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      in Soccer

      Argentina chief SACKED after telling Lionel Messi to apologise for racist chants about France

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      ARGENTINA’S deputy sports minister has been sacked after saying Lionel Messi should apologise for the Argentina squad singing a racist and transphobic chant aimed at France.Julio Garro was sacked within hours after making the comment on an Argentinian radio station.Argentina’s deputy sports minister called on Messi to apologise for members of the Argentina squad singing a racist chant aimed at FranceCredit: ReutersIt comes after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez went live on Instagram leading the chantCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezArgentine Sports minister Julio Garro (left) was sacked by president Javier Milei (right) for saying Messi should apologise on behalf of the Argentina national teamCredit: NewsflashCaptain Messi was not even on the bus where the shocking incident took place.Garro told Urbana Play: “I think [Messi] should come out and offer the appropriate apologies, as should the Argentine Football Federation president [Claudio Tapia].”He added that the incident “leaves Argentina looking bad as a country” and that it would be good to “make an example out of this”.It came after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez went live on Instagram while leading the vile chant.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor his suggestion that Messi should apologise on behalf of his national team as club captain, Garro was fired from his post by Argentina’s far-right president Javier Milei.Milei’s official social media account stated: “The Office of the President states that no government has the right to tell the Argentine national team, world champions and double Copa America champions, or any other citizen, what to comment, what to think and what to do. “That is why Julio Garro ceases to be the under-secretary of sport.”Milei’s social media comment was followed up by Argentina’s vice-president Victoria Villarruel saying: “No colonialist country is going to intimidate us for a song on the pitch or for telling the truths they don’t want to admit.Most read in Football“Argentina is a sovereign and free country. We never had colonies or second-class citizens. We have never imposed our way of life on anyone.“But neither will we tolerate that they do it to us . . . Enzo I support you, Messi, thanks for everything! Argentinians always hold your head up high.”Copa America fans clamber into AIR VENTS as Argentina vs Colombia final descends into chaosVice President Victorial Villarruel (right) defended Fernadez’s sick chantCredit: APWesley Fofana said the chant was an example of ‘uninhibited racism’Credit: GettyDavid Datro Fofana also criticised Fernandez;s chantsCredit: GettyVillarruel’s comments come after the French FA threatened legal action against the Argentinian FA over the chant.That followed Wesley Fofana, Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate posting the video of Fernandez’s racist chant on X and saying: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana also condemned the chant and said: “The football that I like is multi-ethnic.”Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else. This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone in this sport.”Fernandez apologised for his role in leading the chant and said: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.”The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.”I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.”That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”Chelsea broke their silence on the matter on Wednesday morning and said: “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable.”We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.”We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.”The Club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”Several Chelsea players are said to have unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram in response to his racist and transphobic chant.Chelsea’s pre-season training has already begun with Fernandez set to join up with the squad after the Blues’ pre-season tour of the US.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea’s pre-season preparations are under threatCredit: GettyHe is one of several players being given an extended break after the Copa America and European Championship tournaments.He is contracted at the club until 2032, having joined from Benfica for £107million in 2023. More

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      in Boxing

      Meet Brit boxing’s best social media star who coached in the Maldives and has Snoop Dogg and Sugar Ray Leonard as fans

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      DAN MORLEY – British boxing’s best social media star – is back with a bang.The 28-year-old Epsom welterweight clocked up a modest 8-0 record on the small-hall circuit between 2018 and 2022, to little fanfare.Dan Morley launched his comeback with a perfect liver shot knockoutCredit: RexMorley is now hoping to get a British title shotCredit: Boxing TunesThe 28-year-old coached out in the MaldivesCredit: Instagram @danmorleyboxingHe coached Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown during his time thereCredit: Instagram @danmorley97And a disillusionment with the frustrating sport, combined with the covid pandemic that crippled it, put him on the sidelines for two years and bedridden at mum’s house.In that time though, the self-taught video whizz started creating brilliant boxing clips and biographies on some of history’s greatest boxers.This has earned follows and friendships from superstars from Sugar Ray Leonard, to Carl Froch and even Jackass legend Johnny Knoxville and music legend Snoop Dogg.Morley’s TikTok and Instagram accounts grew to over 500,000 followers and he was invited to teach the sport he loves in paradise hotels in Switzerland and the MaldivesRead more BoxingAnd on July 6 the newly empowered puncher won his comeback with a beautiful body shot in the opening round and he already has another September date secured as promoters who previously overlooked him now chase his signature.The entrepreneur sat down with SunSport to explain his rapid rise from the obscurity of his barber’s chair to his mum’s spare sickbed to a couple of star-studded profiles.“I started during Covid when my barber told me to start a TikTok account,” he told SunSport.“I couldn’t be a**ed with it at first but then I started doing a few about myself and my training but that stuff doesn’t stand out and nothing happened.Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMorley also spent time coaching and training in SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram @danmorley97Morley is ready to cause a ripple in the boxing world after conquering social mediaCredit: Boxing TunesEpsom welterweight Dan Morley is a TikTok and Instagram whizzCredit: Rex“But then I caught Covid and was in bed at my mum’s and I asked her if she thought people would be interested in the Cuban style of boxing.“She said ‘probably not’ but I did it anyway and it got about 250,000 views and then the TikTok grew.Brit boxer Dan Morley delivers stunning liver shot KOBoxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard is one of Morley’s social media followersCredit: GettyMusic legend Snoop Dogg is also a big Morley fanCredit: Reuters“Since then a few crazy things have happened, like a friendship with Johnny Knoxville, which is mad, Sugar Ray Leonard follows the account and Carl Froch has sent me messages. It’s amazing and a big confidence booster.“When I was first boxing these big names weren’t paying attention and now they are, for my boxing knowledge.”Too many boxing promoters and broadcasters flogged themselves to the social-media-influencer world at the start of the digital craze and we have seen some thoroughly dismal acts and ‘fights’.Thankfully the sport now seems to be pulling away from the fame-desperate circus act it helped kickstart around 2018 when Watford showman KSI danced with American entertainer Logan Paul in Manchester.But it means a bonafide throwback fighter and boxing fan like Morley has been cautious about using the platforms to boost his well-deserved popularity.Morley’s mum told him nobody would watch his Cuban boxing clip – then 250,000 didCredit: RexHe explained: “I was cautious because it is not my nature to sell-out or make a spectacle of myself.“I had a plan to build my following but I had to do it in the right way, which would benefit me but also help people.“I am not very good on phones, my friends get the hump when I take two days to reply to a message.“I am no good at technology but I taught myself all that and learned how to edit up to four good videos a day.“I had to learn how to clip things probably, merge things together but also learn how to not rip anybody else’s footage off.“In my 18 months out I did over 2,000 posts so I put the work in and have hopefully deserved the following.”Morley teaches boxing in stunning spots in Switzerland and Maldives but can’t switch offCredit: RexMorley’s accounts are must-follow content for fellow boxing nerds, sports fans and even history buffs.And he hopes that the modern tools at his disposal help him teach Generation Z about the incredible and criminally underrated men who paved the way for glitz-and-glamour version of the sport we see today.“I have read every book I can find and I am a proper nerd about it,” he laughed.“I want people to know that Harry Greb lost ONCE in 100 fights and went 45-0 in one year – all while being BLIND in one eye.“Some of these feats are so amazing.“Henry Armstrong won 59 of 61 fights in three years – through SEVEN weight divisions.“People rave about Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson – and rightly so because they are amazing fighters – but it wrongly feels like people think they are the only boxers who ever walked the earth.”I was cautious because it is not my nature to sell-out or make a spectacle of myself.Dan MorleyMorley now has a following that some British world champions would be proud of – or even have their PR people pay for.The pugilism media pioneer has a podcast and book ideas and has been wisely used by Wasserman to present some of their Channel 5 shows.So why on earth is he back in the back in the gym, punishing and starving himself, sparring hundreds of unpaid rounds and risking his life?“I love boxing,” he said. “I took a break from it and that told me how much I love it.“I have goals that I want to achieve, the social media stuff is all-well-and-good but I have not fulfilled my potential.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I built my social media in a way that allows me to do it as a passion, it doesn’t feel like a cringey way of doing things.“I have the followers that I needed and now I love it.”MORLEY AND THE MALDIVESBy Kealan HughesBRIT boxer brushed shoulders with ex-England rugby stars Jason Robinson and Ben Cohen, as well as fitness guru Joe Wicks.Morley even trained members of the Qatar royal family and a then 15-year-old Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things fame on the Maldives island of Huvafen Fushi where he stayed in hotel rooms costing £60,000 a night.Time away from the spotlight gave Morley a much-needed break both physically and mentally and he got his love back for boxing, sharing his knowledge first-hand and online.He quickly began to build his fanbase and now boasts 400,000 fans across his social media platforms, including Snoop Dogg, Sugar Ray Leonard and Johnny Knoxville, who recently appeared on his podcast. More

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      in Motorsport

      Hungarian Grand Prix fears as pit lane FLOODED less than 48 hours before first qualifying session

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      HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX preparations have been hit with a massive blow as the pit lane is flooded.The first practice is scheduled to take place this Friday at 12:30pm BST but the weather has cast some doubt on the current timetable.The Hungarian Grand Prix pit lane has been flooded just 48 hours before the eventThere is good reason to believe the Hungarian GP will go as plannedSome shocking images have shown the pit lane covered in water due to rainfall just 48 hours before the event kicks off at the Hungaroring near Budapest.Formula One fans were left in utter shock as they stormed social media.One fan tweeted: “Powerboat racing here we come!”Another commented: “Isn’t this week supposed to be a hot asf week?”Read More on F1 A third one wrote: “Is that from this week?”This fan said: “So is the race happening?”And that one stated: “I hope it will dry up just in time before the race!”However, the weather forecast has left plenty of promise ahead of the event.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt’s expected to be a hot weekend in Hungary, therefore the water could evaporate.On Friday, F1 enthusiasts can expect sunny intervals and a gentle breeze with a high of 33C.Saturday and Sunday are expected to be even sunnier with the temperature reaching 34C on race day.Lewis Hamilton makes history as he WINS thrilling British GP and breaks near three-year drought🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ten most influential Euro 2024 pundits revealed as Rooney earns nearly £10,000 per POST and Laura Woods beats Alex Scott

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      EURO 2024 ended in heartbreak for England – but some pundits secured huge social media wins.Both the BBC and ITV sent crews out to Germany to cover every kick of the action.Wayne Rooney has the potential to earn the most from InstagramCredit: GettyFrank Lampard could make over £5,000 per postCredit: GettyITV host Laura Woods has a high engagement rate from her followersCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Alex Scott makes the top tenCredit: GettyMany star-studded names took to the studio or commentary box from World Cup winners to Premier League champions.But along with their cheques from the BBC and ITV, several have made huge sums of money via their social media accounts.Experts at SlotsUp.com have crunched the numbers to reveal the most influential pundits and how much money each can make from a sponsored Instagram post.Wayne Rooney comes out on top thanks to his huge 16.3 million following, with brainiacs believing he can pocket close to £10,000 from an upload.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCesc Fabregas is in second and is also way ahead of the rest as he could receive just above £9,000 from each post or £3,623 per story.There’s a dip in figures to third but Roy Keane, with his top 19.75 per cent engagement rate, can earn £5,277 per post and £9,530 per reel.Frank Lampard pips Rio Ferdinand as the former England team-mates complete the top five.Micah Richards is next on the list as he could bank a whopping £3,702 with each upload on Instagram.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLaura Woods is in seventh, with her potential earnings rated at £2,836.The presenter has 764,000 fans, which is the second lowest amount of followers compared to the rest of the top ten.Laura Woods’ stuns in bold outfit as ITV host wears low cut blazer for Euro 2024 finalHowever, her engagement level is impressive at a strong four per cent.Alex Scott ranks below Woods and the ex-Lionesses star is supposedly not maximising her earnings because she still has a “creator” account and not a “business” one.Ally McCoist and Joe Hart complete the top ten list of influential pundits.BBC and ITV’s Euro 2024 line up in fullHere’s how each channel will line-up:BBC presenters:Gary Lineker, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Mark ChapmanITV presenters:Mark Pougatch and Laura Woods BBC pundits:Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Rio Ferdinand, Ellen White, Frank Lampard, Ashley Williams, Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart, Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Frank, David Moyes, Rachel Corsie and James McFaddenITV pundits:Ian Wright, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Karen Carney, Graeme Souness, Eni Aluko, Ange Postecoglou, Danny Rohl and Christina UnkelBBC commentators:Guy Mowbray, Robyn Cowen, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Steve Bower and Jonathan PearceITV commentators:Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and Joe SpeightBBC co-commentators:Danny Murphy, Martin Keown, Jermaine Jenas and James McFaddenITV co-commentators:Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist and Andros Townsend More

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      in Soccer

      Enzo Fernandez breaks silence after being slammed by Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana for ‘uninhibited racism’

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      ENZO Fernandez has broken his silence after being slammed by team-mate Wesley Fofana for “uninhibited racism”.Chelsea launched a probe after Fernandez posted a video on Instagram of himself and his Argentina team-mates chanting a sick discriminatory song.Enzo Fernandez has taken to Instagram to issue an apologyCredit: InstagramFrenchman Wesley Fofana called out his Chelsea team-mate after a clip circulated on XCredit: GettyBut the Argentina midfielder has now taken to the same social media platform to issue an apology.He wrote: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.”The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.”I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.Read more Sports News”That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”The World Cup winners beat Colombia 1-0 in Miami on Sunday to lift their second successive Copa America trophy.And footage emerged showing celebrating Argentina players singing a racist song on their team bus about the France team following their victory at the Hard Rock Stadium.The vile chant dates back to the 2022 World Cup when Argentina beat France in the final on penalties.Most read in FootballAppearing on live TV some fans from the South American country sang that France’s players were “all from Angola”.And they also targeted Kylian Mbappe with a transphobic chant amid reports surrounding his dating life.Fans sneak into Copa America final through air vents as Argentina stars forced to leave dressing room to help families In the latest video, Chelsea star Fernandez and team-mates could clearly be heard singing the part about Angola.Fofana, 23, who is French and the son of an Ivorian father, took to X to express his frustration with the viral clip as he wrote: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism”.French FA chiefs are threatening legal action against Argentina over the incident.The FFF condemned the chant and added: “Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks.Argentina have been hit by a racism storm after singing a vile chantChelsea star Enzo recorded team-mates singing the sick song on Instagram Live”Contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterpart.”And Fifa to file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racial and discriminatory nature.”Chelsea themselves are yet to release a statement.Fernandez filmed the footage on his phone via Instagram live with the midfielder showing celebrations on the team bus.But seconds after the vile chant began he switched the recording off.Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.Wesley FofanaChelsea have a number of French players, such as Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Lesley Ugochukwu.Several have reportedly unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Argentina squad contains multiple players from the Premier League, including Lisandro Martinez and Alejando Garnacho of Manchester United, Man City’s Julian Alvarez, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso and Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez.It’s unclear if any of them were involved in the chanting. More

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      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Jadon Sancho after return to Man Utd squad following explosive bust-up last season

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      ERIK TEN HAG has broken his silence on resolving his bust-up with Jadon Sancho – but refused to say if the winger has a future at Manchester United.Sancho, shipped out on loan to former club Borussia Dortmund in January, returned to full-time training at Carrington last week.United boss Ten Hag speaks on Jadon Sancho’s return for the first timeCredit: GettySancho returned to first team pre-season training session at Carrington last weekCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old and Ten Hag held positive talks last Wednesday – agreeing to draw a line under their past disputes.Sancho was permitted to return to training with United’s senior squad for the first time in 10 months.But he did not travel to Norway for the club’s first pre-season friendly against Rosenborg on Monday – where United suffered a shock 1-0 defeat.Speaking publicly for the first time since making up with Sancho, Ten Hag said their bust-up was now old news.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Dutchman said: “As we said, we’ve drawn the line.”Manchester United needs good players and Jadon is a good player. We have drawn that line and we move on.”But when quizzed on Sancho’s complete fresh start, Ten Hag would only say: “We’ve drawn the line. We move on.”The £73million star was made to train on his own after publicly lashing out at Ten Hag last season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe contradicted Ten Hag’s reasons for leaving him out of United’s matchday squad that lost 3-1 away to Arsenal last September.Ten Hag claimed Sancho was dropped as a result of poor training performances, but the winger argued he was being made a ‘scapegoat for a long time’.Man Utd coach reveals why Jadon Sancho refused to apologise to Ten Hag before exile that sparked Dortmund transferSancho then refused to apologise and subsequently spent the second half of last season on loan with his old German club.Dortmund did not follow through on their interest in re-signing him, despite Sancho helping them reach the Champions League final at Wembley.Ten Hag will hope that the reintroduction of first team stars will improve his side’s performances in pre-season.Sancho was one of six players left at home as United faced 22 shots in their defeat to Norwegian side Rosenborg.The Dutch boss was left frustrated despite utilising a young a team.He said: “We can talk and make good on everything that was bad, but I am not that guy. I have seen that this is not the standard for top football.”READ MORE SUN STORIESTen Hag made the expected sweeping changes for the second half, replacing all 10 outfield players with academy products.United are set to face Rangers at Murrayfield on Saturday before heading out to the United States to step up preparations for next season. More

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      in Soccer

      England stars break silence on Gareth Southgate’s exit and wish him ‘all the best in your next adventure’

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      DECLAN RICE has led tributes to Gareth Southgate after he stepped down as England manager.Southgate confirmed that he would no longer lead the team following defeat in the Euro 2024 final to Spain.Declan Rice thanked Gareth Southgate for his time in charge of EnglandCredit: GettyPlayers shared this touching picture of SouthgateCredit: InstagramThe manager was always well respected by his players and they have taken to social media to show their appreciation.Rice was one of the first to make a statement in which he deemed it a “privilege” to play under the boss.He wrote: “Thank you gaffer, it has been a privilege to play for England under your guidance.”Memories will stay with me forever. All the best of luck with your next adventure.”READ MORE ON ENGLANDGoalkeeper Jordan Pickford posted a picture of himself and Southgate hugging after one match.He wrote: “Completely gutted. This will hurt for a while.”Appreciate everyone who supported us during the tournament and I’d like to thank all my teammates and staff for their work throughout.”I also want to say a special thank you to the boss for always believing in me during his time with us and I would like to wish him all the best in his next steps.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Thank you Gareth.”Jude Bellingham also shared the same picture as Rice thanking Southgate.Footage resurfaces of what Eddie Howe said about England job as he is tipped to succeed Gareth SouthgateSouthgate’s highs and lows as England bossGARETH Southgate took charge of 102 games for England before quitting in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.But what were the best – and worst matches – from the popular gaffer’s eight-year reign before that devastating Sunday night in Berlin? Here we take a look.THE HIGHS:Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens,) 2018 World CupThis was the night that long-suffering supporters finally started to believe that it was coming home.Despite conceding a late equaliser, England held their nerve to advance to the quarter final of the World Cup 2018 on penalties.It was our first shootout victory for 22 years.Spain 2-3 England, 2018 Nations LeagueFollowing on from the World Cup, England won in Spain for the first time in 31 years with a brilliant Uefa Nations League victory.Southgate’s boys stunned the Seville crowd into silence with a thrilling performance that saw them lead 3-0 at the break thanks to a Raheem Sterling brace and Marcus Rashford.Although the hosts scored two after the break, the way the Three Lions tore La Roja apart excited every fan.England 2-1 Denmark, Euro 2020 semi-finalSouthgate led England to their first major final in 55 years as they beat Denmark after extra-time in the Euro 2020 semi-final.Having fallen behind after half an hour, the Three Lions battled back to send it to extra-time courtesy of an own goal.Then it was captain Kane who converted a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel originally saved his penalty in extra-time to win it.England 3-0 Sengal, 2022 World Cup last 16England had already blown Iran and Wales, 6-2 and 3-0 respectively, away in the World Cup 2022 group stages before they breezed past Senegal.The free-scoring Three Lions recorded another big win to set-up a mouthwatering quarter-final against France – what could go wrong?Italy 1-2 England, Euro qualifiers, 2023On a night when Harry Kane became England’s all-time top scorer, the Three Lions recorded a first away win over Italy since 1961.It was the first game since their 2022 World Cup exit, and it ensured a perfect start to their Euro 2022 qualifying campaign.England 2-1 Holland, Euro 2024 sem-finalThe nation doubted Southgate’s men in the semis of Euro 2024, but they responded with a barnstorming display.Xavi Simons opened the scoring for the Dutch but Harry Kane’s penalty drew us level.And Ollie Watkins slotted in a brilliant winner in injury time to see the Three Lions into their second successive Euros final.AND THE LOWS….Croatia 2-1 England, World Cup semi-final, 2018Having led England to a first World Cup semi-final since 1990, Southgate men made a dream start as Kieran Trippier put them ahead in the early exchanges.But Ivan Perisic equalised as the Croats began to take control.Some of Southgate’s substitutions were then questioned after his team were beaten in extra-time, although many gave him the benefit of the doubt as he returned a hero.Italy 1-1 England (3-2 pens) Euro 2020 finalWill probably never get a better chance to have secured a trophy for the Three Lions than this final of the last European Championship.Luke Shaw gave us the lead after just seconds, but just like against Croatia three years earlier, we sat back and let our rivals back into it.Leonardo Bonucci duly equalised in the second half and the game eventually went to penalties.The unfortunate Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all brought on to take a spot-kick, but the brave trio all missed as the Azzurri broke our hearts to take the prize.England 0-4 Hungary, Nations League 2023A year on from the Euros and it was utter embarrassment for Southgate in this Nations League game at Molineux.It was our biggest home defeat since 1928 and the result led to England being relegated from the top group of the Nations League and back to one that contained the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.England 1-2 France, World Cup 2022 quarter-finalsAnother case of what could have been.Having been free-scoring throughout Qatar 2022, many fancied us to go all the way at the World Cup despite taking on the holders in the quarters.We fought back from going behind to level through Kane and many believe that France were then there for the taking had Southgate deployed a more attacking approach.Instead, they seemed content with what they had until Olivier Giroud pounced 12 minutes from time to win it.But there was still one more twist of the knife for England as the usually-reliable Kane skied a late penalty over the bar uncharacteristically as we crashed out.The midfielder also shared a message in which he insisted that Southgate was “one of the best coaches” England has ever had.He wrote: “I’d like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure.”From the point of view of a fan who has become a member of the squad, it’s been a rollercoaster of amazing emotions that has instilled hope and joy back into our country.”It was a privilege being lead by someone who is so dedicated and passionate, not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being.”Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, Gaffer.”Harry Maguire also joined in with a tribute of his own despite missing out on Euro 2024 through injury.The defender had been a regular under Southgate’s reign. He said: “You made us all believe again – memories that will last forever. Thank you boss.”Eberechi Eze has also shared his thoughts on Southgate’s exit as he thanked him for giving him his chance at the Euros.He added: “Painful not to have made the last step but forever grateful for the love and support throughout the journey. Our time is coming! “Would also like the thank Gareth, not only for giving me the opportunity to play in my first major tournament but also for all you and your staff have done to get this England team to where we are today.”We are closer than ever to achieving what we dream of and that is hugely down to what you have created. I wish you all the best for the future.”Southgate, 53, confirmed his exit in an emotional 331-word statement after eight years in the role.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe FA have started the process for finding Southgate’s replacement.It has also been suggested that an interim boss could be installed in the meantime.Southgate statement in full as he QUITS EnglandAs a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all.But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.I joined the FA in 2011, determined to improve English football. In that time, including eight years as England men’s manager, I have been supported by some brilliant people who have my heartfelt thanks.I could not have had anyone better alongside me than Steve Holland. He is one of the most talented coaches of his generation, and has been immense.I have had the privilege of leading a large group of players in 102 games. Every one of them has been proud to wear the three lions on their shirts, and they have been a credit to their country in so many ways.The squad we took to Germany is full of exciting young talent and they can win the trophy we all dream of.I am so proud of them, and I hope we get behind the players and the team at St. George’s Park and the FA who strive every day to improve English football, and understand the power football has to drive positive change.My special thanks go to the backroom staff who have provided the players and me with unstinting support over the last eight years. Their hard work and commitment inspired me every day, and I am so grateful to them – the brilliant ‘team behind the team’.We have the best fans in the world, and their support has meant the world to me. I’m an England fan and I always will be.I look forward to watching and celebrating as the players go on to create more special memories and to connect and inspire the nation as we know they can.Thank you, England – for everything. More

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      in Soccer

      Jude Bellingham’s model Wag Laura Celia Valk helps him get over England heartbreak as she shares bikini video

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM might not have won Euro 2024 with England – but he still has plenty to smile about. Bellingham scored two important goals in the tournament but could not prevent Spain from winning the final.Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Laura Celia ValkCredit: instagram @lauraceliavThe Dutch model posed in a white bikiniCredit: instagram @lauraceliavLaura has kept her relationship with Bellingham secretCredit: instagram @lauraceliavSeveral Wags from the England camp spent weeks out in Germany supporting the Three Lions. But a noticeable absence was Bellingham’s new partner, Dutch model Laura Celia Valk with the couple keeping their relationship from the public. Laura did not attend any matches or make any reference of Bellingham on social media. Instead, she has been filling up her page with model snaps to her 500,000 Instagram followers. READ MORE ON WAGSIn a recent video shared to her story, she posed in a white bikini with a red flower in her hair. The Sun were the first to reveal her relationship with Bellingham.And she was believed to be staying in his Madrid mansion earlier in the year.Laura is not only a model for the likes of PrettyLittleThing but she is the owner of her own social media consultancy agency.Most read in Euro 2024She could be about to reunite with Bellingham in the Spanish capital as the player prepares to return home ahead of the new season. Bellingham was captured looking enraged as he was taken off in the final and later opened up on the devastating loss. Spain captain Alvaro Morata celebrates Euro 2024 win with kiss from stunning Wag who is perfectly dressed for occasion He said: “We sacrificed a lot throughout the last week, it’s so tough these days with the crazy schedules and then coming together for the end of the season, for one last tournament, it’s difficult on the body. “Mentally, and physically you are exhausted but for our country, we wanted to give everything and then to lose in that way is really cruel.”Again, we probably didn’t play our best game but there were definitely some good moments. “We felt like we got back into the game and then to kind of be sucker-punched with the late goal. “It’s heartbreaking. We all wanted nothing more than to make history and to make the people of England proud and we haven’t managed to do it. “We didn’t quite deliver. There are reasons for that. I’m sure as a team and going forward we will analyse it.”Inside Laura Celia Valk’s glamorous life as a model and influencer…Laura has over 500,000 Instagram followersCredit: InstagramShe also has a social media consultancy agencyCredit: InstagramThe model is believed to have been staying with Bellingham in MadridCredit: InstagramShe has kept her romance privateCredit: InstagramSo did not turn up to Euro 2024Credit: InstagramLaura is a big hit on social mediaCredit: Instagram More