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    Paul Gascoigne backs former England team-mate Gareth Southgate to deliver Euro 2020 glory

    PAUL Gascoigne says England can win the Euros if we throw all our support behind boss Gareth Southgate.Legend Gazza told fans and players ahead of tonight’s quarter-final with Ukraine in Rome: “If we trust in Gareth, everything else will come good.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Paul Gascoigne believes England can go on and win Euro 2020Credit: Dan Charity / The Sun
    England boss Gareth Southgate gives a thumbs up as the team board the plane to UkraineCredit: Getty
    Gazza’s Three Lions battle cry came as captain Harry Kane got off the plane ready to cane Ukraine. 
    Urging supporters at home and in Italy to play their part, he told The Sun: “The crucial thing is for as many England fans as possible to get to the game and, most importantly, get behind Gareth.
    “He’s the answer to everything for us, and we need to believe in him.”
    Gazza, now 54, was England’s hero in the 1996 tournament and rallied to Southgate’s side after his cruel penalty miss against Germany in the semi-final.
    The ex-Spurs and Lazio ace added: “I know Gareth well and we’re still good mates so I know he’s got what it takes to take us all the way. He’s the key.”
    Gazza consoled Gareth Southgate after his critical Euro 96 missed penaltyCredit: Colorsport
    Euro 96 hero Gazza says supporters must get behind Gareth SouthgateCredit: Getty

    England players yesterday boarded their flight to Italy from Birmingham — led by a determined-looking captain Kane.
    Defender Harry Maguire also looked steely-eyed on the aircraft steps.
    Midfield ace Phil Foden appeared relaxed as he smiled to the cameras, and central defender John Stones gave a quick thumbs-up.
    Just over two hours later, they landed safely in Rome, with Kane and Kieran Trippier in masks as they disembarked.
    Captain Harry Kane led the England team into Italy after flying to RomeCredit: Getty
    Harry Maguire is the rock in England’s defence hoping to shut Ukraine outCredit: Getty
    Defensive partner John Stones was in good spirits as he boarded the flightCredit: Getty
     Gazza has good memories of tonight’s Stadio Olimpico venue, having played there for Lazio in the early 1990s.
    He added: “I know that stadium well. It’s big, but we don’t need to be intimidated. We have the right man in charge and the right players to go the distance, but we can’t have any doubts in our manager if we’re going to go all the way.
    “Of course fans can make a difference if they are in full voice on a big night — I’ve experienced that myself.
    “A packed house of supporters behind you is an amazing thing, so hopefully an army of England fans will make it one way or another, even if it is people already living out there.
    Gazza believes England’s Euro 2020 team have what it takes to go all the wayCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
    “Italy is a fantastic footballing country. I love the fans and they were very good to me. The atmosphere will be fantastic. With England fans behind the team and the manager, there’s no reason we can’t win this one, but obviously we mustn’t get carried away — it will be tough.”
    Paul added of the Three Lions boss, 50: “Gareth is amazing, and a good mate. I’ve spoken to him fairly recently before the tournament.
    “We’ve always stayed in touch. When we played together, he was an amazing team-mate but a brilliant bloke off the pitch, too.
    “He’s always been good to me on a personal level. He’s very approachable.
    “He understands people and he understands football. He’s a smart guy.
    “He’s also very proud of his role with England, which he should be. It’s the ultimate job for a football man, and he really deserves it.”
    Phil Foden dyed his hair just like Gazza at Euro 96Credit: Getty
    Gazza, who has overcome a raft of personal demons, added: “I’ll be watching Saturday of course, even if it’s quite bittersweet.
    “I don’t mind admitting it, we never quite got there in 1996 but this squad might go all the way.
    “As a footballer, it’s hard not to be jealous, but I wish Gareth and the team all the best. They have a real shot of this.”
    And after watching England’s clashes so far, he backed Foden and midfield pal Jack Grealish to make the difference tonight.
    He said: “Jack and Phil both remind me of me, in the centre of the park trying to make things happen.
    “They’ve both played well so far, but my advice would just be for them to follow the ball, that’s their role.
    Gazza is a big fan of Jack Grealish and says Harry Kane must not go too deepCredit: Getty
    “Harry Kane needs to stay around the 18-yard box ready, that’s his job, don’t track back.
    “Terry Venables (England boss in 1996) used to tell us to just focus on our own job, for Harry that’s scoring goals.
    “We don’t need you back at the halfway line. Stay up top ready.
    “Foden and Grealish should be tracking the ball, staying within ten yards of it as much as possible, being involved in everything.
    “With this side and an army of England fans behind them there’s no reason we can’t make it to the semis.
    “And, as I keep saying, if the country believes in Gareth, and I really do, then there’s no reason we can’t win this.”
    Neil thrill for LionsSINGING legend Neil Diamond is backing England to go all the way after his classic hit Sweet Caroline became an anthem for Three Lions fans.
    The legendary US songwriter, 80 said he was “thrilled” his 1969 tune was belted out by fans and players after Euros victories.
    And he hopes it can spur the Three Lions ahead of their vital quarter final showdown against Ukraine.
    He said: “What a thrill to hear everyone singing Sweet Caroline. I hope you can do it again — here’s to England.”
    England coach Gareth Southgate has revealed his backroom team played the song on their coach following Tuesday’s win.
    Southgate said of the song: “That is a belter, really.”

     PM flag tribute
    Boris Johnson found the biggest England flag possible to back the teamCredit: Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

    BORIS Johnson stands in the centre of a giant England flag outside No10 as he sends his support to the Three Lions.
    The PM will be cheering on England against UkraineCredit: Tim Hammond / No10 Downing Street

    The PM gave a thumbs up as the team prepares to meet Ukraine in the quarter-final clash tonight.
    He and wife Carrie tweeted a picture of themselves watching England’s 2-0 victory against Germany on Tuesday night, saying: “We’re all behind you — bring it home!”
    Roy Keane warns England ‘biggest danger is themselves’ against Ukraine as Man Utd legend hails Southgate at Euro 2020 More

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    England fan scores £360 on Euros bet thanks to tip off from his unborn son

    AN England fan won £360 in a Euros bet on the Germany game after an ultrasound scan showed his unborn son sticking two fingers up.Johnny Howell, 30, put down £30 to win 2-0 at 12-1 and watched in delight as it came in.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Johnny Howell won £360 on a Euros bet thanks to his unborn sonCredit: East Anglia News Service
    An ultrasound showed his baby sticking two fingers upCredit: East Anglia News Service
    The gas engineer said: “It is just incredible that my boy came up with the right result.
    “It’s a shame that he didn’t put up four fingers and a thumb to predict five goals.”
    He went for the scan with fiance Alice Morling, 25, in Gorleston, Norfolk, on Tuesday, before Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling’s goals that evening.
    Johnny, of Great Yarmouth, said: “The sonographer said the fingers were a peace sign.
    His fiance Alice Morling said she couldn’t believe the prediction had come trueCredit: East Anglia News Service

    “But it dawned on me that he may have been predicting a 2-0 England victory.”
    Alice said: “The second goal came and I thought, ‘Are you joking?’ ”
    They will spend the win on baby equipment.
    England ace Raheem Sterling is favourite to win Player of the Tournament at Euro 2020 More

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    The Sun’s chicken Kiev picks England for Euros victory…and sh**s on Ukraine!

    FOOTBALL-mad cockerel Jordan Peckford hopes for a feather in his cap — after predicting England will beat Ukraine.The Sun’s own chicken Kiev showed he was no bird-brain when asked to choose between two full bowls of feed placed on a hay bale.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Our chicken Kiev has predicted victory for England tomorrowCredit: Richard Rayner
    Jordan Peckford was asked to choose between two bowls full of feedCredit: Richard Rayner
    He wasted no time choosing the one marked EnglandCredit: Richard Rayner
    He also took a shot in the Ukraine oneCredit: Richard Rayner
    The red and white marvel lost no time in scoffing from the one marked England. And then he cheekily doubled down on his verdict by, um, taking a shot in the Ukraine one.
    The four-month-old, named in honour of Three Lions goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, belongs to farmers Andrew and Ruth Pollard, both 49.
    They have been avidly watching England’s Euro 2020 progress with their four kids.
    Sunderland fan Andrew, a fifth generation farmer, said: “I watched Jordan Pickford start his career with us before his big money move to Everton.

    The four-month-old belongs to farmers Andrew and Ruth PollardCredit: Richard Rayner
    “His saves against Germany were spectacular. He’s been the keeper of the tournament so far.
    “Four games and four clean sheets — it’s quite a record.
    “I don’t want to count my chickens too soon, but I think it’s coming home.”
    Ruth — who with Andrew runs Pollards of Thirkleby, near Thirsk, North Yorks — agreed: “It’s been superb so far. And Jordan has pretty much told us what he thinks of Ukraine’s chances.
    “Not only did he have a poo in their bowl, he kicked it over. He doesn’t fancy them at all.
    He was named after Three Lions goalkeeper Jordan PickfordCredit: APEx-pat fans to hit Rome

    THREE Lions fans coming from England have been banned from watching tomorrow’s quarter final.
    But proud ex-pat supporters — dubbed the Salami Army — were racing to get hold of tickets and cheer on Our Boys.
    Italy warned anyone who has been in the UK for the past fortnight would be barred from the Stadio Olimpico.
    Many of the 30,000 Brits living in Italy scrambled to get tickets.
    Teacher Dawn Hughes, 59, who lives in Rome, snapped one up.
    She told The Sun: “I just can’t wait. We will cheer and sing our hearts out for the team and for Queen and country.”
    England fans in other EU countries are also heading to Rome.
    Joel Phillips, 29, who lives in Hamburg, said: “I needed to roar the boys on as the Barmy Army couldn’t travel.”

    “They’re on a wing and a prayer as far as he’s concerned. But they’ll probably cry fowl.”
    Fans will want to see Ukraine in a flap at tomorrow night’s big match in Rome which will decide if England reach the semi-finals for the first time since Euro 96.

    ENGLAND stars are head over heels for Love Island. Luke Shaw revealed: “Sometimes we watch a movie together. But now it’s Love Island. 9pm — that’s it. You can book your treatment times so you’re just on the bed when it comes on. Most of us sit in there and watch it.” More

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    England fans heading to Rome for quarter-final clash will NOT be let in stadium, warns Italian embassy

    ENGLAND fans travelling to Rome for Saturday’s Euro 2020 quarter final won’t be allowed into the stadium even if they have a ticket.Italian officials have said they’ll turn away any Three Lions supporters who have recently arrived in the country at the gate.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Fans travelling to Rome for the Euro 2020 quarter final will be barred from the stadiumCredit: PA
    Italian officials have boosted security at airports to catch crafty England fans sneaking in to watch their match against UkraineCredit: AFP
    In a statement the country’s embassy in London warned anyone trying to flout its quarantine rules “will be punished”.
    Those who try to take advantage of exemptions from self-isolation, such as claiming they’re on a business trip, will be rejected.
    The embassy said: “Anybody who has been in the UK in the previous 14 days, irrespective of their nationality or residency, will not be admitted to the stadium even if they have a ticket.
    “Only those who can prove that they have arrived in Italy at least six days previously, have observed five days of quarantine, and have taken a post-quarantine COVID-19 test with a negative result will be allowed into the Stadio Olimpico.
    “Fans based in the UK should therefore not travel to Italy to attend the match on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
    “Being exempt from quarantine in Italy for any legal reason, will not translate into permission to enter the stadium.
    “For example, travellers who are transiting through Italy for less than 36 hours or visiting briefly for work reasons are not required to quarantine, but they will not be permitted to enter the stadium.”
    Italian officials plan to introduce checkpoints on roads from neighbouring countries and boost security at airports with direct links to the UK in a bid to catch crafty England fans sneaking in.
    Italy will host the England and Ukraine match at the Olympic Stadium in RomeCredit: Splash
    England fans unable to travel to Rome to watch the Three Lions due to Covid rulesCredit: PA
    The prefect of Rome, Matteo Piantedosi, was holding talks with the regional committee for public order and security, and senior police chiefs were also brought in to discuss security for Saturday’s game.
    Italy is among the countries hardest hit by the Covid pandemic, and officials are desperate to take all measures necessary to make sure there is not another devastating wave.
    Andrea Costa, undersecretary for the Italian Ministry of Health, told The Sun: “The rules are clear and concise — English fans will not be able to travel to Italy.
    “There are currently five days of obligatory quarantine on arrival, so unless fans arrived before June 28 and completed quarantine, there is no point travelling to Rome.
    “Those that do attempt it and are caught will be fined and punished. Rules have to be obeyed and we cannot afford to be running any risks.” Officials said that other measures being considered would include stopping ticket holders and asking them to prove how long they had been in the country — with boarding cards being requested.
    Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, who has been advising the Italian government, said: “Allowing fans in from the UK would be a disaster because there is a very high probability that they will spread the virus.”
    Last night the British Embassy in Rome, which had wrongly been announced as a point of ticket sales for expat England fans, posted a statement on its Facebook page after being swamped with calls.

    According to official figures there are around 250,000 Ukrainian citizens in Italy — with around 80 per cent being female cleaners or carers.
    Fans from the Ukraine have it worse than those from the UK as they have to undergo ten days of quarantine and provide a negative Covid test.
    Entry into Italy for tourism purposes for Ukrainians is expressly forbidden.
    Harry Kane says he wants to give England ‘as much joy as possible’ with victory over Ukraine on Saturday More

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    Italy boost security at airports and introduce checkpoints at neighbouring countries to catch England fans sneaking in

    ITALIAN officials plan to introduce checkpoints on roads from neighbouring countries and boost security at airports with direct links to the UK in a bid to catch crafty England fans sneaking in.Last night the prefect of Rome, Matteo Piantedosi, was holding talks with the regional committee for public order and security, and senior police chiefs were also brought in to discuss security for Saturday’s game.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Italian officials have boosted security at airports to catch crafty England fans sneaking in to watch their match against UkraineCredit: AFP
    Italy is among the countries hardest hit by the Covid pandemic, and officials are desperate to take all measures necessary to make sure there is not another devastating wave.
    Andrea Costa, undersecretary for the Italian Ministry of Health, told The Sun: “The rules are clear and concise — English fans will not be able to travel to Italy.
    “There are currently five days of obligatory quarantine on arrival, so unless fans arrived before June 28 and completed quarantine, there is no point travelling to Rome.
    “Those that do attempt it and are caught will be fined and punished. Rules have to be obeyed and we cannot afford to be running any risks.” Officials said that other measures being considered would include stopping ticket holders and asking them to prove how long they had been in the country — with boarding cards being requested.
    Virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco, who has been advising the Italian government, said: “Allowing fans in from the UK would be a disaster because there is a very high probability that they will spread the virus.”
    Last night the British Embassy in Rome, which had wrongly been announced as a point of ticket sales for expat England fans, posted a statement on its Facebook page after being swamped with calls.
    Italy will host the England and Ukraine match at the Olympic Stadium in RomeCredit: Splash
    England fans unable to travel to Rome to watch the Three Lions due to Covid rulesCredit: PA

    According to official figures there are around 250,000 Ukrainian citizens in Italy — with around 80 per cent being female cleaners or carers.
    Fans from the Ukraine have it worse than those from the UK as they have to undergo ten days of quarantine and provide a negative Covid test.
    Entry into Italy for tourism purposes for Ukrainians is expressly forbidden.
    Harry Kane says he wants to give England ‘as much joy as possible’ with victory over Ukraine on Saturday More

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    Barmy fan had football strip for England’s Euro 2020 win and danced naked in streets

    A BARMY fan had a football strip for England’s Euro 2020 win and danced naked in the streets.Fun-loving Sean Marshall, 25, streaked through Goole, East Yorks, in only his socks and trainers after the Three Lions victory over Germany.
    Sean Marshall from Hull celebrated England’s win over Germany by running through the streets nakedCredit: Ben Lack
    The fun-loving 25-year-old streaked through Goole, East Yorks
    He bared all as millions of fans up and down the country celebrated the stunning triumph.
    The docker kept hold of his tackle with one hand and punched the air with the other as passers-by cheered and drivers honked horns.
    At one point, he even threw both of his arms aloft. His hysterical pal live-streamed the prank as he drove behind, playing England’s Football’s Coming Home anthem.
    Dad-of-one Sean, watching the match with his girlfriend and her parents, pledged online before kick-off to strip if England won.
    He said: “I genuinely didn’t think we were going to do it. But when Raheem Sterling scored the first goal, everyone was telling me I had to do it and a lot were saying I would chicken out. When Harry Kane ­netted the second, I thought, ‘I’ve got to do it now’.”
    Footage of Sean’s antics went viral yesterday as the nation woke up nursing a monster hangover after a night of hard partying.
    Passers-by stopped and stared and cheering drivers honked their horns
    Footage of Sean’s antics went viral
    More than 17 million tuned in to watch Gareth Southgate’s side clinch a quarter-final place against Ukraine in Rome on Saturday.
    The Wembley spectacular — the most watched TV event of 2021 so far — attracted a peak TV audience of 20.6 million and 80 per cent of viewers available at that time, the BBC said.
    The last-16 match also pulled in 3.5 million live streams for the game across BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport combined.
    After captain Kane and Co made history by beating the Germans for the first time in a knockout competition since the 1966 World Cup final, fans spilled out of pubs across the country.
    Some went crowd-surfing and lit flares and one excited fan hung from a lamp post amid the euphoria.
    Rapper Stormzy celebrated in a fanzone in Croydon, South London.
    Stormzy celebrates in Croydon, South LondonCredit: PA
    Fans gather in Leicester Square after England’s victoryCredit: Alamy

    A massive clean-up operation swung into action yesterday morning as more than 800,000 workers phoned in sick to work.
    One skiver claimed he had picked up symptoms of the England- ­Germany variant of Covid. Twitter user Mike Cookman joked: “England win? Check. Hangover? Check.”
    Analysts reckon the Euros feelgood factor has already boosted the economy — and the Covid-ravaged pub sector — by millions of pounds. And it could be worth billions if the 3 Lions reach the July 11 final.
    England fans pose with Gareth Southgate lookalikeCredit: Alamy
    Can England fans travel to Rome for Euro 2020 quarter-final against Ukraine and how much do tickets cost? More

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    Euro 2020: Harry Kane says he wants to give England ‘as much joy as possible’ with victory over Ukraine on Saturday

    HERO Harry Kane has Ukraine in his sights — and cannot wait to get The Italian Job done.The England skipper said last night he was still “buzzing” after victory over Germany — and is dreaming of lifting the nation again with a win over Ukraine in Rome.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Harry Kane says the Three Lions are hoping to give England as much joy as possibleCredit: Griffiths Photographers
    Harry, 27, said: “We don’t want to stop here — we want to keep giving the country as much joy as possible — and that starts again on Saturday.”
    Expats in Italy will stand in for England’s travelling army of fans to cheer on the Three Lions at their Euros quarter-final.
    Recruits from a 30,000-strong band of lionhearts dubbed our “Salami Army” were last night snapping up spare tickets for the big match.
    It comes after Italy’s quarantine rules on UK arrivals scotched fans hopes of flying out to see the game at the Olympic Stadium.
    Harry, who is now desperate to win the Euro 2020 trophy, said: “We’ll do everything we can to make it a good night for everyone.
    “We haven’t won anything yet. We still have a long way to go and know Ukraine will be a tough game. But it’s not just about winning one-off knockout games . . . it’s going all the way.”
    The Spurs striker spoke of his pride at seeing the joy the team have brought to the nation after months of lockdown.
    The England skipper says he’s still ‘buzzing’ after victory over GermanyCredit: Getty
    Kane is dreaming of lifting the nation again with a win over Ukraine in RomeCredit: Reuters
    Prince William, Prince George and Kate Middleton were among those cheering on the Three Lions at WembleyCredit: Reuters
    He roared with laughter as he watched footage of wild beer-throwing celebrations across the country as both he and Raheem Sterling scored against Germany.
    Harry said: “I love these videos. I love watching – I was an England fan, obviously watching England growing up going to the pubs watching, throwing the drinks. That’s the joy of football, that’s what it does. We speak a lot about representing England and putting on the shirt because we know how much it means to everyone.
    “It’s an amazing feeling. It keeps me going and makes you want to be out there in the next game, doing the same thing so there’s a few more moments like that.
    “Just to see Wembley and the crowd together like that after a difficult time and to be part of that, to be part of the reason, when we’re putting smiles on people’s faces.”
    England heroes rested yesterday but will hone their skills and tactics in another training session before flying to Rome.
    Harry admitted he was so fired up after beating Germany on Tuesday night that he lay awake for three hours after arriving back at base — reflecting on the 2-0 win.
    Brits living in Italy last night vowed do their bit to support the team at the next stage.
    John Phillips, 65, from Wimbledon, South West London, said: “The expat community will take the England baton from the fans at Wembley. It’s our turn to support the team and we’ll come from all over Italy and neighbouring countries, with 5,000 to 10,000 being a good estimate.
    Raheem Sterling unwinds after England’s victory against Germany by playing volleyball in a poolCredit: Getty
    Harry Kane of England in action during a game of volleyball in the swimming pool at St George’s ParkCredit: Getty
    Declan Rice was also seen relaxing at their St George’s Park base in Burton upon TrentCredit: Getty
    “England fans will also be in the bars in Rome’s main square before the game and to party on after it.”
    Steph MacGillivray, 28, who is originally from Watford and now lives in Rome, said: “I feel like Cinderella — I’m going to the ball.
    “As soon as the Germany match finished I was straight on my phone looking for tickets. I had loads of people offering me theirs and I actually managed to get one at face value of 150 euros.
    “I’ve heard from lots of expats in Rome who are doing the same and I hope we can make our voices heard on Saturday.”
    England fans are desperate to watch the game at Rome’s Olympic StadiumCredit: AFP

    UEFA said 2,560 tickets had been returned by the English FA and they would be made available via their website.
    Chelsea fan Max Heinemann, 29, originally from Clapham, South West London, and now based in Rome, got two tickets at 75 euros each face value from a pal in London who couldn’t make the game because of the quarantine rules.
    He said: “I am so ecstatic. The call has gone out for all the expats in Rome and the surrounding area to get their hands on as many tickets as they can so we can cheer the Three Lions to victory.”
    Harry Kane sends Wembley wild as fans clamber over each over in amazing scenes as England beat Germany at Euro 2020 More

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    Wayne and Coleen Rooney treat their boys to bargain holiday with narrowboat trip

    WAYNE and Coleen Rooney have grabbed another bargain holiday by taking their boys on a narrowboat trip.The ex-Manchester United and England captain and his wife treated their four children to the peaceful canal break.
    Wayne and Coleen Rooney with Bridge Inn’s landlady Helen Bannister
    The pair, both 35, and Kai, 11, Cass, three, Klay, eight, and Kit, five, moored outside the Hartley Arms in Wheaton Aston, Staffs.
    Pete Hyde dashed to the pub, which sits on the Shropshire Union Canal, with his football-mad son Jaret, ten, after hearing Derby manager Wayne was there.
    He said: “It was amazing and he had his picture taken with Rooney and had a football signed by him.”
    But the Rooneys almost missed their lunch when they visited the Bridge Inn in nearby Brewood.
    The ex-England captain and his wife treated their four children to the peaceful canal breakCredit: Alamy
    Wayne and Coleen would usually be on holiday in the CaribbeanCredit: Instagram
    Coleen and Wayne with their four boys Kai, 11, Cas, 3, Klay, 8 and Kit, 5Credit: Social Media – Refer to Source

    Landlady Helen Bannister said: “They called us to say they’d under-estimated how long it would take them to travel on the barge so we rebooked it for them.”
    The Rooneys have previously enjoyed camping holidays in a Sun £9.50 holiday park and Coleen regularly takes the boys to Butlins.
    Wayne Rooney to make return at Soccer Aid with England legend to be joined by Usain Bolt, Scholes and Neville at Etihad More