past year, Mainoo made a name for himself by winning the FA Cup, scoring a wonder goal against United’s rivals Liverpool and getting called up by Southgate.Most read in Euro 2024After his debut for England in March, the manager said: “You cannot believe he has taken everything in his stride like he has.”Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match But even Mainoo could not contain his excitement on Wednesday after winning in Dortmund against the Dutch, joining his mum and dad in the crowd after the match.Like Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Mainoo’s talents were spotted at an early age.Born in Stockport, Gtr Manchester, in April 2005, he moved to the town’s Cheadle Hulme suburb.There he played for Cheadle and Gatley Junior Football Club aged four, before being scouted by Man United and Man City aged six.Steve Vare, his first coach at Cheadle and Gatley, told The Sun: “He came from a lovely family. I used to have regular chats with his dad.”A lifelong Red, young Kobbie opted for United.Normally, youth players join the scholarship scheme aged 13 or 14, but Mainoo came in at 11 years old.Injuries hampered his progression to the first team, but once Mainoo got over them he starred in manager Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up.His level-headed parents have made sure the youngster does not go off the rails.Mainoo said: “At home with the family I have around me, they very much keep me grounded and nothing changes at home.”Dad Felix, who is divorced from Kobbie’s mum Abena Herold, has guided much of his career.A young Kobbie relaxes in a Manchester United shirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kobbie/The star’s family and friends rush to support the talented teenCredit: GettyLives in £370k homeHe could not hide his pride when he saw a young United fan wearing a replica Mainoo shirt at Wembley Stadium before the FA Cup final. Felix asked the boy: “Is that your favourite player? He’s my son.”Mainoo lives with his dad in a £370,000 semi-detached home in Cheadle Hulme, despite earning £20,000 a week.He also spends time with his mum and sisters Ama and Efia. Mainoo is believed to be single and unlike his teammates was not sharing any kisses in the stands in Dortmund after the semi-final. Instead he is focusing on his football and keeping in touch with his old pals.I do know Kobbie is still in contact with his old school friends. He hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very groundedSteve Vare, Kobbie’s first coach at Cheadle and GatleyCoach Steve added: “I do know Kobbie is still in contact with his old school friends. He hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very grounded.”Fans will be grateful that Mainoo chose to play for the country of his birth, rather than that of his parents, who are originally from Ghana.The African nation tried to encourage him to join their team, but Mainoo said: “As a kid you always dream of playing for England.” Kobbie’s rise has been so rapid that he has not had time to take in his enormous progress. He said: “It happened quick. But I’ve been taking it day by day, game by game. And now we’re in the final.”That will all change if England defeat Spain in Berlin tomorrow night — after that he will be a hero forever.LAMINE YAMAL, 17EVEN before Lamine Yamal scored a wonder goal for Spain in the semi-finals, his club Barcelona had placed a billion-euro price tag on the youngster.Barcelona have been nurturing Yamal’s talents for more than a decade and he made his senior debut for the club aged just 15Credit: GettyThe winger was still 16 when he curled a shot into the top corner to knock out France on Tuesday.And he is celebrating his 17th birthday today by preparing to play in tomorrow night’s European Championship final against England.It is an incredible rise for the youngster, who was bathed as a baby by Argentina and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi for a charity calendar.The Spanish giants have been nurturing Yamal’s talents for more than a decade and he made his senior debut for the club aged 15 years, nine months and 16 days.A star is bornHe is so young that he has had to take exams online during the Euros. His dad Mounir Nasraoui is 35 — three years younger than Yamal’s Spanish team-mate Jesus Navas.Mounir’s Instagram account is filled with images of his son, including the one of Messi with the baby Yamal, with the caption: “The beginning of two legends.”But Yamal’s family have not had it easy. His parents used to share his grandmother’s apartment with Yamal, an uncle and four cousins in the city of Mataró on the outskirts of Barcelona.England will be hoping to undermine those Messi comparisons by restricting his goal-scoring opportunities in BerlinDad Mounir split from Yamal’s mum Sheila Ebana, who worked in a fast food outlet, when their son was three.His dad stayed in Mataro and his mum moved to the nearby city of Granollers. Yamal split his time between their homes.With Mounir having been born in Morocco and Sheila in Equatorial Guinea, they had faced hostility in Spain.Standing up to the bigotry got Mounir into trouble when he confronted activists from the anti-immigrant far-right party Vox earlier this year.He was fined £450 in June after allegedly getting into a scuffle with a group who were handing out leaflets in Mataró.But Yamal is a hero in the deprived part of Mataro, called Rocafonda, where he grew up — an area he celebrates when he scores.He draws the number 304 with his hand. They are the final three digits of the suburb’s postcode. Half the population there faces poverty.But for Yamal, it all started on the streets of that suburb.Yamal was bathed as a baby by Argentina and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi for a charity calendarCredit: APYamal pictured with his proud dad earlier in the Euros tournamentCredit: Instagram/hustle_hard_304In an interview with GQ magazine in Spain, Yamal said: “I was always there, I spent the whole day playing, and without picking up my mobile phone. I didn’t stop.“I arrived home dripping with sweat.” The teenager has become a symbol for diversity and he celebrates his African roots by displaying the flags of both Morocco and Equatorial Guinea on his boots.He said: “I’ve visited both countries. In the end my families are my roots. It’s something very important for me.”The contract he signed with Adidas to promote that footwear bought a new house for his grandmother.But even though Yamal is earning a reported £120,000 a month, he still lives at Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy. The club is trying its best to protect him, restricting interviews and disciplining him if he steps out of line.When he played for the national side’s under-17s, he and some team-mates reportedly made prank calls to the team’s psychologist in March 2023.As a result, Barcelona banned him for four games. But according to the Spanish Press, he has found time for romance and has been linked to Spanish influencer Alex Padilla.In the press one day they put you as the new Messi and the next day they say that you have to stop playingLamine YamalYamal’s skill has led many to call him the “new Messi”. But it is a title the youngster himself is wary of, given how many former prodigies have failed to live up to that lofty billing.Yamal said: “In the Press one day they put you as the new Messi and the next day they say that you have to stop playing.”Clearly, though, Barcelona sees him as Lionel’s heir.Yamal signed a three-year contract with them last year, the longest allowed for minors under Spanish law.There is an agreement that the deal will automatically renew until 2030.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut England will be hoping to undermine those Messi comparisons by restricting his goal-scoring opportunities in Berlin tomorrow night. More

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      Inside ‘quiet’ and ‘humble’ Ollie Watkins’ rise from sleepy Devon town with Motown singer mum to England super-sub

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      SCREAMING with ecstasy, supersub Ollie Watkins said the world felt like it was in “slow motion” as he celebrated shooting England to the Euro 2024 final.Thrown into the Dortmund bear pit in the 81st minute, Ollie etched his name into English sporting history by firing the Three Lions to their first final on foreign soil.Ollie Watkins, pictured with his partner Ellie Alderson and his kids Marley and Amara, has had a phenomenal rise to the topWatkins scored a last minute winner against the Netherlands to secure England’s spot in the Euo 2024 finalCredit: GettyLater in the stands, the “quiet” lad brought up in a sleepy Devon market town, and who used to play for non-league Weston-super-Mare AFC, was greeted with a kiss by his partner Ellie Alderson before hugging his mum Delsi-May.Interior designer Ellie, mother of Ollie’s children Amara, two, and one-year-old Marley, later said online: “You got your moment and you took it. I’m so proud of you.”Many fans had been clamouring for the Aston Villa striker to get more game time as England progressed through the tournament.Not least of those was his mum Delsi-May, a soul and Motown singer also known by her stage name Ruby Washington.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBefore the game against the Netherlands, Delsi-May said in a moment captured on TikTok that she hoped “they finally let my son come on the f***ing pitch”.Unlike many of his peers, Ollie, 28, wasn’t cosseted as a young player by one of the great clubs of the Premier League.Rewind nine years to the footballing backwater of Basingstoke, in Hampshire.It was a blustery March day at the Ark Cancer Charity Stadium for a National League South clash between Basingtoke and Weston-super-Mare AFC in the sixth tier of English football.Most read in Euro 2024With the teams locked at 1-1 and the game drifting towards full-time, the visitors asked their teenage striker to warm up.In the 80th minute, on jogged Ollie Watkins — on loan from Exeter City. But there would be no last minute heroics. RISE OF WATKINSInstead, it was Basingstoke who scored a 90th-minute winner.Ollie’s familiarity with the tough tackles and rough pitches of non-league football may help to explain why he has managed to remain humble and grounded.Mum Delsi-May said: “Oliver is a man of very few words.“We’ve got a family group chat, and he never brags or anything, we literally have to draw everything out of him. He’s so humble and I love that about him.“He’s quite nonchalant about the fact that he’s doing something he loves. He assumes it’s the norm, but it’s not. I’m immensely proud.”A mark of Ollie’s warm and generous character is his friendship with Woody Stokes.Woody, who has Down’s syndrome and autism, had waited more than 90 minutes for Ollie to sign an autograph when he was playing for Brentford.Since then, Ollie has welcomed the 11-year-old into his box at Villa Park and during lockdown drove to his home to deliver Easter eggs.Ollie said: “It’s more than just him being a fan. We’ve got a close little friendship. He is involved with a charity called Skylarks, so I support them too.”Rising star Ollie playing for his youth sideThe striker performing for Exeter City’s under 16’sCredit: BPMIt speaks volumes of a man who, despite the riches of the Premier League, has remained true to his upbringing. Born in December 1995 in Torquay, Devon, dad Steven and mum Delsi-May split when Ollie was a child.He was raised in the small market town of Newton Abbot, on the fringes of Dartmoor.Bringing up Ollie, his brothers Richie, Dale and Jordan, and sister Charlotte alone, Delsi-May often took the children to her shows.Ollie said: “I got taken along to her gigs with my brother when I was younger. She also used to work on cruise ships and that’s when she was away. My singing? I probably let the family down with that but one thing I got from mum, I think, was a very good music taste.“My grandad listened to Frank Sinatra, mum listened to Whitney Houston, the blues, soul, and I like that stuff.”Ollie had been rejected for a place at Exeter City’s academy aged nine but a year later he made the grade.It meant Delsi-May having to juggle her work with a 40-mile round trip for his football training.She said: “I had to bomb it over to school, bring them back, get them something to eat, get them in the car, bomb it over to Exeter during rush hour. Then I had to make sure I got back in time for me to get to work.”Ollie’s close friend Matt Jay, a fellow pupil at South Dartmoor Community College and Exeter City’s academy, recalls his old teammate failing to initially make the grade.Midfielder Matt, now at League Two Colchester United, said: “I joined Exeter at under-nines.“I think the story is that Ollie didn’t make it that year, but came back the next.“You could tell he had something, but people develop at different rates. Exeter’s academy was all about technical ability.“I’m not saying that Ollie wasn’t blessed with that, but he wasn’t the best player there, for sure.“He was very fast but he was a late developer.”Ollie in action for Weston-Super-MareCredit: BPMOllie eventually did progress through the ranks for Exeter, winning a professional contract, and making his league debut against Hartlepool United in 2014.But he was far from the finished article. When Ollie and Matt were 18, they were sent on loan to non-league Weston-super-Mare AFC on the Somerset coast.Matt, 28, said: “It was difficult. It was our first loan. We probably thought it was going to be a bit easier than it was.“We used to travel up Tuesday and Thursday evenings for training, get back way past midnight.“But that was all part of the learning experience. And I think that helped Ollie a lot to realise that you weren’t going to just walk into a first team.“You see Marcus Rashford or Phil Foden coming through so young at great clubs, and we all think we’re going to do that. But the reality is, it’s not that easy.“There are times where you wonder if you’re going to make it. A lot of it is about timing.”Back at Exeter, Ollie broke into the first team and began banging in the goals.In 2017, Brentford, then in the Championship, signed him for £1.8million.After 45 goals in 132 appearances he was bought by Aston Villa for a £33million fee.In the season just gone, he scored 19 Premier League goals, helping Villa qualify for the Champions League. England had come calling in March 2021 — and Delsi-May was cleaning her car when Ollie broke the news.She said: “I’m glad he did when I was in the car, because I let out the biggest scream. If I’d have let that out in the street, people would have said, ‘Find that woman a mental hospital!’ I still can’t believe it. I’m immensely proud.”Ollie scored with his first shot on target on his England debut in a 5-0 win over San Marino at Wembley.He told the High Performance podcast just how much it means to him to represent his country.He said: “It’s one of the best feelings and one that I relish. I love it when I go out there. I’m standing there and singing the national anthem and I’ve got goosebumps.“Representing your country is one of the biggest honours, especially where the squad is at the moment.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I feel like I can do more, I’ve got a lot to bring to the table. That’s my aim — to achieve something great with them.”For this unassuming lad from Newton Abbot, that golden opportunity may come in Berlin on Sunday.The England star’s family at the EurosCredit: Splash More

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      England 2024 squad have gone where the boys of ’66 failed to tread… and are 90 minutes away from sporting immortality

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      ONLY 25 emotion-wracked days have passed since Jude Bellingham’s bullet header set England on the path to glory.Just under four weeks on from that opening game and Gareth Southgate has conjured up memories that are now part of our national sporting story.England have had a Euros to remember, pictured Jude Bellingham’s late equaliser v SlovakiaCredit: AFPGareth Southgate has led England to another Euros FinalCredit: RexEngland are in an overseas final for the first time after last night’s nerve-shredding win over the Netherlands.The Three Lions of 2024 have gone where even Bobby Moore and the boys of ’66 failed to tread.During those 25 days, Glastonbury rocked, Taylor Swift wowed Wembley and Wimbledon began in the drizzle.Also the US President disastrously stiffed, France has been thrown into political turmoil and we have got a new Prime Minister.READ MORE IN EURO 2024Cocooned at their remote German base camp in Blankenhain, England’s squad were carving out history of their own.There were outrageous bicycle-kick goals and redemptive penalties. Phil Foden even witnessed the birth of his third child between games.With admirable zen-like calm, Southgate (surely Sir Gareth soon or, perhaps, Lord Southgate of Crawley), has quietly proved his naysayers wrong.Masterminding England’s route to the final, he has had to ignore the welter of criticism from ex- players, overpaid pundits and many armchair experts.Most read in Euro 2024It seems crazy now but Southgate, who has always led with quiet dignity, was booed earlier in the tournament and even had beer cups chucked at him.As they say on Strictly, tournament football with England is “a journey”.Ollie Watkins scores 90th minute winner vs Netherlands to put England into Euro 2024 FINALIt began on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen against Serbia with high hopes — and Southgate’s men the tournament favourites.Carnival atmosphereIn the build-up to the game, skipper Harry Kane revealed he uses chess to switch off from the pressures of football.Kane was inspired to take up the board game after becoming engrossed in Netflix drama The Queen’s Gambit.Kane revealed: “You have to focus on every moment, every move.”His every move on the football field would soon come under microscopic scrutiny.Meanwhile, German authorities announced that only weak shandy would be sold at the 62,000-seat Veltins Arena.Deemed a high-risk game, fans were only allowed a maximum of two pints at a time of 2.5 per cent beer, which was half lager and half lemonade. Thousands of Three Lions fans descended on the old coal mining city in the Ruhr industrial region.A few knuckleheads got involved in aggro before the game and six have received football banning orders.Yet our vast travelling army of fans have largely been well-behaved and a credit to the country. Those at games report a carnival atmosphere, albeit one awash with lager.Simon Harris, who has been following England at tournaments since France ’98, described the fanbase as “young guys out on a staggy-type do and middle-aged people like me who enjoy travel and football”.He added: “It’s just regular people going out for a bit of an escape.”Every stadium where the Three Lions have played have been festooned with St George Flags, making them resemble a Wembley on the Rhine.Like a gazetteer of England’s market towns and city suburbs, the flags are emblazoned with the names of clubs from Plymouth Argyle in the South to Carlisle United in the North.Fans celebrating England’s penalty win against SwitzerlandCredit: ReutersPrince William celebrating Saka’s screaming goal against the SwissCredit: GettyOne large flag bore the simple message, “England Expects” while another said, “Aldershot, home of the British Army”.Union Flags seemed to have made a comeback with fans, and the Isle of Man flag with its three armoured legs has also been spotted.Support from the stands has been raucous and constant.As well as old favourites such as The Great Escape and Don’t Take Me Home is a new ditty in homage to Foden.Set to the tune of Bruce Spring-steen’s hit Dancing In The Dark, the adapted lyrics go: “Can’t start a fire, can’t start a fire without a spark.“Phil Foden’s on fire, he’ll be playing the Germans off the park.” West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen also has his own ditty: “Bowen’s on fire and he’s s*ging Dani Dyer.”When Bellingham headed home Bukayo Saka’s cross in the 13th minute, the Three Lions fans serenaded him with The Beatles’ Hey Jude. The 1968 song’s Spotify downloads were up 19 per cent overnight.The whole country is behind them to go all the wayRishi SunakStourbridge-born Jude said of the England fans: “They give me a lot of appreciation and a lot of love and I try to give that back with my performances and energy on the pitch.”England’s Wags greeted the players in the stands after the win. There was a cuddle for Harry Kane from wife Kate Goodland while Megan Davison (goalie Jordan Pickford’s wife) and Annie Kilner (married to Kyle Walker) were also spotted. Saka’s glamorous girlfriend Tolami Benson was later said by Harper’s Bazaar magazine to have “single-handedly revived waggery”.The mag pointed to the 23-year-old’s “savvy sartorial choices and photogenic beauty”.In the wake of the win, Rishi Sunak said amid his disastrous election campaign: “It’s great to see England get our Euros campaign off to a winning start. “The whole country is behind them to go all the way.”The same wasn’t true of the Conservative Party.Next up were Denmark on the Summer SolsticeThe Sun called on druid King Arthur Pendragon to summon the spirits of the ancients at Stonehenge to fire up the team.But Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed the sacred stones with orange powder which, according to King Arthur, affected their “mystic powers”.An early Kane goal only led to a laboured 1-1 draw. Despite four points in the can, the Podcasterati went ape. Ex-England skipper Gary Lineker described the performance succinctly as “s**t”.Nation went nutsHe also said Kane “needs to do a lot better”.Then, the final group game — a dire 0-0 against Slovenia. England had won the group but some treated the drab encounter as if the sky had fallen in.This is a job where you get ridiculed, and your professional capability is questioned beyond beliefGareth SouthgateWhen Southgate went over to thank England’s travelling army of fans for their support, he was rewarded by a small minority with boos and a hail of plastic beer cups.The England manager refused to be cowed.“This is a job where you get ridiculed, and your professional capability is questioned beyond belief,” he said. “I don’t think it’s normal to have beer thrown at you either.“But I’m fortunate that my life’s taken me through a lot of resilience-building and it’s made me more determined and I’m just using it as fuel.”After the game, real life intervened for Foden.Tolami Benson, girlfriend of Bukayo Saka, at England’s win v SlovakiaCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old jetted home to Britain to be with partner Rebecca Cooke as she gave birth to their third child.He was back in time for the round of 16 against another well-drilled and tenacious central European outfit. Slovakia went 1-0 up on 25 minutes. England laboured to little effect.The stoppage-time clock ticked to 95 minutes. Some fans left the Gelsenkirchen arena in disgust.Across England, expletives that would put Lineker to shame were being hurled at TV sets. With seconds remaining, a long throw-in was flicked on by England defender Marc Guehi.In the box, angel-like, was Bellingham. Then time seemed to stand still.His acrobatic bicycle kick met the ball perfectly and a nation went nuts.Bellingham was later slapped with a £25,400 fine by Uefa for his understandable “big balls” celebration (clasping his hands around his crotch).A Kane goal early in extra time wrapped it up. It meant an in-form Switzerland in the quarter final. England played well but it drifted to the living death of penalties.Pickford had his water bottle with its cheat sheet on the Swiss players’ penalties habits written on the side.The Everton man promptly saved the first.For England, Cole Palmer was coldly efficient from the spot, Bellingham his assured self. Next came Saka, who had been racially abused after missing a penalty in the 2020 Euros final.England rejoiced as the ball bulged the net. A grinning Saka had his Stuart Pearce moment.Then, up stepped Ivan Toney. He scored a brilliant penalty while staring out the keeper and not even glancing at the ball. He was later seen in a spoof video from the England camp playing games and even reading without looking at what he is doing.It was left to Trent Alexander-Arnold to finish things off with aplomb. In the stands, FA President Prince William had gone through the range of emotions shown by every fan. At times he had his head in his hands before punching the air, his face contorted in joy.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn rolled the semis and the Netherlands last night. More tense minutes, some fans resorting to several cold bevvies, others peeking through fingers. All the while, Southgate kept his cool. His history boys had made it to the final.Now they are just 90 minutes — and, perhaps, extra time and dreaded penalties — away from sporting immortalityIvan Toney’s no-look penalty v SwitzerlandCredit: GettyToney plays Connect Four and reads a book without looking in hilarious England video after his famous penaltyCredit: https://x.com/England More

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      How fun-loving Man City hero Jack Grealish was tamed by Sasha Attwood & family tragedy that makes pregnancy so special

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      HE is one of our favourite footballing sons, whose antics off the pitch are almost as famous as his skills on it.But now Jack Grealish is set to ditch his party-boy lifestyle for parenthood.Jack Grealish celebrated Manchester City’s Premier League achievement with girlfriend Sasha AttwoodCredit: InstagramJack looking worse for wear while being held up by security staff as he leaves Man City’s celebration party at 3amCredit: SplashJack and Sasha cradle her bump as the pair announce the pregnancyThe Manchester City winger and his childhood sweetheart Sasha Attwood, both 28, revealed on Sunday night that she is pregnant with their first nipper — to the delight of their millions of fans.Sharing the news on Instagram, proud Jack posted a snap of Sasha’s bump with the couple’s hands on it and wrote: “Life’s biggest blessing.”Uploading the same image, Sasha said: “Half of me, half of you — beyond blessed.”The couple’s baby joy comes on the back of a tough year for Jack, which saw him snubbed from England boss Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man Euros squad.READ MORE ON JACK GREALISH‘Loving life’He had struggled to perform for City, with just three goals and three assists in 36 games last season.But a friend last night said of the pregnancy news: “This is amazing for Jack and Sasha and it will definitely help spur him on with his football.“There’s no hiding from the fact Jack didn’t play like everyone knows he can last season.“He’s well aware of that. But he feels like it’s time to write a new chapter in his life with his perfect little family.”Most read in FootballThe pal added: “Jack and Sasha are besotted with each other and couldn’t be more delighted and excited at the thought of raising their own little one together.Jack Grealish shares video of himself training at Man City during England’s Slovenia snooze-fest after Euro 2024 snub “Getting dropped from the England squad broke Jack’s heart.“He is so proud to represent his country and gives his all every time he pulls on the shirt.“But the silver lining is that he has at least been able to spend more time with Sasha and be at her beck and call as she carries their child.”So in the coming months and years we can expect to see a different side to lovable Jack, who was born in Birmingham, raised in nearby Solihull and who has made his name across the globe.Since bursting on to the scene with a debut for his boyhood club Aston Villa ten years ago, Jack has stolen hearts with his raw personality and genuine connection with supporters.Unlike most of today’s sports pros, who appear scared to share too much, Jack speaks with searing honesty — whether about his performances on the pitch or the family heartbreak he has suffered away from it.And he clearly has no qualms about being snapped enjoying himself out on the lash. He has been pictured at Wayne Lineker’s O Beach bar in Ibiza and with a pal steadying him on holiday in Dubai last month.It is this side of his character that has sometimes landed him in hot water, like when he was snapped bleary-eyed leaving a Las Vegas club with a brunette at 3am in 2022, or when, aged just 19, he was seen passed out on a road in Tenerife.Jack continued to lead the boozy blowout back home, standing topless on a tram to City’s trophy parade, before having Grey Goose vodka poured down his throat. But it is also this side to Jack that has endeared him to fans across the football divide — Birmingham City supporters aside — in a way that only a handful of stars, such as Three Lions legend Paul Gascoigne, have done before. Take, for example, when this sorry journo (a Manchester United fan) was tasked with covering the Champions League final in Istanbul, Turkey, in June last year, where City beat Inter Milan 1-0 to match the Red Devils’ feat of winning that trophy, the Premier League and FA Cup.The following day, as celebrating players downed bottles of beer after little or no sleep, and made their way on to the City-emblazoned team coach outside their hotel, a head kept poking out of the vehicle’s sunroof.It was none other than Grealish — who else? — and he was belting out a rap song and shouting, “Woo!” before they set off for home, the famous old “big ears” trophy in their clutches for the first time. Even as a begrudging rival fan, I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of a lad who is the same age as me at the pinnacle of his profession and just loving life. Jack continued to lead the boozy blowout back home, standing topless on a tram to City’s trophy parade, before having Grey Goose vodka poured down his throat by a team-mate while covering up his top half with just a hi-vis jacket.Along the way, cheering Jack on through the highs and lows, has been model Sasha. The pair began dating when they were 16, having met at St Peter’s Catholic School in Solihull.They live in a £5.6million Cheshire mansion with their beloved apricot cockapoo Skye, whose fourth birthday they celebrated on Sunday, along with their big pregnancy reveal.Jack was given Skye as a birthday present by Sasha, and calls her the “world’s best dog”.The couple enjoy holidays to destinations including Dubai and the South of France when £300,000-a-week Jack has a break from his footie schedule.‘Deeply in love’But they were left shaken when their home was targeted in a terrifying midweek raid in December as Jack played against Everton — while Sasha and others were inside.Despite some bumps along the road, it is clear for all to see that the couple remain deeply in love.After City’s Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan, Sasha was seen holding the trophy with her man and they shared a kiss on the pitch. Also there was Jack’s family, who he is incredibly close to. The footie ace — who could have played for Ireland thanks to his grandparents’ roots — is the eldest of five kids. His sister Hollie, 20, was born with cerebral palsy and he calls her his ‘best friend’. His dad, Kevin, is a former plasterer and mum Karen is the director of a property management firm.In 2000, when Jack was four, he tragically lost his brother Keelan to sudden infant death syndrome when he was just nine months old. The star dedicated his Aston Villa derby goal against Birmingham to his late sibling in 2018.His sister Hollie, 20, was born with cerebral palsy.Jack has said of his family life: “My little brother passed away when I was young. My little sister has cerebral palsy. She’s like my best friend.” Jack also does his bit for charity. He supports Children In Need and last year became an ambassador for Special Olympics GB, saying passionately: “Nobody should be excluded from opportunities, and I can’t stand bullying or discrimination.” He donated £5,000 to a GoFundMe page for Dylan Lamb, a 20-year-old student given weeks to live after being diagnosed with leukaemia, to help him get medical treatment in America.In 2022, Jack vowed to do a goal celebration for Finlay Fisher, an 11-year-old fan with cerebral palsy, if he scored at the World Cup in Qatar. Lo and behold, he did — and stayed true to his word, performing the lad’s favourite “worm” dance. Jack is the David Beckham of his generation, adored by so many and with the footie skills, boyish good looks and mega-money brand deals to boot. Although his monster calves put Becks to shame.Despite being gutted at missing out on Southgate’s Euros squad, he is first to admit when he has not been up to scratch.After manager Pep Guardiola’s City won a record fourth Premier League title in a row, Jack said: “I don’t feel like I’ve performed well this season.” But Spanish coach Pep, 53, vowed: “Jack will be back.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile getting his career on track again, the footie ace will soon have another mouth to feed.Best brush up on those dribbling skills!Jack toasts Man City’s treble with the team’s goalkeeper Stefan OrtegaJack’s sister Hollie, 20, above, was born with cerebral palsy and he calls her his ‘best friend’ More

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      England ace Jude Bellingham gets blessing from higher power as The Sun prays at National Shrine to St Jude for victory

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      THE Sun has sought divine intervention to help England win today — with a prayer at the National Shrine of St Jude, the patron saint of hope.First we placed photos of namesake Jude Bellingham beneath the ornate stained glass windows as shrine chaplain, Brother Paul de Groot, provided moral support.England superstar Jude Bellingham carries the nation’s Euro 2024 hopes after rescuing the team against SlovakiaCredit: GettyThe Sun’s Oliver Harvey has said a prayer at the shrine of St Jude, ahead of the quarter-finalCredit: Gary StoneThe National Shrine to St Jude is located at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Faversham, KentCredit: Gary StoneWearing a red 1966 Three Lions strip, Sun man Oliver Harvey then knelt and said in prayer: “St Jude, as the apostle of hope, please look kindly on England when they take on Switzerland.“And please give strength to our talismanic hero Jude Bellingham, who bears your name. “But please St Jude, don’t leave it as late as it was against Slovakia. Amen.”Now, we’re giving you the chance to recite our prayer.READ MORE JUDE BELLINGHAMBrother Paul, 73, said: “Many a pilgrim comes here looking and hoping for something and they pray to St Jude and, with luck, it will be answered.”The chaplain watched England’s No10 take our last match into extra time with a last-gasp bicycle kick. He admitted: “I’m not a great football fan but I had the TV on and then it happened — but to be honest it was a dire game.”The National Shrine to St Jude, dedicated in 1955, is an annex to the parish church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Faversham, Kent.Most read in Euro 2024St Jude was once regarded as the apostle of hopeless or lost causes — but that has now changed.Jude Bellingham takes selfies with fans as England star prepares for Switzerland clashBrother Paul explained: “I don’t think for God any cause is lost. “God is willing to hear and help any case which is why we now associate Jude with hope.“God can educate us through the difficulties and trials and tribulations of life. “That might well be happening to the England team now.”Brother Paul de Groot says pilgrims often visit ‘looking and hoping for something’Credit: Gary StoneOne prayer has already been answered — with Bellingham given only a suspended one-match ban for his groin-grabbing goal celebration.The ruling was toasted by supporters in Dusseldorf ahead of the quarter-final showdown.Sales executive Dec Evans, 33, of Blackburn, said: “I am delighted — but it’s a joke they even considered a ban. “He had just scored one of the most amazing goals in England football history — of course he’s going to celebrate.”Some 50,000 Three Lions fans in Germany, backed by millions watching at home, and in bars and fanzones, will be cheering for victory in what will be boss Gareth Southgate’s 100th game in charge.Carpenter Nick Thatcher, 45, of Bristol, said: “We have the best squad and there is no reason why we can’t go all the way.“It’s been a tough watch over the last couple of games, but it’s important the fans get behind the team when they need it most.”Only 6,731 tickets were made available to Three Lions fans through Uefa but a total of 30,000 are set to turn the 47,000-seat Dusseldorf Arena into a home ground for England.Many spent yesterday belting out songs as they sheltered from the rain under awnings outside bars in Dusseldorf’s Old Town.Pharmacist Dean Spotwood, 40, of Sheffield, said: “We gambled when we booked our flights that England would reach the quarter-finals. “It was looking like a disaster when we were 1-0 down to Slovakia, but Jude saved the day.”Ross Bunn, 36, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, will be going to his third Euros 2024 game with son Jude, nine. He said: “England haven’t clicked yet and we’re already in the quarter-final. When it does all work out, we can go all the way. “My son is loving it. He was named after actor Jude Law, but I’m loving the fact he now shares it with Mr Bellingham.’’Construction manager Scott Evans, 29, of Bexley, South East London, is there on his stag do with 18 friends and relatives. They booked in November hoping England would secure a Saturday evening quarter-final in Dusseldorf — exactly as it has worked out.Scott’s dad Paul, 58, said: “What better way to celebrate?”England awaitsBack home, fans will down an extra eight million pints in boozers today — giving the pub industry a £38million boost. Around 20million viewers will watch the match on TV after splashing out £200million on snacks and booze at stores.Music fans will also be able to watch the match after organisers of a string of gigs and festivals hurriedly erected big screens or changed set times.The Lightning Seeds, who sang Euro 96 anthem Three Lions with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel, will kick off their set at Lytham Festival, in Lancs, earlier so fans can cheer on England.Even the Big Sheep music festival in Devon — starring The Wurzels — will take a break for the footie. But Wimbledon chiefs sniffed: “We won’t be showing the Euros. “Our screens will be showing the tennis.”England fans are being urged to say the prayer of St Jude for good luckGareth’s lucky 100GARETH Southgate is likely to lead England to victory over Switzerland today, believes The Sun’s Euro 2024 psychic.Chloe Smith, 27, explained: “With Southgate celebrating his 100th game, his luck should spiral through on his angel number, which is also 100.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Chloe, of Uttoxeter, Staffs — who does team good luck readings before games — added: “It’s going to be a close one. “England will need to rely on talent — or luck — or both.” More

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      Honey the psychic eagle delivers verdict on England v Slovakia Euro 2024 showdown

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      HONEY the psychic eagle has landed again … and she predicts a resounding WIN for Gareth Southgate’s squad tonight.The African Tawny eagle, who never gets a prediction wrong, says England will triumph when they face Slovakia at 5pm in the Euro knockouts, where they are down to the last 16.Honey the psychic eagle has backed England to beat Slovakia at Euro 2024Credit: ROB WELHAM / McLELLANSo far Honey has correctly predicted every England game.Bird of Prey handler and owner of Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Eynsford, Kent, Alex Leonard commented on her forecast.He said: “Honey’s latest psychic prediction shows that Gareth Southgate’s boys are going to smash it.“Her flight was straight and true – and it’s a clear win for England.READ MORE EURO 2024“Come on England – it’s yours for the taking in knockouts!”Tens of thousands of England fans are in Gelsenkirchen for today’s game.Back home, supermarkets have seen a huge boost in sales of booze, barbecues and burgers ahead of the match.Fans will knock back around 32million pints today — six million more than a normal Sunday — giving a £28.8million boost to pubs.Most read in Euro 2024At home, an expected TV audience of around 16million will tune in, with thousands more watching in bars and in fan zones.England’s five-point penalty shootout plan More

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      Junior Jude Bellingham to a tiny Harry Kane… Three Lions heroes when they were just cubs – so how many do you recognise?

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      ONE cheeky looking lad has his face painted with a St George’s flag while others proudly show off schoolboy medals.But these adorable photos aren’t of youngsters dreaming of emulating their footie heroes – they ARE the Three Lions, snapped playing the beautiful game as youngsters.Harry Kane’s first club Ridgeway Rovers say the England striker is an inspirationCredit: Collect picture .England’s record scorer Harry has come a long way since he began his careerCredit: GettyAhead of tomorrow’s last 16 clash against Slovakia, Robin Perrie and Nick Parker spoke to the players’ former clubs – who have sent their own good luck messages.Harry Kane Bayern Munich & Ridgeway RoversRIDGEWAY Rovers in Chingford, East London has produced not one, but two England captains – with Harry, 30, following in David Beckham’s footsteps.Chairman Ian Marshall said: “I really hope we go on to win this with Harry Kane taking a lead role.“When he wears that armband he’s a true leader for England. He has that ability to raise his game that extra five per cent.READ MORE ON ENGLAND TEAM“Harry means such a lot to us here, but he’s a player to be celebrated by the whole country now.“The kids here love to see Harry do well and he’s a tremendous inspiration for youngsters coming up through this club.”Jude Bellingham Real Madrid & Stourbridge JuniorsJude Bellingham could have become a cricket star if he wanted to, it is claimedCredit: Collect picture .Real Madrid midfielder Jude is one of England’s most exciting playersCredit: GettyTHE way Jude, who turns 21 today, has taken La Liga by storm with Real Madrid, shows he was destined to be a star – and not just as a footballer.At Hagley Cricket Club, Worcs, an 11-year-old Bellingham stood out.Most read in Euro 2024Club chairman Mark Baker, 71, said: “If he had focused on cricket, he could have gone far in the game.”But football was always his first love and he showed he has always been up for the cup when he posed for a pic with the FA Cup as a kid with non-league Leamington FC.Man Utd fans in meltdown over moment Kobbie Mainoo ‘sends Joe Gomez back to Charlton Athletic’ in England training Club chairman Jim Scott, 68, said: “What struck me about young Jude, even at that age, was how remarkably mature he was. “Forget about Jude the footballer, Jude the young man was very well brought up with great manners and great standards.”Bukayo Saka Arsenal & Greenford CelticArsenal academy star Bukayo Saka began his fledgling career a Greenford CelticCredit: Collect picture .Bukayo is now playing in his second European ChampionshipsCredit: GettyTHE 22-year-old flying winger played his first game at Greenford Celtic FC, in West ­London, before moving to Arsenal’s academy. The original club no longer exists and it later became Celtic- 1995 FC.Chairman Albert Tamou said: “We’re very proud Bukayo started at our club and has gone on to achieve such great things.”John Stones Man City & Penistone Church FCJohn Stones’ talent stood out from a young age at Penistone Church FCCredit: Collect picture .John is England’s most important defender with Harrry Maguire out injuredCredit: GettyJOHN, 30, stood out the first time he played for Penistone Church FC, aged seven, in Barnsley.Club secretary Dave Hampshire recalled: “When he joined Penistone it was clear that he had something extra – he had an awareness about him.“When we see Penistone Church FC next to his name it gives the club a boost. “We wish him the very best at Euro 2024.”Kobbie Mainoo Man Utd & Cheadle And Gatley Juniors, Adam Wharton Crystal Palace & Moorland AcademyManchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo is one of England’s newest starsCredit: Kobbie wants to win the Euros after helping his club lift the FA CupCredit: GettyCrystal Palace’s Adam Wharton also made his name as a youngster in LancashireCredit: Collect picture .Wharton was a surprise call-up after a superb second half of the seasonCredit: GettyIT wasn’t long ago that England starlets Adam, 20, and 19-year-old Kobbie were enjoying junior football games in Lancashire.The gifted midfielders may yet play a huge role for England in their first senior tournament, after playing for ­Moorland Academy in Clitheroe and Cheadle And Gatley Juniors, in Stockport, respectively.A Moorland spokesman said: “It’s difficult to put into words how over the moon we are about what Adam has achieved. “We wish him every success.”And Cheadle And Gatley Juniors said they were “so proud” to see Kobbie in the England squad.Coach Steve Vare said: “He wasn’t one of these young lads that might be a little ­arrogant – he was very quiet and he’d let his football do the talking.”Aaron Ramsdale Arsenal & Kyle Walker Man City, both Sheffield United AcademyKyle Walker is one of two England players to come through Sheffield United’s ranksCredit: Blades sportsKyle is now one of England’s most successful players at club levelCredit: GettyKyle’s path was followed by Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron RamsdaleCredit: Collect picture .SHEFFIELD United Academy manager Derek Geary knew both Aaron, 26, and 34-year-old Kyle when they were youngsters.Aaron’s prowess between the sticks singled him out as a special talent, while Kyle’s electric turn of foot caught the eye.Derek said: “I could see straight away that Aaron was going to make it as a professional.“Not just because he was talented, but his character was outrageous.“He was bubbly and full of energy, but he was obsessed with being a goalkeeper and loved being at Sheffield United.“Kyle was very, very fast. “He was very determined, very outgoing, full of energy and ultra-ambitious.“He suited the modern day full-back position. “There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that he was going to go on and have the great career that he has.“They are both now an inspiration to the current players here because they see pictures of them around the Academy.”Phil Foden Man City & Reddish VulcansPhil Foden had ‘frightening’ talent as a youngsterCredit: Man City ace Phil has just become a dad for a third timeCredit: GettyNEW dad Phil, 24, dazzled even as a youngster for Reddish Vulcans in his home town of Stockport.A club spokesman said: “Even at the age of seven his control, ­movement and change of direction were frightening.“He would leave players trailing.“It’s a wonderful knowing that Phil played for us.“He’s inspired a lot of children in our community and we are ­honoured to say that he was once here.”Marc Guehi Crystal Palace & Cray WanderersMarc Guehi is making former club Cray Wanderers very proudCredit: Collect picture .The Crystal Palace defender is one of England’s rising starsCredit: GettyENGLAND’S stand-out defender, 23, at the Euros once played for Cray Wanderers in South East London.CEO Sam Wright said: “It’s fantastic to have a guy who played in our under-7s and under-8s now representing England at the Euros.“We’ve been blown away by how well he has done. “After the Iceland friendly I worried whether the big stage might be too much for him but he’s been absolutely magnificent.“Even when he makes an error he makes sure he recovers and clear the danger.”Jarrod Bowen West Ham & Leominster TownWest Ham star Jarrod Bowen is living his dream by representing EnglandCredit: Collect picture .THE little lad with the face paint and the St George’s Cross hair do is now a millionaire Premier League star with West Ham United. And he’s also dating arguably England’s most famous Wag – Love Islander Dani Dyer.But for the 27-year-old winger it all started at Leominster Town FC, in his home town in Herefordshire.Club chairman Andy Barrington said: “I am incredibly proud that Jarrod made it into the England squad for the Euros.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It’s a momentous occasion for him, for our club, and our entire community. “His journey from a grassroots footballer at Leominster Town to an international star is nothing short of inspirational.”Jarrod has been looking to make an impact from the bench in England’s opening gamesCredit: Getty More