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      Players, fans and football legends beg Gareth Southgate to stay on and lead England to victory in Germany at Euro 2024

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      PLAYERS and fans last night begged Gareth Southgate to stay on as England manager.As he arrived back in the UK from Qatar amid World Cup heartache, he said he will “reflect and review” his position.
      Southgate waves after landing with the England team at Birmingham AirportCredit: Simon Jones
      Gareth Southgate has been begged to stay on as England managerCredit: Getty
      Southgate with Kieran Trippier in Qatar before departingCredit: Reuters
      But it sparked a huge outpouring of support for Southgate to lead the Three Lions to Euro 2024 victory in Germany in 18 months.
      Midfielder Declan Rice said: “I really hope he stays.”
      But as dejected players and staff prepared to fly home, a huge swelling of support was growing for Southgate to stay on.
      England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire hailed the Three Lions’ boss as “amazing”.
      Read More on Gareth Southgate
      He said: “I’m sure if you asked every player in the team they wouldn’t be able to speak highly enough of him.”
      Ex-England keeper Peter Shilton believes the 52-year-old gaffer can end the men’s 56-year wait for a trophy.
      He said: “Southgate must stay on as England manager. We have the basis of a team that will eventually win a big trophy. The future looks bright. Keep the faith.”
      Southgate’s young guns outplayed the French world champions at the Al Bayt Stadium but were punished at key moments — while Harry Kane’s uncharacteristic penalty miss late on sealed their fate.
      Most read in Football
      Southgate — who has led England to a World Cup semi and a Euros final — is under contract until December 2024 but will now have talks with the FA over his future.
      He refused to commit to staying on for the difficult Euro 2024 campaign — where our first qualifier will be in March against our 2020 conquerors Italy.
      He said: “Whenever I’ve finished these tournaments I’ve needed time to make the correct decision.
      “Emotionally you go through so many different feelings and the energy that it takes through these tournaments is enormous.
      He’s achieved incredible, incredible things for his country. He’s been in the semi-finals, and he’s been in the finals. He’s got to do it again because there are players there, younger players, to take us forward.Paul Parker
      “I want to make the right decision, whatever that is for the team, for England, the FA. I think it is right to take time to do that.”
      Paul Parker, an Italia 90 England star, last night added to the chorus of support for him to stay.
      He said: “Gareth Southgate’s going to go back, and he will want to reflect on what happened, but he’s got to be there for the next tournament — he has to be.
      “He’s achieved incredible, incredible things for his country. He’s been in the semi-finals, and he’s been in the finals. He’s got to do it again because there are players there, younger players, to take us forward.”
      Former England manager Sam Allardyce said: “I’d be surprised if he’s not carrying on for at least the next two years. There’s nothing better as a manager than looking at a team and saying, ‘I have a very, very good squad and I have a very good team at international level’.
      “Every manager wants to work with the best and I think he’s the best England has had for many, many years.
      “More young lads are coming through, so we are getting better and hopefully more resilient.
      “And in the end, hopefully, we can clinch a tournament.”
      Emotionally you go through so many different feelings and the energy that it takes through these tournaments is enormous. I want to make the right decision, whatever that is for the team, for England, the FA. I think it is right to take time to do that.Gareth Southgate
      Man United and England legend Gary Neville wants him to remain even after his current contract ends.
      He said: “I would love Gareth to stay on for another two years. I’d love him to stay on beyond that, whether it be actually as the coach or whether it be in a role in the FA in the future.”
      Fans also pleaded for Southgate to stay after the defeat to France, while Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio was coming under mounting criticism.
      John Jackson, a 59-year-old retired joiner from Gateshead, said: “We were by far the better team against France and would have won if it wasn’t for one kick of the ball and a dodgy ref.
      “This England team is still a work in progress but there’s only one man who can lead us to victory in the Euros — and that man is Gareth Southgate.”
      England Supporters’ Band trumpeter John Hemmingham, 59, said: “It would be a disaster if we lost him now. We’ve just outplayed the world champions and don’t need a new broom to come in and sweep away all the good work he’s done.”
      Sun and TalkTV star Piers Morgan added: “Could anyone else have done better with this (very good) squad of players? I don’t think so.”
      Meanwhile, Maguire risked a fine for blasting the ref, who refused two England penalty appeals and ignored a string of French fouls. He said: “It was really, really poor.”
      Southgate was seen chatting with Kieran Trippier as the players left yesterday while Jude Bellingham, Rice and Jack Grealish waved and gave the thumbs-up to fans.
      Kane was nowhere to be seen as the rest boarded a bus to the airport.
      Read More on The Sun
      He tweeted: “Absolutely gutted. We’ve given it everything and it’s come down to a small detail which I take responsibility for.”
      Saturday night’s game was the most-watched TV event of the year, pulling in 20.4million viewers, ITV said.
      Jack Grealish gives a thumbs-up before leaving QatarCredit: Dan Charity
      Midfielder Declan Rice publicly backed his bossCredit: Reuters
      Jude Bellingham leaves the team base to fly homeCredit: Dan Charity
      Declan Rice said: ‘I really hope he stays. I love playing under him’Credit: Rex More

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      England fans spend £350million on booze in pubs as they drown their misery as Three Lions crash out of World Cup

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      ENGLAND fans launched into a massive World Cup party last night — but ended up drowning their misery as France emerged triumphant.There were despairing scenes as Gareth Southgate’s side crashed out of the competition against the defending champions.
      A Three Lions fan holds his head in his hands after more World Cup tormentCredit: Jamie Lashmar / Story Picture Agency
      One England fan sporting a No.22 shirt finds it all too tough to watchCredit: i-Images
      Fans think it’s all over as another decision goes against the Three LionsCredit: Jake Lindley / Story Picture Agency
      Punters had packed 30,000 pubs across the country and spent £350million during the quarter-final match, according to research firm GlobalData.
      Pubs and clubs threw open their doors for the knockout game as beer sales rocketed by 50 per cent on boozers’ busiest day since December 2019 — before the Covid pandemic.
      Some 23 million tuned in to watch England’s showdown with Didier Deschamps’ France side — the biggest TV sports audience since last year’s Euro 2020 final, which saw 31 million see the Three Lions lose to Italy on penalties.
      The British Beer and Pub Association said the 7pm kick-off encouraged punters to fill up their locals earlier and stay for longer.
      Read More on England
      The surge in pub sales came despite a “big freeze” triggering the RAC to tell fans to avoid roads and walk to their local instead.
      Meanwhile, thousands of supporters flooded special screenings of the game across the country.
      But one bar in Birmingham was mocked online after blowing up red, white and blue balloons for the event — the shades of the French tricolour flag.
      England fan Harry Barnes said: “Walkabout in Birmingham bringing out balloons in the French colours saying ‘it’s the Union Jack’.
      Most read in Football
      “It’s like the staff didn’t realise it was England playing, not the UK.”
      Former Three Lions stars Teddy Sheringham, 56, and David Seaman, 59, were among guests at fanzones, with supporters belting out karaoke hits such as Gala’s Freed From Desire before kick-off.
      Some 7,000 packed Manchester’s sold-out Road to Victory fanzone, while 2,000 fans flocked to Boxpark in Wembley, West London.
      Over 1,300 supporters in Newcastle queued for hours in freezing conditions after gathering as early as 1pm, six hours before the game.
      Fanzone manager Tom Brodie, 28, said: “We ordered in extra beer especially for the game. Most of it has been spilled on the floor. We’d already sold more than 3,000 pints before the game had even started.
      “There’s been a party atmosphere all day in here. The only downside is that all of our England flags have been nicked!”
      Pints finally flew as captain Harry Kane smashed home a thunderous penalty in the 54th minute.
      The goal made Kane all-time top England goal scorer with Wayne Rooney — tied on 53 goals.
      But he could not repeat the effort, missing a second penalty and leaving even former England captain David Beckham looking dejected in the stands.
      Wags including Kyle Walker’s girlfriend Annie Kilner — all wearing England shirts to cheer on their lads — could not hide their disappointment.
      But Paris erupted with joy last night as crowds celebrated the victory against England.
      Renditions of the national anthem, La Marseillaise, and Allez Les Bleus, could be heard across the freezing cold streets of the capital.
      Caroline Milou, 30, had tears of joy streaming down her cheeks, marked with the red, white and blue of the tricolour.
      She said: “If we beat England, we win the cup. We love Britain, but this is our night!”
      Caroline was celebrating in the Frog & Rosbif pub, which was packed with around 300 fans of both countries during the game.
      Luc Roncayloco, 21, said: “It was our night! I am so happy. Mbappe was superb, but so was Giroud. It was a great performance.”
      England fan Autumn Lumb, 26, was in the pub with an England flag draped around her.
      She could not hide her disappointment and said: “I knew as soon as Kane stepped up for the penalty he was going to miss.”
      George Pittard, 26, from London, said: “It’s really disappointing but expected. Kane scored one, but then missed — it’s Spurs isn’t it.”
      Meanwhile, hundreds of French fans swarmed central London to cheer on Les Bleus using an app called Frogs in London.
      The lifestyle app hosted a special screening at Zoo Bar in Leicester Square, which was “taken over” by more than 700 French expats.
      Tricolours were draped over the walls while boozy punters dined on French food and drink.
      Yohann Proveur, 29, who lives in South Kensington, said: “I live in England and have English friends, but I must be fully French today.”
      Read More on The Sun
      One England fan seen walking past a venue full of French supporters warned: “We’re going to batter you.”
      But it was not to be.
      Kyle Walker’s girlfriend Annie Kilner can’t stand the pressureCredit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs France
      David Beckham looks down and out as the game draws to an end
      Fans in Croydon hold their breath as England miss another chance against FranceCredit: PA
      A fan in Blackpool gasps as yet another decision goes against EnglandCredit: Rex More

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      Premier League stars targeted for expensive watches by gangs to pay off debts

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      PREMIER League stars are increasingly being targeted in home raids due to the watches they own, The Sun on Sunday has found.Street gangs are using expensive timepieces to buy drugs and pay off debts — and focus on footballers to get them.
      Raheem Sterling became the latest player targeted by the gang while he was away at the World CupCredit: Getty
      One gang, the Tottenham Man Dem Crew, are linked to the raid on Raheem Sterling’s home.
      The England ace, 28, flew home from Qatar after his mansion was raided by a mob who took watches and jewellery worth £300,000.
      Dele Alli, Riyad Mahrez and Andy Carroll are also among players to have had watches stolen in recent years in raids.
      An underworld source said gangs can expect to make up to £20,000 cash from selling on a watch and view it as a “low risk crime”.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALLER RAIDS
      The source said: “They are worth an awful lot of money and are very easy to transport.”
      Sterling pulled out of the England squad ahead of the 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal following the burglary at his home in Surrey.
      The Chelsea forward has three children in total, two of whom are with fiancée Paige Milian.
      Manager Gareth Southgate gave his full support over the player returning to England to support his family.
      Most read in Football
      However, the 28-year-old’s partner and kids were not at home during the robbery – despite initial reports to the contrary.
      Sterling eventually travelled back to Qatar and was part of the squad which crashed out to France in the World Cup quarter finals.
      Another Chelsea player Reece James, 22, was raided by a gang who targeted his home in Cobham, Surrey, in 2021.
      They stole his safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup and Euro 2020 medals. More

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      Alan Ball’s 1966 England World Cup winner’s medal sells for record sum at auction

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      ALAN Ball’s 1966 England World Cup winner’s medal sold for a record £252,000 at auction yesterday.The red No 7 shirt he wore in the 4-2 triumph over West Germany fetched another £164,000.
      Alan Ball’s 1966 England World Cup winner’s medal has sold for a record £252,000 at auctionCredit: M and Y Portsmouth
      And his blue England cap presented for playing in the tournament went for £145,000.
      Ball was the youngest member of the World Cup winning team, aged 21.
      The former Everton and Arsenal midfield ace died of a heart attack in 2007 aged 61.
      His mementoes were sold in 2005 to businessman Edwin Davies, former owner of Ball’s hometown club Bolton Wanderers, who died in 2018.
      Read more on World Cup
      The sum paid for the medal by the successful bidder beat the previous record of £188,000 for Nobby Styles’s World Cup winner’s gong in 2010.
      The three historic items went under the hammer at Tennants Auctioneers in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.
      Keegan Harrison, a sporting specialist at Tennants, said: “It has been a privilege to handle such an important piece of English sporting history.
      “It has been 56 years since that incredible match, but it is still very close to the hearts of all football fans.”
      Most read in Football
      Brazil great Pele’s shirt from the first half against England at the 1970 World Cup went for £33,000 at the same auction. More

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      Rishi Sunak could fly to Qatar for World Cup final to watch England make history

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      RISHI Sunak could fly to Qatar for the World Cup final if England make it through to the final.The PM is cheering on our boys from the UK for now as they face France today.
      Rishi Sunak could fly to Qatar for the World Cup final if England make it through to the finalCredit: Alamy
      He will host a number of Tory MPs with him to watch the match at his countryside retreat, Chequers.
      And he wished the boys the “best of luck” ahead of the clash.
      No10 said: “He obviously wishes Gareth and the team the best of luck.
      He knows that the team will give everything they can to try and win the match.
      Read more on World Cup
      And he may choose to jet off at the last minute to watch them play in person – if the team makes it all the way through to the end of the tournament.
      But Qatar has been hit with claims of human rights abuses of workers who put together the stadium – and ministers have warned LGBT fans to take care when they visit.
      Mr Sunak has confessed he’s a “massive football fan” and has been keenly cheering England along.
      Prince William previously said he won’t be attending any World Cup matches, despite his role as President of the FA.
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      Three Lions mascot Dave the Cat is coming home – after being adopted by Stones and Walker

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      THREE LIONS mascot Dave the Cat is coming home – after being adopted by England heroes John Stones and Kyle Walker.England heroes Stones and Walker initially pledged to rehome him if the Three Lions won the World Cup in Qatar.
      John Stones posted a pic of himself giving a thumbs up with Dave the Cat and wrote: ‘Dave’s joined us for dinner #mascot’
      The Three Lions mascot is coming home after being adopted by Stones and Kyle WalkerCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But the duo, who will line up against France in tomorrow’s quarter-final, have now vowed to take him home regardless.
      An FA source said: “We’ve been working with the Qatar Animal Welfare Society.
      “They’ve treated him for a leg injury sustained during a fight with another cat.”
      They added the mog, who strolled into the team’s base in Qatar, would live with either John, 28, or Kyle, 32.
      READ MORE ON MASCOTS
      Stones, 28, fell for the cat when he strolled into the team’s five-star training base on their first day.
      He later posted a pic of himself giving a thumbs up as the cat relaxed under his chair with the message: “Dave’s joined us for dinner #mascot.” More

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      England Wag Annie Kilner kits herself out in plunging swimsuit – but hopes partner Kyle Walker will make a splash

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      ENGLAND Wag Annie Kilner kits herself out in a plunging swimsuit — but hopes it’s her partner Kyle Walker who makes a splash tonight.The model, 30, will cheer from the stands as defender Kyle, 32, aims to stop superfast Kylian Mbappe in his tracks when the Three Lions take on France.
      Annie Kilner was all kitted out in a plunging white swimsuit
      No doubt Annie will be relying on Kylian Mbappe’s form to take a dip, with her husband given the tough job of tackling the French forwardCredit: WCNP
      Kyle and Annie tied the knot at the beginning of 2022Credit: Getty
      No doubt she’ll be relying on Kylian’s form to take a dip . . . 
      Kyle will be given the tough job of tackling the flying French forward in the World Cup quarter-final.
      Annie Kilner and Kyle Walker started dating in their teens.
      They were together for over nine years before splitting in May 2019.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      Walker was dumped by Annie after reality star Laura Brown opened up about romps in the England ace’s £200k Bentley.
      However, the couple got married at the beginning of 2022, putting their troubles behind them.
      The England star proposed last year with a £250,000 engagement ring.
      Annie and Kyle have three sons together: Roman, Riaan and Reign.
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      I’m an England superfan and I’m so sure we’ll win the World Cup I’ve had a tattoo done

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      SUPERFAN Dennis Pope is so sure England will win the World Cup he has updated his ill-fated 2018 tattoo.Dennis, 25, paid £40 four years ago to have “England World Cup Winners 2018” inked on to his right calf.
      Dennis has updated the tattoo he got four years ago when he was sure England would win the 2018 World Cup
      He’s now sure that England will beat 3-1 in tomorrow night’s quarter-final, and go on to become this year’s champions
      But his hopes were dashed when they were beaten by Croatia in the semi-finals in Russia.
      Plasterer Dennis is now backing England to beat France 3-1 in tomorrow night’s quarter-final in Qatar — and has updated his inking to prove it.
      His original tattoo remains, but with a red cross through 2018 and 2022 inked below it.
      New dad Dennis said: “We’ve waited for a moment like this.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 202
      “This is it. If there was a time, it’s right now. Kane to score twice and Rashford to add a third. I would even settle for a Harry Maguire header. We can beat anyone.”
      Dennis, of Blackpool, said of his original tattoo: “It wasn’t meant to be and we lost to Croatia in the semis but I didn’t regret getting the tattoo in the slightest.
      “It’s a reminder of wonderful memories and how close we came. This time though, it feels different.” More