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      Bark of the net as UK’s cleverest dog tips England to beat Croatia

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      ENGLAND will beat Croatia in their Euro 2020 group opener tomorrow — according to the nation’s most intelligent dog.Willow the wonder pooch can count to ten, spell her own name and identify shapes — and she has form for correctly predicting results of major events.
      Willow the wonder dog is predicting an England victoryCredit: Glen Minikin
      Now, after studying The Sun’s football guide, the clever cockapoo has picked out Harry Kane’s England side to win at Wembley tomorrow afternoon.
      She made her prediction yesterday, in strictly controlled scientific conditions, after we presented her with three bowls, each containing a football.
      On the front of each bowl we stuck a flag for England, Croatia and then a third had both for a draw.
      Willow’s owner Charlotte Price, 30, then asked her: “Who will win on Sunday, or do you fancy a draw?”
      Willow’s owner Charlotte says she is ‘never wrong’Credit: Glen Minikin
      After a moment’s paws, Willow pounced on England’s bowl — and with her track record, that is good news for manager Gareth Southgate.
      Special needs teacher Charlotte said: “This should be a great relief for England fans. She’s never wrong about these things.”
      Charlotte proudly revealed Willow has form for predicting major events — including last year’s US presidential race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
      She added: “She’s so clever that we’ve often wondered if she might be able to predict things.
      “Me and my husband have often had a little giggle with stuff — like last year’s run-off between Biden and Trump and she was right behind Biden.
      Willow predicts Harry Kane’s England will win at WembleyCredit: Getty
      “We also asked her to pick between Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson at the last General Election. She didn’t need long to think about that one and pounced on Boris.
      “And she did the same with this year’s Champions League final. Most people backed Manchester City but she went for Chelsea. She’s not been wrong yet.”
      A pun-tastic England doggy XI
      Her skills echo those of tentacled tipster Paul the Octopus, who successfully predicted the results of Germany’s seven matches at the 2010 World Cup.
      The patriotic cockapoo was wearing an England shirt at home in Baildon, West Yorks.
      The property is also decked out in England bunting, flags and balloons.
      Charlotte started training Willow as a pup in 2018 and quickly moved on to tricks.
      She chose between her teddy and a ball — and letters and numbers.
      Willow has been training for this moment for three yearsCredit: Glen Minikin

      Willow gets a treat for every five she identifies. She also picks out shapes, including her favourite, the pentagon.
      Weather symbols are also her thing but we didn’t need her to tell us it will be sunny.
      BBC radio host Rachel Burden got her dog Mae to predict tomorrow’s winner — but she picked Croatia.
      Willow could be a good luck charm for England at Euro 2020Credit: Glen Minikin
      England vs Croatia live stream, TV channel and kick-off time and team news for Euro 2020 match More

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      Paul Pogba will return to his inspirational best at Euro 2020 despite France star’s Man Utd struggles, claims Karembeu

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      CHRISTIAN KAREMBEU says Manchester United are now starting to see the ‘France Paul Pogba’.The leader, superstar and midfield general.
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      Paul Pogba in training ahead of France’s Euro 2020 openerCredit: AFP
      Pogba hopes to guide France to glory this summerCredit: AFP
      Christian Karembeu has backed Pogba to star for FranceCredit: EPA
      1998 World Cup winner Karembeu understands there have been detractors that feel Pogba’s outings at club level are a far cry from those on the international scene.
      He heroically helped lead France to glorious victory at Russia 2018. Videos showed Pogba’s rousing team talks and his displays on the field matched it.
      Olympiakos sporting director Karembeu said: “With France he takes responsibility on the pitch, he is a leader and the manager has faith in him. As a result, he shines.
      “Unfortunately at Manchester United he was injured a lot and often had  relapses.
      “It hasn’t been easy for Paul to accept criticism – but he is an intelligent person and bounced back very quickly.
      Paul Pogba holding the World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “Despite everything that went wrong, Man United had a nice season and reached the final of the Europa League.
      “Paul worked really hard to return from his injury.
      “United were winning games without him but credit to Paul because he managed to get back in the starting eleven, played well and helped United reach the final.
      “He was excellent for his club – but in the national team we put him in the best possible conditions to succeed.”

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      Pogba is always in the spotlight for France and UnitedCredit: AFP
      Karembeu, an investor in Sponsor.Online, became a world champion the same year Kylian Mbappe was born on the outskirts of Paris.
      But the former Real Madrid midfielder warned superstar Mbappe he will not power France to glory all on his own this time around.
      Karembeu added: “Kylian has the talent to follow in the footsteps of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
      “Kylian has to make the most of his sheer talent. It’s hard to advise him, he has everything.
      “He is a world champion with France and now has the opportunity to become a European champion too.
      “But if France win the Euros or not, that’s down to the whole team, not just Mbappe.”
      Karembeu’s former team-mate Didier Deschamps skippered France to a World Cup and Euros double as a player and is Les Bleus’ longest-serving manager after nine years in charge.
      Pogba failed to impress during Man United’s Europa League final defeatCredit: AFP
      But the accolades may not end here for the serial winner.
      If he spearheads France’s triumph this summer, he would become the first to win both tournaments as a player and manager.
      France have a rendezvous with history and Karembeu feels Didier the water-carrier – as he was once infamously nicknamed by Manchester United legend Eric Cantona – should look at the past to ignite the future.
      Karembeu added: “Didier has seen it all before. He pulled off this feat as a player and knows the  words to use to spur his players on.
      “France have many exceptional talents and Didier will struggle to pick his team. If we look at the teams in their group – Portugal, Hungary and Germany – it’s very competitive.
      “For me the team that tops this group will reach the final.
      “Didier played in France, Italy, England and Spain. He knows how to win a game, how to set up defensively and how to attack.
      “In 1998, we had the best defence and only conceded two goals through Michael Laudrup and Davor Suker.”
      Every Frenchman remembers where they were and what they did on that famous night of July 12, 1998, when France annihilated Brazil 3-0.
      Karembeu said: “That was a turning point in French football, world football and the life of every Frenchman.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1

      “It’s normal that the 2018 World Cup did not have the quite same impact as 1998, because back then it was the first time.
      “Deschamps built a strong team, you could see that they were not there to entertain but to win the trophy.”
      Exactly the same can be said about him this time.

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      Paul Pogba says he’s had no concrete offers and he’s just focusing on the Euros as Man Utd open talks over new contract More

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      I’m so proud of Gareth Southgate… he’s shown leadership, like night he took THAT pen

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      IT’S not the sort of tune Stuart Pearce would include on any playlist.This is an unreconstructed 59-year-old punk rocker.
      Gareth Southgate showed bravery in taking a penalty at Euro 96Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Stuart Pearce has claimed his former England team-mate is showing the same leadership nowCredit: PA:Press Association
      A man who took Gareth Southgate to a Sex Pistols gig during Euro ’96.
      A player, nicknamed Psycho, who once tried to run off a broken leg.
      Pearce said: “When Frank Skinner and David Baddiel came to the team hotel, Burnham Beeches, and played Three Lions, we all looked at each other and thought ‘hmm, not sure about that!’.
      “It certainly wasn’t my taste in music but it became an anthem, the players grew to love it.”
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      When Pearce sits in the commentary box for talkSPORT tomorrow, and they play Three Lions over Wembley’s PA system, he admits “the hairs on the back of my neck will stand up”.
      A quarter of a century after Pearce played a leading role in England’s last major tournament on home soil, he will look down on his old pal Southgate and the sound of supporters singing ‘Football’s Coming Home’ will ‘evoke so many memories’.
      The furore over the Hong Kong ‘dentist’s chair’, Paul Gascoigne’s outrageous goal against Scotland, a masterpiece England performance against Holland, Pearce’s own spot-kick redemption against Spain.
      And finally the night when Southgate boldly stepped up to take a spot-kick in a semi-final shootout against Germany and channelled the words of Johnny Rotten — ‘there is no future in England’s dreaming’.
      Personally I’m very proud he is at the helm because of what he represents. There is a bit of Bobby Robson in him — Bobby was revered as a man like Gareth.Stuart Pearce on Gareth Southgate
      Having missed against the Germans in the Italia ’90 semi-final, Pearce was the man Southgate turned to as Terry Venables’ men drowned their sorrows.
      Pearce said: “I didn’t know Gareth before we met up in that squad and we hit it off straight away, we were good friends from the offset.
      “After the semi-final, we went back to the hotel — everyone was given the option of going straight home but to a man we stayed together.
      “A few of us had a meal but it ended up just me and Gareth.
      “We talked for hours, having a drink, because when someone says ‘I know how you feel’, they often don’t.
      “But on this occasion, I was one of the few people who knew exactly how he felt.
      “Gareth took the sixth penalty and like many who’ve missed for England — Chris Waddle, Paul Ince, David Batty, Jamie Carragher — they weren’t regular penalty-takers.
      “In fact I bucked the trend in 1990 because I’d taken more penalties than anyone.
      “We were all sombre, it was that ‘so near but so far’ feeling — we felt we played well enough to beat the Germans and that we’d have been too strong against the Czechs in the final.”
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      And Pearce is seriously impressed by Southgate’s impact as England manager.
      Pearce said: “Personally I’m very proud he is at the helm because of what he represents. There is a bit of Bobby Robson in him — Bobby was revered as a man like Gareth.
      “He always had leadership skills, that was why he put himself forward to take that sudden-death penalty — that is the nature of the man.
      “He is intelligent and he’s used his experiences on life’s journey to break down barriers in the England job.
      “As a result, the relationship between the manager, players, public and media are so good that we’re going into a tournament where almost everybody is desperate for England to win — and I’m not sure that was true in the past.”
      Pearce claimed Southgate used his experiences on life’s journey to break down barriers in the England jobCredit: The Sun
      With Euro ’96 nostalgia at an all-time high, Pearce reminds us that golden summer hadn’t always looked so promising.
      He said: “There was anything but a wave of expectation. There hadn’t been full stadiums in the build-up, our form wasn’t particularly good.
      “There were question marks over crowd trouble.
      “We didn’t roll into it thinking ‘brilliant, we’re going to have a fantastic tournament’.
      “It wasn’t until Gazza’s goal and celebration in the Scotland game, that was the catalyst — and that was when we first heard everyone singing ‘Three Lions’.”
      Gazza’s classic goal against the Scots, seconds after a David Seaman penalty save, was greeted with the ‘dentist’s chair’ celebration — replicating the infamous drinking session in Hong Kong during the warm-up.
      Pearce added: “I never drank on England duty, but we’d played that afternoon and we were really poor.
      “We were due to fly home and one or two players were talking about going out — so the writing was on the wall for anyone that had a modicum of commonsense.
      Terry Venables knew how to handle him. He treated him like a naughty schoolboy — he’d scold him, then smile at himStuart Pearce on Paul Gascoigne
      “But in hindsight, with Gazza’s celebrations against Scotland, the antics that went on that night almost galvanised the squad.
      “Everyone became protective of Gazza — because we knew he was one of our big players and big personalities.
      “Terry Venables knew how to handle him. He treated him like a naughty schoolboy — he’d scold him, then smile at him.”
      After the 4-1 hammering of the Dutch, England were fortunate to draw 0-0 with Spain in the quarter-final — then the shootout which provided the defining image of Pearce’s career as he roared with relief after scoring.
      Pearce said: “It is the photo I sign the most.
      “When I was walking up to take the penalty there was more nervousness from the terraces than from me. I was nervous, I knew what it meant, but they all knew the history of six years earlier.
      ENGLAND fans will have so many memories of Euro 96 — and here STUART PEARCE gives his views on each of the Three Lions’ matches 25 years ago . . . 
      ENGLAND 1 SWITZERLAND 1It was a poor game, I gave away a late penalty and that draw did nothing to ease the pressure we were under.Fans were underwhelmed — they had not really come to the party at that game.ENGLAND 2 SCOTLAND 0I was subbed at half-time as Terry Venables changed shape. Jamie Redknapp replaced me and he was brilliant.Within a minute, from Dave Seaman’s penalty save to Gazza’s goal, the summer set alight.ENGLAND 4 HOLLAND 1I played 78 times for England and it’s the best performance I was involved in by a country mile.The only downside was we conceded a late goal that knocked Scotland out on goal difference.You may be surprised to hear that I wanted Scotland to qualify!ENGLAND 0 SPAIN 0(Eng win on pens)We could not live up to the highs of Holland and Spain were slightly the better side.We rode our luck when they had a goal ruled out and I fancied us in a penalty shootout with Dave Seaman in goal.Scoring was big for me — but Dave was the real hero.ENGLAND 1 GERMANY 1(Germany win on pens)We did enough to beat the Germans, they had to hang in there to get a draw — it was one of our best performances.The first ten penalties went in, then Gareth Southgate stepped up . . .

      “There had been no defined order with the penalties.
      “After extra-time, I told Terry I’d take the third one and it took him almost by surprise — but nowadays shootouts are an exact science.”
      The following night, Pearce took Southgate to that Pistols gig at Finsbury Park.
      Pearce said: “It was The Gate’s first gig — so what better time to introduce the Pistols? It was the start and end for him with punk music.
      “But I absolutely loved it — one of the best weekends of my life.”
      So what of Southgate’s prospects this summer?

      Pearce said: “On home soil, with a feel-good factor, it could be our year.
      “One or two must do what Gascoigne did, what Bobby Charlton did in 1966, and seize the moment to become world-class stars.”
      Tune into Stuart Pearce’s commentary as part of talkSPORT’s wall to wall Euros coverage. Listen via DAB digital radio, 1089 or 1053 AM, talksport.com or the talkSPORT app.
      Gareth Southgate hits out at fans who booed England players taking a knee More

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      You think you’re nervous? Imagine supporting England and Croatia like I do… it’s agony

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      ENGLAND and Croatia have this much in common: Euro ’96 was very special for both.Croatia, barely out of a ghastly war of ­independence, had only been ­recognised as a nation in its own right for five years. 
      Euro ’96 was its football team’s first tournament. Many of the players had represented Yugoslavia at some level, but this was different — this was the country they really felt was their own.
      It’s a game of two halves for Adrian in his half-Croatian, half-England footie shirtCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      This was special. 
      Until Euro ’96 I’d only had one country to support, England. But now Croatia had been reborn, I had two.
      My mum is Croatian, you see. I speak the ­language and now I’ve even got a passport. If I wasn’t 54 years old and not that good at football anyway, I could play for either nation. 
      In the build-up to Euro ’96, Croatia came to Wembley for a friendly.
      It felt great, but weird, watching the two play each other.
      Alen Boksic is tackled by Italy’s Alessandro Costacurta in Euro ’96Credit: Empics
       It felt like “we” were playing “us” — “we” being England and “us” being Croatia, or the other way around. 
      I somehow managed to wangle myself and my mum a couple of press passes through the ­Croatian FA.
      In the tunnel of the old Wembley before that friendly, I remember Croatia’s Alen Boksic, plainly emotional, saying how much it meant for them to be playing at the famous stadium.
      To a lot of Croatians, playing at Wembley for the first time was a  big milestone in the whole story of the nation.

      Bellyful of Germany
      Mum and I sat in the press box where, being a very nervous watcher of football, she became hysterical whenever the ball got anywhere near either penalty area. She was told off twice by angry journalists, so we went and sat somewhere else.
       It finished 0-0. Nothing much ­happened — although you wouldn’t have thought it from her screaming. 
      The whole tournament was a double joy for me: England were brilliant, and so were Croatia — even down to their stunningly original red and white checked shirts, which everyone warmed to.
      Don’t miss a thing – here are the date of England’s matches and their potential route to the final
       I went quite mad during England’s games against Scotland and Holland, and just as mad at Croatia’s 3-0 win against Denmark at ­Hillsborough where I stood behind the goal with Croatia’s travelling fans.
       When Davor Suker chipped Schmeichel to score, I went so  berserk that a copper pulled me to one side and, assuming I was Croatian and couldn’t speak English, told me: “You. Must. Calm. Down.” 
      Something else England and Croatia have in common at Euro ’96 is that for both of us it ended in misery at the hands of the Germans.
       They beat us — Croatia, that is — at Old Trafford before we, England, lost on penalties to Germany in the semi-final.
       So, apart from having a bellyful of Germany that summer, as for so many people, 1996 was a summer for the ages. 
      After the England Croatia semi-final one of my colleagues warned me Chris Waddle had said that if he ever saw me wearing it again, he’d stick it where the sun didn’t shineCredit: Rex
      In all, “we” have now played “us” ten times. I’m afraid I’ve enjoyed  each game a little less as time  has gone on.
       I can’t bear being conflicted. When it comes to football I need to be wholly committed to one side — there can be no room for doubt.
       I love both these countries and watching them play each other gives me some insight into what Richard Williams must have gone through ­watching his daughters Venus and Serena play each other at Wimbledon.
      I’m told I should take a more positive attitude and relish the thought that I’ll be happy either way.
       But that’s just not my style — I know I’ll feel miserable either way.
       I was at the 2018 World Cup semi-final in which we played us.

       It was awful. I desperately wanted both England and Croatia to make the final, which plainly wasn’t ­possible.  I didn’t celebrate when England scored, or when Croatia equalised, or when Croatia took the lead, or when Croatia won.
       I just sat stock still for two hours, quite unable to compute any of it.
       Never again did I want to go through this, I swore, as if this was remotely in my control.
       I fervently wish that we weren’t playing us again today. I’m just glad it’s at the start of a tournament this time, not near the end. 
      Croatia’s star player of the last decade, Luka ModricCredit: Getty
      I suppose I could get my specially made half and half Croatian/England shirt out for the ­occasion.
       It was made for me when I was presenting The One Show and I had to leave the studio early to get to Wembley for kick-off.
       I had a coat on over my shirt. In the interest of self-preservation, when I was talking to my fellow England fans I let the coat fall open to expose the English side of the shirt.  In ­conversation with Croats I only let them see the other side. 
      It’s odd how this shirt is received. When I’ve worn it in Croatia I have literally had people offering to buy it off me — they love it.
       Among the English, it’s a different story. Its last outing was in Moscow at the World Cup. Randomly, I bumped into Marcus Mumford of Mumford And Sons in the street.
       He was very nice but, of my choice of shirt, he said: “Get that effing thing off.” 
      Despairing pessimism
      And after the semi-final one of my colleagues warned me Chris Waddle had said that if he ever saw me wearing it again, he’d stick it where the sun didn’t shine. Enough said; I’ve not touched it since. 
      Adrian is looking forward to an afternoon of agony on SundayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      As to how it’s going to go today, I’ve made a few calls to my friends in Zagreb. Croats, on most matters, tend to settle either on tremendous optimism, or despairing pessimism. So far, all I’ve heard is the latter. No one I’ve spoken to seems to be giving their team a ghost of a chance.
       I ran through the squad with one Croatian football journalist.
       After I read out each name, he said they were either too young, too old, too out of form, injured, or some combination of those things.
       The only positive thing this guy could say for Croatia’s chances was that “You lot [by which he meant the English] seem to be too busy arguing about that knee business to concentrate much on football.” Noted. 
      For what it’s worth, I’ll be on both knees, never mind one, by the final whistle. I’ll be emotionally exhausted and praying we don’t meet us again any time soon. But then, out of the blue, I got to speak to Croatia’s star player of the last decade, Luka Modric. 
      Paul Gascoigne from the legendary England squad of 1996Credit: Getty
      Luka, it turns out, has heard it all before. “It was exactly the same before the World Cup,” he told me.
       “At home they were saying we wouldn’t even get out of our group. And look what happened.” 
      Well, yes. They got to the final and, in my admittedly biased view, would have won it bar some dodgy ­refereeing. Luka, worryingly for his opponents this summer, is still ­smarting from that defeat. 
      “I got used to winning, with my club. And I really couldn’t bear ­coming so close,” Luka said.
      He’s 35 now, so this is probably his last tournament. I think we can safely say he’ll be trying his best.
      There’s a neat symmetry for him in these Euros. It was during Euro ’96, watching the Croatians, that he first started to dream. He was ten years old, a refugee in a hotel in the ­Croatian city of Zadar.
       If you get a chance, read his auto- biography which is now out in ­paperback, and you’ll realise his life is like a film script. 
      It was in the car park of that hotel that this skinny little refugee honed his football skills, endlessly kicking an old ball against a wall. 
      “All that Croatian team were  my heroes,” he remembers. “But my favourite was Zvonimir Boban.”

       That little kid went on to achieve as much as Boban and more.
      And he can’t wait to get to Wembley now, and tread in his heroes’ footsteps on English soil.
      Come on England! Idemo Croatia! Let’s get this one over with. May the best team win.
      Can you flag up the teams
      YOU may know your football but can you tell which flag belongs to which country? Here are the flags for each of the 24  teams competing in Euro 2020 and Joshua Saunders has helpfully provided a clue for each. 

      So how did you score? The answers are below.  
      Answers…
      1) Denmark. 2) Scotland. 3) Spain. 4) Italy.  5) Switzerland. 6) Turkey. 7) Belgium. 8) Russia. 9) England.  10) Finland. 11) Ukraine. 12) Netherlands. 13) Austria. 14) North Macedonia. 15) Croatia. 16) Czech Republic. 17) Wales. 18) Poland. 19) Sweden. 20) Slovakia. 21) Germany. 22) France. 23) Portugal. 24) Hungary
      Euro 2020 kicks off with opening ceremony from Rome More

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      Euro 2020: Gareth Southgate is hanging up his waistcoat but fans aren’t keen on his new look

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      GARETH Southgate is hanging up his waistcoat for the Euros — in favour of a pyjama-style polo shirt.The England boss, 50, became an unlikely trend-setter at the 2018 World Cup, sending sales of the blue M&S garment up by 35 per cent.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      Gareth Southgate has adopted a new look for the EurosCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The England boss sent waistcoat sales soaring in 2018Credit: AFP or licensors
      But he will sport a Pablo Cuban Knit polo made by London fashion house Percival as the Three Lions leap into action again.
      He gave the £109 top its debut in the warm-up matches.
      But fans online prefer the waistcoat with one calling the new outfit a “sartorial travesty”.
      Unhappy fans said the polo shirt and suit combo look was a ‘sartorial travesty’Credit: Getty

      One Twitter user said: “Who dressed Gareth Southgate? Is he wearing a polo shirt, a shirt or pyjamas under that cheap suit?”
      Another added: “Just catching up on Gareth Southgate’s blue polo shirt with light grey suit and no belt sartorial travesty. Hope to god this doesn’t catch on like the waistcoats did.”
      However some were keen, saying they were “delighted to see Gareth Southgate is adopting my suit-and-polo-shirt chic on the touchline this evening”.
      Gareth Southgate to ditch iconic waistcoat for Euro 2020 after England boss stole show with outfit at Russia World Cup More

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      Euro 2020: Football is just a game but it’s our game. And now it’s coming home, again

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      A WISE old sage once quipped that football isn’t a matter of life and death,­ ­it’s much more important than that.In this year of years we know that’s not true. The toughest battles have been fought not by those in Three Lions white but in green medical scrubs and blue nurses’ tunics.
      Harry Kane is England’s captain as they compete at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      Football is just a game but it’s our game. And now it’s coming home, again.
      A melodrama that has given us gilded ’66, Gazza’s Tears in ’90, ’96’s Dentist’s Chair and Pickford’s 2018 Shootout Save.
      Now it’s our summer. 2021 is your turn to unite this rainbow nation of ours and write history.
      Wear your shirts with pride. Each of you is already a winner.
      Fewer than 1,300 men in history have ever won a cherished England cap.
      There will be pitfalls along the way, but 56million of us are with you.
      We’ll be there as you kick every ball. We’ll have your back when things go wrong.
      Marcus Rashford is one of the squad’s many talented strikersCredit: Getty
      Jack Grealish is part of the talented squad competing to bring the trophy homeCredit: Getty
      Football-mad England will be cheering on Raheem SterlingCredit: Getty
      In return you can give this football-mad nation hope, unity and, perhaps, some joy.
      This is not the time for boos, only cheers.
      Many years from now, let us look back fondly and say . . . 
      Whatever 2021 threw at the world, that summer brought out the best in us.
      Wear your England shirts with pride as Mason Mount fights to write historyCredit: Getty
      Jordan Pickford was an England hero and helped the Three Lions win their first ever World Cup penalty shootoutCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate will lead the team to victory at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      England will be there for the squad – even when things go wrongCredit: Rex

      England fans fly 400 flags for home team ahead of Euro 2020 More

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      Euro 2020: The glamourous women taking to terraces to support their superstar footballer partners

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      IT just wouldn’t be the beautiful game without the beautiful Wags.As the Euros kick off tonight, some of the Continent’s most glamorous women will be taking to the terraces to show their support for their superstar partners.
      Georgina Rodriguez will be cheering on Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2020Credit: @effek
      They include the business mogul wife of Chelsea’s Croatian star Mateo Kovacic, who has been likened to a “Croatian Shakira”.
      Then there’s the Russian Wag who has been snapped hanging around with President Vladimir Putin.
      Others include bikini models, beauty pageant winners — and even a karate master.
      Here’s our guide to the top 2020 Euro Wags. 
      IZABEL GOULART (Kevin Trapp, Germany)
      Model Izabel Goulart is dating Kevin TrappCredit: Steve Earle/Lickerish Syndication
      Kevin Trapp’s girlfriend Izabel was mocked for her looks at schoolCredit: Getty
      MOCKED for her looks at school, the former Victoria’s Secret model has since been voted one of the world’s sexiest women.
      And the 36-year-old Brazilian beauty is so beloved in her homeland she was chosen to lead a parade of 200 dancers at the closing ceremony of the Rio Olympics in 2016.
      She has also made guest appearances in US TV shows including Two And A Half Men and Entourage.
      MIA McCLENAGHAN (Reece James, England)
      Mia McClenaghan recently celebrated finishing her law degreeCredit: Instagram/@miamcclenaghan
      Mia’s dating Chelsea right-back Reece JamesCredit: PA
      LAST year was a great one for Chelsea right-back Reece, who made his England debut and got together with girlfriend Mia .
      The 5ft 2in student recently celebrated finishing her law degree with a string of photos on Instagram.
      Mia’s account also has snaps of her in designer clothes and spending time with 21-year-old Reece.
      MIRJANA ZUBER (Steven Zuber, Switzerland)
      Mirjana Zuber was a Miss Switzerland finalist in 2014Credit: Instagram/@mirjanazuber
      The 28-year-old is dating Steven ZuberCredit: AFP
      FROM being a Miss Switzerland finalist in 2014, the 28-year-old went on to host her own successful podcast, Spielerfrauen On Air (the German word for Wag), sharing insights from her private life.
      Continuing to break convention, she has since shared clips of herself training in the US to perform as a TV stuntwoman.
      MAJA NILSSON LINDELOF (Victor Lindelof, Sweden)
      Maja Nilsson Lindelof enjoys flash holidays and motorsCredit: Instagram/@majanilssonlindelof
      Maja is married to Manchester United player Victor LindelofCredit: Getty
      WHILE she enjoys the flash holidays and motors, 27-year-old Maja doesn’t love everything that comes with being the wife of a Manchester United player.
      She complained about the cost of executive boxes at Old Trafford, saying on her podcast Life In The Stands: “It’s a disgusting amount. If you don’t buy one, you’re considered a loser.”
      EDURNE GARCIA (David De Gea, Spain)
      Edurne Garcia represented Spain at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, coming 21st out of 27Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Edurne is the wife of Man Utd goalkeeper David De GeaCredit: AFP
      SINGER Edurne, wife of Man Utd keeper David, 30, knows a thing or two about competing on a Continent-wide stage herself.
      The 35-year-old represented Spain at the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, coming 21st out of 27.
      She has also recorded a promotional song for Coca-Cola and is now a judge on Spanish TV singing contest show Idol Kids.
      TEREZA KADERABKOVA (Pavel Kaderabek, Czech Republic)
      Tereza is the daughter of a football refereeCredit: Instagram/@terezakaderabkova
      Tereza married Pavel in 2017Credit: Getty
      THE daughter of a football referee, 30-year-old Tereza was brought up in the game.
      But she made her name as a model, taking the Miss Czech beauty pageant crown in 2012.
      She has since ditched the catwalk to cover football as a TV reporter.
      Tereza married Pavel, 29, in 2017 and the couple have two daughters, Ema and Elva.
      KATRINE FRIIS (Andreas Christensen, Denmark)
      Katrine is usually pictured in warmer climates than her native DenmarkCredit: Instagram/@katrinefogtfriis
      Katrine’s dating Andreas ChristensenCredit: Getty
      BIKINI model Katrine is usually pictured in warmer climates than her native Denmark.
      She has also shared photos of swanky shopping trips to Harrods and Cartier in central London.
      Katrine, 23, was pictured grinning ear to ear on a confetti-strewn pitch after Andreas, 25, helped Chelsea win the Champions League final in Portugal last month.
      LEONITA LEKAJ (Granit Xhaka, Switzerland)
      Leonita was first spotted cheering on hubby Granit, 28, at the 2016 Euros against her native AlbaniaCredit: Instagram/@leonita.x

      Leonita and Granit have been together for six years and have two childrenCredit: Getty
      THE 29-year-old Instagram model was first spotted cheering on hubby Granit, 28, at the 2016 Euros against her native Albania, for whom Granit’s brother Taulant plays.
      It was the first time two brothers had faced each other at the tournament.Leonita and Granit, who plays for Arsenal, have been together for six years and have two children.
      VLADA SEDAN (Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ukraine)
      Vlada is married to Man City’s ZinchenkoCredit: Instagram/@v.lada_sedan
      Zinchenko popped the question on the pitch of the Olympic Stadium in KievCredit: Getty
      MARRIED to Man City playmaker Zinchenko, Vlada, 25, is a TV sports reporter by trade.
      Zinchenko, 24, popped the question on the pitch of the Olympic Stadium in Kiev following Ukraine’s qualification for the Euros.
      But he had to issue an apology on their wedding day last year after she publicly criticised City boss Pep Guardiola’s tactics.
      INES DEGENER TOMAZ (Bernardo Silva, Portugal)
      Ines hooked up with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo, 26, during lockdownCredit: Instagram/@inesdegenertomaz
      Romantic Ines shared a soppy compilation video of the couple together to celebrate their first anniversaryCredit: Reuters
      THE 22-year-old model, who hooked up with Manchester City midfielder Bernardo, 26, during lockdown, loves sharing racy bikini snaps with her 60,000 followers on Instagram.
      Romantic Ines also shared a soppy compilation video of the couple together to celebrate their first anniversary in May.
      ANNA LEWANDOWSKA (Robert Lewandowski, Poland)
      Anna is the wife of Bayern Munich star Robert LewandowskiCredit: Instagram/@annalewandowskahpba
      Anna married Robert in 2013 and they’ve since had two daughtersCredit: Getty
      THE 32-year-old wife of the Bayern Munich goal machine is an athlete in her own right, having won medals at karate championships around the world.
      Anna married Robert, 32, in 2013 and they’ve since had two daughters. Last year, they donated one million euros to help in the fight against coronavirus.
      MICHELE DE BRUYNE (Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium)
      Michele de Bruyne liked one of his tweets while he was on loan in Germany, but he was too nervous to replyCredit: Instagram/@lacroixmichele
      Kevin got one of his friends to write his first message to MiseleCredit: Getty
      MICHELE saw the potential in the 29-year-old Manchester City playmaker long before he was considered one of the best players on the planet.
      The 27-year-old beauty liked one of his tweets while he was on loan in Germany, but he was too nervous to reply, so got a friend to draft a message on his behalf instead.
      APRIL IVY (Ruben Dias, Portugal)
      Proud Wag April topped the iTunes chart in her native Portugal with her single Be OKCredit: Instagram/@aprilivymusic
      April praises her boyfriend Dias often on social mediaCredit: Getty
      POP star April, 21, topped the iTunes chart in her native Portugal with her single Be OK.
      But she is a proud Wag, too.
      She recently posted a pic of her and Dias, 24, on Instagram – with the caption “Keep shining, this is only just the beginning” – after he was named the EA Sports Player of the Season following his debut year at Manchester City.
      ALICE CAMPELLO (Alvaro Morata, Spain)
      Alice Campello is the wife of Spanish striker Alvaro MorataCredit: Instagram/@alicecampello
      Morata and Campello have three kids, but hope to adoptCredit: AP
      THE 26-year-old wife of the Spanish striker is an Italian model and fashion designer.
      Morata, 28, proposed to her on stage during a magic show just eight months after she had ignored his flirty messages on Instagram.
      The couple have three kids, but hope to adopt, too.
      VICTORIA THOMSON (Lyndon Dykes, Scotland)
      Victoria and Lyndon are married and have a son togetherCredit: INSTAGRAM/@LYNDON SYKES
      Aussie-born Dykes is 13 years younger than VictoriaCredit: SNS
      VICTORIA and striker Dykes met when he played at Queen Of The South – and she was married to his manager Jim Thomson.
      When they split, Aussie-born Dykes, 25, who is now at QPR, started dating Victoria, 13 years his senior.
      They’re now married and have a son together, while Victoria has two daughters from her time with Jim.
      JESSICA MELENA (Ciro Immobile, Italy)
      Jessica moved in with Ciro Immobile after just one week of datingCredit: Instagram /@jessicamelena
      The couple have three kids togetherCredit: Getty
      LAZIO striker Immobile, 31, was so struck by Jessica, they moved in together just week after they started dating in 2012.
      Jessica, 30, studied criminology and forensics and had ambitions to become a crime scene investigator.
      But she changed tack after becoming pregnant with the first of the couple’s three kids.
      EMMA RHYS-JONES (Gareth Bale, Wales)
      Emma and Gareth have been together since they met at school in CardiffCredit: Instagram/Emma Rhys-Jones
      Emma has three kids with GarethCredit: Getty
      THE 29-year-old has been with the Tottenham ace since they met at school in Cardiff.
      She has three kids with Gareth, 31, but has a strained relationship with her own father, who was jailed for money laundering and was believed to have wanted to bring an unknown woman to Emma and Gareth’s planned 2018 wedding.

      GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ (Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal)
      Georgina met Cristiano when working at a Gucci shop in MadridCredit: Mega
      Georgina shacked up with Ronaldo after he split from Russian model Irina ShaykCredit: EPA
      SHE was working in a Gucci shop in Madrid when she met Ronaldo, 36, then playing in the Spanish capital.
      The 27-year-old beauty, whose father Jorge spent ten years in jail for being a cocaine and cannabis kingpin, now boasts 24.5million Instagram followers.
      Georgina shacked up with Ronaldo after he split from Russian model Irina Shayk, 35, who is now rumoured to be dating rapper Kanye West.
      Meet the Euros 2020 WAG squad – from models, pop stars to lawyers More

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      in Soccer

      England fans get ready to roar Harry Kane’s lions to victory as Euros kick off

      by

      ENGLAND’S streets and pubs turned into a sea of flags yesterday as patriotic football fans got ready to roar Harry Kane’s lions to victory. The Covid-delayed Euros start today and although England’s opening game is still two days away, the country is at fever pitch.
      ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
      England fan Dean Scott has decked out his garden shed ready for the EurosCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Our front page rallying call today urges Harry’s heroes to do the nation proud on and off the pitch.
      Wales and Scotland will be fancying their chances of beating the leading lights ahead of the July 11 final.
      England fan Dean Scott, 32, has made his own “Dirty Bertie’s” shed bar.
      Dean, of Chelmsford, Essex, said last night: “I’ve got crates of beer, a huge TV and more flags than I can count.
      “It’s going to be absolutely epic in my shed. Come on Harry. On me shed son. Bring it home.”
      £3M PINT BOOST
      Punters have covered Dougie’s Tavern in Hebburn, South Tyneside, in flags and aren’t letting pandemic restrictions dampen their enthusiasm.
      The drinkers banded together and have spent the past three weeks putting up scaffolding and hanging the bright banners from every available spot.
      Nurse Jessica Gill and daughter Margot, three, are flying the flag for the Three LionsCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Regulars and staff at Dougie’s Tavern, Hebburn, South Tyneside, aren’t letting the pandemic dampen their enthusiasmCredit: NNP
      The nation is ready to cheer Harry Kane’s lions to victoryCredit: Getty
      Regular Bobby Park, a 68-year-old retired wholesaler, said: “The lads have got together and this has been a group effort. After the year we’ve had we’re all waiting for that first game.”
      Another punter added: “We’re just praying Harry and the boys can bring it home this time.”
      Sunday’s 2pm match at Wembley against Croatia is predicted to boost pint sales in pubs by at least £3million.
      Overall, around ten million pints will be sold — three million during the game, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) said.
      Ten million were sold the last time England played Croatia at the semis of the 2018 World Cup.
      We’re just praying Harry and the boys can bring it home this time.
      That was a higher-profile game, but the BBPA says the figures do show the severe impact of restrictions.
      Table service only, metre-plus distancing, table sizes of up to six indoors and no bar service limit how many punters pubs can host.
      Emma McClarkin, of the BBPA, said: “Nothing beats watching England at the pub. Unfortunately, the current restrictions do mean the experience isn’t going to be the same.
      England’s streets have become a sea of flagsCredit: AFP
      Construction workers were getting in the spirit on siteCredit: Dan Charity / The Sun
      Drinkers at Dougie’s have spent the past three weeks hanging bright banners from every available spotCredit: NNP
      Residents in Bermondsey’s Kirby Estate, South-East London, have put up around 400 England flagsCredit: Rex
      “Because of this, we expect pubs to sell a million pints less than they would have done without restrictions.
      “That will cost our pubs £3million on Sunday alone. Given our pubs have been closed or faced restrictions for more than a year, every little helps and is critical to our recovery and survival.
      ‘COUNTDOWN TO FREEDOM’
      “It’s time for the restrictions on our freedoms to be replaced by the protection of the vaccination and for businesses and life to get back to normal. The Countdown to Freedom is on.”
      Official Downing Street rules mean chanting and cheering are banned in pubs. That is because of fears airborne virus droplets travel further as revellers take deep breaths during singalongs.
      Security staff will be asked to warn or even eject fans who belt out anthems like Football’s Coming Home or God Save the Queen.
      Lawyer Graeme Cushion, a specialist in pub licensing, said: “Like it or not, the Government guidance covers hospitality venues including restaurants, pubs and bars.
      “Any music should be played at a low level, and is effectively at a background level to prevent any shouting, singing or dancing.
      “But I suspect our patriotism — ­particularly if England are doing well — may get the better of us.”
      Sunday’s match is predicted to boost pint sales in pubs by at least £3millionCredit: NNP
      Current restrictions mean chanting and cheering are banned in pubsCredit: Getty

      Mr Cushion, a partner at top London law firm Poppleston Allen, warned standing and singing was a definite no-no.
      He said: “Businesses showing games may ask you to sit down and not stand up to sing.”
      The song ban was confirmed as 85 per cent of fans said restrictions will ruin watching the Euros at the pub — piling more pressure on PM Boris Johnson to push ahead with Freedom Day on June 21.
      A footy-loving pub landlord has boasted having the ‘best decorated pub’ in the UK after creating an amazing display featuring FIVE HUNDRED flags on the eve of Euro 2020 More