The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Millions to cheer on celebs and footie stars today at fundraising match Game4Ukraine

      by

      MILLIONS will today cheer on celebs and footie stars in a Ukraine fundraising match — with the biggest roar at a school blitzed by Russia.Teachers and pupils will tune in to watch the Game4Ukraine — which hopes to raise £1.3million to rebuild the school
      Alex Zinchenko, right, and former Ukrainian international Andriy Shevchenko will take part in Game4UkraineCredit: AFP
      The players pose with President Zelensky as they revealed plans for the fundraiserCredit: AFP
      Shevchenko and Zinchenko survey the damage in Mykhailo-KotsiubynskCredit: AFP
      The televised match at Chelsea FC is the idea of Ukraine footie legend Andriy Shevchenko and Arsenal’s Ukrainian ace Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      Among those playing will be Gianfranco Zola, Robert Pires, X Factor star James Arthur and comic Russell Howard.
      The Mykhailo-Kotsiubynsky school’s head Mykola Shpak, said: “We cannot thank people enough.”
      The terrified youngsters cowered in a basement as the missile slammed into their science block, wiping out three entire classrooms and badly damaging scores more.
      READ MORE ON THE GAME4UKRAINE
      The kids then endured a month of hell as Putin’s troops occupied their remote village near Chernihiv, abducting and murdering locals and smashing down doors to steal food.
      Former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and Chelsea’s women coach Emma Hayes will manage the two sides who will play in Ukraine colours as the Yellow Team and the Blue team. More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Gisele Bundchen shows off her incredible abs as ex Tom Brady invests in Birmingham City

      by

      GISELE Bundchen doubles up her denim after being unveiled as the face of Colcci’s latest fashion campaign.The Brazilian model wore hot pants and a jacket with a white crop top and also showed a pair of thigh-high denim boots.
      Gisele shows she suits blue in new modelling shots for fashion firm ColcciCredit: Capture Media Agency
      Gisele’s ex Tom Brady has emerged as a shock investor in Birmingham CityCredit: Instagram @bcfc
      Gisele, 43, was unveiled as the brand’s latest big name signing yesterday after working with them on and off for over a decade.
      It was her first big job after her ex-husband, NFL player Tom Brady, revealed he was the co-owner of Birmingham City.
      Worth a reported £400million, Brady will work directly with the club’s board after “entering into a partnership” with new owner Knighthead Capital Management LLC.
      The ace, who recently retired from NFL after a stunning 23-year career and seven Super Bowl wins, admitted he has got “a lot to learn” about the English game.
      READ MORE TOM BRADY
      Since their split last year, Tom, 46, has now moved on with supermodel Irina Shayk.
      Gisele said of their split: “Sometimes you grow together; sometimes you grow apart.
      “When I was 26 years old and he was 29 years old, we met, we wanted a family, we wanted things together.
      “As time goes by, we realize that we just wanted different things, and now we have a choice to make.”
      Most read in Football More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood gets HUGE boost as he bids to return to Manchester United squad ahead of new season

      by

      MASON Greenwood’s teammates would support his return to Old Trafford, it was claimed.Sources say senior players at Manchester United believe the suspended 21-year-old striker has been left in “limbo” after charges including attempted rape were withdrawn.
      Manchester United players would not object if Mason Greenwood was brought back into the squadCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Talks over the player’s future continue following the conclusion of a five-month club probe into his arrest.
      But a source said: “All the players believe he deserves a second chance because he’s innocent in the eyes of the law.
      “He didn’t have the opportunity to clear his name in court because the charges were dropped, so the players feel like he has been left in limbo.
      “They know it will be difficult but they are willing to support him through it, and protect him.
      READ MORE MASON GREENWOOD
      “Some of the younger players came through the academy with him so there’s a loyalty to him.
      “They know he’s made mistakes but the lads who’ve spoken to him say he’s grown up a lot in the past 18 months and will come back a lot wiser.”
      Greenwood, who became a father last month, has been suspended on full pay, around £75,000 a week, since his arrest in January 2022.
      He was charged last October with attempted rape, sexual assault and controlling behaviour, and a trial set for this November.
      Most read in Football
      But prosecutors withdrew the case in February.
      There is a growing belief at the club that he can now rebuild his career with the new Prem season just a week away. It could see him return, or get loaned abroad.
      We also revealed last week talks about Greenwood with main club sponsor Adidas were “positive”.
      Greenwood, driven by his dad in Manchester yesterday, was valued at around £50million.
      Fans with replica shirts bearing his name were then told they could swap them after his arrest.
      Mason Greenwood is currently subject to an internal investigation at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Wrexham FC’s Ryan Reynolds invites Hollywood megastar to be VIP guest at club’s first home game of the season

      by

      HE has invited stars including David Beckham, Will Ferrell and Emma Corrin to watch Wrexham FC play.And now Ryan Reynolds has enlisted Hollywood star Hugh Jackman to join him at their first home game against MK Dons on Saturday.
      Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has been inviting huge names to come and watch the matchesCredit: Getty
      An insider said: “Hugh is a big fan of football and has been invited to go to the Wrexham game today.
      “The fans are getting used to seeing a stream of famous faces but having Hugh in the stands will go down a treat.”
      With Ryan and his business partner Rob McElhenny’s support Wrexham got promoted last season and now have their sights set on reaching the top.
      Ryan said: “Of course our goal is to get to the Premier League – why wouldn’t it be, if we can do that?
      READ MORE ON RYAN REYNOLDS
      “Whether it takes five years, whether it takes 20 years, that’s the goal, that’s the mission.”
      Generous Ryan got fans into the party spirit when they got through to League Two.
      The Sun revealed how he splashed £40,000 on whisky for punter’s at the ground’s pub, the Turf.
      A source said: “Ryan has been nothing but generous to Wrexham fans for their support but they were stunned when he handed over the vintage whisky.
      Most read in Football
      “He had invited fans to sample some of the booze last week and then left 40 bottles for them to enjoy on Saturday after the match.
      “The bottles cost £1,000 a-piece but the fans made light work of them.
      “They partied into the early hours and a few people were seen swilling from the bottles on Sunday morning when the Turf opened again.”
      Hollywood star Paul Rudd was also seen celebrating with fans, while Rob took a turn behind the bar.
      The source added: “Rob gave the Turf bar staff a break by taking a shift and pulling pints after the result.
      “Paul was there too. What with them and Ryan’s whisky – it was a night to remember.”
      Insiders said Ryan, who is worth a reported £280million, showed his gratitude to the club’s players and backroom staff with another celebration on Sunday.
      “Ryan took everyone out for a slap up Sunday lunch,” the source continued.
      “It was a historic moment for the club and Ryan wanted to make sure they did something proper to mark it.”
      Footage from the stands showed Ryan and Rob crying as the final whistle went.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ryan said: “One thing that’s running through my head over-and-over again is people said at the beginning: ‘Why Wrexham, why Wrexham?’ this is exactly why Wrexham.
      “What’s happening right now is why.”
      Hugh Jackman will be sat in the stands at the club in support of Ryan’s ventureCredit: Rex More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish wears £2,000 Dolce & Gabbana pyjamas to restaurant after sporting nightwear on Man City night out

      by

      PARTY boy Jack Grealish enjoyed a quieter night out with his family and looked ready for bed after rocking up in his pyjamas!The England star, 27, wined and dined his girlfriend Sasha Attwood, mum Karen and his sisters Kiera and Hollie at a posh restaurant wearing this Dolce & Gabbana outfit – believed to have cost him around £2,000.
      Jack Grealish looks ready for bed as he wears his PJs on a night out with his family
      Jack has worn this unusual outfit before, but in blackCredit: Twitter
      Back in June the Man City midfielder wore the same outfit in black for a night out with his teammate Erling Haaland – who also donned the same D&G outfit, albeit in yellow.
      The midfielder has already worked with BooHooMAN and Puma – and last year he became an ambassador for luxury brand Gucci.
      Grealish was tipped for a Calvin Klein contract after regularly taking his top off amid Man City’s treble winning celebrations and revealing his CK boxer shorts.
      The popular star has been dubbed “the most marketable footballer since David Beckham,” with brands desperate to get a piece of the player.
      read more on jack grealish
      “One of the reasons why organisations are queueing up to try and work with Grealish is because he does not yet realise that he is more than just an elite level sports person, he is actually now a global brand,” said brand marketing expert Andy Barr in June.
      Grealish partied throughout the summer with trips to Las Vegas and Ibiza – where he was spotted enjoying himself with female companions.
      Before he jetted off to the Balearic Islands the England international splashed a five-figure sum on a romantic getaway to the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France – with his childhood sweetheart Sasha.
      Sasha, who has been with the midfielder on and off since they were 16, meanwhile was on holiday in the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
      Most read in Sport
      Despite his antics on the party island they are still together and Sasha jetted to Dubai last month just days after her boyfriend went there to begin pre-season training.
      City also toured Japan and South Korea during pre-season and will kick off their campaign this Sunday when they take on Arsenal in the FA Community Shield. More

    • 288 Shares139 Views

      in Motorsport

      I was a video game nut until Nissan let me race real cars – now I’m the inspiration for Hollywood movie Gran Turismo

      by

      THE first time Jann Mardenborough sat behind the wheel of a racing car in 2011, his only experience of being on a track was in a video game.The teenager had failed his driving test for being too hesitant and he had only tried out a go-kart at a friend’s birthday.
      Jann Mardenborough celebrates on the winners’ podium at the 2015 GP3 race in Sochi, RussiaCredit: Getty
      Archie Madekwe, Geri Horner and Dijimon Hounsou as Jann’s dadCredit: Alamy
      Archie As Jann in the movieCredit: Alamy
      Yet, aged just 19, he found himself clocking 185mph around Silverstone’s Grand Prix circuit as he competed for the chance to be a professional racer.
      Now the story of how he won Nissan’s innovative GT Academy programme to transform young PlayStation talents into motor racing stars has inspired a Hollywood film, Gran Turismo.
      Starring Orlando Bloom, Stranger Things star David Harbour and Geri Halliwell, it tells how Jann overcame the odds — and a horrific crash — to prove that gamers can earn a place on a real race circuit’s starting grid.
      Out of all Nissan’s Academy graduates, Jann, now 31, rose the highest and stayed in the sport the longest.
      READ MORE MOTORSPORT NEWS
      He reached the podium in the gruelling Le Mans 24-hour race, won in Formula 3 and was signed by Formula 1 team Red Bull’s chief Christian Horner.
      Jann, who grew up in Ely, Cardiff — which was hit by riots after the fatal crash of two schoolboys on an electric bike in May — showed that he could keep up with the rich kids who dominate the sport.
      The traditional way into racing is via go-karting, often starting at the age of six, but it costs around £200,000 a year to compete at European level.
      Big chance
      Since the GT Academy closed in 2016 most youngsters can only dream of being on the winners’ podium.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Current top Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen’s dad Jos is a former F1 driver too and Jann,, who loved cars from a young age, says: “There is zero way for a normal, regular person to enter motorsports at a level I have competed at without a competition like GT Academy. It doesn’t exist.
      “They could find somebody with the talent of ­Verstappen, but we don’t know who it is, as they don’t have the opportunity.”
      In the beginning, for Jann — played in the film by Archie Madekwe — it was a challenge simply to be allowed to use his PlayStation.
      He started gaming well before you could earn a living from electronic sports — better known as esports — so his mum Lesley and dad Steve, an ex-journeyman footballer who played for Cardiff City and Wolves, did not approve of his obsession.
      Jann says: “They would turn the internet off during those times when I would ignore them.”
      His big chance for real racing glory came after businessman Darren Cox dreamed up the idea of putting the best Gran Turismo game players into actual high-powered vehicles.
      Starting in 2008, those with the fastest virtual track times could go on to spend a week at Silverstone competing to see who could handle the life-and-death speeds of real racing.
      Jann had to wait three years for his chance, because contestants had to be over 18 and have a driving licence.
      He only passed his test at the second attempt, and recalls: “I failed the first one because I was too hesitant on a roundabout. I don’t know why, it just happened. It’s a black mark.”
      There was no such hesitancy when he won a place at the Academy, ­beating 90,000 other PlayStation fans.
      He recalls: “My first time driving on the motorway was to the GT Academy finals and I wasn’t sure if the car would make it.
      “I’d never driven on a track, I’d never driven a car over 135 horsepower. All I had was Gran Turismo.”
      Suddenly he found himself putting on a helmet and climbing into a 485-horsepower Nissan GT-R sports car, competing with 11 other finalists at the Silverstone circuit in Northants.
      He recalls: “I was just overwhelmed by adrenalin. I’m doing 185mph down the Wellington Straight. It’s the fastest I had ever gone in my life and it was painful for me to think about going home and never experiencing this again.”
      Jann on the Nissan Academy simulator in 2012Credit: Patrick Gosling
      A snap from Jann’s Instagram account in 2015 as he prepares to race
      Unlike in a computer game, there is no reset button if you smash up a real car that can do 200mph, but Jann knew that being cautious could only result in defeat.
      He says: “You have to go over the limit, and that means crashing.
      “The reason people do karting at six years old is that you can go off the track and tune that feeling, so that when they jump in the car they know where the limit is. I didn’t have that.”
      But despite being up against drivers who all had some race track ­experience, Jann managed to win.
      Two weeks later he moved to Northampton to join a development programme, which included a tough fitness regime coupled with psychological testing.
      At his first proper competition outside the academy he experienced a backlash against “sim racers” — those whose experience is limited to ­simulated racing — with one arrogant driver telling Jann to let him pass.
      The top racer told the newcomer: “If you see me in your mirrors, don’t fight me, let me go.”
      Jann recalls: “That didn’t happen because the guy was in my mirrors.”
      In his first season in the British GT Championships he achieved three podium finishes, including one win, and the British Racing Drivers’ Club awarded him Rising Star status.
      The following year he finished third in the legendary Le Mans race and in 2014 Christian Horner signed Jann to his Arden International GP3 team.
      By then his mum Lesley had a lot more to worry about than the risk of Jann becoming addicted to computer gaming.
      He rolled one car in the Netherlands in 2012 and a year later another racer’s car was sent flying into the air after clipping the front wing of Jann’s vehicle.
      He tried his best to reassure his parents, and recalls: “I remember sitting at the dinner table, telling them the cars have roll cages, we have fire proof underwear, fireproof socks.
      “That did bring her down a little bit. I was going racing regardless, even if you say no, but it gave me a feeling to know my mother was calm when she saw me on the screen when something terrible happened.” And in March 2015 something terrible did happen at Germany’s Nurburgring Grand Prix race track — nicknamed The Green Hell by three times F1 champion Sir Jackie Stewart.
      As Jann came over the brow of a hill, a gust of wind lifted the front end of his car off the Tarmac. His Nissan GT-R somersaulted through the air, bouncing several times, then cleared the safety fence.
      Tragically, one spectator was killed as the car landed on a high bank.
      Jann was flown to hospital by helicopter, but his injuries were not found to be life-threatening. However, finding out someone had died in the crash was tough, and he recalls: “You are there, you are lonely — it’s dark, it’s very dark.”
      Jann has never seen footage of the fatal crash and didn’t watch the scene in the movie.
      He says: “I couldn’t watch it, I have never seen it.
      “It’s uncomfortable, I know exactly what happened. It’s not so easy, but it needs to be in there.”
      Race officials decided Jann was not to blame for the incident and within a week his team told their star to get back in a car.
      In the movie Geri Halliwell — the real-life wife of Christian Horner — plays Jann’s mum Lesley, and she impressed both mother and son with her portrayal, especially the crash scene where Lesley reacts to the sight of her son coming close to death.
      Jann says of his mum: “She loved it. She had her phone number and they would be speaking regularly. Geri would want to know how I would act in this situation.
      “Everybody knows Geri Halliwell, but now she is playing my mum. It’s weird, it’s so crazy, so far-fetched.
      “She did it perfectly. She nailed it.”
      Today Jann is still in the race game, most recently taking Nissans round hairpin bends in Japan. He says: “I have got a long time left in the tank.”
      And he thinks the movie should persuade motorsport’s money men to give more ordinary kids like him a chance to get revved up on the Grand Prix race track.
      He says: “I hope the Gran Turismo movie will inspire some private money, whether it be manufacturers or big multinational companies.
      “If they want to change motorsport, make it more accessible, you have to start there.
      “I’m a product of the GT Academy and Nissan and Sony took a big risk back then.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s proof that it works — there’s my career, a movie, the proof of what I achieved.”

      Gran Turismo: Based On A True Story is in cinemas from Wednesday.

      The movie’s cast, Maximilian Mundt, Geri Halliwell, Orlando Bloom and Archie Madekwe at the Canne’s Film Festival in MayCredit: Getty
      Geri plays Jann’s mum Lesley in the movieCredit: Getty
      Gran Turismo: Based On A True Story is in cinemas from August 9 More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish heads to training in personalised £210,000 Lamborghini wrapped in Man City colours

      by

      MANCHESTER City star Jack Grealish is pictured for the first time at the wheel of his new £210,000 Lamborghini.The 27-year-old midfielder arrived for training yesterday in the blue Performante Urus he bought after his side won the Treble in June.
      Jack Grealish was seen for the first time driving his new £210,000 LamborghiniCredit: Cavendish
      Grealish lifted the Champions League last seasonCredit: Getty
      It was wrapped by celebrity car customiser Yianni Charalambous, who previously showed it off on Instagram, adding: “So there it is guys, it is completed, Lamborghini Performante, tiffany blue.
      “This car belongs to Jack Grealish, the Man City Premier League winner.
      “Yes, he took it away from Arsenal, however he wanted his car wrapped.
      “I think it works perfectly, especially as he plays for Man City, and there it is in all its glory. An incredible looking car.
      READ MORE ON Jack Grealish
      “Nice choice of colour. It’s going to look great on the training ground.”
      Grealish lifted the Prem, Champions League, and the FA Cup last season.

      Charalambous, who runs Yiannimize, has customised several footballers’ cars in the past, including Sergio Aguero, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Didier Drogba.
      He claims to be best friends with former Arsenal and City defender Bacary Sagna, and has also been seen on TV as the star of Dave TV’s Yianni: Supercar Customiser.
      Most read in Sport
      The 27-year-old midfielder also celebrated the Prem winCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      How Lioness Lauren James could become first female Pele and brother Reece claims she’s better than some male Prem stars

      by

      ONCE upon a time little girls dreamt of being fairytale princesses and finding their happy ever after with a handsome prince.Today they fantasise about becoming England centre-forwards . . . and bagging the winning goal in a World Cup final. Thank God.
      Lauren’s performance this World Cup has been nothing short of sensational. She is a household name now, but she only made her senior England debut last SeptemberCredit: Getty
      Lauren learning the games as a child, with brother ReeceCredit: Instagram @laurennjjames
      Lauren with brother Reece, 23 — of Chelsea and England fame — and former footballer dad NigelCredit: Instagram
      Lauren James is leading the charge, inspiring a whole generation of females following her very own ­foot-perfect tournament Down Under.
      “It’s what dreams are made of,” she said fittingly on Tuesday night after her two-goal, woman-of-the-match, 6-1 demolition of China, which also saw her set up three goals.
      Lauren’s performance this World Cup has been nothing short of sensational. She may be a household name now, but the 21-year-old only made her senior England debut last September — so it’s been a meteoric rise.
      For long-time followers of the ­Lionesses — of which there are now millions — her performances really aren’t that out of the blue.
      READ MORE ON LAUREN JAMES
      As her big brother, Reece, 23 — of Chelsea and England fame — once declared: “I believe she is the best women’s footballer in the world and will be for the next ten to 15 years.
      “She’s technically better than some Premier League players.”

      By this, he meant the men. And he’s absolutely, categorically correct.
      The Chelsea Women’s Super League star has a technical nous, brains and feel for the game like few others.
      Most read in Football
      She is also refreshingly down to earth. Says one pal: “Lauren doesn’t play football for fame or money — she plays because she’s been in love with the game since the age of four.
      ‘First female Pele’
      “She’s never ridden off her brother’s coat-tails or asked him for handouts or contacts. Instead, she’s quietly been ploughing her own field and doing all of this on her own.
      “She works and trains so hard and is a hugely popular figure in the changing room.
      “Lauren is only 21 and really does have the world at her feet.”
      Despite her success, she doesn’t yet have the social media presence of her male sibling.
      While Reece boasts 1.4million and nearly 3million followers on Twitter and Instagram respectively, his talented sibling has 205,000 and 550,000 which, in advertising and sponsorship revenue terms, is quite a gulf.
      But with England now through to the World Cup final 16, and facing a game against Nigeria on Monday, Lauren’s popularity and earning potential will only rise. Already Nike-sponsored, further highly lucrative endorsement deals are sure to follow.
      Celebrity agent Jonathan Shalit — who has guided the careers of stars including TV judge Simon Cowell, actor Dame Joan Collins plus singers Charlotte Church and Katherine Jenkins — tips her to become one of the game’s first multi-millionaires.
      He says: “I absolutely love Lauren, who is an incredible inspiration to young sportsmen and ladies.
      “If England win the World Cup, Lauren deserves to be the first £50,000 a week women’s player.
      “Already she is ­destined to become a multi-millionaire, but she will be by Christmas if England win the tournament.
      “She could be the first female Pele, and is young enough to compete in four World Cups for England, which is astonishing.
      “Brands will be fighting for her — Nike to keep hold of her — and H&M, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, MAC, Urban Outfitters, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Prada, Louis Vuitton, etc to get her in their products.
      “She has vast appeal to a huge demographic and is a supremely talented young woman.”
      Unlike so many footballers, however, Lauren’s Instagram is refreshingly unflashy. Less Lamborghini on a Cannes beachfront, more grinding away on the training ground Wattbike.
       Her photos are mainly ­trackie-bum filled, or snaps of match day action.
      Lauren — promoting the World Cup in Oz, right — isn’t a fake eyelash, long-nailed, filler-filled Insta type. She’s a sportswoman. And almost every month, it seems she makes history.
       For starters, never in modern top-flight football have a brother and sister represented England.
      The offspring of former footballer dad Nigel — a defender who was on Aldershot’s books when he suffered a broken ankle in a motorbike accident and turned to coaching — the pair grew up playing the game together, alongside eldest brother Joshua.
      In an interview with The Sun last October for Black History Month, Lauren cited tennis aces Venus and Serena ­Williams as her heroes.
      Not so much as a whiff of influencer on her radar, then. Instead, Lauren is open about her ambitions — ones which extend beyond the touchlines. She explains: “To be a global icon and break down barriers is something that I also hope to do in the future. The credit has to go to the Williams women, as well as their father, who played a big ­supporting role, just like our dad.
      “My dad Nigel’s Grenadian ­heritage has been massive in our upbringing and given us a better understanding of different cultures.
      Sexist attitudes
      “I am proud to have that part of me, alongside my mum being English. It is just lovely to have it all.” Lauren is rapidly garnering a huge fanbase among impressionable kids — exactly the kind of woman they should be inspired by.
      Of their formative years growing up in south west London, dad Nigel proudly recalls: “It was just about playing. I used to set challenges in the back garden, and if they did well at that I’d give them 20p and then another 20p. Before you know, you’ve changed up £20 into 20ps and they’re all gone!
      “It became fun. The key thing was that they were doing the right things.
      “If you don’t know the standard you have to set yourself then there is no way they will improve.
      “In the end they pushed themselves to get better. I was doing it as work and they came into training with me so it was like, ‘If you want to be good at this, this is what you have to do’.”
      While many men in the game have been depressingly slow to back their female star counterparts, defender Reece has always been a big supporter. I interviewed him last October and, tellingly, he began the chat with talk of his sister.
      He called for women to be paid more in line with male footie stars and slammed outdated sexist attitudes to women’s football. He said: “I think maybe in the last five years the women’s game has come on — especially from them winning the Euros.
      “It’s put them on a much bigger stage. Most games are televised now and the women’s game is moving in the right direction. I don’t think it’s going to go backwards and that includes pay.
      Lauren in action against Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League in OctoberCredit: Getty
      Lauren won Player of the Match in England’s World Cup victory over ChinaCredit: Getty
      Lauren — promoting the World Cup in OzCredit: Getty
      “As it develops, and the teams and players and quality get higher — the pay, the fans, everything will match it.
      “It’s come a long way. It’s still got a long way to go.”
      With heroes like his sister at the fore, it won’t be long, surely, before we finally see parity between the sexes.
      Until then, it is Lauren’s time to roar.
      SIBLINGS HIT THE HEIGHTS
      LAUREN and Reece James are not the only siblings to represent their country at international level. And sometimes it is the women who outshine their brothers on the biggest stage . . .
      ENIOLA & SONE ALUKO
      England ace Eniola Aluko with Ipswich player brother SoneCredit: Getty
      ENIOLA was one of the Lionesses’ greatest forwards, scoring 33 times in 102 senior appearances for her country.
      The attacker, 36, won the Women’s Super League three times with Chelsea, the women’s Serie A with Juventus, played for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics and became a TV pundit.
      Her younger brother Sone, 34, played for England at youth level, but got seven senior caps for Nigeria. He is now with Championship side Ipswich Town.
      RIANA & RADJA NAINGGOLAN
      Siblings Riana, right, and Radja Nainggolan have both played for Roma and ItalyCredit: Twitter
      THE 35-year-old Belgian twins both played for Roma in Italy and represented their country at the highest level.
      But heavily tattooed Radja, who was criticised for smoking, played 30 times for Belgium while Riana has just one cap.
      That didn’t stop her once saying: “We kind of have the same style, only he is the male form and I’m the female form. If Radja was a girl too, I would be better.”
      SIMONA NECIDOVA & TOMAS NECID
      Simona Necidova played in the women’s Champions League for Slavia Prague and brother Tomas Necid also played for Slavia Prague’sCredit: extra.cz/fotka
      CZECH defender Simona, 29, has been capped 32 times by her country and has played in the women’s Champions League for Slavia Prague.
      Her striker brother Tomas, 33, also played for Slavia Prague and scored 12 times in 44 games for his country. The siblings both continue to play as pros in their homeland.
      MELANIA & MANOLO GABBIADINI
      Now-retired Melania, 39, played 114 times for Italy, brother Manolo, 31, had a spell at SouthamptonCredit: Twitter
      MELANIA may not have merited the huge transfer fees commanded by her younger brother Manolo – but she has enjoyed more success on the sports field.
      Read More on The Sun
      During her career the now-retired Melania, 39, played 114 times for Italy and scored 45 goals.
      Manolo, 31, has 13 caps, but proved under- whelming during a spell at Southampton after signing for £14million in 2017. More