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      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish’s girlfriend tells him ‘It’s Emily Atack or me’ in showdown talks after footballer’s dates with actress

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      ENGLAND ace Jack Grealish was last night given an ultimatum by his girlfriend over telly star Emily Atack: “It’s me or her.”The Sun revealed on Saturday how the Manchester City winger, 26, had been enjoying secret dates with 31-year-old Emily.
      Jack Grealish is in showdown talks with his girlfriendCredit: Reuters
      Sasha Attwood has told the Man City star to choose between her and Emily AtackCredit: Instagram
      It comes after he enjoyed secret dates with the telly starCredit: Rex
      Jack is understood to have played down their friendship, telling girlfriend Sasha Attwood: “We’re just mates.”
      But a source said the pair were meeting to discuss their future.
      Last night a source close to the Manchester City player said: “Sasha has been rocked by news of Jack’s secret friendship. She had no idea.
      “Jack has apologised to her for any upset caused, and they were due to meet to discuss their future.
      “Jack is really confused. On the one hand, he’s being advised to stay loyal to his childhood sweetheart for all sorts of reasons — commercial and otherwise.
      “But on the other, he’s intoxicated by Emily’s company. He can’t seem to stay away from her.
      “Plus loads of his club mates have crushes on Emily too — so they’re saying something different.
      On the one hand, he’s being advised to stay loyal to his childhood sweetheart, but on the other he’s intoxicated by Emily’s company.

      “Obviously there have been gags about Jack’s very own transfer deadline day . . . ”
      The Sun revealed on Saturday how Jack, 26, and Emily, 31, had teamed up at her home and a Manchester hotel.
      He has remained in touch with her — and even WhatsApped her whilst on England duty.
      However, he is understood to have played down their friendship to on-off girlfriend Sasha, insisting: “We’re just mates.”
      The source said: “Emily’s mates, including her ex-boyfriend Charlie (Edwards), have all rallied around her since the news of their relationship broke.
      “She’s made it clear to Jack the last thing she wants is to be presented as a home-wrecker when she’s anything but. Jack needs to get his story straight and make a decision.
      “The ball is in his court — but Emily’s made it clear to Jack she won’t be a mug and hang around waiting for him.”
      Grealish has sent WhatsApp messages to both women over the past three days.Sasha — who cheered him on at Wembley Stadium as England thrashed Albania 5-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Friday night — was consoled by goalie Jordan Pickford’s girlfriend Megan.
      The pair spent that afternoon at London’s five-star Corinthia hotel, having a spa break.
      ‘HORRIBLE TROLLING’
      The Sun told how Jack — the Premier League’s first £100million player — had been on at least two dates with actress and comedy star Emily.
      The pair had also been FaceTiming and had enjoyed a meet-up at Manchester’s Lowry hotel. However, a pal of Jack’s insisted the pair “hadn’t crossed a line”.
      Yesterday YouTube star Sasha broke her social media silence for the first time since The Sun’s story.
      She took to Instagram and posted two defiant photos — with no caption — prompting a flurry of supportive messages from her fans.
      The ball is in his court — but Emily’s made it clear to Jack she won’t be a mug and hang around waiting for him.
      Sasha and Jack met at secondary school. The pair have dated on and off ever since, but he joined celeb dating app Raya earlier this year. According to pals, Emily, who first saw Jack on the site, assumed he was single.
      Emily, who played Charlotte “Big Jugs” Hinchcliffe in the cult TV series The Inbetweeners, has also been bombarded by messages of support by her celebrity pals.
      An industry source added: “Much of the follow-up to this story has been pretty sexist — trying to pitch two women against each other. The reality is neither woman has done anything wrong.
      “Emily has had some horrible trolling online but her celeb pals have been quick to back her.”
      Emily, who has been travelling on her sell-out one-woman tour Emily Has Left The Group, was on Monday pictured arriving back at her North London home clutching a bouquet of flowers.
      “She was with model Charlie Edwards, 23, with whom she split last year after three months. They have remained good friends.
      Ex-Aston Villa star Jack — who was ruled out of England’s win against San Marino on Monday due to injury — has yet to speak publicly about his situation.
      Last night a spokesman for Emily declined to comment.
      Sasha has supported Jack throughout his football careerCredit: Splash
      The pair have been together since their school daysCredit: Tim Stewart
      Emily was given a hand by her ex CharlieCredit: Rex
      Jack is understood to have played down his friendship with EmilyCredit: Rex
      England star Jack Grealish enjoyed secret dates with Emily Atack at her home and a Manchester hotel More

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      in Boxing

      My mate Tyson Fury is a real champ for taking up mental health fight, says Frank Bruno

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      FRANK Bruno today crowns Tyson Fury as the most inspirational sports star on the planet.He tells how the Gypsy King is now following in his own legendary footsteps — both in and out of the ring.
      My mate Tyson Fury is a real champ for taking up mental health fight, says Frank BrunoCredit: Richard Pelham – The Sun
      In an exclusive interview to mark turning 60, Frank says Tyson has taken on the mantle of being Britain’s best heavyweight boxer, but deserves even more credit for his work championing mental health awareness in troubled youngsters.
      And Frank says his friendship with Tyson is even helping him to win his own battle with mental health problems after years of trying to overcome his demons.
      Frank — who celebrates his landmark birthday today — told The Sun: “I’ve seen a lot over my 60 years but witnessing the way Tyson has turned his life around may well top the lot.
      “Nobody has done more in the past few years to raise awareness of mental health problems than Tyson. He’s the most inspirational sports star on the planet in my book.
      “We’ve both had difficult days but it has made us great friends and I am now seeing first-hand how Tyson is truly on a mission, inside and outside of the ring, to help others.
      “Tyson has told me he even wants to try and find a cure for mental health problems one day so others don’t go through what we have. And I’d back him to do it. I’d trust Tyson more than most of the politicians around these days.”

      With a steely look, Frank added: “I am determined to carry on fighting to smash down stigma until the day I die. But it’s reassuring to know Tyson will be there carrying the baton for many years after that.”
      It is typical heart-on-his-sleeve, no-nonsense stuff from Frank, who is still adored by the nation, 25 years after he retired from boxing.
      In 1995, the year before he quit the ring, he defeated Oliver McCall at Wembley to win the WBC Heavyweight Championship, which is still ranked among British sport’s greatest moments.
      As well as a glittering career which saw him win 40 out of 45 fights, he has also become a national treasure for his career on stage and screen.
      A poll in 1996, the year he retired, ranked him the second most popular Briton, behind Princess Diana. But five years after retiring, Frank was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and his life unravelled.
      The illness has since seen him sectioned — detained as a psychiatric hospital inpatient — four times, most recently last summer.
      LIFE UNRAVELLED
      Now he is planning to open a string of mental health centres to help those who have gone through similar struggles.
      Frank says: “The last 12 months have been probably the hardest in my life. Last summer I couldn’t have put my hand on my heart and said I’d have been out of hospital to celebrate my birthday.
      “I thought I had things under control but Covid and lockdown just pulled the rug from under my feet. I struggled to cope with being locked down and losing friends from Covid.
      “I had to reset and get better. And I did. But if getting my freedom back and turning 60 has shown me anything it is that there is still so much to be fighting for.
      “I’ve got a lot I still want to do. But it is not about belts or titles now. It is about supporting others.”
      It is that determination which has led Tyson, who also suffers from bipolar, to bond with Frank in a unique way. The pair regularly talk privately about their illness and discuss coping strategies.
      Nobody has done more in the past few years to raise awareness of mental health problems than TysonFrank Bruno
      They also both run their own charity foundations. Before Tyson flew out to face Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas last month, Frank spent a day with the 33-year-old at a new centre that Tyson is opening in Morecambe, Lancs.
      And when he got back, Tyson was one of the first people on the phone to wish his buddy well at turning 60. Frank said: “I got a video message from him.
      “I think Tyson’s been relaxing and enjoying himself since he got back from the Wilder fight. But good luck to him, he deserves a break. But Tyson won’t be sitting still for long. He’s not cut that way.”
      Frank feels the same about Britain’s former Olympic and world champ Anthony Joshua, who has barely been seen since his brutal defeat by Ukrainian powerhouse Oleksandr Usyk in September.
      AJ’s defeat means the planned superfight with Tyson that fans were looking forward to now hangs in the balance.
      But Frank, who won his own world title at the fourth attempt, is backing 32-year-old AJ to recover and thinks he will eventually fight pal Tyson.
      KANGAROO BALLS
      He said: “This isn’t the end of the AJ story. Sometimes in life you have to lose to win. I know that better than most.
      “Anthony now needs to keep a level head, work hard and come back. I think he’s still got the fire in his belly and he’ll want to prove a few people wrong by coming back stronger. If I can help in any way I’d love to. He just needs to call me.
      “AJ will also want to fight Tyson and prove he’s the best fighter in the world — but that part won’t be easy!” Despite his age, Frank, who still trains daily, is regularly offered the chance to return to the ring. 
      In the past year alone, he has been offered potentially lucrative deals to take part in exhibition bouts against Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe.
      But Frank, who suffered an eye injury in his final fight against Mike Tyson in 1996, is not tempted.
      He said: “One more punch to the eye could blind me, so I won’t be going there. I want to see my grandchildren grow up. I’m still fit and I will always miss the buzz of boxing, but I’ve had my time.”
      I wouldn’t change a single day of the last 60 years. Even the difficult ones happened for a reason.Frank Bruno
      However, the prospect of doing battle on the dance floor is a different matter. Frank said: “I think I’d be OK on Strictly. I’ve loved music from the day I was born and when I’m not in the gym I’ll be on the decks and love a bit of DJing.
      “Apparently I’m not a bad mover so I think I’d enjoy the show — plus, they wouldn’t have to spend much on a spray tan.”
      He added: “I’d opt for that over I’m A Celeb. I hate snakes and don’t fancy eating kangaroo balls. I’d rather have a nice steak and some garlic.”
      Frank’s friendship with legendary boxing commentator Harry Carpenter remains one of the joys of his life. It led to his infamous “Know what I mean, ’Arry?” catchphrase, which people still shout at him every day, Frank says.
      It is 11 years since Harry died, but earlier this year Frank was moved close to tears when he discovered a previously unseen interview that he had given to the BBC icon.
      It forms part of Frank’s new life story, 60 Years A Fighter. He says: “I still think about Harry a lot. He was a gentleman, a diamond who helped me inside and outside the ring more than he could ever know. He played a massive part in my life.”
      Last Friday Frank marked his milestone birthday with a celebratory ball, raising money for his charity, The Frank Bruno Foundation.
      ‘DUST YOURSELF DOWN AND GO AGAIN’
      Among those to send tributes were Piers Morgan, Wayne Rooney and Stephen Fry. And his old fighting foe Mike Tyson even sent a happy birthday message via video.
      Despite being rivals in the ring, Frank says the pair are now more like brothers. He added: “Mike’s misunderstood. We met up last year and it was great to just talk about old times.
      “He’s mellowed a hell of a lot — that might be because he runs a cannabis farm in America! He may have been the baddest man on the planet for a long time but he’s just a grandad like me now.”
      And for Frank, who is reportedly dating Scottish hairdresser Nina Coletta, mental health campaigning, family and staying fit and healthy are the priorities now.
      He said: “I wouldn’t change a single day of the last 60 years. Even the difficult ones happened for a reason. They make you stronger. You have to dust yourself down and go again.
      “I’ve been very lucky. I’ve met kings and queens but I’m just a normal geezer and no better than anyone else — know what I mean?”

      SMASHING STIGMA AROUND MENTAL HEALTH
      AFTER a glittering ring career Frank is now focused on a new fight — smashing the stigma around mental health.
      His charity The Frank Bruno Foundation has just opened its first centre in Northampton which has already helped more than 1,000 people.
      Pal Tyson Fury has agreed to be an ambassador for the charity and Frank, who wants to open several more centres next year, is even eyeing a meeting at No10.
      He says: “I’d love to sit down with Boris Johnson and tell him where we need to improve things.
      “Lockdown has created a new crisis in mental health and the help isn’t there for many who need it. I want to change all that — and so does Tyson.”

      Frank Bruno has crowned Tyson Fury as the most inspirational sports star on the planetCredit: Rex
      Frank as the WBC champion pictured in 1995Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Frank meets boxing great Muhammed Ali in 1984Credit: (c) 1984 Rex Features. No use without permission.
      Tyson Fury pictured in his third bout with Deontay WilderCredit: AP
      Bruno cuts a special Frank Bruno Foundation cake to celebrate his 60th birthdayCredit: Andrew Styczynski
      Tyson Fury jogs along drizzly Morecambe beach with Joseph Parker, dad John and bro Tommy ahead of his Jake Paul showdown
      We pay for your stories!Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? More

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      in Soccer

      Psychologist gives verdict on footie hardman Roy Keane’s angriest rants

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      HE’S a footie legend now better known as TV’s most explosive pundit.And Irish hardman Roy Keane’s no-nonsense big-game analysis has become almost as entertaining as this year’s Premier League race.
      Roy Keane has become known for his explosive rants off the pitch since retiringCredit: Rex
      The Sky Sports star exploded off-screen last week when he was involved in an angry confrontation with a fan after Man United’s dismal home defeat to bitter rivals City.
      It is a far cry from the days when the ex-midfielder claimed he was getting his zen from an anger management manual.
      Ben Griffiths looks at Roy’s most infamous rants, and leading psychologist Jo Hemmings explains what makes the 50-year-old tick – and why Keano often explodes.
      Facing up to fan fury
      ROY was seen clashing with a fan outside Old Trafford after United’s ­latest loss.
      Called a “p***k, he replied: “Oh, because you’ve had a few drinks and United got beat you’re taking it out on me?”
      Jo says: “It takes courage to walk away – it can feel like defeat. Credit to Roy for finally retreating.”
      Not wild about Harry
      AFTER watching Harry Maguire score in England’s 5-0 victory over Albania on Friday, Roy – a long-time critic – said: “He’s been a disgrace the last few months for Manchester United and he thinks if he scores it’s going to shut his critics up. Embarrassing.”
      Jo says: “Harry really seems to flick a switch in Roy’s brain. People with anger issues struggle to accept when others don’t live up to the standards they expect.
      “Rage is intrusive. It blindsides you. It builds up fast and the only way to purge yourself of it is to let it out.”
      Seeing red at Red Devils
      HIS struggling former side’s woeful display against City eight days ago had him ranting: “I give up. I’m driving down here today thinking, ‘I wonder if Man United will have their chance’. They’re at home!”
      Jo says: “Let’s be clear – losing doesn’t come into Roy’s DNA and this rant underlines that. Those with anger issues often struggle to accept shortcomings in others.
      “They find it hard, sometimes impossible, to accept it in others. Losers should steer clear of Roy.”
      Klopp Kops flack
      AFTER Roy described Liverpool as sloppy despite a home win over Arsenal, Kop boss Jurgen Klopp bit back: “He must have been watching a different game.”
      Roy responded: “Jesus. Very ­sensitive – imagine if he’d lost.”
      Jo says: “When an angry person is confronted they have three reactions, bottle it up, accept they may have made a mistake or they go further, deeper, harder . . . and to hell with the consequences.
      “That’s Roy’s approach and his muttering shows he had to get the last word. It’s good they weren’t face to face.”
      Roy Keane was involved in an altercation with a fan after the Manchester derby defeat
      Roy Keane blasted Harry Maguire’s celebration after his England goalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Roy Keane is often seen venting his frustration on Sky Sports
      Roy Keane gets in heated exchange with fan outside Old Trafford after Manchester Derby More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd ready to let Dean Henderson leave on 18 MONTH LOAN transfer rather than rot on bench after losing De Gea battle

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will let keeper Dean Henderson go out on loan for EIGHTEEN MONTHS. The 24-year-old has lost out to David De Gea in the fight for the No 1 jersey and can now move on rather than rot on United’s bench.
      Things haven’t gone to plan for Henderson at Old Trafford this seasonCredit: Getty
      With the Englishman playing second fiddle to De GeaCredit: Getty
      And in a shock new development the Old Trafford club will let the one-cap England man go out on a long-term ‘temporary’ transfer.
      Henderson could be gone in the January window and the Red Devils will be happy if he finds a home where he is not just going for the rest of the season.
      It lets the stopper get the first-team action he needs and also takes away the constant questions about who plays at United.
      And Henderson can still come back to the club down the line and make a renewed bid to be first choice after the surprise downturn in his fortunes.
      Henderson was widely expected to challenge for the No1 jersey at Old Trafford this season after briefly snatching the No 1 sport the previous campaign.
      But the shot-stopper was hit hard after contracting Covid-19 in the summer.

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      And he has barely had a sniff this year after struggling with lasting effects nearly two months after first getting the virus in July.
      De Gea was unopposed for the No1 jersey at the start of the season and he has not looked back since.
      The Spaniard has been shining light for United in what has been a below-par start to the campaign for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
      After playing 26 times for United last season Henderson has been limited to just one appearance this season – the Carabao Cup defeat to West Ham at the end of September.
      The goalkeeper has also missed out on Gareth Southgate’s last three England squads and with a World Cup on the horizon he will be desperate to force his way into Three Lions contention.
      Mega-rich Newcastle are reportedly keen on a move for Henderson and could offer a potential route back into the national team.
      He is currently behind Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone in the England pecking order.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Man Utd star Dean Henderson pushing for January loan transfer after David de Gea reclaimed No1 spot amid Covid battle More

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      in Soccer

      Brendan Rodgers house-hunting in Cheshire as Man Utd identify Leicester boss as top choice to replace Solskjaer

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      BRENDAN RODGERS moved a step closer to the Manchester United job by going house-hunting in Cheshire. Leicester’s boss — United’s No 1 choice to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer — is looking for a new family home in football’s jet-set areas of Wilmslow and Alderley Edge.
      Rodgers has guided Leicester to FA Cup glory and back-to-back fifth place finishes in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      While Solskjaer is trophyless in two-and-a-half years at Old TraffordCredit: EPA
      The news will intensify speculation that ex-Liverpool chief Rodgers will take over at Old Trafford before Christmas.
      However, United’s top brass have decided Rodgers will be given NO money to spend in the January transfer window.
      United’s board believes the squad is far better than their sixth place in the Prem suggests — and throwing more money at it is not the answer.
      Solskjaer brought in another three big names last summer, in Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane, and has spent over £400million in his three years as boss.
      But United are still no nearer to a title challenge, are far from certain to make the knockout stages of the Champions League and have won just four of their last 12 games.
      There are claims senior players have lost faith in Solskjaer.

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      And the 5-0 Liverpool humiliation plus the pitiful 2-0 home derby loss to City before the international break was the final straw.
      An emergency board meeting discussed replacements and pinpointed Rodgers as the man they wanted next — ASAP.
      Sources close to the Northern Irishman, 48, reveal he and his wife — from Liverpool — are searching for a new Cheshire base as a priority.
      Ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, now at Spurs, and former Real Madrid chief Zinedine Zidane were on the list but both wanted a war chest of around £250m over the next two windows.
      Solskjaer jetted off to Norway on holiday at the start of the international break — a call which surprised some at the club given the current crisis.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Rio Ferdinand says it’s time for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to leave Man Utd as he’ll never win title More

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      in Soccer

      Kalvin Phillips inspired by Andrea Pirlo message before Euros final… now ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ out to emulate hero in Qatar

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      THE ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ got a message from the real McCoy on the eve of the Euro 2020 final.The following night, Leeds and England star Kalvin Phillips had to make himself watch Andrea Pirlo’s successors in the Italy shirt celebrate their Wembley triumph.
      Phillips has established himself as a vital piece of England’s midfieldCredit: Getty
      Pirlo inspired a generation of midfielders with his performances for AC Milan, Juventus and ItalyCredit: Getty
      But the 25-year-old midfielder says he will use those scenes and the legendary playmaker’s kind words as motivation to help the Three Lions go that one big step further at next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
      Phillips said: “The night before the final Jack Harrison, who used to play at New York City with him, sent me a video of Pirlo.
      “It was a video to me saying ‘good luck in the final’, and he wished me all the best.
      “So that was very nice. I thought it was going to say something about Italy but no, he wished me well — full respect for that.
      “I just got the video and I was like, ‘Oh, my God’.”
      Pirlo enjoyed an illustrious career with AC Milan, Juventus and Italy, and Phillips added: “To have someone on the other side, on the other team, wish you well — and especially a player like that — it is always a great feeling

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      “To get noticed by very good professionals and people who have done everything in their career – won World Cups and Champions Leagues – it’s very special and something I’ll always remember.”
      Phillips also still replays moments from the final in his head, not least the pain of seeing the Italians lift the trophy after their victory on penalties.
      Phillips, 25, said: “I think I hung around quite a bit. There was me, Ben White, a few other lads. I just wanted to see what it was like to win a major trophy.
      “I just got the video and I was like, ‘Oh, my God’.”Kalvin Phillips
      “I wanted to see their reactions at winning it and the fans’ reactions as well.
      “I think — no disrespect to Italy or anything like that — but if England had won it, the celebrations would have been a lot better than theirs!
      “I still think about it now, I think about what could have been if we’d won. And I can remember a chance in the game when I had a volley on the edge of the box… obviously it’s fairytale stuff but just think, imagine if that had gone in?
      “But it wasn’t to be and it’s part of learning, part of being involved in these major tournaments — and we want to go one better next time.”
      Barring one of the biggest upsets of all time in San Marino on Monday night, England will qualify for Qatar 2022 as group winners.
      And Phillips is set to be a key figure in the Gulf state after his remarkable rise since watching the last World Cup as a fan at home in Leeds.
      He said: “I can remember Kieran Trippier’s free-kick going in (against Croatia in the semi-final) and I think I wrecked my living room because he scored. Then after I tidied up, disappointed we lost.”
      Phillips never represented any of England’s youth teams and made his senior debut barely 14 months ago.
      But he played all but 25 minutes of the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 adventure, forming a fine partnership with Declan Rice — who had to pull out of the current squad through illness.
      Kalvin Phillips is out to emulate Pirlo at next winter’s World CupCredit: Getty
      With characteristic modesty, Phillips said: “It’s been a good year. I didn’t expect to be in an England shirt, never mind doing this well.
      “I love playing with Declan. We’re two very similar players but work in different ways when we play together.
      “Declan is almost a protector in front of the back four and I’m almost a dog that goes running after people that have got the ball.”
      After suffering with injury problems since the Euros, Leeds Academy graduate Phillips — who made his pro debut against Wolves in 2015 — is going the extra mile to be as fit as a butcher’s dog.
      Like Arsenal star and former Nando’s addict Emile Smith Rowe, he has joined the ranks of footballers employing personal chefs to devise and cook the food they need to stay in peak condition.
      Phillips said: “Some of the lads at Leeds got it (a chef) but I just like the idea of investing in stuff that’s eventually going to prolong your career and help you become a better athlete.
      “I can remember a chance in the game when I had a volley on the edge of the box… obviously it’s fairytale stuff but just think, imagine if that had gone in?”Kalvin Phillips
      “I can eat anything, me! The only thing I don’t like is mushrooms. I hate mushrooms! I don’t know why, I think I have a phobia of mushrooms.”
      But Phillips is not afraid to say that only one thing will satisfy the appetite of him and his England team-mates when they go to Qatar — winning.
      He said: “The team over the last two to three years has done exceptionally well to get to where we’ve got — the semi- finals of the World Cup and the final of the next tournament, the Euros.
      “We’re hungry for more. We want to get a taste of what it feels like to win a trophy, and win a major trophy at that.
      “We’ve got some amazing players in this team and we’ve got a very good coach.
      “He knows how to handle us and knows how he wants us to play.
      “So we’ll take that information on board and I feel like — touch wood that we qualify first — when we come to the World Cup we’ll be very confident, because we’ve got no reason not to be.” More

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      in Soccer

      San Marino striker Adolfo Hirsch desperate to toast his 50th cap against England… with his FIRST-EVER international goal

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      ADOLFO HIRSCH is set to win his 50th San Marino cap against England – and would be thrilled to net his FIRST goal for his county.The 35-year-old started his international career a decade ago but is yet to score in 49 run-outs for the international minnows.
      Adolfo Hirsch came up against England’s Kieran Gibbs in a Euro 2016 qualifierCredit: Getty
      And with the Three Lions unbeaten so far in the World Cup qualifiers, the Pennarossa forward knows his long wait might not end on Monday evening.
      He said: “I’ve had the chance to score, but unfortunately I haven’t been good enough sometimes.
      “Scoring means everything to us — together with the work, the passion, family… everything.
      “Scoring makes us feel alive and strong and repays us for all the sacrifices we make during the year.”
      San Marino scored their first competitive goal since November 2019 in a 7-1 home defeat to Poland in June.
      But it was Hirsch’s team-mate Nicola Nanni with their first home World Cup qualifying goal in eight years.

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      Hirsch’s goal record for clubs in San Marino is good but playing for a nation ranked last in the Fifa rankings means scoring opportunities are very rare.
      He has faced England three times before, including a match at Wembley in October 2014 when he took home James Milner’s shirt.
      It is a cherished memory for a man who gets up early five mornings a week to work as a supervisor on a furniture factory assembly line.
      He said: “What makes you go on is the will to challenge the strongest sides and somehow to find a way to create problems for the opposition’s defence.
      “But obviously, the biggest joy in football is scoring.” More

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      in Soccer

      Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun top of new Boro boss Chris Wilder’s transfer wishlist with Sheff Utd also keen

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      ARSENAL striker Folarin Balogun is at the top of new Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder’s shopping list.Wilder knows his old club Sheffield United are also keen on the 20-year-old hitman.
      Folarin Balogun of Arsenal wanted by Chris Wilder in his new job as Middlesbrough bossCredit: Getty
      Chris Wilder is the new Middlesbrough manager and has Balogun at top of his wishlistCredit: PA
      But he was at the England Under-21 game to watch ‘Flo’ first-hand last week.
      Boro need more firepower and Wilder has been told he will get funds to land players in the new year market.
      The Gunners are yet to decide what to do with Balogun in the second half of the season but if he goes out on loan there will be a sizeable queue.
      Wilder was named Boro boss last week, after eight months out of a job.
      The 54-year-old achieved promotion with Sheffield United in 2019 and hopes to do it again with Middlesbrough.
      He said: “We will all do whatever we can to get back to the Premier League.

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      “I’ve got to climb another mountain and that’s what it’s all about. I wouldn’t be sat here if I didn’t think I could do that.
      “It’s got to be our ambition to get back to the Premier League. We all want to be playing the big guns and that has got to be my ambition and the staff’s as well.
      “The supporters want the big names to be coming here and seeing their side take them on. It’s a long way off at the moment, but we dare to dream.”
      Middlesbrough and Sheffield United both sit in the bottom half of the Championship but remain in the race for Balogun. More