The Sun Newspaper

I MADE the worst decision of my career shortly after one of the best moments — lifting the league title  as captain of Blackburn.I was included in boss Terry Venables’ England squad for an Umbro tournament in this country against Japan, Sweden and Brazil in June 1995.
Tim Sherwood was 30 when he finally made his England debut, thanks to Kevin Keegan in March 1999Credit: Getty
Kevin Keegan rewarded Tim Sherwood’s Prem consistency with his Three Lions debut, a month after he joined Spurs from BlackburnCredit: Getty
It had been a tough and tricky campaign in getting Rovers over the line to win the top-flight crown.
But I have no doubt I would have played a part in that tournament.
However, in hindsight, I then did the worst-possible thing.
I got Blackburn No 2 Ray Harford to contact Terry  to say I was mentally drained and could do with the rest.
Bear in mind that I was also due to get my first England cap in the infamous friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin in February 1995.
Terry said he would play Paul Ince in the first half and I would play the second 45.
I couldn’t believe it when the game was abandoned due to crowd trouble and I thought my chance had gone for England —  mostly through my own stupidity.
My advice to any player, no matter what age, is take the opportunity of playing for your country whenever you can — because it may never come around again.
Tim Sherwood would forever have regretted ducking out of England but fortunately got another chance after Kevin Keegan became bossCredit: Getty
Blackburn boss Kenny Dalglish and skipper Tim Sherwood experienced title glory in 1999Credit: Reuters
Luckily when Kevin Keegan took over in 1999, I was called up in his first squad.
I’ll never forget the day before, we were staying at Burnham Beeches Hotel when he told me I would be playing against Poland.
I may have been 30 but I felt like a teenager telling my  family that this moment had finally come true and I was going to play for my country.
My only concern was whether I had some sort of curse and that I may get knocked down by a bus on the way to Wembley!
It might be 22 years ago but I can still feel the goosebumps thinking back to walking out at the old Wembley.
I think the fact it was Kevin’s first game as manager helped the atmosphere.
He was the fans’ choice to be the new Three Lions boss after turning Newcastle into one of the most exciting teams in the world. 
I was so proud to be part of Blackburn’s Premier League title success — and it was a great honour to be selected for PFA teams of the year.
But from an individual point of view, nothing compares to pulling on that England shirt.
We dominated the game and it sounds crazy but I kept thinking to myself, ‘Is it always going to be this easy?’.
Walking from the far end to that crescendo of noise, then lining up for the anthems.
It was  an incredible feeling knowing my family were there to witness a day  I thought I would never see.
We dominated the game and it sounds crazy but I kept thinking to myself, ‘Is it always going to be this easy?’.
The game seemed very slow and I felt in total control.
I could have scored and I felt humbled that the commentators and media pundits said I gave an outstanding performance. 
Paul Scholes rightly walked off with the match ball plus all the headlines and plaudits after his stunning hat-trick.
He scored some great goals — a sublime cross from David Beckham for his second.
I won two more caps but unfortunately both were out of position from the central-midfield role I played against the Poles.
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I was asked to play right- back against Sweden — I would have happily played in goal if I was told to — I just wanted to keep playing.
Then in my third and final cap against Hungary, I had a terrible problem with my back and was having massages and all sorts in the build-up to the game.
But I was still determined I was going to play!
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CHRIS GUNTER becomes the first Welshman to win 100 caps on Saturday afternoon ­­— but he is ‘gutted’ best mate Aaron Ramsey will not be there to celebrate with him.The Wales captain is set to make history against Mexico in a friendly at an empty Cardiff City Stadium.
Chris Gunter, left, will have to do without one of his best friends, Aaron Ramsey, when he reaches his century of caps for Wales against MexicoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chris Gunter predictably rates Cristiano Ronaldo as his toughest opponentCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Cult hero Gunter — who made his debut in a draw with New Zealand in 2007 — feels ‘sad’  his   fans, friends and family cannot be in the stands.
And that includes injured Juventus star Ramsey, who will watch his landmark moment from Italy.
The pair are room-mates and inseparable on Wales duty while Charlton defender Gunter was even best man at Rambo’s wedding.
Gunter, 31, said: “I’m very proud. It means the world to me to represent the country. The empty  stadium will be easier for myself because it’s the norm.
“I’m OK with that but I feel sorry for my family, friends and fans who would give  anything to be there and celebrate it.
“I’ll be sad for them but  get a couple of beers in and enjoy it.
“Whenever football returns to normal I’ll say thank you to them for the support they have given me.
Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey misses the friendly with Mexico through injuryCredit: Getty
“And I know Aaron will be one of the most proud people.
“When I came on in November to get to 99 he was pleased and said he’d be there when I get to 100 — but then got injured.
“He’s disappointed, and I am, because Aaron has been one of my best mates since we were 12.
“I’ve been through a lot with him. I’m gutted in a way that he’s not going to be there.
“He hasn’t been around for a while with Wales —  we miss him on the pitch.
“It’s people like him and a lot of others in the squad I owe thanks to because their support has been incredible.
“As long as Wales needs me then I’ll be there, ready and waiting. Hopefully, there are more caps and good times to come.Chris Gunter
“I’m sure we will speak tomorrow and he’ll certainly be watching.”
 Gunter will become the 20th British and Irish player to achieve a century of international appearances.
He is a fans’ favourite, the embodiment of the Wales support on the pitch.
In his own words, he is: “Just a normal guy who turned up after being selected quite a lot of times. Someone who gave his absolute best.”
Unsurprisingly, Gunter picks Wales’ run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 as his favourite time in international football.
The Dragons got over a last-gasp defeat by England – after which Gunter gave a ‘chin up’ signal to the ‘Red Wall’ – to reach the last four before defeat by football.
And it was in that match against Portugal that Gunter faced the best player he has ever shared a pitch with in international football.
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When asked who that was, he replied:  “Cristiano Ronaldo for that goal in the semi-final. He did something that not many players can do.”
Five years on, Gunter has no plans to retire from the Dragons just yet and added: “I’m 31, which I still consider is quite young.
“As long as Wales needs me then I’ll be there, ready and waiting. Hopefully, there are more caps and good times to come.”
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PHIL FODEN is adamant he can handle the mental and physical demands of chasing SIX major trophies at once.But the Manchester City playmaker admits that competition for England places is now so great that he ‘feels sorry’ for national boss Gareth Southgate.
Playmaker Phil Foden sympathises with England manager Gareth Southgate for having so many exciting options ahead of the EurosCredit: Getty
Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are battling for places in Gareth Southgate’s England side amid huge competition from other atacking midfieldersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Mason Mount, Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish are also contendersCredit: EPA
Foden, 20, is chasing an unprecedented Quadruple with City — and preparing for this summer’s Euros by beginning qualification for next year’s World Cup.
The little Mancunian maestro is firmly back in the England fold after being sent home in disgrace from Iceland, along with Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood, after smuggling girls into a hotel room last September.
Foden, who starred when England won the Under-17s World Cup in 2017, has enjoyed a breakthrough season for City — scoring 11 goals and becoming a more regular starter for boss Pep Guardiola.
Yet he still cannot be certain of a starting place for England when Southgate must choose just two of Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, James Maddison and a resurgent Jesse Lingard.
But Foden is expected to start in Albania tomorrow, after playing the second half of England’s 5-0 victory over San Marino on Thursday.
He said: “There are so many great talents in the attacking third.
“I feel sorry for Southgate having to pick only 11. All I can do is keep fighting for my place.
“There are places up for grabs. I am still only 20 and have got a lot to improve on — but I continue to work hard and I’m hopeful to go to a big tournament and do well.
Jesse Lingard’s loan form for West Ham and his energetic display against San Marino have thrust him back into serious contentionCredit: Getty
Leicester’s James Maddison also hopes to become an England regularCredit: Getty
Marcus Rashford is more of a typical frontline option for England than players like Foden, Grealish and MountCredit: PA
“That’s my aim. I have  experience of playing in a final in the Under-17 World Cup and in big games, so I feel like I am ready to play in big tournaments and handle  pressure.
“It is a challenge at City to play every couple of days — because we are in every competition and the manager has been rotating the squad a lot. But I’m always ready and I’ve got loads of energy.
“I think it comes naturally that as you get older, you get stronger. I do a little bit of gym but not too much.”
Foden says the fact that the Euros have been delayed by a year has boosted the hopes of himself, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Reece James — none of whom would have made Southgate’s squad last summer.
He added: “It has given us  extra time to play at our clubs because we are all very young. So maybe it has helped us get the opportunity now. That appears to be the case.
“Hopefully we will win the league and maybe a couple more trophies.
“That would give me  confidence to push on and be in the England team, for sure.
“You have to play games to get the experience. I try to keep playing in the biggest games and just become more developed in handling the ball.
Phil Foden says Man City boss Pep Guardiola is excellent at ensuring players don’t think too far ahead, even when they are chasing the QuadrupleCredit: Reuters
“It’s  important to be consistent with your club — and I want to take that form  into England.
“Some players in the past have struggled with performing for their clubs and England.”
Foden is happy to play out wide, as a No 10 or in a deeper midfield role for England, with Southgate refusing to tie him down to  one position.
And asked whether he is playing with more confidence than at any time in his career, he answered: “Probably, yes.”
Foden admits City are thinking about sweeping the board.
They top the table by 14 points, face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup final, Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last eight.
Foden said: “Pep is really good with trying to not think too far ahead.“He is always saying, ‘Just focus on the next game’.
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“But, for sure, the lads are going to think about it. It could be one of the best seasons in City’s history if we pull it off.
“Hopefully we win as many  as possible — and then playing in the England team is the aim — so it would be great times for me.
“It’s been a big year. I’m playing more   and improving my goal ratio, it’s something I can kick on from.”
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WHEN Jude Bellingham left Birmingham City, aged 16 and having made 44 first-team appearances, the club retired his No 22 shirt.As a life-long Bluenose, I heard a fair bit of stick flying around about that decision.
Jude Bellingham has been proved right by snubbing Manchester United for DortmundCredit: Getty
Troy Deeney writes exclusively for SunSportCredit: The Sun
And I had to admit I thought, ‘****ing hell, he’s only been playing for nine months!’
But when you see Bellingham now dictating games for Borussia Dortmund and looking so assured in the England midfield, you realise that this kid is genuinely special. He is absolute mustard.
Midway through last season, he was being strongly linked with Manchester United and I spoke to a couple of mates on the coaching staff at Birmingham about it.
I thought it might be a bit too soon for him to make such a massive move — but those guys who worked with him said: “Absolutely, 100 per cent, he would go to United and play straight away.”
In the end, Jude moved to Dortmund, deciding that youngsters are far more likely to start more big matches in the Bundesliga than in the Premier League.
The same route taken by another English kid, Jadon Sancho, who was in Watford’s academy as a schoolboy.
Both have been proved right. Would Sancho be playing regularly for Manchester City, even now, had he stayed at the Etihad?
Bellingham has already played 35 times for Dortmund, he was outstanding in the Champions League last-16 victory over Sevilla, and now gets to face City in the quarter-finals.
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Gareth Southgate was impressed by Sancho’s decision to go to Germany at 17 and soon rewarded him with an England call-up.
It’s now the same with Bellingham.
Southgate has been so impressed with Bellingham that he pulled him out of the Under-21s —  as he clearly wants him in his squad for this summer’s Euros.
Now you get to see plenty of 16 and 17-year-old kids with immense talent.
They may have the feet but, at that age, they rarely have the footballing brain to be involved in a first-team squad — not Bellingham, though.
This kid has incredible maturity. The way he can take in information, with so little experience, is seriously very rare.
The first thing you notice about Bellingham is his athleticism — he is 6ft 2in and he gets around the pitch so well. That is  important for an elite modern midfielder, it’s the first thing that any scout or manager will look for.
But then there is this arrogance — in footballing terms, not in terms of his personality — which comes from an in-built sense that he absolutely belongs in an England shirt and in a Dortmund shirt.
Jude Bellingham pictured with Blues legend Trevor Francis as youngsterCredit: Instagram
The starlet was running the show for Birmingham when he was just 16 in the ChampionshipCredit: Rex
He knows he belongs and, clearly, his very experienced team-mates realise he belongs too.
Bellingham is so comfortable on the ball and has a great eye for picking a pass.
I was hoping he would start in England’s opening World Cup qualifier against San Marino at Wembley on Thursday.
And, yes, he was playing against part-timers. But he also really impressed when he came on at half-time, for his second senior cap, and perhaps Southgate will start him against Albania tomorrow.
There is still great pride among Birmingham City fans about him, even if some thought it was a bit much retiring the No 22 shirt.
That move was taken to ‘inspire’ future academy players, although the club’s youth system is also being controversially restructured as they look to save money.
Blues are currently in a relegation fight in the Championship. But it would not be an exaggeration to say that, if Bellingham had remained, they might have been fighting for a play-off place this season instead.
Like Jack Grealish at Aston Villa, everything went through Bellingham — he was ‘The Man’, even though he was still a boy.
Bellingham is now thriving at Dortmund following last summer’s moveCredit: Getty
James Maddison and Jack Grealish have also risen to the top level from the Midlands football hotbedCredit: Getty
Jude comes from Stourbridge and they say he is a great kid, who was at Blues from the age of eight.
There was a serious buzz about him — and well before he made his first-team debut soon after his 16th birthday.
And the buzz is now being fully justified.
The Midlands is becoming a real hotbed of talent. The academies at Villa, West Brom and Coventry, where James Maddison developed, are all excellent set-ups.
You might have seen Aston Villa’s academy kids holding Liverpool for an hour in an FA Cup tie, when their first-team squad was entirely ruled out through Covid, and they have some serious players.
Louie Barry, who scored against Liverpool, and actually started in the Baggies’ academy is a real prospect.
Birmingham fans have not had too much to shout about lately — but to see ‘one of our own’ playing for England at the Euros would certainly cheer us up.
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Jude Bellingham trains with England squad for the first time More