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      Gianluigi Donnarumma’s amazing rise from AC Milan debut at 16 to Italy Euro 2020 winner and signing for PSG

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      ITALIAN goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnaruma’s meteoric rise began at just 16 years and 242 days old.The giant stopper, who is only 22 now, became the second youngest goalkeeper to play in a Serie A match when he appeared between the sticks against Sassuolo for Milan at the San Siro.
      Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has had an epic rise in the gameCredit: Getty
      The heir to Gianluigi Buffon’s throne, the 6ft 5in keeper was instrumental in Italy winning Euro 2020.
      He even walked away with Player of the Tournament – becoming the first goalkeeper to officially win the award.
      Next season he begins a new chapter of his life at PSG after leaving boyhood club Milan, where he played a remarkable 251 times despite his tender years.
      EARLY YEARS
      Donnarumma started his career with Napoli, having been born just outside the city in Castellammare di Stabia.
      In 2013, aged just 14, he would leave Napoli for the Rossoneri, who paid around £200,000 for the teenager.
      His elder brother Antonio was already on Milan’s books, so he had family to lean on.
      As part of the academy, the younger Donnarumma rose through the ranks with the Giovanissimi, then the Allievi, and finally the now extinct Primavera that gave 15-19 year-olds a competitive experience.
      He always played above his age, so it was no surprise a first team call-up was round the corner sooner rather than later.
      Donnarumma alongside his brother AntonioCredit: AFP
      DEBUT
      Ahead of the 2015-16 season, former Milan manager Siniša Mihajlović promoted Donnarumma to the first team squad, initially as third-choice behind Diego López and Christian Abbiati.
      However, after a stunning pre-season he soon forced himself into Mihajlović’s thoughts.
      By October, he was picked ahead of Lopez to make his bow against Sassuolo.
      At the age of 16 years and 242 days, he was just 13 days shy of Giuseppe Sacchi’s record made 73 years earlier.
      Afterwards, his rival Lopez told reporters Donnarumma is “the future of Milan and of Italian football”.

      At the age of 16 Donnarumma managed to break into AC Milan’s sideCredit: AFP or licensors
      HERO TO VILLAIN
      No sooner had Donnarumma established himself as Milan No1, a contract wrangle began over his future.
      Already represented by super agent Mino Raiola, it was announced he wouldn’t be renewing his contract with the club in 2017.
      Fans were left fuming and threw mocked up fake bank notes with his face on to the pitch during an Under-21 game against Denmark.
      It left the wonderkid devastated and a poor showing at the U21 European Championships that summer damaged his stock.
      But Raiola and Donnarumma got what they wanted, eventually. A month later they put pen to paper on a four-year deal worth £5million-per-annum.
      A clause was also inserted into the contract that Milan had to sign his brother Antonio, who was playing for Greek side Asteras Tripolis, as a back-up goalkeeper on a salary close to £1million-per-year.
      Fake bank notes with Donnarumma’s face on them were thrown on to the pitch during an U21 game after a contract wrangle with AC MilanCredit: Rex Features
      ITALY RECORD BREAKER
      Already making great strides at Milan and with the U21s, it was a natural progression for Donnarumma to earn full international recognition.
      In 2016, he made his debut against France – fittingly come on as a half-time sub for his hero Buffon in a 3-1 loss.
      In doing so, Gianluigi made history as the youngest ever goalkeeper to appear for the national side at just 17 years and 189 days.
      When Buffon hung up his gloves for Italy in 2018, Roberto Mancini didn’t have a difficult decision to make.
      Donnarumma was immediately installed as Italy’s No1 and started in all the matches of the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League.
      Donnarumma is the heir to Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon’s throneCredit: Getty
      ANOTHER CONTRACT WRANGLE
      Ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, Milan were desperate for Donnarumma to extend his deal.
      But Raiola’s demands proved unrealistic for a club struggling with the financial implications the coronavirus has had on football’s top clubs.
      At one point, it was claimed that Raiola was asking for around £850,000-per-month for his client, as well as £17million in agent commission.
      Back in May, he pulled out of all negotiations with a conclusion unlikely to be found.
      Milan director of football Paolo Maldini later confirmed that Donnarumma would leave Milan when his contract expired on 30 June, putting Europe’s top clubs on alert.
      “He was a protagonist, a leader and often a captain,” Maldini said of Donnarumma on AC Milan’s Twitch channel.
      “A professional must also be ready to change his shirt. It is increasingly difficult to start a career in one place and finish it there. 
      “We must thank those who gave so much for Milan and Gigio did it, without ever disrespecting the club. Our paths divide here and I can only wish him the best.”
      After 251 games for AC Milan, Donnarumma revealed he was leaving the club when his contract expired in JuneCredit: Getty
      EURO 2020 TRIUMPH
      Although he went into the Euros with a cloud hanging over his head about his future, Donnarumma didn’t show any cracks in his armour.
      The youngster gave an assured performance in the tournament as the Azzuri managed to go all the way.
      Wearing a fetching pair of spiked Adidas Predator gloves, he punched and patted away everything thrown at him to keep three clean sheets in the group stages.
      And his penalty heroics against Spain and England in the semi-final and final showed how difficult he is to beat from 12 yards.
      After the final at Wembley Donnarumma was crowned the Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament.
      The official award has only existed since 1996, with previous winners including Matthias Sammer, Zinedine Zidane, Theo Zagorakis, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Antoine Griezmann.
      UEFA published on its website the Player of the Tournament in 1984, 1988 and 1992. The winners were Michel Platini, Marco van Basten and Peter Schmeichel, respectively.
      However, these winners are unofficial – making Donnarumma the first keeper to legitimately win the award.
      Donnarumma’s penalty heroics inspired Italy to win the EurosCredit: Getty – Pool
      After the final Donnarumma was crowned Euro 2020 Player of the TournamentCredit: EPA
      A NEW CHAPTER
      Next season, Donnarumma will begin with PSG who confirmed his capture on a free transfer on Wednesday.
      “I am very happy to be part of this great club,” he said after completing a deal worth a rumoured £200,000 a week.
      “I feel ready to take on this new challenge, and continue to grow here.
      “With Paris, I want to win as much as possible and give joy to the supporters.”
      It’s likely he will be joined on his new quest by long-term girlfriend, Alessia Elefante, who prefers to keep out of the public eye.
      He will add a winning mentality to Pochettino’s men, as well as one vital skill.
      Should the French side go to penalties in a crucial Champions League tie, you wouldn’t bank against him becoming the hero yet again.
      Next season Donnarumma will be playing his football at PSG
      Donnarumma will likely be joined in Paris by his long-term girlfriend AlessiaCredit: alessia_elefante_gossip
      Alessia and Donnarumma are ready for their next chapter in ParisCredit: Instagram @gigiodonna99 More

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      Most shocking penalty misses at major tournaments, including Baggio, Mbappe, Van Basten and even pop star Diana Ross

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      BUKAYO Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford shouldn’t feel disheartened after missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.The brave trio join a list of star names who also failed from 12-yards in major tournaments.
      Bukayo Saka should take comfort that plenty of great players have missed crucial penaltiesCredit: Getty
      From a Ballon d’Or winner to France’s golden boy and even a US singer, Saka, Sancho and Rashford are in good company.
      SunSport gives the lowdown on most shocking penalty misses.
      KYLIAN MBAPPE
      We only recently saw how cruel penalty shootouts can be in this Euros – with France star Mbappe being the fall guy against Switzerland.
      With the score standing at 5-4, the PSG star stepped up in their last-16 clash to keep his country in the competition.
      Lo-and-behold, as often happens, the pressure was too much. Yann Sommer was the hero and France were out.
      Cue a massive apology from Mbappe to the nation after.
      Mbappe sees his penalty saved at Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      MARCO VAN BASTEN
      Four years prior Dutch striker Van Basten was the hero of Netherlands’ Euro ’88 campaign.
      But he would have forgotten his stunning volley in the final against the USSR after missing a spot-kick against Denmark in the ’92 semi-final against Denmark.
      Peter Schmeichel guessed the right way and the-then World Footballer of the Year was left heartbroken.
      Van Basten sees his effort pushed away by SchmeichelCredit: Rex
      DAVID BECKHAM
      The setting was Portugal in 2004, and we were playing the hosts.
      After a fascinating contest that ended 2-2 after extra time, it was a dreaded penalty shootout that would divide the teams.
      First up was England captain Beckham, who previously missed his last two penalties.
      And it wasn’t first time lucky, with Golden Balls slipping just as he was striking the ball and missing the target by some way.
      Beckham loses his footing and misses against Portugal at Euro 2004Credit: Action Images

      DAVID TREZEGEUT
      The 2006 World Cup final wasn’t short of incident – it was infamously the game where Zinedine Zidane lost his marbles and head-butted Marco Materazzi.
      Forward Trezeguet, a hero six years prior with a golden goal against the Italians in the Euro 2000 final, stepped up to the mark with the score at 2-2.
      However, perhaps feeling the heat he rattled an effort agains the bar. His was the only miss, as Italy were victorious 5-4.
      Trezeguet’s effort cannons off the barCredit: Getty
      ASAMOAH GYAN
      Ghana were within crossbar inches of reaching the semi-final of the 2010 World Cup, in what has to be one of the greatest injustices in recent times,
      The African nation were awarded a penalty in the last moments of extra time when Luis Suarez deliberately handled the ball on the line and was sent off.
      Gyan had the chance to be a hero, but he thundered an effort against the crossbar.
      Uruguay would then go on to win the penalty shootout 4-2 after Ghana’s spirit was shattered.
      Asamoah Gyan is left heartbroken after missing his penalty against Uruguay in the last moments of extra timeCredit: AFP
      ROBERTO BAGGIO
      The Divine Ponytail was Italy’s saviour more than once during the 1994 World Cup.
      Baggio, the best player in the world, carried his country to the final where they would play a drab 0-0 draw with Brazil.
      With five goals already to his name in the competition, a penalty in the shootout wouldn’t be too hard for Baggio to muster?
      But it was. With tired legs, he fired his over the bar. Brazil were winners. Baggio was devastated.
      Baggio inexplicably misses his spot kick in the 1994 World Cup finalCredit: AFP
      DIANA ROSS
      It’s ironic that the 1994 World Cup began with a missed penalty and was ended by it.
      Singer Diana Ross performed at a very OTT opening ceremony in Chicago, and she had one job.
      During the elaborate set-up she had to take a penalty, get in target (we presume goalie would move out the way) and the goal would explode in dramatic fashion.
      The goal and the goalie did their part, but Ross screwed her shot wide.
      However, that didn’t deter the seasoned performer from continuing to belt out hit ‘I’m Coming Out’ as she rushed to a stage behind the now parted goal.
      The penalty miss didn’t stop Ross belting out ‘I’m Coming Out’Credit: Rex Features
      [embedded content]

      Gareth Southgate confirms he wants to lead England into 2022 World Cup but says ‘I never want to outstay my welcome’ More

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      in Soccer

      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!
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