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      I am amazed Marcus Rashford isn’t in the England team, he is as talented as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland

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      ITALIAN TV presenter DILETTA LEOTTA delivers her verdict on the Euro 2020 final.ENGLAND vs Italy is the final I was hoping for right from the start of Euro 2020.
      Two teams that have distinguished themselves during this journey for the variety of talent to tap into, the technical qualities of each player, but above all for the ability to create a solid and compact group that has allowed them to overcome any adversity.
      Italian TV presenter Diletta Leotta has told SunSport she was dreaming of an England against Italy Euro 2020 finalCredit: Instagram / @dilettaleotta
      Beautiful Leotta admits it won’t be easy against the Three LionsCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta

      If this had not been the case, it would have been impossible for Italy to achieve 33 consecutive wins under the guidance of Roberto Mancini.
      We are two steps away from Spain’s absolute record, when they were unbeaten for 35 matches, between February 2007 and June 2009.
      Thanks to that winning streak, Spain also won a European Championship. And this is what I hope will also happen for Italy.
      But it will not be easy to face England at Wembley, in their home stadium and among their fans.
      England have an iron defence: in six games has conceded only one goal, moreover from a free kick in the semifinals against Denmark.
      In attack, Gareth Southgate’s team can then count on the strength and speed of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, two champions that I would like to see one day in Italy, and maybe be able to interview on my DAZN show, Linea Diletta.
      Complete, technically strong and both explosive even if with different physical attributes… in a few words, a guarantee of goals and entertainment.
      And speaking of entertainment, I am amazed that a talent like Marcus Rashford is not among the starting players.
      I think he is one of the best strikers in Europe, together with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. He has technique, speed, power and creativity.
      So I hope Southgate will leave him on the bench on Sunday night too.
      If England and Italy are both expected to do well, the surprises of this Euros for me is certainly Hungary, one step away from qualifying in the group stage, and above all Denmark, united and proud around Christian Eriksen.
      I hope the final will be a great party, obviously painted in blue colours, preceded with Matteo Berrettini winning at Wimbledon.

      DAZN presenter Leotta told SunSport she was surprised Marcus Rashford doesn’t make England’s starting elevenCredit: EPA
      Rashford in training at St George’s ParkCredit: PA

      This will definitely make for a great Sunday, to live waiting for good news from London with my heart in my throat.
      In case of a double win, it would also become a Sunday for the history books.
      However, as they say in these cases, “may the best win”, even if as an Italian I hope that the best are the Azzurri.
      England vs Italy FREE – Live stream, TV channel and kick-off time for massive Euro 2020 Final More

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      Italy star Jorginho was taught to play football by his mum on Brazil’s beaches, before being sold by a football factory

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      TO MOST, the sandy beaches and blue waters of Imbituba in southern Brazil offer a peaceful paradise – but for the midfield maestro Jorginho they are the roots of his footballing education.The Euro 2020 star has been instrumental for Italy in their march to the final, where they will face off against England.
      Italy star Jorginho poses a threat to England in the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
      Jorginho, second left, was taught to play football by his mother on the beaches of BrazilCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      But it was the Chelsea star’s mum, who the playmaker credits for his epic rise.
      “My mother played football so I learned a lot from her,” Jorginho revealed in 2013.
      “She still plays today and understands a lot. She would take me to the beach with a ball and I would spend the whole afternoon doing technical work in the sand.”
      Jorginho’s mother Maria Tereza Freitas wanted her son to be prepared for anything and everything in the game. She wanted him to be one step ahead of his opposition.
      “I was raised to face problems,” he said — and there were plenty of them on his path to stardom.
      But despite that preparation, Jorginho cannot have forecast his parents’ separation at the age of six.
      From then on, Maria was both provider and trainer.
      She would spend most of her day working as a cleaner to put food on the table and earn enough money to buy her son boots and a ball, while taking him to play for his local team Bruscão.
      The bond between them was so strong that the memory of having to move 180 kilometres away from her and home at the age of 13 still upsets him today.
      “If I talk about it, I feel a lump in my throat,” Jorginho, 29, said.
      Jorginho’s parents separated when he was six and his mother raised him on her ownCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      The midfielder played for local teams before moving 180km from home as part of a football factory projectCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/

      Along with 50 other boys, the youngster was selected as part of a project formed by Italian businessmen in Guabiruba to create the next wave of brilliant Brazilians.
      Yet it is far from the state-of-the-art facilities of Chelsea’s academy in Cobham.
      Jorginho remembers the ice-cold baths. He can’t forget the windowless digs, nor the monotonous meals that rarely changed.
      But it was worth it in the end.
      After two years, he was one of a select few chosen to join Verona, then in the second tier of Italian football.
      Jorginho’s first deal at the club was far from lucrative, though. While the agent took £27,000 from the transaction, the emerging midfielder had just £18-a-week to live on.
      A large chunk of that went on keeping in touch with his mum, who managed to convince him to continue his football education after he threatened to quit.
      At first, the young boy struggled to fit in to his new surroundings. He couldn’t live in a boarding school with his other team-mates.
      Instead, Riccardo Prisciantelli, the former chief executive of Hellas Verona, gave Jorginho to a trusted priest and he lived in a covenant.
      Jorginho learnt from a young age to play football thanks to his mother MariaCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      Mother and son have a close bond that meant parting at the age of 13 was even harderCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      Jorginho, circled, was one of 50 boys selected to be part of a project by Italian business menCredit: Facebook / Jorghino Frello – Official / https://www.facebook.com/jorginhofrellooficial/
      “I could not do anything,” he said. “I used five euros for mobile credit, bought hygiene products, which was 15 euros, and the rest was used online to talk to my family.
      “It was like that for a year-and-a-half.
      “In the second year, I trained with the professionals and when I met the Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael Pinheiro, who is almost a brother to me, I told my story and he did not believe it.
      “From there, he did not let me miss anything.”
      From his early days at Verona, Jorginho earned himself the nickname ‘The Wolf of the Future’.
      Prisciantelli told the MailOnline: “Everyone recognises the determination of a lion, to me he is a wolf.
      “He works three times as hard on the pitch and harder than anyone else.
      “Every night tears fell in that dark and sad room (with the priest). But I know that he never gave up.
      “I bought some equipment to set up a small gym at the sports centre. He would arrive at dawn and keep going until we allowed him to leave.”
      After a successful loan spell with Serie D side Sambonifacese, Jorginho returned to Verona and excelled, making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old in September 2011.
      Jorginho’s big break came at Verona in Italy but his first contract saw him earn £18-a-weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Jorginho proved to be a prominent part of the side that was promoted in 2013Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sarri developed Jorginho’s skills at Napoli but said his best asset is his speed of mindCredit: Getty – Contributor
      He was a key figure in their promotion-winning side in 2013 and earned a move to Italian giants Napoli six months later.
      During his time at the Stadio San Paolo, Jorginho learned about Chelsea after rooming with Nathaniel Chalobah, the former Blues midfielder on loan to Napoli in 2015.
      For three years, Jorginho worked under former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri in Naples – and they were briefly reunited in West London.
      The Italian coach knew his qualities well.

      “Jorginho is not a physical player, he is a technical player,” Sarri said.
      “The most important quality is that he is very quick in the mind.”
      Jorginho, himself,  has his mother to thank for that. The beaches of Imbituba will always be a classroom to them. While Wembley might just be his stage.
      Jorginho will be hopeful of victory against England at the EurosCredit: Getty – Pool More

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      Gareth Southgate’s journey from vomiting on his boss and penalty nightmare to leading England to Euro 2020 final

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      ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate is just one game away from writing his name in history.Only Italy stand in the way of the Three Lions boss putting the demons to rest that admittedly haunt him after missing a penalty in the Euro ’96 semi-final against Germany.
      Gareth Southgate has gone from heartache in 1996 to the verge of greatness in 2021
      Gareth Southgate is one game away from winning the Euros as manager of EnglandCredit: AFP
      A win on Sunday would give deep-thinker Southgate redemption after his Euro ’96 heartbreak after missing the vital penaltyCredit: AP
      The 50-year-old has always been a deep-thinker, even if didn’t start out so well for him.
      Amazingly, the responsible youth star once puked over a former chairman after a night on the tequila slammers.
      And his first manager once told him to ditch the beautiful game and become a travel agent because he thought he was “too bright” to be a professional footballer.
      Southgate’s journey has been epic, to say the least…
      ‘POSH BOY FROM CRAWLEY’
      Although Gareth began his career at Southampton, before he was released aged 13, it was at Crystal Palace he would earn his chops.
      The ambitious ‘posh boy from Crawley’, as he was known to his team-mates, was a YTS apprentice on a meagre £27.50 a week. A far-cry from his reported £3million-per-year England salary.
      He had done well in his O-levels, but was determined to be a success on the football pitch.
      However, youth coach Alan Smith delivered a stern warning to the youngster.
      Unless he toughened up in South London, physically and mentally, he wouldn’t make it.
      During his days as a YTS apprentice, Southgate was known as a posh boy from CrawleyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Former Crystal Palace youth coach Alan Smith suggested Southgate became a travel agentCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Smith also doubted if football was the right profession for Southgate.
      “We had one particular game, which we lost, and I called him into the office and said: ‘Gareth, I think you’re too bright to do this job’,” Smith told BBC Sport.
      “I think you have to make a choice. If it was my choice, I think you should become a travel agent.”

      LEADERSHIP QUALITIES
      Now a leader of his country and a set of players who could become immortal if they defeat Italy on Sunday, Southgate’s leadership skills needed honing as a youngster.
      Rather than release him, Smith saw that he was captain material and installed him as his skipper.
      Then, he took a novel approach of introducing Gareth to an estate agent pal to do some extra-curricular work after training.
      Smith said: “He was measuring up, mundane stuff, looking to see if a property could be marketed or not. All of these things help build the character that you become.”
      Southgate was handed the skipper’s armband after showing leadership qualities as a youngsterCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      On a football tour in Italy, Southgate was sick on Palace chairman Ron NoadesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Although usually responsible, there was one time he did slip out of character on a tour of Italy. And the late Palace chairman Ron Noades was the unlucky man in the line of fire.
      During a prestigious youth-team tournament of Viareggio, Tuscany, Gareth enjoyed one too many tequila slammers on a night out.
      As he stepped into the hotel lift to go up to his room, Noades followed him in. Unfortunately for Ron, Southgate was sick over his chairman’s clothes and white shoes.
      “I was there when he threw up over the chairman, Ron Noades,” Smith revealed.
      “It was a trip abroad and I had let the lads out for one night. Ron had his white shoes on and Gareth managed to do it.
      “I heard plenty about it from Ron the next day. I can’t repeat what Ron’s words were, but I do know Gareth was very apologetic.”
      The next morning, Ron’s clothes were outside Gareth’s room to be dry-cleaned.
      FLYING EAGLE
      Southgate made his first team debut for the Eagles in the 1990-91 season.
      There, he developed the nickname ‘Nord’ given to him by former Palace assistant coach Wally Downes, because he reminded him of TV writer and presenter Denis Norden and vocal delivery.
      Gareth would play 191 times for the club in a variety of positions, from right-back to centre-back and even in midfield.
      Southgate would play 191 times for the Eagles in his careerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The highlight of Southgate’s Palace career was leading the club to the 1993-94 First Division titleCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      He became captain and guided his side to the 1993-94 First Division title.
      However, when the club suffered relegation from the Premier League, he moved to Aston Villa for £2.5million.
      A winning mentality continued in his first season – lifting the League Cup.
      His form didn’t go unnoticed by ex-England boss Terry Venables, who would pin his trust in him as a partner for Tony Adams at Euro ’96.
      PENALTY WOE
      Southgate is well-aware of the ‘It’s Coming Home’ mantra sung by fans, having lived it first time round 25 years ago.
      He played every minute of England’s Euro ’96 campaign in this country, and did nothing wrong… until his final kick in a semi-final.
      With the game against Germany dead-locked after extra-time, it went into a dreaded penalty shootout.
      Gareth, as always, was brave enough to step up to the spot. Sadly, his spot-kick was saved.
      David Seaman consoles Southgate after his penalty miss at Euro ’96Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      After his Euros disappointment Southgate would later appear in a Pizza Hut ad poking fun at himselfCredit: PA:Press Association
      On his honeymoon with wife Alison, Southgate was recognised by a Buddhist Monk for being the England player that missed a penaltyCredit: PA:Press Association
      He was later able to joke about it in an infamous Pizza Hut ad with Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle, who shared the common thread of missing in a shootout too.
      Ironically, there was some truth in Southgate being remembered in public for his misdemeanour.
      On his spiritual honeymoon to Bali with wife Alison, who he met in a Croydon clothing store, he encountered a Buddhist Monk.
      As told by Guardian journalist Louise Taylor, the story goes: “They were expecting some sort of quite spiritual, mystical conversation.
      But “the guy looked at him again and said, ‘It’s you, it’s you, isn’t it? England. Penalty miss.'”
      MANAGER IN WAITING
      In 2006, after five years as Middlesbrough player, Southgate took over the reigns as boss.
      Because he didn’t have a UEFA Pro Licence to manage a top-flight club, he could only initially be appointed on a 12-week deal.
      However, chairman Steve Gibson argued that his international career as a player gave him very little opportunity to pursue his coaching badges, and the Premier League gave him special dispensation to complete his courses.
      But Southgate’s first foray into management didn’t go to plan, even if he had a supporter in ex-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who suggested back in 2007 he was one of several English managers who were “all good enough” to manage the national team.
      Gareth called time on his playing career in 2006Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Southgate’s first foray into management came with MiddlesbroughCredit: Action Images – Reuters

      In his third season, Southgate’s Middlesbrough were relegated on the final day of the 2008-09 campaign.
      Months later, after getting off to a decent start in the Championship, Southgate was controversially dismissed.
      He had taken Boro within one point of the top when he was sacked.
      A DUTY FOR HIS COUNTRY
      A call from the FA in 2013 to manage England’s U21 team was too good for Southgate to turn down, after spending four years in the football wilderness.
      It was a grounding for him to get to know the players he would later work with at full international level.
      Under Southgate, England qualified for the finals of the 2015 European Championship in the Czech Republic.
      But it would be a rude awakening in tournament football for the Three Lions, who would finish bottom of a narrow-pointed group that featured eventual winners Sweden, finalists Portugal and an Italy team that had Euro 2020 stars Domenico Berardi and Andrea Belotti.
      In 2016, after Roy Hodgson resigned from the top job, Southgate made it clear he did not want the top job.
      But after Sam Allardyce was forced to quit following a sports corruption scandal, he knew he had a duty for his country and took on the role that same year.

      In 2016, Southgate accepted the position of England bossCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      With Southgate in charge, England reached the World Cup semi-final in 2018Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Prince Charles presents Southgate with his OBE

      A glorious World Cup in Russia in 2018 almost led to instant gratification, falling to defeat against Croatia in the semi-final, as well as an OBE from Prince Charles in 2019.
      Now, Southgate has the hopes of a nation on his shoulders as England play in their first major tournament final for 55 years.
      You couldn’t think of anyone more responsible and determined to bring football back home.
      Southgate says parents ‘don’t have to suffer pain of Euro 96 heartache anymore’ after England’s Euro 2020 heroics More

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      Leonardo Bonnuci, Sead Kolasinac and Duncan Ferguson are football’s hard men who fought off burglars and muggers

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      BEING covered in expensive jewellery, living in luxury homes and driving fancy motors makes footballers a target for thieves.Over the years, we’ve seen Premier League stars held at knife point or gun point by thugs demanding they hand over their goods.
      6ft 4in Duncan Ferguson was fearless when faced with robbers in his homeCredit: Reuters
      But some are more reluctant than others, often fighting back.
      Here’s a list of football’s hardest men who weren’t prepared to part with their belongings.
      CARLOS CARVALHAL
      The former Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday boss fended off knife-carrying robbers, who tried to mug him outside of his house.
      Carvalhal was returning to his home in the Portuguese city of Braga in the early hours when he was confronted by three masked men who stopped him and demanded he hand over cash.
      He revealed: “As I was travelling back to my house in Braga from Madeira yesterday, I was attacked by three hooded individuals at around 02:15am.
      “My natural instinct was to put up a fight – that was perhaps a risky decision.
      “But with the help of my son, Jose Carlos, we managed to get out of the situation.
      “We have a few cuts and bruises but nothing serious.”
      Carlos Carvalhal fended off knife-carrying thugs outside his homeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      DUNCAN FERGUSON
      On the pitch, Everton legend ‘Big Dunc’ was a force to be reckoned with.
      The 6ft 4in was sent off nine times during his career and spent three months behind bars for head-butting Raith Rovers’ John McStay in 1994.
      So, knowing that, you’d think twice about burgling the tough Scot.
      Clearly not. Two intruders broke into his Lancashire home in 2001 in the early hours, and immediately regretted it.
      One managed to flee, while the other was ‘detained’ by Ferguson after a scuffle.
      That men then spent three days in hospital recovering.
      Duncan Ferguson arrives at training the morning after putting a burglar in hospitalCredit: Mercury Press Agency
      SEAD KOLASINAC
      The Arsenal defender became a hero with Gooners when he showed no fear after he was confronted by knife-wielding moped thugs in North London.
      Bosnian Kolasinac was with team-mate Mesut Ozil when the pair were set on by the gang, who wanted to steal their £200,000 watches.
      But the full back was having none of it, jumping out of a Mercedes G-Wagon as the man thrust his knife in the direction of the Gunners star.
      Of the incident, Kolasinac said: “About what happened I don’t want to talk about it in details.
      “It’s happened and it’s something that belongs to the past. The same with Mesut.
      Sead Kolasinac and Arsenal team-mate Mesut Ozil were threatened with a knife for their £200,000 watches
      Kolasinac fought back with his bare fists to fend off the muggers
      LEONARDO BONUCCI
      The Juventus and Italy star certainly knows how to stick up for himself.
      And bruising encounters with Serie A’s finest over the years would’ve prepared him for this moment, for sure.
      In 2012, Bonucci was with his wife and baby son at a car dealership in Turin when a man in a face mask approached him with a gun and demanded he hand over his watch.
      The defender punched the assailant, before chasing him down as he tried to get away with an accomplice on a scooter.
      As he was running, the robber was heard shouting: “What are you doing? Are you mad? I’ll shoot you.”
      Leonardo Bonucci punched an assailant with a gun in the face before chasing him downCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      CHIC CHARNLEY
      Former Partick Thistle midfielder Chic once fended off two men waving Japanese-style swords in his direction, plus a ferocious looking dog with a traffic cone.
      The incident happened during a training session in the 1990s at Ruchill Park.
      Charnley recalled: “We’re up there training and maybe ten minutes before, this lady is walking the dog and it nipped one of the boys’ ankles.
      “Just as that happened, these two young guys came up, and I think it was an Alsatian they had and a wee Jack Russell.
      “So because of what happened earlier with the wee woman, we stopped and they recognised me.
      “They were shouting, and I said ‘Away you go, come back at 12.30pm when we finish’, thinking they wouldn’t come back.
      “Half an hour later we’re up at Ruchill and I see these two guys coming up the hill and I went – ‘Oh naw!’
      “One has got a samurai sword and the other one has got a dagger.
      Chic Charnley wasn’t going to let a thug with a samurai sword ruin his dayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      “They’ve come up the hill and they’ve came towards me. So I’ve picked up a traffic cone, but he’s swinging this sword, so I’ve hit him with the traffic cone.
      “But he’s ran. Instead of me stopping, I’ve chased him down the hill. But he’s still got the sword, and he’s turned at the bottom and caught me on the hand with the sword.
      “But I got it off him and then went and beat him up and that, so that was fine.”
      CHRIS KAMARA
      Sky Sports pundit showed he was still quick on his feet when he chased down a mugger in Brazil.
      Kamara turned superhero when he saw a barefoot youth in his early 20s snatching a bag from a passer-by at Rio’s famous Ipanema beach.
      The former footballer gave chase and held the robber down until cops arrived on the scene.
      Kamara shared the photos and quipped: “Not lost me pace!!! I just caught this street robber. Done in now though.”
      However, a spokesman from the Foreign Office advised against doing what Kamara did.
      Chris Kamara stands next to police arresting the robber he caught
      Kamara chased the man down before wrestling him to the ground and detaining him for cops
      He said: “We are aware of the incident and we are providing consular assistance to Mr Kamara.
      “In terms of his actions in chasing the assailant, that goes against our recommended advice.”
      MASSIMO CELLINO
      Even football club owners are hard.
      The Brescia and former Leeds United chairman Cellino is the most recent to fight back against muggers.
      Former Leeds United chairman Massimo Cellino took on assailants who tried to rip his watch from his wristCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cellino, 63, took on his assailants, who tried to rip a watch from his wrist in his current home town, Padenghe sul Garda, in northern Italy.
      He hit his nose on a car door as he battled the robbers, who fled without stealing anything.
      Bellissimo!
      Italy in coronavirus scare as three media staff test positive at team’s HQ More

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      How an early investment in England star Raheem Sterling has paid dividends

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      IT was the blissful smile of a man with all of England at his feet.When star winger Raheem Sterling whipped a close-range shot against the flailing legs of the Denmark keeper in the dying seconds of Wednesday’s Euro 2020 semi-final win, he did not grimace or swear at a missed chance to seal the match.
      Raheem beams after an extra-time shot is saved against Denmark in the semi
      Raheem with fiancé Paige with whom he has two children
      He simply raised his hands to his head and flashed the radiant grin of a man whose childhood dream was to be “King of Wembley”.
      Known as Raz to his fellow players, 26-year-old Raheem personifies the sense of fun and solidarity the England team has tapped into.
      Amid the sweat and toil, it appeared he was simply relishing the occasion as the final whistle neared.
      And the internet has exploded in love for a player who had described himself as the #TheHatedOne in an Instagram post at Euro 2016.
      After the latest victory at this Euros, one tweeter wrote: “I dote on Raheem Sterling’s wondrous and sweet smile.”
      Another added: “Raheem Sterling: A god among men with the smile of an ANGEL.”
      Wembley had rocked to a bespoke version of song Freed From Desire by Gala in homage to Raheem.
      “Sterling’s on fire,” the crowd sang. “Your defence is terrified.”
      The Manchester City star has been England’s best player in the tournament, spearheading the team’s assent to their first major final in 55 years.
      With 67 England caps already under his belt, he is a national role model on and off the field.
      He’s the same lad he was when he was 16. He’s great to have around the place. He’s vocal. He’s a leader on the pitchJordan Pickford
      Last month he was awarded an MBE for his efforts in fighting for racial equality.
      Before the game, captain Harry Kane said: “People maybe underestimate him as a person and as a leader.”
      Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who first played alongside Raheem when they were teenagers, said: “He’s the same lad he was when he was 16. He’s great to have around the place.
      “He’s vocal. He’s a leader on the pitch.”
      For his part, Sterling has not forgotten his roots on his heady rise to England immortality.
      His tweets during the tournament have been signed off with the hashtag #BoyfromBrent.
      Like something from a tear-jerking movie, Raheem grew up just a decent goal kick away from Wembley Stadium in North West London.
      He told the Players’ Tribune website: “I grew up in the shadow of my dream. Literally.
      “I watched the new Wembley stadium go up from my back garden.
      “One day, I walked outside and I saw this massive arch in the sky. It was rising up over the top of the housing estates like a mountain.
      “I used to kick about in this green right by my house, and I could take a shot on goal then turn round to celebrate and the Wembley arch would literally be right above my head. It was like you were there.
      In control, Sterling on the ball at Wembley, a stadium he watched being rebuilt from his back gardenCredit: AP
      Raheem shares smiles with his two boys Thiago and Thai-CruzCredit: Refer to Caption
      Mentor Clive Ellington said: ‘I took him to the park one day and I thought, ‘He’s got something about him’, he was outshining all the others’Credit: The Sun
      “I was really like, I can play there. I can do it.”
      As well as dreaming of being “the King of Wembley one day”, Raheem even has a tattoo of the stadium’s iconic 133-metre arch on his forearm.
      But to realise his dream, he had to battle tragedy, poverty and adversity.
      Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Raheem Shaquille Sterling began life sharing a three-bedroom bungalow with his ten-strong extended family.
      His father, Phillip Slater, was gunned down in 1996 in Jamaica when Raheem was just two years old after being wrongly caught up in a gang turf war.
      The star would later say that losing his dad, “shaped my entire life”.
      When he was four, his mum Nadine Clarke travelled to the UK to forge a new life for her family.
      He used to kick a juice carton aroundJoy Morris
      He and elder stepsister Lakima were cared for by his gran, Joy Morris.
      She said of her grandson: “His life hasn’t been easy. It was a tough place to grow up and he had to be sharp.
      “We didn’t have lots of money but we were a very close family and we helped one another out with raising the children.
      “His love for football came from playing at the front of the house when he was three. He used to kick a juice carton around.”
      Raheem and Lakima then joined their mum in London, where she worked as a cleaner to help pay for a degree course.
      Sterling remembers waking at 5am before school to help his mum clean toilets at a hotel in North London.
      Raheem’s childhood street with Wembley Stadium in the background – where he dreamt of being ‘the King of Wembley one day’Credit: Tim Stewart
      Lakima was also instrumental in helping him achieve his dreams, travelling miles by three buses to get him to football training.
      Raheem told Players Tribune: “Mum would never let me go to training alone. And she always had to work, so my sister would have to take me all the way out to Heathrow.
      “Three buses. The 18 to the 182 to the 140. The red double-deckers with the blue wool Eighties vibe on the seats. Spent ages on those.
      “We’d leave at 3.15pm and get home at 11pm. Every. Single. Day. She’d sit upstairs in the little cafe and chill until I was done with training.
      “Imagine being 17 years old and doing that for your little brother. And I never once heard her say, ‘Nah, I don’t wanna take him’.
      “At the time, I didn’t understand how much she was sacrificing.”
      Aged eight, Raheem was referred to Vernon House, a school for children struggling because of behavioural issues.
      He’s as humble as they come. It was never about the money, it was about the football. He was one of the nicest boys I’ve ever mentoredClive Ellington
      There he was assigned mentor Clive Ellington, who he credits with kickstarting his career.
      The youth worker said: “I took him to the park one day and I thought, ‘He’s got something about him’, he was outshining all the others.”
      Raheem was not even playing for a team at the time, so Clive invited him to a training session at local club Alpha & Omega FC.
      Clive added: “As coaches we stood there, arms folded, just thinking ‘What on earth have we unearthed here?’, because he was a gem.”
      And he insists that Raheem has never been motivated by money.
      He said: “He never discussed money or cars. He’s as humble as they come. It was never about the trimmings, it was about the football.
      “He was one of the nicest boys I’ve ever mentored.”
      When Clive drove his young protege to games he would hold out a pen as a pretend microphone and say: “Raheem Sterling, how do you feel about making your debut for England at 16?”
      Star man Sterling in action with Denmark’s Kasper SchmeichelCredit: Reuters
      Raheem would look at him, “like I was a nutter”.
      But Clive was only a year out, as Raheem made his Three Lions debut aged 17 against Sweden.
      The star says of his mentor: “He was the person who made me realise there’s more to life than being a naughty kid.”
      The 5ft 7in striker joined QPR at the age of 11 and moved to Liverpool at 15 in a £500,000 deal.
      Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard told The Times: “He was a very respectful kid. He was someone who hung on to every word.
      “He always wanted to learn, he used to take information on.”
      In 2015, then an England regular, he joined Manchester City in a £50million deal.
      Shortly before the 2018 World Cup he was pictured with a tattoo of an MI6 assault rifle on his right leg.
      Raheem explained on Instagram: “When I was two my father died from being gunned down.
      “I made a promise to myself I would never touch a gun in my lifetime. I shoot with my right foot, so it has a deeper meaning.”
      When the dust finally settles on his stellar career, he will perhaps be remembered as much for fighting racism as the trophies he has won.
      Having been subjected to a barrage of abuse, he has used his profile to call for equality.
      When some fans booed the England players for taking the knee before games, he expressed his “disappointment”.
      Now reportedly earning £300,000 a week, Raheem lives with his fiancée Paige Milian, 26, and their sons, Thiago, three, and Thai-Cruz, one, in a Cheshire village.
      Raheem Sterling celebrates the win with his sonCredit: Getty
      Raheem lives with his fiancée Paige Milian and their two sons in a Cheshire villageCredit: paigemilian/Instagram
      Raheem and team mate Jordan Henderson pose having both received their MBECredit: Getty

      He also has an eight-year-old daughter, Melody Rose, from a previous relationship.
      When England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, Raheem had failed to find the net.
      Now, with three goals already this time, the smiling “King of Wembley” returns to his beloved Brent for Sunday’s final, ready to take his place among England’s sporting immortals.
      Raheem Sterling is ‘world class’ and England’s’ ‘most effective player’ beam Ferdinand and Lampard More

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      Best gadgets of Euro 2020, from Gareth Southgate’s £4,800 watch to Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s spiked gloves

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      THE best way to get ahead at this year’s Euros is by being tech-savvy.At this year’s European Championships, managers and players have turned to technology to steal a march on their rivals.
      Euro 2020 stars like Gareth Southgate are being tech savvy during the tournamentCredit: Rex
      From hi-tech watches that notify of penalties to spiky goalkeeping gloves that help punchers of the ball get more distance on their clearances, we’ve seen some novel inventions at SunSport.
      Here’s the best gadgets of 2020 at the Euro 2020.
      SOUTHGATE’S WATCH
      While patrolling the touchline, Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has been spotted wearing Hublot’s Big Bang e UEFA EURO 2020 watch worth £4,800.
      One of just 1000 made, the time-piece lets him view info on any match at Euro 2020, which is displayed on the large screen face including cards awarded, substitutions and goals.
      There is also the option to view line-ups and player-rankings – potentially helping the Three Lions chief with his substitutions and giving him the lowdown on opponents.
      However, the most interesting feature are penalty alerts – with any awarded in a match flashing up on the watch.
      Southgate has been spotted wearing a special £4,800 Hublot watchCredit: PA
      The Hublot Big Bang e UEFA EURO 2020 also gives Southgate penalty alerts
      DONNARUMMA’S GLOVES
      Italian goalie Gianluigi Donnarumma has proved to be a safe pair of hands between the sticks for the Azzuri.
      And he clearly has been helped by the amazing gloves he wears – the Adidas Predator Pro mitts costing £100-a-pair.
      Astonishingly, they are fitted with 288 spikes designed to help the wearer punch the ball better.
      They’re also currently worn by the likes of Manchester United star David de Gea and England youngster Aaron Ramsdale.
      But we say, whatever happened to the art of catching the ball?
      Gianluigi Donnarumma sports Adidas Predator Pro gloves costing £100Credit: AP
      The spiked gloves are designed to help a goalkeeper punch the ball betterCredit: EPA
      SWISS SUNGLASSES
      In preparation for their last-16 match against France, where Switzerland upset the odds, their players were spied hard in training at their camp.
      However, if you looked towards where the goalies were being put through their paces you would’ve seen Yann Sommer and Co looking too cool for school in black wraparound shades.
      The battery-powered eye-wear create a flckering effect and help the shot stoppers improve their anticipation.
      They’re made by Japanese company VisionUp and cost upwards of £350.
      Switzerland’s goalkeepers are put through their paces wearing special sunglassesCredit: EPA
      The VisionUP sunglasses cost around £350 and create a slow-mo effect to help the shotstoppers improve their anticipationCredit: EPA
      STATSPORTS BRA
      The sight of Artem Dovbyk whipping off his top after scoring a late winner against Sweden didn’t just show off the Ukraine hero’s impressive abs, we also saw something that looked like a sports bra.
      More specifically, it was a STATSports vest – a company who offer GPS monitoring and analysis for a number of professional clubs and international teams.
      The devices are popular in the world of elite sport and allow coaches and analysts to track performance.
      The vests measure distance covered, speed, acceleration, deceleration and heart rate and provides coaches with valuable information on each individual.
      The data that is collected can be then streamed to a phone, tablet or smartwatch for further analysis and studied by team officials.
      Ukraine star Artem Dovbyk shows off his STATSports vestCredit: Reuters
      The STATSports vest measure distance covered, speed, acceleration, deceleration and heart rate
      TRUSOX
      Many Euro 2020 stars are wearing TRUsox along with their official kits.

      The special socks offer a patented design that helps athletes minimise the movement in their footwear when they move or kick the ball.
      It’s special grips on the base of the sock that help the wearer avoid any potential sliding.
      A host of Italian stars have been seen wearing them, including Ciro Immobile.
      Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Ciro Immobile have worn TRUsox footwear with their official kitsCredit: Getty
      TRUsox socks offer wearers better grip in their football boots More

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      in Soccer

      Emi Martinez has cemented Argentina No1 position after starring at Copa America, with Lionel Messi close to first title

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      Lionel Messi is now two games away from his first senior title with Argentina.Part of the responsibility for getting him over the line, and seeing the team through to its first title since the Copa America of 1993, lies with their new first choice goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa.
      Emi Martinez has starred for Argentina in the Copa AmericaCredit: AFP
      It is only a month since Martinez made his debut – on June 3rd in a World Cup qualifier against Chile.
      He is the eighth keeper that coach Lionel Scaloni has looked at since taking over after Russia 2018. And after just six games, he now looks to be the owner of the position.
      If he does not concede, both in the semi final on Tuesday night against Colombia and then in Saturday’s final, then the worst that can happen is a defeat on penalties – as long as, of course, he manages to stay on the field all the way to the whistle.
      He was not able to do that in his second game, a World Cup qualifier on June 8 away to Tuesday’s opponents. He watched content from the other end as Argentina raced into a two goal lead.
      But then came the onslaught. Before half time he was caught up in an ugly collision with giant centre back Yerry Mina and carried off on a stretcher.  Argentina were still two goals up at that point.
      On came Augusto Marchesin of Porto to replace him – and his last act of the game was to pick the Colombian equaliser out of the back of the net.  Argentina crumbled, and the game finished 2-2.
      The stock of Martinez rose higher in his absence. Scaloni could hardly wait to have him fit and ready for the Copa America opener.
      So far he has been beaten just twice in his international career – both times in 1-1 draws with Chile. But now Colombia are going to be asking some questions.
      Martinez stops Ecuador’s Enner Valencia from scoringCredit: AP
      Commanding Martinez has established himself as Argentina’s No1Credit: AFP
      The scoreline makes Argentina’s 3-0 quarter final win over Ecuador look a routine affair. It most certainly was not.
      Two goals right at the end give a false impression. The outcome was in the balance well inside the last ten minutes.
      Argentina had plenty of moments – but so did Ecuador. In front of Martinez there are doubts about the centre backs. Nico Otamendi remains the senior partner.
      There are great hopes for Cristian Romero alongside him, but he was not fit to take on Ecuador, and when he has been playing he has been picking up cards. Ecuador found some holes.
      If former Premier League striker Enner Valencia had a head as big as Harry Maguire’s he would have scored twice – both times he could not get enough contact on his header.
      Martinez is close to helping his country win the Copa AmericaCredit: AFP
      If Argentina win the Copa America it will be Lionel Messi’s first major title with his countryCredit: AFP

      Colombia will have been paying attention. Without James Rodriguez, and unlikely to field a playmaker, they will probably go very direct.
      Juan Guillermo Cuadrado will cross in from the right for big Duvan Zapata to attack. For set pieces Zapata will be joined by Mina – a name that will bring back some painful memories for Emiliano Martinez.
      But if Villa’s keeper stands tall and proud, then Argentina and Messi should end up a game closer to the dream.
      Argentina vs Colombia – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s luxury £5.5m yacht boasts five luxury cabins, six bathrooms, modern kitchen and can reach 28 knots

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      LIFE’S an ocean for Cristiano Ronaldo.The Juventus legend has an amazing £5.5million yacht he’s currently lounging on in Madeira after a star-turn at the Euros.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez are currently in Madeira aboard their yacht
      Juventus legend Ronaldo is the proud owner of the Azimut Grande.
      The super-yacht cost around £5.5million
      The Portuguese football superstar still leads the way in the race for the Golden Boot, despite his country’s exit in the last-16 at the hands of Belgium.
      Last year, he splashed the cash on the lavish 88-feet long Azimut Grande.
      Built in the Versilia shipyards of Azimut-Benett, it boasts five luxury cabins and six stunningly decorated bathrooms.
      There’s also a modern kitchen onboard, as well as two relaxation areas, a huge lounge, and a lavish dining room.
      In terms of its specifications, it’s capable of reaching 28 knots, thanks to two 1,900 horsepower engines, and is made of carbon fibre weighing a whopping 93 tonnes.
      It has five luxury cabins
      There are six modern bathrooms
      The lavish dining room is perfect for a romantic dinner
      A modern kitchen features contemporary appliances
      There’s a bar on deck
      Two lounge areas are perfect for topping up your tan
      The vessel is capable of reaching a top speed of 28 knots
      No expense was spared in the creation of Ronaldo’s new yacht
      The Azimut Grande stands out at 88-feet long
      It is powered by two 1,900 horsepower engines
      HIS OWN YACHT
      Ronaldo bought the super-yacht in 2020 for £5.5million.
      Previously, he used to rent the Africa I yacht from a charter company before buying his own.
      Last summer, he was able to take his family, including missus Georgina Rodriguez out on the Azimut Grande as they sailed along the Tyrrhenian coast for its debut voyage.
      SHOW OFF
      Georgina showed off the vessel by sharing a sexy bikini snap on Instagram perched on deck.
      Georgina Rodriguez has shown off the yacht on her Instagram
      Rodriguez hangs off the yacht for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea
      Ronaldo is served his lunch by Rodriguez
      The Ronaldo family enjoy one of the many cabins
      Ronaldo is enjoying a break after another incredible season
      Ronaldo and Georgina share a romantic moment on board their yacht
      The Azimut Grande was spotted sailing along the Tyrrhenian coast last year
      Rodriguez has certainly taken to the new purchase

      She posted various photos of the family, relaxing in one of the bedrooms, and serving Cristiano lunch.
      Ronaldo, who scored an incredible 29 goals in Serie A last season, won the coveted leading goalscorer title in Italy.
      However, speculation about his future is rife and he’s been linked away with a move away from the club.
      Swimmers shout Georgina Rodríguez’s name as she relaxes on yacht with Ronaldo More