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      in Soccer

      Best and worst England kits, from Moore’s iconic 1966 shirt to Seaman’s garish Euro 96 goalie jersey

      by

      THROUGH the years the likes of Umbro, Admiral and Nike have encouraged us to reach deep into our pockets to buy an England jersey.Some of those kits have been memorable, often linked to the team’s performance, and have become collector’s items.
      England, wearing the jersey they’ll wear for Euro 2020, have sported a variety of shirts over the yearsCredit: Getty
      Others, however, have been simply forgettable – mainly because they were rarely worn or their design was simply too garish.
      SunSport has delved into its wardrobe to pull out the best and worst kits we’ve ever seen England perform in. There are some crackers… but there are some true stinkers too.THE BEST
      5. 2010-11 HOME KIT
      This special kit was one for the hipsters.
      Designed by Peter Saville, the graphic designer responsible for creating album artwork for Joy Division, Pulp, Suede and more, it was produced by Umbro.
      The cross of St George was carefully stitched onto the shirt and socks to give it that extra patriotic feel.
      While the shorts were a royal blue colour – that certainly suited Chelsea legend John Terry.
      In 2010 iconic graphic designer Peter Saville created this England top
      One for the hipsters, the flag of St George was stitched into the jersey and socks
      4. 1990-92 THIRD KIT
      One for the purists.
      Designed for Italia 90, it only ever got one outing – and that wasn’t just from Bernard Sumner in New Order’s World In Motion video.
      Dennis Wise and Co wore it for a game against Turkey in 1991, and it never appeared again.
      It did look very similar to Manchester City’s shirt of the same era though, that also featured a diamond pattern running through it.

      1990-92 Replica Third Shirt, £35 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      England’s third kit looked like Man CityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The Umbro kit was only worn once in a friendly against Turkey before it was shelvedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      3. 1990-93 HOME SHIRT
      A jersey linked with special memories.
      From David Platt hammering home a last-minute volley against Belgium to Gazza’s tears and Lineker’s goals, it was worn infamously during the 1990 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals.
      Its design is steeped in the 90s, with subtle zig-zags adorning a slightly flammable material.

      1990-93 Replica HOME Shirt, £30 form Pro Direct soccer – buy here

      Paul Gascoigne made England’s 1990-93 home jersey iconicCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gary Lineker and England reached the semi-finals in Italia 90Credit: Getty – Contributor
      2. 1980-83 HOME KIT
      While England didn’t lose a game at the 1982 World Cup, where they wore this number created by Admiral, they failed to make it past the second group round.
      Two frustrating draws against West Germany and Spain, the latter in which an unfit Kevin Keegan missed a sitter of a header saw the Three Lions crash out.
      But in the style stakes, we definitely had the best kit – with a stonking v-neck flanked by a blue and red pattern either side of it.

      1980-83 Replica HOME shirt, £30 from Pro Direct Select – buy here

      Admiral’s England kit is recognised as one of their coolestCredit: Mark Leech Sports
      From 1980-83 England wore a v-neck collar
      1. 1966 AWAY SHIRT
      It had to be.
      Worn expertly by Bobby Moore and Sir Geoff Hurst as we marched to World Cup glory at Wembley defeating West Germany 4-2, it was only worn because (strangely) our opponents were the designated home team that day.
      But its simple design and round collar screams the 1960s, and it’s still a jersey you see fans wearing in the stands today.
      The question is; would it be number one if we hadn’t won the World Cup? Who cares, we did and that’s history.

      1966 Replica AWAY shirt, £25 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      Bobby Moore wears the iconic red 1966 World Cup jerseyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      England only wore red that day because West Germany were the designated home teamCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      THE WORST
      5. 1999-2000 HOME KIT
      Desperate to recreate the feel of England’s 1966 shirt, Umbro introduced a round collar for this effort in time for Euro 2000.
      But even David Beckham couldn’t pull it off – as we fell to a last minute goal against Romania in a 3-2 loss in our last group game and were eliminated.
      The fact the shirt only retailed for a year showed you what the FA thought of it.
      Umbro brought back the round neck collar for this design in 1999Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2000 after a dismal Euros the shirt was in the binCredit: Getty – Contributor
      4. 1997-1998 HOME KIT
      Ironically, it’s predecessor wasn’t much better.
      Another Umbro effort, it did have an iconic moment attached to it when an 18-year-old Michael Owen waltzed past several Argie defenders to slam home one of the best World Cup goals.
      But in terms of design, it was all over the place – with a bulky trophy neck collar and strange stripes on the side not adding to its glory.
      The centralised badge was a bit too radical too.

      1997-98 Replica HOME shirt, £30 from Pro Direct Soccer – buy here

      Michael Owen’s iconic goal against Argentina made the 1998 jersey memorableCredit: AFP – Getty
      But placing the badge in the centre of the kit went against traditionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      3. 2016 AWAY SHIRT
      When an England legend speaks out about a kit, it must be bad.
      In 2016, Gary Lineker tweeted: “Can’t think of a worse England strip” when the red away jersey was unveiled for the first time.
      And he wasn’t the only one, as fans online lambasted its design.
      For some reason it came with bright blue socks too. Just, no.

      2016 AWAY shirt, from £45, at Vintage Football Shirts – buy here

      England legend Gary Lineker was one of the first to criticise England’s 2016 away jerseyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      For some reason Umbro paired bright blue socks with the red away kitCredit: PA:Press Association
      2. 1995-1996 AWAY SHIRT
      Sorry, Umbro.
      But when a company designs a shirt they hope looks good with jeans, is grey, and is said to be ‘indigo blue’ you know you’re in trouble.
      The strip was only worn three times, against Bulgaria, then against Georgia and finally against Germany in the Euro 96 semi-final.
      That defeat certainly put the nail in the coffin for it, and the kit was shelved soon after.

      1996-97 AWAY shirt, from £60, at Vintage Football Shirts – buy here

      England’s indigo blue shirt was created by Umbro with the idea it would look good with jeansCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      After England’s Euro 96 heartbreak against Germany the kid was never seen againCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      1. POOR DAVID SEAMAN
      The Arsenal goalie had a momentous tournament at Euro 96.
      A penalty save against Scotland that inspired the Three Lions to victory, the hero in a penalty shootout win over Spain, he became renowned as one of the world’s best keepers soon after.

      But this kit he wore did him absolutely no favours, even if he did stand out from the crowd.
      A bright red colour, mixed with a splash of green, yellow, purple made it look like something someone who had indulged in too many Skittles might’ve thrown up.
      And why was the E backwards on it? We’ll never know.
      David Seamans goalie jersey from Euro 96 was a monstrosityCredit: Getty – Contributor
      For some reason the E was backwards on the jersey

      Ranking every England manager More

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      in Soccer

      10 best Euro 2020 kits ranked, from England’s blue Nike away shirt to Germany’s clean Adidas black top

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      FOOTBALL fans across Europe will repping their countries by wearing their teams’ jerseys this summer.As is customary with brands like Nike, Adidas and Puma, some national sides will be sporting new unseen tops for the tournament.
      Cristiano Ronaldo will be sporting a stylish Portugal jersey at the Euros, but where does that rank in our top 10?Credit: EPA
      SunSport has seen them all – and donning our best fashion cap ranks them from 10-1.
      But which one is your favourite?
      10. England, away
      When Nike released the Three Lions’ two jerseys for the Euros back in September, opinion was divided online.
      But the blue away top definitely works better with the logo traditionally to the side and not in the middle like the home one.
      While the two-button collar looks like a smart polo top.
      England’s away jersey features a Lions pattern and a smart polo shirt-like collar
      9. Germany, away
      Pipping us to the post are the Germans… how that never changes.
      Their away Adidas top is a menacing black number – painting them as a sort of Darth Vader-like figure of international football – with a lovely red and gold trim on the sleeves.
      Of course, it has those familiar Adidas stripes on the shoulders.
      Germany’s blackout kit will have them looking menacing at the Euros
      8. Holland, home
      There’s something about this brilliant orange Dutch jersey that stirs memories of Marco Van Basten and Ruud Gullit ripping sides to shreds at Euro ’88.
      And there’s also a sniff of the same pattern used in Manchester City’s home top, although that one was designed by Puma.
      Does that mean Holland might be crowned champions at the end of the tournament?
      Holland’s orange kit is iconic at major tournaments and this new design is impressive
      7. Turkey, home
      The Turks have got it right with both kits this summer, but their home one just shades it for us.
      It does away with tradition to allow the flag wrapped across the centre of the top.
      The Nike emblem sits above that, in what is a simple design but definitely effective.
      The Turkish national team goes against tradition with its design
      6. Scotland, away
      Playing in their first Euros since 1996, the Scots needed a decent kit to remember their tournament fondly – which will only be more iconic should Steve Clarke’s men have a good run this time round.
      And it’s a little bit of a throwback to early-90s kits in its design, with a hint of Argentina about it with its colours and pattern.
      Scotland’s badge really pops out at you as well on that shade, so Adidas have done them proud.
      Scotland’s away top looks like something Argentina would wear
      5. Portugal, home
      Nike’s Portugal jersey is all red – and looks like something Tiger Woods would wear on the final day of the Masters.
      But it’s a clean design with a beautiful red, black and green trim down the sides and on the sleeves, as well as a brilliant collar.
      To be fair, Cristiano Ronaldo will be modelling it, so the kit will only look better on his chiselled torso, especially in HD.
      Portugal’s top boasts a beautiful red, black and green trim down the sides
      4. Russia, away
      We can’t imagine Putin wearing it, but there’s something incredibly retro about what Russia will be wearing in these Euros.
      We love the blue and red stripe through the middle of it, as well the trim on the sleeves.
      However, with Russia’s odds to win Euro 2020 as high as 75-1 with Paddy Power – chances are we might not get to see it much.
      Russia’s retro kit features a blue and red stripe through the middle of it
      3. Wales, home
      It definitely looks like Adidas were inspired by Admiral’s Wales kits of the late 1970s for this one.
      The yellow, green, red, and white trim on the sleeves is the giveaway, and is different to anything else we’ve seen.
      Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale will certainly enjoy wearing it.
      The trim on the sleeves of the Wales jersey is a throwback to Admiral’s kits from the 70s
      2. France, away
      Narrowly beaten as shirt of the tournament, perhaps they’ll make up for it by winning the whole thing, is the French.
      Their away jersey features mod-like colours, is white with a blue and red stripe down the sides.
      With a cockerel on the top left and the Nike logo on the right, it’s certainly a classic cut.
      Simplicity is key to France’s away top
      1. Italy, home
      With Milan being the fashion capital of the world, of course the Italians would have the best shirt for the Euros.
      And perhaps this makes up for the formal clobber Giorgio Armani has designed for the Italy national side – which looks something like a chef’s attire.

      The pattern etched into the jersey is a dedication to the country’s historic art and architecture culture.
      It “reinterprets the luxurious Renaissance patterns of the past into a modern geometric graphic”, as the blurb supporting its design claims.
      They’ve won us over.
      The Italians boast the best shirt at the Euros for us
      Ukraine’s Euro 2020 kit includes Crimea in map of country on front of shirt More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Man Utd and France star Anthony Martial’s gorgeous reality TV star Wag Melanie Da Cruz, who is mother to son Swan

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      SIMPLY irresistible…Melanie Da Cruz, 30, is the gorgeous wife of Manchester United and France forward Anthony Martial.
      Melanie Da Cruz is the gorgeous wife of Anthony MartialCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      The blonde bombshell made her name on French TV and has been dating the Red Devils star since 2016.
      However, their romance began in controversial circumstances when Martial dumped his then girlfriend Samantha Jacquelinet in 2016 and soon shacked up with Da Cruz.
      In 2018, they welcomed their first child together – a boy called Swan.
      However, just months after Da Cruz gave birth Martial was alleged to have cheated on her with a French model.
      It forced Martial to admit he made mistakes and beg for forgiveness from his family and Da Cruz.
      She made her name on reality TV…
      Before she met Anthony Martial, Melanie Da Cruz was a French reality TV starCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff

      In 2015, Da Cruz appeared on Secret Story – loosely based on our own Big Brother.
      She didn’t exactly win over the public’s affection and was voted out on day 78.
      The show came to a premature end on day 85 when the Paris attacks happened in November that year.
      Incidentally, Zinedine Zidane’s cousin Jonathan appeared in the series and was runner-up.
      In 2015, Melanie Da Cruz appeared on the French equivalent of Big Brother called Secret StoryCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      Social media loves her…
      Well, her fans do.
      Da Cruz is showered with attention on Instagram and has amassed an insane amount of fans.
      Currently, she’s adored by three million followers who follow her every move, whether she’s filling up her car with petrol or posing in a bikini on the boat.
      With three million followers on Instagram, Melanie Da Cruz is a social media hitCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      She supports her man…
      Give her an opportunity and she’ll wear a Man United shirt with pride.
      Da Cruz often poses in a Red Devils jersey, wearing very little else, and posts the saucy snaps on her Instagram.
      Not only does she guarantee herself millions of likes all over the world, she must also score points with her man.
      Melanie Da Cruz loves wearing a Man United shirt and posting snaps on social mediaCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      Anthony Martial and Melanie Da Cruz have been dating since 2016Credit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      When Da Cruz and Martial began dating, it wasn’t best received…
      Certainly if you’re his ex girlfriend, Samantha.
      Back in 2016, Sun on Sunday reported that Martial cheated with singer Emily Wademan in 2016.
      They tried to work through their problems, but months later Martial dumped Samantha for Da Cruz.
      The woman scorned blasted her love rival, insisting Da Cruz was a “prostitute” after their relationship fell apart.
      Melanie Da Cruz was branded a “prostitute” by Anthony Martial’s ex girlfriendCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      With a body to die for, Melanie Da Cruz isn’t afraid of baring all to her fansCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      In recent years, Melanie Da Cruz has shared pictures of her holidays in Santorini, Mauritius and DubaiCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff

      Survived alleged cheating…
      In 2019, Martial was forced to apologise to his then-fiancee amid cheating allegations.
      The Daily Star claimed the former Monaco striker slept with French model Malika while Da Cruz was eight months pregnant.
      Soon after, Martial took to Instagram to address the story.
      “I would like to apologise to my relatives, my beautiful family and especially my fiancée for the harm I have done in recent months,” he posted.
      “I made mistakes and I’m sorry it will not happen again.”
      Martial with Wag Melanie and their son Swan
      Martial was forced to issue an apology for allegedly cheating on Melanie
      Malika Semichi was alleged to have had an affair with Martial
      But they’ve proved their doubters wrong…
      Almost five years later the pair are as loved up as they were when they first met.
      They often share selfies together enjoying holidays in Santorini, Mauritius and Dubai.
      Even adopting a slightly nerdy look, Melanie Da Cruz looks stunningCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      Melanie Da Cruz shows off her enviable figureCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff
      Melanie Da Cruz became Mrs. MartialCredit: Instagram @melaniedacruzzoff

      Samantha Jacquelinet was Martial’s previous girlfriend and has a daughter called Peyton by him
      And the two are proud parents to son Swan, who is coming up to his second birthday.
      Martial already has a five-year-old daughter called Peyton from his relationship with Samantha.
      After missing out on selection for France’s Euro 2020 squad, at least he will get to spend this summer winding down with his family.
      Manchester United’s Anthony Martial and model girlfriend Melanie Da Cruz go bowling More

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      in Soccer

      Why Brazil stars like Neymar should boycott Copa America in coronavirus protest at fixture chaos

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      The answer will not come until late Tuesday night – the early hours of Wednesday morning UK time – after the final whistle has blown on their World Cup qualifier away to Paraguay.Then, Brazil’s players will issue a statement on the Copa America, which is set to kick off in their country on Sunday.
      Brazil’s stars will reveal later today if they are going to pull out of the Copa AmericaCredit: AFP
      There is no doubt that they are unhappy that Brazil has stepped in at the last minute to host the tournament.
      Discontent is rife both about the decision and by the way it was handled – like the rest of us, they heard about it via social media last Monday.
      The players have two options – either they play the competition under protest, or they boycott the thing.
      The second option has the potential to torpedo the entire competition. With less than five days to go before the kick off it would leave the hosts without a team or a coach – boss Tite seems solidly behind the players in any decision they take.
      And it would almost certainly lead to the withdrawal of big name stars in other national teams.
      Last Friday sources close to the team were suggesting that the players would take the historic decision to boycott the Copa.
      By Monday the position appeared to have changed, with almost all sources predicting with confidence that the players will reluctantly take part in the competition.
      There are plenty of reasons for their discontent.
      Brazil is set to host the Copa America, which begins on FridayCredit: Rex
      At the last Copa America in 2019 Brazil were victoriousCredit: AFP
      The obvious one is the coronavirus pandemic, which forced Argentina to pull out as host at the end of May.
      The virus has now claimed more than 470,000 lives in Brazil, the death toll is going up at more than 1500 a day and the gruesome half a million mark will certainly be reached during the tournament.
      Local specialists and the World Health Organisation are advising that it would be better if the Copa did not go ahead.
      It is true that domestic football is being played in Brazil – and may well be true that this presents a greater health risk than the Copa.
      But things brings us to the next point – is it worthwhile to run the risk presented by the Copa? Does the competition have enough sporting merit to go ahead?
      On this point the players would seem to be convinced that it does not – indeed, the European based stars (the vast majority of the squad) are casting doubts on whether it is worthwhile giving up their holidays to take part in such a tournament.
      This is an extra Copa – squeezed in, ironically enough, to take advantage of a shift from odd years to even.
      The Copa has been held every four years – 2007, 11, 15 and 19 – with another extra one in 2016 to celebrate its centenary.
      The mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes revealed he would cancel Copa America football fixtures planned in the city if the COVID-19 pandemic worsenedCredit: AFP

      This extra Copa, originally planned for 2020, was going to be staged in two countries – Argentina and Colombia.
      This explains the format – two groups of five. And the ludicrous aspect of the format – a group phase that stretches for more than two weeks, only to eliminate the bottom team of each group.
      The final week of the competition, from the quarter finals onwards, will be exciting. Up until then the Copa will be a drag.
      The players recognise a key defect in all of this – because of the pandemic South America is well behind in its World Cup qualifiers.
      Tuesday’s is the sixth round of eighteen. Twelve more rounds have to be crammed in before the end of March.
      Even with an additional set of FIFA dates being made available at the end of January, it is still not clear how this can be done.
      There is space for five double headers – ten games. And twelve games to play. 
      A possible solution is to try and squeeze three games into a couple of the FIFA dates. This is happening in Europe.
      Will Neymar be one of many Brazil stars boycotting the Copa America?Credit: Rex

      In South America the distances involved make this much more problematic. The common sense solution, then, would be to use the next couple of weeks to catch up with the qualifiers.
      It would probably be best if the players dug in their heels to make this point, using their influence to force the adoption of a more rational calendar.
      At the moment, though, it seems more likely that they will agree to play the Copa under protest – a gesture that might be forgotten all too quickly.
      Neymar WIPED OUT by two fans and has shoe stolen outside Brazil hotel before security jump in More

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      in Soccer

      England’s Euro 2020 aces as kids from pals Mason Mount and Declan Rice to Arsenal trainee Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham

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      ALL eyes will be on Harry Kane, Jack Grealish and Mason Mount this summer as England aim to win their first ever Euros.Of course, many fans will remember how close the Three Lions got at Euro ’96 – only to lose in the semi-final to the Germans in a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out.
      All eyes will be on England stars Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Declan RiceCredit: Getty
      But plenty of our stars wouldn’t have been born when boss Gareth Southgate became the fall guy at Wembley that summer.
      However, they would have definitely dreamed of going a few steps further than their current manager and leading their country to glory as they were growing up.
      But what did they look like when they were kids? Join SunSport for a flick through the family albums….
      HARRY KANE
      Captain Kane will, probably, forever be haunted by this photo.
      Dressed in an Arsenal kit, rivals to his beloved Tottenham, the England hotshot trained with the Gunners’ U8 team as a youngster before switching allegiances to Spurs.
      Such was allegiance to the red side of North London, he even dyed his hair the same colour.
      Kane famously played for Arsenal’s U8 team
      When Harry Kane was a youngster he could only have dreamed of playing for his country
      Kane is now England’s captainCredit: Getty
      JACK GREALISH
      England’s poster-boy for this year’s Euros, Grealish grew up in Birmingham.
      And he’s always been as a cute as a button, wearing his boyhood Aston Villa shirt with pride as a five-year-old.
      However, his hair wasn’t the flowing locks we’re used to seeing, and he preferred a more closed crop cut.
      Jack Grealish, aged five here, was cute as a button as a kid in his Aston Villa kit
      Grealish played for Highgate United as a kid while training for Aston Villa
      Grealish could be England’s breakthrough star at the EurosCredit: PA
      JORDAN PICKFORD
      No1 Pickford was Sunderland through and through.
      He climbed through the ranks of the youth team to eventually play for the club before signing for Everton in a £25million deal in 2017.
      But before that he was just a fan of the Mackems – posing for a snap with former captain Kevin Ball.
      Jordan Pickford sported gorgeous curly blonde hair when he was a toddler
      Pickford would later be seen posing for a snap with ex-Sunderland captain Kevin Ball
      Pickford will be tasked with keeping the opposition at bay at the EurosCredit: Paul Marriott – The Sun
      RAHEEM STERLING
      Before he became a superstar at Manchester City, and before that Liverpool, the London-born winger was another hopeful at QPR.
      In 2010, he moved to the Reds from the Hoops for a fee of just £500,000.
      At 15, we saw Sterling showing off his talent on Sky Sports show Soccer AM for their infamous Skill School segment.
      Raheem Sterling grew up in London
      Sterling famously appeared on Soccer AM as a 15-year-old
      Sterling has established himself as England regularCredit: PA

      MASON MOUNT
      Cheeky kid Mount has been with Chelsea since he was six. And in 2019, he shared a brilliant video of himself in his pre-adolescent years whipping a free-kick into the top corner.
      “I try to base my free-kick on Ronaldo, hit the ball by the valve, and it moves,” he says in the video.
      “That’s all you do. Top corner – top bins.”
      Mason Mount has been with Chelsea since he was sixCredit: Tony Mount
      A cheeky Mount poses for a snap with Chelsea legends Ashley Cole and John TerryCredit: Supplied

      Playmaker Mount will want to follow his Champions League success with Chelsea and win the Euros with EnglandCredit: PA
      DECLAN RICE
      Growing up through the Chelsea ranks alongside Mount was best-mate Declan Rice.
      Now a West Ham star, the pair were said to be heartbroken when Rice was released in 2014.
      Still, with Jordan Henderson still struggling for match-fitness Mount and Rice could be starring in England’s midfield in the opener against Croatia together.
      Declan Rice, left, and Mason Mount were best pals in their Chelsea youth daysCredit: Tony Mount
      Rice, first from the right, meets football legend Jimmy HillCredit: Tony Mount
      Rice in action against Austria in pre-Euros friendlyCredit: Getty
      MARCUS RASHFORD
      Young Rashford would never have imagined he would have an MBE at 23, nevermind be a regular for Manchester United and England.
      But for the former skinny kid growing up in Wythenshawe has achieved wonders already in his short career.
      Will he add a Euros to his glittering CV?
      Skinny Marcus Rashford grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester
      Standing in the middle of the back row, Rashford played youth football at the Fletcher Moss Academy when he was sixCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Rashford celebrates his goal against RomaniaCredit: Getty
      PHIL FODEN
      As he says, he’s been City since he can remember.
      Phil Foden, 20, is coming off an excellent season with his club and will hope to transform that on the international stage.
      And he hasn’t changed one bit from when he was a nipper.
      Credit: Instagram

      Foden could be England’s jewel at the EurosCredit: AFP
      KALVIN PHILLIPS
      Leeds-born midfielder was told as a schoolboy to forget about football and concentrate on his studies.
      Luckily, he didn’t listen to his teachers and has blossomed into the one of the country’s best defensive midfielders – nicknamed the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ by Leeds United fans.
      And, it seems, he was a very happy kid – always smiling for the cameras.
      Kalvin Phillips was always a happy kid
      Phillips’ school teachers told him to forget a life in football and concentrate on his studies
      Phillips could see plenty of playing time at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      JUDE BELLINGHAM
      England’s potential wildcard, in truth Bellingham is still a kid – astonishingly he’s still only 17.

      But the Borussia Dortmund star began his football journey at Birmingham City.
      There, he was spotted by Trevor Francis as a star of the future during one youth game the former Blues star was watching.
      Did the former Sheffield Wednesday manager also discover a future England Euros winner?
      Jude Bellingham, aged six here, could be England’s wildcard at this year’s EurosCredit: Twitter @bellinghamjude
      Bellingham poses with football legend Trevor FrancisCredit: Refer to Caption
      17-year-old Bellingham could be England’s wildcard at Euro 2020Credit: AP
      “I was a wreck” – Tony Adams on his secret battle with alcoholism as captain of England’s 1996 Euros side More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Mayweather’s amazing lifestyle, from homes in LA, Miami and Las Vegas, to a £20m car collection and £14m watch

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      HE’S in the money.Floyd Mayweather, 44, has reportedly earned a mint for his exhibition bout against YouTuber Logan Paul.
      Floyd Mayweather is reportedly £72m richer after his fight with Logan Paul
      Through the years, Mayweather hasn’t been afraid of flaunting his wealthCredit: Refer to Caption
      And even though he didn’t achieve the knockout he wanted in their eight-round contest in Miami, Floyd has claimed he could be as much as £72million richer for stepping back into the ring.
      His paydays over the years have afforded him an amazing lifestyle, sharing video and photos inside his incredible homes, showing off his latest rides, as well as his expensive jewellery.
      It’s a life he’s built all himself – being one of only a handful of sportsman in the world ever to earn over $1billion (£760million) in his career – with reports saying it might be as much as £2.4billion.
      Here’s where some of that money went…
      THREE AMAZING HOMES
      Mayweather doesn’t skimp when it comes to property.
      That’s why he’s got THREE incredible mansions dotted around the country – in LA, Las Vegas, and Miami.
      His most recent purchase is his Nevada compound that cost a whopping £7.8million.
      The undefeated boxing champ’s Vegas mansion features 11 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a gym.
      There’s also a wine cellar and his own vineyard, as well as two detached underground garages that house his mega car collection – more to come on that later.
      His LA abode in Beverly Hills set him back an eye-watering £19million.

      Mayweather splashed £19m on this incredible Beverly Hills mansionCredit: Jim Bartsch
      The property features six lavish bedroomsCredit: Jim Bartsch
      Mayweather’s fight against Conor McGregor is celebrated with artwork on the wallsCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      The wine rack stores up to 225 bottlesCredit: Jim Bartsch
      Mayweather can relax in his 12-seat cinemaCredit: Jim Bartsch
      Snacks are always on hand at his sweet shopCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      Mayweather built his Las Vegas compound in 2018 for £7.8m
      The property boasts 11 bedrooms
      Mayweather spends the majority of his time in his Las Vegas home
      This Miami holiday home is also part of Mayweather’s property portfolioCredit: Prestige Lifestyle Co.
      A waterfront property, it cost Mayweather £5.3m in 2015Credit: Prestige Lifestyle Co.
      Mayweather is hardly seen at his Miami abodeCredit: Prestige Lifestyle Co.
      The six-bed, 10-bathroom property has everything a sports superstar could want, and his love of wine continues with a 225 wine rack he’s showed off before on social media fixed on the kitchen wall.
      There’s also a 12-seat cinema room, complete with its very own sweet shop loaded with popcorn, chocolate and liquorice.
      While his Miami beachfront five-bedroom house is the perfect holiday home.
      Mayweather bought the 5,200-square-foot £5.3million digs in 2015, but is rarely seen there.
      It features a sleek design, with an open-plan layout and floor-to-ceiling windows in place of walls.
      Outside, there’s a ‘zero-edge’ swimming pool and spa, and the mansion also comes with a private dock as part of its boatload of features.
      SO MANY CARS
      It’s no secret that Mayweather loves his motors.
      But he often only gets them in two colours – white or black. Either way, he has to have two of each stored in LA and Las Vegas.
      And it’s reckoned that his car collection is worth around £20million.
      Mayweather loves fast cars, including expensive BugattisCredit: Refer to Caption
      Floyd Mayweather likes his cars in white in Las Vegas
      But the motors in Mayweather’s LA garage are blackCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      Mayweather also owns several Rolls-RoycesCredit: Refer to Caption
      One of Mayweather’s most recent purchases is a £155,000 Mercedes G63 AMGCredit: Refer to Caption
      Mayweather travels in his motors with wads of cashCredit: Refer to Caption
      The Money Team logo is emblazoned on his vanCredit: Insight News and Features
      Mayweather is believed to own three private jets, including ‘Air Mayweather’Credit: Instagram @tmtpilot
      The £50million Gulfstream G650 jet can seat around 14 peopleCredit: Instagram @tmtpilot
      Mayweather bought the private plane in 2018 as a birthday presentCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      Mayweather likes to play high-stakes poker on his placeCredit: Instagram @floydmayweather
      He has a series of Rolls-Royces worth over a staggering £3million, as well as four Bugatti Veyron supercars that cost £1.7million.
      Other notable rides include a Lamborghini Aventador (£275,000), as well as a Ferrari 488 worth around £238,000.
      Recent additions to Mayweather’s LA fleet are his Mercedes G63 AMG (£155,000), and he even has his own branded van.
      And if it’s not wheels he’s after, wings work too.
      Mayweather is believed to own three private jets, including one he calls ‘Air Mayweather.’
      He bought a £50million Gulfstream G650 jet as a birthday present for himself in 2018.
      Often, he shares snaps online playing high-stakes poker with mates on board.
      The plane is, of course, emblazoned with his TMT ‘The Money Team’ logo and his undefeated 50-0 professional boxing record.
      AND THE JEWELLERY
      When you live the lifestyle Mayweather leads, you’ve got to look the part.
      Over the years Mayweather has built up an extensive jewellery collection Credit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
      Mayweather revealed he owns 41 expensive watchesCredit: Instagram / @floydmayweather
      The most impressive watch in his collection is Jacob & Co’s ‘The Billionaire Watch’Credit: Jacob & Co.
      Mayweather paid somewhere in the region of £14million for this amazing timepieceCredit: Refer to Caption
      Mayweather is often courtside watching an NBA game covered in jewelleryCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Diamonds are Mayweather’s best friendCredit: Instagram
      These gold and platinum chains aren’t too heavy for MayweatherCredit: Refer to Caption
      ‘Money’ Mayweather lives a lifestyle many sports stars will envyCredit: Instagram
      How ‘broke’ Floyd Mayweather won and lost $1bn career earnings from lavish parties to love for jewellery
      And the Michigan-born ringmaster loves jewellery, including having a penchant for watches… expensive ones, at that.
      It is believed he has up to 41 in his collection – but nothing beats his “One and Only” worth a staggering £14million bought from Japanese jeweller Tadashi Fukushima.
      Made by Jacob & Co, it’s actually called ‘The Billionaire Watch’ and was made in 2015.

      It features 239 emerald-cut baguette diamond stones, each weighing up to 3 carats and looks bedazzling.
      While, when Mayweather is courtside catching an NBA game he’s often seen draped in pure gold necklaces weighing up to 11kg.
      Diamonds are certainly this man’s best friend. More

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      in Boxing

      Inside Logan Paul’s amazing mansions, owning drug guru Timothy Leary’s former desert ranch to a stunning £5m LA mansion

      by

      LOGAN PAUL is king of the YouTubers when it comes to his property portfolio.The internet personality, who put on a brave display against Floyd Mayweather in their eight-round exhibition fight, has earned millions from posting content on his channel that has 26 million subscribers.
      YouTuber Logan Paul with Ginger, his pet Tibet Mastiff dogCredit: Instagram @LoganPaul
      And it is reported that he may earn up to £14million for his efforts – evading a knockout by ‘Money Mayweather’.
      Paul, 26, has generated enough wealth to buy houses you and I could only dream of.
      The Maverick loves living in the Valley in Los Angeles, and has a stunning mansion in Encino.
      And he also added a desert ranch formally owned by LSD-advocate Timothy Leary for around £800,000.
      Take a peek inside his digs below.
      HIS FIRST HOME
      Sure, he rented an apartment in Hollywood.
      But in 2017 Logan dropped £4.8m on a 9,000 square foot home in the heart of Encino – for his first home.
      The gated estate was built in the 1970s and sits within a sought-after neighbourhood in the San Fernando Valley region of LA.
      In 2017 Logan spent around £4.8m on a lavish LA homeCredit: John Aaroe Group
      The Encino home has five bedrooms and seven bathroomsCredit: John Aaroe Group
      The kitchen has an island through the middle of itCredit: John Aaroe Group
      There are several wine cellars in Paul’s Californian propertyCredit: John Aaroe Group
      The Encino pad was built in the 1970sCredit: John Aaroe Group
      Comedian Ryan Stiles was listed as a former owner of the homeCredit: John Aaroe Group
      The garden offers the perfect opportunity to throw a pool partyCredit: Instagram @LoganPaul
      The farmhouse look can be seen throughout Logan Paul’s homeCredit: John Aaroe Group
      Looking like a modern farmhouse, it has five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, vaulted ceilings, wine cellars, four fireplaces, a movie theatre room, and a kitchen with a large island.
      It was believed to have been previously owned by Whose Line Is It Anyway? comedian Ryan Stiles.
      It’s often nicknamed the Maverick House, which is the name of his merchandise brand – that also features a clothing label.
      Sidenote, Maverick is also the name of his pet parrot.
      THE DESERT RANCH
      Given that Paul is a man who clearly likes to party, his new house is the perfect setting for that kind of lifestyle.
      Recently he splashed around £800,000 on a desert ranch that used to be owned by drugs guru Timothy Leary in the 1960s.
      Leary lived in the home with around 30 ‘Hippie Mafia’ pals and it’s where it’s believed he manufactured LSD.
      Surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains in California, the property is spread across 80 acres.
      ‘The Brotherhood of Eternal Love’, as they were known, lived in the outhouses, which includes a guesthouse and bunkhouse, while Leary and his wife stayed in the ranch house.
      Paul recently bought a desert ranch for around £800k
      The desert ranch was formerly owned by 60s drugs guru Timothy Leary
      It was famously believed that LSD was made at the ranch
      The studio boasts huge windows
      The main house has two bedrooms
      The expansive living room can be warmed up by a freestanding fireplace
      The kitchen is perfect for entertaining guests
      The dining room has ample space to throw a dinner party
      The massive garden contains a very makeshift pool
      The main home has two bedrooms, an expansive living room, as well as a freestanding fireplace.
      In the master bedroom, you will find wood beams, and another custom fireplace
      The property also features a barn, two-car garage and two solar panel systems for power.

      Water comes naturally through a pair of springs that feed a 70,000-gallon water tank.
      And there’s a 500-square-foot studio that’s fitted with angled skylights and is surrounded by walls of glass that’ll be perfect for Paul to record videos for his YouTube channel in.
      One question, Logan; when can we come round?
      Logan Paul happy with Floyd Mayweather performance and asks who’s next? More

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      in Soccer

      Where are England’s 2010 Under-17 European Championship winning team now, from an ex-Man Utd ace to Chelsea reject

      by

      ENGLAND fans might remember 2010 as they year the Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup in the last-16 to Germany on the back of a highly contentious no-goal decision.But that same summer, the Young Lions were victorious at the Under-17 European Championships in Liechtenstein.

      England’s youth team fought back from a goal down to beat a Spain team featuring the likes of Paco Alcacer and Gerard Deulofeu 2-1 in the final.
      Many of the players in the squad from that day were tipped for big things in the future.
      However, despite their early promise, the starting XI have mostly flopped at senior level.
      Take a look back at the starters from that May day in 2010 and where they are now.
      JACK BUTLAND
      Heralded as a potential goalie legend, Butland started off his career at Birmingham before moving to Stoke City in a £3.5million deal.
      He made his full debut for England in a 2012 defeat to Italy – and is still to this day the youngest goalie to ever play for the Three Lions.
      In 2015, he was handed the No1 jersey by Mark Hughes when Asmir Begovic left for Chelsea.
      However, a series of injuries to a bothersome ankle hampered his progress.
      Still only 28, Butland is currently down the pecking order at Crystal Palace.
      Jack Butland is currently No2 at Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Press Association
      BRUNO PILATOS
      Originally a promising Middlesbrough full-back, Pilatos signed for Swedish side Ytterhogdal in 2016 after failing to secure first-team football.
      He was released again in 2017, and in 2018 spent two months in Scotland with Livingston FC, according to his LinkedIn page.
      Currently Pilatos is a free agent.

      LUKE GARBUTT
      Predicted to be the heir to Leighton Baines, Garbutt was an attacking left-back in a similar mould to the Everton legend.
      But he failed to establish himself with the Toffees, and was sold to Blackpool in 2020.
      He also had several loans with Ipswich Town – and has enjoyed loan spells at Fulham, Wigan and Oxford United in the past.
      Luke Garbutt failed to make the grade at EvertonCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      NATHANIEL CHALOBAH
      When Chalobah was starring at centre half for England’s U17 team he was a promising Chelsea starlet, alongside brother Trevoh.
      In 2012 he enjoyed a loan at Watford, impressed at Middlesbrough and Reading, which saw a move to Napoli.
      Five years later, upon his return to the Blues, he was sold to Watford, where he has enjoyed some success but has suffered with injuries.
      Nathaniel Chalobah has struggled with injuries at WatfordCredit: PA:Press Association
      ANDRE WISDOM
      The central defender managed to make 22 appearances with Liverpool, often at right-back.
      But it was always going to be a big ask to break into a Reds side brimming with talent.
      He has been playing in the Championship with Derby since 2017 after impressing on loan there during the 2013-14 season.
      Andre Wisdom has been playing in the Championship with Derby since 2017Credit: JOHN CLIFTON
      CONOR COADY
      Coady failed to make the grade at Liverpool.
      However, at Wolves he has proven to be a steady Premier League player – and is captain of the side.
      In August he was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad, and has been included in Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad.
      Conor Coady is now captain at WolvesCredit: PA:Press Association
      WILL KEANE
      The Manchester United starlet played three times at Old Trafford, but was never good enough to make the grade.
      Most of his career has been spent plying his trade in the Championship with QPR, Sheffield Wednesday, Preston North End, before he signed for Hull and Ipswich.
      He now plays for Wigan. He has also made himself available for the Republic of Ireland.
      Former Man Utd starlet Will Keane reps Ireland nowCredit: Rex Features
      ROSS BARKLEY
      The cream of the crop after breaking into the Everton side as a teen, Barkley showed flashes of brilliance that saw him compared to Paul Gascoigne.
      Sadly, he never managed to sustain his form with the Toffees, and a move to Stamford Bridge in 2018 for £15million was seen as a chance for him to start afresh.
      He hasn’t quite lived up to expectation at Chelsea, which is why he was shipped off to Aston Villa on loan.
      But with Dean Smith’s side, the 27-year-old did show glimpses of the old magic.
      Ross Barkley moved to Chelsea in 2018 for £15millionCredit: Alamy Live News
      JOSH McEACHRAN
      Chelsea product McEachran was dubbed a class outfit at youth level for the Blues because of his brilliance on the ball.
      The tidy midfielder managed to play 11 times for the West Londoners, before he was sold to Brentford in 2017 for £750,000.
      In 2019, he moved to Birmingham for a free transfer. He was released at the end of the January transfer window in 2021 and is now with Milton Keynes Dons.
      Josh McEachran played 11 times for the BluesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      BENIK AFOBE
      The former Arsenal starlet was once targeted by Barcelona before committing a deal as a youngster with the Gunners.
      Following a series of loans, most successfully at Wolves when they were in the Championship, Premier League Bournemouth paid £10million for Afobe’s services.
      He failed to live up to standards of the top division, and was loaned out to Turkish club Trabzonspor the season just gone.
      He has since gone on to play for DR Congo.
      Ex-Arsenal starlet Afobe has found goals hard to come by at the top levelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      CONNOR WICKHAM
      After showing promise with Ipswich in the Championship, the powerful centre forward signed for Premier League Sunderland in a deal worth £12million in 2011.
      In his four years with the Black Cats he struggled for goals – scoring just 15 times in 91 games.
      In 2015, Crystal Palace signed Wickham for £9million – but a serious knee injury put pay to his progress in South London.
      He just finished  a loan with Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship, but couldn’t save them from relegation to League One.
      Connor Wickham celebrates scoring for Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      England World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst backs Boris Johnson’s offer to host Euros in the UK More