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      Euro 2024 terror warning to England fans after ISIS Moscow attack and kamikaze drones raise ‘dangers to new level’

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      ENGLAND fans have been warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024.The Islamist attack in Moscow has raised “dangers to a new level”, said German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, just 75 days before kick-off.England fans travelling to Germany to watch Gareth Southgate’s team have been warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe warning comes just 75 days before kick-offCredit: AdidasThe Islamist attack in Moscow has raised ‘dangers to a new level’, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser saidCredit: APMs Faeser added: “We are pooling the forces of the security authorities even more strongly for the Euros and are preparing for all possible dangers.“This is necessary to protect this major international event in the best possible way.“The security of the tournament is paramount.”Her chilling alert came just days after the ISIS-K terrorist atrocity at a concert hall in Moscow killed 143.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong the drastic steps taken to protect Three Lions fans at the tournament in June will be a plan to temporarily close borders and ramp up frontier checks. British police will also be in Germany.A ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, such as skipper Harry Kane and young sensation Jude Bellingham.They will stay at the swish five-star Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain – with Wags and families also protected.Most read in FootballIt comes amid fears of a menacing reaction from Russia after they were banned from taking part in the Euros – and enemy nation Ukraine qualified last week.Author and terrorism expert Neil Doyle said: “Euro 2024 represents a major target for groups looking to mount mass casualty attacks for revenge and global headlines.Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot “The use of drones will be a major concern as they have become a new feature of modern warfare, as seen in Ukraine.“Germany as a location in itself is also attractive as it has backed Ukraine with arms and equipment.”Security expert Colonel Richard Kemp, who has worked for the Joint Intelligence Committee and national crisis group Cobra, said: “Russia would like to disrupt this event in some way, such as a cyber attack, and they would hope to embarrass the German government.”As more than half a million UK nationals prepare to be in Germany for the tournament starting in 75 days, Ms Faeser said: “One thing can be said for sure – the dangers have reached a new level.”She added: “The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats.“This ranges from protection against Islamists and other ­potential violent criminals to the security of our networks against cyber attacks.”The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threatsGerman Interior Minister Nancy FaeserAleksander Ceferin, president of tournament organisers Uefa, has spoken of the “world going crazy” and warned: “The biggest concern is security.” Germany will host 23 other nations – including England and Scotland – during the month-long 51-game football showpiece kicking off on June 14.Experts warn both the Russians and Islamists have access to high-tech kamikaze dronesCredit: AFPVladimir Putin runs an army of web warriorsCredit: GettyFar-right Alternative for ­Germany (AfD) is also gaining popularityCredit: RexAfD politician Rene SpringerCredit: Getty’Vital to be safe’Last night, fans were urged to be on high alert for the dangers, with British police being deployed to Germany.A UK government spokesman said: “Football fans all over the country will be looking forward to a summer of football. “We are working with the German police to support a safe and trouble-free tournament. “A UK police delegation will be deployed to Germany during the event and we will also be offering support and advice on how to engage with fans attending from the UK.”Caroline Dinenage, Tory MP and chairwoman of the sports select committee, said:  “Given the safety concerns, it’s vital to be safe, follow the rules, stay vigilant and most of all, have fun.”Referring to Ms Faeser’s warning, Damian Green, Tory MP and former deputy PM, who sits on the sports select committee, said: “This is a disturbing and sobering ­comment for all of us who love ­visiting Germany. “It is always important to listen to local advice about how to stay safe.”Tim Loughton, Tory MP and a member of the Home Affairs select committee, said: “With terrorist threat levels heightened across the world it is a sad reality of modern life that popular international sporting occasions have routinely become targets for attacks by ­fanatical groups who would undermine everything we stand for.”Safety fears centre on gun-carrying Islamists sneaking into Germany among migrants from the Middle East, and Russian agents entering among Ukrainians fleeing the war.Given the safety concerns, it’s vital to be safe, follow the rules, stay vigilant and most of all, have funCaroline Dinenage, Tory MP and chairwoman of the sports select committeeGerman intelligence experts say the biggest threat is an attack from the same ISIS-K group’s gun gangs which slaughtered 143 rock fans in Moscow last weekend.Both the Russians and Islamists have access to high-tech kamikaze drones which could cause mayhem if smuggled into Germany.Unmanned flying drones have added a new dimension to the ­terrorist threat after being used by both sides in the Ukraine war and Islamists of Gaza, Yemen, Iran, Syria and Lebanon.  ‘Danger increases’One of the greatest fears at Euro 2024 is a potentially devastating drone attack on a stadium or large gathering of fans.Drone expert Professor Nicolas Stockhammer warned: “Isis in particular has repeatedly used drones in attacks over the past ten years.“But technology is more readily available today for both kamikaze drones and as drones equipped with explosive charges.“And the danger increases if the attackers succeed in capturing modern military drones such as those being used in the current war zones.”Authorities suspect Russia’s army of cyber hackers are gearing up to cause computer chaos with attacks on stadium lights, transport, ticketing and security systems.The Kremlin’s industrial scale hacking operations look certain to ramp up as Vladimir Putin seethes over Russia’s exclusion from the tournament.Ms Faeser also spoke of her ­concern about the threat posed by far-right groups feared to be graduating from hate crime to terrorism.Neo-Nazi thugs have fired up ­bigotry since Germany absorbed more than two million migrants followed by a million refugees from the war in neighbouring Ukraine.Ms Faeser said: “We thwarted right-wing extremist acts and uncovered a large terrorist network of German citizens.”Far-right Alternative for ­Germany (AfD) is gaining popularity, with politicians such as Rene Springer sitting in the German parliament.Yesterday, the FA said security was a matter for the Foreign Office.We approached Uefa for comment.German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser says: ‘The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats’Credit: GettyA ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, such as Jude BellinghamCredit: Alamy More

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      in Boxing

      I’d never go back in the ring like Tyson to fight YouTuber… but I’d still beat them all on chin-ups, says Barry McGuigan

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      WE had At Home With The Furys and now it is the turn of another boxing dynasty – the McGuigans.World champion Tyson Fury’s hit Netflix show brought him a legion of new fans after he let cameras into the £1.7million mansion he shares with wife Paris and their seven children.Legendary boxer Barry McGuigan and his son Shane now train the next boxing superstarsCredit: Dan CharityBarry fought Panamanian Eusebio Pedroza at Loftus Road Stadium in 1985Credit: Getty Images – GettyBarry is unimpressed with a planned fight between Jake Paul and 57-year-old Mike TysonCredit: instagram/@jakepaulFormer featherweight world champ Barry McGuigan and his brood — which includes his trainer son Shane — are to star in their own fly-on-the-wall documentary.The four-part series, Stable: The Boxing Game, starting tonight on BBC One, follows their highs and lows inside and outside the ring.And it shines a light on the family’s boxing business, plus their stable of world champion fighters.It is almost four decades since 19million people tuned in to watch Barry beat Panamanian Eusebio Pedroza at Loftus Road in 1985.READ MORE BARRY MCGUIGANBut the brutal sport has changed a lot since then. In fact, in a surprise twist, ring legend Mike Tyson is preparing to pull his gloves back on at the age of 57.The ex-world heavyweight champ, who once bit off part of rival Evander Holyfield’s ear, is to face YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul, 27, in Texas on July 20, streamed live on Netflix.But Barry, 63, does not approve. He tells The Sun: “You can be sure money’s got something to do with it.Most read in Boxing“The governing body should be seriously badly reprimanded for that — getting a 57-year-old guy in to box. “That’s just really stupid and irresponsible. Mike Tyson selling edibles shaped like bitten ears in New York in promo push before Jake Paul fight“He shouldn’t be near a boxing ring at 57 years old.”Asked if he would ever get back into the ring himself, Boxing Hall of Fame icon Barry replies: “You must be joking, never. “It’s just irresponsible. “It’s very dangerous.”‘Floppy-haired posh boy’However, he adds with a laugh: “I can still beat most of them on chin-ups and press-ups.”We meet at the McGuigan Gym in Leyton, East London — an old-school spit-and-sawdust joint that is a million miles from the “glitz and glamour” of influencer boxing, which has created serious safety concerns.Irishman Barry says: “The problem with so many of these influencers boxing is that the general public think anybody can do it. They can’t.“That’s what annoys the professional fighters about these influencers.”Son Shane, 35, adds: “They’re trying to steal headlines in the sense, ‘OK, let’s bring in Mike Tyson’.”He says of Iron Mike, who we revealed is flogging cannabis sweets in the shape of a nibbled ear: “Because he’s done it all, it just discredits what he’s done in his career. “He’s the face of boxing.”Shane says boxing YouTubers such as American Jake Paul, whose home gym in his LA mansion includes two rings, plus Brit KSI — real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, or “JJ” for short — can give the wrong impression of the sport to youngsters.He explains: “Jake Paul’s not going to put on his YouTube channel when he spars bad or when he feels crap and he’s upset and he’s crying or he’s frustrated. “He’s only putting on the good days. “Kids just wanna see glitz and glamour and gossip.”He continues: “This sport’s a real hard sport and you can’t fake it, you can’t just suddenly get to a world title.“You can’t just turn up one day without no training.“You’ve got to put the hours and work in and it’s brutal.”Shane is currently working with four-time European youth champ Caroline Dubois, 23Credit: Dan CharityThe McGuigans are a boxing mad family and aim to train up another world championCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe family had a bitter fallout with former star Carl Frampton, but say they have moved onCredit: ReutersBarry grew up in Clones in the Republic of Ireland, on the border of Northern Ireland, and became a unifying symbol of peace during The Troubles. At 17, he took the gold medal for Northern Ireland at the 1978 Commonwealth Games and, two years later, boxed for Ireland at the Moscow Olympics in 1980.Five years on from that, aged 24, he won the World Boxing Association featherweight title, which he defended twice before losing to Steve Cruz in 1986 in Las Vegas.He retired from professional boxing in 1989 at the young age of 28.Barry, a dad of four, admits he initially banned his kids from sparring, insisting: “I didn’t want them to go through how much pain I had to suffer over the years.”But Shane reveals how he started secretly sneaking out of his Somerset boarding school to go to a local boxing gym. The teen, who initially used his middle name as his surname so people did not know who he was, endured bullying for being a “floppy-haired posh boy”.This sport’s a real hard sport and you can’t fake it, you can’t just suddenly get to a world title. You can’t just turn up one day without no trainingShane McGuiganWhen his dad found out, instead of putting a stop to it, he offered to train the youngster. There is no denying the McGuigan name has opened doors for Shane, but it has not been easy growing up in his dad’s shadow.Recalling his amateur boxing days, he says they would be met with “tumbleweed” every time father and son turned up for sparring sessions.And opponents wanted to “take his head off” because he was Barry McGuigan’s son. Smiling at the memory, Shane says: “I enjoyed that.”That’s why I started boxing. And it’s genuinely serious character-building.”Shane has won the National Senior Novice Championship, Irish Under 21 Championship and the Ulster Senior Championship.But he chose not to turn pro like his dad because he did not want to become “a victim to boxing”.He fell into training 13 years ago after Barry left him in charge of the pads one weekend.His dad says with a laugh: “I came back and lost me job.”Asked if people thought he was some sort of nepo baby, Shane says: “Maybe at the start.” But he insists he only got his professional licence to train because Northern Irish boxer Carl Frampton, who was being coached by Barry, asked him to. Mike Tyson tipped to ‘pound Jake Paul into a mound of dust’ with brutal punches ‘like being hit by a grand piano’Under Shane, Carl, now retired, became a world champion.However, he and the McGuigans later became locked in a bitter dispute. The former two-weight world champion sued ex-manager Barry and Cyclone Promotions for alleged withheld earnings.A counter claim against Belfast boxer Carl was also launched for alleged breach of contract after their partnership came to an end in 2017. The case was settled out of court in November 2020.Carl has since said he has “a deep hatred for them now”.But Barry tells The Sun: “We’re past all that.” And Shane says matter-of-factly: “It’s just one of many fighters that’s come through this gym. “That’s literally it.”Barry’s daughter Danika McGuigan tragically died from cancer in 2019Credit: PA:Press AssociationCruierweight champ Chris Billam-Smith is one of the stars currently working with the McGuigansCredit: BBCShane, who was named Trainer of the Year for the second time by the British Boxing Board of Control earlier this month, has more than proved his worth. Barry says: “I’m very proud of what he does. “He’s one of the best in the business, anywhere in the world.”These days, Barry — who lives near Whitstable in Kent with his wife Sandra, also 63 — acts more as a mentor at the gym.‘Huge divide’During our visit, he happily chats as he folds bandages while Shane puts four-time European youth champ Caroline Dubois, 23, through her paces.World cruiserweight champ Chris Billam-Smith, 33, and Ellie Scotney, 26, who holds the International Boxing Federation super-bantamweight world title, are also in their stable. Barry’s other sons Jake, 36, and Blain, 40, are involved in the family business. His daughter Danika died from cancer in July 2019, at the age of 33.Barry says: “My daughter could tell you the four cruiserweight champions of the world when she was around, God bless her. “We’re boxing crazy.”Shane adds: “It’s one of those sports where you can’t switch off.”Tommy has been doing it a long time — before Love Island. He comes from good stock.Shane McGuiganAnd Barry responds with a laugh: “Sandra says, ‘Right, no boxing talk, we’re having our lunch’.”Meanwhile, there might be more future fighters among the McGuigans. Shane’s partner Taylor, 29, a singer, is due to give birth to their second son in May.The couple, who live in Essex, are already parents to 18-month-old Finley. Shane says: “I now realise, being a father, why he didn’t want me to box. “But if Finley chooses to box, I’ll have to let him do it.” However, Barry says: “I’ll do my best to stop him.”Celebrities are helping to raise the profile of boxing. Even Harry Styles has joined a boxing gym.And Tommy Fury — younger brother of Gypsy King Tyson, who shot to fame on Love Island in 2019 — is fast becoming one of the sport’s savviest businessmen.The 24-year-old, who featured in last year’s At Home With The Furys alongside his influencer fiancée Molly-Mae Hague, also 24, has 5.4million followers on Instagram.But Shane says: “Tommy has been doing it a long time — before Love Island. “He comes from good stock.” He adds: “Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury — they’re on phenomenal money. “But the general guys who are world champions, they’re not on crazy money. “There’s a huge divide there.”Boxing is a cut-throat business. Lawrence Okolie left the McGuigans to join new coach SugarHill Steward during the 18 months of filming.Shane says: “At one stage of the documentary, he was in the gym training with Chris Billam-Smith. “At the end they’re boxing. “It shows what boxing’s all about.”Watched by 15,000 fans in his home town of Bournemouth, underdog Billam-Smith floored Okolie last May. Barry says proudly: “Shane’s now trained nine world champions.”READ MORE SUN STORIESNo doubt, with his track record, it won’t be long until he hits an even ten.
      Double bills of Stable: The Boxing Game air on BBC One after Match of the Day tonight and Sunday. They will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer. More

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      in Soccer

      Football-loving Evan Gershkovich is ‘thrilled’ by Arsenal tribute as family plead with Putin to free him from hellhole

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      BY rights, Arsenal fan Evan Gershkovich should be savouring the Gunners’ end-of-season title race from a comfy seat at the Emirates Stadium.Instead, he still languishes in Moscow’s grim Lefortovo Prison where Soviet tyrant Joseph Stalin once caged his enemies.Journalist Evan Gershkovich is languishing in Moscow’s grim Lefortovo PrisonCredit: APA banner is displayed in support of Evan prior to the Premier League match of his favourite team ArsenalCredit: GettyElla Milman, Danielle and Mikhail Gershkovich, mother, sister and father have put out an emotional plea, a year one from his captureCredit: AFPIt’s now a year since the brilliant young American reporter was held on trumped-up spying charges by Vladimir Putin’s regime — yet the Arsenal faithful have not forgotten one of their own.Twice this season fans have raised banners in the North Bank stand bearing his image and demanding #freeevan.His friend and fellow London-based Wall Street Journal reporter Eliot Brown told The Sun that the gesture by Gunners fans had left Evan “thrilled”.Although he is locked up with a cell mate for 23 hours a day, news of the placards filtered through via letters he is permitted to receive.READ MORE ON RUSSIAFellow Arsenal supporter Andrew Allen — who helped to organise the demonstrations — said: “The banners are a small gesture but Evan was just doing his job and he’s now living through hell.“As fellow Arsenal fans we thought we’d do our bit to keep his story in the spotlight.”Now the North Bank is planning more #freeevan protests after the innocent reporter was told by a Russian court on Tuesday that his pre-trial detention was being extended by a further three months.’Strong & resilient’Afterwards in the News UK offices in London — which the Journal’s UK bureau shares with The Sun — hundreds of sombre staff held up #istandwithEVAN posters.Most read in FootballThe 32-year-old reporter is the first US journalist to be charged with spying by Russia since the Cold War, and faces a possible 20-year prison sentence if convicted.America’s ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, said he remained “strong and resilient” and added that it was “a tragedy that he is awaiting trial for a crime he did not commit”.Falsely jailed reporter Evan Gershkovich must be freed NOW after one year in Russian prisonThe bitter irony is that Evan loves Russia.He was born in Princeton, New Jersey, after his Jewish parents Mikhail and Ella had fled rising anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union.He and his elder sister Danielle grew up speaking Russian at home.At five Evan began playing football, which soon became “all-encompassing”, and Danielle said: “I remember him coming home from school and practising against the back of the garage.Bilingual skills “He would be out there and you would hear it — kick, kick, kick. I remember him being obsessed with Pele, his first big soccer idol.“Later he was into Thierry Henry, which led him to Arsenal.”Thatcher Foster, a teammate of Evan’s at youth team Princeton Spartak, said: “Football was such a big part of Evan’s identity.“Each year he would get around five different Arsenal kits.”After leaving school he became a journalist, using his bilingual skills to secure a reporter’s job on the online Moscow Times in Russia.There he bonded with colleague Pjotr Sauer over their love of Arsenal.The banners are a small gesture but Evan was just doing his job and he’s now living through hellFellow Arsenal supporter Andrew Allen Pjotr, who writes to Evan in prison to update him on their team’s fortunes, said: “Evan knew everything about Arsenal. I wasn’t expecting to meet a fellow Gunner who was an American guy.”After six years of working in Russia Evan moved to the globally-renowned Wall Street Journal in January 2022, a month before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.The journalist divided his time between London and reporting stints in Russia as the war ragedCredit: APAccredited by the Kremlin as a reporter, he divided his time between London and reporting stints in Russia as the war raged.Eliot, his colleague at the Journal’s London office, said: “We’d go out for beers and just talk about journalism and current events.“He has a million thoughts on everything. He is a fantastically talented young journalist.”But working in Moscow was becoming increasingly perilous.In July 2022, Evan tweeted: “Reporting on Russia is now a regular practice of watching people you know get locked away for years.”He assumed his phone was being tapped and he had been followed and filmed when on assignment.On March 29, 2023, Evan travelled to Yekaterinburg, nearly 900 miles east of Moscow, on a reporting trip.Constant brightnessHe was arrested at a steakhouse and led away with his head hooded.Conditions in Lefortovo prison are wretched.Evan is allowed out of his cell for just one hour a day.He usually spends it walking in one of the small courtyards on the prison roof, watched by armed guards.Cells are brightly lit, even at night.President Biden has pledged to do “whatever it takes” to bring him home, while Nato and the EU have also demanded his release.During several court appearances Evan has smiled for the cameras and looked remarkably relaxed.My brother is not a spy. He’s a journalistDanielle Gershkovich His mum Ella described one hearing in June: “We went and stood next to him, and immediately, Evan was talking and joking.“We were laughing. Russians don’t expect laughter in a court. Crying — that’s what they expect.”Evan spends his time keeping fit, reading Russian novels and answering letters from family and friends.The Arsenal results normally filter through to him two weeks late and he can watch limited match highlights on Russian TV.Pal Pjotr said: “He is very happy about how they are playing but obviously upset he can’t see for himself.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd sister Danielle has a heartfelt message for Putin: “My brother is not a spy. He’s a journalist.“Please, I just want him home.”Evan is allowed out of his cell for just one hour a dayCredit: AP More

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      in Soccer

      Sergio Ramos’ wife Pilar Rubio stuns in belted swimsuit after 46th birthday

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      MODEL and TV presenter Pilar Rubio is an absolute belter in a white swimsuit.The 46-year-old wore a belted swimming costume from her own collection at Selmark.Sergio Ramos’ wife Pilar Rubio stuns in this white belted swimsuitCredit: Splash NewsIt comes just after she celebrated her 46th birthdayCredit: InstagramMum-of-four Pilar is married to football ace Sergio Ramos, who plays at centre-back for La Liga club Sevilla.On her birthday last week, Sergio said: “Thank you for being the best mother and the best example of love for everyone.”Mum-of-four Pilar previously revealed that the couple have sex every day.When asked how often she had romped with her husband, the stunning brunette replied: “We do it every day, except for the days when I am in Madrid.”READ MORE ON WAGSShe commuted between Paris and Madrid when Ramos joined PSG, although he rejoined Sevilla last year.Told by the shocked host of chat show La Resistencia they were like Avengers superheroes having sex so often with four youngsters in the house, she added: “My children are in bed at 9.30pm. Sex is life.”She insisted the fact they had four kids had no impact on their sex life.Rubio tried to turn the tables by asking host David Broncano about how often he did it – but was told he had no children so there was no comparison.Most read in FootballIn her tell-all interview, Rubio also claimed she had just £46,000 in the bank.Seeing the admission was causing as much shock as her confession about sex with Sergio Ramos, she added: “I’m talking about the current account which is the one I saw.” More

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      Incredible rise of new England football star Kobbie Mainoo who earns £20k a week aged just 18 – and still lives with dad

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      HE made his full England debut against Belgium at Wembley tonight and looked right at home – paving the way for selection at this summer’s Euros.But The Sun can reveal that away from the floodlights of the national stadium, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo leads a humble, quiet life, just like any average teenager.Kobbie Mainoo made his full debut tonight in England’s game against BelgiumCredit: GettyKobbie grins after winning the FA Youth Cup in 2022Credit: GettyThe Sun speaks to Kobbie’s first ever coach, Steve Vare, who mentored him when the star was just four years oldLocals told how the Manchester United midfielder loves eating out at Nando’s and still lives with his dad Felix in a modest £370,000 semi — in a street where some neighbours have no idea who he is.In fact, the only sign of any of the perks of Kobbie’s £20,000-a-week job is an £80,000 BMW X4 — given to him by United – along with a Mercedes A-Class which takes pride of place on the drive.Kobbie is the most talked-about young player in English football right now, with accomplished performances beyond his years culminating in a late call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad last week.Those who know Kobbie say he is a down-to-earth lad who “takes everything in his stride”.READ MORE KOBBIE MAINOOHis first coach, Steve Vare, who mentored him as a four-year-old at Cheadle And Gatley FC, told us: “He came from a lovely family — I used to have regular chats with his dad.“I do know Kobbie is still in ­contact with his old school friends — he hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very grounded. “That is probably down to him coming from a loving, very stable family.”Kobbie’s parents Felix and Abena Herold — who are Ghanaian immigrants — are separated but he splits his time between their homes, which are within 30 minutes of each other.Most read in FootballAt Felix’s house in Sale, some locals do not even know who Kobbie is.Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilThe family moved into the rented three-bedroom home around four or five years ago and Kobbie keeps himself to himself, with one neighbour saying: “I’ve got no idea who he is.”Others talk proudly about having an England star in their midst, with another saying of the young star: “I remember him going to and coming home from school in his uniform.“He was always a very smiley young boy. “I say hello to Felix when I see him. “They’re a nice family.”A third neighbour, who is a friend of the family, added: “I’ve known Kobbie and his dad for years. “Kobbie is a really nice boy from a really nice family – and he’s a really good ­footballer. “He’s going to be a star.”Kobbie is powered by grub from Nando’s — one of his favourite treats.He was recently spotted collecting a bag of food from his local branch in Altrincham, where he fist-bumped a member of staff who is a huge ­Manchester United fan.One onlooker said: “Kobbie came in on his own with his hood up, but he got recognised straight away. “He was a lovely lad and fist-bumped a ­member of staff. “He seemed really nice and down to earth.”Kobbie receives his England cap from Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyThe star signing for Man Utd, pictured with the rest of his familyCredit: Instagram / Kobbie MainooThere was a time, before he became a United first team regular, that Kobbie was not even the most famous person in his own family.His older half-brother Jordan ­Mainoo-Hames, 29 — Felix’s son from another relationship — appeared on season five of ITV2 dating show Love Island, spending 38 days in the villa.Jordan, who has since embarked on a successful modelling career, is one of Kobbie’s biggest fans — frequently shouting about him to his 711,000 Instagram followers.When Kobbie got the England call-up, Jordan shared a snap of him and wrote: “Movin’ on up.”Kobbie, whose close family circle includes his sisters Ama and Efia, also spends time at mum Abena’s £500,000 detached three-bed home in Cheadle Hulme.Abena is a secretary of her new husband Robin’s construction firm.Kobbie is said to still regularly visit his parents’ home country of Ghana.He was quick and had a really powerful shot for a kid that ageSteve VareThe ace — full name Kobbie ­Boateng Mainoo — was born on April 19, 2005 in Stockport, Gtr Manchester, and raised in the sleepy suburb of Cheadle Hulme.Aged four, he began playing for local side Cheadle And Gatley under Steve — who quickly spotted his incredible talent.Steve said: “He was only here for about a year and he was very good for his age. “He found some things too easy. “It was obvious we needed to test and challenge him more.“In game situations, he would just run from one end to another and score, so we put in challenges — like he could only score with his weaker foot. “He was quick and had a really powerful shot for a kid that age.“He could have won a trophy for best player every week, to be honest, but I would tell him, ‘I am going to give it to someone else this week’ – and he never got upset.”Kobbie in the sun during a trip to LACredit: InstagramKobbie seated next to Daniel Gore as they headed to the US last JulyCredit: GettyKobbie playing for his school in Year 6Credit: Facebook / Cheadle And Gatley FCOver the past few weeks, Steve has been inundated with interview requests to talk about Kobbie — from media across the globe including America and Denmark.He added: “We are immensely proud of Kobbie. “He does come across as a really grounded person who just takes it all in his stride.“I am sure that he will still be the same Kobbie.”Kobbie left Cheadle And Gatley for Failsworth Dynamos before being asked to train with United and local rivals Man City.He later opted for his beloved boyhood side United, joining the club aged seven — and was regarded as one of their best talents throughout his time in the academy.Kobbie studied at Cheadle Catholic Infant School and St James’ Catholic High before moving on to Ashton-on-Mersey School under United’s scholarship programme.One source said: “Kobbie was a very bright, very well-rounded young man and he finished with good grades.”During his time playing for the Red Devils, Kobbie has won the FA Youth Cup and the club’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player Of The Year award for the 2022/23 season.He signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday – the earliest date a player can do so — and made his first team debut in the League Cup against Charlton Athletic last January.I think he’s incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he’s shownWayne RooneyAnd he has started gaining the plaudits he deserves over the past few months from the great and good of the game thanks to some stellar performances – after his season was delayed by an injury suffered in pre-season.Kobbie has shown calmness, composure and class on the ball in some tough matches — including arguably his best game so far in the 4-3 FA Cup thriller against fierce rivals Liverpool, in front of 72,291 fans at Old Trafford.He won the Premier League’s Goal Of The Month competition in February for a sensational individual goal away at Wolves – dribbling past players with ease before bending the ball into the corner in the 97th minute of a frantic 4-3 victory.United legend Rio Ferdinand compared him to AC Milan’s great Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf, while Wayne Rooney has also heaped praise on him.Wayne said: “I think he’s incredible for such a young age, with the maturity he’s shown. “He always seems to make the right decisions. “He has a very bright future.”No challenge seems to faze ­Kobbie — including his 15-minute cameo for England against Brazil on Saturday, which they lost 1-0.He has settled into our group with no problems at all and he looks completely at homeGareth SouthgateIt was fitting that his debut was against Brazil, as he grew up idolising silky Samba Boy Ronaldinho.At one point during the game, Kobbie showed nimble footwork the ex-Barcelona forward would have been proud of.Ahead of tonight’s match, ­manager Gareth Southgate said of Kobbie: “We put him in the team as the game went on the other day — when it was 0-0 against Brazil.“That would suggest we would be happy to put him on the pitch at any moment.“We will be mindful of how quickly we go with a young player.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He has settled into our group with no problems at all and he looks completely at home.”Some of Kobbie’s neighbours may not know him yet — but he could well be among the names this country never forgets if Southgate’s men finally win a major tournament this summer. 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      Over 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during Euros in new crackdown

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      MORE than 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during the Euros this summer.A fresh law imposed from today will force the yobs to surrender their passports to the police.Over 1,600 football hooligans and cokeheads will be banned from leaving Britain during the Euros this summerCredit: Fame FlynetAny failing to comply and trying to travel to host nation Germany faces six months in jail or an unlimited fine.Policing minister Chris Philp said: “Violence, abuse, and disorder have no place in the game we love.“The vast majority of fans are law-abiding, but we will have zero tolerance for those who disrupt this incredible event.“These measures will ensure true football fans can travel to the tournament safely and prevent hooligans from committing these crimes abroad.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe crackdown applies to 1,624 in England and Wales with football banning orders. Courts issued 682 of these five-year bans last season — the most for 12 years after possession of Class A drugs such as cocaine was added.During the month-long Euros, the sanctioned hooligans can only go abroad with the permission of the Football Banning Orders Authority. Cops will also get new powers to intercept other known louts.Most read in FootballAround 1,300 yobs were stopped from travelling to the 2022 Qatar World Cup, under banning laws covering international games, but they have now been extended to the Euros.Pub-drinking England fans are most at risk at Euros from martial arts trained football ultras More

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      My wife ‘sorted’ the ‘woke’ collar motif on our grandson’s England shirt – here’s how she did it

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      GRAN Lynne Bellinger came up with a super sub when hubby John asked her to “sort” England’s “woke” collar motif.She made an iron-on St George’s flag to cover the purple and blue emblem on the £64.99 Nike shirt John bought for grandson Bobby, 11.Bobby wearing his England shirt with pride after his gran went to workCredit: Lynn BellingerThe young England fan wore the modified shirt to Wembley to watch his heroes play BrazilCredit: Lynn BellingerAnd the home-made version wowed fans who pledged to follow the lad’s lead if they fork out a fortune on the new Euro 2024 shirtCredit: Lynn BellingerEngland and West Ham nut John Bellinger, 61, bought the shirt for Saturday’s friendly against Brazil at Wembley.But he made sure Bobby went to the game sporting an iconic red and white flag after asking his enterprising wife Lynn to bring on a substitute.Lynne, 61, used a high-tech “Cricut” machine to make a miniature replacement iron-on flag which covered up the unloved emblem hours before the game.And the home-made version wowed fans who pledged to follow the lad’s lead if they fork out a fortune on the new Euro 2024 shirt.READ MORE ON ENGLAND FLAG ROWCaterer John told The Sun: “My wife often uses her machine to make motifs for footy shirts and it took her just five minutes to produce a perfect-sized St George’s Cross.“It only cost about £1 and she ironed it on top of the badge on the back of the collar to cover up that awful woke design.“Bobby is named after England’s 1966 captain Bobby Moore – a West Ham legend who would have hated the new shirt.“And our Bobby was so proud of the badge he kept taking his jacket off at the game to show it off, even though it was freezing cold.Most read in Football“Loads of fans came up to us asking how we did it and said they would be doing the same.“It only took five minutes to make the change and I’m sure loads of England supporters will follow our lead.“If I had a tenner for every one of them that loved Bobby’s shirt I’d be able to buy Harry Kane!”Bobby appeared on TV in his shirt in the crowd close to Phil Foden when the Man City star took a corner during England’s 1-0 home defeat to Brazil.Fans, soccer legend and politicians hit out at the flag revamp when it was unveiled as the Three lions official kit for this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.But the FA have backed US-based Nike – blasted last year for using a transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney to promote womenswear – and insist the design will not be recalled.England shirt slammed by Rishi Sunak as he says St George’s Cross ‘should not be messed with’ More

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      Lauryn Goodman blasts Kyle Walker for ‘wheeling out kids’ at Wembley & says star ‘will be overweight bald nobody soon’

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      ENGLAND captain Kyle Walker’s former mistress blasted him after the three sons he has with his wife appeared at the Brazil match as mascots.Reality TV star Lauryn Goodman – who has a son and daughter with him – claimed he was using the children as ammunition in the bitter fall-out between them.Reality TV star Lauryn Goodman has claimed Kyle Walker was using children at Wembley as ammunition in the bitter feud between themCredit: PAKyle posed with mascots ahead of a friendly clash between England and Brazil this weekendCredit: Mike Egerton/PA WireA source close to Lauryn, 32, said: “It’s a shame to see children wheeled out as part of a row between adults and his many infidelities.“Lauryn couldn’t be less bothered and says he will be an overweight bald nobody soon.”Proud Kyle, 33, walked out at Wembley with Roman, 11, Riaan, seven, and Reign, five.But he later limped off with a suspected hamstring injury.READ MORE ON KYLE WALKERThe Man City defender is expecting a fourth child with wife Annie, who was also there on Saturday night.Annie was also at Wembley to support her kids and Kyle. A source said: “She remains dignified throughout the dramas, united for the sake of her three children and upcoming new born whom they are all looking forward to welcoming into the world.“Kyle is focusing on his family, Manchester City and England – and is determined to do whatever he can to contribute to their success.”Most read in FootballA spokeswoman for Kyle Walker said: “Kyle’s sons were on the pitch to share the honour of their Dad leading out England ahead of the Euros. “Previous England captains have celebrated in the same way with their families. Prem stars won’t know what’s hit them’, as wronged pair Lauryn Goodman & Rita Johal set for TV show about life of WAGS“It was a special occasion for Kyle and a proud moment for the boys which was appreciated by England fans at Wembley.”In a bombshell interview with The Sun, Kyle, 33, said he bitterly regretted betraying his “soulmate”.And he admitted making “idiot choices and idiot decisions” after sleeping with Lauryn.He added: “The man that’s meant to love, care and be there for her, did this.“There have been days in this ordeal where I’ve just wanted to curl up in a ball and go to sleep.“The only person to blame is me. I have roles and responsibilities that I’m aware of and I’ve made stupid choices. But I need to own up to my mistakes — I owe it to everyone.“My actions have caused a lot of pain to a lot of people. I’m sorry because, as a family, this isn’t meant to happen.”The Man City defender is expecting a fourth child with wife Annie Kilner, who he says he regrets betrayingCredit: GettyWalker limped off the pitch with a suspected hamstring injuryCredit: Getty More