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      England Euro 2020 stars prepare to face Scotland by working out with bizarre fruit-shaped underwater footballs

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      ENGLAND footie stars have been twisting their melons to sink Scotland tomorrow — by working out with fruit-patterned under­water balls.Players love kickabouts with “watermelon balls” at their training base. The soft, coloured globes can be kicked or thrown up to 10ft under water.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Tyrone Mings of England smiles in the swimming pool following the England training session at St George’s ParkCredit: Getty
      The team — managed by Gareth Southgate — had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at Wembley.
      Coaching staff at the camp in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, introduced the bizarre balls in place of the unicorn pool inflatables which players loved at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
      They allow the stars to enjoy fun games with minimal impact on tired joints and muscles. Tyrone Mings, 28, Phil Foden, 21, Kyle Walker, 31, and Jordan Pickford, 27, were snapped with their new toys.
      A Three Lions source said: “The atmosphere in the camp is very relaxed but very focused.
      “The players seem to be enjoying themselves.
      “It’s hard training then recovering from the physical and mental stress of such big games.
      “Having fun is a big part of keeping them happy and sharp for the next challenge. The watermelon balls have been a big hit.”
      Phil Foden, Jordan Pickford and Kyle Walker of England head a ball to each other in a swimming pool during a recovery sessionCredit: Getty
      The lads appeared to be having funCredit: Getty
      The Sun revealed yesterday how players are relaxing between games in a cocoon-like yoga “Hotpod” with chill-out tunes and relaxing aromas piped in.
      The Watermelon Ball combo pack like those used by the stars costs just £9.99. They include one patterned like a green watermelon and another multi-coloured version.
      Makers Cardonely say on their website: “Watermelon Ball is a water-filled ball that mimics the flotation of a watermelon, the ball will sink slowly then rise to the surface when thrown in the water.
      “The ball can be bounced, dribbled and passed under water making it great for all sorts of water games.”
      The England team released snaps on social media of Aston Villa centre back Mings poised to throw one of the balls and Manchester City’s Foden and Walker and Everton goalie Pickford joining the fun.
      The photos were captioned: “Making a splash”. But some fans said they missed the inflatables. Luke Oliver tweeted: “Where’s the unicorn?”.
      Kyle Walker controls the ball during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between England and CroatiaCredit: Getty
      Tyrone Mings acknowledges the fansCredit: Getty

      Jack Blake added: “Need Maguire on a unicorn” and Nicola Ferris said: “Get the unicorns out.”
      A win for the Three Lions over Scotland would ensure them a place in the tournament’s last 16.
      Wales took a huge step towards that stage by beating Turkey 2-0 yesterday, despite star man Gareth Bale missing a penalty.
      Jordan Pickford of looks on during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D matchCredit: Getty
      The team — managed by Gareth Southgate — had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at WembleyCredit: Reuters
      England’s secret weapon against the Scots is this yoga Igloo where players are stretched to their max with chill out tunes and calm aromas More

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      Euro 2020: France abandon plans to take the ‘divisive’ knee before clash with Germany

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      FRANCE abandoned plans to take the knee before their Euro 2020 clash with Germany — because of fears it was divisive.The decision by the World Champions has significance in England, where a debate over the controversial anti-racism gesture continues to rage.
      France abandoned plans to take the knee before their Euro 2020 clash with Germany — because of fears it was divisiveCredit: Alamy
      France had planned to go down on one knee before Tuesday’s game against Germany in Munich, which they won 1-0.
      But players were troubled by arguments in the media before the game, so decided to abandon the gesture.
      “It was a collective decision,” said Hugo Lloris, the France captain who also plays for Tottenham Hotspur.
      Discussing taking the knee, Lloris said that it was supported by all Premiership clubs, but this was not the case in the UEFA-organised Euro 2020.
      “We assume that if we have to do it, all the nations must do it with the support of UEFA,’ said Lloris.
      “This is the case in Premier League, where the movement is united. In this competition, it is less the case.
      France had planned to kneel before Tuesday’s game against Germany, but players were troubled by arguments in the media before the game, so decided to abandon the gestureCredit: Getty

      “This does not mean that we do not support the cause, we especially do not want racism in our sport and in society.”
      Another France squad member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: ‘The truth is that players were concerned about the fierce reaction to the gesture, and felt that it was dividing more than uniting.’
      Far-right politicians in France have been critical of the knee taking, saying it was deliberately provocative.
      France star Benjamin Pavard reveals he was knocked out for 15 seconds versus Germany More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo used to down fizzy drink for breakfast despite Coca-Cola snub at Euro 2020 press conference

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      COCA-Cola remover Cristiano Ronaldo used to down fizzy drinks for breakfast, it was revealed today.Ronaldo, 36, wiped £3.4billion off the value of Coke by casting aside two bottles at a Euro 2020 press conference.
      Coca-Cola remover Cristiano Ronaldo used to down fizzy drinks for breakfast, it was revealed today
      He then urged fans after scoring two in Portugal’s 3-0 win in Hungary: “Drink water.”
      But his ex-Man United teammate Ryan Giggs revealed earlier this year he once had a heated row with Ronaldo over his love of soft drinks.
      Fellow team-mate and now-Reds boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claimed angry Giggs pinned him against a wall over it.
      Giggs, when quizzed about the incident, replied: “Maybe. I don’t know if I pinned him.
      Ronaldo posing in a Coca-Cola advertCredit: Coca Cola
      Ronaldo fans were left baffled by his snub having previously endorsed the company
      “I might have told him, ‘We don’t do this’ and then he went and scored a hat-trick! ‘I drink what I want, Giggsy!’”
      However he is thought to have followed Giggs’ suggestion, and his actions on Tuesday evening sent Euro 2020 sponsor Coke’s share price crashing by 1.6 per cent.
      It was followed hours later by another sponsor snub — as France’s Paul Pogba removed a Heineken bottle positioned directly in front of him at his press conference.
      The Manchester United midfielder, 28, is a Muslim, which forbids booze.
      The footie great was previously the face of fast food giant KTC
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s name was used in a McDonald’s advert in 2006Credit: Mcdonald’s
      He picked up the bottle – which was a no-alcohol version – and put it out of sight after a man-of-the-match role in France’s 1-0 win over Germany in Munich on Tuesday night.
      Fans were left disgusted with tournament staff.

      One raged: “He’s a Muslim. Why put beer in front of him? Sponsors must be rational.”
      Another tweeted: “Quite understandable that, as a Muslim, Pogba wouldn’t want to be seen promoting beer.”
      France international Paul Pogba removed a Heineken bottle during his post-match press conference
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2006 Coca-Cola advert resurfaces after Portugal star’s Coke snub in Euro 2020 press conference More

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      England’s Euro 2020 stars aim carry on winning with help of yoga ‘Hotpod’

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      ENGLAND’S Euro 2020 stars aim to keep calm and carry on winning — with the help of a new-age yoga “Hotpod” at their training base.The battle-weary heroes of the 1-0 triumph over Croatia have been recharging inside an inflatable purple pod at the squad’s St George’s Park camp.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      England stars aim to keep calm and carry on winning at Euro 2020
      The Three Lions have a new age yoga ‘Hotpod’ at their training base
      Relaxing mood music is played in the dimly lit dome, while the air is infused with calming aromas of lavender, orange and bergamot.
      The temperature inside the pod is kept at a constant 37C to aid flexibility.
      Players are put through a range of yoga moves by a fully trained female member of the FA’s fitness staff working inside the Covid-secure bubble.
      As she led them on a set routine, Mason Mount and Tyrone Mings collapsed in giggles struggling to hold a carefully balanced pose.
      But the smiling instructor encouraged them saying: “Well done ­— it’s hard.”
      Coach Gareth Southgate has backed the glowing dome to revitalise key players ahead of Friday’s crunch clash with old enemy Scotland.
      The team have been recharging inside an inflatable purple pod
      Raheem Sterling reacts as he scores his team’s first goal during their first game of Euro 2020Credit: AP
      An England source said yesterday: “Players used to crash out with a few beers after the game to wind down, but this is a very different, very focused England squad.
      “They’re athletes competing at the highest level — often in extreme heat as in the game against Croatia — and they need to recover both mentally and physically.”
      The spokesman added: “Yoga is regarded as an excellent aid to muscle recovery and the addition of heat to the exercise helps.
      “We’ve created a relaxing environment in which the players can stretch and wind down between games, which is great for both their physical and mental well-being.”
      Stars including Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Declan Rice, John Stones and Kyle Walker were seen zipping themselves inside the pod for a workout with the aide yesterday.
      A second, one-man Hotpod has also been supplied to allow stressed stars to cocoon themselves completely.
      Relaxing urban mood music is piped into the dimly lit dome
      The air is infused with calming aromas of lavender, orange and bergamot
      It is fitted with a TV monitor for one-to-one remote tuition and is also infused with calming signature scents, while chill-out tunes are piped in.
      The players ran an incredible total of 62 miles in the sweltering 28C heat to edge out Croatia with a Raheem Sterling goal at Wembley on Sunday.
      Hotpod Yoga co-founder Max Henderson said: “It’s a huge privilege to be working with the Three Lions.
      “Having built up a lot of experience working with elite sports teams over the years, being part of the England team’s set-up at the Euros is something special.
      “We’ll be doing our best to help make sure they’re in tip-top shape to go all the way.”
      Hotpod Yoga sessions were pioneered by the England rugby squad who reached the World Cup final after taking a pod to Japan in 2019.
      The lads are put through their stretches by a highly-trained yoga instructor
      Declan Rice of England trains in the gymCredit: Getty

      As well as using yoga, goal hero Sterling has been undertaking nightly meditation sessions.
      The Man City winger, 26, said: “I’ve been meditating.
      “I’m doing a little bit of meds before I go to sleep to get relaxed. Just taking time out, being thankful and grateful for the day.”
      England train ahead of Euro 2020 game against Scotland More

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      Miss England will cheer on Gareth Southgate and his boys against Scotland

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      THE current Miss England winner will be cheering on Gareth Southgate and his boys against Scotland this week and has backed the three lions to go all the way.Dr Bhasha Mukherjee, 24, praised our boys after their 1-0 victory over Croatia at the weekend.
      Miss England will cheer on Gareth Southgate and his boys against ScotlandCredit: Alan Strutt 2021
      The beauty queen returned to Britain from India last year to help fight the coronavirus pandemicCredit: SWNS
      The doctor who has working on the frontline throughout the pandemic posed with the red and white flag of St George, in a glamorous red silk strappy dress.
      The reigning beauty queen who has worked tirelessly at Boston Pilgrim Hospital in Lincolnshire and Derby Royal Hospital over the last year – congratulated Raheem Stirling and the England stars for their great start to Euro 2020.
      She is backing them to be victorious in their crunch game against Scotland at Wembley on Friday night.
      Dr Mukherjee stunned football fans in the floor length dress, black long sleeved silk gloves and stunning diamond ear-rings.
      She returned to the UK in from India last year to answer the government’s call for retired and junior doctors to help out last year.
      Supermodel Heidi Klum embraces her German roots in a revealing football shirtCredit: INSTAGRAM/HEIDI KLUM
      The beauty queen congratulated Raheem Stirling and the England stars for their great start to Euro 2020Credit: AP

      Posting on Instagram, Bhasha, of Derby, said: “Team England all the way.
      “Well done England for a brilliant start in Euro 2020. Who’s watching?”
      And then asked her followers whether they thought England could bring football home and win the Euros.
      Dr Bhasha Mukherjee celebrates having her Covid vaccine on social mediaCredit: SWNS
      Dr Bhasha Mukherjee was crowned the longest-serving winner of the esteemed beauty pageant after Covid scuppered the 2020 finalsCredit: SWNS
      Ex-Miss England becomes hero scientist helping Oxford University produce Covid vaccine More

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      Sheffield United’s Lys Mousset fined £5,000 & banned for six months after crashing £350,000 Lamborghini

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      A FOOTIE ace was fined £5,000 and banned for six months after crashing his Lamborghini into parked cars.Sheffield United forward Lys Mousset, 25, fled the wreckage after losing control of his £350,000 Aventador and tried to claim his cousin had been driving.
      Lys Mousset was fined £5,000 and banned for six months after crashing his Lamborghini into parked carsCredit: The Mega Agency
      The Sheffield United forward fled the wreckage after losing control of his £350,000 Aventador and tried to claim his cousin had been driving
      But one local joked: “Mousset is a regular up and down these roads. You can’t miss him — he drives the only bright orange Lamborghini in Sheffield.”
      Prosecutor Ellis Wilsdon said residents heard “a high revving sound” before a “loud bang”.
      Police found the £20,000-a-week striker a few streets away after the January smash.
      He failed a roadside breath test and was arrested.
      But he escaped prosecution after a second reading at the police station was under the limit.
      The French player, whose team are nicknamed the Blades, initially told police his cousin had been driving the car in the 30mph residential area.
      He came clean a few days later.
      Mousset admitted driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after an accident

      Sheffield magistrates heard the Lambo must have been travelling at “substantial speed” and been on the wrong side of the road
      Mousset admitted driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after an accident.
      He already had nine points for speeding.
      Shocking moment Fife woman caused head-on crash with van while trying to overtake lorry More

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      Prem clubs’ income falls for first time EVER as clubs lose £700m after coronavirus hell

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs lost revenue for the first time in HISTORY as the pandemic bites.Income across the 20 top-flight clubs fell by £700MILLION in 2019-20, down from £4.5billion the previous campaign.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Premier League clubs like Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea lost revenue for the first time EVER last seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
      And with the impact of a full season in front of empty stands to come, it seems likely that the real impact of Covid will be felt in the accounts for last term.
      The latest calculations by football finance experts Deloitte are no surprise after the past 15 months, since the world went into lockdown in March 2020.
      But Premier League clubs were able to restart and finish the fractured campaign last summer — before playing out a full league fixtures list this term.
      With revenues down and wages up  — by just three per cent to £3.3bn  — the wages to revenue ratio across the 20 top-flight clubs rose to a record high of 72 per cent.
      And the aggregate pre-tax loss across all the clubs stood at £1bn, the worst figures in the history of the competition.
      Prem chief exec Richard Masters has predicted the overall cost of the pandemic to the league will be in the region of £2bn once the full figures are calculated.
      Although hopes are high of significant and potentially full crowds returning from next term.
      Tottenham and Manchester United have both missed out on income of £6m per home match.
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      And Deloitte’s Dan Jones explained: “The pandemic will continue to have a heavy impact on the 2020/21 season’s financial results when available.
      “The absence of fans, postponement of matches and rebates to broadcasters had a significant impact on revenue clubs have been able to generate.
      “Nonetheless, whilst this has been the most challenging period for all concerned in the football industry, Premier League clubs showed impressive resilience in mitigating the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
      “By completing the 2019/20 season in full, live football provided a great boost to the public and valuable content for broadcasters.”
      Jones’ colleague Tim Bridge admitted that it would be wrong to draw direct lessons on wages from what was a unique set of circumstances.
      He said: “In fact, wages across the league increased by just 3 per cent — the lowest percentage increase in wages since the 2004/05 season.
      “In this extraordinary year, it is difficult to read too much into whether this marks a shift in clubs’ approach to wage spending.
      “Or if it is down to one-off elements, such as the absence of end-of-season bonuses, deferred to the next financial year, or the impact of temporary wage cuts or deferrals.
      “We will watch to see if this financial shock will come to be seen as having caused a change in approach and greater control over wage expenditure.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Premier League player Aaron Connolly’s ex Lucinda Strafford is going into Love Island after she was made redundant from her job at British Airways More

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      Luke Shaw’s girlfriend rushed out of Wags party just before kick-off to get his name and number on a shirt

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      LUKE Shaw’s girlfriend left a Wags party just before kick-off to get his name and number on a shirt.Anoushka Santos, 29, dashed off to find a printer after hearing about plans for a group picture.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Anoushka Santos rushed to get Luke Shaw’s name and number on her shirt for the Wags group picture
      Now she, Charlotte Trippier, Megan Davison, Fern Hawkins and Annie Kilner will have a picture they’ll treasure forever
      A source said: “She nipped off while the others were sipping champagne.
      “But she arrived back in time for a line-up picture she’ll treasure forever.”
      She was joined in the snap by Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison, Fern Hawkins (Harry Maguire) and Annie Kilner (Kyle Walker).
      Anoushka has been with the England star since 2017Credit: instagram

      The Wags were at a hotel for a family party before the match and returned there after the game to celebrate.
      There were 29 tables – one for each of the families of Gareth Southgate’s star squad – decorated with blue napkins and red roses.
      A source revealed: “They had pie and chips and sang footie songs.”
      England’s Wags support their partners in Wembley crowd More