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    Gareth Southgate set for huge career change as global firm bids to sign him after he quit as England boss

    DISNEY+ has emerged as the surprise front-runner to net the definitive documentary on Gareth Southgate.All the streaming firms are scrambling to sign the outgoing England boss after his resignation.Disney are said to be frontrunners for a Gareth Southgate documentaryCredit: GettySouthgate resigned following England’s loss to Spain in the Euros finalCredit: AlamyNetflix has had huge success with its David Beckham series, while Prime Video covered Wayne Rooney.But Disney — home to the Lion King and the Marvel and Star Wars blockbusters — were said to be front of the queue for football’s waistcoat-loving Mr Nice Guy.A TV insider said: “Disney+ might not seem like the obvious choice, but they’re an organisation with huge amounts of money, not to mention a truly global platform as Gareth starts the next chapter of his career.“It just depends what he has planned after quitting as England manager.READ MORE ON SOUTHGATE“Will he want to nurture a career in the media, take time away from the limelight or get back into football management at some level?“Either way, the biggest TV names will be buzzing round him with big-money offers — and Disney is likely to be the biggest.”Disney+ is also home to global hit Welcome To Wrexham — following Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s takeover of the Welsh club.Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. Gareth Southgate quits as England manager after Euro 2024 exit More

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    Gareth Southgate gave us back our pride in the Three Lions – and plenty of memorable moments along the way

    GARETH Southgate deserved to win a trophy as England manager.Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you deserve in life.Gareth Southgate became England boss in 2016Credit: GettyIn his eight year reign, England have reached two finals but Gareth’s final loss in the 2024 Euros was his last strawCredit: PANo man could have worked harder to give the country the silverware it craved and no man cared more about our national team.As a player he went through agonies after missing that fateful penalty against Germany at Euro 96 — and victory as a manager in the Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday would have been a wonderful redemption.Southgate himself said he didn’t believe in fairytales — and there was to be no happy ending as ultimately England came up short again when it mattered.But his legacy should be one of great achievement, not of failure.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis is an England boss who transformed our feelings towards the Three Lions.Hardened fans, who claimed they only cared about their club, fell back in love with England during Gareth’s eight years in charge.As The Sun’s chief football writer, I followed England through the Sven Göran Eriksson era, on to Steve McClaren, then Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson.None of them could hold a candle to Southgate.Most read in FootballEriksson could not get past the quarter-finals and McClaren didn’t even qualify for Euro 2008.Then there was Italian disciplinarian Capello, who always gave the impression that he was doing us a favour and didn’t want to be there before he eventually quit.Lee Carsley for EnglandHodgson’s reign was a disaster.After being thrust into Euro 2012 in an emergency, we somehow made the quarter-finals.But his team went out of the 2014 World Cup finals after two games before being dumped embarrassingly out of Euro 2016 by Iceland.England fans had had enough.They couldn’t be bothered with the national team any more and neither, it seemed, could the players.Southgate, who had joined the FA in 2011 to improve coaching standards and develop youth football, was under-21s boss at the time but didn’t fancy the senior job.The environment was too toxic and he wasn’t sure he wanted the hassle.But, after Sam Allardyce’s ill-fated one-match reign, the FA went back to Southgate to test the water by taking temporary charge.Southgate took it on reluctantly and, when the FA then wanted to make his position permanent, he made it clear he had to have free rein to do the job on his terms.This was to be a new England with no club cliques, no wars with the media and an openness and honesty from coaches and players.No time for negativityHe never believed it was the impossible job as many claimed before him.He had no time for negativity.Fans may not care about the relationship between players and the media.But Southgate knew if he encouraged his squad to open up, he could foster an atmosphere where everyone was on board.Hodgson’s coach, Gary Neville, used to actively dissuade players from engaging with the media.What an irony that Neville now makes millions as one of our game’s foremost TV pundits.Neville would have hated the Southgate regime.He loved the old days when he and his United mates sat on one table and Liverpool stars sat on another and never the twain would meet until they were out on the pitch.Southgate’s regime was properly inclusive and if you didn’t like it you didn’t get picked.As England progressed and reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, we could see the manager’s efforts being rewarded.He followed that with a penalties defeat against Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, a quarter-final loss to France at World Cup 2022 and Sunday’s final defeat against the imperious Spanish.Southgate came so close.Maybe there always was a vital ingredient missing that prevented him getting across the line in tournament football.Maybe he was too cautious at times, as his critics complained.And it was sad to see the feelgood factor he had so carefully nurtured over those eight years begin to disintegrate at Euro 2024.Southgate did not take it well when ex-pros who he considered allies, such as Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, stuck the boot in and he was shocked at having beer cups dropped on him by disgruntled supporters.Lineker calling England “s***” on his podcast went down particularly badly, not just with Southgate but the whole England camp.It was still something of a surprise to discover Southgate was so rattled by it, even though publicly he argued it didn’t affect him.He seemed to view criticism of his team and tactics as a personal attack on him when often it was just an assessment of the performance.Questions were raised about his loyalty to certain players, especially his captain, Kane, who did not appear fit despite his claims that he was 100 per cent.Interim manager Gareth Southgate celebrating England’s first goal against MaltaCredit: Times Newspapers LtdDuring his time in charge, Southgate had shown his ruthless streak in ending the international career of England legend Wayne Rooney and for this Euros he axed Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, who were almost considered his mates.Yet he couldn’t bring himself to leave Kane out when we could all see he was struggling and he had two very capable alternative strikers in Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.Gareth always trusted in his game-plan, and that included Kane up front even with a dodgy back.The argument that he should have won Euro 2024 with such a talented group of players was certainly one for debate.Yet look at our history.There were plenty of teams we thought had the talent yet they failed miserably, most notably the Golden Generation of Eriksson’s reign.Plenty of entertainment along the wayYes, the Euros was a let-down and England were probably lucky to make the final.But Southgate, by some distance, turned his England team into the most successful since Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup winners of 1966.He gave us plenty of entertainment and fun along the way and a reason to feel proud.We were even starting to crack it at penalty shoot-outs.Most importantly, Southgate was a thoroughly decent human being throughout it all, treating everyone with respect — whether you were a player, a fan or part of the media.It’s not easy to maintain those traits in such a high-pressure job when the focus of the whole country is on you and you’re getting pelters.The essence of Southgate is brilliantly captured in James Graham’s play Dear England, which follows the trials and tribulations of this rarest of football men.The script is being rewritten for the play’s return next May to take in the defeat against Spain and you’ll no doubt need a tissue to dab away the tears of frustration.It’s a crying shame the finale will not be featuring tears of joy.Five biggest momentsSouthgate led England to an important penalty win against ColombiaCredit: GettyENGLAND had a dire penalty shoot-out record before Southgate’s era.But a new mettle was shown as the Three Lions beat Colombia on spot-kicks at the 2018 World Cup on their way to the semi-finals.Luke Shaw scored the fastest ever goal in a Euros finalCredit: GettyLUKE Shaw scored the fastest ever goal in a Euros final with his strike after just two minutes at Wembley.But joy turned to despair as it was Italy who went on to win Euro 2020 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham scored a 95th-minute overhead kick to tie a knockout game against SlovakiaCredit: ReutersWITH England seconds from an embarrassing Euro 2024 exit at the hands of Slovakia, Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham scored a 95th-minute overhead kick to tie the game.The spectacular goal gave Southgate’s men renewed impetus and they went on to win the last-16 encounter in extra-time with captain Harry Kane bagging the winner.Gareth faced down vile racist chants from Bulgaria fans at a Euro 2020 qualifierCredit: The FASOUTHGATE and his players faced down vile racist chants from Bulgaria fans at a Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia.The Three Lions chose to play on despite the option of abandoning the game — and thumped them 6-0.READ MORE SUN STORIESOllie Watkins powers England to the Euro 2024 finalCredit: GettySUPER-sub Ollie Watkins fired in a last-minute winner to beat the Dutch 2-1 in their Euro 2024 semi-final.It meant Southgate became the first England boss to lead the country to two major tournament finals.Southgate timeline1990: Bursts on to the scene with Crystal Palace — making debut as a dynamic central midfielder.1991-95: Becomes a pivotal force in Palace’s dramatic rise to the Premier League and is captain at 23.1995: High-profile move to Aston Villa for £2.5million, reinventing himself as a central defender — and wins League Cup at the end of his first season.1996: Plays every minute for England at Euro 96 — but misses the decisive penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against Germany.2001: Signs for Middlesbrough for £6.5million.2004: Captains them to their first-ever major trophy — the League Cup.2006: Retirement as a player and then becomes Middlesbrough’s manager.2009: The team is relegated from the Premier League and he gets sacked.2013: After taking up FA role in 2011, he takes the helm of England’s U21 team, laying the groundwork for future success.2016: Takes over senior side as interim manager after Sam Allardyce’s exit and is later confirmed as permanent boss.2018: Leads the Three Lions on an exhilarating run to the World Cup semi-finals, achieving their best finish since 1990.2019: Reaches the Uefa Nations League semi-finals with England.2021: Writes “Dear England” letter, which unites the nation following months of Covid lockdowns. Takes England to the Euro 2020 final, but is defeated by Italy on penalties.2022: England lose in World Cup quarter-finals.2024: His second and last Euro final, beaten by Spain More

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    Gareth Southgate on course to be knighted despite England’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 defeat

    GARETH Southgate still looked a certainty to be knighted — despite last night’s defeat.The manager, 53, took over a demoralised team who lost to Iceland in Euro 2016 — and led the Three Lions to two Euros finals and a World Cup semi.Gareth Southgate is odds-on to be knighted after getting England to the Euro 2024 finalCredit: GettyYesterday, England fan Paul Murray, 48, from Surrey, said: “Arise Sir Gareth. There’s no question he deserves it after turning English football around.” Bookie Betfair said Southgate was a 2/1 bet to be knighted.But the England boss was, inevitably subdued last night. He said: “We competed until the very end of the final, but didn’t keep possession well enough. But they were the best team and deserved to win.”READ MORE ON GARETH SOUTHGATESouthgate inherited a grim legacy of flops and penalties pain which have come to define England as football’s eternal nearly men.Long-suffering fans have endured agonising near misses, bad luck and catastrophic cock-ups ever since 1966 as the Three Lions became the eternal nearly men of world football.Southgate took England’s reins on September 27, 2016 and within two years had built a confident, young team which got to within 22 minutes of a World Cup final in Moscow.His battling lions faltered against Croatia and lost 2-1 but went on to beat the Germans on the way to the Euro 2020 final against Italy – where the penalties hoodoo struck again.Most read in Euro 2024But the consistency and ability to “win ugly” has been the hallmark of this summer’s brilliant cup run – all the way to last night’s first ever foreign tournament final in Berlin.BBC in major broadcast blunder in middle of Southgate’s live TV interview after England’s Euro 2024 defeat to Spain More

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    Three England fans sacked after ‘risking it all’ and telling bosses they were heading to Euro 2024 final

    THREE England fans were sacked from their jobs after they told bosses they were heading to Berlin for the Euros final.The trio of train engineers said they “risked it all” for their love of the Three Lions.Three England fans were sacked from their jobs after they told bosses they were heading to Berlin for the Euros finalThree Lions fans on the streets of Berlin in GermanyCredit: RexAn England fan holds a flag inside the stadium before the matchCredit: ReutersDylan Reely, 26, his brother Billy, 29, and their dad Allan, 58, were told on their way to Dover that their contracts were being terminated with “immediate effect”, and that the company needs staff who are “committed”.The trio told The Sun: “We’ve risked it all.”They told their employers that they’d be heading to Germany after England won their semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday.On their way to Dover on Thursday, the Birmingham trio say they received an email from bosses stating that their contracts were being terminated with “immediate effect”, and that the company needs staff who are “committed”.Read More on SportBut Dylan told us: “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity”, as he continued his trip to Germany to watch England bring it home.He said: “It’s the most important thing in the world – England is the most important thing for us. We’ve risked it all.“All three of us are self employed – jobs come and go but this might be the last time my dad can see us in the final – It took eight hours refreshing the UEFA website [to get the tickets] and it might never happen again.”The trio have been travelling to Germany from the Midlands to make it in time for Sunday’s final, spending 16 hours driving to Hannover, and plan to turn the trip into an experience, win or lose.Most read in Euro 2024“It’s worth it – it’s great to experience this with my dad and my brother regardless of the result. We spent £3000 on three tickets for the weekend of our lives!”But Dylan remains confident that the Three Lions can bring it home from Berlin, with the Aston Villa season ticket holder hopeful for another magic performance from club hero Ollie Watkins.Boozy England fans on hols hit Tenerife bars & plead ‘bring it home boys’“Spain look like the most confident team, but we have the best team in the world.” It’s in our hands .If we go toe to toe, I think we can bring it home – COME ON ENGLAND!”All three friends have even squeezed in time for an open-top bus parade in London if England brings it home, before returning to Birmingham.And as for their job prospects, the self-employed trio remain in high spirits.Dylan added: “We will deal with our jobs in the future, our country means the world to us, up the three lions!”No-show train blowHUNDREDS of rail services across Britain were cancelled as train drivers and other staff refused to work overtime so they could watch the football.Northern, Great Western Railway, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway all cancelled scheduled services.Many drivers and other crew do not have Sunday working included in their contracts, with numerous operators often relying on them volunteering to work extra paid shifts.Drivers’ union Aslef said: “Some drivers are on holiday and some like to watch football.” More

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    Maya Jama wows in Three Lions shirt as she leads team of celebrities supporting England ahead of Euro 2024 final

    MAYA Jama poses in her Three Lions shirt as teams of celebrities come out in support of England ahead of the final.The Love Island host, 29, wore Bukayo Saka’s No7 and said: “It’s coming home.”Maya Jama posed in a Saka England shirtPixie Lott shared this snap in an England shirtPop star Pixie Lott, 33, sported her own personalised top.She said: “Good luck, England. We’re all rooting for you.”In an Instagram video, actress Kate Beckinsale, 50, danced with her dog in an England shirt, while Mexican star Salma Hayek, 57, posted a snap wearing the Cross of St George beside an England flag.Model Caprice Bourret, 52, said: “Come on, England. I know you can do it. We’re all behind you.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOne England-mad fan pushed back his mum’s funeral to watch the Euro 2024 final from Germany – but says it is what she would have wanted.Leicester supporter Dave Ross, 73, has been out since the Three Lions’ first group stage game on Sunday, June 16.But sadly, just days earlier on the Friday his mother passed away in a care home aged 89.And as England continued to progress in their road to the final, Dave had to delay his mum’s funeral by a week.Most read in Euro 2024But he is hoping it will all be worth it on Monday when he leaves Berlin first thing to get back in time for the funeral the next day.Dave told SunSport: “We’ve had to obviously put a funeral back because hoping, praying, that England would get to the final, and they’ve done it.England’s Billion Pound Players: The Clash with Spain”And I’ve got to be up very early on Monday morning to drive back because my mother’s funeral is on the Tuesday.”I’m sure she would have been pleased to see me here and see England win the Euros.”Caprice Bourret said: ‘Come on, England. I know you can do it. We’re all behind you’Actress Kate Beckinsale danced with her dog in an England shirtCredit: InstagramSalma Hayek posted a snap wearing the Cross of St George beside an England flagCredit: Instagram More

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    Stuart Pearce reveals reason he thinks England will beat Spain 2-1 in Euro 2024 final

    ENGLAND hardman Stuart Pearce says the champion-filled Three Lions squad is ready to win the Euros by beating Spain 2-1.The defender, nicknamed Psycho, lost out in the semis with England in Italia 90 and Euro 96.Stuart Pearce scored his penalty against Spain at Euro 96Credit: PA:Press AssociationEngland’s Stuart Pearce is consoled after England loose on penalties to Germany at the 1996 EurosCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut he says: “These players are used to playing under pressure all the time and having to perform at a real high standard.“There’s Champions League winners, there’s players that know what it’s like to win in an England shirt.“They’re more rounded nowadays. “We’re up against the team of the tournament, but I’m going to go for a 2-1 England win.”READ MORE ON THREE LIONSPearce, 62, who has been commentating on games in Germany for talkSPORT, missed from the spot against West Germany in the 1990 World Cup.But he scored from 12 yards vs Spain at Euro 96. He said: “I’d be confident we’d win if it went to penalties this time against Spain.”TALKSPORT has non-stop coverage in the build-up to today’s final, with full commentary from 8pm.Most read in Euro 2024England fans belt out Three Lions at Boxpark Wembley ahead of quarter final clash with Switzerland More

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    Majestic ‘psychic’ eagle who is NEVER wrong predicts Euro 2024 winner and leaves handler in ‘no doubt’ of result

    THE  psychic eagle has landed again — predicting a WIN for England in the final tonight.Honey, an African Tawny eagle, has already correctly predicted that England would win every game in the Euros.Honey the eagle has predicted a win for England in the Euros finalCredit: JOHN McLELLANEngland players in their final training session before taking on SpainCredit: PAShe picked the England over Spain yesterday when she flew right to a handler holding the flag.Eagle Heights Wildlife foundation, in Eynsford, Kent, where Honey lives, said:  “Honey has predicted football is coming home and England is going to win the Euros.“Sadly, she can’t tell us if it’s going to be a nail biter again!”Honey was rescued in 2001 in Cameroon where she was going to be a victim of the illegal bushmeat trade.READ MORE ON EUROS FINALSanctuary co-director Alex Leonard added: “Honey predicts several things – even the weather. “She won’t come out if it’s going to rain heavily.  She’s pretty amazing with her ability.  “And of course she’s uncanny at predicting the football results. “She’s one in a million”.Most read in Euro 2024Spain out to avenge controversial England defeat from 28 years ago when THREE game-changing decisions went against them More

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    England’s Euro 2024 heroes in line to bank £1BILLION if they beat Spain as Southgate’s HUGE bonus is revealed

    ENGLAND’S superstar players are in line to bank £1billion if they beat Spain tonight — with boss Gareth Southgate already making £2million for getting them there.The Three Lions coach celebrated wildly on Wednesday when Ollie Watkins set up the historic clash with a last minute winner in the semi-final against the Netherlands.Harry Kane is hoping to lead England to their first Euros trophyCredit: Paul EdwardsEngland manager Gareth Southgate has already got half of his huge bonus just for making it to the finalCredit: GettyTrent Alexander-Arnold trains for the Euros final against SpainCredit: PAIt sealed a bumper bonus for wily strategist Southgate, who has defied his critics to lead England to a second successive Euros final.The Sun told last month he would get a £4million bonus if England won the tournament — and now we can reveal he has already got half of that just for making it to the final.Meanwhile, a win for England in Berlin would mean the players could earn a combined £1billion during their careers from increased wages and megabucks endorsement deals.Brands expert Marcel Knobil said: “Winning the Euros would make England close to being a billion-pound team in terms of future earnings.”READ MORE ON EUROS FINALThe earnings league is likely to be topped by Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, 21, whose brand looks certain to outstrip even David Beckham’s, raking him in £400million.And part of that could even be down to his cheeky crotch-grabbing celebration after scoring a last-gasp bicycle kick in the last 16 match against Slovakia.His antics led to a Uefa investigation, a suspended match ban and a £27,000 fine. But it could boost his appeal as it demonstrated super-confident swagger.Marcel said: “Jude has all the ingredients to overtake Beckham’s £372million by the end of his career. Most read in Euro 2024″He could be looking at £50million earnings annually with his Real Madrid salary plus sponsorships and endorsements.“That amasses into the hundreds of millions.Bukayo Saka breaks silence on amazing reaction to Watkins’ Netherlands winning goal to fire England into Euro 2024 final“Jude will need the same business acumen and longevity of his playing career as Beckham. “But he is right at the top of the world game from such a young age and is on a trajectory similar to Ronaldo. He’s got everything.”Elsewhere, a further £100million would be picked up by each of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo, experts predict. They would be put on a pedestal and enjoy celebrity status for the rest of their lives, just like England’s 1966 World Cup-winners.And they would be able to increase their salaries by about £50,000 a week — adding up to £25million each in wages alone over ten years of top-tier football for the younger stars.Meanwhile, England’s stars, who include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi, have bonded into a battling band of brothers at their Euro 2024 base in Germany after a shaky start sealed their resolve.Southgate’s team-building skillsThe team struggled to impress in the early stages, despite topping their qualifying group.But insiders revealed Southgate’s team-building skills came to the fore as he brought the group together.Fun, and noise, inside their camp at the Weimarer Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain grew along with their belief as they made their way to the final.A source told The Sun on Sunday: “There was a little concern about how quiet it was in there at first. Other teams hosted by the hotel make a lot more noise.“But that seems to be Gareth Southgate’s style — he keeps his boys very calm and focused and brings them closer together.Jude has all the ingredients to overtake Beckham’s £372million by the end of his careerBrands expert Marcel Knobil“Lots of creature comforts were installed alongside all of the training equipment, including a big TV screen beside the pool so they could relax while watching games and their favourite shows.READ MORE SUN STORIES“They loved mountain biking on the trails and getting out on the resort’s three golf courses.“It was very noticeable how they seemed to relax and become more of a family and really began enjoying themselves between games.Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi have a laugh in trainingCredit: GettyLion cubs staying up for a treatBEDTIME will be put on hold for a legion of young England fans tonight.Alex Naughton, five, from Manchester, will be among the little Lions hoping to stay up long enough to roar the team onto victory.He said: “I’ve been told I can stay up late and eat ice cream.” Jude, five, from Locksbottom, Kent, will also be hoping for a goal from namesake “hero” Jude Bellingham when he watches with brothers Frank, eight, and two-year-old Jasper.And Roxy and Bobby Wicks, aged ten and six, are big Phil Foden fans. The siblings, from Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, said: “We love Phil Foden and can’t wait to see him score in the final.”Jude, 5, with brothers Frank, 8, and two-year-old JasperExcited Alex Naughton, 5, from ManchesterRoxy and Bobby Wicks, aged ten and six, are huge Phil Foden fans More