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    Mario Lemina and Co’s disrespectful antics are just embarrassing – deal with it the old school way and be done with it

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    A REAL team of fighters do not get involved in the sort of disrespectful antics Wolves have recently.Mario Lemina was pushing his own team-mates and coaches after they lost to West Ham this month, and then last weekend Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri clashed with Ipswich players and staff after falling to a late defeat.Mario Lemina clashed with team-mate Toti GomesCredit: GettyMario Lemina was held back by team-mate Toti GomesCredit: GettyIf something like that happens once, you go: Right, that’s just someone losing their cool.It’s not the right way to go about things, but sometimes emotions spill over, especially when you are under that much pressure or in a relegation battle.But for it to happen in back-to-back weeks, it looked like they were just reacting off Gary O’Neil after he asked for more ‘fight’ from his team.That is not what he meant.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWe’re footballers, not tough guys. You want to be a boxer or a fighter? Go watch a proper fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk tonight.Get in the ring with them, I dare you.I wouldn’t even use the word ‘fight’ to describe what those players did.It’s petulance. It stinks of a team that is needing leadership and direction from both the top of the club and on the pitch.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYou want to do it properly? Go old school and do what we used to do back in the day, even if it was our own team-mate we had a disagreement with.Get down the tunnel, into the boot room, have someone hold the door shut, one-on-one for a few minutes, then shake hands and it is finished.Alan Shearer left red-faced and fuming after botching question about his own career The next morning, it was back to work and we didn’t speak about it again.If it lasted longer than 30 seconds, people would dive in and break it up, but often it was just three or four punches to blow off some steam, and that happened a few times a season.But those involved at Wolves were pretending to be something they’re not, pretending to be up for a fight by getting themselves involved in something. It is embarrassing.If you fight after the final whistle, it says to me that you don’t care about fighting for the ball or for tackles or for the win during a game.And if they really were that hard or tough or up for a fight, they wouldn’t be doing what they did.It’s like that friend who says you can trust him. If you have to tell me, I don’t think I should trust you.As the saying goes: It’s easier for a nice guy to pretend to be tough than it is for a tough guy to pretend to be nice.And this Wolves group, they’re not tough, they’re just nice kids, nice people.If you fight after the final whistle, it says to me that you don’t care about fighting for the ball or for tackles or for the win during a game.Troy Deeney You wouldn’t be scared to bits if you came across them in a dark alley, would you?I saw Lemina having a go at the assistant, Shaun Derry, at West Ham.I tell you what, if Lemina had tried that on Derry a few years ago, he would have been put on the ground.And then I saw Craig Dawson try to carry Ait-Nouri down the tunnel to calm him down.As a whole, there is just a lack of respect across that whole team. There should be a genuine, healthy fear and respect of senior players or leaders in any dressing room.I saw a few of those incidents close up during my career, especially during my early days with Walsall.After something like that, we would be terrified knowing the manager would tear us a new one or the captain would have us up against the wall after making such fools of ourselves.I don’t sense that happening now. Respect your elders.But saying that, it seemed to me like the players actually liked O’Neil before he got sacked.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt wasn’t like they ever quit on him. There were so many times they could have.They followed him and liked him and respected him and didn’t want him to go.Rayan Ait-Nouri was restrained by Craig DawsonCredit: Rex More

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      ‘Proud’ David Beckham shares adorable school photos of daughter Harper and she looks unrecognisable

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      DAVID BECKHAM proudly showed off some incredible throwback photos of daughter Harper as he flaunted his Emmy.The former Manchester United and England captain received the prestigious gong this week for his hit “Beckham” documentary on Netflix.David Beckham’s hit Netflix documentary recently won an EmmyCredit: ALAMYBecks showed off the prestigious gong on his InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@DAVIDBECKHAMThe 49-year-old posed with the award in front of some incredible throwbacks of his familyCredit: INSTAGRAM@DAVIDBECKHAMThe four-part show won the Emmy for the best Documentary or Nonfiction Series.David, 49, was over the moon at the doc’s scooping of the award after it received five nominations.Along with a series of snaps of the gold gong, he wrote on Instagram: “Safely back in Office.”Still can’t believe we won an EMMY.”READ MORE SPORTS NEWSA “proud” as punch Becks then shared a photo of himself posing with the award in front of framed pictures of his kids and wife Victoria to his Instagram story on Tuesday.And on display were some adorable school photos of Harper.The photos showed Harper throughout the years as she beamed in her annual school pictures.Harper, 13, was closer to a spitting image of her superstar dad when she was younger.Most read in FootballBut she’s started to look like her Spice Girl mum, Victoria, as she’s grown older.Just last week, fans of the Beckhams were blown away by Harper’s resemblance to her mum after she posted a snap of them on holiday to her Instagram.Incredible unseen footage from David and Victoria Beckham’s £1m weddingOne of Harper’s 163,000 followers wrote: “They look more like sisters than mother and daughter!”Another said: “She has Victoria’s face.”Harper looks unrecognisable to her old school photosCredit: Instagram @victoriabeckham More

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      I was England legend’s teacher – I knew footballer would be a star when he took to pitch at 11 & now he’ll bring it home

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      AN ENGLAND legend’s teacher said he knew the footballer would be a star from the age of 11-years-old – and he’s bringing it home tonight. The Manchester United youngster was brought to Germany as a back-up for Gareth Southgate but has since emerged as the Three Lions’ key kid in the Euros 2024.Kobbie Mainoo has become a star member of the team since his first competitive start in England v SlovakiaCredit: GettyThe star showed immense talent on the pitch from an early ageCredit: Social media – Refer to sourceMainoo has been hailed for his performances in the 2024 EurosCredit: APKobbie Mainoo made has become a star member of the team since his first competitive start in England v Slovakia. Now, his high school PE teacher, Ryan Maindment, has hailed the player for showing skills “miles ahead” of his peers from an early age.Mr Maidment, an assistant head at St James’ RC High School in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, told the DailyMail he taught the footie star from Year Seven.”He was a great personality and a really nice boy,” he said.”It was evident that he was a really good footballer and was with Manchester United at the time.”Mr Maidment recalled how Mainoo, a “well mannered…cheeky chappie”, threw himself into all football clashes and every sport available.”He was a big part of the football team . He was big for his age group,” he continued.”When it came to football, in lessons or for the school team, you could see his mind working like you can see now. Most read in Football”He was miles ahead in terms of his vision on the pitch, he knew where he was on the pitch in relation to the space around him and where the ball was.”The impressed teacher praised his former student for having “the vision to run the game” and “creativity” on the pitch – which landed him “two or three steps ahead”. Fans all switch over from BBC to ITV after realising who pundits are for Euro 2024 finalHe described one match during which Mainoo’s “power and prowess” saw him blast the ball into the net from 30yards.In a video previously shared by Manchester United’s club, Mainoo said: “I think I was a pretty good student. I did OK in school and got my grades and what not.”I was just (like) any other student, but I played football after school.”England ratings vs HollandENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins’ last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?SunSport’s Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate’s boys, and here’s how he rated them.Jordan Pickford: 7Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner – though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.Kyle Walker: 7Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.John Stones: 7Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.Marc Guehi: 6Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.Bukayo Saka: 7Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.Declan Rice: 6Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.Kobbie Mainoo: 8Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.Kieran Trippier: 6We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.Phil Foden: 7The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.Jude Bellingham: 5Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.Harry Kane: 6Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.SUBSLuke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game – you could not ask more from him.Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide – but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.Gareth Southgate: 8His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst – but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke. Mainoo transferred to Ashton on Mersey High School in Sale, after a year. The school offers the education element of the club’s Schoolboy Scholarship programme.United’s Head of Academy, Nick Cox, explained how it was unusual for the programme to take on a player as young as Mainoo.He said: “Around that age, we had a hunch, to the best of our ability, that he was definitely going to go on to be a youth-team player and a young pro.”Family supportBy Ellie GrantKobbie Mainoo shared a picture of his beaming mum after helping fire England into the Euro 2024 final.The Manchester United youngster was brought to Germany as a back-up for Gareth Southgate but has emerged as the Three Lions’ key kid this summer.At just 19 years and 82 days old, Mainoo became the youngest player to play in a semi-final of a major tournament for the Three Lions.And the Red Devils ace did not fold under pressure as he was the driving force in midfield that saw England beat Holland 2-1.To share his excitement at reaching his first-ever major international final, Mainoo posted a heartfelt carousel on Instagram of his family proudly watching him from the stands at BVB Stadion in Dortmund on Wednesday night.Mainoo only made his full England debut against Belgium at Wembley back in March but instantly looked right at home.A bit like Adam Wharton, Mainoo was seemingly selected in England’s 26-man squad to mainly learn what it is like to feature in a major tournament, and then perhaps make a few appearances off the bench.He was effectively Southgate’s third-choice to partner Declan Rice in midfield but after getting his chance has become a key player and started the semi-final.Mainoo’s first Premier League start was just eight months ago and the season saw him bag an FA Cup winners’ medal at the age of 19 in which he was the man of the match in the final against Man City.For him to win Euro 2024 a couple of months later would be extraordinary.When is the Euro 2024 final?The Euro 2024 final will take place on Sunday, July 14.Kick-off will be at 8pm BST.The Olympiastadion Berlin will host.What TV channel will the Euro 2024 final be on and can it be live streamed FREE?The Euro 2024 final will be broadcast live on BOTH BBC One and ITV1.All of the games at the European Championships have been aired on either BBC or ITV during the tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESYou will be able to live stream the final for FREE on either BBC iPlayer or ITVX.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.Kobbie Mainoo shared a heartfelt post of his family after his superb performance in the Euro 2024 semi-finalCredit: GettyThe Man Utd youngster posted a picture of his proud mum in stands after the semi-final victoryCredit: Instagram @kobbieMainoo also shared a pic of his family watching on in DortmundCredit: Instagram @kobbieKobbie Mainoo celebrating after the FA Youth Cup Final between Manchester United U18s and Nottingham Forest U18s at Old Trafford in 2022Credit: Getty More

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      Schools allow kids to turn up LATE on Monday if they stay up to watch Euros final – will your youngsters get a lie-in?

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      SCHOOLS across their country are ready to give pupils a lie-in on Monday morning after England’s Euro 2024 final.England take on Spain at 8pm on Sunday, with the titanic clash set to end later than many young football fans’ bedtimes.Some lucky children will be able to start school late on Monday because of the Euro 2024 finalCredit: AlamyThe Three Lions set up the showpiece game against Spain on Sunday after Ollie Watkins scored a sensational 90th-minute winner.Gary Spracklen, who is in his seventh year as head teacher at the Prince of Wales school in Dorchester, Dorset, said the start time was “quite late” for his pupils aged between three and nine years old.He said he “didn’t want the excuse of being tired” to affect their schoolwork on Monday, so the school will start at 11am rather than the usual time of 8.45am.“It just made sense to us, we wanted to join the whole nation in getting behind our national team,” Mr Spracklen added.Read More in FootballThe head teacher said his pupils have been supporting the team during the competition in Germany.He said: “There was universal praise for the idea and we’ve been supporting England right through the tournament, through qualifying, and we made films to support them.“We made a Vindaloo video with the children and the parents at home, we’ve got all the nations’ flags at the front of the school.”He said the “only negative” was that not all parents had been given the same time off by their bosses.Most read in Euro 2024The hopeful head teacher added: “So I think they were going to take my letter into their places of work and see if they could get a lie-in as well.“I think a few schools in the area are doing it, I think it’s spreading and I think as that excitement builds others will probably reflect and hopefully join us in making that offer to their young people”“People are embracing the moment.”Sven-Göran Eriksson’s Rallying Cry for EnglandSam Kaye, head teacher at Wooburn Green Primary School in Buckinghamshire, is also offering children a “soft start” where pupils can come in until around 10.30am instead of the usual 8.30am.“The children were obviously very excited – a lot of the children have been following the Euros,” he said.“We’ve done sweepstakes in some of our classes.”Mr Kaye said the reaction from parents had been “positive all round”.However, students at Digby the Tedder County Primary School in Lincolnshire, who wrote a letter to their head teacher asking for a later start on Monday, were not as lucky.Alison Crawshaw said: “The children wrote amazing letters and their persuasive techniques were wonderful.“However, I did explain to the children that even though it is an incredibly exciting time and we would want to celebrate and be proud, whatever the outcome, I wouldn’t be able to authorise late starts for other sporting events and this wouldn’t be fair and inclusive.”It comes as Three Lions fans are hoping for a bank holiday if England end their trophy drought by winning the Euros on Sunday.However, there has been no official plans by the Government that there will be a national bank holiday.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans across the country have been campaigning that one should be put in place.In one viral video posted online by Georgeana Burkett, a man claimed that ‘not one person in England’ will be going to work the following day if Southgate’s side win Sunday’s final.England vs Spain recordEngland have played Spain 27 times in total – here is a look at every result…May 1929, Spain 4-3 England – International Friendly (L)December 1931, England 7-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)July 1950, Spain 1-0 England – World Cup (L)May 1955, Spain 1-1 England – International Friendly (D)November 1955, England 4-1 Spain – International Friendly (W)May 1960, Spain 3-0 England – International Friendly (L)October 1960, England 4-2 Spain – International Friendly (W)December 1965, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)May 1967, England 2-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)April 1968, England 1-0 Spain – European Championship (W)May 1968, Spain 1-2 England – European Championship (W)March 1980, Spain 0-2 England – International Friendly (W)June 1980, England 2-1 Spain – European Championship (W)March 1981, England 1-2 Spain – International Friendly (L)July 1982, Spain 0-0 England – World Cup (D)February 1987, Spain 2-4 England – International Friendly (W)September 1992, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)June 1996, England 0(4)-(2)0 Spain – European Championship (W)February 2001, England 3-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2004, Spain 1-0 England – International Friendly (L)February 2007, England 0-1 Spain – International Friendly (L)February 2009, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2011, England 1-0 Spain – International Friendly (W)November 2015, Spain 2-0 England – International Friendly (L)November 2016, England 2-2 Spain – International Friendly (D)September 2018, England 1-2 Spain – Nations League (L)October 2018, Spain 2-3 England – Nations League (W)Overall, England have won 14, drawn three and lost 10 matches against Spain. 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      Fans stunned by England star’s appearance and say ‘seeing him like this is like seeing your teacher outside of school’

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      JORDAN PICKFORD was labelled “Clark Kent on a normal day, Superman on match day” after fans marvelled at an “unrecognisable” off-duty snap.Skipper Harry Kane shared a smiling, behind-the-scenes picture of team-mates to highlight England’s “togetherness” at Euro 2024.Some supporters refused to accept it was Jordan Pickford almost hiding on the left at the back, behind Luke Shaw, Harry Kane and, right, Tom HeatonCredit: XJordan Pickford was slick between both the posts and his ears as he celebrated shootout glory against Switzerland with his more usual hairstyleCredit: AlamyBut it was Pickford’s new appearance that dominated the reaction from supporters.Just one simple change had many fans doubting it was really the Three Lions’ quarter-final shootout hero in the photo.Gone was the Everton keeper’s slicked-back hair, in came a tidy, even old-fashioned, look.One fan posted: “Seeing Pickford without his hair slicked back is like seeing your teacher outside of school…”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Many confused the 30-year-old with Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, 23.And others even refused to accept it was Pickford.One posted: “Still couldn’t recognize him even after reading this tweet.”Another wrote: “No way that’s Pickford…”  Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAnd just a day after Pickford produced the only spot-kick save needed to KO Switzerland, his fresh-faced look was compared to the difference between docile character Kent and heroic alternative self, Superman.Well, the 66-cap ace between the posts is almost like kryptonite to opponents in shootouts at major tournament.Quick-thinking England hero Jordan Pickford was forced to change penalty shootout routine at last minute vs SwitzerlandPickford has now saved four out of 14 such penalties – compared to just two being kept out by all other England stoppers from 1990 to 2012.Some of that that, however, might be down to his “secret weapons” – like inside tips on penalty takers written on his water bottle, as against the Swiss.Yet despite his prominence, fans were still baffled by the effect of a simple new look.He looked the most innocent of the foursome – smiling angelically at the back behind Kane, Luke Shaw and Three Lions’ training keeper Tom Heaton.One supporter said: “How has his whole face just changed just because his hair isn’t slicked back.”But with the Three Lions potentially just two games and a week from glory, Pickford will hope it’s a case of new hair today, new gong tomorrow.England player ratings: Saka the saviour for Three Lions but subbed Kane stuggles in penalties thriller vs SwitzerlandBUKAYO SAKA showed huge courage as he dug England out of a hole and through on penalties against Switzerland, writes Tom Barclay.The Three Lions looked to be going out when Breel Embolo had put Swiss ahead on 75 minutes.But Arsenal star Saka dragged England back into five minutes later with a stunning effort off the post.To penalties it went – just like it did between these two sides five years ago in the Nations League.And just like back then, Jordan Pickford made a save – repelling the Swiss’s first effort from Manuel Akanji.England were perfect from then on, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellignam, Saka, Ivan Toney and finally Trent Alexander-Arnold sending the Three Lions into the semi-final.Here’s how the players rated…Jordan Pickford: 7Had his heart in his mouth when Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner deep into extra-time hit the post and bar, but then pulled off a smart stop to take it to penalties.Saved Manuel Akanji’s first spot-kick by diving low to his left.Kyle Walker: 6Spent most of the game on the right side of a three which meant he could not get forward. Embolo got in front of him for Switzerland’s opener. Won the toss so the penalties were taken in front of the England fans.John Stones: 6Crisper passing in the first half, much better than his sloppy Slovakia display, but his deflection on Dan Ndoye’s cross diverted it to Embolo.Ezri Konsa: 6Was decent in the first half of his maiden start at a major tournament but, like the rest of the team, went into his shell after the break.Kieran Trippier: 6Had been expected to play right wing-back but was once again on the left.Solid defensively but, as has been the case throughout the tournament, offered little going forward on his unnatural side.Declan Rice: 7Anticipated, and subsequently, won a number of 50-50s at the base of England’s midfield.It was his decoy run that opened up the space for Saka to find the corner, before his 25-yard wonderstrike was denied by a flying Yann Sommer save in extra-time.Kobbie Mainoo: 6Some decent drives forward from midfield. Looked as if he would fire home an opener just before the break afterBukayo Saka’s nice cutback, but was denied by Granit Xhaka’s excellent block.Bukayo Saka: 8 and STAR MANDid not play at left wing-back as expected, but was England’s most dangerous attacking player throughout – and none more so when he came to the rescue with his 80th-minute leveller which flew in off the post.Showed huge courage in the shoot-out as he stroked home his penalty beautifully, three years on from missing in the last Euros final.Jude Bellingham: 6Produced a few graceful dribbles which showcased his quality in the first half but pretty quiet.Looked knackered but showed big cojones with his low penalty.Phil Foden: 6Admitted before the game that his central role would suit him better and it seemed to in the first 20 minutes, but faded after that.Harry Kane: 4This system just does not suit him. He needs runners, but does not look like he is going to get them.Just could not get into the game and was subbed out of it in extra-time, seconds after he was sent crashing into his manager on the touchline.SUBSCole Palmer (for Konsa, 78): 7One of three players to come on in reaction to Switzerland’s opener – why did it take so long, Gareth? Dispatched England’s first spot-kick with aplomb.Luke Shaw (for Trippier, 78): 6First minutes of football since February, slotting in on the left side of back three as Southgate went for broke.Eberechi Eze (for Mainoo, 78): 6Carved out a nice bit of space for himself in the dying moments but fired wide.Ivan Toney (For Kane, 109): 7It was no surprise to see him come with the prospect of penalties on the horizon – what was more of a shock was that it was for spot-kick maestro Kane. Was knocked over in the box right at the end of extra-time, but nothing was given. Confident penalty.Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Foden, 115): 7Thrown on late into extra-time. Belted home his spot-kick to win it.Gareth Southgate: 4The adjusted back three system worked to a certain extent, but still the approach looked to be to keep it tight and rely on a moment of magic.Saka provided that for the leveller, but given the talent at his disposal, it seemed very limited.Took an age to make a change – prompted only by Switzerland going ahead. But got his subs right when it came to the penalty shoot-out. More

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      Jamal Musiala was an artist on and off pitch… but one ex-Chelsea player was streets ahead, reveals old school teacher

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      JAMAL MUSIALA was an artist on and off the pitch as a youngster.The Germany superstar, who has lit up Euro 2024, grew up in England and attended prestigious private school Whitgift, in Croydon, South London, as a teenager.Jamal Musiala is now Germany’s star manCredit: RexHe plays the same way now as he did as a youngster, says his former teacherHe invited his former school coach to the Allianz last yearWhitgift has a rich recent history of helping produce footballers including Victor Moses and Callum Hudson-Odoi – with Musiala the pick of the bunch.But the Stuttgart-born lad was unlike most footballers who generally stick together and instead was more of a social butterfly.And one that also had a passion for a paintbrush in the rare moments he was not honing his talent with a football.His coach Andrew Martin, who is now Director of Football at Whitgift, recalled to SunSport: “Most footballers can be quite loud, brash and outgoing. Jamal’s the complete opposite, he’s very comfortable in his own skin and in himself.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“He had a real variety of friends which spoke to his character and how approachable he was. “He knocked about with some other boys in the football team, some in the hockey team and some who didn’t play sport at all.“Jamal dedicated all his time to football.  But he did really well across the board. He was a good student.“I wouldn’t say he was academically astonishing. But he did very well, his reports were always glowing about his character.Most read in Euro 2024129 goals in 39 matches helped lead Whitgift to numerous titlesThe youngster also had a strong academic backgroundMusiala represented England at all youth levels alongside Jude BellinghamEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“He really liked his art. His languages were obviously pretty strong, growing up in Europe.“He was well liked by teachers and pupils.Play Foden & Bellingham centrally & go for it! | Jack Wilshere’s plan to win the Euros“But as soon as he crossed that white line, there was a different side to him, he would switch on to a very determined and driven young man who believed in everything he did on the football pitch.”Martin is a former Crystal Palace player himself who was a schoolboy at the South London club when Gareth Southgate was still there in the mid 90s.Two games stick out in the Welshman’s memory from his time working with Musiala, who he still speaks to now and has been in touch with even during the Euros.One was an Under-12s national cup quarter-final down in Plymouth, when Musiala shrugged off a five-hour coach journey and netted a hat-trick in the first five minutes, eventually bagging seven in a 10-0 win.The other was in a semi-final in Peterborough a year later when Musiala, a diminutive No9 back then, was in tears at half-time after some rough treatment from the opposition, before having the last laugh as his second-half double secured a 2-1 victory.Musiala went on to score 129 goals in just 39 matches for Whitgift across Under-12, Under-13 and Under-14 age groups, as he combined his time with the Chelsea academy.Comparing his former pupils Moses, who went on to win the Premier League with Chelsea, current Nottingham Forest star Hudson-Odoi and Musiala, Martin said: “Victor was a physical specimen of a boy who could dominate games with his pace and athleticism.“Callum could literally do anything and everything, he was streets ahead of anything I’ve ever had before in terms of being able to be the complete package.Musiala is currently joint top scorer at the EurosCredit: GettyBut Musiala’s old coach admits ex-Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi was ‘streets ahead’ at WhitgiftCredit: 2013It was harsh to hook Gallagher at half-time… but Mainoo showed he’s the answer, says Jack WilshereKOBBIE MAINOO was always my preference to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in England’s midfield, writes Jack Wilshere.I think he showed why in the second half against Slovenia.But I still feel that it was harsh on Conor Gallagher that he was taken off at half time.Firstly because it was probably our best half of the tournament.And secondly, because it didn’t feel like a Gareth Southgate thing to do.It will knock Gallagher’s confidence for sure.He will have thought that this was his chance, but he only gets a half.Having said that, despite the disappointing result, the second half was better and Mainoo proved he is the man – or boy – to play there in future.Read Jack Wilshere’s post-match verdict in full.Or check out all of Jack’s Euro 2024 columns.“Jamal was an out-and-out No9, the features he showed at school he shows now.“His close-quarters dribbling, his receiving, his goals.“The way he dribbles with the ball now on the telly in front of millions was exactly how he moved it when he was 12 or 13, his style of movement.“If you put two clips together from then and now, they would be identical.”Whitgift have a massive poster of Musiala pinned up on their state-of-the-art Sports Hall, along with images of fellow alumni Moses, Hudson-Odoi and rugby star Elliot Daly.The Bayern Munich attacker’s old school is proud as punch with what he is achieving with his life.Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.And there will be plenty of fans cheering him on all the way back in Croydon when Musiala’s Germany take on Denmark in the last 16 of the Euros on Sunday.Martin, 44, added: “There is a huge pride in what the young man is doing at the moment.“Not just on the pitch but off it too. He’s not splashed across the front of papers, he lets his football do the talking.“I’m lucky enough to still be in contact with Jamal and his mum and dad.“Jamal and his mum invited me out to watch Bayern last year. It was great to see him play at the Allianz Arena.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Sadly I won’t get out to Germany due to it still being the school term.“But as a Welshman, I’m actually supporting Germany because we didn’t qualify!”Meet England’s Euro 2024 WagsEngland Wags range from childhood sweethearts to recently blossoming love stories.Katie Goodland (Harry Kane’s wife)The fitness instructor has been married to the England captain since 2019 and joined him in Germany with their four children after he joined Bayern Munich.Laura Celia Valk (Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend)The stunning Dutch model, 25, has more than half a million Instagram followers and is said to be absolutely smitten with the Real Madrid star.Rebecca Cooke (Phil Foden’s girlfriend)Foden’s childhood sweetheart and the mother of his two kids tends to keep out of the spotlight, but is a regular at England games.Dani Dyer (Jarrod Bowen’s girlfriend)England’s most famous Wag, former Love Island winner and daughter of Eastenders’ Danny Dyer.Iris Law (Trent Alexander-Arnold’s girlfriend)Dani Dyer isn’t the only actor’s daughter dating an England star. Iris’ dad is Hollywood legend Jude Law.Megan Davison (Jordan Pickford’s wife)Megan has been with Pickford since he was 14 years old. The couple married in 2022 and have one son.Olivia Naylor (John Stones’ girlfriend)The 33-year-old former beautician has stepped back from her role after giving birth to a baby son.Read more about the Wags who will be supporting England at Euro 2024 here More

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      Jake Humphrey reveals why he left BT Sport and opens up on awful bullying he ‘would not wish on worst enemy’

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      JAKE HUMPHREY has revealed he quit BT Sport for his family – as he launched an attack on social media abuse and recalled childhood bullying he “would not wish on my worst enemy”.The presenter says he “struggles with the modern world” and gets a stomach-wrenching feeling when he drops his kids off at school – due to the “nasty” treatment he received in the same setting.
      Jake Humphrey is glad to have stepped back from TV presentingCredit: Getty
      The broadcaster says his school dealt badly with his bullyingCredit: Getty
      The former Champions League broadcaster, 45, is now more focused on his High Performance podcast and also wrote How to Change Your Life.
      And he explained how he was “not always that comfortable” as a TV frontman, partly as “the lads-y banter thing is not for me”.
      The ex-BBC Formula One presenter admitted being ill at ease dealing with “firm opinions” on BT Sport, rather than more subtle debate.
      Humphrey told The Telegraph:  “I often felt I was doing High Performance all week, and empathy and understanding and leaning into people. Then, on Saturday, I was having conversations about sacking managers and dropping players, criticising decisions made by referees.
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      “I’d been dreaming for a long time, but not brave enough to take a leap.”
      He is also aghast at how toxic life online can be, having spoken out against “chauvinistic and nasty bullying” received by presenter Karen Carney.
      Humphrey said of trolling: “I think you would be a sociopath or something if it didn’t get through the armour sometimes.
      “I’ve always thought that if you just let this stuff go you are as complicit as anybody.
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      “The only place that reaction happens is on Twitter. No one has ever stopped me in the street and said it… I just feel exactly like I felt when I got bullied at school.”
      The former children’s game show presenter then relived some of the abuse he got at secondary school.
      He said: “When we drop the kids off, I still get the feeling in the pit of my stomach when I see them walking off with the bag over their shoulder.
      “It still triggers me to this day… God, the feeling of having to do that day after day after day, knowing what awaited. 
      “There were these two buses in the school car park and I’d go and sit in there on my own and just have my lunch.”
      Humphrey also believes his school’s handling of the matter only made him feel worse.
      He added: “At that age, particularly at that time, people didn’t really know how to deal with it. 
      “I was asked to stand up in assembly and the teacher said, ‘Can people stop bullying this guy?’ That just brings more heat.” More

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      I was kicked out of school at 16 for swearing at a teacher – now I make £45,000 a MONTH and I’m a boxing champion

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      A MAN who was kicked out of school at 16 for swearing at a teacher claims he now makes £45,000 a month and is a boxing champion.Teshi Cheema, 22, from Leeds, was raised by his grandparents in nearby Micklefield after his mum died unexpectedly.
      Teshi Cheema is a Thai boxing champion
      The entrepreneur said he was a disruptive and abusive towards his teachers at school.
      He told LeedsLive: “I was always cracking jokes, being immature, being a nuisance, trying to p*** off of my teachers.
      “Literally doing anything I could to not do any work, I would not do work.”
      Matters came to a head when Teshi, then 16, was put in isolation by his head of year.
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      Teshi said: “I just didn’t agree with it and I started swearing at him.
      “We got quite close to each other and it nearly was an altercation and teachers did come out.
      “That was just the last straw and I got suspended.”
      Teshi’s record of bad behaviour stopped him from attending the local sixth form, and he left school with a string of rock-bottom grades.
      Most read in Boxing
      His life only turned around when he took up Thai boxing at university after watching fights on YouTube.
      Teshi’s grandad Dilip drove him to training four days a week, patiently waiting in his car during the sessions.
      Dilip never missed a fight – and was in the crowd for the recent title fight in Leeds where Teshi won the British Thai Boxing Belt.
      Teshi has turned professional and manages 16 properties through his business House of Cheema – claiming he rakes in £45,000 a month.
      He now makes more in a month than he did in a year at his previous job as a Morrisons worker.
      The entrepreneur said he sometimes bumps into his old teachers – and is proud to tell them how he has turned his life around. More

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      Footie-mad lad, 6, stuns classmates at his school’s Halloween disco — by dressing as Man City’s Jack Grealish

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      A FOOTIE-mad six-year-old trumped classmates when he arrived at his school’s Halloween disco — dressed as Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.Nairn Rodgers put on the club’s kit and scraped his hair back in a band like his midfield hero before drawing on stubble.
      Nairn Rodgers stunned his classmates when he went as his footy idol for a Halloween school disco
      Jack Grealish is Nairn’s favourite playerCredit: Avalon.red
      His fancy dress inspiration came three days after Nairn fulfilled his dream of watching Grealish, 28, play and he got to tour City’s Etihad Stadium.
      Parents Jordan Rodgers, 26, and Michaela Goodwin drove him 200 miles for last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brighton to celebrate his upcoming seventh birthday.
      Michaela, 23, said: “Jack Grealish is his favourite player and we’re proud of him and how much he suited the costume and actually looked like Grealish.
      “Other kids went as scary pumpkins, witches, Encanto, but no other footballers. Unfortunately, they don’t do prizes for best dressed any more.”
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      Nairn, who goes to Machanhill Primary in Larkhall, near Glasgow, plays football for his local team.
      Michaela added: “He’s only six but football is his everything.
      “He wants to be a footballer. It’s all he ever does and has done from when he could kick a ball.
      “His room is filled with Manchester City posters, football cards, scarves, and he has two strips.”
      Most read in Football
      Nairn now has fans of his own.
      After Michaela posted snaps of his Jack outfit on Facebook, Tracy Robson wrote: “Looks like him so much.”
      Amy Crawford said: “I’m howling. Why, he’s like a proper wee man.”
      Man City fan Nairn fulfilled his dream of visiting the Etihad and watching Jack play More