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      in Soccer

      Rise of Jadon Sancho from South London street football to £73m transfer to Man Utd, via Watford, Man City and Dortmund

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      JADON SANCHO is FINALLY a Manchester United player, after over a year of negotiations between the Red Devils and Borussia Dortmund.The outlay of £73million plus add-ons was enough to convince the Bundesliga giants to part with their prized asset.
      Jadon Sancho’s unmistakable talent was on show from an early ageCredit: Alan Cozzi
      Sancho, far right next to Reiss Nelson, learned the game in South London
      At Watford Sancho honed his skillsCredit: @ ALAN COZZI 07968336683 108 RAILWAY STREET HERTFORD SG 13 7BN
      But back in 2012, well before he became one of Europe’s most exciting prospects at Borussia Dortmund and forced his way into the England’s Euro 2020 squad, Sancho was learning the game in South London.
      He was born in March 2000 to Trinidadian parents, and grew up in Kennington.
      Jadon told Sky Sports: “I was on an estate.
      “There’s a park behind that we called Blue Park, and we used to just go there and for two hours just play mini games, everyone used to get so into it.
      “I used to have all the tricks, nutmeg people, and I was doing it like the older boys.
      “They played properly so they didn’t want to hurt us younger boys. But they thought I was ready to play with them.
      “I’d call myself a street footballer, that’s where I learned my tricks.”
      Sancho is now an England regularCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho pens a deal with Man City in 2015 after leaving the Watford AcademyCredit: Twitter @Sanchooo10
      The youngster’s rise through the ranks has been remarkableCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2010, Sancho starred for Watford at U11 level
      Sayce Holmes-Lewis was a community coach for Southwark Council, who trained Sancho in a team of South London’s most talented kids and grew close with the then 12-year-old and his father, Sean.
      The Sanchos would go and watch Holmes-Lewis play for Lewisham Borough, and he recalled: “Jadon had this little afro, was always smiling.”There was always banter between me and him.
      “I’d say, ‘I bet you can’t do this skill’. I’d show him and by the end of the session he’d got it.
      “It was embarrassing for me because I was almost 30 at the time, had worked on these skills all summer and it took him an hour to master!
      “Jadon was always trying to prove how good he was but in a humble way.”
      Sancho takes on instructions from Watford coach Paul KingCredit: Alan Cozzi
      Jadon Sancho, second from right, stands next to his old coach Sayce Homes-Lewis
      READY FOR ENGLAND
      Sancho, 21, can now be called upon by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate — and vindicated his decision to leave Manchester City in 2017.
      Those who witnessed Sancho on his journey from confident kid from Kennington to one of the Bundesliga’s best, describe him as an affable boy with bags of ability.
      Yet there is one trait that stands out — an unyielding determination to succeed.
      Louis Lancaster, who coached Sancho in Watford’s academy, said: “There’s a great phrase in football that goes, ‘Prepare the player for the pathway’ because it doesn’t change.
      “Jadon scrapped that rule. For him, it was preparing the pathway for the player.
      Manchester City youth star Jadon Sancho scores great goal against Arsenal in youth match
      “He’s moved from South to North with one of the world’s greatest managers and players and he’s got a choice either stay in the Man City Under-23s and not develop or go to another country.
      “How many players would have the courage to do that?”FEARLESS
      Courage is a recurring theme in Sancho’s upbringing — courage in ability, in failure, in resisting temptation and in taking the less trodden path.
      That path began at Watford’s development centre in Battersea, where Holmes-Lewis first came across the young forward in 2007 while visiting a friend who trained the juniors.
      Holmes-Lewis said: “I thought he was a bit spicy in his style. He was skilful when I first saw him at Watford.
      “But he’d developed before we joined up at Southwark, was more dynamic and a standout player. He was doing things way ahead of his age.”
      Dribbling skills were always Sancho’s forteCredit: @ ALAN COZZI 07968336683 108 RAILWAY STREET HERTFORD SG 13 7BN
      He left Manchester City in search of first-team footballCredit: Twitter @Sanchooo10
      Sancho proved himself in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and became one of the most sought-after players in the worldCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      THE NELSON EFFECT
      Sancho played for Southwark district alongside Ian Carlo Poveda, now at Leeds United, and Reiss Nelson, the Arsenal forward who shone on loan at Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in the 2018-19 season.
      Holmes-Lewis said: “They were great kids, never on the streets hanging around with the wrong crowd.
      “They had a gift they worked really hard at and they had to focus to progress. And I just loved the banter between Jadon and Reiss.”
      While Sancho has progressed quicker, it was Nelson who was the more talented.
      And Holmes-Lewis said: “When Jadon was ten, the pressure seemed to get to him and that was something Reiss didn’t struggle with.
      “Jadon would get very frustrated very quickly. What we tried to do was instil belief in him that he needs to keep trying.
      How Man United could line-up with ‘done deal’ Sancho as Shearer urges Solskjaer to make Kane and Grealish transfers
      His progress has seen him make a breakthrough in the national sideCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Gareth Southgate kept a close eye on his progress in GermanyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Now, Jadon is probably the more assertive and confident and Reiss is behind.”SHOW-OFF
      Sancho’s love for showboating was evident early on as he flicked through YouTube videos of Ronaldinho rather than focus on school work at Watford.
      He was obsessed with football. And Paul Williams, a coach with England U-16s, recalled a time when they were waiting for a flight to Florida ahead of the Nike International Tournament — which they won and Sancho ended up as top scorer.
      He said “You think you can have a conversation with the lads about other stuff but then Jadon just wanted to talk about football.
      “On this occasion, though, I do remember that Jadon had just learned how to do the dab and was teaching all the players and the coaches.
      “We were all sitting in the airport smiling and laughing. That moment captures Jadon perfectly.”

      Fans think Jadon Sancho drops Man Utd transfer hint during Instagram live after ‘sipping water in secret code over move’
      Last season, Sancho scored 16 goals and assisted 20 in all competitonsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      One week in 2015 saw that smile disappear. City had made their approach and Sancho had a decision to make.
      Hornets coach Lancaster said: “He wasn’t himself. He was looking stressed.
      “I gave him my spiel and his dad will have, too. But that was it — one day he was gone. This is where his dad has been brilliant, so influential. Although Jadon has done a lot himself, deep down he’ll be grateful for his dad’.”
      FATHER IS KEY
      Like most talented teens, supportive parents are essential and Sancho’s father is widely described as the man who kept his son focused.
      Holmes-Lewis said: “Sean has dedicated himself to Jadon and his development — everything is centred around Jadon.
      “The fact they’ve made it out of the concrete jungle and stayed on track is a credit to them and their parents.
      Jadon Sancho shows his amazing skill as he trains blindfolded at Dortmund
      “This is somewhere where it’s tough. There’s so many distractions with crime, women and being involved in trying to make money. It’s so easy to stray from the track.”
      After City’s renowned scout Joe Shields recommended Sancho to the club, he rose to the next level, playing alongside Phil Foden and Taylor Richards.
      Sancho made the most of City’s state-of-the-art facilities — from the strength and conditioning coaches to the sports psychologist.
      And that may have been what helped him handle the £8m transfer fee Dortmund stumped up, despite Sancho never having played a single first-team game for City.
      Williams believes Sancho’s potential has no limits.
      Paul Williams, Sancho’s former England U16 coach, believes the forward’s future is limitlessCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      He said: “The fact that he has that inner belief in himself, in wanting to be the best means he can achieve whatever he wants.”
      Sancho will be following in the footsteps of United’s glorious wingers of the past – from Best to Giggs and most recently Ronaldo.
      Expectation will be high because of his transfer fee, but given his self-confidence it won’t be a problem for the driven kid who went from a council estate to Watford, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and will now grace Old Trafford.
      Rio Ferdinand says Man Utd must seal £230m double transfer for Harry Kane and Jadon Sancho More

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      Ukraine boss Andriy Shevchenko’s wife Kristen is an ex-American model, who posed with the ex-Chelsea star in saucy shoot

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      UKRAINE manager Andriy Shevchenko is the football legend who has won it all – including the heart of a stunning American model.The ex-Chelsea ace, who played for the Blues from 2006 to 2009, has led his country to a quarter-final place at Euro 2020, where they will take on England.
      Andriy Shevchenko, pictured with wife Kristen, has led the Ukraine at the Euros
      Shevcheno and Kristen posed in a sexy photoshoot for GQ in ItalyCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      The photoshoot took place in 2003 when Shevchenko was in his prime at AC Milan
      However, before that – when the now 44-year-old was starring in Italy for AC Milan in the early noughties – he was posing in saucy photoshoots for GQ Italia.
      The 2004 Ballon d’Or winner is married to stunning American model, Kristen Pazik.
      And the men’s lifestyle magazine came up with the genius idea to pair them together for a covershoot. Incidentally, it became GQ Italia’s biggest ever seller.
      Pazik’s father Mike is also a MLB legend, having pitched for the Minnesota Twins in the 1970s and helped Kansas City Royals win the World Series in 2015 as their Major League scout.
      MODEL MISSUS
      Blonde bombshell Kristen, now 42, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is of Polish descent.
      She met Shevchenko at a fashion show in Milan in the early 2000s, where he was one of the best players in the world.
      The pair were instantly smitten, and they appeared topless on the front cover of the Italian version of GQ in a saucy photoshoot in 2003.
      Pazik and Shevchenko’s chemistry can be seen throughout the photoshootCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      The semi-naked shoot was an eye-opener for Serie A fansCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      Pazik was born in America and is of Polish originCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      Shevchenko and Pazik became the glam couple of Italian football after the GQ photoshootCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      In the snaps Shevchenko also posed toplessCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      Three years after this shoot, Pazik and Shevchenko married in Washington DCCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI

      In the snaps the chemistry between them is seemingly electric, with Shevchenko draped across the semi-naked beauty.
      Other images show a topless Sheva looking suggestively down the lens.
      That issue is GQ Italy’s biggest seller of all-time, and put the super-couple on the map.
      A year later Kristen, who boasts 276-inch pins, and Shevchenko married on a golf course in Washington DC.
      They have four sons, including one boy – Kristian – who is on Chelsea’s books.
      Pazik walks the runway at the Rocco Barocco show during Milan Fashion WeekCredit: Rex Features
      Shevchenko met Kristen in the early noughties when he played for AC MilanCredit: Rex Features
      The pair were cover stars for the Italian version of GQ magazine
      Pazik boasts legs measuring 276 inchesCredit: The Mega Agency
      Shevchenko’s son Kristian, 14, is on the books at Chelsea
      SHE LOVES CHELSEA
      When Shevchenko was to be sold by AC Milan, both Manchester United and Chelsea declared their interest.
      However, the forward’s wife reportedly helped her husband make his mind up.
      Kristen was said to have become close to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s ex-wife Irina, who apparently whisked the beauty around Sloane Square’s glitzy designer boutiques.
      Soon after, Shevchenko chose to move to West London, but he told Gazetta Sport that his wife wasn’t the deciding factor.
      “My wife has nothing to do with this, we decided together for the best interests of our family,” he said.

      Shevchenko and Pazik pose with legendary designer Giorgio ArmaniCredit: Getty Images
      Pazik reportedly influenced Shevchenko to move to Stamford Bridge and was friends with Roman Abramovich’s ex-wife IrinaCredit: Rex Features
      Blonde bombshell Pazik reportedly loved the trendy boutiques West London offersCredit: Rex Features
      In the early days of their romance Shevchenko and Pazik would speak Italian to one anotherCredit: © GIAN PAOLO BARBIERI
      “I don’t speak English, my wife does not speak Ukrainian – the only language we have in common at the moment is Italian.
      “The only way to be able to teach our children our love that we have for them is the English language.”
      At the turn of the year, Shevchenko was linked to the Chelsea job but lost out to Thomas Tuchel.
      You can’t help think that one day he might just end up in the managerial seat at Stamford Bridge.
      STRIKE IT LUCKY
      Shevchenko isn’t the only sports star in his family. His father-in-law is a MLB legend.
      Mike Pazik was a pitcher who was a first round draft pick by the New York Yankees in 1971.
      He enjoyed three seasons at Minnesota Twins from 1975-77, then served as a pitching coach for the Chicago White Sox from 1995-98.
      Ukraine boss Shevchenko has managed to get his team into the Euro 2020 quarter-finalsCredit: AP
      Shevchenko and Pazik have been married for 17 yearsCredit: Instagram / @kristenpazik1
      Shevchenko’s father-in-law is baseball legend Mike PazikCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mike Pazik is now the Major League scout at Kansas City Royals

      Pazik is currently working with the Kansas City Royals as a Major League scout.
      In 2015, he helped the team win the World Series for only the second time in their history.
      Will Shevchenko be able to channel his father-in-law’s winning mentality against England?
      Shevchenko and Andersson have ugly touchline row as Sweden manager accuses Ukraine stars of diving in Euro 2020 game More

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      in Soccer

      Inside Mancini and Vialli’s 40-year bromance, from strike partners at Sampdoria to leading Italy at Euro 2020

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      AS the final whistle blew at Wembley and Italy had edged past a stubborn Austria side, the sight of two old friends embracing stole the headlines.The inspired extra-time substitutions of Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina that decided the Euro 2020 last-16 with their goals was secondary to Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli sharing a warm hug.
      Gianluca Vialli and Robert Mancini celebrate Italy’s victory over AustriaCredit: Getty
      25 years before Mancini and Vialli shared a unique bond at Sampdoria
      The best friends have known each other for over 40 yearsCredit: Getty
      The pair, both 56, have been best mates for over 40 years. Mancini is now the coach of the national team, while Vialli is officially employed as team leader, although his influence is clearly more than that.
      As players, they tore Serie A defences apart as the ‘Goal Twins’ of Sampdoria, helping the club win their first and only Italian title.
      They would dine together at the now closed Carmine’s in Lombardy, talking football over fish soup. The two would also be seen dancing the night away at Portofino hotspot Carillon.
      Their bromance began at Coverciano, the Italian team’s headquarters, when they were teenagers. Observers immediately noticed the pair had an instant chemisty.
      “Roberto has been my hero since I was 14,” Vialli revealed on Italian TV channel RAI.
      “We met for the first time at Coverciano. People were already talking about him even then. We must have known each other for how long? Forty years? 
      “He had a foot in my goals and I had a foot in his.”
      CONTRASTING FORTUNES
      Vialli was something of a late bloomer. It was around the age of 13 that he began his quest to become a footballer at Cremonese, who were then a Serie C side.
      During that period, Mancini was considered one of the bright sparks of Italian football.
      In the early 80s, Mancini was considered one of the bright talents of Italian footballCredit: Getty
      Vialli began his career at lowly CremoneseCredit: IPS Photo Agency
      He signed for Bologna at 13, reportedly snubbing the advances of AC Milan.
      At 16, Luca was first to make his professional debut with I Grigiorossi, but Roberto didn’t have to wait too long for his – earning a Serie A bow three months before his 17th birthday.
      But it was the latter who would make a huge splash in his debut campaign – scoring nine times in 30 games.
      Mancini, the wonderkid, had caught the attention of Sampdoria’s wealthy and ambitious owner Paolo Mantovani, and was signed alongside Trevor Francis and Liam Brady in the summer of 1982.
      Back in Cremona, Vialli was also making a name for himself. He lead the Cremonese line for four years, helping the club gain promotion to the top flight for the first time in over 50 years.
      A SPECIAL BOND
      Away from their clubs, Vialli and Mancini had begun to form a special bond while on Italian under-21 duty.
      Mancini would repeatedly sell the idea of Sampdoria to Luca, and urged him to make the move to Genoa.
      In 1984, the trick worked. Vialli joined Mantovani’s revolution aged 19 rejecting several offers from major clubs.
      It was the beginning of Sampdoria’s most successful period in their history.
      The pairing of Mancini and Vialli turned Sampdoria into a forceCredit: Getty
      ⚽Get ALL of the latest Italy news and updates from Euro 2020
      In their debut season upfront together, the I Blucerchiati finished in the top four and won the Coppa Italia.
      Memorably, they terrorised the normally unflappable Franco Baresi in the second leg of the final scoring both goals to beat AC Milan.
      Soon, the Italian press would give them their own nickname – the “Goal Twins.”
      Mantovani was so taken by his strike duo, he adopted them as sons and even named his two dogs Roby and Luca.
      Mancini and Vialli used to room together at the Astor hotel, where Sampdoria’s stars would stay the night before a game, and would order midnight feasts of spaghetti alla bucaniera from team chef Giorgio Parri.
      Speaking about their relationship on the pitch to Sky Sports, Vialli revealed: “It came just naturally. When you’ve got this affinity things just happen, you just get on and there’s no jealousy.”
      He added: “Off the pitch it helps if you are friends. If you see things the same way and have the same philosophy in life.
      “And with Roberto it just happened. We were good friends.”
      CHAMPIONS
      More trophies would follow under new boss Vujadin Boškov, including back-to-back Coppa Italia titles in 1988 and 1989, then a European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1990.
      Mancini and Vialli, first and second in the front row, played just a handful of games for ItalyCredit: Getty
      The pinnacle of Vialli and Mancini’s achievements came in 1991 when they won Serie ACredit: Getty
      However, at international level they would only play a handful of games together as a strike duo, with competition for places fierce.
      Mancini would earn just 36 caps for his country during his career, while Vialli managed 59. Perhaps criminally, they only played in one major tournament together – Euro ’88.
      The pinnacle of Mancini and Vialli’s achievements came in 1991, when they were instrumental in landing the Italian championship for Sampdoria.
      Roberto was already showing a nous for leadership behaving like an assistant manager at times during the title-winning campaign.
      While Vialli won the Capocannoniere, Serie A’s Golden Boot, with 19 goals in 26 games.
      The Scudetto triumph would allow Sampdoria to play in the European Cup for the very first time in the 1991-92 season.
      A 112th-minute Ronald Koeman free-kick in the final against Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona ‘Dream Team’ broke their hearts in the competition.
      It would be the last time Vialli and Mancini ever played together.
      After the European Cup final in 1992, the pair went their separate ways with Vialli eventually ending up ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Mancini had a brief loan spell at Leicester City before turning to managementCredit: PA:Press Association
      Just two months later, Sampdoria accepted a £13million bid from Juventus for their talisman.
      REUNITED
      Both would appear on our shores at the end of their careers.
      Mancini joined Leicester on loan at 36 in 2001, buoyed by the success of Vialli who had won the hearts of Chelsea fans as a player and manager from 1996-2000.
      Mancini has enjoyed the far better career as manager, winning three Serie A titles with Inter Milan and one Premier League title with Man City, before finally taking on the national team job in 2018.
      As Mancini began his mammoth task of reinvigorating the Azzurri, Vialli was privately taking on his biggest challenge.
      Fighting pancreatic cancer, Luca underwent chemotherapy and lost two-and-a-half stone in weight.
      To hide his illness he wore extra layers and chunky jumpers. His daughters drew his eyebrows on and applied make-up to hide a pale complexion.
      Vialli also studied Asian philosophy and compiled a scrapbook of quotes, mantras and stories to help him through his journey.
      Vialli battled pancreatic cancer from 2018-20 and underwent severe chemotherapy treatmentCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      In 2019, Mancini brought his old pal Vialli back into the international fold as delegation chiefCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It was only fitting that in 2019 Vialli was appointed as delegation chief – a position unfulfilled since Luigi Riva’s retirement in 2013.
      Last November, when Mancini’s assistant Lele Oriali was absent for the Nations League game against Poland, Vialli was seen in the dugout for the first time in nearly 20 years. More importantly, he was alongside his Mancini again.
      “Working with Roberto and the staff is emotional,” Vialli said.
      “He has said that we are becoming old but, for me, working here together will keep us all young.”
      With their victory over Austria, Italy set a new national record of 31 games unbeaten and have become many people’s favourites for the Euros.
      But Vialli, who is now cancer-free, admitted he had no idea his best mate would be such a good manager.
      “Roberto is a great coach, which I honestly did not expect when we were playing together!” he told TV show Notte Azzura.
      “He has created a wonderful atmosphere of confidence and trust in the players, and when a player feels the coach has faith in him, he can walk on water.
      “That’s not all, because Roberto also knows how to instil discipline at the same time.”
      Now, they are reunited on the Italian bench.

      Vialli has admitted he is shocked his pal Mancini has become a great managerCredit: AFP

      “We met 35 years ago and are not just friends, but brothers. We did extraordinary things at Samp, then the rapport consolidated even after we took different paths.
      “Friendship helps you to work better, because you have absolute trust.”
      Should Italy win Euro 2020, expect these two to be jumping up and down in each other’s arms like teenagers again. More

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      in Soccer

      Best and worst dressed coaches of Euro 2020, from Mancini wearing Giorgio Armani to Enrique’s cargo pants and more

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      IT’S not just the players that are style icons.Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of managers getting it right on the touchline by ditching tracksuits and sportswear for smart casual.
      Managers like Robert Mancini have cut a stylish figure on the touchline during Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      And the Euros have provided us with plenty of different looks – from designer suits to trainer and cargo pant combos.
      But which coach is the best dressed at Euro 2020?
      GARETH SOUTHGATE
      At the 2018 World Cup, the England boss sported an M&S waistcoat that flew off the shelves.
      However, in the run-up to the Euros he’s had a suit and polo shirt combo that’s divided some.
      Against Scotland, Southgate acclimatised to the rainy weather by wearing a rain mac.
      But it was against Croatia he looked most dapper – wearing a £680 Percival suit and polka dot tie for our opener.
      Style rating: GOAL
      Gareth Southgate has worn polo shirts during the EurosCredit: Getty
      Southgate looked good in his rain mac against ScotlandCredit: AP
      Against Croatia, Southgate looked dapper in a £680 Percival suitCredit: AFP
      LUIS ENRIQUE
      Marathon runner Luis Enrique looks great in anything – due to a svelte figure maintained by his insane fitness regime.
      And the Spain boss has gone with a smart-but-comfortable look while barking instructions from the touchline.
      The ex-Barcelona boss favours a cargo pant with a shirt tucked in. For footwear, it’s Adidas trainers all the way.
      While against Croatia in the last-16 tie, he swapped the cargo pants for jeans.
      Style rating: GOAL
      Cargo pants are all the rage for Spain boss Luis EnriqueCredit: Rex
      Enrique’s wore Adidas trainers as he patrolled the touchlineCredit: Getty
      Enrique sported jeans rolled-up at the bottom in Spain’s last-16 tieCredit: EPA
      DIDIER DESCHAMPS
      For ex-Chelsea midfielder Deschamps, blue is definitely the colour.
      The France manager prefers to wear an Oxford blue shirt underneath a cobalt blue suit.
      Although it’s loyal to his team’s colours, we have to say as well cut as the suit is it’s just a little dull.
      Style rating: MISS
      Didier Deschamps’ blue on blue is a little dullCredit: Getty
      Deschamps is, at least, loyal to his country’s coloursCredit: AFP
      JOACHIM LOW
      German boss Low has sported a couple of different looks at the Euros.
      Against France, the grey drawstring trousers and navy t-shirt showed he’s not afraid to be contemporary in his style. And kudos for wearing Stan Smith’s too.
      What will have in store when Germany face England?
      Style rating: GOAL
      Joachim Low’s drawstring trousers and Stan Smith’s showed the German can cut a stylish figureCredit: Getty
      Often, Low wears a button down shirt open at the topCredit: Getty
      STEFAN TARKOVIC
      Slovakia crashed out of the Euros in spectacular fashion with a 5-0 thrashing to Spain.
      Perhaps, the players couldn’t take boss Stefan Tarkovic’s tie, waistcoat and £45 Pepe Jeans trainers.
      Oh, he wore jeans too. Doesn’t work, does it?
      Style rating: MISS
      Slovakia boss Stefan Tarkovic paired a dodgy looking tie with a waistcoat, jeans and Pepe Jeans trainersCredit: Getty
      The strange look didn’t inspire his Slovakia team to performCredit: AFP
      ROBERTO MANCINI
      If there’s any manager that screams class, it’s Italy’s Roberto Mancini.
      The health conscious non-drinker, 56, cuts a dashing figure on the sidelines as he orchestrates his team from the dugout.

      And he wears THAT Giorgio Armani suit so well – it makes you forget the haters who originally compared it to a chef’s jacket.
      Scott Parker most certainly would be proud.
      Style rating: GOAL

      Unsurprisingly, it’s Italian manager Roberto Mancini who has been championed for his lookCredit: Reuters
      Giorgio Armani designed the Italians suits for the EurosCredit: Getty
      Southgate says England are well prepared for a penalty with a process that works for them More

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      in Soccer

      England and Germany Euro 2020 stars as kids, including an adorable Neuer, goofy Hummels, Arsenal-loving Kane and more

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      TONIGHT, England and Germany’s stars will do battle in what promises to be an epic last-16 tie at the Euros.But before they were men, they were just boys dreaming of football stardom.
      Before they were men, kids like Raheem Sterling dreamed of playing in a England v Germany game
      From giant goalie Manuel Neuer to legendary defender Mats Hummels, they all were kids once hoping to make a splash at a major tournament.
      And our Three Lions heroes were no different either! Here’s what England and Germany stars looked like when they children.
      MANUEL NEUER
      With a confident swagger and a touch of arrogance, Neuer is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
      But as a kid, butter wouldn’t melt…
      You can still see the resemblance with his cheeky grin and big wide blue eyes.
      Butter wouldn’t melt in a young Manuel Neuer’s mouthCredit: Instagram @manuelneuer
      Neuer is Germany’s No1Credit: EPA
      JORDAN PICKFORD
      From one No1 to another. Pickford looks equally as cute as Neuer does in his baby photo.
      Toddler Jordan sported a curly blonde mop in this amazing throwback snap.
      In fact, you could say there’s a resemblance between the two keepers – long lost brothers?
      Toddler Pickford sported curly blonde locksCredit: Instagram @jpickford1
      Pickford will be between the sticks for the Three LionsCredit: Getty
      THOMAS MUELLER
      German goal threat Mueller was a boyhood Bayern Munich fan, judging by this photo.
      But the fact the forward is also wearing goalkeeper gloves suggests he might not have discovered his best position upfront until late.
      Still, he was student of the game even then reading up all the stories in a footy manual.
      Thomas Mueller was a boyhood Bayern Munich fanCredit: Instagram @esmuellert
      Mueller will provide Germany’s goal threatCredit: AFP
      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.
      Five-year-old Jack Grealish grew up in BirminghamCredit: Twitter @JackGrealish
      Grealish now sports flowing locksCredit: Getty
      KAI HAVERTZ
      It wasn’t that long ago that Chelsea’s Havertz, 22, was still a boy.
      He began his youth career with Bayer Leverkusen, who he can be seen playing for.
      Even then Kai is seen running with the ball and looking up for a killer pass.
      Kai Havertz developed his game at Bayer Leverkusen as a boyCredit: Instagram @kaihavertz29
      Havertz, left, is still only 22 but a German regularCredit: AP
      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 appeared on Sky Sports show Soccer AM for their infamous Skill School segment
      Sterling hasn’t changed one bit from his young photoCredit: AP

      MATS HUMMELS
      As a kid, Hummels was treated to ski holidays.
      And he certainly looks like he’s enjoying himself on the slopes, as he’s spotted running on the snow.
      Hummels looks far different to the 6ft 3in centre half that’s dominated the German backline for years.
      Mats Hummels hits the slopes as a kidCredit: Instagram @aussenrist15
      Hummels cuts a different figure now – standing at 6ft 3inCredit: Getty
      HARRY MAGUIRE
      Another towering defender, but on our side, Maguire grew up in Sheffield.
      In this photo, he’s believed to be about five – sporting a trendy bucket cap to shield him from the sun.
      That prominent ‘slabhead’ was there as a youngster.
      Sheffield-born Maguire sports a trendy bucket hat
      Maguire will be charged with keeping the Germans at bayCredit: Getty
      TONI KROOS
      He’s hardly changed at all.
      In fairness, a teen Kroos doesn’t look too different to the Rolls-Royce of a midfielder we see today.
      Standing proudly next to his mum and dad in his local team’s strip, he looks ready to be a footballer.
      Toni Kroos, second from the left, looks every inch a footballer in this throwback snap with his parentsCredit: Instagram @toni.kr8s
      Kroos is a Rolls-Royce of a midfielder todayCredit: AFP
      HARRY KANE
      It’s no secret now that Three Lions captain Kane was an Arsenal fan growing up.

      The England striker even trained with their U8 team as a youngster before switching allegiances to Spurs.
      He even dyed his hair red – he loved the Gunners so much.
      For Spurs fans, though, all his forgiven. And if he’s the match-winner against Germany, he will be painting the town the red.
      England and Tottenham star Kane was infamously an Arsenal fan growing up
      Kane will looking to gun down the GermansCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane dismisses his bad form and says all that matters is that we beat Germany More

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      Sweden Euro 2020 star Alexander Isak’s family fled Eritrea for a new life, he’s now a £60m transfer target for Arsenal

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      IN 2018, Alexander Isak went on a discovery mission.The 21-year-old Sweden star, who has shone at Euro 2020, travelled to Eritrea in East Africa.
      Sweden star Alexander Isak has starred for his country at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      Isak visited Eritrea, where his parents fled because of a long civil warCredit: Instagram @alex_isak
      Against Slovakia at the Euros Isak was awarded man-of-the-matchCredit: Getty
      Alexander Isak in action with Poland’s Jan BednarekCredit: Reuters
      There, he took in his surroundings, visited a football school and tried to get a better understanding of his roots.
      Years earlier, his mum and dad left war-torn Eritrea in search of a better life.
      They emigrated to Solna, a suburb outside of Stockholm, where Isak was born.
      It was there where the forward, who has been compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was moulded into the promising youngster he is today – with Arsenal reportedly readying a £60million bid for the talent.
      BACK TO ERITREA
      Three years ago, Isak was invited to Eritrea by Ambassador Zemede Tekle, the Commissioner of Culture and Sports of the country.
      He had been back briefly as a young kid, but not since his epic rise in the game.
      Although he grew up as a Swede, the 6ft 4in striker has always been loyal to his Eritrean culture.
      During his stay, he took in a grass-root projects in Asmara before watching a game between aspiring footballers at a local stadium.
      Isak was impressed with what he saw, and it reminded him of his own upbringing.
      Isak was born and bred a Swede, but is steeped in Eritrean cultureCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Ambassador Zemede Tekle, the Commissioner of Culture and Sports of Eritrea, poses with Izak during his visit to the countryCredit: Instagram @alex_isak
      “I like that the kids are training and building their future,” he revealed.
      “I did the same when I was young; we were many kids on the same pitch. This is an interesting project and it’s nice to see where the kids develop and be guided.”
      MOULDED IN SWEDEN
      In the 1980s, his father Teame, a teacher, wanted a brighter future for his prospective family.
      Eritrea was embroiled in a long civil war that was fought between competing organisations for the country’s liberation.
      Teame and his wife decided it was time to leave their country behind, and they were welcomed to Sweden with open arms.
      Alexander was born in 1999 in Solna, where he ended up training with local team AIK aged six.
      There he encountered coach Nahom Ghidey, who also came from an Eritrean background.
      Eritrea endured a long civil war that was fought between competing organisations for the country’s liberationCredit: EPA
      Nahom Ghidey was Isak’s favourite coach and they shared a special bond over their Eritrean origin
      “We had a special bond, because we are both of Eritrean origin,” Ghidey said.
      “Eritreans are proud, strong and patriotic people, and that background was influential. His father, Teame, is a teacher and Alexander has always received a lot of love and support from his family.”
      BREAKTHROUGH AT AIK
      At the tender age of 16-year-old Isak made his breakthrough with AIK – making his debut in 2016 in a Swedish Cup tie.
      He would score in his 15-minute cameo, and later would become the youngest scorer for AIK in league history at the age of 16 years and 199 days by netting against Östersunds FK in a 2-0 win.
      On his 17th birthday, a double against AIK’s arch-rivals Djurgårdens IF saw former team-mate Chinedu Obasi pay him the ultimate compliment, albeit with some pressure put on his young shoulders.
      “(He’s) Sweden’s new Zlatan Ibrahimović”, Obasi declared in an appraisal that alerted Europe’s top clubs.
      It was only expected that Isak would move on for a bigger challenge.
      Isak celebrates scoring for AIK aged 16 years and 199 daysCredit: Getty
      Isak has been compared to Sweden legend Zlatan IbrahimovicCredit: EPA
      WELCOME TO DORTMUND
      In 2017, Isak was signed by Borussia Dortmund – a club renowned for rearing the stars of tomorrow.
      The transfer was said to have cost around £8million – a record fee received by an Allsvenskan club.
      Before he joined the Bundesliga giants, it was reported that he turned down Real Madrid.
      “I had some offers on the table but thought Dortmund was the right place for me to develop as a young player,” he explained.
      “I want to make the next step, get some playing time and hopefully help the team.”
      But Isak found it difficult to settle in North Rhine-Westphalia in his two years at the club, who went through four managers during his time there.
      In 2017 Isak moved to Borussia Dortmund and it was supposed to be the making of himCredit: Getty – Contributor
      However, he failed to impress coaches including Thomas TuchelCredit: Getty
      Thomas Tuchel, Peter Bosz, Peter Stoger and Lucien Favre all favoured other strikers and Isak found himself further down the pecking order, before he was demoted to the reserves playing against fourth tier opposition.
      He needed a change.
      REVITALISED IN NETHERLANDS
      In early 2019, desperate for first team football, Isak was loaned out to Dutch side Willem II.
      It was in the Netherlands where he found his swagger again.
      He helped the club reach the Dutch cup final for the first time since 2005 by scoring the equaliser and then the winning penalty against AZ Alkmaar in the semi-finals of the KNVB Cup.
      And he broke some records along the way. He became the first player ever to score three penalties in an Eredivisie match, in a 3–2 win against Fortuna Sittard.
      Then, he became the first foreign-born player in the Eredivisie to score 12 goals in his first 12 league games.
      In a loan spell with Dutch side Willem II Isak rediscovered his formCredit: Getty
      Isak became the first foreign-born player in the Eredivisie to score 12 goals in his first 12 league gamesCredit: Getty
      LALIGA STAR
      Real Sociedad took a punt on Isak after Dortmund made him surplus to requirements ahead of the 2019-20 season.
      A transfer fee of £9million was enough to twist the Germans’ arm, and he signed a five-year deal worth a reported £19,000-a-week at the Estadio de Anoeta.
      It’s in LaLiga where he has continued to impress. In his first season, he earned the plaudits for scoring twice and creating another in a 3-1 win over Real Madrid in a Copa del Rey quarter-final.
      Three days after that coming-of-age performance, he scored a winner in the in the Basque derby against Athletic Bilbao – earning the adulation of the fans.
      More joy would follow – collecting his first piece of silverware in his debut campaign, again at the expense of Athletic Bilbao, who Sociedad beat in the Copa del Rey final 1-0.

      Isak celebrates winning the Copa del ReyCredit: Instagram @alex_isak
      Isak, currently playing his football with Real Sociedad, has been linked with a move to ArsenalCredit: Getty

      Last season, Isak was more prolific with 17 LaLiga goals to his name, as the finishing aspect to his game has developed.
      There was another record broken too. In a 4-0 win over Deportivo Alaves, Isak became the first Swedish player to score a La Liga hat-trick since Henry “Garvis” Carlsson did the same for Atletico Madrid in 1949.
      Should Isak make the move to the Premier League, expect this brilliant youngster to break even more records. More

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      Gareth Bale boasts multimillionaire Madrid lifestyle, featuring £6.5m home, £230,000 Ferrari and golf on doorstep

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      HE really does have the life of Riley.Gareth Bale, 31, currently starring for Wales at Euro 2020, has a life to envy in Madrid.
      Gareth Bale’s home is closer to his favourite golf than to both the Bernabeu and Real Madrid’s training ground
      Gareth Bale was frozen out at Real Madrid by now-departed boss Zinedine ZidaneCredit: EPA
      And although it appeared his career at the Bernabeu was over, new manager Carlo Ancelotti has appeared to offer the winger an olive brance after Zinedine Zidane’s departure.
      He lives in a stunning £6.5million home, has a car collection that features a Ferrari, Mercedes, and Audi, as well as a stunning golf course on his doorstep.
      HOME
      Bale lives in the exclusive La Finca neighbourhood, home to Madrid’s wealthiest.
      Boss Zidane is, perhaps unfortunately, a neighbour, team-mates Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema are nearby, while Cristiano Ronaldo used to live there.
      Bale’s home itself was rented by Real Madrid legend Kaka before he moved on to pastures new.
      Bale rents a £6.5million home in the La Finca neighbourhood Credit: Solar Pix
      Bale often shares glimpses of the property on social media
      The property has a swimming pool
      Originally, Kaka rented Bale’s current home
      And it’s a wonder of modern architecture, created by Joaquin Torres and worth in the region of £6.5million.
      Bale is said to pay £10,000-per-month in rent to stay in the Pozuelo de Alarcón part of La Finca, in this amazing 1,500 square metre property that is built on two-storeys.
      It boasts four bedrooms, an indoor pool, gym, two utility rooms, several terraces and porches, as well as a six-car garage.
      CARS
      Said to earn £600,000-per-week before tax, Bale has plenty of change left over from his rental property.
      And through the years, he has added some of the best cars a footballer can drive.
      Alongside a £165,000 Mercedes SLS AMG, Bale has been seen riding in a £152,000 Bentley Continental GT, a £156,000 Lamborghini Huracan, as well as a £230,000 Ferrari GTC4Lusso.
      With Real Madrid’s players getting a pick of Audi motors thanks to a huge sponsorship deal, the winger also treated himself to a £65,000 Audi Q7 50 TDI last Christmas.
      Bale’s car collection includes this amazing Mercedes SLS AMG worth £165,000
      This £156,000 Lamborghini Huracan also belongs to Bale
      Most recently, Bale treated himself to a new AudiCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      Bale knows how to live the high-life in Spain
      GOLF
      After all, that handicap won’t improve itself.
      Bale has been accused of caring more about golf than playing for Real Madrid.
      In his grand estate in Glamorgan, Wales he built a three-hole golf course that are replicas of the 12th at Augusta, Royal Troon’s Postage Stamp and the tricky par-three 17th at Sawgrass.
      To feed his golf fix in Madrid, Bale belongs to the members-only Ciudad Grupo Santander.
      A golf course co-designed by Seve Ballesteros, it stretches out to nearly 7,500 yards from the back tees.
      For a special day out, he will drive to the Real Club de Valderrama in San Roque, Andalusia.
      When he takes a holiday, Bale makes sure he picks a retreat with a golf course.
      His preferred choice is the five-star Finca Cortesin in Marbella that boasts an 18-hole course, as well as two outdoor pools and a private beach club with infinity pool, restaurant and bar.
      Rooms are priced at around £900-per-night.
      Bale has been accused of caring more about golf than Real Madrid
      Bale belongs to the members-only Ciudad Grupo Santander in Madrid
      Whenever Bale picks a holiday he makes sure there’s a golf course on site
      CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART
      While his loyalty to Real Madrid has been questioned, his love for childhood sweetheart Emma Rhys-Jones, 29, has never been in doubt.
      The pair met at Whitchurch High School and began dating in the early noughties.
      In 2016, they got engaged, but their romance has had its difficulties.
      Her dad Martin was released from prison in June after being imprisoned for fraud for six months in the US.
      Emma banned him from a wedding that was initially scheduled for 2018, after he moved in with a florist half his age, Alina Baranova. 
      While other members of her family including her aunt Jane Burns have been embroiled in a violent drugs feud.
      Emma Ryhs-Jones is Bale’s childhood sweetheart Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Bale and Rhys-Jones married in 2016
      With such an incredible lifestyle in Madrid it’s easy to see why Bale doesn’t want to leaveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      In 2019, Gareth and Emma married in a hush-hush ceremony at a five-star hotel on a Majorcan island in front of just 60 guests.
      Guests were told of the location only 24-hours before the big day, and were asked to hand in their mobile phones to security guards as they entered the hotel.
      With his life set in Madrid, you can see why he doesn’t want to leave.
      Gareth Bale will STAY at Real Madrid in £60m stand-off because he has not forgiven club for stopping his move to China More