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    Meet England’s new Wags set to take Euro 2024 by storm, from a Dutch model to the daughter of a Hollywood movie star

    SINCE Colleen and Posh took Baden-Baden by storm in 2006, England’s Wags have made sure they don’t miss out on the Euros.And today is no different – with boss Gareth Southgate encouraging the player’s wives and girlfriends to accompany them on major tournaments.Erica Correa could be set for a trip to Germany when the Euros kicks offColombian beauty Erica is the reported girlfriend of Marcus RashfordErica has appeared in magazines including GQ, Grazia, Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s HealthBut, with the Three Lions blessed with a lot of new talent in their squad, there will be plenty of newbies expected to travel to Germany this summer.From a Hollywood movie star’s model daughter to a stunning Colombian model, here’s the Wags making their tournament debuts to look out for.Erica CorreaStunning Colombian beauty Erica, 29, moved to Liverpool when she was five.By the age of 13 she was scouted by a modelling agency, and has since travelled to India, Greece, Milan and Los Angeles for glam photoshoots.Read more England newsThe gorgeous South American has appeared in magazines including GQ, Grazia, Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health.While in 2018, she appeared in Tom Grennan’s music video for Sober as his love interest.She was seen by onlookers getting close to Marcus Rashford in a Manchester nightclub.Laura Celia ValkAs The Sun exclusively revealed, Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is glam Dutch beauty Laura.Most read in FootballEngland footie star Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is a lads’ mag pin-up in her native NetherlandsFrom underwear modelling with Lounge or Gooseberry Intimates to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.The 25-year-old is also the owner of her own social media consultancy agency and studied creative business at the Amsterdam University of Applied Science.She is a hot commodity thanks to her huge following on social media.Laura boasts 350,000 followers on Instagram, while her TikTok page has 310,000 fans and over six million likes.Dutch beauty Laura Celia Valk is reportedly dating Jude BellinghamModel Laura has starred in Pretty Little Thing campaignsLaura has 350,000 followers on Instagram, while her TikTok page has 310,000 fans and over six million likesEllie AldersonGorgeous Ellie is the mother of Ollie Watkins’ children.She has a twin sister, Sofie, who regularly shares pics of the pair together on Instagram.Ellie has a diploma in interior design.She has been in a relationship with the Aston Villa hotshot since 2018 and the couple live together in Birmingham.Ellie Alderson has a diploma in interior designEllie has been in a romance with footballer Ollie Watkins since 2018Ollie and Ellie are the proud parents of two kidsIris LawIris, 23, was always destined to be an actress and model.She is the daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frost, who studied textiles at Central Saint Martins.The pretty blonde has appeared in adverts for Marc Jacobs, La Perla, and Stella McCartney, as well as Lacoste, Calvin Klein, and Versace.While in 2021, Dior Beauty made her an ambassador for their brand.Iris followed her parents into acting – appearing as Soo Catwoman in Danny Boyle’s Sex Pistols TV series, Pistol.She has been seen out with Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.Iris Law has been seen with Trent Alexander-ArnoldModel and actress Iris is the daughter of Jude Law and Sadie Frostread more sport featuresDani DyerJarrod Bowen’s missus, Dani is also the daughter of a British film star – with her dad being professional cockney Danny Dyer.Dani, 27, made her name on Love Island – winning the fourth series in 2018 alongside Jack Fincham.They split after a year, and she rekindled a romance with ex-boyfriend Sammy Kimmence soon after.They welcomed a son together, although Dani and Kimmence broke up after he was jailed for three and a half years after scamming two elderly men out of £34,000.By 2021, she confirmed her romance with West Ham’s Bowen – welcoming twins last year.Reality TV star Dani Dyer would be a welcome addition to England’s Wags in GermanyDani made her name as a contestant on Love Island in 2018Jarrod Bowen and Dani got together in 2021England’s new Euros WagsENGLAND football stars will be hoping their other halves will bring them good luck in Germany this summer and SunSport runs down the new faces to expect to see.

    Erica Correa: We exclusively revealed Man Utd star Marcus Rashford has been growing close to the Colombia-born model.
    Laura Celia Valk: The Dutch stunner is rumoured to be dating Jude Bellginham and staying in his Madrid mansion.
    Ellie Alderson: The interior designer is with Ollie Watkins, who will be hoping for a place on the plane after missing the last Euros and World Cup.
    Dani Dyer: The actor and reality TV star is going out with Jarrod Bowen, who is in fine form and in line for a Euros call up.
    Annie Keating: Girlfriend to Anthony Gordon, who is vying for a place in England’s competitive frontline.
    Iris Law: The model and daughter to actor Jude sparked romance rumours with Trent Alexander-Arnold after they were spotted together.

    Annie KeatingAnnie prefers to keep her personal life private.But, it is believed she met Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon when the pair were at school.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey have been spotted in public a handful of times, including at his Toon unveiling.Her Instagram is private, but occasionally she uses her X account to champion her boyfriend.Annie Keating is Anthony Gordon’s childhood sweetheart More

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    How Liverpool could play under Arne Slot next season and what three key changes may mean for stars’ futures at Anfield

    TALK of Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool has dominated the closing weeks of the Premier League season.But it now appears Feyenoord boss Arne Slot will be taking the reigns at Anfield from next season after the Reds agreed a £9million-plus compensation deal with the Dutch outfit.Arne Slot is set to take over at Liverpool next seasonCredit: GettyIt comes with Jurgen Klopp stepping down at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamySlot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
    But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
    Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
    But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
    Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
    “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
    Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

    Feyenoord are on course for another Champions League campaignThe 45-year-old has been backed to guide Liverpool to English title number 20 by Netherlands World Cup icon Johnny Rep.Slot will be ending a successful spell in charge of Feyenoord, having turned down an offer from Spurs last summer, and he also impressed in his time at AZ Alkmaar.While he is known for his trust in youth and commitment to attacking football, it still remains to be seen just how much he will look to change at Anfield.From a tactical standpoint Slot tends to prefer to play in a 4-2-3-1 shape while Liverpool play a 4-3-3 system, though there is little difference between the two in terms of how they look in possession.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe biggest differences will be in recruitment and the kind of profiles who play in the system.Below we have taken a look at three things we are likely to see from Slot’s Liverpool and look at what it could mean for the current squad.Deep build-upHow Slot lines up his Feyenoord teamHow the current Liverpool team may look in that systemSlot is one of the new breed of coaches in football who favour an extremely deep build-up from the back involving the goalkeeper, defenders and two deep central midfielders.Feyenoord can sometimes look like a 2-4 or 2-3 when building out from the back depending on the two midfielders, who have frequently been Mats Wieffer and Quinten Timber.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe two central defenders will split out and give options deep, while the fullbacks usually push further forward to the same line as the central midfielders. The two midfielders will then either be on the same line playing as a two or have one sitter with the other staggering and pushing higher.Awkward moment Sky Sports reporter grabbed by security as he asks Liverpool target Arne Slot question live on airHere we see the Feyenoord’s structure with a staggered build up structureBall progression from these deeper areas tends to fall to the two central defenders, who are tasked with being comfortable on the ball and being able to make progressive line-breaking passes.At Feyenoord this season we have seen Slot use David Hancko in this kind of role. At Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk tends to be the defender tasked with a similar role.The typical build up from Feyenoord in a 2-4 structure has the two CBs staying deep as the fullbacks go further forwardVan Dijk has the ability to effectively progress the ball and is comfortable in possession, though this is not as true in the case of Ibrahima Konate. Consequently, Konate’s position may be under threat in the new system.Liverpool go DutchWHO’S who in the Liverpool dugout next season.
    Manager Arne Slot, 45
    Slot has led Feyenoord for three seasons, wining the Eredivisie title in 2023 and the KNVB Cup in  2024.
    A former footballer in Holland, he is known to be a perfectionist and favours attacking football like Jurgen Klopp.
    Assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff, 49
    Hulshoff currently serves as Ronald Koeman’s assistant manager with the Holland national team and also works alongside Slot at Feyenoord.
    He has had two spells as manager at little-known Dutch side Cambuur.
    Head of performance Ruben Peeters, 31
    A former fitness coach at Genk, Peeters has been working with Slot at Feyenoord since 2021. 
    The Belgian has a Master’s Degree in Sports Sciences.
    Chief analyst Etienne Reijnen, 37
    Former centre back who retired from football in 2020 to move into coaching.
    In October 2023, Reijnen joined Feyenoord as assistant coach, to focus on analysing and providing technical advise to Arne Slot.

    And this could result in 21-year-old Jarell Quansah being given the nod ahead of him.However, it is more likely they will look to recruit for the position in the summer.Importance of the midfield pivotPerhaps the most important aspect of Slot’s system of play at Feyenoord is the midfield pivot, which refers to the two deepest midfield players in the system. This season the responsibility has typically fallen to 24-year-old Wieffer and 22-year-old Timber to give the team the platform to build and move into the final third.Arne Slot’s record is WORSE than Erik ten Hag’s
    ARNE SLOT is set to be tasked with a near-impossible job – replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
    Should he swap the Eredivisie for the Premier League, Slot will follow in the footsteps of fellow follically-challenged Dutchman Erik ten Hag.
    Ten Hag left Ajax to become Manchester United manager in 2022.
    But he has suffered a nightmare spell at Old Trafford and appears to be a dead-man walking despite making the FA Cup final.
    With Slot seemingly destined for Anfield, fans won’t be able to help but compare his record in Holland with Ten Hag’s.
    And Reds supporters won’t like what they see.
    See all the Arne Slot stats…

    Players in this role need to be strong and disciplined in defence and have the ability to be create in the attacking phase while finding progress the ball from deeper positions.For the most part Liverpool have played with a single pivot and this means it may take some time to adjust to a double pivot with the new angles and spacing. Here the ball goes into Wieffer as he takes a touch to open out before progressing the ballWhile Wataru Endo has impressed as a single pivot at points this season, he may be the one to miss out if Liverpool transition to a two at the base of the midfield.World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister is ready made for this role, while Conor Bradley’s emergence at right-back could finally see Trent Alexander-Arnold completely moved into centre-midfield.In the attacking phase the midfielders need to contribute in the final third such as here as Wieffer passes to Calvin Stengs before he squares the ball for a goalAlexander-Arnold moved from fullback to this role at the end of last season and the beginning of this season.However, it might now be time for him to make the change permanently.Regardless, it will represent a change for Liverpool.And again it would not be a surprise to see Liverpool look to recruit a player to play in this role, possibly by snapping up Wieffer.Final third creativityLiverpool under Klopp have been famous for their use of a “inside forwards” in the wide areas with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz proving incredibly effective. This led to some very impressive goal scoring seasons but it worked for the most part because the central striker was told to drop deep and create space.This season Liverpool shifted to play with the striker leading the line and staying as the highest player which could play into the hands of Slot due to his use of Santiago Gimenez in a similar role at Feyenoord.This will, in turn, create space deeper with the wide attackers and the central attacking midfielder expected to come deep to receive the ball and then look to penetrate and attack into space.Here Igor Paixao drops deep to receive with Gimenez so Feyenoord can exploit and there are immediately runners looking to attack this spaceUnder Slot we can expect to see the wingers look to maintain wide positions as they stay on the outside and stretch the opposition. This could have a direct impact on the future of Salah with interest likely to return from the Saudi league this could very well be the point in which Liverpool look to cash in on their attacking talisman.Here Stengs in possession for Feyenoord which is a position Szoboslzai in particular would thrive inThe space created by the wingers staying on the outside can then be exploited by the 10 in the attacking midfield position, which could prove to work for Dominik Szoboszlai or even Cody Gakpo.Indeed, this is one position Liverpool do already appear to have strength in depth.The use of the three players behind the striker for Slot will be one of the biggest changes to the system of play that we have seen from Klopp from the last few seasons. Stretching the pitch wide and using central players to create could well create more space for Darwin Nunez to thrive as the central striker.READ MORE SUN STORIESConclusionLiverpool fans are going to have to get used to a new man in the dugout from next season and there is no doubt Klopp will leave a huge hole to fill. With that said the system that Arne Slot prefers to play is flexible and effective and appears ready made to succeed on the European level and in the Premier League.How Slot’s Liverpool may look after some transfers from FeyenoordWhat they have said about Arne Slot

    MATT WADE, head of sporting strategy at Feyenoord
    “He is a brilliant communicator, and consultative, but also clear at the same time.
    “He is quite cautious, quite introverted, but very rule based and principled, which means everyone knows where they stand.
    “And he is not paranoid, which allows freedom for specialists to operate.”
    SANDER WESTERVELD, former Liverpool goalkeeper and team-mate of Arne Slot
    “When I played with Arne at Sparta, you could see that he would become a coach.
    “He was a leader, a No10 midfielder and someone who would change tactics by himself.
    “The job he has done at Feyenoord makes him the perfect fit for Liverpool.”
    Dutch football journalist MARCEL VAN DER KRAAN
    “I’ve followed Feyenoord for 40 years. Not since the days of Johan Cruyff at Ajax in the 1980s has there been a coach so attack-minded in the Dutch league.
    “Cruyff only had a few disciples who followed him and one of them was Pep Guardiola.”
    Arsenal star REISS NELSON who played 31 games under Slot on loan at Feyenoord
    “I felt like Arne Slot is a great manager. He really got me into my rhythm.
    “He gave me a lot of opportunities to play and I excelled.” More

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    Inside Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood’s sponsorships, from his seven-figure Pepsi deal to her fashion line with Boohoo

    HE is football’s most marketable face – blessed with talent and good looks.She is the elegant model who has bagged fashion contracts with the likes of online fashion giant Boohoo, and continues to be the ultimate fashionista.Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood have become football’s power coupleGlam Sasha has scored modelling contracts and fashion deals with the likes of BoohooCredit: InstagramGrealish has just signed a seven-figure deal with PepsiTogether, they are British football’s most marketable couple.From growing up in Solihull in the West Midlands as love struck teenagers to their epic rise as front page news, Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood, both 28, are making a mint through endorsements.Grealish has signed a seven-figure deal with Pepsi to become the company’s latest brand ambassador.Speaking about the deal, he said: “I’m buzzing to partner with Pepsi Max as a global brand ambassador.Read more Jack Grealish news”Pepsi Max has a great heritage working with the biggest names in world football, and I’m excited to join their mission to unlock enjoyment for football fans around the world and encourage everyone to play the beautiful game!”Sasha is also raking it in by using her beauty and online presence – and some 250,000 followers on Instagram – to draw attention to a variety of beauty and fashion brands.Rich pickingsIncredibly, Jack is on course to make £100million BEFORE he turns 30.While industry insiders have said that he could make £1million a year from his exploits on and off the pitch.Most read in FootballEarlier this year, he signed a staggering boot deal with German sportswear giant Puma for a reputed £10million a year.Jack Grealish’s dog did ‘the biggest s***’ on Man City’s training pitch as England star reveals unusual habitsGrealish said of his £200,000-a-week Puma deal: “They are a brand that’s really caught my eye in the last few years.“Especially recently, the collabs they are doing with other brands — the people they have on board now in NBA, F1 and football — it’s really eye-catching and it was a no-brainer for me.”Off the pitch, Jack cuts a fashionable figure.Shortly after his exploits at Euro 2022, and signing for Man City in a £100million deal, the down-to-earth Brummie got a call from Gucci.The Italian fashion house, famous for using A-listers like Jared Leto and Harry Styles in their ad campaigns, chose Grealish to wear their stylish clothing.He was reportedly paid £10million for the privilege to model the designer threads.Before that, the footballer also signed a deal with online retailer boohooMAN.Again, that one was worth big money. He was paid somewhere in the tune of £1million to showcase his own range.It is understood razor brand Gillette is also eyeing up Jack to join their stable of global sporting personalities.Gucci signed Grealish up to be one of their global ambassadorsFashionista Grealish shows off his love of Gucci with this outfitCredit: GettyBoohooMAN signed Grealish up to front one of their fashion linesCredit: BOOHOONot to be left behindBusiness is booming for Sasha too.Before Jack was the £100million man, she had established herself as a model.She was discovered aged 13 on a shopping trip to Birmingham with her mum.After that, she appeared in various campaigns, including for House of Fraser.But it’s since Jack and Sasha have emerged as a football power couple that things have really taken off for the Solihull beauty.She has signed with Elite Model Management and has built up a huge online social media following.An incredible 264,000 followers on Instagram make her an attractive proposition for brands.Skincare is a huge market for her, with L’Oreal featuring in paid partnerships online and make-up tutorial videos she posts.In 2021, Sasha followed Jack in working with Boohoo, and she is also regular model for Pretty Little Thing.Blessed with stunning looks, Sasha is a hit with fashion and beauty brandsCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaSasha dazzles for Pretty Little Thing – one of her many endorsers – in a glam photoshootCredit: PrettyLittleThingSasha also modelled maternity gear for a Boohoo rangeCredit: BooHooWith 250,000 followers online, Sasha is a huge pull for brandsUnlike the Three Lions star, she didn’t have her own line. Instead, she modelled various ranges.That included maternity wear – with Sacha wearing a fake bump for the photoshoot.The new Posh and BecksJack and Sacha have been labelled the ‘new Posh and Becks’.And although they haven’t been seen wearing a matching leather look, they are well on their way to becoming a commercial success like those two.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne source told The Sun: “Jack and Sasha are being jokingly called the new Posh and Becks by some of his mates because of their fashion deals.“He is the man of the moment in football but he’s got plenty of female fans too, and with Sasha, those around them think they could become a new power couple. They’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.”Grealish and Sasha have been compared to Posh and Becks by friendsCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebeccaBut they are yet to commit a fashion faux pas like the Beckhams did back wearing matching leather suitsCredit: GettyExpect Grealish and Attwood to continue to rake it inCredit: Instagram More

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    Meet Arsenal and Tottenham’s stunning Wags, as the Premier League giants go head-to-head in the North London derby

    IT’S a North London derby with everything to play for.Arsenal make the short trip to local rivals Tottenham on Sunday – knowing a victory will maintain their title charge.Vlada Zinchenko will be watching all the action in the North London derbyJournalist Vlada is a regular at the Emirates – cheering Oleksandr onBut Spurs have high aspirations themselves – and are still in the hunt for a Champions League top four finish.Watching all the action unfold will be the players’ wives and girlfriends.From a Ukrainian TV presenter who questioned Pep Guardiola’s tactics to a mum who bravely addressed her post-pregnancy stretch marks after having twins, here’s North London’s finest Wags.Vlada ZinchenkoStunning Vlada, 27,  is a sports TV presenter and journalist who has worked in the Ukraine for their Premier League coverage.Read more football newsBack in 2020, she earned notoriety after criticising Pep Guardiola’s tactics following a shock Champions League elimination to Lyon.But since her husband Oleksandr Zinchenko swapped City for Arsenal, she’s not had any complaints about Mikel Arteta.And she has been seen in the stands wearing the jersey – matched with a red mini skirt.Kennedy AlexaStunner Kennedy lived in Los Angeles before she was swept off her feet by Tottenham’s James Maddison.Most read in FootballThey have since had three children together – Leo Cruz in 2021, and twins Rome and Delilah.The model was then championed on social media by mums for showing off her stretch marks from her last pregnancy, admitting they were tough to embrace but how proud she was to give birth to three healthy children.Fans say Martin Odegaard ‘winning on and off the pitch’ as stunning Wag dances in stands as Arsenal batter ChelseaKennedy has since returned to fashion photoshoots and is more in demand than ever. Brave Kennedy Alexa revealed her stretch marks after having twinsCredit: InstagramSpurs playmaker James Maddison poses with missus KennedyCredit: InstagramMilly WhiteMilly and Ben White have enjoyed a whirlwind romance.The Gunners right-back got together with the Instagram model in 2022.White wasted very little time before popping the question on a luxury holidayThe happy couple shared pictures of their engagement, including one of their matching ‘I love you’ wrist tattoos.Then, in May 2023 the pair said their ‘I do’s’ at a private ceremony at the Old Marylebone Town Hall in London.Milly and Ben White have enjoyed a whirlwind romance since meeting in 2022Credit: Instagram @milly_adamsThe pair got married at the Old Marylebone Town Hall in London a year after meetingEldina AhmicBosnian beauty Eldina began dating Dejan Kulusevski in 2020, when the Spurs ace played for Serie A giants Parma.Football must have been a hot topic for the pair, because at the time she played for Swedish side, IF Brommapojkarna.Back in December, Kulusevksi scored in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest and dedicated the goal to his wife and future child.Stuffing the ball underneath his jersey, he then proceeded to make the heart sign with his hands.Eldina Ahmic played professional football in SwedenCredit: Instagram @eldinaahmicEldina began dating Dejan Kulusevski in 2020, when he played for Serie A giants ParmaCredit: Instagram @dejan.k10Claudia KiwiorStunning blonde Claudia is the flamboyant twerking wife of Arsenal’s Polish defender Jakub Kiwior.She goes under the stage name Redheaded and has her own clothing label aimed at dancers.Kowalczyk is a competitive twerker –  and won the Queen of Twerking Competition in Germany in 2017, and was a semi-finalist in the European Twerk Champions in 2018.She is a regular in the stands at the Emirates – cheering her beau on.Claudia Kiwior is a professional twerker – winning competitions around Europe for her dancingThe glam dancer goes under the moniker Claudia RedheadCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babeJakub Kiwior and Claudia cut a fashionable pair togetherCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babeEstela BragaThe Brazilian beauty is married to Spurs left-back Emerson Royal.They met in 2020 and are now madly in love, with the Spurs star occasionally posting sweet messages to her on social media.Estela has been seen at Spurs games showing her support for Royal and the club.Earlier this season, she welcomed their son the day after Royal was in action against Sheffield United.Estela Braga is a stunning Brazilian beauty cheering on SpursCredit: Instagram @bragaestelaEmerson Royal and Estela have settled into London life wellCredit: Instagram @bragaestelaSophia WeberGerman beauty Sophia has been with Arsenal’s in-form Kai Havertz since they were lovestruck teenagers.She joined Instagram at the end of 2020 and already boasts over 390,000 followers.In recent months, she has become close to Martin Odegaard’s partner (more on her later) and they go to games together.She also loves to travel and took in a break to Paris recently.Sophia Weber cheered on her man at the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: GettyKai Havertz and Sophie are childhood sweetheartsJosephine HojbjergLove is still in the air for Josephine and Pierre Hojbjerg.The lovebirds are so enamoured with each other, they married twice.They first walked down the aisle in 2019 at Copenhagen City Hall in a ceremony that was so low-key even Hojbjerg’s mother was not invited.But in 2021, the occasion in Osterbro was much more lavish. It was attended by family and friends, including Leicester City defender Jannick Vestergaard.Josephine Hojbjerg is so loved up with her Spurs footballer husbandCredit: Instagram @josephinesiwJosephine and Pierre Hojbjerg enjoyed two weddings in 2019 and 2021Credit: Instagram @josephinesiwHelene SpillingHelene began dating Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard during the 2022-2023 campaign.She is a dancer who has featured on ‘Skal vi Danse’, Norway’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.She went on to win the competition in 2021.READ MORE SUN STORIESHelene has over 145,000 followers on Instagram, where she posts updates on her dancing and pictures of herself enjoying the good life life.They recently added a puppy to their home, needless to say it’s probably a Gooner.Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard and Helene Spilling began dating last seasonCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98Gorgeous Helene is a dancer who appeared on Norway’s version of Strictly Come DancingCredit: Instagram / @odegaard.98 More

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    Man Utd best XI of academy graduates would walk the Premier League and boasts two Ballon d’Or winners

    MANCHESTER UNITED reached the historic milestone of handing 250 academy graduates their debuts last night.With his late introduction in the 4-2 win over Sheffield United, Ethan Wheatley landed the honour of being the club’s 250th homegrown player.Ethan Wheatley became the 250th Man Utd academy graduate to make the first team when he came on against Sheffield UnitedCredit: GettyThe club has a rich history of bringing through talentCredit: GettySome 117 of these debuts have come at Old Trafford, with Wheatley’s bow being the 35th in the Premier League era.The club’s two greatest managers, Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, built dynasties off the back of the Red Devils academy.Busby famously said “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”, while Ferguson said: “Giving young people an opportunity is a fantastic thing and they very seldom let you down.”These lads never let me down when they put that jersey on.”READ MORE ON MAN UTDSince 1937, every single Man Utd matchday squad has featured an academy graduate.The Class of 92 and Busby Babes are the most famous generations of recruits, but across the club’s illustrious history there have been some real titans of football emerging from the youth ranks.Below we take a look at the best XI of academy players to play for the club… and some of the massive names who didn’t quite make the grade.GK – David GaskellDavid Gaskell won two league titles with Man UtdCredit: Rex FeaturesDavid Gaskell, 83, stood in goal for Man Utd over a 13-year career, making 113 appearances for the club and becoming the the youngest-ever player when he made his debut in 1956.Most read in FootballGaskell played largely as a deputy to the likes of Alex Stepney under Busby but won a Community Shield and FA Cup before retrospectively being awarded medals for the 1965 and 1967 Division One titles. CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRB – Gary NevilleGary Neville was one of the club’s famous Class of 92Credit: PA:Empics SportOne-club man Gary Neville was of the Class of 92 and was a stalwart at right-back for almost two decades at Old Trafford, making more than 602 appearances.With a CV including 12 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and four FA Cups among other accolades, it’s little surprise he has found talking about the game on Sky Sports so easy.Inside Sir Alex Ferguson’s Biggest Bust-UpsCB – Duncan EdwardsDuncan Edwards looked set to become an all-time great before his death in the Munich air disasterCredit: PA:Press AssociationDescribed by Busby as “the most complete player I’ve ever seen,” Duncan Edwards looked destined to become one of the all-time great defenders for both club and country.But the Munich Air Disaster of 1958 robbed Edwards, who had made 151 league appearances for United and won 18 England caps by the age of just 21, of forging a legacy like no other.CB – Bill FoulkesBill Foulkes, left, survived the Munich Air Disaster and went on to star for 17 years at Man UtdCredit: PA:Press AssociationLike Edwards, Bill Foulkes is a name synonymous with the club’s tragic past. He was one of the lucky few to survive Munich and went on to define the club’s resolve and determination to be the best in Europe.Foulkes starred at the club for 17 years and played in 688 matches, scoring only nine goals – though one of those put Man Utd into the 1968 European Cup final. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 81.LB – Phil NevillePhil Neville won six Premier League titles with Man UtdCredit: GettyThe younger of the Neville brothers, Phil made 383 appearances for United. He won six Premier League titles and was a key part of the Treble-winning team of 1999.Neville swapped Old Trafford for Goodison Park in 2005, where he developed into a central midfielder and made more than 300 appearances. CM – Nobby StilesNobby Stiles was a 1966 World Cup winner and 1968 European Cup winnerCredit: PAMaking his debut in 1960, Nobby Stiles went on to make 395 appearances for the Red Devils as a key part of Busby’s engine room.Stiles, who could also play centre-back, won two Division One titles, the European Cup in 1968 and was a member of England and Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup winning team. He died in 2020 aged 78.CM – Paul ScholesPaul Scholes was one of the best passers the Premier League has seenCredit: Getty – ContributorAnother graduate from the Class of 92, Paul Scholes made 718 appearances for the club up to his full retirement in 2013, scoring 155 goals and winning 11 league titles, two Champions Leagues and four FA Cups.The 49-year-old’s quality can perhaps best be summarised by Ballon d’Or winner Zinedine Zidane, who said: “One of my regrets is the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.”CM – Bobby CharltonBallon d’Or winner Sir Bobby Charlton is the club’s all-time leading academy goalscorerCredit: GettyThe first Ballon d’Or winner on this list was another member of the Busby Babes. Over a 15-year career at United, Charlton scored 249 goals.There is no higher praise from a club than to name a stand after you, and with the “Sir Bobby Charlton stand” opening in 2016, the 1966 Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner achieved that goal. He died aged 86 in October 2023.RM – George BestGeorge Best was football’s first rock-and-roll superstarCredit: PA:Empics SportThe second Ballon d’Or winner on the list, George Best was arguably football’s first true superstar and defined the rock-and-roll lifestyle.When he was found by Man Utd scout Bob Bishop, he wrote to Busby saying: “I think I’ve found you a genius.”He wasn’t wrong, and the Belfast Boy landed Busby two English titles, the European Cup and the FA Cup. He died in 2005.LM – Ryan GiggsRyan Giggs is the Premier League’s all-time assist leaderCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnother of the Class of 92, Ryan Giggs’ trophy cabinet in English football is second to none, with his longevity in moving from an exciting winger to cultured midfielder showing his quality.He is miles clear in the all-time Premier League assists with 162. He also leads the charts for trophies won, with 13 titles to his name. In all he played 961 games for the Red Devils.ST – Mark HughesMark Hughes, left, was the ace that led Man Utd to the first two Premier League titlesCredit: Getty – ContributorMark Hughes graduated from the club’s academy but did not earn his status as a club legend until he had returned to Manchester from spells with Barcelona and Bayern Munich.Hughes played 435 times for United and scored 151 goals to help the Red Devils land their first two Premier League titles, as well as three FA Cups, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the Uefa Supercup.Man Utd’s best academy graduates on paperA number of big names missed out on places in our xi, but that is not to diminish their standing as Man Utd greats.Two members of the Class of 92, David Beckham and Nicky Butt, who a raft of trophies with the club.There were also steady stars from the mid 2000s such as John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher, not to mention the likes of Gerard Pique who went on to be a dominant defender for Barcelona.Arthur Albiston only narrowly missed out on a spot at left-back, but we opted to for Neville’s trophy record despite Albiston’s years of faithful service to the Red Devils badge in the 1970s and 1980s.The likes of Sammy McIlroy and Norman Whiteside are other stars from the 1980s who do not get the recognition they deserve due to Man Utd’s relative struggles in the period.Then there are the modern ballers of Man Utd’s academy. World Cup winner Paul Pogba could not restore Man Utd to it’s glory days after returning to the club in a club-record £89million transfer deal, though his talent was undeniable.Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is the face of the club’s academy today.READ MORE SUN STORIESA poor season for him has hindered peoples impression of him, but not many players can boast 399 games and 131 goals for the club at the age of 26.Stars such as Kobbie Mainoo are billed as the club’s next generation who fans hope will lead them back to the top of the game. More

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    Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend Laura Celia Valk, who is a Dutch fashion model with a love for Chanel

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is football’s hottest property and has amassed a huge female following.His incredible success at Real Madrid in his first season has put him in squarely the reckoning for the Ballon d’Or.Beautiful Laura Celia Valk is Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriendStunning Laura is a model who has charmed the Three Lions starLaura, 25, lives in Amsterdam – but has been visiting Jude at his Madrid homeWhile off the pitch, the Three Lions star, 20, is becoming one of the game’s most fashionable icons.The Sun exclusively revealed on Wednesday that the Brummie sensation is now dating stunning Dutch fashion model Laura Celia Valk, 25.As we revealed, the £113million midfielder has invited the blonde bombshell to his Spanish home on a series of dates.A source told The Sun: “Laura was quite loose in telling all the make-up artists about seeing him during her latest job.Read more Jude Bellingham news”Practically everyone on set knew about it by the end of the day.”She’s been staying at his place in Madrid over the past few weekends and is completely smitten.”The pair follow each other on Instagram, and she recently shared a number of photos on a dinner date at the Madrid EDITION hotel alongside a mystery companion.But, who is the beauty who has stolen Jude’s heart?Most read in FootballInfluencing thingsLaura is an influencer who works with a host of brands on social media.Jude Bellingham interview after winning Laureus Sports Breakthrough of the Year awardFrom underwear modelling with Lounge or Gooseberry Intimates to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the glove.She is also the owner of her own social media consultancy agency and studied creative business at the Amsterdam University of Applied Science.She is a hot commodity thanks to her huge following on social media.Laura boasts 350,000 followers on Instagram, while her TikTok page has 310,000 fans and over six million likes.Many will be entranced by her amazing lifestyle.She regularly travels the world, with trips to Paris, St Tropez and Italy documented online.Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.She owns several handbags by the iconic French designer, and shared a snap in front of the flagship store in Paris back in March.Glam Laura lives a lavish lifestyle and travels the worldLaura’s Instagram page features many collaborations with lingerie designersLaura’s favourite designer is Chanel – and she recently visited the flagship store in ParisPretty Little Thing invited Laura for a collaboration to show off their new rangeSavvy Laura also owns her own social media consultancy agencyOn Instagram Laura boasts over 350,000 followers, while her posts on TikTok have scored six million likesFoodieFashion, relaxing on the beach and enjoying the plush surroundings of a five-star hotel are important to Laura.And she is also quite the foodie too.On Instagram, the stunner shows off the many dishes she eats.Her favourite meal appears to be pizza, with several snaps showing chomping on a slice.While she also has a fondness for desserts, with strawberries her go-to.READ MORE SUN STORIESA girl of sophistication, she also loves coffee – regularly sharing photos all dressed up clutching a cup.You imagine it won’t be long before we saw her tucking into the prawn sandwiches at the Bernabeu.Laura is a total foodie and often shows off what she eats on social mediaPizza is seemingly Laura’s favourite, tucking into a slice in her undies in this snapNot just a pretty face, Laura studied creative business at the Amsterdam University of Applied ScienceFashionable Laura shows off her favourite leather Chanel handbagBellingham is said to be smitten with Laura’s charmsExpect Laura to be a welcome guest at the Bernabeu cheering Jude on soon More

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    I scored the fastest goal in World Cup history but was exiled for being a traitor, now I drive for Uber

    MENTION Hakan Sukur to Turkish football fans and their faces will light up.Revered for his goals and brilliance, he scored 295 times across three spells with Galatasaray.Turkish football legend Hakan Sukur lives in exile in CaliforniaSukur was forced to give up his life in his homeland after he was charged with being a member of a terrorist groupCentre forward Sukur celebrates scoring the fastest ever World Cup goal in 2002Credit: AP:Associated PressBetter still, he plundered 51 goals for the national team – so think Turkey’s answer to Gary Lineker.Hakan also held the accolade for netting the fastest ever goal in a World Cup finals – when he scored against South Korea in 2002 after just 11 seconds.However, despite the adulation in his homeland, if he was to step foot in his own country it’s likely he would would be sent to prison, or worse, face the death penalty.The former footballer now lives in exile in California in the wealthy area of Palo Alto, on the outskirts of San Francisco.Read more football newsBut don’t be fooled into thinking he works for one of those tech giants in Silicon Valley.For Hakan now makes ends meet as an Uber driver, as well as a football coach.He formerly ran a bakery in the area, but was forced to close it down after his identity became an issue.Serving coffee and cake”I moved to the United States, initially running a cafe in California, but strange people kept coming into the bar,” the 52-year-old told German outlet, Welt am Sonntag.Most read in Football”Now I drive for Uber and I sell books.Fenerbahce WALK OFF pitch after two minutes and forefeit Turkish Super Cup final with bitter rivals Galatasaray”Nobody seems able to explain what my role in this coup was supposed to be.”I never did anything illegal, I am not a traitor or a terrorist.”He used to run a popular bakery called Tuts, where the house specials were dishes like Turkish sausage and eggs, and Greek-style pancakes.It received rave reviews on rating website Yelp, with comments such as: “Oh my gosh. This is the best place in the Bay Area to eat delicious food with your friends.”The staff is so kind and friendly.”But none of the customers mentioned that one of the men behind the cafe is the Turkish legend.In the 1990s, Hakan was one of the most prolific marksman in European football.Despite Ill-fated spells overseas in Italy with Torino, Inter Milan, Parma, and in the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers, it was at Galatasaray where the goals continued to flow.In 2008, Hakan hung up his boots for a different life.Sukur parked outside his former bakery, TutsCredit: Getty – ContributorTuts Bakery and Cafe in the Bay Area was a big hitHowever, Sukur quit the catering world because he felt he was being spied onCredit: Instagram @tutsbakeryPolitical careerIn 2011, he was elected as an Istanbul MP for the Justice Development Party, a conservative political group that has ruled over Turkey since 2002.The Bull of the Bosphorus was making strides and friends in government.He aligned himself with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as maintained a friendship with cleric Fethullah Gulen.In 2013 an alliance between Erdogan and Gulen, who was keen for Turkey to become an Islamic state, was destroyed when a government corruption scandal erupted.Erdogan blamed Gulen for the disruption, and given Hakan was seen as a disciple of the Gulen movement, it all started to go wrong.That same year, the government closed all schools run by Gulenists and Hakan resigned from the governing party in protest to run as an independent.Shortly after, Hakan gave a university speech where he told an audience of bemused students: “I am Albanian, as such I am not a Turk.”Given the political climate in a country that was aiming to regain its national identity, those comments weren’t well-received.Galatasaray legend Sukur scored 295 goals for the Turkish giantsCredit: Getty – ContributorAfter he hung up his boots, Sukur turned to politics and became an MPCredit: Getty Images – GettyIn 2016, Hakan was charged with insulting President Erdogan on Twitter.That summer, a trial began in absentia. Hakan claimed it wasn’t his intention to insult Erdogan, but prosecutors disagreed.Gulen coupIn July that year, hell broke loose when a coup, organised by Gulen with the aid of a small fraction of the Turkish Armed Forces, attempted to overthrow Erdogan.The coup was defeated, but more than 300 people had lost their lives, 120,000 people lost their jobs and 50,000 were arrested.Anyone who had Gulen links was deemed a terrorist and labelled a member of FETO (Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organisation).A warrant was issued for Hakan’s arrest and he was charged with being a member of an armed terrorist group.The charges carry a hefty jail sentence or the death penalty.Sukur was charged with being a member of an armed terrorist group and threatened with the death penaltyCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Sukur fled Turkey and moved to the US with wife BeydaCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Hakan was given the opportunity to renounce his beliefs and love for the Gulen movement, but passed on the chance.His father Selmet wasn’t so lucky. The authorities arrested him at a mosque in Adapazar and he was charged with financial coup support.Somehow, Hakan managed to flee to America, but it was reported his father passed away in prison after battling cancer.Fled to the USAHakan moved to California, where he built a new life for himself.He had everything taken from him in Turkey, including his businesses, his houses and bank accounts, as well as his nationality.The ex-pro now lives in exile, unable to return home.Sadly, Hakan’s name is so sullied in Turkey that when a commentator working for state-ran broadcaster TRT at the 2022 World Cup mentioned him during a game they were sacked at half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESTo make ends meet, Sukur drives for Uber and is a football coach in the USCredit: instagram @hakansukur9Sukur hasn’t given up on his country just yet and hopes to return one dayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    However, he does hold hope for the future of a return to his country.”It’s my country. I love my people, even though their ideas about me are distorted by controlled media,” he told the New York Times back in 2018. More

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    Diogo Dalot has gone under radar as Man Utd’s player of the year and is living up to Cristiano Ronaldo’s expectations

    DIOGO DALOT has been a rare point of stability amid a turbulent season for Manchester United.The 25-year-old has stood out as a soild performer at right-back this season, with a string of consistent displays.Diogo Dalot put in another solid display for Man Utd against CoventryCredit: GettyHe has been one of the club’s most consistent players this seasonCredit: GettyOn a relatively humble £85,000-a-week wages, Dalot is far from the most glamorous player in team. Yet what he offers is certainly worth the price.He shifts between being an anchor point in build up play by moving into midfield to offer a passing option and then providing an option out wide with an overlapping run.His durability has also been a key factor for Erik ten Hag this season, with just two Premier League games missed – one for being an unused sub and the other being down to suspension.Only Bruno Fernandes can boast more league minutes than Dalot among outfielders at the club, while he has started 41 of his 43 games in all competitions.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFans have now highlighted Dalot’s efforts after another reliable display amid a shocking collapse against Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final.An assist for Scott McTominay’s opener and a crucial block at the far post to prevent a first-half equaliser for Coventry saw one fan label him: “One of the players of the season.”He was also the star in earlier rounds, being the pick of the bunch when Man Utd beat Newport 4-2 in the FA Cup fourth round.While some players have blown hot and cold throughout the season, looking at Dalot’s league numbers it is hard to disagree with the “Mr consistent” tag.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDalot ranks fifth among defenders in the Premier League for tackles won. He is also sixth overall for tackles in the defensive third and for tackles against dribblers, even if his success rate (68.3 per cent) is not as high as team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka (72.7 per cent)The Portuguese defender also has 91 clearances, 35 interceptions and 41 blocks made this season, all while having no errors made. Diogo Dalot shows his skills in football tennis in Man Utd trainingGoing forwards, Dalot has also proven to be a valuable asset.He has managed 100 progressive passes (bettered only by Fernandes), 16 completed crosses into the penalty area (sixth highest among PL defenders) and a total pass completion percentage of 80.6 per cent.It is not just his performances and numbers which separate him from his peers, but also his mentality.Bruno Fernandes should be embarrassed by this… United fans were, says Neil CustisBy Neil Custis
    BRUNO FERNANDES ended the FA Cup semi-final a man bemused as to what he had been a part of.
    No doubt knowing it would be he would have to try and explain it all again.
    Rarely have a team slunk away from this stadium with a feeling of embarrassment having just reach an FA Cup Final.
    The next time Fernandes turns up at the home of football he wants to be heading up those metal steps and picking up silverware.
    Nothing less will do for the captain of Manchester United.
    But he knows they have not got a hope of gaining revenge on this cross town rivals Manchester City if this is what they are going to deliver.
    This was an embarrassment, plain and simple, for Ten Hag, for Fernandes, for every player in red.
    After the skipper finished his TV interview he turned around to the end that had housed the United fans to clap them in thanks.
    There was barely anyone left.
    Read Neil Custis’ opinion in full here.
    Or click here to read all of Neil’s article.

    Moments before kick-off in the FA Cup semi-final Dalot was seen hyping up Red Devils wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo.Following a win over Aston Villa in February, Ten Hag highlighted Dalot as a “fantastic player who is developing well”.He added: “He can play in so many positions and he is improving on crosses. He can score and his defending is improving so I am very pleased with him.”Dalot has been a consistent performer throughout the season for Man UtdDalot has also earned the praise of Man Utd legend Gary Neville, who made the right-back position his own with two decades of consistent displays for the club, and suggested he may be the long term player for the position.In February he said: “Dalot is someone that people say about [when they discuss] the right-back for the future for Manchester United. They might have the right-back for the future there. “There is a lot there: he’s six foot; he’s strong, he’s powerful, he’s good on the ball, he’s not a bad defender. I think he defends his back post really well. He opens up his shoulders.”I think if he can start playing in a really confident back four and a settled back four [then he could be the right-back for the future]…”It’s (the back four) always changing, and he’s never really got a constant presence outside him on that right-hand side. I had that for years, where I could build a relationship.”It’s an assessment likely backed by Cristiano Ronaldo, with Dalot being one of the few players to earn praise from him in his interview slamming the club before his unceremonious exit.Dalot has become an all rounder at right-back for the Red DevilsHe proved a valuable asset down the right wing as Man Utd beat Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finalAsked which players he admired at the time, he said: “In Manchester United I can mention Dalot.”He’s young, but very professional but I don’t doubt that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent and he’s very professional. “Probably [Lisandro] Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot.”Dalot is tied down until 2028 after signing his latest Man Utd contract last summer.The ex-Porto star made his Red Devils debut under Jose Mourinho back in 2018.After a 2019 match in the Champions League, Mourinho declared Dalot can be a player who “has more than ten years to play for Manchester United”.READ MORE SUN STORIESSix years into his Man Utd career, Dalot has played 150 times for the club and gone from strength to strength, and still has his best years ahead of him.While all the talk for Man Utd’s Player of the Season is about the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Mainoo, Dalot certainly deserves to be in the conversation.Cristiano Ronaldo named Dalot as one of the few ‘professional’ players at the clubCredit: ReutersGary Neville said Dalot may be the ‘long term’ solution for Man Utd at right backCredit: Getty More