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      in Soccer

      Inside Phil Foden’s incredible rise to fame from trophies to money off pitch – and new nickname given to him by mates

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      ENGLAND sensation Phil Foden has been dubbed “Fodenballs” by his mates — for following in the footsteps of David “Goldenballs” Beckham.Like Becks, the attacking midfielder is netting trophies on the pitch and millions of pounds off it.Man City ace Phil Foden has been dubbed the David Beckham of his generation – as friends call him ‘Fodenballs’Credit: GettyPhil is currently expecting his third child with sweetheart Rebecca CookeCredit: Sophie Eleanor Photography / Go PR & EventsManchester City ace Foden is set to star in tomorrow’s FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United.The showdown comes on the back of another incredible season in which he won his sixth Premier League title and scored a stunning 24 goals in all competitions.He was named both Premier League player of the year and the Footballer Writers’ player of the year. And on Tuesday Gareth Southgate named the 23-year-old in his provisional 33-man squad for next month’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.READ MORE ON MANCHESTER CITYBut humble Foden is proving just as savvy when it comes to doing deals. Latest publicly available accounts from his companies show his off-pitch earnings shot up by almost £10million.His wealth has increased by £4.8million in a year after setting up PWF Management Ltd to handle his image rights and sponsorship deals.That is the equivalent of £400,000 a month.Most read in FootballFoden and mum Claire Rowlands are listed as directors of the “sports activities” firm.He has also amassed £4.4million in a second firm, Rondog Sports Ltd — named after his nickname of “Ronnie”, given to him by his gran to differentiate him from his dad, who is also called Phil.Man Utd & Man City Premier League combined XIThe Man City ace with mum Clare and dad Phil SnrFoden has deals with Nike, Hugo Boss and jewellery firm Cernucci on top of his £200,000-a-week City wages.Top players also earn from the sale of merchandise including shirts that bear their name. Shrewd Foden also set up PF Property Holdings in 2022.Foden, expecting a third child with sweetheart Rebecca Cooke, 24, has splashed out £2.8million on a home in the footballer enclave of Prestbury for parents Phil Snr and Clare.He then paid £3million for the five-bedroom mansion where he lives with Rebecca, five-year-old son Ronnie and daughter True, one. It is just a stone’s throw from where United’s Wayne Rooney used to live.Despite it all, Foden still has some way to go to catch up Goldenballs Beckham who, according to the recent Sunday Times Rich List, is now worth £455million with wife Victoria. Also, unlike Becks, Foden is yet to amass a huge garage of supercars, having only passed his driving test in December while at the wheel of a VW ID3.However, he does have a £150,000 Mercedes G Wagon — decked out with sky blue seats — and a £100,000 Mercedes Vito people carrier.Despite his millions, Foden remains a regular visitor to the working class area of Edgeley, Stockport, where he grew up and learned his skills while kicking a ball against a wall.He is a loyal customer of Scissor Trim where he pays £20 for a skin fade, grabs Indian takeaways from Bombay Castle and often pops into Fresh Clothing.Fans pay tribute to Phil back home in StockportCredit: Matthew Pover LimitedAnd he and Rebecca shunned glitzy venues in Manchester to hold a baby shower for their third child at League One Stockport County’s function room.The ace is also a close pal of Stockport-based boxer Niall Brown and loves nothing more than going fishing with pals. He famously missed City’s 2018 title celebrations to go fishing with his dad.He also loves the freedom of riding quad bikes with his childhood mates.A source said: “Phil’s a legend to City fans on the pitch, and a legend to his family and friends off it thanks to his down-to-earth nature.“He can afford the finest things in the world, but loves nothing more than going back to where he grew up, getting a hair cut, seeing his mates and having a kickabout with some of the kids that idolise him.”It’s good to play with [kids in Stockport] and see a smile on their face. I just want to be a good role model for themPhil FodenPhil said previously: “I’ve still got family around Stockport, so I go and visit sometimes, and kids are just starstruck to see me.“It’s quite strange because I was one of those kids and was just the same as them.“They look up to you, so it’s just to give something back because I used to play there growing up. “It’s good to play with them and see a smile on their face. I just want to be a good role model for them.”If City win the FA Cup tomorrow, Foden will bag his 18th trophy of his career since making his City debut in November 2017.In 2018 he became the youngest recipient of a Premier League winner’s medal.Since then he has won five more Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups, two Community Shields, a Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.He also won the U-17 World Cup with England, prompting City boss Pep Guardiola to describe the then 17-year-old as “the most talented player” he had ever seen.United legend Ryan Giggs, who retired aged 40, is the most decorated English footballer of all time winning 34 trophies including 13 league titles.We take a look at Phil Foden’s record compared to David BeckhamLEEDS FANS’ HOLS DASHTWO Leeds United fans are ditching their family holiday in the Med to go to their team’s Wembley play-off final — before flying back.Liam Cooper and Dean Fairbrother will leave their wives in their Ibiza hotel late tomorrow night to catch the 12.50am plane to London.Leeds United fans Liam Cooper and Dean Fairbrother will briefly ditch their family holiday to catch the game’s match on SundayCredit: Liam Cooper / SWNSA look at the duo’s mad dash to see the match at the weekendThey will see Sunday’s 3pm game with Southampton which may return Leeds to the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESFood inspector Liam, 43, from Leeds, and, Dean, 59, a finance adviser in Devon, will fly back to continue their £5,500 hols.Dean said: “Normal people don’t understand why you do these things.” More

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      in Soccer

      Move over Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham the real England champ is a 15 yr old SUBBUTEO star

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      WHEN Cayn Matthews dusted off his old Subbuteo set eight years ago, he expected to play “two or three times a year”.Little did the 56-year-old dad know but his daughter Ruby, then seven, would “fall in love” with the game and go on to become one of its most promising stars.Ruby Matthews is the under 16s captain of the English Subbuteo Association and one of the game’s most promising starsCredit: PARuby, 15, will represent England at the Subbuteo World Cup this SeptemberCredit: Damien McFaddenNow 15 and soon to sit GCSEs, she will represent England at the flick-to-kick game’s World Cup this September.She is among a squad of 36 Three Lions, sponsored by Weetabix, to battle it out in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, where the event is being held for the first time.Ruby, ranked fourth in the world in the under-16s category, has travelled across Europe to play and reached the quarter-finals of the European Championships in Gibraltar last year.She is hotly tipped for victory in the Eland Cables FISTF World Cup after claiming her first win in the Majors — the third biggest type of Subbuteo event — in Paris in February.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSRuby, from Flintshire, tells us: “It felt amazing, I never expected to win. “I thought I would do OK but was in utter shock, it didn’t hit me when I won. “I immediately took to the game when my dad got out his Subbuteo set. “If it wasn’t for him helping me to play I wouldn’t be where I am now.Most read in Football“Most of my friends don’t know what Subbuteo is, and I think it confuses them but they think it’s cool I play something so different.”There are believed to be around five million Subbuteo players worldwide and in recent years the UK has seen a resurgence in the table-top game.Robert Lewandowski names THREE teams that could win the EurosAlan Lee, 54, chairman of the English Subbuteo Association, believes Covid and the “enthusiasm” of former players are the driving force.He says: “Membership is up about 600 per cent now compared with pre-Covid, when there were about 20 members of the national association. “We have around 200 full members now and our social media groups have about 10,000 people combined.”Alan, who started playing at 11, says for Tunbridge Wells, where the game was invented, to host the World Cup is “a boyhood dream come true”.He has high hopes for England’s chances in the tournament.Alan says: “We’re just like the England men’s football team — we have always had that potential, and good individuals, but never quite done it at the big tournament, the World Cup.“We have won a silver medal and a few bronze medals but we’ve never got a gold, so this year is the one. It has to be. “Football is coming home!”A replica of England’s real-life 1966 World Cup winnersCredit: RexMore than 300 competitors from 26 countries will travel to Tunbridge Wells to participate in two world cups, which will take place over the same weekend in September.England will be sending six teams — Under-12s, Under-16s, Under-20s, Open, Veterans and Women’s — to battle it out in 30-minute matches split into two halves.Alan says as many as 64 games can take place simultaneously during the early stages of the World Cup and he anticipates “thousands of spectators at any one time” will be there to watch.It will be a special moment for Tunbridge Wells, which remains proud of the success story of Subbuteo and its Brit creator Peter Adolph, who died in 1994.He created the game in 1947 after being demobbed from the Royal Air Force at the end of World War Two and soon it became a hit among children in the UK and across the globe.The first Subbuteo World Cup was held in 1987 — the same year that 16-year-old player Justin Finch, then ranked No5 in the world, insured his right hand for a reported £160,000.Celebrity fansAmong the game’s celebrity fans are footie bosses Sir Alex Ferguson and Sven-Goran Eriksson, comic Frank Skinner, former Conservative leader Michael Howard and punk band The Undertones, who mentioned Subbuteo in their 1980 song My Perfect Cousin.The game’s popularity began to fall in the Nineties as video games took over.By 2003, annual sales had dropped to 500 per year, down from 3,000 the year before.But now an increasing number of younger people are playing — including Elliott Dieu De Bellefontaine, 27, of Elstow, Beds.He has represented England at “around ten World Cups”, including leading the Under-19s to a bronze medal in 2017, and has travelled “most of Europe” thanks to the game.Border Force officer Elliott, who trains eight hours a week to perfect his art, tells us: “My mates all take the mick out of me.“I was brought up playing on PlayStations and gaming consoles, so there is a bit of shock when I tell people that I play Subbuteo — until I speak to the older generations, who love it.”With just four months to go until the World Cup, England’s Subbuteo stars are hoping to at long last bring home a gold — and know victory is within flicking distance.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Weetabix’s new competition, Brits can nominate themselves or someone they know who is facing an upcoming challenge or goal they’d like a boost with, and Weetabix will step in to give them the Weetabix Advantage to help reach their goal.If you, or someone you know – an individual or a group of people – deserve the Weetabix Advantage, tell us why and share your or their story via the https://weetabix.co.uk/bix-by-bix before 5th June 2024 to be in with a chance. Ruby, second from right, with fellow playersCredit: Damien McFaddenSubbuteo inventor Peter Adolph died in 1994Credit: TwitterEngland international football kits on Subbuteo figuresCredit: Alamy More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Euro 2024 security HQ where crack cops work around the clock to protect tournament from terrorists and hooligans

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      HIGH-definition screens flash constant streams of data as British intelligence researchers work around the clock in a vast security nerve centre bigger than a football pitch.Crack police teams from nations across Europe sit side-by-side at workstations in a constant vigil to snuff out potentially deadly threats.Policing teams from across Europe will be working together at Euro 2024 to combat disorder and potential terror threatsCredit: AFPGerman police have been taking part in operational drills at stadiums ahead of Euro 2024Credit: EPABut this is not Britain’s GCHQ listening post or a Pentagon war room — it is the hub of the biggest soccer security operation in history at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.It is expected that 300,000 fans of England and Scotland will head from the UK for the month-long tournament, which kicks off on June 14.German authorities admit that, as well as soccer hooligans, they are trying to counter unprecedented terror threats from IS and rogue factions spilling out of the war to the east in Ukraine.And growing tensions in the Middle East are only adding to their security concerns.READ MORE EURO 2024Germany’s answer has been to pull together 300 of Europe’s top police brains to oversee the daunting security challenge from the purpose-built International Police Cooperation Centre at Neuss in western Germany.And the man in charge of the British presence spoke for the first time last night of the vital role that will be played by three specialist officers spearheading the intelligence operation.Former Met officer Mick Johnson, director of the UK Football Policing Unit, told The Sun on Sunday: “I’ve no doubt it’ll be a well-run machine.“We’ll have three staff working shifts. That’s one more than most nations, because English fans tend to start early and finish late.Most read in Football“They’ll work in three-day stints starting one day before games, match day itself and the day after.“We have a team of plain-clothed operational football officers — once called spotters — on the ground watching fans who will report to our team based in the IPCC.Euro 2024 Controversy: Spying Suspicions in Scotland Fans’ Lodging“If they spot anyone causing trouble, or identify anyone who’s been banned from matches, they will tell the IPCC team who’ll relay it to the Germans who will step in to take action as they see fit.“There will be three or four games a day so each hub will feed into the central IPCC coordinating centre at the same time.“It’s a good system. We’ve used it many times and I have to say the Germans are up with the best in the world at organising it.”Security forces face the task of protecting 2.7million fans, 24 team base camps, and ten stadiums where 51 matches will be played between June 14 and July 14. Top officials in Germany have been visiting the policing HQ as they prepare for an influx of fans next monthCredit: GettyPolice officers will have direct contact with the nerve centre as they keep control of fans around the groundsCredit: GettyPolice leave has been banned as fan zones nationwide are expected to attract 12million visitors and have been identified as the most likely terror targets.In an unprecedented move, Germany has invited 300 security experts from competing nations to the state-of-the-art Neuss HQ.UK experts will work in shifts alongside officials from Germany, Europol and European football body Uefa sifting data from live CCTV streams and the undercover spotters mingling with fans. The hub of the operation is a hangar-like 500  sq  metre conference room equipped with 129 computers and a giant 40  sq  metre screen.Tournament director Philipp Lahm said: “From the outset, security has been our top priority.”Oliver Strudthoff, director of the IPCC, said: “Each country knows its troublemakers better than any other and the foreign experts present in Neuss will be able to identify them more quickly.“A delegation’s size will depend on number of fans and how potentially dangerous they are. “England, for example, will have more representatives than Switzerland.”Among the visitors to the HQ was Herbert Reul, minister of the interior of North Rhine-Westphalia.The country’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, revealed in March that an Islamist attack in Moscow had raised “dangers to a new level”.Her chilling alert came just days after the ISIS-K terrorist atrocity at a concert hall in Moscow killed 143.Among the drastic steps taken to protect Three Lions fans will be a plan to close borders temporarily and to ramp up frontier checks. A ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, who will be staying with their families at the five-star Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain.More than 1,600 known England yobs have been banned from travel to Germany during the tournament.Between 800 and 1,300 police will be deployed around the stadiums at each match guarding three separate security perimeters.Cars will be checked at the first, bags searched at the second and tickets scanned at the third.Fan zones are feared to be softer terror targets as they welcome tens of thousands for every match.The German Army will scan the skies around matches for drone attacks and will feed data into the IPCC central command.Mr Johnson, whose nerve centre team will be led by his deputy Paul Foley, expects a minority of England fans to cause trouble but shares the hope it will be kept to a minimum.He said: “With England there are always going to be those who drink too much and engage in anti-social behaviour. “They might sing songs that they shouldn’t and are generally a pain in the arse.“But, by and large, they don’t get involved in premeditated violent outbursts and we’ve no major concerns with any of the teams we’ll be playing in the group stages.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’re hopeful that it’s going to be really pleasant and enjoyable for all and let’s hope England fans get voted best fans in the tournament. “We’ve got to win something.”English police are hoping the nation’s supporters are the best behaved at the tournamentCredit: Getty More

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      in Motorsport

      Inside Brit F1 ace Lando Norris’ £80m life from stunning model girlfriend to the unlikely source of his need for speed

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      LANDO NORRIS has had a need for speed from a very young age – but his first Formula One win came after  109 previous attempts to take the chequered flag.Britain’s new race ace, who roared to victory in the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday, made his F1 debut five years ago — whereas fellow British track star Lewis Hamilton took his first win in only his sixth Grand Prix, in Canada in 2007.Lando Norris is Britain’s latest F1 superstarCredit: GettyNorris celebrates after winning the Miami Grand Prix on SundayCredit: RexLando, 24, began racing aged seven and was competing in kart racing by the age of 13.He won the karting world championship the following year, 2014 — taking the title from Lewis — before he shifted to car racing the same year.In 2015 he started racing in the F4 championship, the usual route via F3 and F2 to F1, signing as a junior driver for McLaren in 2017.Lando, who dedicated Sunday’s superb win to his grandma, already made history as the youngest-ever British driver in F1 in 2019 aged 19.READ MORE F1 NEWSPublic schoolHe is now understood to have a four-year deal with McLaren worth £80million.Only Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are paid more.Not that Lando was short of money before.He is the second child of businessman Adam Norris, who has a £205million fortune, and Belgian mum Cisca.Most read in MotorsportHe grew up in Glastonbury, Somerset, with his older brother Oliver and younger sisters Flo and Cisca, and went to nearby Millfield public school, where boarding fees are more than £40,000 a year.But he left before taking his GCSEs as his star began to rise — slowly but surely — in the motorsport world.Lando Norris spotted with Portugese supermodel who dated former Chelsea striker at Monte Carlo Masters finalAfter Sunday’s triumph his dad told Sky Sports: “It’s been a long time coming, I think everyone is saying it.“It’s been amazing, you’ve seen 110 [Grands Prix] but I was working it out, it’s probably about 900 races I’ve been to over the last 16 years. It’s been a long time, but it’s there — we got there.“I counted out 350 weekends away, and then all the other races on those weekends, but it’s brilliant, I love it. I’m so happy for him.”Lando’s parents were not in Miami for the race, but saw it on TV at home, like countless fans worldwide.But Adam was sent a text by Lewis’s dad acknowledging the win and the sacrifices the family had made to get Lando into the top spot.He had previously come second eight times, making Sunday’s victory seem even longer in coming after years of striving to make it.After growing up in Somerset he moved to a mansion near the McLaren headquarters in Woking, Surrey, but last year he moved to tax haven Monaco — like many of his fellow racing drivers.He said the move was so he could ensure he could “look after my things for my future”, and so that many of his friends and family can visit.However, it is believed he still owns a £20million pad in Surrey, should he ever need to be in the UK.He also owns a fleet of road-going supercars, including a £300,000 McLaren 765LT Spider and a £1million McLaren Senna, and he is understood to have a £350,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith and a £28,000 classic 1950s open-top Fiat Jolly.It seems Lando is having the last laugh on childhood bullies, who targeted him over his stature — he is 5ft 6in — which also led to mockery on the karting track as a youngster.Now he is one of the most loved stars on the F1 circuit for his down-to-earth attitude — such as his willingness to get his hands dirty.After the 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix he was spotted sitting cross-legged, in his own world, unscrewing bolts from his car.McLaren boss Zak Brown has watched him bloom since he first signed with the company in 2017, and said: “He used to be extremely shy, and he still is to a certain extent. Now his manner is more extroverted, but not in a loud way. Although he was uber-fast from day one, his race craft and maturity is now at another level.”Despite all the privilege and adoring crowds that come with being a professional sportsman, Lando has not let it go to his head.The favourite thing about his job, ahead of the cars and money, is his young fan base.‘Lucky charm’He said: “For me, the coolest thing is always seeing the kids, that I can relate to the most.“I remember being there with my dad. We waited just outside the gates.“The world of F1 was so big and I was tiny. I didn’t even know what the gates were, we were waiting for Jenson Button to come out. I can relate to being a kid and seeing someone — me, Lewis or George [Russell] or any driver. Seeing them and thinking, ‘Wow, I want to be like that one day’.“It is weird that they think that of me. It’s a bit surreal but I can relate to that and I want to give back.”According to rumour, The F1 ace is currently dating model Margarida CorceiroCredit: instagramNorris previously dated Luisinha Oliveira, pictured in 2022Credit: GettyOne unlikely member of the Lando fan club appears to be Donald Trump, who congratulated him after his Miami win on Sunday.Lando said: “He said he was my lucky charm because it was my win, so I don’t know if he’s going to come to more races now.“But yeah, there’s a lot of special people, cool people, that have been here this weekend.”Lando dated Portuguese model Luisa Oliveira from August 2021 to September 2022, leading to abuse from trolls who took offence at the relationship.Luisa even suffered death threats, and Lando said: “Whether it’s about my personal life, me and my girlfriend, especially the amount of hate pages dedicated to Luisa now, it is pretty horrific.“They are on Instagram and Twitter, they are the main ones.”I don’t mind when people ask for a selfie. Of course, it’s maybe not the nicest thing when you’re in the middle of dinner. But I feel like I can’t say noLandoLando also got targeted for any driving mistakes on the track and for being part of a British racing team.He has called on social media to do more to tackle the trolls, but insists he does not let it bother him.He said: “What I find the funniest in a way is people are actually spending their one life on Earth just sat behind a computer trying to ruin and bully someone.“When people are creating fake pages and fake chats, and fake Whats-App messages, then I am like, ‘You’re actually spending your life doing that?’ They’re wasting their life.“Not enough gets done. I report the things I see but there are so many, I don’t have time to go through them all.”Despite the abuse, Lando appreciates his fans and is happy to meet them when they approach him.He once said: “I don’t mind when people come and do it. Of course, it’s maybe not the nicest thing when you’re in the middle of dinner and people come and say, ‘Can I get a quick picture please?’READ MORE SUN STORIES“But I feel like I can’t say no. I feel like they’d hate me and they wouldn’t be my fan any more.“Maybe I need to start saying no a bit more often. But I struggle to.”Norris had a need for speed from a very young age, pictured Lando at 8Lando steers his McLaren to victory in the Miami Grand PrixCredit: RexLando with his parentsCredit: Instagram More

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      in Soccer

      I’ll take Kyle Walker’s kids to Euros, says Lauryn Goodman raising risk of explosive Annie Kilner showdown

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      KYLE Walker’s ex Lauryn Goodman is taking their two kids to the Euros — where the England ace’s wife and four boys will also support him.Lauryn, 33, told a pal: “I am determined my children will get to see their daddy playing for the Three Lions this summer.”Kyle Walker could be at the centre of a showdown between the mothers of his chikdren at the Euros this summerCredit: GettyLauryn Goodman is determined her kids should be able to see their dad represent his countryCredit: PAKyle’s wife Annie has given birth to her fourth child with the international footballerCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Influencer, mum to the England star’s son Kairo, four, and a daughter, eight months, told pals he invited them to Germany in June, and is determined to go.A source says Kyle told Lauryn: “I want you there. And I want Kairo there to see me play.”But a source close to Kyle, 33, insisted he had not invited her.His wife Annie, 30, intends to be in Germany with their children.READ MORE KYLE WALKERLast week it emerged Annie had given birth to their fourth son.His arrival was revealed on the day Kairo turned four.Kyle was at his wife’s side for the birth — despite them splitting in January when she found out he was the dad of Lauryn’s baby daughter.A source said: “Lauryn won’t let Kairo down. She told friends Kyle said he wanted her to take the children to the Euros when they were still close, before Annie found out they had a daughter.Most read in Football“Kairo has been excited. Lauryn is a good mum. She won’t let her son be disappointed.“It felt calculated that the baby news came out on Kairo’s birthday last week. Kyle Walker had ‘no feelings’ for Lauryn Goodman in ‘fleeting’ romance – despite fathering her two children, pal claim”Kyle did not even send a message through solicitors or a card. It’s heartbreaking. “Lauryn feels he once had such a wonderful relationship with his son.”Now she will do everything she can to ensure her children aren’t affected by his actions.”Lauryn has told pals Kyle made the promise to Kairo because the youngster didn’t go to the 2022 World Cup. The source said: “During the World Cup Kyle would message Lauryn saying, ‘That win, that celebration . . . was for Kairo’.“He even brought Kairo a World Cup ball and a shirt back.“Kyle apparently said he was sorry Kairo wasn’t there and wanted him at the Euros.“What boy doesn’t want to see their daddy at work? It just so happens for Kairo that his daddy is a footballer.“Kairo idolises the ground Kyle walks on. They had built up a wonderful relationship, they loved playing football together and hanging out. They adore each other.“Kairo goes to his wardrobe and picks out the football tops he wants to wear. He has Liverpool, Chelsea but all he wants is Manchester City.“He knows that is the one Kyle bought him and had Dad printed on the back. He is proud of that.”Lauryn, 33, who is about to star in a TV documentary about Wag life, has not seen Kyle since Annie found out in December he is the dad to both Lauryn’s children.By going to the Euros she isn’t trying to be confrontational towards Annie. All Lauryn cares about is being a good mumSourceThe source said: “Those children have done nothing wrong. “Lauryn will not let her son be crushed because of his father’s actions.“Annie took her children to see Kyle play for England in March. Lauryn is just doing the same. You can’t let kids down.“Kairo has no idea that his dad isn’t making an effort and she doesn’t want him to feel left out, she has to protect him.“When she takes him to Germany she will come up with an excuse as to why they can’t see him after the game to protect Kairo. “But there is no way she will break that promise.“When he is old enough he will know the truth, but not now.“By going to the Euros she isn’t trying to be confrontational towards Annie. All Lauryn cares about is being a good mum.“She thinks Kyle and Annie are clearly back together and has no malice. “She doesn’t want to see Kyle or Annie. Going to the Euros is about her children, simple as that. “Lauryn won’t be mingling with the Wags.“All she will do is let Kairo cheer on his daddy, and feel proud.”Lauryn, 33, is about to star in a TV documentary about Wag lifeCredit: SplashInfluencer Lauryn has two children with star footballer Kyle and wants him to be there for themCredit: Click News and MediaLauryn fell pregnant with Kairo while Kyle was on a break from Annie in 2019. But Annie took him back and they wed in 2021.Kyle and Lauryn’s daughter was conceived in October 2022 when Kyle travelled to London for an op.The source added: “Kairo is too little to understand. He just asks when he is going to see his daddy.“Lauryn tries to give him answers to soften the blow without lying to him. “She was sobbing on Wednesday but hides that from the kids.“Kyle spoke out in January and said his children were the innocent ones in all this mess but he seems to have forgotten that now.”Set for showdownBy Lizzie Cundy, TV personality & ex-Wag
      WHEN Annie Kilner and Lauryn Goodman both attend the Euros this summer it could be the most awkward run-in in Wag history.
      Forget the game, this has the potential to be far more interesting.
      It’s shaping up to be the most raucous event since the 2006 Wags were dancing on the tables of Baden-Baden.
      There is only one person to blame for this drama and that is Kyle himself.
      I sympathise with Annie as she’s just given birth.
      And Lauryn has every right to go to the Euros because she has children with Kyle.
      If he was to score a goal or be man of the match you would want your child to be there to say they saw that.
      But I can only see this unravelling further.
      This very sorry affair will surely go global. I can imagine a documentary or even a movie being made.
      Whatever you think about footballers and their wives, people are gripped.
      This could get bigger than handbags at dawn or, dare I say, Wagatha Christie.

      A spokesperson for Kyle said: “Lauryn continues to pursue wild and untrue stories whilst Kyle and Annie attempt to move forward away from any drama.“All comments are being dealt with privately and through the proper legal channels as the couple do not wish to engage in further public dispute, particularly where children are involved.” Yesterday Kyle captained Manchester City in their 1-0 win over Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.Prem stars won’t know what’s hit them’, as wronged pair Lauryn Goodman & Rita Johal set for TV show about life of WAGSSources close to the player said: “Kyle categorically did not invite Lauryn, or any member of her family, to the Euros. “He is fully focused on taking his country all the way to picking up the trophy. He is grateful for all the support.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSources say Annie has sought legal advice over some of Lauryn’s posts, with a view that they could be harassment. We approached Lauryn’s people for comment. More

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      in Soccer

      The Sun’s grassroots footie grants are amazing…keep it up, says Harry Redknapp as he joins young talent for session

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      HARRY REDKNAPP joined a coaching session for budding talent at a grassroots club – and hailed The Sun Footie For All campaign as “amazing” for helping to keep kids on the pitch.The 77-year-old former Premier League manager visited Milford-on-Sea Youth Football Club in Hants, one of the organisations who have been handed a £1,000 grant under the scheme.Harry with young Milford footballer Jack Gunner after joining kids on the pitchCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHarry shares tips with under-15 players at the clubCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdAnd this week is the final chance to get YOUR bid in for one of our grants before applications close for round two of the fund’s payouts.We teamed up with Tesco’s Stronger Starts Campaign — which funds healthy foods and activities for children — to support kids’ football clubs after shocking figures showed 94 per cent of grassroots teams were struggling in the face of soaring costs.Clubs across the country also told us how some kids are being forced to drop out as families couldn’t pay for memberships, kit or transport.Harry said at pitchside: “I love seeing them enjoying themselves, and they make friends at this age that they will probably be friends with for the rest of their lives.READ MORE ON FOOTIE FOR ALL“We can’t all be professionals but you can all go out and enjoy playing, and that’s what they do. “They’re so enthusiastic. I love being with the kids and watching them play.Running costs“The adults who volunteer to coach, referee and everything else are extra special because they give the kids so much. “They give up their time every week and deserve all the praise in the world.Most read in FootballHarry pictured practising with his own son Jamie – who’s now 50Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd“This grant from The Sun and Tesco is so important and an amazing thing to do.”We have already handed out 150 grants and have another £150,000 of funding to dish out before applications shut at midnight on April 30.Olly Murs supports The Sun’s Footie For All campaignSo today we urge YOU to apply for one of our handouts. From starting new teams and providing free places for kids of low-income families, to replacing old and out-of-date equipment, the cash can change lives.It can be used in any way which encourages kids to take up the sport or aids access to the game.Perhaps you are with a local team who want to offer parents help with membership fees.I used to spend every Saturday and Sunday on pitches like thisHarry RedknappMaybe you need new kit or more pitch space to play on. Grants can also be used to help with transport or general running costs.Harry and his wife Sandra are no strangers to grassroots clubs, having spent many weekends watching their kids Mark, now 54, and Jamie, 50, play as they grew up.And they won’t be short of grandchildren to watch having a kickabout either, with eight so far.Harry made a career out of managing some of the UK’s top teams including Tottenham, Bournemouth, West Ham, Portsmouth, Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City.His tenure at Tottenham saw them make it into the Uefa Champions League.Being back at an evening training session and helping out with drills for the under-15s and under-11s left Harry feeling nostalgic for his days of coaching youngsters.He recalled: “I used to spend every Saturday and Sunday on pitches like this.“I loved it, watching my kids enjoy just playing the game. It was fantastic.”Getting involvedWithin minutes of arriving at the club, Harry couldn’t help getting involved with the young players.Keen to show off their skills, they quickly formed a circle and did the one and two-touch drills they were asked for.Harry questioned by the club’s under-11sCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdFootball legend Harry Redknapp chatting with the kidsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdThey passed the ball around the circle while one in the middle tried to intercept it. If they got it, the player who had failed to make the pass took their place in the centre.While a few struggled to get to grips with minimal contact on the ball, Harry knew he had the right story to get them on board.He said: “Luka Modric, if you’ve heard of him, he used to play for Real Madrid, never went into the middle for this drill in four years.“I coached him at Tottenham, and he was incredible at just being bang, bang, bang with the ball. “He never once gave the ball away in a game, and this drill helped him hone that skill.Knowing where the ball is going to go before it arrives is what makes professionals so great, so hone this skill if you can. It’s just practiceHarry Redknapp“The players used to do this for 20 minutes before I even started the session. “Knowing where the ball is going to go before it arrives is what makes professionals so great, so hone this skill if you can. It’s just practice.”Harry didn’t spare his praise, declaring: “Good touch,” and “Nice pass,” and reminding the boys to be “On your toes”.As he moved on to help out with the under-11s, he told The Sun: “It’s an absolute pleasure to meet kids like this. They play because they love the game.”For the younger ones, he set up a cross passing drill and happily stepped into the middle to show what he wanted. Once things were up and running, he selected Vinnie, 11, to take over transferring the ball.’Getting good’Like the older boys, Harry kept reminding the kids to be on their toes before declaring: “I like it, you’re getting good.”He rounded off the session with: “That is excellent, lads, you are good,” leaving the boys grinning from ear to ear.The football legend also made sure to spend some time with the seven- and eight-year-olds and asked about their favourite clubs and players.We have to say a massive thank you to The Sun for awarding us this fundingClub secretary AJ AitkenMilford-on-Sea have used their £1,000 grant from The Sun and Tesco for balls, ball launchers for goal scoring drills, bibs, cones and more for all their teams.Under-15s coach and club secretary AJ Aitken said: “We have to say a massive thank you to The Sun for awarding us this funding.“It’s wonderful that something like this is available to teams across the country, as having a kid doing sport can cost a fortune.“Allowing us to buy all the equipment we need means we can keep fees low for families, meaning parents don’t worry, and the kids can just focus on being part of a team.“It also elevates it from a kickabout in a muddy field to something with structure. For the lads, having Harry come to visit has been brilliant.“They’ll remember it for ever, and I know they’ll be telling all their pals at school about training with him.”Kids can play with the club from the age of seven to 16, and it caters for both girls and boys.Dad Michael Gunner, whose son Jack, 11, plays for the under-11s, is thrilled that there is such a great club on their doorstep.He said: “I loved playing football, and it’s a bit like reliving my youth, seeing Jack do it too.“I’ve still got friends from playing when I was his age, and it’s great that The Sun is making sure clubs like this survive.“It runs on volunteers, but things still have to be paid for, and the grant from The Sun allows that.”The team has existed for around 25 years and has grown from 15 boys having a kickabout to 152 girls and boys across their teams.It was initially started by several mums who wanted to give their sons something to do other than play games.It’s a mentality that Harry agrees with.Under-15s coach and club secretary AJ Aitken thanked The Sun for supporting young people playing footballCredit: Chris Balcolmbe – Commissioned by The SunCharlie Bond says the club instilled a love of football in him that he didn’t previously haveCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe said: “Grassroots is so important because it gets them out of the house and their faces out of technology.“They get to be healthy and active. They won’t all be great players, but it’s not about that. It’s about having fun and loving the game.”For Charlie Bond, 15, the club has instilled a love of football he didn’t previously have.He said: “I joined because my friends played and the three years that I’ve been here have made me love it.“I love the sport and the team. Getting to train with Harry was a bit stressful as none of us wanted to mess up, but we know he’ll have made us better.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Even just five minutes with him will have improved us. He’s given us tips and motivation to be better.“Everyone’s dream is to play professionally, but for now I love playing here.”GET £1k FOR YOUR CLUB NOW
      ONLY 11 DAYS LEFT TO APPLY
      YOUR footie club could net a £1,000 boost to keep your young players at the top of their game.
      If you are a not-for-profit grassroots club in England, Wales or Scotland working with youngsters under 18 you could be eligible for one of our grants.
      We want to hear the story of your club and the huge difference you are making to kids and your community.
      We’ve got 150 grants of £1,000 to dish out before applications shut at midnight on April 30.
      Funds can be used for anything which encourages more children to take part in the sport.
      Perhaps your club needs help with pitch fees or wants to sponsor funded places for children who can’t afford membership.
      To apply and for full T&Cs, see: tescostrongerstarts.org.uk/footiefund More

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      in Soccer

      Masked thugs roughed up Dele Alli during armed raid at his house… I was terrified and feared I’d die, says ex Ruby Mae

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      DELE Alli’s ex Ruby Mae has revealed she feared she was going to die when armed raiders stole £350,000 of watches and gems.The model, 29, said two masked men tried to rip rings off her after roughing up the England star.Traumatised Ruby Mae, right, speaks of the horrific experience of encountering armed robbers at ex Dele Alli’s homeCredit: Tom Horton / REXDele, who played for Spurs at the time of the crime, was badly shaken by the incidentCredit: Peter Byrne / PA WireWhile the attackers remain at large, Ruby says the police were very helpful when they turned upCredit: Paul Edwards – The SunTalking for the first time about her ordeal in London, she said: “I thought I was going to be killed.”The traumatised model lay in the dark as two men with concealed weapons burst into her bedroom.She added that the thugs roughed up Dele and made him hand over three watches, including a Rolex.Ruby was in bed with the lights off and tried to protect their dog as the men grabbed her arms for her rings and bracelets. READ MORE DELE ALLIThey failed to take them before panicking and fleeing with the goods.Ruby told The Sun: “It was like a movie. I feared all sorts of things were going to happen.“I honestly didn’t know what was going to come next.”She had been watching Netflix thriller Dead To Me, and Dele and pals were playing pool downstairs when the burglars evaded security to get in through the back door.Most read in FootballRuby said: “They roughed up Dele and forced him upstairs with them into the wardrobe area, which is separated from the bedroom.“I couldn’t see the door from the bed but Dele’s friend came up first.Dele Alli shows off drastic new haircut.. and fans think it’s a cryptic transfer hint for his new club“They came to me in a panic and I instantly realised something was wrong. His friend wouldn’t have usually come into the bedroom.“Behind the friend, towards the door was what looked like a silhouette. I was confused and said, ‘Dele?’ and the guy didn’t answer.“I realised this guy was not the same height or body structure as Dele. He came over to me and was very intimidating.“He started asking me where everything was while trying to take off my bracelets and rings.”She added: “It was terrifying. I was just hoping for it all to be over and for us to be safe.”Desperate Ruby tried to shield poodle Uno at the £2million home in North London. She said: “I had taken the dog out to go to the ­toilet, then went upstairs.“When the burglar came in, my first instinct was to protect the dog.“I wasn’t answering any of their questions as I was in shock and didn’t know, at this point, that there were two of them — and that one was already taking the jewellery with Dele.“I couldn’t get the jewellery off as I was panicking and holding the dog behind me.“I wasn’t answering his requests and I was terrified they were going to hurt Uno.I wasn’t answering any of their questions as I was in shock Ruby Mae“I didn’t know whether to tell them or not, and I didn’t even know where everything was. I wasn’t thinking straight.”Ruby said the raiders began to panic when they realised how long they had been in the house.She added: “They jumped the fence out the front and ran away with whatever they had both managed to find. I don’t have a clue how they got past the security and into the house.“The police turned up a few minutes later. They were very helpful and made sure we were OK.”Dele, 27, his adoptive brother Harry Hickford, 27, and the pal were badly shaken.Ruby added: “It affected all of us. To get burgled is one thing, but to get burgled when you’re in is so scary. All of us were speechless.A view of Dele’s gated property in North London where the incident took place“We were all just like, ‘What the hell has happened?’ We didn’t even know what to say to each other.“We were all very emotional and up and down. We were tired and had to do the police interviews. It was all very traumatic.“Psychologically, it has had an impact. Being home alone is scarier than it once was.“Every now and then I still think about it. I can’t believe it happened. It was awful.”After the raid in May 2020’s Covid lockdown, police gave Dele and Ruby alarms to activate if they were in danger which signalled directly through to cops.Ruby said they randomly sounded weeks later and police turned up with a dog unit within moments.It’s a pretty weird feeling knowing the people who did it never got caught and are still out thereRuby MaeThe alarms were on top of the 24-hour security they already had in place before the break-in.No arrests have been made and the attackers remain at large.Ruby said: “It’s a pretty weird feeling knowing the people who did it never got caught and are still out there.“But they took stuff that can be replaced, so I’m just glad we all got through it without something really serious happening.“A watch is a watch, who cares. As long as you’re safe, that’s the most important thing.”Ruby and Dele split in 2021 — less than a year after the raid — with Ruby saying they “drifted” and lost their spark.They had met in a London bar in 2016 and for five years were one of the most photographed young couples in Britain.Ex-Tottenham midfielder Dele won PFA Young Player of the Year two years running, and made his Three Lions debut aged 19 in 2015.He scored in a 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with Ruby, from Wigston, Leics, cheering him on with other Wags.But Dele lost his place in the England squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers and has yet to be recalled. I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says ‘World Cup 2026’. That’s my aim for nowDele AlliHe left Spurs for Everton in January 2022, but failed to impress and went on loan to Turkish side Besiktas.He returned early and has yet to play for Everton this season.Last year Dele revealed that one of his mum’s friends had abused him as a child.He also spent six weeks in rehab in the United States for an addiction to sleeping pills.Last Monday Dele appeared on Sky Sports as an analyst as his side were hammered 6-0 by Chelsea. He revealed his ambitions to play for England again saying: “You know you can set reminders on your phone. I have a reminder at 11 o’clock every day that says ‘World Cup 2026’. That’s my aim for now.“I know how good I can be when my head is in the right place, and I’m feeling good.”Ruby remains a successful model and said: “People think it’s a glamorous life but it’s quite cut-throat with a lot of pressure to look a certain way.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The good things are that you get to meet amazing people, work with different brands daily and travel.”
      Read more of Ruby Mae’s interview online tomorrow
      The pair a year after the 2020 incident, with Ruby saying that they ‘lost their spark’Credit: Getty More

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      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua reveals job he’d love to do if he wasn’t heavyweight boxer – and it’s right up the muscle man’s street

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      AS a two-time heavyweight world champion, boxer Anthony Joshua has faced some tough battles in the ring — but none compares to the grilling he got from one nine-year-old fan.The sporting icon agreed to be interviewed by Josie Bell for children’s current affairs magazine The Week Junior.Anthony Joshua was interviewed by Josie Bell for children’s current affairs magazine The Week JuniorCredit: Mark Robinson for The Week JuniorAJ confessed he would have loved to be a bricklayer or an accountant if he wasn’t a boxerCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua lands a punch on Francis Ngannou during their contest in MarchCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko in 2017Credit: GettyYoung reporter Josie, above, quizzed the 34-year-old on a range of topics when they went head to head for the on-camera chat at Finchley Boxing Club in North London, where Anthony used to train as an amateur.The ring legend, who knocked out Francis Ngannou inside two rounds last month, told how he would have loved to be a bricklayer or an accountant if he wasn’t a boxer.And he revealed his favourite film is — unsurprisingly — Rocky.‘I have no fear’But he admitted he has never seen Margot Robbie’s Barbie blockbuster.READ MORE ON ANTHONY JOSHUAThe dad to son JJ, eight, said: “There’s two jobs I like. One would be a bricklayer, because I like building and would always like to make my house bigger. I think everyone wants a bigger house.My favourite film is Rocky. It’s about a guy who has potential. But he has to become his own hero.Anthony Joshua“I’d probably like to be an accountant. Do you know an accountant is someone who counts everyone’s money? So I’m in control of the piggy bank.”He added: “I haven’t actually seen the Barbie film or the Wonka film.“My favourite film is Rocky. It’s about a guy who has potential. But he has to become his own hero. It’s a really good story about a guy who becomes a famous boxer.”Most read in BoxingArmed with a notebook and pen, Josie, from Kenley, Surrey, also asked: “What’s your biggest fear?”Anthony boldly replied: “I don’t have a biggest fear as I have a very positive mind and everything’s fun. Every day is a blessing. So I have no fear.”Anthony Joshua back in frame for world title BEFORE facing winner of Fury vs UsykThe boxer also explained that his favourite subject at school was PE. And he offered some tips on how to handle playground bullies.He said: “If I saw someone getting bullied, I would try and protect them because I don’t think getting bullied is nice. I don’t like bullies.“The best thing you can do is go and find your teacher to let them make sure that they take care of the student.“So I’d try and make sure that they’re protected first. And then I’d try and find a teacher as soon as possible.”Award-winning The Week Junior, aimed at children aged eight to 14, will feature the boxing champ as its cover star in its latest issue, out tomorrow.I hope he takes my advice and goes to see the Barbie movie.Josie Bell, The Week JuniorAfter his interview, Anthony told The Sun: “I knew Josie was going to ask me some seriously tough questions, but I was prepared.“Move over Piers Morgan, there is a new kid on the block.“I really enjoyed hearing from the kids at The Week Junior.”Delighted Josie said of her big assignment: “Anthony was super kind. He answered all my questions.“I was a bit nervous but he helped me loads.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I want to interview more mas- sive stars.”She added: “I hope he takes my advice and goes to see the Barbie movie.”The ring legend told how he would have loved to be a bricklayerCredit: GettyAJ on the cover of The Week JuniorCredit: Mark Robinson for The Week Junior More