The Sun Newspaper

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England stars set for £50,000 pay rise thanks to FA’s new deal with taxman

      by

      ENGLAND stars are set for a huge pay boost as they get fired up for Euro glory — thanks to a new deal with the taxman.Three Lions aces have been the subject of an inquiry over image rights cash paid to them by the FA which would see them pay more tax.
      Harry Kane could net an extra £75,000 from the dealCredit: Alamy
      But HMRC chiefs and the FA are likely to resolve the months-long issue before the curtain-raiser with Croatia at Wembley next Sunday.
      And the breakthrough could hand them a 50 per cent image pay hike plus bonuses within days — worth as much as an extra £75,000 to top stars like captain Harry Kane.
      A source close to the negotiations said last night: “For England’s stars and the taxman this deal hits the back of the net, and couldn’t come at a better time.
      “Some players may see their gross image rights earnings nearly double.
      “The FA will be the big losers because they will foot the bill to avoid the headache of having to sort out tax issues for everyone in the squad. But the extra dosh should put a spring in the players’ step.”
      Champions League winner Mason Mount will benefit from the image rights dealCredit: Getty
      Image rights of up to £100,000-a-year are paid to stars based on the number of times they are selected for squads, rather than caps.
      These huge sums are paid on top of playing fees, which players donate to charity.
      The FA has previously not been obliged to pay national insurance or income tax on these payments.
      But HMRC want the footballers to pay the 45 per cent top rate tax instead of 19 per cent through limited companies which they do now.
      The extra cash from the FA is to offset the higher amount of tax they would pay to HMRC chiefs.
      Experts estimated that the current £4million-a-year the FA pays out in image rights will rise to around £6million once the deal is done.
      Regulars like Spurs idol Harry will see their rights money ramped up to cover the extra tax burden to around £150,000-a-year — £50,000 more than he is currently paid.
      Jack Grealish could see his England earnings nearly doubleCredit: Getty
      But that could be topped up with an estimated £25,000 annual fee to cover the cost of extra tax return work — making it an extra £75,000 for Kane.
      Chelsea’s 22-year-old Champions League-winning star Mason Mount can expect a similar windfall.
      Mount, picked for nine squads by manager Gareth Southgate, has earned around £90,000 but under the new system would earn £135,000 plus the £25,000 accounting fee to cover his tax.
      Aston Villa wizard Jack Grealish, 25, should see his estimated earnings rise from around £70,000 to £130,000-a-year plus possible extras for promotional work.
      Tax expert Jim Lee, a former semi-pro footballer, said: “It’s good to see this cleared up so our boys can focus on winning the Euros.
      “They’re all multi-millionaires in any case and I’m sure they’d happily play for England for nothing.
      “If sorting this out in time for the tournament gives the Exchequer a boost and hands the players a bonus, then good luck to them.”
      Football finance expert Gerald Krasner, from Begbies Traynor added: “HMRC are closing a loophole that has existed for years.
      Gareth Southgate’s England kick off their Euro 2020 campaign next weekendCredit: Getty

      “They are saying that image rights payments are earned here and so should be taxed as income at full UK rates.”
      FA sources confirmed that chiefs had been working with the players to ensure image rights payments were appropriately taxed.
      A FA spokesman said: “We’d never comment on financial or commercial matters relating to players.”
      Gareth Southgate talks about Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson’s chances of playing in the Euros More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Paddy McGuinness and Danny Dyer to remake footie anthem Vindaloo for Euro 2020

      by

      FOOTBALL anthem Vindaloo is being remade for the Euros — with   Danny Dyer and Paddy McGuinness on vocals.Scenes for the video were shot this week, with actor Will Mellor, comic Leigh Francis and dancer Bez belting out a new version of the spicy Fat Les hit.
      Happy Mondays star Bez and actor Will Mellor led the filming for Vindaloo in LondonCredit: Alamy
      But EastEnders star Danny and Top Gear host Paddy also sing on the unofficial England anthem, originally recorded for the 1998 World Cup.
      A source said: “Danny and Paddy are secret stars of the Vindaloo re-recording.
      “They laid down their lyrics in a studio at the end of last month but their schedules couldn’t allow them to make filming. But it’s obvious who sings what lines in the track and the new version sounds brilliant.”
      Corrie actor Will, Keith Lemon star Leigh, and Happy Mondays’ dancer Bez were seen filming in Hoxton, East London.
      The source went on: “The video for the updated version is very much in line with the original. Everyone involved in the remake thinks it will blow the original out of the water. It’s brilliant fun.”
      Fat Les’ song Vindaloo was a hit in 1998 and still lives on as an England terrace anthemCredit: Rex

      Fat Les was formed by Blur bassist Alex James, Lily Allen’s dad Keith, and the artist Damien Hirst.
      They hit No2 with Vindaloo, with the star-packed video also featuring Matt Lucas and David Walliams.
      The Euros start on Friday. England open their campaign against Croatia on the Sunday afternoon, a day after Wales play Switzerland.
      Paddy McGuinness is hoping to have a chart hit with VindalooCredit: PA
      EastEnders actor Danny Dyer took part in the Vindaloo remakeCredit: Getty
      England fans recreate Fat Les’ Three Lions anthem ‘Vindaloo’ More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish desperate to emulate boyhood hero David Beckham and star in England’s iconic No7 shirt at Euro 2020

      by

      BARBERS in Birmingham have been kept busy over the years with requests from kids for a short-Jack-and-sides.And there is set to be a new craze around Aston Villa’s poster boy in the city — England shirts with GREALISH on the back.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      England star Jack Grealish is expected to play a huge role under Gareth Southgate at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      Grealish has revealed he is desperate to emulate his boyhood hero David BeckhamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Sir Stanley Matthews, Kevin Keegan and Bryan Robson all wore the No 7 for England.
      But for Grealish, unsurprisingly, it is all about David Beckham.
      Asked about being handed the same squad number as Golden Balls by boss Gareth Southgate, 25-year-old Grealish could not stop grinning.
      The midfielder, who won his his sixth cap in Wednesday’s 1-0 friendly win over Austria, said: “What young lad didn’t look up to David Beckham?
      “If I have half the career he had, then I’ll be over the moon.
      “He had a lot of great moments but the goal against Greece to send England to the World Cup stands out.
      “Every kid grew up looking up to him — I certainly did. The No 7 was a bit of an iconic number in England terms.
      “So many great players have worn the shirt and, hopefully, I can follow in their footsteps and perform well in it.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 18/1
      Aston Villa ace Grealish has been handed the iconic No7 shirt for the European ChampionshipWIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!

      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      “When I got the No 7 shirt the other day, I got so many messages from family and friends saying they were going out straight away to buy a shirt.
      “Since the start of the season, I said to myself that I wanted to get in the Euro squad. I have not shied away from saying how much I wanted to be in the squad.
      “I had my aims with my club this season but my No 1 aim for the whole season was to get in the squad.
      “Thankfully I’ve done it and, hopefully, I can be part of a good summer.
      “In the last two or three years, everyone has talked about that summer of 2018 and the World Cup in Russia.
      “I think that was one summer when Gareth and the lads brought the whole nation together, just from the way they played at that World Cup.”
      Against Austria in Middlesbrough, wearing the No 10 shirt, the Villa superstar showed flashes of what he is capable of.
      He will certainly have a big role for England during the tournament but as it stands, he will start on the substitutes’ bench.

      Grealish is likely to be involved in Sunday’s international friendly against RomaniaCredit: Reuters
      But looking at the team’s run of injuries, that could change.
      Equally, Grealish is an expert at how to deal with challenges as he continues to be constantly fouled.
      Little wonder that his shins are always sore.
      And he revealed winning free-kicks in the opponent’s area was first mentioned to him by former Villa manager Martin O’Neill.
      Grealish added: “Martin O’Neill said to me, ‘You never, ever want to get kicked in your own half because there’s no point, you can’t do anything there.
      “Try and get kicked around the edge of the box or in the box as much as possible’.
      “I was a bit young and I thought, ‘Ah, OK’. But now I understand why. I’ll take the kicks to help my team. Definitely.
      “There was one tackle against Austria, the first one, which really, really hurt.
      Grealish has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park in the summerCredit: EPA

      “It was when Jesse Lingard gave me the ball on the left. That was one tackle that went on to my shin where I’ve been quite sore.
      “Obviously, the way I play I’m going to get kicked all the time and I can’t really be running with the ball and thinking at the back of my head, ‘If I get kicked here, I’m one kick away from getting hurt’.
      “So it’s one of those when if it ever happens it is part and parcel, it is what comes with the way I play.”
      For some time, Three Lions manager Southgate was not sure about picking Grealish.
      It was only an injury to Marcus Rashford in August which saw him get a late call-up for the Nations League matches in Iceland and Denmark.
      Yet after failing to completely convince Southgate in his first couple of games, Grealish has taken his opportunities.
      He will once again play some part against Romania at the Riverside on Sunday ahead of the Group D opener with Croatia seven days later.

      During a major tournament, a player who starts on the bench can often become a major star.
      Grealish could be that player.
      And by next month, it might not just be Villa fans who have his name on a shirt.
      Jack Grealish volleys a grenade in new Call of Duty advert leaving fans in stitches More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England fear Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson could miss WHOLE of Euro 2020 as Gareth Southgate’s injury crisis mounts

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE is facing a mounting England injury crisis a week before the Euros.It is feared crocked duo Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire may miss ALL of the tournament.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer 
      Harry Maguire joined the England squad on Thursday but is a major doubt for the EurosCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate fears Jordan Henderson will play no part at the Euros after suffering a setbackCredit: PA
      And Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dream of playing is over after he was last night ruled out with a thigh injury picked up in the 1-0 friendly win over Austria.
      Southgate will call up a replacement into his 26-man squad after Sunday’s friendly against Romania.
      Midfielders James Ward-Prowse and Jesse Lingard are stand-by options, as well as defenders Ben White and Ben Godfrey.
      Liverpool midfielder Henderson has suffered a setback in his bid to recover from a groin injury and Southgate now concedes it would be a ‘bonus’ if he plays in the tournament.
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      Crocked Harry Maguire is looking more and more doubtful to make itCredit: PA
      United centre-back Maguire told SunSport on Wednesday that he has only just returned to light training after injuring his ankle last month.
      Southgate said: “With the two lads, Hendo and Harry, I’ve picked up a squad that can cope without them.
      “If we had a squad of 23, that might have been a different decision to make.
      “We’ve got 26. So, rather than take maybe a couple of young players for the experience, for me it’s better to have two senior players who can add so much to the group.

      Maguire has only just returned to light training after an ankle injuryCredit: Getty
      Southgate fears the worst as England’s injury crisis continues to mountCredit: Getty

      “If we can get them in a position to help on the field, then that’s only going to be beneficial for us.”
      Southgate knows both are almost certain to miss England’s Euros opener against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday week.
      But  it is now seems doubtful either will feature during the group stage, with England’s matches played over just nine days.
      Henderson was due to make his first appearance since February in Wednesday’s friendly against Austria at Middlesbrough – but pulled out on the morning of the match, needing another scan on his groin.
      Southgate said: “I don’t think it would be fair to rule Jordan out of it. But I think it’s clear to everyone how much football he has missed.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to miss the Euros after his injury against AustriaCredit: PA

      “The timelines are getting more difficult with each training session he might miss and to not have those match minutes against Austria is a blow towards that.
      “I’m being very realistic about what’s possible here. It’s a decision we took because we have been able to take extra players and we feel Jordan is such an important influence around the place.
      “He can add value to what we are doing and if we can get him close to being able to contribute on the pitch that will be a real bonus as I see it at the moment.”
      Alexander-Arnold’s Euros dream was shattered after being told he would be sidelined for up to six weeks with a thigh injury.
      The Liverpool right-back suffered the problem at the end of England’s 1-0 win against Austria on Wednesday.
      A scan on Alexander-Arnold’s thigh yesterday revealed he required a long lay-off. He was one of four right-backs selected by Southgate.

      England vs Romania – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Boxing

      My dad Muhammad Ali loved watching himself on TV…’weren’t I something’, he’d say to us

      by

      MUHAMMAD ALI spent his final days watching documentaries about his stellar boxing career, according to his daughter Hana.The boxing legend, born Cassius Clay Jr, died aged 74 in June 2016, 32 years after he went public with his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
      Boxing champ Muhammad Ali died in 2016 after a battle with Parkinson’sCredit: Getty
      His daughter Hana has opened up about his passing five years onCredit: HANA ALI / INSTAGRAM
      Hana says Ali spent his final days watching documentaries about his careerCredit: Getty
      Speaking about her father five years on from his death, Hana, 44, told The Sun: “He loved watching himself on TV. ‘Weren’t I something’, he would say to us, his children.
      “He would watch Elvis films on TV, and documentaries about James Brown and Little Richard, but mainly about himself, especially at the age he had Parkinson’s.
      “You could see that light in his eyes. That spark. His eyes were dancing although his body wasn’t. He would look around the room smiling, it was so funny. No matter how bad his position was, he didn’t complain.
      “He never questioned his illness, he never asked, ‘Why me?’
      “He never felt sorry for himself, he felt a blessing in everything and said having Parkinson’s helps other people that are scared and frightened who are hiding away in their homes.
      “Even in his illness he inspired people, his journey on this earth.
      “He found a way to keep on going and life was all the blessings he had.”
      She reveals he would beam at the TV and say ‘weren’t I something’Credit: Getty
      During his 21-year career, Ali, who was married four times and had seven children, became known as the best boxer of all time – with 56 wins, including 37 knockouts.
      ‘OUR FUN-FILLED HOME’
      He retired in 1981 following a final fight against Trevor Berbick in the Bahamas, where he lost on points.
      Three years later in 1984, Ali revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
      Hana, whose mother was Ali’s third wife, Veronica Porché, said life at home with Ali was always filled with fun and that it was totally normal to have major celebrities dropping by for dinner.
      Hana added: “Clint Eastwood was around a lot, Stevie Wonder, Cary Grant.
      “Michael Jackson visited a few times. Prince would come later in the Nineties and we had dinner with Madonna a few times.
      “Over the years, so many celebrities that you’ve heard of tried to meet my father and have been to our home. The list is endless. Everyone was a fan of my dad’s.”
      Hana was born from Ali’s third marriage to Veronica PorchéCredit: Getty
      She says life with her dad was filled with fun – and plenty of celebrities would drop byCredit: HANA ALI / instagram
      But Hana says her dad taught her what was important in lifeCredit: HANA ALI / INSTAGRAM
      Another close pal of Ali’s was Sylvester Stallone, 74, and Hana revealed the actor even filmed scenes for Rocky III at his home in LA.
      Hana said: “I remember watching Stallone filming for Rocky III. They filmed different scenes. One was in my parents’ bedroom, one was on the patio, on the southern side.
      “We had beautiful furniture – they used all our original furnishings in the scenes. They didn’t change it, they didn’t bring in any props.
      Over the years, so many celebrities that you’ve heard of tried to meet my father and have been to our home. The list is endless. Hana
      “The house was set up for the scenes as we lived in it.
      “My dad was always entertaining the crew – he loved doing his magic tricks for them and they would laugh out loud. And my father would try to sit them down, to take a break so he could feed them.
      “My dad and Stallone would have fun during breaks. He was like a big kid, he enjoyed being Muhammad Ali.”
      Despite the A-listers that came through the door of their home, Hana said she and her father connected the most with Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, 85.
      His family say they still feel his presence to this dayCredit: Getty
      Recalling their meeting, Hana explained: “My dad and I hung out with the Dalai Lama in 2004. He was the only person I felt was a spiritual being like my dad.
      “That was the only person I can say I was kind of excited about – not like the celebrities over the years who are admired for other reasons.
      “Just because you make music or people know your name or you are famous – I wasn’t impressed by this because, as I was growing up, my father told me what was important and what wasn’t important in life.”
      ‘I FEEL HE’S STILL HERE’
      Although it has been five years since Ali died of Parkinson’s-related complications, Hana said she feels her father’s presence to this day.
      Multiple films and books have been dedicated to him, and Hana said these help keep his memory alive.
      She said: “It’s like he’s here. Everywhere I turn there’s a poster of daddy, or he’s on TV. His energy is everywhere. I talk to his photo and say, ‘Daddy I love you! When it’s my time, I hope I can see you – come and get me’.
      “He brought all his kids together from all the marriages and made sure we knew each other. This was a beautiful gift he gave us. Now we’re all good friends.
      During his 21-year career, Ali became known as the best boxer of all timeCredit: Getty
      Multiple films and books have been dedicated to his life and achievementsCredit: Getty

      “Our father gave us so much joy. I feel he’s still here and still not gone.
      “I knew from an early age he wasn’t just my dad, but we had to share him with the world. I’m OK with that.
      “I stopped fearing death when he went to the other side.”
      Muhammad Ali’s hometown bids emotional farewell to boxing legend More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Maguire almost certain to miss England’s Euro 2020 opener as Gareth Southgate gambles picking FOUR crocked stars

      by

      HARRY MAGUIRE revealed he has only just started light training in his race to be fit for the Euros.The Manchester United captain looks certain to miss England’s June 13 opener against Croatia and is a doubt for the other group games.
      Harry Maguire picked up an ankle injury during Manchester United’s 3-1 win against Aston Villa last month and has still not recoveredCredit: Rex
      EURO 2020 BETTING SPECIAL – GET £1 FREE BET FOR EVERY SHOT ON TARGET YOUR GOLDEN BOOT SELECTION HAS
      Boss Gareth Southgate also confirmed Jordan Henderson is not fully fit, while Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford are dealing with niggles.
      However, Southgate took a big gamble by naming all four in his final 26-man squad.
      Maguire, who damaged ankle ligaments against Aston Villa last month, said: “I have done little bits of running.
      “I don’t want to aggravate it too early as we still have nearly two weeks until the first game and it is a long tournament.

      “I am taking it day by day. I have not asked for a time-frame but I am looking forward to being involved.
      “It can improve dramatically in a few days and you can have little setbacks.”
      Maguire, 28, missed United’s Europa League final defeat to Villarreal in Poland a week ago, although he will report for England duty in Middlesbrough after his quarantine spell.
      Southgate, preparing for Wednesday’s friendly with Austria, stressed that Liverpool captain Henderson, sidelined since February after groin surgery, is not 100 per cent but may play some minutes at the Riverside.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      The England boss said: “Both of the players are not where you would want them to be in terms of being available for the game against Croatia.
      “With Jordan and Harry, we selected a squad that, if they don’t get there, we are not in a situation where we haven’t got cover.
      “The most important thing is we don’t push them beyond the point they are ready for — that would be stupid, negligent.
      “We have had to modify Jordan through certain parts of the session. He will be involved in the game.”
      However, Grealish is struggling with a shin problem and Rashford has foot and shoulder issues.
      Southgate added: “Jack hasn’t been able to train every day and we have to manage his load.
      “Marcus we haven’t seen on the grass but he assures me he is happy with where he is at.”

      Gareth Southgate reveals Jesse Lingard will start against Austria despite being dumped from England’s Euro 2020 squad More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton going head-to-head with Crystal Palace for Nuno Espirito Santo after Carlo Ancelotti’s shock Real Madrid switch

      by

      EVERTON are battling Crystal Palace for Nuno Espirito Santo to take over from Carlo Ancelotti.Goodison supremo Farhad Moshiri is seeking his SIXTH boss in five years after Ancelotti rejoined Real Madrid on Tuesday.
      Nuno Espirito Santo is on the lookout for a new job following his departure from WolvesCredit: PA
      EURO 2020 BETTING SPECIAL – GET £1 FREE BET FOR EVERY SHOT ON TARGET YOUR GOLDEN BOOT SELECTION HAS
      Moshiri has put ex-Wolves coach Nuno top of a hitlist that includes Eddie Howe and Rafa Benitez.
      And Nuno’s fellow Portuguese Vitor Pereira – who has spent the last three years with Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG – also fancies the job.
      Ancelotti, who guided the Toffees to tenth this season, said: “I’d like to thank the board, players and Evertonians for the tremendous support they have given me.
      “I hope Everton can achieve the exciting opportunities they have in front of them.
      “While I have enjoyed being at Everton, I have been presented with an unexpected opportunity which is the right move for me and my family.”
      Palace have been in talks with Nuno for the past few days and he is their top choice to replace retiring Roy Hodgson.
      But the Toffees’ bigger budget and ambitions might sway Nuno.
      One stumbling block will be Duncan Ferguson’s role in the new Everton coaching team as Nuno may want his own staff.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      Ferguson was being considered for the post but Nuno’s experience makes him favourite.
      Ancelotti had three years left on an £11million-a-year deal and Everton will get at least £30m in compensation.
      He takes over from Zinedine Zidane, six years after being axed by Real despite winning the Champions League.

      Carlo Ancelotti confirmed as new Real Madrid manager as Everton boss makes shock return to Bernabeu to replace Zidane More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bobby Zamora remembers his own England squad heartbreak as old Spurs star urges more players to seek mental health help

      by

      BOBBY ZAMORA knows how those England players reeling from major-tournament heartbreak are feeling today.James Ward-Prowse and Jesse Lingard are among those who failed to make the cut as Gareth Southgate yesterday whittled down his Euros squad from 33 to 26.
      Bobby Zamora has his own personal take on missing out on a big tournament and is now fronting a campaign encouraging men to seek help if needed
      Ex-Spurs, West Ham and Fulham striker Bobby Zamora won two England capsCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      Zamora was left out of the Three Lions’ 2010 World Cup squad – although it was his own decision, rather than that of manager Fabio Capello.
      The striker had had a sensational season with Fulham, helping them reach the Europa League final, but had been struggling with an Achilles injury towards the end of the campaign.
      Zamora, 40, recalled: “I shouldn’t have even played the Europa League final. But it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.
      “Fabio Capello was aware of how I was. I remember sitting in the back garden and having a conversation on the phone.
      He said, ‘I want you in the squad, you’re 100 per cent going to come’.
      “But I needed an operation. If I had gone, would I have trained? No. If I hadn’t trained, would I have been selected to play? Not really. It wouldn’t make sense.
      “I thought if I was there, all the other players would be looking at me thinking, ‘You’ve come all this way, but you’re not really part of this squad because you’re not playing’.
      Man Utd midfielder Jesse Lingard, outstanding on loan for West Ham, has narrowly missed out on the England squad for Euro 2020
      Southampton star James Ward-Prowse is another player deemed unlucky to not be going to the Euros with the Three LionsCredit: AFP
      “Probably looking back I should have just gone just for the experience. I do think about it sometimes. It’s a hard memory to think about.”
      Zamora made the second of his two appearances for England the year after the 2010 World Cup, but that was that for the then 31-year-old when it came to playing for his country.
      He does feel there is a big incentive just 12 months away for those who missed out this time, though.
      The ex-Spurs and West Ham forward added: “There’s a World Cup next year, another opportunity very, very close.
      “Maybe you take it as a positive. It drives you to improve and to be better, to make sure you’re in the next squad.”
      One man who will hope to be going to Qatar next year is Brighton’s Ben White.
      The 23-year-old was included in Southgate’s 33-man long list before then being omitted.
      Albion are bracing themselves for bids for the centre-back this summer, with Manchester United among his admirers.

      WIN £50,000 with Dream Team EurosDream Team Euros is HERE!
      The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
      And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
      CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
      Dream Team Euros

      £50,000 jackpot
      The best fantasy football game this summer
      Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
      FREE to play

      Zamora hopes White stays at the Amex but does think the fact that the defender’s team-mate Lewis Dunk has been consistently overlooked for England could be a factor.
      The ex-striker, who had two spells with the Seagulls, added: “Dunky is one of those players that if he played in Manchester United’s team or Chelsea, he would be in that squad without a shadow of a doubt.
      “The same goes for Ben White. I remember Ben when I was at Brighton my second time round.
      “Ben was a young lad who would come up and train with us. 
      “He had a confidence and a little bit of an arrogance about him. Not too much, just being up playing with the pros and not shying away.
      “That goes a long way and you can see that now, you can see how he is on the ball.
      “He has a very bright future and I can see him wearing an England jersey in the future.”
      I’m the typical guy. I never spoke about anything ever, until this year… I got to the stage where I felt I needed to speak to someone and it’s helped.Bobby Zamora
      The subject of mental health and how sport stars deal with the spotlight has come sharply into focus this week following the Naomi Osaka press conference furore at the French Open.
      Being left out of squads comes with the territory of being a professional footballer, but it does not mean it does not take its toll psychologically.
      Zamora himself has only felt ready to open up about any struggles he personally has been going through in the last year.
      The pandemic has had a devastating impact on his business interests which include property development, a travel business and football coaching.
      Zamora has been seeing a counsellor recently and has urged more people in football to speak out when they are struggling mentally.
      He is working Brighton-based mental health charity Strong Men, which supports men through grief and is running a campaign called #BAREYOURSELF to encourage sufferers to open up.
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET ENGLAND TO WIN EURO 2020 AND HARRY KANE TO BE TOP SCORER AT 22/1
      It is co-founded by Efrem Brynin, whose son James, an Albion fan, was killed on his second tour of Afghanistan in 2013.
      Zamora added: “Efrem is an inspirational guy and I was only too happy to help. 
      “I’m the typical guy. I never spoke about anything ever, until this year. 
      “This year has been so hard for everybody in terms of life, family, business, everything. Every person has been affected. It’s not any one topic.

      “I got to the stage where I felt I needed to speak to someone and it’s helped.
      “You’re vulnerable but afterwards you feel the relief of being able to get things off your chest.”

      For more information on the #BAREYOURSELF campaign, go to strongmen.org.uk or text STRONG to 70085 to donate £5. More