More stories

  • in

    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

  • in

    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

  • in

    Let us salute Gareth Southgate’s magnificent men, the greatest and most likeable England team in half a century

    THE disappointment is hard to take.Our Three Lions heroes played their hearts out, but just couldn’t conquer the gritty, wily Italians.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Our heroes applaud fans after losing to Italy in the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
    If the penalties were agony to watch, imagine taking one.
    But let us salute Gareth Southgate’s magnificent men, the greatest and most likeable England team in half a century.
    They made history reaching their first major final since 1966 and finishing Euros runners-up.
    With the World Cup just a year off, they can justifiably consider themselves contenders.
    Southgate’s transformation of this side merits every award coming to him.
    But his accomplishment surpasses football.
    For decades the political Left sneered at England and Englishness.
    They would wrap themselves in an EU flag, or celebrate patriotism anywhere else, but were repulsed by it here.
    It was a grotesque insult to millions who know England — for all its flaws — to be the most diverse, welcoming nation there is.
    Bukayo Saka (centre) applauds fansCredit: Getty
    Yet the poison spread. Many black and ethnic minority people were left reluctant to fly the St George flag.
    That has been turned round by the talented, diverse young squad Southgate assembled — role models suffused with his values and a passion for equality and social responsibility.

    During these Euros, communities of all creeds have cheered for England and, yes, wrapped themselves in the flag.
    As British Asian Hannah Kumari said: “I’ve never owned an England shirt. Something has changed. I feel like that team has given me permission.”
    That alone, Gareth, is an achievement beyond whatever redemption you felt you still needed for your own missed penalty 25 years ago.
    England fan heartbreak after Italy win Euro 2020 final More

  • in

    Footie-mad Belle McNally loved Euro 2020 final despite England’s defeat

    FOOTIE-mad Belle McNally loved almost all last night’s final despite England’s defeat — after becoming a global sensation in a whirlwind week.The superfan, ten, bagged two free tickets after a video went viral of her crying with joy at ­receiving Mason Mount’s semi-final shirt.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Belle McNally with her dad outside Wembley stadium before the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
    Belle, from Bromley, Kent, joined 60,000 fans to see Gareth Southgate’s men lose on penalties to Italy after the game ended 1-1.
    She said: “I’ll never forget this night. 
    “I can’t believe it’s all happened because Mason Mount kindly gave me his shirt.
    “I’m over the moon to be here. We all are.” 

    Belle’s wonder week   began when   Chelsea ace   Mount, 22,   picked her out   of the crowd, after   England beat   Denmark and   gave her his   shirt. Sobbing Arsenal fan Belle, who is Mason Mount mad, embraced her dad Tommy, 36. 
    Belle, given the tickets by tournament sponsor   Hisense, was    with her dad,   mum Laura  and brothers  Mason, seven,   and Cameron,   13.
    Tommy   said: “It’s our   first match   together. So   memorable.”
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Ten-year-old Belle with brother Mason and dad Tommy at Wembley
    England hero Mason Mount gives his shirt to Belle after Three Lions make the Euros final
    Schoolgirl who cried tears of joy after Mason Mount gave her his England shirt tells The Sun, ‘It was the best moment of my life’ More

  • in

    Gareth Southgate’s England can’t end the agony of failure after 55 years

    WHEN England lifted the gleaming Jules Rimet trophy in 1966, manager Sir Alf Ramsey, in typical dour style, insisted the celebrations were muted. Hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst woke up the next day and mowed the lawn.
    Gareth Southgate after missing his penalty at Euro 1996Credit: Getty
    The England manager celebrates the Three Lions making it to Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
    In their moment of triumph, they were not to know that we would all endure another astonishing 55 years of seemingly never-ending hurt.
    And when Gareth Southgate’s men took to the famous Wembley turf last night after 29 days of a glorious Euros campaign, it seemed as though the curse would finally be lifted. It was not to be. 
    Once again, penalties were missed and tears flowed. The search for glory and redemption goes on.
    But having got as close as this, it feels worse than ever. 
    Long-suffering fans who have endured flops, failure, hard-luck stories and error-strewn performances since 1966, were denied the sight of captain Harry Kane lifting the Euro 2020 trophy. 
    Our unwanted history of disappointment, blunders, self-inflicted footballing wounds — and being robbed by the blatant cheating of others — began within just two years of that glorious triumph. 
    Through to the semi-finals of Euro 68, England only had to negotiate a path past Yugoslavia. But in an incident that was to repeat itself on three other occasions in a major tournament, key player Alan Mullery was sent off for violent conduct. 
    He later said: “They were doing all the dirty stuff, going over the top into tackles and the referee was diabolical.
    “With one minute to go, Dobrivoje Trivic did me. 
    “I’d had enough of them injuring people so I kicked him in the b*******. I regret it now and it’s something I had to live with for the rest of my life.” 
    That feeling of being kicked in the naughty bits was to be a near-biannual event for 50 years.

    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    I can’t change 1996… but today we gave fans a day to remember
    1970 World Cup: A dejected Bobby Moore sits on the grass as England are knocked outCredit: Offside
    1982 World Cup: England’s Kevin Keegan looks downcast during the match against SpainCredit: Getty – Contributor
    1986 World Cup: Ray Wilkins trudges back to the dressing room after being sent offCredit: Empics
    1998 World Cup: David Beckham is sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone
    In the quarter-finals of the Mexico World Cup of 1970, England were 2-0 up and cruising but Bobby Charlton was controversially subbed to save his energy.
    England lost 3-2 and Charlton said ruefully: “I felt I could run all day.” 
    Gary Lineker’s first memories of watching England came in that match.
    He said: “Around that time, my dad had a card school with his mates once or twice a week at our house. Engelbert Humperdinck, a Leicester lad, was among the many who used to come round and play all night. 
    “The only thing that could ever stop that endless card game in its tracks was England.
    “It has stayed with me how when England played West Germany in the quarter-finals of that tournament, everyone put their hands down — no matter what they were holding — turned around and focused on the telly. And then it was over, England had lost, and the men turned back around and my dad started dealing out cards again. Just like that.
    “I was left heartbroken. But that moment started my journey as an England supporter.”
    The defeat set the tone.
    Over the next 20 years, England failed to qualify for the 1974 and 1978 World Cups and were bundled out of the 1982 tournament after successive goalless draws. 
    Defender Terry Butcher said: “We flew back with the wives and girlfriends, I got into my car and drove back to Ipswich. It’s when you get back home that it hits you.
    “You feel like there’s something missing because you’ve been living this dream for five weeks. And it had come to nothing.”
    2006 World Cup: Wayne Bridge consoles England teammate John Terry following defeatCredit: Getty
    2014 World Cup: Roy Hodgson buries his head in his hands during the match against UruguayCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
    1990 World Cup: Paul Gascoigne celebrates after the quarter final match between England and CameroonCredit: Getty – Contributor
    1986 World Cup: Diego Maradona scores for Argentina with his Hand of GodCredit: Bob Thomas Sports Photography – Getty
    Diego Maradona’s infamous Hand of God denied England in 1986, the tournament when Ray Wilkins became the first to be sent off in a World Cup during an embarrassing 0-0 group draw against Morocco.
    While redemption looked possible at Italia 90 as Bobby Robson’s side reached the semis, a match famous for Paul Gascoigne being reduced to tears, they lost on penalties to the Germans.
    Lineker observed: “Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.”
    Never has a Sun newspaper headline captured the mood better than when England lost to Sweden as they were knocked out of Euro 92. 
    It read: “Swedes 2 Turnips 1”.
    Manager Graham Taylor never quite recovered from the humiliation.
    Current boss Southgate had tasted more semi-final torment when he missed the spot kick against Germany at Euro 96 that denied us another final place.
    We crashed out of the 1998 World Cup on penalties two years later to Argentina after David Beckham was sent off. Effigies of him were hung from lampposts in the street. Sven Goran Eriksson’s England were beaten by a fluke Ronaldinho goal to crash out 2-1 to Brazil at a World Cup quarter-final in 2002.
    We lost on penalties again to Portugal in a quarter-final at Euro 2004.

    And the same country did us on penalties yet again in 2006 in Germany despite England holding on to a 0-0 draw in the quarter-final after Wayne Rooney was sent off — like Mullery, Beckham and Wilkins before him, another self-inflicted wound, and the fourth time in a major tournament England have had a red card.
    Germany humiliated Fabio Copello’s Three Lions side with a 4-1 thrashing that knocked us out of the South Africa World Cup in 2010.
    Italy knocked Roy Hodgson’s England out of Euro 2012 at the quarter-final stage — again on penalties.
    Flop Hodgson’s side failed to qualify from the group at the 2014 World Cup before crashing out of Euro 2016 to soccer minnows Iceland.
    It was truly England’s nadir. 
    As the Icelanders celebrated with their famous thunderclap, England fans in the stadium chanted in derision: “You’re not fit to wear the shirt.”
    Gareth Southgate took over amid a muted fanfare — but within two years had built a confident, young team that got to within 22 minutes of a World Cup final in Moscow.
    His lions lacked the steel to hold on to a lead against Croatia and lost 2-1. But this month saw belief growing not just among his team but the whole country. 
    Beating the Germans at Wembley saw the first part of the hoodoo laid to rest. 

    David Baddiel and Frank Skinner’s anthem Three Lions has been sung by glory-starved fans harder this summer than at any time since its released for Euro 96.
    Songwriter Ian Broudie said: “It’s a plea. If your team loses, the tears are dripping into your pint as you cry, ‘It’s coming home’. If they win, you’re shouting, ‘It’s coming home’ from the back of a bus.” 
    Beating Italy would have had us cheering from the top deck. Instead, the Magical Misery Tour goes on. Next stop, Qatar 2022.
    Fans react to England’s amazing start in the Euro 2020 final against Italy More

  • in

    Nurse your Euros hangover with top tips from Alex James

    THE last time I went to see England play, I swore it would be the last.I’d enjoyed copious refreshment with comic Keith Allen as well as the keyboard player from the Rolling Stones and Michael Barrymore beforehand — hardly tea with the vicar.
    Alex James shares his top tips on curing a hangover after the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Geronimo James
    But when I took my seat at the Belgian stadium where England faced Germany in the first round group stage of Euro 2000, I swear I was the most sober person in the place.
    The enormous buffoon crammed into the seat next to me was so far gone he had lost control of his bowels and his bladder. He did not smell good at all.
    He passed out in a puddle of his own fluids just before kick-off but woke up when England scored and insisted on hugging me with all his might.
    It was so traumatic I spent the whole of the rest of the game praying and praying that England wouldn’t score again.
    Of course, as the bass player in rock and roll band Blur and, nowadays, running a festival — a massive party, basically — I may just possibly have overdone it once or twice myself.
    In fact, before we embarked on our first tour of America, my band were marched into the record company to be forewarned of the perils of choking on our own vomit, drowning in the bathtub and other obstacles to glory — a kind of messed-up health and safety briefing.
    As a musician I often stayed up late then had to get up early and talk to cameras.
    England defender Luke Shaw celebrates after scoring the first goal during the EURO 2020 final against ItalyCredit: AFP
    Michael Barrymore, Keith Allen and Alex James on Top of the PopsCredit: Alpha Photo Press Agency
    WOKE UP ON A BOAT
    The record company said: “Success will mess you up more than failure.” 
    And indeed, the more ­successful the band became, the later I tended to stay up. And the more cameras there were to talk to in the morning.
    I was doing a live radio ­interview with the biggest broadcaster in Germany with one of my bandmates, who had enjoyed a particularly triumphant night. He fell asleep halfway through answering the second question, with millions of ­people listening.
    The worst hangovers I ever had in my life, though, were all, apart from one, in Tokyo.
    The air quality there isn’t great and it can get very hot and sweaty, too.
    The biggest problem was the quality of the drinks served at the best nightclub in Japan, The Lexington Queen.
    Entry and drinks at “The Lex” were free to rock musicians and to models which, while it always seemed like a fair idea to me, meant they probably weren’t serving booze of the absolute ­finest quality.
    It also meant I spent more time there than anywhere else.
    But I think the all-time stinker was in, or at least, near Barcelona in 1999. After a night drinking Van Gogh’s favourite tipple, absinthe, I woke up on a boat with a ­ballet dancer and no recollection of how I had got there or how to get back to ­civilisation.
    I was basically trapped — and it was getting windier and windier and the seas rougher and rougher. The only answer at that point was more absinthe.
    But over the years I have ­accumulated some good pick-me-ups for weathering the storm. Here are my favourites.
    And don’t worry — you’ll soon start to feel better.
    Alex suggests a strong black coffee followed immediately by a good measure of cider brandyCredit: Geronimo James
    WATER
    INVIGORATE yourself with hot or cold water. A shower is good, a swim or hot-tub even better.
    But best of all is a stint in a sauna or a steam room.
    A doctor once told me that a sauna gives your body everything it needs least of all when you have a hangover, but somehow sweating it out in the hot box never fails to kick- start a miraculous recovery.
    EXERCISE
    WORKING out is undoubtedly the toughest route out of Dodge, but also the quickest. 
    Obviously, the gym is the last place anyone wants to go when they’re the worse for wear, but pleasing results are guaranteed.
    REHYDRATE
    YOUR body is screaming for fluids, so an easy fix is to get some water on board ­immediately.
    Milk, the miraculous mammalian elixir, is also uniquely comforting. If I’m batting on a particularly sticky wicket I like to open with a flat white which is just a warm, rich coffee milkshake, really.
    If the going is really tough, bananas can be a big source of comfort, too. 
    Exercise is undoubtedly the toughest route out of Dodge, but also the quickestCredit: Getty
    CARBS 
    GET some carbs on board. Have a full English, Maccy D, or pasta.
    Careful not to overdo it, though. Too much grub can cause a real slump in energy levels. 
    If you’re too frail to face a full meal, a bag of crisps can up your energy and salt levels.
    COFFEE COMBO
    MANY swear by the restorative powers of the Bloody Mary, which is OK. But I would suggest the one-two combination relied on by workmen, day in, day out, in northern France.
    Le cafe calva is a slug of strong black coffee followed immediately by a good measure of cider brandy. It’s highly civilised, too.
    SLEEP IT OFF
    THIS is probably the best option. Why suffer when, to quote Withnail from cult movie classic Withnail And I, we can “miss out Monday but come up smiling Tuesday morning”?
    The only problem with this one is that, sadly, it is not usually an option.
    COCA COLA/FIZZY DRINKS
    SHUT up, Ronaldo, with your feeble Euro 2020 protest.

    Coca Cola – also known as the red ambulance and the black doctor – is one of God’s greatest gifts on the morning after. 
    It contains a ridiculous amount of sugar – which is just what you need right now – as well as a decent hit of caffeine and a side order of useful minerals.
    Anything sweet and fizzy will help, though.
    Fans storm Wembley security barriers and break into stadium More

  • in

    Euro 96 boss Terry Venables tells Southgate to ‘write your own moment in history’ in an open letter

    MUCH-loved ex-England boss Terry Venables today sends an open letter to Gareth Southgate — telling him: “You and your team are writing your own moment in history.”El Tel — manager 25 years ago when the Three Lions reached the Euros semi-finals with Southgate in the team — urges him and the players to show “courage”.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Terry Venables has urged on the Three Lions in an open letterCredit: Paddy Power
    He wrote to Gareth Southgate, who he managed in the Euro ’96Credit: BBC
    And, addressing Southgate via The Sun on Sunday, he adds: “I will be with you in spirit on that touchline.”
    The 78-year-old former Crystal Palace, Spurs and Barcelona coach led England at Euro ’96 — until now the closest the men’s team has come to football glory since 1966.
    His team recorded a stunning 4-1 win over Holland en route to the semi-final as well as a memorable 2-0 victory over Scotland featuring a brilliant Paul Gascoigne goal.
    Gazza also came within inches of converting an Alan Shearer cross-shot in the semi against Germany and Darren Anderton hit the post from inside the six-yard box during extra time when a “golden goal” would have sealed victory.
    Venables, dubbed the “People’s choice” before taking over the England job in 1994, was then left comforting Southgate after his sudden-death penalty was saved.
    El Tel told Southgate ‘I will be with you in spirit on that touchline’Credit: The Sun

    The Germans went on to lift the trophy after beating the Czech Republic in the final.
    Now he hopes Southgate’s team — led by captain Harry Kane, 27, and winger Raheem Sterling, 26 — can finally end England’s 55-year silverware drought.
    In his letter, he says of England’s march to the final: “I knew exactly how, and what you were feeling as those incredible days which brought the country together back in ’96 came flooding back to me, feelings which cannot be fully appreciated unless you are standing on that spot.
    “As you know, sport teaches us so many lessons about life and the saying, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ is so true.
    El Tel hopes Southgate can finally end England’s 55-year silverware droughtCredit: Alamy
    “Having watched all of the games, I have to say that your team are a credit to you as mine were to me, and I know that to achieve a connection like that is a luxury many managers could never accomplish.
    “Enjoy every moment of your day on Sunday, knowing that our wonderful country are all behind you and your team cheering you on, willing you the success which you all deserve.”
    Having watched all of the games, I have to say that your team are a credit to you as mine were to me,Terry Venables
    El Tel will be watching the final tonight on TV with his wife of 40 years, Yvette.
    England will be roared on by a 60,000-strong crowd at Wembley, set to include PM Boris Johnson and wife Carrie, Prince William, and David Beckham. Another 35million will watch on TVs at home, in pubs and in fanzones.
    A source said: “Terry is looking forward to watching the lads and thinks they have a great chance.
    “Let’s hope the boys see his words and they inspire them on to great things.”
    Former SunSport columnist Venables fiercely defended stars including talisman Gazza after they were snapped boozing heavily in Hong Kong before Euro ’96.
    Mason: My Belle of ballBy Dan King
    THREE Lions ace Mason Mount says a girl’s tears after he gave her his shirt shows the Euros are about “more than just football”.
    Belle McNally, ten, cried when he picked her out in the Wembley crowd following England’s 2-1 ­semi-final victory over Denmark.
    Her tears were captured in video footage and Belle told The Sun: “It was the best night of my life.”
    Chelsea star Mount, 22, said yesterday: “Many people see us as footballers and don’t see the personalities we have away from it. Belle’s reaction was so special.
    “Sometimes, it’s more than football, what happens.”
    But he admitted he won’t be giving away his shirt after tonight’s final . . . 

    Venables had announced in January 1996 that he would be quitting his post at the end of the tournament due to ongoing legal battles.
    After England, he coached Australia, returned to Crystal Palace, and also bossed Middlesbrough plus Leeds in the early 2000s.
    In 2014, he opened a hotel and restaurant in Spain with Yvette. They sold it in 2019 after they decided to retire.
    Do it for our kids
    YOUNG lions up and down the country will roar on Gareth Southgate’s England this evening.
    Many schools are allowing a later start to the day tomorrow so kids can stay up to watch the historic clash against Italy on TV.
    Fred and Lola Leslie said ‘we won’t eat pizza for a month if they beat Italy’
    We asked under-10s to send in their messages. Here are some of their words of motivation to inspire the Three Lions.
    “I love England, they are like me, I wear my shirt like them” – Jessie Huie, 3.
    “Mum has promised us a week of no cabbage if England do it” – Poppie and Pixie, 8.
    “Please win this for us because we have faith in you” – Pinner brothers.
    “If England win, daddy says we can have lollies for breakfast” – Jack and Oliver Bird.
    The Pinner brothers pleaded for them to ‘win for us because we have faith in you’
    Anna Roberts, aged six, says her Arsenal-supporting dad has to cheer on Harry Kane
    Wags get silk PJs in final treat
    ENGLAND’s Wags got ready for the final in matching pyjamas.
    The players’ partners were each given a special set of PJs with the date 11/07/21 embroidered on the sleeve and their loved one’s name on the pocket.
    Harry Maguire’s fiancée Fern Hawkins, 26, Luke Shaw’s girlfriend Anouska Santos, 25, and Harry Kane’s wife Kate, 27, shared pictures of the nightwear on social media. And Anouska said: “This is the cutest.”
    The £60 sets, from HA Designs, came in white silk with black trimming and red embroidery.
    Last night, some of the girls were due to travel to stay at a hotel near Wembley Stadium.

    The Queen sends ‘best wishes’ to Gareth Southgate and England in open letter ahead of Euro 2020 final against Italy More

  • in

    Harry Mane waves England flag on gondola ahead of final against Italy

    SUN mascot Harry Mane unfurls our England flag on a Venice gondola — to let Italy know our boys will lick them.The lucky lion roared “it’s coming home” as he travelled the Grand Canal like the singer in the ice cream ad.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Harry Mane unfurls our England flag on a Venice gondola ahead of tonight’s finalCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
    Harry caused a splash when he reached Venice from Rome ahead of tonight’s final.
    And he warned: “They know we mean business now.”
    Harry said: “It’s great to be in Venice – what a beautiful city. It’s amazing.
    “It’s important we tell as many Italians as possible that it’s coming home! I had a good time singing that which amused the locals.
    When in Venice… Harry also stopped for an ice cream to let Italy know our boys will lick them tonightCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
    “What better way than going across Venice on a gondola.
    “Locals turned their heads and were totally surprised – which is great.
    “They know we mean business now.
    Raffele Cini, whose gondolier navigated Harry across the river said it was good fun.
    Harry at Rome’s Colosseum where gladiators foughtCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun

    The 42-year-old added: “The Lion is great. We have our work cut out now.
    “It’s going to be such a huge challenge against England.
    “I’m worried.”
    Harry spent time in Rome before heading to VeniceCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
    Roman gladiator mauled by Sun mascot Harry Mane ahead of Euro 2020 final More