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      in Soccer

      England hero Bukayo Saka hailed by Jadon Sancho for penalty heroics 3 years after they both suffered vile racist abuse

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      ENGLAND hero Bukayo Saka was yesterday saluted by a former Three Lions team-mate who shared his pain when they were targeted by trolls.Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford all suffered vile online abuse after missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.Jadon Sancho hailed Bukayo Saka’s courage after his incredible performance against SwitzerlandBrave Saka slotted home his penalty to help England reach another semi-finalCredit: PAJadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford in the 2020 finalCredit: APSancho has now hailed Saka’s courage after the Arsenal star scored a late equaliser before exorcising his spot-kick demons to help knock out Switzerland.Sancho, 24, wrote on Instagram: “I’m so proud of this guy! You did it for me and Marcus brother.”The Manchester United star, on loan to Borussia Dortmund, added a heart and a V-for-victory sign beside the message: “My boys”.Sancho and United striker Rashford, 26, did not make it into the squad who on Saturday got to a second successive Euros semi- final — this time to face the Netherlands on Wednesday night.Read More on FootballTogether with Saka, 22, they had been deluged with racist posts that sparked a police probe.But devout Christian Saka told how his faith gave him strength, and how he had used the hurt “to make me stronger”.Speaking immediately after the shoot-out that sparked huge celebrations among fans in Germany and back home in England, Saka said: “You can fail once but you have a choice if you put yourself in that position or not again.“I’m a guy who is going to put myself in that position. I believed in myself. And when I saw the ball hit the back of the net, I was a very happy man.”Most read in FootballYesterday he said of the dreaded long walk to the penalty spot: “I try to focus on success. If I think about failing or missing it gets me worried and gets me tense.“But I was pretty relaxed because I have taken many penalties this season and I’ve scored all of them, so I was confident.”Bukayo Saka scores his penalty and celebratesCredit: EPAStuart Pearce told The Sun: ‘Bukayo’s journey has been a lot tougher than mine’Credit: GettyEngland’s penalty shoot-out secretsSaka fell to his knees as Trent Alexander-Arnold converted the fifth penalty to win the game.He said: “I got on my knees straight away to thank God because I knew what it was like for me at the last penalties shoot-out for England. Then I got up and saw everyone running and just chased after everyone.“To have that moment with the fans was special and I really enjoyed it.”Saluting goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, he added: “Every time we go to a shoot-out, he has always saved one. It was perfect timing for him to save the first one because it made our takers more relaxed.”Substitute Luke Shaw revealed how Saka’s delight continued while listening to music on his headphones on the plane back to England’s base camp.He said: “He was vibing on his own — he had his earphones in and he was dancing.”Meanwhile, England legend Stuart Pearce — who missed a key penalty against Germany in the 1990 World Cup, then famously roared after blasting home against Spain at Euro ’96 — told The Sun: “Bukayo’s journey has been a lot tougher than mine.“He’s had to go through social media incriminations and horrible racist abuse. “Yet Bukayo has come through that and put himself up again. His courage was there for all to see. I’m very proud of him.”Pearce, now a talkSPORT pundit, also paid tribute to Pickford, who studied every Swiss penalty taker meticulously before the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESPictures after the shoot-out showed the Everton shot-stopper wrote notes on his water bottle on which way to dive for each Swiss player.Pearce said: “You can always feel really confident that he’s going to stop at least one — and that’s just what he did.”3 Lions move up a gearTWO of England’s penalty heroes switch the rollercoaster ride of the shoot-out for a bike ride.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ivan Toney, who both scored spot kicks in Saturday’s quarter-final win over Switzerland, cycled around England’s team camp.Trent’s Liverpool team-mate Joe Gomez was also with them.Elsewhere, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, two of the other penalty takers, recovered from their exertions with a dip in the pool at the Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land in Blankenhain.The players are allowed to carry out leisure activities on certain days, with some playing golf and racket sport padel.But the rule within the camp is that two days before matches such recreational activity stops, with the focus on preparing for the upcoming game.Coreden’s play held for resultBy Robin PerrieACTOR James Corden delayed his theatre show for the penalty shootout.He, Anna Maxwell Martin and Zachary Hart put an iPad on a table on stage and narrated the action for The Constituent audience at London’s Old Vic.James said: “We were in costume and saw lots of phones lit up — it wasn’t the time to start a serious play! It was a glorious collective experience. One of my favourite moments.”Carla Feltham, 37, from Bristol, said the political drama started ten minutes late but added: “It was perfect. No one minded.”Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ivan Toney cycled around England’s team campCredit: GettyHero Saka recovered from his exertions with a dip at the Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land in BlankenhainCredit: GettyJude Bellingham also enjoyed a plunge in the pool at the England base campCredit: GettyEngland star Saka can’t stop smiling in ‘adorable’ interview after scoring penalty in Euro 2024 shootout vs Switzerland More

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      Man found guilty of headbutting ex-football hardman Roy Keane is appealing his conviction

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      A MAN found guilty of headbutting football hard man Roy Keane  is appealing his conviction.Scott Law, 43, was  convicted last month of assaulting the former Man United captain at a match last September.Scott Law was convicted of assaulting Roy KeaneCredit: EnterpriseLaw headbutted Keane while the former player was working as a pundit, a judge ruledCredit: GettyA judge ruled Law had headbutted the pundit and pushed him through doors at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium for cheering a United goal.The married dad of two, who claimed he was acting in self-defence, was given a 12-month community order and a three-year match ban.Following the sentencing, civil engineer Law declined to comment when asked if he was sorry for the attack, but his lawyer confirmed he is planning to appeal the conviction.Reading a statement outside the court on his client’s behalf, Charles Sherrard KC said: “Given that I was found guilty by a judge who excluded me, at times, from my own trial, and by a prosecution that deprived me of key footage for my defence, I most definitely plan to appeal this conviction.”READ MORE ON ROY KEANEDuring the trial, Law was accused of making an “obscene gesture” at the star, before walking up to the lift lobby at club level, where he launched what Prosecutor Simon Jones KC described as a “shocking and unlawful attack”.Giving evidence Keane said: “I was just walking and before I knew it, I was hit. I was absolutely not expecting it.”He added: “The only way I can describe it is that I was in shock. I didn’t expect it to happen, not when I was in my workplace.”Now Law, of Waltham Abbey, Essex, has lodged an appeal against both his conviction and sentence.Most read in FootballA date for the hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, East London, has yet to be set. Man Utd legend Roy Keane reveals why he last cried in touching moment More

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      Bukayo Saka buries demons to score penalty after stunning equaliser to help England slay Swiss to reach Euros semi

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      LIONHEARTED Bukayo Saka buried his demons last night to score a penalty in England’s Euros quarter-final shoot-out win.The team blew away their spot-kick hoodoo with a brilliant 5-3 triumph over Switzerland.Bukayo Saka buried his Euro 2020 final demons to bag one of the penalties, after scoring the equaliser in normal timeCredit: AFPIt was a moment of redemption for 22-year-old Arsenal star SakaCredit: PAThe England squad celebrate after the winning kickCredit: GettyBukayo Saka poses for a snap with his Vivo Player of the Match awardCredit: GettyAnd it was a moment of redemption for 22-year-old Arsenal star Saka, who missed a penalty during the Euro 2020 final against Italy three years ago.After the game Saka, who was named player of the match, said: “I’m going to put it up there. Special. How we fought back and to go to penalties.“Last time we took a penalty shoot-out at the Euros we know what happened.“I believed. I felt like we dominated the whole game and the chance would come and I took it. I’m proud of myself for that.READ MORE ON EURO 2024“I think it shows how much we want to win this tournament. Hopefully, next game we can win in 90 minutes but if this is what it takes, we will do anything!”Speaking about his penalty miss at the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 final, Saka said: “I have faith in God.“To come back from something like that’s really difficult. Today I took the chance.”Thousands of England fans packed into the Dusseldorf Arena, and millions more back home, grimaced as the tight match ended 1-1 after extra time.Most read in Euro 2024But Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions stars blasted home all five of their penalties, with keeper Jordan Pickford saving one Swiss effort, to book a place in Wednesday’s semi-final in Dortmund.Bukayo Saka reacts to England’s penalty shootout victory over SwitzerlandSouthgate, overseeing his 100th match in charge of the national team, said of the shoot-out win: “We have done a lot of work on it. We’ve won three out of four shoot-outs now.“In the end the players have to do it and deliver. For players to come into the game and do what they did, for someone like Bukayo and what he’s been through to go through that pressure [is great].”He added: “I thought the players were brilliant. It’s the best we have played. To come from behind and show character and resilience we did . . . it isn’t just about playing well. It was so brave from Bukayo, he’s one of our best and we were never in question he would take one. But we all knew what he went through.“Huge performance, huge result and we’re still in it.“We had to be tactically spot-on. We are in a third semi-final and it says a lot about the whole group. I thought we had good control.”Team captain Harry Kane, who was replaced by Ivan Toney in the second half of extra time, said: “That’s tournament football for you. You have to find a way.“When you look at past champions in competitions, they have to go through penalty shoot-outs. It comes down to moments. For Saka to step up and score that goal was special for him.“I was weirdly calm during penalties. We have a lot more players that take them for their club. I know they are comfortable and know Pickford normally saves one.“I think penalty shoot-outs are the highest pressure you will feel as a professional footballer.“But for him [Saka] to step up like he did after the tough time he had been through, I am really proud of him and proud of everyone.“There is one week left. We will see how far we can go.”Saka smiled throughout his post-match interviewCredit: BBCHe ranked England’s victory against the Swiss as one of his greatest moments in a Three Lions shirtCredit: BBCAll five of England’s penalty takers – Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold – hit the targetCredit: PAkeeper Jordan Pickford saved one Swiss effortCredit: ReutersJude Bellingham scored England’s second penaltyCredit: EPATeam captain Harry Kane was replaced by Ivan Toney in the second half of extra timeCredit: ReutersTrent Alexander-Arnold was also thrown on late into extra-timeCredit: GettyJude Bellingham, who scored England’s second penalty, said: “All in all it’s probably our best performance of the tournament.“We’ve very proud of the boys. The things you can’t always measure and see is character and mentality and we showed that again in the shootout. For subs to come on and take a penalty in that pressure is a special, special thing.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I do the practice like all the other lads and I have my process. I rely on the practice I do. Sometimes you can step up and miss.“I always think there’s a comfort when you’re following a process you’ve come to terms with.” More

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      in Motorsport

      Brad Pitt wears bucket hat & shades as he attends British Grand Prix qualifying while filming F1 movie

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      HOLLYWOOD star Brad Pitt stops off to enjoy the spectacle of  the British Grand Prix qualifying.The US actor, 60, wore shades and a bucket hat in the rain at Silverstone yesterday, where he has been filming an F1 movie.Brad Pitt wore shades and a bucket hat in the rain at SilverstoneCredit: PAMercedes driver George Russell arrives in an England shirt with girlfriend Carmen Montero MundtCredit: EPABritish driver George Russell, 26, who arrived in an England footie shirt with his Spanish girlfriend Carmen Montero Mundt, took pole in his Mercedes for today’s race.Formula 1 fans should keep an eye out for two very special appearances in Brad Pitt’s new racing film Apex.Legendary telly commentators Martin Brundle and David Croft will make cameos.Apex follows Brad as F1 veteran Sonny Hayes, who returns to race for one final time while mentoring rookie driver, Pearce, played by Damson Idris.READ MORE ON BRAD PITTLewis Hamilton has been brought in as a consultant.A source said: “Brad has gone all out to make Apex the most realistic F1 film ever made and he wanted some of the UK’s most iconic racing voices to help bring it to life. “Martin and Crofty both signed up for cameos and have filmed their scenes. “Crofty’s trademark catch- phrase, ‘It’s lights out and away we go’, will feature too. They jumped at the chance to get involved.”Most read in MotorsportREUSE FEE Brad Pitt looks lonely on solo beach walk in Santa Barbara after claims ex Angelina ‘ruined’ his relationship with kids More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea hire lawyers to probe sexual harassment complaint made by female worker against male employee

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      PREMIER League giants Chelsea have hired lawyers to investigate a sexual harassment complaint made by a female worker.Club owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are aware of the grievance she has raised against a male employee.A female worker at Chelsea has made allegations about an incident she claims took place on club property in 2022Credit: RexTodd Boehly, one of the owners of Chelsea, is said to be aware of the complaintCredit: GettyThey  said they take concerns of sexual harassment seriously.The woman made allegations about an incident she said took place on club property in May 2022.Club officials began looking into the matter last year when they were made aware, but earlier this year the male employee was cleared of misconduct and sexual harassment. The alleged incident took place before the new owners took over control of the club.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe woman resigned and has appealed against the ruling. Now the club has appointed independent barrister Tara Shahbahrami  to review her appeal, overseen by Chelsea’s chief financial officer Adriel Lares.Ms Shahbahrami’s LinkedIn profile says she has “more than ten years’ experience of conducting complex, lengthy and sensitive investigations  in workplace settings”.The timing of the allegations coincided with the club’s £4.25billion takeover by a  consortium led by US businessman Mr Boehly. The purchase was approved by the Government as it had control of the club after previous owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned with the freezing of his financial assets here following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Most read in FootballRussian oligarch Abramovich had owned Chelsea for 19 years.Since the takeover  the West London club have spent around £1billion on new players.However, they endured a turbulent period on the pitch last season, ultimately finishing sixth. The club have been approached for comment. EXCLUSIVE: How ‘lovely’ Carlo Ancelotti stunned Chelsea TV worker with humble act after taking over at the Blues More

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      England get boost as Germany fans pledge to cheer Three Lions on at Euro 2024

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      ENGLAND’s army of fans will be boosted tonight by a fanatical band of supporters – from Germany.A generation of soccer nuts from the east of the once-divided Euros host nation supported teams which played against the old West Germany.England fans have extra support from a section of German fans backing them to win Euro 2024Credit: GettyAnd many fell in love with the Three Lions in the glory days of 1966 when Bobby Moore lifted the World Cup – and never looked back.East Germans now in their 60’s and 70’s – as well as their children and grandchildren – told yesterday how they will gather to roar on Gareth Southgate’s stars tonight.Reinhard Lisker, 66, and his wife, son and grandson was among dozens of Germans wearing England shirts as they turned out to watch Southgate train in Jena.He said: “As a boy growing up under communism I supported teams which played against West Germany.READ MORE EURO 2024“So I became an England fan the day they won the World Cup in 1966.“I’m proud to wear my England shirt today alongside my family who all support Gareth Southgate’s team, and it’s a thrill to see them in my home town.”The grandad is among dozens of England superfans who live close to England’s trainingbase in Blankenhein in the old east.German England fan Stephan Kühl, 64, is even know as Keegan for once sporting the same permed hairdo as his 70’s Three lion hero Kevin.Most read in FootballStephan said: “I sing ‘England ‘til I die’ when I watch games live.”Jude Bellingham takes selfies with fans as England star prepares for Switzerland clashHis 50-year-old pal Stefan Meissner – known as “Gunner” thanks to his love of Arsenal and England – is also a member of the Eagles fan club which also backs German club Carl Zeiss Jena.Gunner said: “For most people here it was not natural to see your home country as your country, or something you would be proud of.“But to me the West Germans were arrogant and I didn’t like their style of football.“I totally fell in love with the way England played – toughness, the fighting spirit, but also their kind of gentleman’s attitude.“When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 and there was German reunification, one of my first trips was to England. I saw Arsenal playing for the first time.”Keegan is backing England but begged Southgate to fire-up his stars yesterday.“I hope they win but they’re very boring – too much defence.“But if England plays against Germany, it’s even more important to me that England wins.”East Germans fell in love with Bobby Moore’s England side when they defeated West Germany in 1966Credit: Getty More

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      England ace Jude Bellingham gets blessing from higher power as The Sun prays at National Shrine to St Jude for victory

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      THE Sun has sought divine intervention to help England win today — with a prayer at the National Shrine of St Jude, the patron saint of hope.First we placed photos of namesake Jude Bellingham beneath the ornate stained glass windows as shrine chaplain, Brother Paul de Groot, provided moral support.England superstar Jude Bellingham carries the nation’s Euro 2024 hopes after rescuing the team against SlovakiaCredit: GettyThe Sun’s Oliver Harvey has said a prayer at the shrine of St Jude, ahead of the quarter-finalCredit: Gary StoneThe National Shrine to St Jude is located at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Faversham, KentCredit: Gary StoneWearing a red 1966 Three Lions strip, Sun man Oliver Harvey then knelt and said in prayer: “St Jude, as the apostle of hope, please look kindly on England when they take on Switzerland.“And please give strength to our talismanic hero Jude Bellingham, who bears your name. “But please St Jude, don’t leave it as late as it was against Slovakia. Amen.”Now, we’re giving you the chance to recite our prayer.READ MORE JUDE BELLINGHAMBrother Paul, 73, said: “Many a pilgrim comes here looking and hoping for something and they pray to St Jude and, with luck, it will be answered.”The chaplain watched England’s No10 take our last match into extra time with a last-gasp bicycle kick. He admitted: “I’m not a great football fan but I had the TV on and then it happened — but to be honest it was a dire game.”The National Shrine to St Jude, dedicated in 1955, is an annex to the parish church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Faversham, Kent.Most read in Euro 2024St Jude was once regarded as the apostle of hopeless or lost causes — but that has now changed.Jude Bellingham takes selfies with fans as England star prepares for Switzerland clashBrother Paul explained: “I don’t think for God any cause is lost. “God is willing to hear and help any case which is why we now associate Jude with hope.“God can educate us through the difficulties and trials and tribulations of life. “That might well be happening to the England team now.”Brother Paul de Groot says pilgrims often visit ‘looking and hoping for something’Credit: Gary StoneOne prayer has already been answered — with Bellingham given only a suspended one-match ban for his groin-grabbing goal celebration.The ruling was toasted by supporters in Dusseldorf ahead of the quarter-final showdown.Sales executive Dec Evans, 33, of Blackburn, said: “I am delighted — but it’s a joke they even considered a ban. “He had just scored one of the most amazing goals in England football history — of course he’s going to celebrate.”Some 50,000 Three Lions fans in Germany, backed by millions watching at home, and in bars and fanzones, will be cheering for victory in what will be boss Gareth Southgate’s 100th game in charge.Carpenter Nick Thatcher, 45, of Bristol, said: “We have the best squad and there is no reason why we can’t go all the way.“It’s been a tough watch over the last couple of games, but it’s important the fans get behind the team when they need it most.”Only 6,731 tickets were made available to Three Lions fans through Uefa but a total of 30,000 are set to turn the 47,000-seat Dusseldorf Arena into a home ground for England.Many spent yesterday belting out songs as they sheltered from the rain under awnings outside bars in Dusseldorf’s Old Town.Pharmacist Dean Spotwood, 40, of Sheffield, said: “We gambled when we booked our flights that England would reach the quarter-finals. “It was looking like a disaster when we were 1-0 down to Slovakia, but Jude saved the day.”Ross Bunn, 36, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, will be going to his third Euros 2024 game with son Jude, nine. He said: “England haven’t clicked yet and we’re already in the quarter-final. When it does all work out, we can go all the way. “My son is loving it. He was named after actor Jude Law, but I’m loving the fact he now shares it with Mr Bellingham.’’Construction manager Scott Evans, 29, of Bexley, South East London, is there on his stag do with 18 friends and relatives. They booked in November hoping England would secure a Saturday evening quarter-final in Dusseldorf — exactly as it has worked out.Scott’s dad Paul, 58, said: “What better way to celebrate?”England awaitsBack home, fans will down an extra eight million pints in boozers today — giving the pub industry a £38million boost. Around 20million viewers will watch the match on TV after splashing out £200million on snacks and booze at stores.Music fans will also be able to watch the match after organisers of a string of gigs and festivals hurriedly erected big screens or changed set times.The Lightning Seeds, who sang Euro 96 anthem Three Lions with Frank Skinner and David Baddiel, will kick off their set at Lytham Festival, in Lancs, earlier so fans can cheer on England.Even the Big Sheep music festival in Devon — starring The Wurzels — will take a break for the footie. But Wimbledon chiefs sniffed: “We won’t be showing the Euros. “Our screens will be showing the tennis.”England fans are being urged to say the prayer of St Jude for good luckGareth’s lucky 100GARETH Southgate is likely to lead England to victory over Switzerland today, believes The Sun’s Euro 2024 psychic.Chloe Smith, 27, explained: “With Southgate celebrating his 100th game, his luck should spiral through on his angel number, which is also 100.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Chloe, of Uttoxeter, Staffs — who does team good luck readings before games — added: “It’s going to be a close one. “England will need to rely on talent — or luck — or both.” More

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      in Soccer

      Jamie Vardy lands huge documentary deal after Leicester City success… with wife Becky in leading role

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      HE is held up like royalty  in my neck of the woods after becoming the hero of Leicester City FC when they won the  Premier League in 2016.And now Jamie Vardy is going to be propelled back into the spotlight — as he is working on a film based on his extraordinary life story and his rise to the top of English football.Jamie Vardy is heading back into the spotlight as he works on a film based on his incredible life storyCredit: GettyJamie’s wife Becky Vardy is expected to take a starring role in the filmCredit: SplashPals tell me the Foxes’ fast-footed forward wanted to get Leicester ­promoted again before his career ends — and after his wish came true in May, I’m told cameras will ­follow him for the final year of his contract with the club.Ex-England ace Jamie’s wife Becky, famed for the circus surrounding the Wagatha Christie libel trial with Coleen Rooney in 2022, is also expected to take a starring role.My insider said: “Jamie is working on a film about his life and it will centre on his final season at the King Power stadium.“He is like a god to fans, and the film will be a celebration of all his incredible achievements.READ MORE ON JAMIE VARDY“When Jamie signed from non-league Fleetwood Town in 2012, no one could have predicted the path his career would take. He won the league with Leicester almost a decade ago, and after vowing to stick with them until they were promoted again, Jamie has really come good on his promises.“As well as taking in his achievements at the club, the film will show a side to Jamie that only his friends and family usually see.“He used to drink a lot when he played in the lower leagues but he curbed that when he came to  City after a talking-to from the boss  — and became one of the club’s ­greatest players.“He is a low-key guy who lives a pretty quiet life and fans will be able to see what makes him tick.Most read in Football“Becky is involved too but the spotlight is very much going to be on Jamie. No one wants to turn this into a circus.”My source says production has already started on the film, which is likely to end up on Netflix or Prime Video next year after Jamie  hangs his boots  up at the club.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsOver his career with Leicester, the goal ace  scored 190 times and won the FA Cup as well as the Premier League.By the time this film hits screens, I’ve no doubt Jamie will be ready to have a party all over again.And naturally his fans will be there with the vodka. More