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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

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      Psychic eagle Honey predicts resounding WIN for England against Slovenia at Euro 2024

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      HONEY the psychic eagle has landed again…and predicted a resounding WIN for England in their next Euros match.While the Danes gave pain to The Three Lions with a 1-1 draw this week, they are now set to soar back to success on Tuesday, according to the 23-year-old African Tawny Eagle who “never gets a prediction wrong”.Honey the psychic Eagle with birds of prey handler Brad HigginsCredit: John McLellanAfrican Tawny Eagle Honey selects England as her choice to winCredit: John McLellanAlex Leonard, pictured left, said: ‘Honey the eagle has landed and made her next psychic prediction and it’s a resounding win for the Three Lions against Slovenia’Credit: John McLellanAlex Leonard, director of Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation in Eynsford, Kent, said: “Honey the eagle has landed and made her next psychic prediction and it’s a resounding win for the Three Lions against Slovenia.“She flew without hesitation and landed next to the England flag.“It’s bad news for Slovenia. “Our boys are going to be back flying high. Read More on Sport”Honey never gets a prediction wrong.”Alex, along with bird of prey handler Brad Higgins each held a flag and let Honey fly through the air to choose who to land on.Eagle-eyed fans spot awkward moment between Cole Palmer and Gareth Southgate live on BBC as fans say ‘that’s not good’ More

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      Secrets to England star Marc Guehi’s meteoric rise – from church on Sunday to Three Lions legend he idolised as a kid

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      WHEN he was a lad, England ace Marc Guehi loved playing the drums at church.His religion was so important to him that he didn’t play football on Sunday.As a youngster, religion was so important to Marc Guehi, he would go to church on Sundays and not play footballCredit: GettyMarc (circled) aged around seven, celebrates a trophy with South London club Cray WanderersMarc, left, celebrates England U17s World Cup in 2017Credit: Getty – ContributorYet at just 23, the Crystal Palace captain didn’t miss a beat as the Three Lions won their first game in the Euros and he continued to establish himself as a fixture in the heart of the defence.After England’s warm-up stinker against Iceland, his faultless and composed display in the 1-0 win against Serbia eased fans’ nerves after Harry Maguire missed out on the 26-man squad. Marc still attends church and family is hugely important to him. This has made him respected and reliable both on and off the pitch and has helped put him on the path to success.His drive to succeed started early. Marc’s school motto was “Be The Best That You Can Be” and he took it to heart.READ MORE ON MARC GUEHIHe was a very quiet boy and comes from a religious family. They are a very tight unit.Steve Owen, coached Marc from the age of five in South LondonThe Crystal Palace ace was born in Abidjan, the largest city in the Ivory Coast, West Africa, but moved to England aged one.His dad John, 52, became a minister at a church in Lewisham, South East London, where Marc played the drums.Steve Owen, 65, who coached him from the age of five with Cray Wanderers, in Sidcup, South East London, before Marc moved to Chelsea’s youth system, said: “Marc was in a younger group but I used to sneak him in to play with older boys aged six.“He was a left-sided centre-back like he is now, and not many players got past him. He wasn’t a flair player, but was solid in everything he did.Most read in Football‘Amazing dedication’“He was a very quiet boy and comes from a religious family. They are a very tight unit.“I still speak to his dad occasionally. He was always the one to take Marc to training, from when he was at Cray to Chelsea.Wyett ratings England v Serbia“Marc was never late once, he was always early. His dedication for such a young kid was amazing.“He is still very regimented in what he does and I think that is down to his background.”Marc, whose full name is Addji Keaninkin Marc-Israel Guehi, moved to Chelsea’s academy at the age of eight and idolised club legend John Terry throughout his youth.He worked his way through the ranks and played in two Carabao Cup matches for the Blues before two loan spells at Swansea City.In 2021, the muscly 6ft defender — who is not on social media — signed for Palace for £18million on a five-year deal and has become one of the Premier League’s most highly-regarded young defenders.Steve, who scouts for Chelsea’s academy, said: “When Marc was at Chelsea he came to Cray to do a presentation for the lads. He is a role model to everyone at our club. Seeing him at the Euros is fantastic, it’s a dream come true for any young footballer.”As well as his no-nonsense defending, he is superb on the ball, with the ability to dribble past opponents and launch attacks.And despite his quiet nature, he is also a natural leader, becoming Palace’s youngest captain in ten years when he wore the armband for the first time in 2022. He is now the Eagles’ permanent skipper.Marc also captained England under-17s in the Euros in 2017, when they lost the final on penalties to Spain.Later that year he scored in the final of the under-17s World Cup, starring alongside fellow Euros team-mates Phil Foden and Conor Gallagher, in a 5-2 win, again against Spain.He has maintained his friendship with Conor in the England camp in Blankenhain, where in downtime they compete against each other in games of Mario Kart, basketball and table tennis.Conor said: “Me and Marc go way back. We both joined Chelsea academy, we would’ve been seven or eight years old.“We played with England together growing up, we went to Swansea together, Crystal Palace . . . so yeah, pretty much anywhere I’ve gone he’s kind of been following me.“He’s a great friend of mine and he’s a top player as well.”Marc’s leadership skills were clear at school, where he was a “responsible person” who acted as a role model to other pupils.Marc’s old headteacher Edward Dove, of Marvels Lane Primary School in Lewisham, said: “Marc was with us for five years and he was a great kid. We have been following him with interest and pride.“It’s not often you get a club captain at such a young age.“That’s got something to do with his values, which hopefully we played a little part in.“He embraced our motto of ‘Be The Best That You Can Be’. He always knew he was part of a team. He was a great role model.“Marc hasn’t forgotten his roots. He has come back to visit us twice, after the under-17s won the World Cup and when he joined Crystal Palace.“He has got great values which he seems to have maintained.”Living with parentsAs of last October, Marc was still living with his parents and sisters Lois, 21, Joelle, 16, and 12-year-old Shirel. He said previously: “It’s actually hard to put into words what my mum and sisters have done for me, because anything I say wouldn’t actually justify what they’ve done.“I’m just so grateful to have them in my life.“My sisters and I have always been close.“We are all fortunate because not everyone has that and I’m very aware of it. I’m just glad we’ve grown up together.”“God first” was the rule in Marc’s house growing up, which is why he would never play football on a Sunday until he began pursuing it as a career — and it is now paying off.With two years left on his £50,000-a-week deal with Palace, he is being touted with a £65million move to Prem giants Liverpool, among others.I still go to church on Sundays when I can and it’s played a big part in both my football and my life in general, with my morals, my values and who I put my trust in.Marc GuehiHe has won 12 senior England caps and is in line for another in today’s match against Denmark, with a win putting the Three Lions through to the Euros knockout stage.And he will have Man United’s Maguire, 31, worrying about getting back into Southgate’s starting 11 if he keeps up his perfect performances.Marc has said: “My dad was a minister, so faith is massively important in my life.“I still go to church on Sundays when I can and it’s played a big part in both my football and my life in general, with my morals, my values and who I put my trust in.“My faith is something I value very highly in my life, for sure.“Church was also where I used to play the drums. We didn’t have a set at home so it was the only time I could play.“It was nice to just be free and enjoy it and it was an enjoyable part of growing up.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’m not up there with the greatest drummers in the world but I’d like to think I’m OK at it.”If England are to win this year’s Euros, after losing in the final in 2021, they could do worse than follow the beat of Marc’s drum . . .Marc making his name at Chelsea’s academyPutting in the hours of training in GermanyCredit: GettyDespite his quiet nature, he is also a natural leader, becoming Crystal Palace’s youngest captain in ten yearsCredit: Getty More