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    Harry Maguire tells of joy at being reunited with his family

    HARRY Maguire spoke of his joy tonight at being reunited with his family – and seeing one of his girls walk for the first time.He had to stay away from partner Fern Hawkins and daughters Lillie, two, and Piper, 14 months.
    Harry Maguire spoke of his joy tonight at being reunited with his family – and seeing one of his girls walk for the first timeCredit: The Sun
    Harry led a hilarious conga around their hotel amid renditions of Sweet Caroline – pictured post match
    And he missed Piper’s first steps while away for more than a month in the team bubble.
    Harry, now back home in Mosborough, Sheffield, told The Sun: “It has been tough in that department – not seeing your families or your kids.
    “I have come home and one of my little ones is walking. I did not see that. It is all part and parcel of the journey.
    “What we did in camp was the correct decision because we didn’t have any positive tests which was important for the journey and creating history like we did.”
    Harry spoke as the team recovered from a mega party after their first-ever Euros final.
    Harry led a hilarious conga around their hotel amid renditions of Sweet Caroline.
    Stars including keeper Jordan Pickford and Mason Mount also joined in a boozy singalong to Oasis classic Don’t Look Back in Anger.
    Keeper Pickford stands proud leading a boozy singlalong
    Mount gets in the spirit of things in a retro kit
    Harry, pictured with Fern, said: ‘I have come home and one of my little ones is walking. I did not see that. It is all part and parcel of the journey’Credit: Instagram @_fernhawkins

    The players checked out of their North London hotel on Monday morning.Harry’s sister Daisy posted a snap of their welcome-home celebrations.
    And Declan Rice looked delighted to be reunited with his dog
    An England source said: “They were disappointed at losing but positive their best is yet to come. This is not the end — it’s the beginning.”
    Inside England’s well-earned Euro 2020 afterparty as Maguire leads conga line and stars are finally reunited with Wags More

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    Harry Maguire says England will grow from Euro 2020 heartbreak… and go one step further in Qatar

    THE PAIN of defeat will never completely disappear for Harry Maguire.Not from the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Russia, when England were 22 minutes away from reaching the final before losing to Croatia.
    England and Man Utd team-mates Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will come back hungrier for the World Cup in Qatar after Euro 2020 final anguishCredit: PA
    England were left heartbroken again after losing on penalties to Italy on SundayCredit: Getty
    Or from Sunday’s  Euro 2020 showpiece when the defender’s team were unbelievably close to winning a first title in 55 years, before losing on penalties to Italy.
    Yet Maguire, 28, yesterday named in the Uefa team of the tournament, believes the Three Lions will be even better prepared to return from Qatar next year with the World Cup.
    He said: “All the disappointments tend to stick around and you always think about them. I still think about Russia and I will still think about this final for many years to come.
    “I wish we could have made it a memorable night. We did everything we could but it was not enough. It still feels raw. I’m still feeling the emotion and I’m still feeling the  disappointment.
    “To not lose a game over the tournament and not come out as champions is really disappointing.
    “But we are in  a lot better place compared to after Russia.
    “Hopefully we will come back from Qatar in an even better place than now.”
    “This tournament we won three knockout games and lost one on penalties. This shows the way we have gone forward as a team.
    “We are a young team with a bad experience of losing the final. But we will learn from it.
    “For me personally, I felt a lot better playing in the final than I did against Croatia in the semi-finals in terms of my mental state, confidence and belief.
    “I am sure if we get to another knockout game, the lads who have got to this tournament will learn and improve. The World Cup is only 16 months away.”
    After the devastated players returned into the dressing room at the weekend, Southgate addressed the squad as a group before having individual chats.
    The 26-man squad returned to The Grove hotel near Watford where they met friends and family.

    EURO 2020 FINAL LATEST

    Maguire spoke to SunSport yesterday in the village of Mosborough, on the outskirts of Sheffield, where he grew up.
    Reflecting on the dressing room afterwards, he said: “It was really quiet after the game. Not much was said between us.
    “Gareth said how proud he was of everyone and it was a really emotional dressing room.
    “The boys were just devastated. Gutted. We were feeling the pain of every fan in the stadium and every fan watching at home on the TV.
    “It was a disappointing night at the end of a great journey, a great tournament.
    “The atmosphere we created and the smiles we put on peoples’ faces is why we play football. We just could not get it over the line to win the tournament.
    “Gareth spoke to us individually when we left the changing room. We did not see Gareth or the staff at the hotel. It was more a players and family thing.
    “We did not get to the hotel until 1.15am and it went on for a couple of hours. It was nice to see everyone.
    “It’s been tough not seeing your families or your kids. I have come home and one of my little ones is walking. I did not see that happen for the first time. It is all part and parcel of the journey.
    “Six weeks together is a long time. It is strange waking up and not seeing the squad for breakfast but I am sure I will get used to it!”
    Maguire was outstanding, particularly when you consider he missed the first two games as he was still returning to fitness after injuring ankle ligaments against Aston Villa in May.
    Now, I am hoping for a good, long season with Manchester United and then next year it is the World Cup. Hopefully we will come back from Qatar in an even better place than now.Harry Maguire
    Uefa yesterday announced he was in the team of the tournament along with Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling.
    The Manchester United skipper said: “It is an individual award which is nice. But it is not the award that I wanted and what the team wanted.
    “I’m really pleased with how it went for myself, especially after seven weeks out.
    “You were getting people saying ‘he should not even be in the squad’ or ‘he is not match-fit’.
    “It was a race to get fit for that third game and I used a prototype therapy device to help me called ProMOTION EV1. I’ve constantly been using it on my ankle over the last month — it provides cold, heat and compression.
    “It’s portable so I’ve even used it in my sleep. Obviously, the England and  United medics are the best and they too were integral to my recovery.
    “I felt little bits of pain in the ankle, especially in my first couple of games. I felt it more then, than in the semi- final and final.
    “The progress is really good. I’m getting bigger, better and stronger. When you have a niggly injury you will never be 100 per cent when you come back.
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    “There will always be a little bit of pain and I managed to put up with it really well in the first couple of games.
    “I hope I am sitting here after Qatar in an   even better place. In Russia we lost three games of football and won one on penalties.
    “Now, I am hoping for a good, long season with Manchester United and then next year it is the World Cup.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Jadon Sancho was one of three England stars who missed in Sunday’s cruel penaltie shootout lossCredit: Getty
    Marcus Rashford’s Manchester mural was defaced by thugs after the final
    Gareth Southgate was quick to comfort his young stars who boldly stepped up to take spot kicksCredit: AP
    Harry Maguire says racist abuse doesn’t surprise him after witnessing similar behaviour from Premier League fans More

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    Harry Maguire reveals dad left with broken ribs and struggling to breathe after ticketless yobs trampled him at Wembley

    ENGLAND ace Harry Maguire has told how his dad Alan was left with suspected broken ribs by ticketless yobs who stormed Wembley.The England defender, 28, also called for a crackdown on trolls by social media firms in the wake of racist abuse of his team-mates suffered after the Euro 2020 final defeat.
    Harry Maguire has revealed that father Alan was left struggling to breathe after ticketless yobs trampled him at WembleyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Harry pictured with his parents Alan and Zoe and their familyCredit: INSTAGRAM/DAISY MAGUIRE
    Maguire’s 56-year-old father was caught up in the terrifying scenes which left him struggling to breathe after the Euro 2020 Final.
    The accountant found himself pinned to the floor, suffering two suspected broken ribs, after the mob burst in through a disabled entrance and stampeded past anyone standing in their way.
    Harry, who smashed home his spot-kick in the devastating shootout defeat to Italy, said of his dad’s ordeal tonight: “It was scary.”
    However, battered Alan has since spoken of his relief that Harry’s two daughters — who he usually hoists onto his shoulders at games — were not caught up in Sunday night’s shameful melee.
    Manchester United defender Harry said: “It was not a nice experience — it shook him up. But he was fortunate as every game he has been to he has had my nephew or one of my kids on his shoulders.
    Harry Maguire talks Euros loss, racism and World Cup hopes in exclusive Sun interview
    “So I’m thankful that did not happen as it could have been a really serious moment.”
    Alan was one of hundreds of innocent England fans caught up in shameful scenes as thousands of ticketless yobs battered their way in after overwhelming security.
    He was crushed underfoot alongside Harry’s agent Kenneth Shepherd as they made their way to the players’ families seating area to the left of the tunnel.
    Harry, who was shocked by the footage of marauding yobs at the ground, told The Sun: “My dad was in the stampede. I have not spoken with him too much but I am pleased my kids didn’t go to the game.
    “It was scary — he said he was scared and I don’t want anyone to experience that at a football match.
    I hope we can learn from this and make sure it doesn’t happen againHarry Maguire
    “I have seen a lot of videos and have spoken to Dad and my family. It was my dad and agent who suffered the most.
    “I hope we can learn from this and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
    Despite being in extreme pain, Alan did not ask for medical treatment.
    Understandably, he did not want to miss the biggest game of his son’s career.
    Lionheart Harry, who paid for himself and his brother to watch England as spectators at Euro 2016 when he was a Hull City player, said: “My dad’s a big fan — he got on with it.
    “He was struggling with his breathing afterwards because of his ribs, but he’s not one to make a big fuss.
    “The experience at Wembley is always amazing, filled with great people and great fans normally. But this time was obviously the final and everyone got overwhelmed and the way some people acted was totally wrong.
    “Dad will always support me and go to the games but he will be a little bit more aware of everything going on around. We should all be more aware and learn from it.”
    Harry also told how there were several ructions in the seating areas, where ticketless yobs refused to budge. He said: “There was a lot of trouble. It happened where the friends and families were.
    Harry says he had around 20 family and friends in the stadium for the finalCredit: INSTAGRAM/HARRY MAGUIRE
    Harry’s dad and his agent were both caught up in the stampedeCredit: Reuters
    Harry hopes the security chaos won’t wreck England’s chances of hosting a World CupCredit: Getty
    “A lot of people got to their seats and there were people sat in their seats. That caused confrontations with people being told to move.
    “The main thing is you want it to be an amazing experience and you don’t want anyone to have any bad memories of the final.
    “That is the disappointing thing. Things could have been a lot worse but we have to make sure it does not happen again.”
    As Uefa opened an investigation into the stampede, Harry hopes the security chaos would not wreck England’s chances of hosting a future World Cup.
    He added: “Wembley is an amazing place. It has been an amazing home and the fans and the way they have acted have been unbelievable, apart from the odd few in a final.
    “We need to learn and we will — and it would be an amazing place to hold the World Cup.”
    He also paid tribute to the support of his loved ones throughout the tournament.
    Harry said: “I had around 20 family and friends in the stadium.
    “I have quite a big family and they have followed me throughout all the games with England.
    ‘EMOTIONAL JOURNEY’
    “Their support for me has been amazing during the tournament and they are on an emotional journey with me.”
    Uefa chiefs tonight charged the FA on four crowd-shame counts arising from the mayhem. Disciplinary proceedings were opened over a pitch invasion, throwing of objects, booing the Italian national anthem and the lighting of a firework. The FA is likely to be rapped with a fine.
    However, Uefa added: “Separately, an ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation into events involving supporters which occurred inside and around the stadium.
    “Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”
    The FA was tonight facing calls for a “root and branch” security shake-up following the debacle which has shamed the national game. An estimated 2,500 ticketless thugs surged through poorly staffed security cordons before kick-off.
    They had circulated pictures of match tickets and Covid-negative test barcodes to overwhelm poorly trained, badly paid and ill-equipped stewards manning barriers.
    Furious paying fans also said the police were nowhere to be seen as trouble erupted around the ground.
    One video showed scores of drunken yobs clambering through a barrier and sprinting towards the entrance as a female steward fell screaming to the floor.
    She was repeatedly trampled until pulled clear. Another video showed disabled access doors being breached by dozens of males and females in England shirts.

    More footage showed fights breaking out between fans and gatecrashers — with one man repeatedly kicked in the head and body after falling to the ground.
    At one point a frustrated fan turns on stewards standing by and shouts: “Do your f***ing job!”
    An FA spokesman said: “We will carry out a full review and investigation into the events that took place at Wembley Stadium before and during the Euro 2020 Final.”
    Harry was shocked by the footage of marauding yobs at the groundCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Furious Harry Maguire slams social media giants for making it ‘too easy’ for vile racists online

    FURIOUS Harry Maguire called for a clampdown on social media giants — saying they make it too easy for racists to abuse footballers online.The Three Lions ace rounded on the likes of Twitter and Facebook for doing too little to kick abusers off their platforms.
    Furious Harry Maguire called for a clampdown on social media giants — saying they make it too easy for racists to abuse footballers onlineCredit: PA
    He said the law must be changed so companies have to link accounts to a person’s real identity — making it easier for police to track down and arrest those spewing hateful messages.
    Speaking out after the Euros racism storm, he said the murky world of the internet must urgently change.
    In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the Manchester United centre-back said he was sadly not surprised at the horrific racist abuse hurled at his teammates.
    He said: “Something needs to be done. The companies need to verify every account.
    “It is too easy to troll and abuse. To be racist is just too easy to be done and get away with.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Racists targeted Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho after their penalty misses.
    Maguire, 28, said the trio showed courage by stepping up to take the crucial kicks, while their cowardly abusers hurled slurs from their keyboards.
    But Maguire said this sick abuse was sadly not a one-off and black footballers had to put up with a tidal wave of insults online whenever they lose a match or miss a penalty.
    He added: “The amount of times we lose a football match with Manchester United and it happens — something needs to be changed.
    “There are so many good sides to social media. We want to show fans what we are doing in-camp and want to interact and tell them how we feel.
    Supporters showed solidarity with England stars who were racially abused after Sunday’s Euro 2020 final defeat at the Marcus Rashford muralCredit: Getty
    “There is a negative side but it can be stopped and changed. We need it to change.”
    Ministers and tech bosses needed to blow the whistle and end online anonymity, which has allowed the abuse to flourish, he demanded.
    PM Boris Johnson hauled tech bosses into Downing Street tonight to demand they do far more to kick racists off their sites.
    Speaking before the showdown talks, he told Cabinet the abuse suffered by the squad was “utterly disgraceful” and has “emerged from the dark spaces of the internet”.
    He added: “There is no question this kind of abuse is extremely upsetting, unfair and needs to be stamped out.”
    TECH BOSSES MUST DO MORE
    Meanwhile, under-fire Home Secretary Priti Patel is desperately trying to meet England ace Tyrone Mings after he accused her of “stoking the fire” of racism.
    Ms Patel and the Aston Villa footballer met successfully last year to discuss racism in football.
    Insiders said they had a productive chat discussing “stamping out the scourge of racism in football”.
    But at the start of Euro 2020, Ms Patel described players taking the knee before games as “gesture politics”. Then, she infuriated Mings, 28, by saying she was disgusted at the racist abuse directed at England’s players since Sunday.
    Fellow ministers backed her, with Stephen Barclay saying she was also the victim of racist trolls. He said: “The Home Secretary herself has been the victim of the most appalling online abuse.
    Racists targeted Bukayo Saka, pictured hugging England manager Gareth Southgate, and other footballers after their penalty missesCredit: Getty
    “She understands better than most the consequences of racism.”
    Ministers are bringing in tougher laws to tackle abuse online with their new Online Harms Bill.
    Under the crackdown, tech giants will have a legal duty of care. Those that fail to protect users online face fines of ten per cent of their global annual turnover or up to £18million — whichever is higher.
    It means the biggest companies — such as Facebook — could be fined billions by regulator Ofcom.
    But No 10 has refused to force them to verify all users’ accounts, claiming it is too complicated in practice and that sometimes there is a good reason for anonymity.
    ‘WE NEED IT TO CHANGE’
    They also rejected calls for named bosses at social media firms to be criminally prosecuted if they breach this duty of care.
    Many charities said the new bill, expected to come into force over the next year, fails to go far enough in clamping down on the Wild West of online.
    Tonight, Labour called for the law to be changed so trolls who abuse footballers online can be given football banning orders barring them from matches.
    Currently the orders can only be imposed on hooligans who commit offences on the terraces or on their way to grounds — not on the internet.
    Shadow Culture Secretary Jo Stevens, said: “The racists who have been abusing England players online should be banned from football grounds. They do not deserve to be anywhere near a game of football.”

    Echoing the demand, racism expert Sunder Katwala, director of the British Future think-tank, said: “If you’re banned from a football ground for racism, you’re out for life.
    “But if you’re banned from Twitter, you’re back ten minutes later.”
    A fan leads a touching letter outside the Marcus Rashford mural in WithingtonCredit: PA
    The mural in South Manchester was plastered with support for the Marcus Rashford following the Euro 2020 racism stormCredit: STEVE ALLEN
    Hundreds take knee at Rashford mural in anti-racism vigil after vile abuse More

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    Large sections of England fans bring shame on a nation they claim to be so proud of… scrap the 2030 World Cup bid now

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has successfully transformed the culture of the England team.But despite his own excellent efforts, he has been unable to change the culture of many of those who support them.
    England’s first major final in 55 years was marred by the behaviour of some fansCredit: Getty
    Fans stormed barriers and broke into Wembley hours before kick-off
    That was obvious on arriving at Wembley and witnessing a bunch of boneheads chanting ‘We’re racist, we’re racist, we’re racist and that’s the way we like it’ as a group of black teenagers in England shirts walked by.
    It was obvious when you witnessed violent, ticketless fans storming barriers and assaulting stewards to gain access to the ground.
    It was obvious as you walked through piles of vomit, puddles of urine and mountains of broken glass after England’s defeat.
    It was obvious when you saw terrified children crying and it was obvious when you heard eyewitness accounts of Italian fans being attacked for celebrating their team’s equaliser.
    It was obvious when you saw footage of a man with an ignited flare up his rectum being cheered on Wembley Way.
    It was obvious when you heard of mass disorder in central London.
    And it was obvious when you heard about the sickening — but entirely predictable — racial abuse of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka on social media after their penalty misses.
    We have talked long and hard about how this England team has brought joy, hope and unity to a miserable and divided nation — but there was little evidence of any of that on Sunday night.
    Aided and abetted by wholly inadequate police and stewarding — severely short-handed and shambolically led — these morons surely torpedoed any vague hopes the FA might successfully bid for England to host the 2030 World Cup.
    They should scrap that bid right now and save themselves a huge amount of time, money and ultimate embarrassment. That plan was always an extravagant, pig-headed folly, even before Sunday night’s disaster movie.
    Wembley Way was packed with fans and some intended to cause troubleCredit: AFP
    Rio Ferdinand was hit with a beer can as he made his way into the stadiumCredit: Getty
    And supporters trampled on barricades for no reason in particularCredit: AP
    When the FA campaigned extensively and expensively with their ‘three Lions’ — Prince William, David Beckham and David Cameron (remember him?) — to host the 2018 World Cup, they ended up with two votes out of 22.
    The process was corrupt but corruption or no corruption, the rest of the world actively dislikes the English. And you only had to be in or around Wembley to understand some of the many reasons why.
    We keep banging on about it only being a ‘minority’ of England fans who cause trouble and spread hatred. That may be true but it is a significant, brain-dead minority who have never gone away.
    Even during Southgate’s enlightened reign, we’ve seen them embarrass the nation on away trips in cities such as Dortmund, Amsterdam and Seville.
    Boorish, grunting, anti-social cavemen acting like a hostile occupying army, rather than civilised guests.
    Most of the time it is low-grade anti-social behaviour — but to the rest of the world it is intimidating, frightening and bewildering.
    Men who cannot handle their beer, yet insist on guzzling gallons of it.
    Men who cannot handle defeat, yet insist on following a football team who will often lose.
    Men who glorify long-gone wars and conflicts, with little knowledge of history.
    Men in dire need of self-esteem, therapy and girlfriends.
    Leicester Square covered in litter ahead of Sunday’s finalCredit: AFP
    Fans brought chaos in the West End on SundayCredit: Getty
    It would be a well-educated guess to assume that those who intimidated women and children and assaulted opposition fans at Wembley on Sunday, are the same ones who anonymously abuse black players on social media, who boo the taking of the knee and the national anthems of others.
    And while Boris Johnson and his Home Secretary Priti Patel have condemned the abuse of Rashford, Saka and Sancho, they had also condoned the booing of England players ‘taking the knee’ earlier in the tournament.
    They also championed Brexit, with — in Southgate’s words — its ‘racial undertones’.
    And, having lit the blue touchpaper, they have now retreated to a safe distance and shouted at the fire.
    Rashford forced the Government into a U-turn on free school meals, which clearly still rankles with many Tory MPs.
    One of them, the charming Natalie Elphicke, has now apologised for sending a message which read: “They lost — would it be ungenerous to suggest Rashford should have spent more time perfecting his game and less time playing politics?” Or would it be ungenerous to suggest a 23-year-old professional footballer has done more for the national good than Elphicke, an actual member of parliament, ever will?
    Sancho was the first English footballer to take the knee when the Bundesliga restarted before the Premier League last summer.
    Saka, of Nigerian parentage, is a 19-year-old who carried the worst Arsenal team for a generation throughout last season.
    Bukayo Saka was racially abused despite bravely stepping up to take a penaltyCredit: Getty
    Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford also suffered racist abuseCredit: AFP
    A Marcus Rashford mural was also vandalised after England’s lossCredit: PA
    All are excellent footballers, key to England’s continued progress.
    Yet the Government felt it was acceptable for England fans to boo them as they took the knee in support of racial equality — ‘gesture politics’ according to a sneering Patel, before the bandwagon started rolling.
    The Home Secretary might have been better served concentrating on police numbers at Wembley and in central London, for what was always likely to be a day of binge-drinking and debauchery before an 8pm weekend kick-off.
    Johnson and his crew have a very different vision of a modern England than that articulated by Southgate and many of his players.
    But Southgate’s laudable words sounded like utter pie in the sky to anyone in the vicinity of Wembley.
    This was never how we expected it to be, as England ended a 55-year wait to play in a major final.
    This is an England team which brought so much pleasure and optimism — on and off the pitch — over the past month and more.
    But large sections of England’s support bring only shame on the nation they purport to be so proud of.
    CHIELL FACTOR
    WHEN Giorgio Chiellini grabbed Bukayo Saka by the shirt, as the winger darted past him on Sunday, you could not help but rage at the Italian’s utter cynicism — and admire the hell out of it.
    England are more ‘streetwise’ than they used to be but they still have some way to go in matching the 36-year-old veteran’s sheer unadulterated bastardy.
    Giorgio Chiellini cynically pulled down Bukayo Saka at WembleyCredit: BBC
    MANC SPANK
    KASPER SCHMEICHEL gave some amusing pre-match banter before his Denmark side lost in the last four, asking a journalist if football had ‘ever come home’ and whether England had ever won the Euros.
    Yet Schmeichel, who has lived the vast majority of his life in England, delivered his words in a Mancunian accent — and in the knowledge that a dog in Coronation Street was named after his Dad.
    Kasper Schmeichel poked fun at England with a joke about football coming homeCredit: EPA

    OFF IN A HARRY
    HARRY KANE, who is still without a major team trophy, is now a runner-up in the Euros, the Champions League, the Premier League and the League Cup.
    So while the outcome of Sunday’s penalty shootout should not really have any bearing on the England captain’s club future, you can only imagine it stiffening his resolve to get out of Tottenham.
    Harry Kane is yet to win a major team trophy in his career despite coming agonisingly closeCredit: Getty
    TOKYO ADRIFT
    SO the Tokyo Olympics will take place behind closed doors, under a state of emergency.
    Most Japanese people are opposed to it, with athletes experiencing the peak of their careers to a soundtrack of silence and with foreign media forced to quarantine inside hotels that don’t provide food.
    If there was ever an exception to the idea that ‘the show must go on’, then these joyless Games are it.
    England manager Gareth Southgate slams racists as he vows to ‘look after those boys’ who missed penalties in Euro 2020 final against Italy More

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    Nation unites behind England stars who suffered vile racist abuse over penalty misses

    THE nation has united behind three England stars who suffered racist abuse over their Euros penalty misses.Marcus Rashford, 21, Jadon Sancho, 20, and Bukayo Saka, 19, received vile online abuse after missing penalties in Sunday’s Euro final shootout — despite having been brave enough to take them.
    Bukayo Saka is consoled by Gareth Southgate following defeat at the EurosCredit: AP
    Marcus Rashford was one of three players who faced a torrent of hate on social mediaCredit: Getty
    Furious Boris Johnson told racist trolls hounding the three young England aces to “crawl back under your rock”.
    The PM led howls of outrage as police pledged to bring the racist abusers to justice.
    He said: “To those who have been directing racist abuse at some of the players, I say shame on you.
    “I hope you will crawl back under the rock from which you emerged.”
    He hailed the England players as “heroes” and said he had been “sad and rueful” but “filled with pride” like millions of people when he woke up yesterday.
    Mr Johnson also thanked the Three Lions’ manager Gareth Southgate “for the best campaign by any England team in any tournament that I can remember.”
    ‘THEY MADE HISTORY’
    He added: “They made history. They lifted our spirits — and they brought joy to this country and I know they will continue to do so.”
    Prince William — who attended the final at Wembley with wife Kate and Prince George, added his voice to the chorus of disgust.
    He tweeted: “I am sickened by the racist abuse aimed at England players after last night’s match.
    “It is totally unacceptable that players have to endure this abhorrent behaviour. It must stop now and all those involved should be held accountable.”
    Southgate, 50, called the abuse his players faced “unforgivable”.
    He said: “It’s just not what we stand for. We have been a beacon of light in bringing people together, in people being able to relate to the national team, and the national team stands for everybody and so that togetherness has to continue.
    We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity togetherGareth Southgate
    “We have shown the power our country has when it does come together and has that energy and positivity together.”
    England captain Harry Kane, 27, backed the youngsters who failed to convert their penalties.
    The Spurs striker tweeted: “Three lads who were brilliant all summer had the courage to step up & take a pen when the stakes were high.
    “They deserve support & backing and not the vile racist abuse they’ve had since last night. If you abuse anyone on social media you’re not an England fan and we don’t want you.”
    Arsenal rising star Saka, 19, touched the nation’s hearts as he wept after missing the last penalty in the shootout against Italy. But moments later monkey and banana emojis began flooding into his Instagram account.
    Rashford, 23, and Sancho, 21, both faced similar online abuse.
    Bukayo Saka touched the nation’s hearts as he wept after missing the last penaltyCredit: Getty
    Jadon Sancho faced similar online abuseCredit: Getty
    Messages of support on plastic that covers offensive graffiti on the vandalised mural of Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty
    A mural of Manchester United star Rashford in his hometown of Withington was defaced with racist obscenities in the early hours.
    Later, residents flocked to the wall to leave messages of support for their local hero and love-heart stickers on the vandalised artwork.
    Rashford responded online with a statement, saying: “The messages I’ve received today have been positively overwhelming and seeing the response in Withington had me on the verge of tears.
    “The communities that always wrapped their arms around me continue to hold me up.
    “I’m Marcus Rashford, 23-years-old, black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, South Manchester. If I have nothing else I have that.”
    Home Secretary Priti Patel said of online giants: “They can no longer ignore some of the appalling, vile, racist, violent and hateful content that appear on their platforms.
    “We have been clear that if they do not stamp this out, we will take action against them in the Online Safety Bill.”
    But last night England defender Tyrone Mings blasted Ms Patel who had previously accused members of the England team of being overly political, and refused to condemn people who booed the team when they took a knee.
    Mings, 28, tweeted: “You don’t get to stoke the fire at the beginning of the tournament by labelling our anti-racism message as ‘Gesture Politics’ & then pretend to be disgusted when the very thing we’re campaigning against happens.”
    ‘INVESTIGATIONS ARE UNDER WAY’
    London’s Met Police vowed to go after the trolls. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “We’ve launched a post-event investigation and will actively pursue and investigate offenders and criminal offences.”
    The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) will co-ordinate efforts to identify the hatemongers who could be charged under the Malicious Communications Act — punishable with up to 12 months in jail.
    Alternatively, the could be prosecuted for racially-aggravated harassment, which has a two-year term. Cheshire Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead on football policing, said: “Investigations are under way.”
    He said reports of online racist abuse would be assessed by the UKFPU and perpetrators identified with the help of social media firms.
    Ken Marsh, chairman of the Met’s rank and file Police Federation branch, said: “Every one of the trolls needs to be tracked down, named and shamed and prosecuted.”
    TV pundit and England legend Rio Ferdinand urged Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to take action.

    He tweeted: “You can bet ya last pound they would have sung the Raheem Sterling song almost bursting the veins in their bodies doing so.
    “But England lose and that joy and sense of being united immediately evaporates and our black players become the target.”
    He added: “Social media companies please can we come together in creating a way to protect people on your platforms please…. Our young heroes need your attention too!”
    Sun’s lion mascot roars his defiance
    The Sun’s lion mascot Harry Mane had his head held high after England lost by a whisker.
    Brave Harry watched at a Rome bar and later enjoyed banter with 1,000 Italian fans in a square.
    Harry Mane had his head held high after England lost by a whiskerCredit: Paul Edwards
    Subjected to boos and chanting, he jokingly gave them a thumbs down.
    Harry said: “I’m gutted but very proud. The players are heroes.
    “I’ve been with hundreds of Italian fans but it’s been very friendly.
    “It’s heartbreaking — but we all know the World Cup isn’t far away.”
    Expat Simon Robinson, 44, who lives in Rome said: “I’m sure Harry Mane gave us that fantastic extra edge but it wasn’t to be.”
    Fellow expat Trevor Mills, 60, added: “Harry, you’ve done so well. Our lads did so well. There’s so much to be proud of.”
    I feared for all 3By ex-West Ham goalie Shaka Hislop
    AS they took their penalties, I feared for Marcus, Jadon and Bukayo.
    I was worried that they might be scapegoated if they failed to score because they are black. The abuse they later received was awful.
    Over the last 25 years we’ve seen steady progress on racial equality but there needs to be much stronger and meaningful action between government and social media firms.
    The three who volunteered to take a penalty knew the racist abuse that would come their way if they missed.
    That shows courage and commitment to the country.
    They must be shown that level of respect in return.

    England manager Gareth Southgate slams racists as he vows to ‘look after those boys’ who missed penalties in Euro 2020 final against Italy More

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    Gareth Southgate on course to be given knighthood in New Year Honours list

    GARETH SOUTHGATE looks set to become a ‘Sir’ in the New Year Honours list.Boris Johnson wants to give the England boss a knighthood after his side’s scintillating run to the Euro 2020 final lifted the entire nation.
    England’s manager is on course to become Sir Gareth Southgate in the New Year Honours listCredit: Getty
    Gareth Southgate and his players applaud fans following the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Final between Italy and EnglandCredit: Getty
    Southgate was handed an OBE when the Three Lions made the 2018 World Cup semis — but now a knighthood is in his grasp despite the pain of Sunday’s penalty shootout heartbreak against Italy.
    Sources say the Prime Minister is “supportive” of the top honour after England’s first major final in 55 years.
    Last night Johnson declared: “They made history. They lifted our spirits and they brought joy to this country — and I know they will continue to do so.
    Like millions of people across this country I woke up sad and rueful but also filled with pride and hope.
    “And with thanks to Gareth Southgate and the whole England squad for the best campaign by any England team in any tournament that I can remember.”
    And last night a senior No 10 source told The Sun that gongs await the squad, with a knighthood likely to come for the gaffer: “There’s a process to go through but Gareth’s achievements have been incredible.
    “He’s brought the country together in an amazing way. The PM would certainly be supportive of a knighthood.”

    ‘SERVING & HELPING BRITAIN’
    The honours system recognises people who have “committed themselves to serving and helping Britain” and made achievements in public life. They must be “outstanding” in their field, or make life better for others — which millions of fans will argue England have done.
    After a nomination, the decision to proceed — and which honour they will receive — is decided by the sports honours committee in Whitehall.
    The body reviews applications, sending their recommendations to the PM and the Queen, who awards the honour.
    Health minister Edward Argar told LBC radio: “I’m sure there will be many ways to say thank you to them and recognise that, and I suspect that will be looked at in the coming days.”
    Southgate’s next mission is to lead England to glory with his young stars at the World Cup in Qatar next year.
    The Three Lions boss will honour his deal, which runs to 2022, but will not yet commit any further. Southgate, 50, said: “I don’t want to commit to anything longer than I should and I never want to outstay my welcome.
    “I’d want to be taking the team to Qatar. I feel we’ve made progress in four years. It’s probably as good as any team in Europe bar those who won the tournaments themselves.”

    Southgate was gutted by the final defeat but sees great hope in young stars like Bukayo Saka, 19, Phil Foden, 21, Jude Bellingham, 18, and Jadon Sancho, 21.
    He said: “When you’re so close it’s more painful — it feels like my stomach has been ripped out.
    “But our young ones are two, four years from peaking. This team can go again, no doubt about it.”
    Gareth Southgate hugs England’s Bukayo Saka after the Euros penalty shootoutCredit: AP

    Gareth Southgate confirms he wants to lead England into 2022 World Cup but says ‘I never want to outstay my welcome’ More

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    F1 ace Lando Norris mugged for £40k watch at Wembley as fans ran riot

    BRIT F1 ace Lando Norris, 21, had his £40,000 watch nicked at Wembley as fans ran riot.Wembley descended into a warzone at the Euro final — when 2,500 ticketless, drunken thugs stormed the stadium.
    Lando Norris at the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco 2021 in Monte CarloCredit: Alpha Press
    A Richard Mille RM 11-03 watch costing £40,000
    Terrified families called security for the showpiece event a shambles, with fights breaking out around the ground.
    Britain’s F1 ace Lando Norris was also mugged for his £40,000 watch after the game with Italy — England’s biggest since 1966.
    Players’ families were caught up in skirmishes, children were    left in tears, a female security guard was trampled and a disabled entrance stormed.
    Last night, there were calls for the FA, which owns Wembley ­stadium, to step up security, amid fears any bids to host future World Cups would be harmed.
    Moments before kick-off on Sunday night, drunk hooligans surged through cordons, sparking chaos.
    Fans who paid £900 and more for tickets then found yobs in their seats refusing to budge. 
    Friends and families of stars including captain Harry Kane, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Harry Maguire also saw trouble unfold as dozens barged into their section.
    A source said: “All the players had their kids in there. It was ­terrifying. The wives, girlfriends and children were all crying. There were a couple of fights.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    “None of the relatives or friends had seen anything like this before. They arrived to find seats taken by fans without tickets. And they were rude and really aggressive.
    “It got really nasty and was very upsetting. There were not enough stewards and no police in sight.”
    Rugby star Mike Tindall, 42, and his royal wife Zara, 40, saw two men fighting near their seats — so the burly World Cup winner stepped in. One fan suffered a ­broken nose, with Princess Anne’s daughter Zara mopping up blood from her seat with a hankie.
    A source said: “At least one of the fans didn’t have a ticket. Mike was trying to break up the fight.”
    After the game, motor racing ace Lando was ambushed by yobs as he got into his £165,000 McLaren GT supercar. He was then grabbed by one while another tore off his prototype Richard Mille watch.
    An eyewitness told The Sun: “Lando was held and another ­robber pulled off his watch in a split second. Lando looked pretty shaken up. Security had been a nightmare all night.”
    He had earlier posted a photo of himself at the game for his 3.4million online followers. A spokesman for his McLaren team said he was “understandably shaken”.
    Lando Norris was mugged at the wheel of his McLaren supercar at Wembley’s car park
    Stewards replace barricades after they were knocked over outside Wembley at the Euro finalCredit: AP
    England fans inside Wembley help to ‘eject’ people storming the gates
    Security sources estimate thousands broke in without tickets. 
    One said: “Analysis of video footage shows around 2,500 ticketless yobs storming in. But, the fact is, the stadium is not policed because Wembley won’t pay the bill for it. Security is left to poorly paid stewards to deal with and they were totally overrun. Serious questions need to be asked.” 
    Thugs circulated pictures of match tickets and Covid-negative test barcodes before the kick-off to trick and overwhelm staff.
    Once past Covid screens, they gathered in large groups and charged over barriers, knocking aside anyone in their path.
    One video shows scores clambering through and sprinting to the entrance as a female steward falls screaming to the floor. 
    Another obtained by the Sun shows disabled access doors being breached by dozens of male and female gatecrashers. 
    A man was also seen being repeatedly kicked in the head and body after falling to the ground.
    At one point, a frustrated fan turns on stewards standing by and shouts: “Do your f***ing job!” 
    Ex-footballer Lee Ebden, 37, now a consultant, took his 66-year-old dad John to the game, paying more than £800 each.
    But they were shocked to see mobs storming a disabled entrance then found groups of ticketless fans all around them.
    Lee, of Macclesfield, said: “I’ve never felt so scared or ashamed as I was at Wembley at what should have been a great night. The ­stewards and police completely lost control — to call it an horrendous shambles is a complete understatement. As I went through the turnstile, a bloke in an England shirt tried to squeeze in with me. They were all doing it.”
    Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke warned of repercussions for future tournaments. He said: “Fifa will be watching these scenes carefully and taking a very dim view. I hope those who instigated it are met with the full force of the law.”

    The Met Police reported at least 86 arrests in London, including 53 at Wembley, for ABH, drunk and disorderly behaviour and criminal damage. A total of 19 officers were also injured, with Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh calling the scenes a “national disgrace”.
    Boris Johnson’s spokesman said: “Those scenes were unacceptable and we condemn violence, anti- social behaviour and abuse in the strongest possible terms.”
    The FA said it would carry out a full review and apologised to law-abiding fans for the “unprecedented level of public disorder”. The Met promised to “actively pursue and investigate offenders”.    
    Final was a dangerous experienceENGLAND has a new generation of supporters — drunk on lager, crazed on cocaine and set on unleashing maximum violence.
    What I witnessed on Wembley Way was like a trip back to the thuggery which dogged English teams in tournaments in the ’80s.
    The launching of bottles and cans. Jumping on top of vans and stalls, trying to smash in roofs. 
    Then, finally and shamefully, the storming of the gates of the stadium — putting thousands of decent ticket-holding fans at risk.
    Having attended hundreds of games at home and abroad, this was one of the most dangerous experiences I’ve had in football.
    By 1pm, seven hours before kick-off, those on Wembley Way were putting their safety at risk. 
    The crossroads by the BoxPark was the first danger zone. Thousands were crammed in there, and nearly all thought it funny to send missiles of bottles and half-full lager cans through the air, seeing if they could take some unsuspecting soul down.
    How they laughed, those idiots, climbing lampposts, lighting and throwing flares.
    By 3pm, I witnessed thugs sniffing cocaine. Scores of bottles and cans fizzed through the air. Fights broke out down side roads. Families cowered and hurried by.
    Up by the stadium, thousands were drinking, throwing and celebrating when others were hit.
    The gates opened and all hell broke out. The disabled section inside the stadium suddenly filled with aggressive idiots. Punters were shoved out of their seats.
    My memories of the biggest day in England’s football history for 55 years? Six hours outside full of menace, broken glass, bloodied bodies, fear among fans. Four hours inside of embattled stewards and frightened families.
    And a relief that a real tragedy had not befallen us.

    By Duncan Wright, Senior football reporter

    Shocking moment man punches young boy and fan is kicked on the ground in chaotic scenes at Wembley stadium More