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      Cristiano Ronaldo breaks SIX records in win vs Hungary as he closes in on Ali Daei’s tally for most international goals

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      THE accolades just keep coming for Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portuguese legend netted twice against Hungary in his country’s Euro 2020 opener to bring his international goal tally to a staggering 106 goals.
      Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his second goal in Portugal’s 3-0 win over HungaryCredit: Getty – Pool

      Now, CR7 is just three goals shy of Iranian striker Ali Daei’s all-time international goalscoring record.
      However, his brilliant brace wasn’t the only amazing thing about last night’s performance – in a game in which he broke SIX records.

      First to play at five different Euros
      It’s incredible to think that Ronaldo’s Euros journey started in 2004 in his homeland.
      That time it ended in tears for him, as the hosts lost to Greece 1-0 in a tense final.
      Some 17-years later, Ronaldo is leading his country’s charge again – as reigning champions.
      His appearance against Hungary meant he has played in five different Euros – which no player has ever done.
      Ronaldo appeared in his first ever Euros all the way back in 2004Credit: Getty
      Oldest player to score for Portugal at a major tournament
      When Ronaldo netted from the spot against Hungary, he became the oldest player to score a goal for Portugal at a major tournament aged 36 years, 130 days.
      The record was previously set by Pepe at World Cup 2018 (35 years, 124 days).
      It’s a record he can keep continually breaking at this Euros if he continues his scoring streak.
      With his penalty against Hungary, Ronaldo became the oldest player to score for Portugal in a major tournamentCredit: Reuters
      First player to score at five Euro tournaments
      Astonishingly, Ronaldo has scored at every single European Championships he’s ever played in.
      He scored in his first ever match in the competition in a group stage match against the Greece in a shock 2-1 loss in 2004.
      In 2021, his strike from 12-yards meant he has managed to score in five different Euros.
      Ronaldo has scored at every single Euros he has played in – all fiveCredit: Reuters
      Oldest player at Euros to net a double
      When he cooly rounded Peter Gulacsi to net his second goal of the game against the Hungarians, yet another record was broken.
      Cristiano became the oldest player to score at least two goals in a European Championship match.
      He shattered a record originally set by Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko when he was 35 years, 256 days at Euro 2012.
      Ronaldo’s double meant he became the oldest player in Euros history to score twice in a gameCredit: Getty
      Euros all-time leading scorer
      While his two goals meant he’s closing in on Daei’s all-time goalscoring record, Ronaldo did make Euros history on Tuesday evening.
      Going into the Hungary match, he was tied with French legend Michel Platini on nine goals as Euros all-time top scorer.
      However, his brace means he now leads that stat alone and has 11 goals in total.
      Two goals against Hungary put Ronaldo on 11 European Championship goals – beating Michel Platini’s recordCredit: Getty
      Most victories by a player at the Euros
      In aiding Portugal’s 3-0 victory over Hungary, Ronaldo achieved his own personal best.

      He achieved the most victories by a player in the Euros – recording 12 victories.
      The previous record was held by Spanish midfield maestros Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta with 11 a piece.
      With Ali Daei’s international goalscoring record firmly in his sights, you wouldn’t put it past Cristiano from shattering in the weeks ahead.
      Ronaldo has achieved more victories than any other player in Euros history with 11Credit: Reuters More

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      Meet the amazing mums behind England’s Euro 2020 stars helping inspire the likes of Rashford and Phillips to success

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      They say behind every great man is a great woman – and here are the supermums who raised their Three Lions star sons and put them on the path to glory. England’s Euro 2020 stars have often shared stories about their mothers – from their sacrifices helping them reach their potential to the love and support needed to prosper, Rashford, Phillips and Co have revealed how grateful they are.
      Marcus Rashford is thankful to his mum Melanie for his success
      Kalvin Phillips’ mum Lindsay worked two jobs to support her familyCredit: INSTAGRAM/KALVIN PHILLIPS
      Raheem Sterling and Nadine
      England’s hero against Croatia, Raheem spoke glowingly of his mum back in 2019 for giving him the confidence and self-esteem to overcome racist abuse he faces as a footballer.
      She raised him alone after his father was murdered in Jamaica, and the family relocated to North West London.
      Nadine, herself, was an inspiration for Raheem – she was a professional athlete for the Jamaican national athletics team.
      In the past, the Manchester City winger has credited her for his running style.
      Raheem Sterling revealed his mum gave him the confidence to deal with racist abuseCredit: @sterling7
      Kalvin Phillips and Lindsay
      The Yorkshire Pirlo put in a star-performance against Croatia – laying on the assist for Sterling’s goal.
      Growing up in Armley, West Leeds Phillips endured a tough childhood after his father went to prison.
      Lindsay worked two jobs to support her family, sometimes skipping meals to make sure Kalvin, his two sisters and brother were well fed.
      It was fitting Lindsay was there to see her son’s crowning moment.
      Lindsay Phillips would skip meals so Kalvin and his siblings were fedCredit: INSTAGRAM/KALVIN PHILLIPS

      Marcus Rashford and Melanie
      Rashford’s charitable nature, which saw him receive an MBE after campaigning for free school meals, can be traced back to mum Melanie, who he said gave him his morals.
      Just like Lindsay Phillips, Melanie too skipped meals so Rashford and his siblings could eat.
      As soon as Rashford hit the big time, he showed his gratitude by moving his mum to a stunning Manchester mansion.
      Free school meals campaigner Rashford credits mum Melanie for teaching him moralsCredit: Instagram
      Tyrone Mings and Dawn
      When the England centre back was a kid, he was forced to live in a homeless shelter with mum Dawn and his three sisters.
      They shared two bunk beds and a sofa, with no means to survive.
      In fact, Mings was so tight for money when he came through the ranks playing non-league football, he supplemented his income pulling pints at a local pub.
      In 2015, he shared a heart-warming text exchange with his mum after he paid off all her debts.
      Tyrone Mings grew up poor with mum Dawn and once lived in a homeless shelterCredit: @@OfficialTM_3
      Jordan Pickford and Susan
      Another mum who wouldn’t miss her son in action is Susan Pickford.
      The retired school worker from Sunderland is regularly seen watching England’s No1 from the stands alongside Pickford’s wife Megan.
      When Pickford would set off for training at Sunderland’s academy aged eight, she would pack his bags with Tupperware containers of chicken and pasta.
      Amusingly, she once told him to grow up during a youth game after he had a tantrum and kicked a post in disgust over letting in a goal.
      Susan Pickford cheers her son on with his wife MeganCredit: Getty
      Jack Grealish and Karen
      It’s through mum, Karen that Jack might’ve got his football prowess from.
      The housewife’s great-grandad was an Aston Villa legend, who won the league title and FA Cup between 1898-1908 for the Birmingham giants.
      Billy Garraty also played for England too.
      Karen Grealish’s great grandfather also played professional footballerCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      Jude Bellingham and Denise
      As champions of their son go, there are few more vocal than Denise.
      The mum of teen sensation Jude regularly shares her son’s success on social media.
      “One minute you’re a Kings Norton District Cup Year 7 winner and the next minute you’re a DFB-Pokal Champion,” she wrote on Twitter after his club Borussia Dortmund won the cup. “Well done son,” she added.
      She also shared a stat when Bellingham became England’s youngest ever U21 star and goalscorer.
      Denise Bellingham regularly shows her support for son Jude on social mediaCredit: @BellinghamJude

      Phil Foden and Claire
      Claire has been praised in the past for keeping Phil’s feet on the ground since his meteoric rise to PFA Young Player of the Year and Manchester City star.
      And she revealed how easy it was raising young Phil.
      “He was the cheapest kid ever. Just get him a ball and he’d be happy,” she revealed.
      “He didn’t care about anything else, games, toys, nothing, just a football.”
      Claire Foden has been with her son every step of the way on his football journeyCredit: Instagram @philfoden
      Harry Kane and Kim
      Kim travelled to Russia to watch her boy go on to win the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup.
      And the proud mum was ever-present when he played for local team Ridgeway Rovers in Chingford, Essex on the touchline.
      “We just want him to keep doing what he’s doing,” she once said.
      “We are all football fans and a football family. We spend every weekend watching Harry, going round the country to see him.”
      Kim Kane confessed the family spend every weekend watching HarryCredit: AFP
      Jordan Henderson and Liz
      In Sunderland, Jordan’s mum Liz runs a company that provides a programme that keeps kids active.
      As a youngster, she preached the importance of a balanced diet, as well as the benefits of early nights.
      “She gives me a bit of stick, but my dad does, too,” Jordan once said.
      “I will be indebted to them both for the rest of my life, and I try to make them as proud as possible every time I play.”
      When Jordan Henderson was a youngster, mum Liz preached the importance of a good diet and early nights to her sonCredit: iCelebTV
      Kyle Walker and Tracey
      Admittedly, Tracey isn’t a fan of watching her son play in the flesh and prefers to watch on the TV.
      However, when he was a kid playing youth football in Sheffield – she was always on hand to provide directions to games.
      “My dad’s not the best on directions,’ Kyle said. “We’d go to matches on the team coach, but go back with our parents so that was when Dad and I got lost.
      “We’d ring Mum and say: ‘Where are we? Can you help us get back?’ She’d reply, ‘Look for the M1!'”
      Kyle Walker’s mum Tracey isn’t a traditional football mum, but helped out with directions to youth gamesCredit: @kylewalker2

      Harry Maguire and Zoe
      Whenever Harry broke a window playing football outside, Zoe happily turned a blind eye.
      A hairdresser by trade, she was quick to slaughter her son for turning up to an England training session with his football stuff in a bin bag.
      Despite Harry’s superstar status, Zoe still makes sure he contributes around the house when he’s around.
      “I still live a normal life,” Harry said. “I do jobs at home, stay as grounded as I can. Mum and Dad expect it. They don’t make excuses for me.”
      Harry Maguire’s mum Zoe, second from the right, keeps the England star groundedCredit: Instagram
      Jack Grealish misses England training as Aston Villa star continues to manage Euros fitness More

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      Spain boss Luis Enrique is extreme sports junkie who ran the Marathon des Sables and an Ironman Triathlon

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      MOVE over Robert Downey Jr, here’s the real Iron Man.Spain boss Luis Enrique will demand his team give their all and don’t stop running for 90 minutes at Euro 2020.
      Luis Enrique competed in the gruelling Marathon des Sables in 2008
      Enrique loves to cycle the most testing sections of the Tour de FranceCredit: Twitter @LUISENRIQUE21
      And that’s because the 51-year-old, once linked with a move to the Premier League with Chelsea, is an adrenaline junkie who has shown tremendous stamina in the past and has completed the most gruelling race EVER.
      In 2008, the LaLiga winner (as both a manager and player) ran the Marathon des Sables, an endurance race that’s the equivalent of six marathons.
      And it’s not the mileage that’ll kill, but the extreme conditions.
      Des Sables takes place in the uncompromising surroundings of the Sahara desert, where temperatures can exceed 50 degrees centigrade.
      Over six days, competitors have to complete 156 miles to finish the ultramarathon.
      The longest stage lasts an incredible 57 miles.
      And it’s such a hard task, competitors MUST carry all their provisions in a backpack.
      The Marathon des Sables was created by French concert promoter Patrick Bauer in 1986.
      Ever since then it’s been an annual event attracting thousands of runners every year.
      Spain boss Enrique was in amazing shape as he trained for the Bilbao marathon in 2012Credit: Twitter @LUISENRIQUE21
      Former Barcelona coach Enrique, right, finished the Florence marathon in 2007 in under three hours
      Keen cyclist Enrique loves endurance races both on foot and by bikeCredit: Twitter @LUISENRIQUE21
      Luis Enrique, third left, takes a break on a team cycle raceCredit: Twitter @LUISENRIQUE21

      Enrique was renowned for being a hard-working and energetic player during his days at Barcelona and Real Madrid.
      So, when he hung up his boots in 2004 it wasn’t too much of a surprise to see him keep up his fitness.
      However, his love of pushing himself to the limits seems now more impressive than his football career.
      In 2005, he ran the New York Marathon in a time of 3:14:09.
      Cycling and swimming are totally different from running. The training is far more pleasant.Luis Enrique
      A year later he tried his hand at the Amsterdam Marathon and clocked in at 3:00:19.
      Then at the Florence Marathon in 2007, Luis finished the race in an astonishing 2:58:08.
      And if you think that’s great, wait till you hear this.
      In the same year, Enrique took part in the 2007 Ironman competition in Germany.
      That’s a 140-mile triathlon race that’s been dubbed the hardest endurance race in the world.
      The adrenalin junkie isn’t just partial to a spot of running either.
      The keen surfer, who loved crashing waves when he lived in Australia, loves cycling too.
      He finished the Quebrantahuesos – a 127-mile race through the Pyrenees – which loosely translated means “bone crusher.”
      Still, that didn’t deter Enrique, and in an interview with FourFourTwo he spoke about his fitness regime.
      The most gruelling race on earth
      THE Marathon des Sables is justifiably known as the most gruelling race on earth.
      The monstrous course is 156 miles, equivalent to six marathons, run through the Sahara desert in six days in Morroco.
      The conditions are horrendous.
      Temperatures can hit 120F (50C) and all the 1,5000 competitors must carry all their provisions for the whole race in a backpack.
      This must include all their food, of at least 2,000 calories a day,  and mandatory kits such as a venom pump.
      Racers sleep in an open sided tent with seven other competitors.

      “When I left football I wanted to take up running, but after 45 minutes my feet would swell up because I was used to football,” he revealed.
      “In football it’s 50 metres, then stop, 10 metres, then stop.
      “I was used to that. I could run for a long time, but in a football way.
      “Marathons were at the same pace all the time. That was hard to adapt to, but I did after a lot of training and then I started doing triathlons.
      Enrique won La Liga twice and the Champions League once as Barcelona bossCredit: AFP or licensors
      Enrique celebrates a goal with Fernando Couto in 1997Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Now Spain boss, Enrique will be hoping his team run the extra mileCredit: Getty

      “Cycling and swimming are totally different from running. The training is far more pleasant.”When I’m training, for three days I run in the morning and swim in the afternoon.
      “Then I go on the bicycle every three or four days.”
      Judging by the high-standards Luis has set himself, training sessions with the Spanish national team must be hell on earth.
      Spain vs Sweden – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

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      Neymar close to overtaking Pele as Brazil’s top goalscorer but falls way short of matching his legacy

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      IT will drive the haters mad, but it is going to happen.Neymar was on target in both Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers earlier this month, and on Sunday in their Copa America opener against Venezuela.
      Brazil star Neymar celebrates scoring against Venezuela in the Copa America on SundayCredit: Reuters
      Neymar is closing in on Pele’s Brazil goalscoring recordCredit: Alamy
      Those three goals take him up to 67 – only 10 short of the total that Pele managed in official games.
      With so much international football coming up – another six matches in the Copa plus 12 more World Cup qualifiers to squeeze in before the end of March – it is entirely possible that Neymar will overtake the great man before Qatar 2022.  Which goes to show the limitations of statistics.
      Forty of Neymar’s international goals have come in friendlies – 42 if we include a few matches a decade ago against an Argentina side exclusively made up of home-based players.
      A trophy was at stake, but the games were glorified friendlies.
      But it is not really Neymar’s fault that so many of his goals have come in friendlies.
      He first played for Brazil just after the 2010 World Cup – a time when, as 2014 hosts, Brazil had years of non competitive matches ahead of him. He has an Olympic title to his name, but his only senior honour is the semi-serious Confederations Cup.
      This current tournament is his best chance of landing the Copa America – he played it as a kid in 2011, and picked up a suspension during Brazil’s ill -fated 2015 campaign.
      He sat out the centenary version in 2016, giving preference to the Olympics, and was forced to pull out of 2019 through injury.

      Neymar is a regular target for the oppositionCredit: Reuters
      Injuries haven’t been kind to Neymar in big tournaments, including getting stretchered off at the 2014 World CupCredit: Reuters
      The World Cup has been just as cruel. His 2014 competition was halted by serious injury, and in Russia 2018 he did as well as could be expected after rushing back from a long term lay off.
      All of this makes next year’s World Cup absolutely crucial to his career. By the time 2026 comes around he will be 34, and surely in physical decline. 
      But in Qatar he should be at his peak – not least because the tournament will be played in the middle of the European season, greatly reducing the chances of end of campaign burn out.
      It is in Qatar where Neymar will be expected to rise to meet the expectations that have marked him as tight as any defender. In the 2022 World Cup Neymar will be expected to live up to the standard set by Pele.
      None of these doubts ever dogged Pele’s career. There was never any question of whether or not he was really all that good.
      True, there was a lobby in Brazil pushing for him to be dropped going into the 1970 World Cup. But only because – very wrongly as it proved – they feared that he was no longer able to tip the balance at the top level.
      He had shown as a 17 year old in the 1958 World Cup that he was something very special. After that no one could seriously claim that he was more hype than substance.
      Indeed, had he not been injured early in the 1962 campaign, then that second World Cup could have been the definitive statement of his genius.

      With 67 goals Neymar has his sights set on breaking Pele’s record – and is just 10 goals shyCredit: AP

      It is a statement of that genius that Pele is still Brazil’s top scorer. The South American sides play much more international football these days.
      Almost all the country’s top scorers are current players – Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Alexis Sanchez, Radamel Falcao Garcia, Salomon Rondon. There is no one from Pele’s era – except Pele.
      The numbers say that Neymar is well on the way to overtaking him. The truth – and Neymar knows it, is that in comparison with Pele he is still on the early rungs of the ladder.
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      After England star Phil Foden’s Gazza-like haircut, here’s what other Euro 2020 heroes look like with iconic hairdos

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      WHEN it comes to haircuts, England’s stars over the years have had plenty of styles.Forget the short back and sides, some have even experimented with cornrows, ponytails and mullets.
      Phil Foden shows off his new Euro 2020 dyed haircutCredit: PA
      Foden’s hairstyle was inspired by Paul Gascoigne’s Euro ’96 French cropCredit: Rex
      Even in time for Euro 2020, Three Lions playmaker Phil Foden has paid tribute to Paul Gascoigne’s famous dyed blonde french crop by getting a similar hairdo.
      But have you ever wondered what Harry Maguire would look like with a Bobby Charlton comb over? Or even Jordan Pickford with a David Seaman-like ponytail?
      Here’s how today’s England Euro 2020 stars look with iconic hairdos from former Three Lions heroes.
      Harry Kane/Wayne Rooney
      When Wayne Rooney was preparing for his last tournament as an England player at Euro 2016, a hair transplant had restored some of his locks.
      Harry Kane certainly isn’t lacking in the hair department, sporting an old-fashioned short-back and sides with a lifted quiff.
      However, give the Tottenham striker Rooney’s thin thatch and it gives him a totally different look.
      Harry Kane sports Wayne Rooney’s hairdo
      Wayne Rooney ready for action ahead of Euro 2016Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Jordan Henderson/David Beckham
      We could’ve gone for a variety of Becks’ haircuts, but it’s the cornrows that Beckham debuted in 2003 that were certainly his most outrageous.
      And on Jordan Henderson they look truly bizarre.
      Who do you think pulls them off best though?
      Jordan Henderson wears Becks’ cornrows from 2003
      Who wore it best? Beckham or Henderson?Credit: Rex Features

      Harry Maguire/Bobby Charlton
      Perhaps the most famous England haircut of all time is the Bobby Charlton combover.
      The Manchester United legend wasn’t bothered by the fine strands of hair covering his crown.
      Current Red Devils star Harry Maguire normally has a thick head of hair – so this looks most unusual.
      Harry Maguire looks strange with Bobby Charlton’s famous combover
      Bobby Charlton poses for a team photo ahead of the 1966 World Cup with his famous hairstyleCredit: PA
      Raheem Sterling/Ian Wright
      Sterling was England’s Euro 2020 hero against Croatia.
      And while Ian Wright never quite hit the heights as the Manchester City winger has with his international career, he still was a crucial part in the Three Lions qualifying for a World Cup in 1998.
      When Wrighty played, he went for a shaved look. Sterling, of course, goes with a shaved afro… but if you swap the two.
      Raheem Sterling without his usual afro and Ian Wright’s hairline
      Wrighty thinned a bit on top as he got olderCredit: Associated Sports Photography
      Jordan Pickford/David Seaman
      England goalie legend David Seaman had one of the most recognisable hairdos in football.
      Slicked back on top with a pony-tail it was iconic until he cut it off for charity in 2005.
      Doesn’t quite suit Pickford as well though.
      Jordan Pickford sporting a ponytail just like David Seaman’s
      Seaman’s ponytail was one of the most famous hairstyles in football until he cut it off in 2005Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Jack Grealish/Chris Waddle
      The Aston Villa man certainly looks after his hair and sports a trendy look with long locks on top and shaved sides – like someone from the Peaky Blinders.
      In his day, Chris Waddle was somewhat of a pop icon and favoured a mullet – once famously showing it off on Top of the Pops singing ‘Diamond Lights’ opposite Glenn Hoddle.
      Give Grealish Waddle’s trademark hair style and you get this… suits you sir.
      Not even handsome Jack Grealish can pull off Chris Waddle’s famous mullet
      Waddle with the real deal hereCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      Marcus Rashford/John Barnes
      In 1990, and throughout most of his career, John Barnes styled his hair into a small afro.

      Red Devils star Rashford also embraces his afro – but has grown his much bigger.
      So what would he look like with Barnes’ do? Wonder no more.
      Which one was your favourite?
      Marcus Rashford rocks a John Barnes afro
      Barnes with his hairstyle in 1990Credit: Getty – Contributor
      England’s Wags support their partners in Wembley crowd More

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      England star Kalvin Phillips was told to forget a career in football by school, but is now starring at Euro 2020

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      KALVIN Phillips looked like he belonged in England’s midfield in their Euro 2020 opener against Croatia.The 25-year-old, nicknamed the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’, was one of Gareth Southgate’s star-performers in the 1-0 win over Croatia.
      Kalvin Phillips delivered a commanding performance in midfield for England against CroatiaCredit: The Sun
      Phillips provided an assist for Raheem Sterling’s winnerCredit: Reuters
      Phillips laps up the applause from the England fans for his star performance against CroatiaCredit: Getty
      Not only did he win the battle against former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, he popped up with an assist for Raheem Sterling’s winner.
      However, when he was a kid his former teachers believed the Leeds midfielder should forget about football and thinking about starring at Wembley, and should instead concentrate on his education.
      Phillips was a late-bloomer, and didn’t join the Leeds academy at Thorp Arch until he was 14.
      Before that he was starring at Wortley Juniors, and then Farsley for a season until Leeds scouts spotted his potential.
      However, his Sliding Doors moment came when his mother wrote to his school asking if her son could be excused from class.
      The school’s response wasn’t so positive.
      “My mum got a letter from school,” he recalled to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
      “It said they hoped I realised that not many people make it as a professional footballer.

      “There was me and a friend, in the same age group, and they were threatening not to let us go.
      “But they did and when I look back now I think…”
      LEEDS IN HIS BLOOD
      Phillips’s mum was told by his secondary school to forget a career in footballCredit: Instagram / @kalvinphillips
      Phillips, pictured with his late grandfather, grew up Leeds mad in Armley, near Elland RoadCredit: Instagram / @kalvinphillips
      Phillips grew up in Armley, a district west of Leeds – with the club very much in his family’s blood.
      A triplet, he was raised by his mother in a large family. But sadness hit the Phillips clan hard when he lost one of his sisters to illness at a young age.

      He took to football, playing in the streets with his brother until it got dark and idolised Alan Smith – the last Leeds player to play for the Three Lions.

      “I remember getting my first Leeds shirt, me and my brother.

      “It was the yellow one with Strongbow on the front. I had Alan Smith on the back.
      “We’d play outside whenever we got the chance, from 10 in the morning until six at night when my mum shouted us in for tea.
      “You’re just a kid and you enjoy running about. I never got tired.”

      SCOUTED AT 14
      Leeds picked up Phillips when he was midway through secondary school.
      It was by sheer fluke. He was there to watch his mates play in a tournament, ended up filling in because of lack of numbers, and caught the eye of Walter ‘Sonny’ Sweeney – a legend of Don Revie’s 1960s Leeds side.
      At 14 Phillips, flanked by mum, left, and grandma, right, was scouted by LeedsCredit: Instagram / @kalvinphillips
      In Leeds’ youth teams Phillips excelled at the Thorp Arch academyCredit: Instagram / @kalvinphillips

      “I was at Wortley Juniors until I was about 12 and then left for a season at Farsley,” he said.

      “I’d gone to watch Wortley play in their home tournament but they didn’t have enough players so I played for them. I got scouted by a guy called Sonny Sweeney and went to Leeds City Boys.

      “After that, he came and watched me again and got me on a six-week trial at Leeds. It all went from there.”
      LEEDS’ GAIN WAS HUDDERSFIELD’S LOSS
      It could’ve been a completely different Yorkshire club that Phillips might’ve made his name at.
      Before Sweeney spotted his talents, he trialled with Huddersfield Town and they must be kicking themselves now that it didn’t work out with the Terriers.
      “As soon as I went there, I thought ‘I don’t like it. It’s not for me’,” he said.
      “I was growing up around Leeds and I idolised Leeds. I went to Huddersfield and thought it was a good chance but I got there and felt like I didn’t really fancy it.
      “A couple of weeks later I went to Leeds and I haven’t looked back.”
      GLAMOUR JOB
      Tough Phillips is renowned for his no-nonsense approach to the gameCredit: Rex Features
      Phillips is thankful he was a late bloomer because he believes it made him a better playerCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Phillips was full of energy in the Euro 2020 openerCredit: PA
      Phillips is aware he is one of the lucky ones and paid fantastic money to do a job he loves.
      He has a special bond with his twin sister, who teases him about his easy life. She works in the prison service in London.
      “She tells me that every time she sees me,” he joked.
      “But she’s proud of me as much as I’m proud of her. I don’t think she realises how proud of her I am.”
      Phillips holds no grudges when it comes to having made it late.

      In fact, the tough-tackler believes it made him the player he is today.
      “I knew I’d joined late but in a way it was better because I got to enjoy my football more when I was younger,” he said.
      “There wasn’t as much pressure. Me coming here late probably made me a better player.”
      England take the knee before Croatia game as fans try to drown out any booing More

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      Footballers who were rich before they kicked a ball, like Vialli, Lampard and the Sultan of Brunei’s nephew

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      FOOTBALLERS today make massive money.With the average Premier League wage now exceeding £50k-per-week, it’s no wonder boys grow up dreaming of making it pro.
      Gianluca Vialli has always enjoyed the high-lifeCredit: Instagram @lucavialli
      However, this lot were already from wealthy backgrounds before they made it to the big league.
      Let SunSport guide you through the football stars that were already swimming in riches and didn’t need the beautiful game.GIANLUCA VIALLI
      Chelsea and Italy legend Vialli was always recognised as a gentleman of the game.
      And it’s probably got to do with his upbringing.
      He was raised by his father, a self-made millionaire, in a 60-room castle called the Castello di Belgioioso in Cremona, along with four siblings.
      The Champions League and Serie A winner also loves a posh round of golf.
      He took part in the Alfred Dunhill links championship pro-am event, which is one of the richest golf tournaments played in Europe.
      Vialli was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 but has successfully undergone treatment to be clear of the disease.
      He currently works alongside manager Roberto Mancini with the Italian national team.
      Vialli grew up in a 60-room castle called the Castello di Belgioioso in CremonaCredit: Alamy
      Dignified Vialli had a far from modest upbringingCredit: Instagram @lucavialli
      Gianluca Vialli scores for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest in 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      FRANK LAMPARD
      The ex-Chelsea manager didn’t have to go into football, although it was an easy step for him to make.
      Lampard came from a football family, with uncle Harry Redknapp and dad Frank Lampard Snr showing him the way at West Ham United.
      He intended the posh Brentwood School in Essex that would’ve cost a fortune in school fees.
      There, he scored 11 GCSE’s and could’ve been an accountant, according to a former teacher.
      Frank Lampard went to posh Brentwood High SchoolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      GERARD PIQUE
      Being half of a celebrity couple (his missus is Colombian singer Shakira), Barcelona defender Pique has made his own fortune.
      However, growing up life was easy for the defender who had a spell in England at Manchester United as a youth.
      He lived a comfortable existence in Catalonia. Dad Joan is a successful attorney and businessman, while mum Montserrat is the director of a hospital in Barcelona.
      Even Pique’s grandfather Amador Bernabeu was minted – as a former director of the La Liga champions.
      Gerard Pique’s dad Joan is a successful attorney and businessman, while mum Montserrat is the director of a hospital in BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      FAIQ BOLKIAH
      Formerly of Leicester City, currently playing for Portuguese club Marítimo, Bolkiah is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, who has a fortune estimated to be worth £15bn.
      His dad is Jefri Bolkiah, a brother of the oil tycoon, so that makes Faiq a member of their royal family and in line to receive a nice inheritance.
      At his 50th birthday, to impress his son, he hired Michael Jackson to play a private gig just for them.
      Faiq Bolkiah is a former Leicester City trainee and nephew of the Sultan of BruneiCredit: Instagram @fjbolkiah
      AL-SAADI GADDAFI
      The third son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Al-Saadi played for Perugia, Udinese and was on the books at Sampdoria.
      In 2011, he retired and became the commander of Libya’s Special Forces and led the army in the Libyan Civil War.
      In 2018, he was cleared of murder charges after he was extradited from Niger back to Libya.
      During his playing days he once employed Diego Maradona as a technical consultant, and Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson as his personal trainer.
      Al-Saadi Gaddafi was the son of Colonel GaddafiCredit: AFP – Getty
      Gaddafi played in Italy before becoming an army generalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      HUGO LLORIS
      The Spurs goalie comes from an affluent background.
      Growing up in Nice in the South of France, his mother was an attorney, while his dad was a banker.
      He took tennis lessons as a kid, and was ranked high in his age range as a youngster. It meant football played second fiddle in his life until the age of 13.
      Lloris famously played through the pain of losing his mum, refusing bereavement leave to play for Nice.
      Hugo Lloris could have been a tennis star instead of a footballerCredit: AFP – Getty
      ROBIN VAN PERSIE
      Wealthy and artisanal, Van Persie’s parents afforded the former Arsenal striker a comfortable life growing up in Rotterdam.
      His father Bob is a renowned artist and sculptor, while his mother Jose Ras is a painter, teacher and jewellery designer.
      Van Persie’s parents split up when he was younger, and he was a troublesome teen.
      His dad expected him to become an artist too.
      Robin Van Persie’s parents were artisticCredit: Instagram @robinvanpersie
      Mother Jose Ras is a painter, teacher and jewellery designerCredit: Instagram @robinvanpersie
      MARIO BALOTELLI
      The fiery Italian wasn’t born wealthy.
      Balotelli originally comes from Palermo and his parents where Ghanaian immigrants.
      But he was adopted by Francesco and Silvia Balotelli family when his mum and dad couldn’t afford him. They were a wealthy pair, who lived in an affluent part of Brescia called Concesio.
      His birth and adoptive parents fought for custody, but it was decided it was in Balotelli’s best interests to stay put.
      Mario Balotelli was adopted when he was a kidCredit: Instagram @mb459
      Francesco and Silvia Balotelli lived wealthily in BresciaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      ANDREA PIRLO
      An elegant footballer and man, Pirlo learned about the finer things in life when he was a kid.
      His dad Luigi set up a steel company in Brescia in 1982, which Andrea still has a stake in.
      The former Juventus star enjoyed an upper class life, which he later put to use in his own way.
      Pirlo, who ended his career in the MLS, also owns his own vineyard, as rich people do.
      Andrea Pirlo learned about the finer things in life as a youngsterCredit: Instagram @andreapirlo21
      Today, refined Pirlo owns his own vineyardCredit: Instagram @andreapirlo21
      PATRICK BAMFORD
      He doesn’t have to play centre forward for Leeds, you know.
      Bamford isn’t your typical footballer, being a skilled violin and piano player and attended fee-paying Nottingham High School, got five A*s at GCSE and went on to study French, history and biology at A Level.
      Bamford was even offered a scholarship at Harvard in the US, who recognised his academic prowess.
      However, he’s not related to JCB founder Joseph Bamford, as was once claimed.
      Patrick Bamford went to private school and was offered a scholarship to HarvardCredit: Instagram @patrick_bamford
      Bamford is a not relative of JCB founder Joseph Bamford as was once claimedCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      KAKA
      Most of Brazil’s best footballers lead a life that tells a rags-to-riches tale.
      But former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka is different.

      He was raised by father Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite, who was an engineer, while his mother Simone dos Santos was a school teacher.
      It has been reported that Kaka lived comfortably, and wasn’t raised in poverty like many of his teammates for his country.
      Brazilian legend Kaka lived a comfortable existence growing upCredit: Instagram @kaka
      Kaka’s father Bosco Izecson Pereira Leite was an engineerCredit: Instagram @kaka
      Ref books Brazilian legend Kaka before taking a selfie with him during star studded charity match More