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    I went from non-league to FA Cup Final with Sunderland and won promotion at Oxford… now I’m helping kids with autism

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    MARTIN GRAY went from naughty schoolboy to a promotion winner at both Sunderland and Oxford – now he is helping other youngsters in need.The 53-year-old was a self-confessed bad boy as a kid and he never dreamed that he would make it as a footballer when he was released by Middlesbrough aged 15.Martin Gray is now making a big impact off the pitch by helping kids in the North EastCredit: GettyThe former midfielder went from non-league to being a Sunderland heroCredit: PAThree years later he was handed a lifeline by Denis Smith and Malcolm Crosby at Sunderland, and that led to him working under the pair for the best part of ten years.“I remember leaving the Northern League, where I was playing for Ferryhill, and Denis Smith signed me for Sunderland,” Gray told Sun Sport. “Seven years later he and Malcolm Crosby signed me for Oxford United. I probably had ten years playing under them.“Malcolm was an inspiration and like a father figure to me if I’m honest. I was a late developer and wasn’t at the level of the other players when I first went to Sunderland but I don’t think they signed me based just on my skills.“I think they got me for my work ethic, hunger and toughness etc. I found it really difficult at first as I knew I didn’t have the qualities of the lads that were there but Dennis and Malcolm, mainly, what they did to try and help me as a person and player was amazing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Malcolm was the best person that I worked with in football and had the biggest impact. He’s a great person.”Smith was sacked by Sunderland in December 1991 with assistant Crosby taking over, and Gray would go on to make his debut and was even part of the travelling squad that went to Wembley in the 1992 FA Cup Final where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.He said: “That was special. I played against Blackburn the week before as he had rested Paul Bracewell and a few others. I was involved in the last couple of matches leading up to the final and managed to get in the travelling squad.“I never, and didn’t deserve to, make the bench but that whole occasion of wearing the suits and being part of it was unbelievable.”Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGray was part of Peter Reid’s squad that won promotion to the Premier League – and that was a campaign he enjoyed double joy after departing the North East for a reunion with his mentors at Oxford.He said: “I signed on deadline day and we were celebrating promotion a few weeks later. That was amazing.Sunderland fans in hysterics as captain Luke O’Nien ‘auditions for WWE’ in post-match brawl at Luton “I played the last ten or 12 games of that season and it was good to contribute to help get over the line and reach the Championship.“I was eventually made club captain down there and I had an amazing time there. I had four special years at Oxford.“We were the small club in the big league going up against the likes of Birmingham, Middlesbrough, Man City, Sunderland, many thought that we would just be the whipping boys.“We had Joey Beauchamp and some other really good players that went on to become Premier League regulars like Matty Elliott, Phil Gilchrist, Darren Purse and Dean Windass, who I still speak with almost every day.“Dennis created a great working ethic within the club and we were a very close team with no superstars and if anybody got above themselves then they were soon brought back into line.”Oxford, whose draws with West Brom and Derby over the past week have left them 11th, are now back in the Championship and travel to the Stadium of Light to face table-topping Sunderland tomorrow.Gray, who moved to Darlington in 1999 before hanging up his boots, said: “It’s great to see them back after coming close a few times.Martin Gray pictured in action for Oxford United against Man CityCredit: PA“They are still a small fish in a big pond but they are holding their own. It goes to show that by putting trust in young managers and allowing people to develop can really pay off.“They are in the top half and got a good result last weekend against a tough opponent. “They’ve done great and then you look at Sunderland and wonder where all this has come from.“I didn’t know much about Regis Le Bris but I heard after pre-season some really good feedback about what he was doing. And what he is doing is working and they’ve got off to a start that most of us never expected.“I’ve been to the Derby and Leeds matches recently and from where they were two or three years ago to now is something I didn’t foresee to be honest.”Gray is set to attend the clash between his two former teams, but unlike his tigerish displays on the pitch, he is holding back when it comes to making a prediction.“I’m sitting on the fence and going for a draw aren’t I,” he says with a huge grin when pressed for a prediction.“Both clubs have had a great start to the season and I want them to each do well. So I’ll be supporting both teams massively as they both played a massive part in my career.”The midfielder enjoyed promotion with Oxford in 1996Credit: PAAway from the pro game and his coaching career, including leading Darlington to numerous promotions, Gray has also made a huge impact in the North East with his work in education – especially in providing alternative provision for children and young people.In 2018 Future Pathways began in Darlington, a provision which set out to offer support and education to young people. The young people accessing the service have a range of complex needs, and felt mainstream schooling was unable to meet them, but are now thriving in the small bespoke environment.Gray added: “Whether you are dealing with a young child that has difficulties due to trauma that they have unfortunately come across to a footballer that is not getting a new contract or being released, then you have to deal with people in a caring way.“It’s amazing. It used to be kids just getting kicked out of school and being labelled as naughty, and I’ll be honest, that was me.“But there was no alternative education around then, you were just labelled and got excluded.“Our provision is based around a sporting theme from boxing, biking, football… They do their education around the sport and the education is built around that and developing life skills, it feels so rewarding and it’s just great to help the kids we have.”Still keen to stick to his sporting roots, Gray still runs a sporting academy in partnership with a local college, where he hopes to inspire the next generation of players and offer high quality coaching. Staff from Gray’s Future Pathways Alternative Provision company are about to embark on a sponsored 30-mile walk from Sunderland Royal Hospital to Darlington Memorial Hospital.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe money earned from this fundraiser will go towards delivering Christmas Presents to children in both of these hospitals in December.If you would like to sponsor them please visit: Fundraiser for Anthony Verity by Tyler Hutchinson : Future Pathways Staff Walk from Sunderland to DarlingtonWho are these famous footballers? 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      Behind-the-scenes Man Utd documentary to show Kobbie Mainoo going back to SCHOOL as England star reveals key to success

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Kobbie Mainoo has returned to his old school for a new behind-the-scenes documentary. His incredible rise to stardom is looked at in the next episode of the show “Lifeblood”, which is being released on Friday.Kobbie Mainoo’s rise to the top is explored in a new documentaryHe visits his old school to speak to pupilsIn one scene, Mainoo is filmed heading back to Cheadle Catholic Junior School on the outskirts of Manchester.As he takes a trip down memory lane, the 19-year-old opens up about his childhood and coming through United’s academy.He speaks to students at his old school and is asked by one how he remains grounded.Mainoo replies: “I have never really been one to brag. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I just keep my head down, keep trying to work hard and I try not to listen to people who keep on bigging me up. “Obviously, I appreciate it – but you can’t let it get to your head.”Mainoo started his football journey at Cheadle and Gatley Junior Club, being scouted by Man Utd at the age of seven.He joined at the age of nine and worked his way up through the youth ranks, while also being capped for England at Under-17, 18 and 19 level.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMainoo made his Man Utd debut in January 2023 and became the club’s 246th academy graduate.He then lifted the prestigious Jimmy Murphy award for best youngster later that year.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesBy 2024, Mainoo was a key player for Erik ten Hag and England.The documentary “Lifeblood” celebrates the success of Man Utd’s academy.Club media have produced the show, featuring behind-the-scenes access and interviews with players, parents and coaches.The doc looks at the stories of Alejandro Garnacho, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford.And there are also clips showing the intensity of youth-team training and the Under-9s getting their first ever United shirt.Fans that subscribe can watch the series via the club’s website. 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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      Wayne Rooney’s four sons pose in their uniforms ahead of the new school year

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      WAYNE Rooney’s four sons look an impressive line-up in a back-to-school photo.Kai, 14, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and six-year-old Cass posed in their uniforms ahead of the new academic year.Wayne Rooney and Coleen’s sons Kai, 14, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and six-year-old Cass posed for a back to school pictureCredit: InstagramMum Coleen, pictured below with Wayne, captioned the online snap “my gang”.She added: “Year 10… 7… 4… 2. Have a great school year 2024/2025 everyone.”It shows how all four boys have grown since their photo two years ago.The 14-year-old is currently in the Manchester United academy and is being closely watched by the club’s supporters.READ MORE WAYNE ROONEYHe shared a clip on social media in which fans could not believe how similar his style was to his dad.Supporters have also hailed him as the “English Lionel Messi”.Wayne Rooney is set to return to Old Trafford to play in the Manchester United’s legends game against Celtic.It is a brief break from his spell as Plymouth manager, where he is yet to win a league game since being appointed.Most read in FootballThe Rooneys back to school picture from 2022 shows how much they have grownCredit: Wayne and Coleen’s oldest son Kai is in Manchester United’s academyCredit: Fans claim Wayne Rooney needs to start himself as Man Utd legend puts in stunning display in Plymouth training game More

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      Former Premier League stadium to become a SCHOOL with kids to have ‘cutting edge’ sporting facilities

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      MIDDLESBROUGH’S Riverside Stadium is set to be used as a makeshift school from September.Boro played at the ground in the Premier League between 1998-2009, and again in the 2016-17 season.Middlesbrough Riverside Stadium will host classes for a schoolCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe Riverside has a capacity of 34,742 and boasts state-of-the-art facilities which pupils will have access to.Middlesbrough have opened the doors to students of Outwood Riverside Academy, who will be taught in temporary classrooms.The bizarre move has come about because the building of a new school, which was scheduled for completion in 2023, has been delayed.And another temporary site that was supposed to host pupils in Easton is also not ready.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHeadteacher Melissa Brant-Smith said pupils will attend classes at the Riverside for a “short time” and she confirmed students would be taught the full curriculum.Year 7s starting the school in September will use the stadium, while older kids will be taught in temporary premises at Russell Street.A new building for 900 pupils at Lower East Street in Middlehaven was approved by Middlesbrough Council in 2018.But issues with a building contractor combined with the pandemic meant the site missed its original 2023 opening and the completion date was pushed back to 2026.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn March, a DfE spokesperson said it was working with Middlesbrough Council and Outwood Grange Academies Trust to “urgently progress” its delivery.MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East Andy McDonald previously questioned whether it would be built quicker than “some of civilisation’s greatest constructions”.Former Premier League stadium to become a school with kids to have ‘cutting edge’ sporting facilities 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