More stories

  • in

    Man Utd star Paul Pogba says this season has been the most ‘difficult’ of his career

    PAUL POGBA has rated his Manchester United season “the most difficult period in my career”.
    The French World Cup winner has started just one of United’s last four games as boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer instead strives for consistency in midfield through workhorses Scott McTominay and Fred.

    Paul Pogba rates this season his toughest ever as he struggles for a regular place with Man UtdCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

    Paul Pogba helped France win 1-0 in Portugal despite his struggles for Man Utd this season Credit: EPA

    And with summer recruit Donny van de Beek also bursting to prove himself at Old Trafford, Pogba’s plight at club level could continue after the international break.
    So it is no surprise the 27-year-old enjoys his time away with Les Bleus.
    He told RTL France: “I had never known such a difficult period in my career.
    “The France team is a breath of fresh air, the group is exceptional, it’s magic.”  

    ⚠️ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
    Pogba, whose United contract has 18 months left, played the whole 90 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 Nations League win in Portugal.
    And matchwinner N’Golo Kante stressed how happy he is playing alongside the former Juventus superstar.
    Chelsea anchorman Kante told TF1 show Telefoot: “He’s been injured for a while and it had been a while since we had played together. 

    “We remember the World Cup that we played together. It’s a pleasure to play with Paul.
    “On the pitch, we felt great. I’m satisfied with the performance and the performance of the team. We were at the level we needed to be at.
    “There’s a lot expected of us. We’re the world champion and the European Championship will be another challenge, but it’s certain that we’re a great team.”

    Frenchman Paul Pogba has been in and out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sideCredit: Reuters
    Nonetheless, France boss Didier Deschamps admitted last week Pogba has been having an uncomfortable time on the field back in England.
    Following last Wednesday’s shock 2-0 home to Finland in a friendly, Deschamps said: “He’s not in his best form, of course. 
    “It’s hard to remember to be positive. Obviously, he’s not in one of his better periods.
    “Like all players who have a club situation that is not positive, they are also impacted mentally. I know him well enough and it can happen at some points.
    “We cannot, however, say that he is fulfilled in what he does at his club.”
    Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata have also been chosen ahead of £89million Pogba on occasions for United this term.

    But with Solskjaer’s men just 14th in the Premier League, former Old Trafford and England defender Phil Neville says “it is  absolutely disgraceful that Pogba can’t get in that team”.
    England women’s chief Neville added: “For United to win a league, for United to be successful, for United to play the style of football that Ole wants them to play, then Pogba has to play. 
    “You play one of them  Matic, Fred or McTominay and then you play Pogba with Fernandes.”

    Jamie Carragher calls for Man Utd to cash in on Paul Pogba More

  • in

    Ryan Giggs’s ex spotted with bruised lip in first outing since his assault arrest

    RYAN Giggs’s ex-girlfriend Kate Greville is seen with a bruised lip yesterday on her first public outing since their bust-up.
    PR exec Kate Greville, 36, went for a walk with their dog and a pal — as she tries to bounce back from the “worst two weeks of her life”.

    Kate Greville broke cover for the first time since her bust-up with Ryan Giggs

    The PR exec had a bruised lip and has been through a ‘living hell’

    Giggs was arrested on suspicion of assault after the row on November 1Credit: Reuters

    She is said to have been through a “living hell” since the row, which saw Wales manager Giggs, 46, arrested on suspicion of assault.
    He should have been in Cardiff for the clash against Ireland yesterday but has temporarily stepped down while it is being investigated.
    Giggs was instead seen looking glum with pals on a hike in foul weather at Chorley, Lancs.
    Kate yesterday broke cover for the first time since the row at his home in Worsley on November 1.

    She packed her bags and fled to a secret rural location with their Labrador, Mac.

    The Wales manager temporarily stepped down while being investigatedCredit: PA:Empics Sport

    He was recently seen looking glum with pals on a hike in Chorley, Lancs

    We told of his arrest earlier this monthCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    Giggs is believed to have told cops any physical contact was accidental
    A source said: “Kate has been through a living hell. These have been the worst two weeks of her life, a nightmare.
    “Kate doesn’t want to talk about what happened but it’s clearly shaken her up. They’ve had bust-ups before but it really is over.
    “Ryan doesn’t seem to be dealing with it well either — he looks like he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders.

    “His career is in the balance while he’s under investigation.

    A source says it’s been the ‘worst two weeks of Kate’s life’Credit: Instagram

    She fled to a secret rural location after the rowCredit: Jim Clarke – The Sun

    “And when he tried to get away from it all on a walk, the weather was horrific.”
    The latest row is thought to have been sparked by Giggs messaging other women.
    He denies the assault allegations and was understood to have told cops any physical contact with Kate was accidental.

    Giggs and Kate went public with their relationship in 2018Credit: Jim Clarke – The Sun

    Ryan Giggs rowed with girlfriend over flirty messages to a lingerie model before arrest
    GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

  • in

    Wayne Rooney faces huge battle saving Derby from relegation and risks putting pride before a fall

    WAYNE ROONEY risks putting pride before a fall as he leads Derby’s coaching staff from Monday.
    It would be all too easy for Roo to get romantic about the situation with County’s new owners expected to move in this week.

    Wayne Rooney should be cautious about accepting such a tough job as DerbyCredit: PA

    Ex-PSV Eindhoven chief Phillip Cocu has exited Pride Park with the Rams bottom of the ChampionshipCredit: PA:Press Association

    The Rams have a history as one of England’s most illustrious clubs, linked with legendary figures like Brian Clough, Dave Mackay, Francis Lee, Peter Shilton and Roy McFarland.
    And Rooney’s arrival as Phillip Cocu’s player-coach in January was always supposed to lead him into his first job as a manager.
    That’s why he walked away from a lucrative  contract that still had two years to run at MLS club DC United and his progression was supposed to be set in stone.

    FROM 2004 LIONS TO THE DUGOUT

    TEN of England’s starting XI against Portugal at Euro 2004 have now gone into coaching or management. Here is what they have done.

    DAVID BECKHAM: England (2010, coach).DAVID JAMES: Kerala Blasters (2018, manager).PAUL SCHOLES: Oldham (2019, manager), Salford (2014-, owner; 2020, manager).WAYNE ROONEY: Derby (2020-, caretaker manager).GARY NEVILLE: England (2012-16, assistant) Valencia (2015-16, manager).STEVEN GERRARD: Liverpool (2017-18, youth coach), Rangers (2018-, manager).FRANK LAMPARD: Derby (2018-19, manager), Chelsea (2019-, manager).ASHLEY COLE: Derby (2018-19, coach), Chelsea (2019-, coach).SOL CAMPBELL: Macclesfield (2018-19, manager), Southend (2019-20, manager).JOHN TERRY: Aston Villa (2018-, assistant).MICHAEL OWEN: None

    The scenario was that Cocu would make way once he had led the Rams back to the Premier League.

    Cocu, 50, appeared to have all the right credentials as Rooney’s mentor.
    He took PSV Eindhoven to three Eredivisie titles in four years, made 101 appearances for Holland and spent six years playing at Barcelona.
    And 35-year-old Rooney should have been able to take notes on how to get  a Championship club  promoted.
    Yet England’s 53-goal record scorer wasn’t even able to take notes on crisis management because Cocu appeared clueless about that side of the job.

    On July 1, Rooney scored the only goal in the win at Preston that took Derby to seventh in the table, one point off the play-offs.
    They then fell like a stone, taking one point from their next five games before a final-day 3-1  triumph at Birmingham.
    This season, Derby have won once in 11 league games — meaning they have just TWO victories in their last 17 league matches — and are rock bottom.So saving them would be a huge feather in Roo’s cap.

    Player-coach Wayne Rooney has stepped up to replace Dutch manager Phillip Cocu after just one Championship win for Derby so far this seasonCredit: Reuters
    But those 17 Championship games show he should be under no illusions if prospective new owner Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan offers him the job.
    Derby’s form suggests not only a complete lack of leadership by Cocu but also that too many of the players have had a true grit bypass.
    They are playing like losers and, even as captain, Rooney has been unable to shake them out of their lethargy.
    By the time he takes charge against Bristol City on Saturday, County could be five points adrift of 21st place if Coventry beat Brum the night before.
    The job facing Cocu’s replacement is surely not one for a virgin soldier like Rooney, despite spending nine years working under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, while becoming their record scorer with 253 goals.
    Fireman Sam Allardyce would be a better bet to keep Derby up, or fellow street-fighter Tony Pulis.
    But 24 hours before current owner Mel Morris finally got rid of Cocu, Pulis was appointed as Garry Monk’s successor at Sheffield Wednesday.
    And even the Owls are above Derby, despite having suffered a six-point deduction.

    The hope for the Rams would be boat-loads of cash for a transfer-window splurge.. But it might already be too late.

    Sheikh Khaled and his takeover company Derventio Holdings, can be expected to throw money at the problem.
    He is a distant cousin of another member of Abu Dhabi royalty, Manchester City’s Sheikh Mansour.
    The hope for the Rams would be he will pour boat-loads of cash into a January transfer-window splurge and all will be well.
    But it might already be too late by then.

    Everything suggests Rooney would be mad to start his first job as a manager in a grim battle for survival with players who have lost their way.
    Derby have been in the third tier of English football twice before.
    Making it three, under his management, would not look good on his CV and he could be left ruing the day he let his heart rule his head.

    Wayne Rooney gets emergency Covid test after infected pal delivers luxury watch to his house More

  • in

    From knighthood to SPOTY… what’s next for Lewis Hamilton after matching Michael Schumacher’s record?

    LEWIS HAMILTON has the world at his feet having matched Michael Schumacher’s record of seven Formula 1 titles.
    The British legend is swarmed with options as his future remains bright and here SunSport looks at what could be next for the champ.

    Lewis Hamilton won his seventh world title in Turkey to match Michael Schumacher’s recordCredit: Rex Features
    New Contract

    The top priority for Hamilton, after allowing his achievement to sink in, is to get his new Mercedes deal signed.
    It is likely to be a three-year deal with earnings of around £40million a season, a similar contract to his current one that expires on December 31st.
    He will use the time over the next three races in the Middle East to discuss terms with Merc boss Toto Wolff.
    Expect less media and sponsorship days to be part of the package – as a seven time world champion, he is in a powerful position to dictate his terms.

    The top priority for Lewis Hamilton is to get his new Mercedes deal signedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Knighthood
    Hamilton was quizzed about becoming Sir Lewis. There is no doubt he would welcome a knighthood, but it is not the priority.
    He said: “When I think about that honour, I think about people like my grandad who fought in the war, or Captain Tom for what he did.
    “Or the people in the hospitals who are saving us during this hardest of times. I think about those unsung heroes.
    “I am not a hero. I am not saving anybody. It is an incredible honour that a small group of people have bestowed on them.

    “But what I can say is that I am a very proud Brit and it is a special moment to be representing a nation with the flag above your head in P1.”

    There is no doubt Hamilton would welcome a knighthoodCredit: PA:Press Association

    SPOTY
    He has won it before and missed out before.
    It is fair to assume that Hamilton’s desire to win over the British public remains as strong as it ever was.
    However, there is also an understanding that perhaps he will never enjoy universal support from us Brits.
    Perhaps we should not be surprised that an F1 star misses out on the award.
    Think of Ryan Giggs beating Jenson Button to the SPOTY Award in 2009.
    Like the Knighthood, Hamilton would no doubt love it, but he is also realistic to know that it is not the be all and end all.

    It is fair to assume that Hamilton’s desire to win over the British public remains as strong as it ever wasCredit: PA:Press Association
    Retirement
    Despite claiming to be as fresh as ever, Hamilton is planning for his retirement.
    He has made a few investments in property and, given the fortune he has amassed – estimated to be around £225million – he won’t be going hungry.
    Whichever way his career takes when he eventually does decide to retire, it is likely to be away from the F1 race track.
    He has spent 14 years in F1 so far and has previously stated that he has no interest in being a TV pundit like many others.

    Despite claiming to be as fresh as ever, Hamilton is planning for his retirementCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Other interests
    Fashion remains a big one for Hamilton but we can also expect a big contribution to his aspirations with music.
    He has recently posted a lot about the work he is doing in the studio. He has only just admitted he contributed to singing vocals in Christina Aguilera’s 2018 track ‘Pipe’, appearing as the artist XNDA.
    Other projects include being a boss of his own race team.
    He has entered a team in the Extreme E racing series that will race in remote parts of the world to highlight problems with climate change.

    Fashion remains a big one for HamiltonCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Lewis Hamilton wins 7th world title in Turkey to match Michael Schumacher record More

  • in

    Northern football clubs urge No10 to sort bailout or risk losing historic teams ‘for good’

    A DOZEN Northern footie clubs warn No10 to sort a bailout or risk losing historic teams “for good”.
    Teams including Sunderland and Blackburn have united with Blue Wall Tories to urge ministers to rescue the “beautiful game”.

    ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

    Northern clubs, including Sunderland, call on the Government for a bailoutCredit: PA:Press Association
    Clubs across the nation are teetering on the “financial precipice” and already laying off staff, they warn.
    Closure would rip the heart out of communities and see the North South divide “widened further”, they say.
    They blast Downing Street for just simply telling football to “sort itself out” and say it is time for ministers to finally take charge.

    In a blistering letter to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, they fume: “EFL clubs, almost all of them the social cornerstone of the towns and cities they bear the names of, stand on the brink of a financial precipice.
    “Many are now failing to meet payroll and are making swathes of redundancies to keep their heads above water.
    “These redundancies are destroying structures that have taken decades to establish and will take decades to replace.” They tear into the government for stumping up £1.5bn for posh arts like ballet while popular football clubs face ruin.
    They are demanding a three-pronged plan to rescue Northern clubs from disaster.

    They want the Government to “step in” and “end the deadlock” by forcing the Premier League to finally stump up the cash to rescue smaller clubs.
    They also want a clear roadmap out of lockdown and tier restrictions, and a Northern Economic Recovery Plan.
    Together, the 12 clubs who have signed the letter have existed for a whopping 1,486 years.
    Tory MP and ex minister Jake Berry – who sparked controversy among some by saying footie matters more than ballet to the North – demanded action.
    He said: “My comments may have ruffled more feathers than a performance of Swan Lake at the Northern Ballet.
    “But football is our national game and it’s time to support our lower league clubs.
    “EFL Clubs are cultural assets at the heart of their community.
    “But whilst the arts have received £1.5bn of taxpayers cash, clubs like Blackburn Rovers have received nothing.
    “It’s time for the Government to level-up the playing field and get behind the beautiful game and to force the Premier League to pay up as well as setting out a plan to bring back the fans after lockdown.”

    A Government spokesperson said: “Having spent £1.2 billion in the recent transfer window, professional football has the means to support clubs through the pandemic.
    “The Premier League has been clear that it will ensure that no club will go bust due to the pandemic with an offer on the table.
    “Clubs can also benefit from the government’s Covid business support schemes. We urge the EFL and Premier League to finalise a deal as soon as possible.”

    Ally McCoist can’t believe that Premier League clubs won’t financially help EFL clubs
    GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

  • in

    Six great Lewis Hamilton wins after his rain masterclass in Turkey to win seventh world title

    THIS was a typical Hamilton triumph — rain and drama as the Brit conjured up a victory from nothing for his tenth win in 14 grands prix.
    Here SunSport looks at six other great wins from his career . . . 

    Lewis Hamilton won his tenth grand prix in 14 races in TurkeyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Hamilton celebrates his seventh world titleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    BRITISH GRAND PRIX, 2008

    Hamilton won on home soil in 2008Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    He drove magnificently in the wet for McLarenCredit: PA:Press Association

    Hamilton had an incredible debut season with McLaren but he won his first title in 2008.
    In the pouring rain at Silverstone, he produced one of the greatest drives in the wet.
    His decision to go for intermediate tyres was ballsy and brilliant and when the others needed to stop later on, he was well clear, finishing more than a minute ahead of Nick Heidfeld in second.
    CHINESE GP, 2011

    Hamilton won in China despite Red Bull’s dominance in 2011Credit: Action Images – Reuters

    A three-stop strategy helped him blast through the field in ShanghaiCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    He only wins in the best car? Well Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel had the better car on this day.

    Hamilton stuck to a three-stop strategy and when he emerged late on with fresh tyres, he blasted through the field. At the time, he rated it as one of his best-ever drives.
    HUNGARIAN GP, 2013

    Hamilton pops the champers after winning his first race with MercedesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    It was a phenomenal start to life with his new team in BudapestCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Oh, how we questioned what he was doing but at the Hungaroring he finally proved us all wrong, winning his first grand prix for Mercedes.
    He took an unlikely pole and worked his car while preserving tyre life, to give his team flexibility to make their pitstops.
    GERMAN GP, 2018

    Hamilton celebrates with his team after winning in GermanyCredit: AFP or licensors

    Hamilton incredibly came from 14th spot to winCredit: AFP or licensors
    An unthinkable victory. The day before, in qualifying, his car suffered hydraulic failure.

    He started 14th, well behind Vettel’s Ferrari on pole. But as the rain fell, the German crashed out.
    Greater drama followed when the Brit made a last-minute decision to cancel a pitstop, while Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen stopped for tyres.

    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

    MONACO GP, 2019

    Hamilton sprays the bubbly in Monaco last yearCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Hamilton paid tribute to the late F1 legend Niki Lauda Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Hamilton choked back tears as he honoured the memory of F1 legend Niki Lauda, who had died six days earlier.
    He took pole but a gamble to use medium tyres left him a sitting duck for Max Verstappen. The Dutchman raced him hard but Hamilton defended like his life depended on it.
    PORTUGUESE GP, 2020

    Hamilton eclipsed Michael Schumacher’s 91-win record in PortugalCredit: Splash News

    Hamilton made his way to the front and held off team-mate Valtteri Bottas Credit: Splash News
    The victory that moved him clear of Michael Schumacher’s 91-win record was a typical Hamilton performance.
    He kept his cool after a slow start to work his way back to the front. Team-mate Bottas could not catch him, as Hamilton crossed the line an incredible 25.5sec ahead of the Finn.

    Lewis Hamilton wins 7th world title in Turkey to match Michael Schumacher record More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton has found his voice this year and stood up for what he believes… he’s the best UK sportsman ever

    THERE was a moment this season that proved Lewis Hamilton is now bigger than Formula One itself.
    It was not his record-breaking 92nd win or this, his seventh world crown.

    This season Lewis Hamilton hasn’t been afraid to voice his opinionCredit: Getty – Pool

    In fact, it was back in March in Melbourne at a press conference.Drivers before him said the FIA were right to press ahead with the race, despite the coronavirus pandemic looming large.
    Not Hamilton. When asked why the race was on, he replied cryptically, “Cash is king”.
    And he added: “I am really very, very surprised that we are here.
    “It is shocking that we are all sitting in this room.”

    He was right and, as we now know, the race was cancelled following a positive test in the McLaren team.
    Hamilton called it. He stood up and gave his opinion when others had been too afraid to talk negatively against F1.
    He’d previously spoken about Donald Trump, environmental causes and racism. And he continues to do so.
    Whether you agree with his stances on racism, the environment, veganism or politics, it doesn’t matter.

    Hamilton celebrates becoming world champion for a record-equalling seventh timeCredit: Splash News
    What matters is he is not afraid to give his opinion.
    Over the past few years, he has found his voice and is using his platform as a seven-time F1 champion to speak out and educate those who follow him.
    When was the last time a sports star at the very top of their game — and with so much to lose — was confident enough to speak out on a subject without worrying about upsetting a sponsor?
    Over the years I have covered his races, I’ve seen the sulks and reported on them. I’ve also got to witness some sensational performances on track.
    But this season, it is his off-track work that has made me appreciate Hamilton as the UK’s best sportsman of all-time.
    People disagree. I know this because they tell me all the time and Hamilton now knows he will never enjoy the universal support of us Brits.

    Lewis Hamilton can lay claim to being the UK’s greatest ever sportsmanCredit: AFP

    The reasons? Maybe the accent, maybe the tax debate — for the record he does pay UK tax and is in the country’s top 5,000 payers — or maybe because people feel they cannot identify with an F1 driver.
    But like him or not, you have to appreciate the fact that he is willing to say exactly what he thinks.
    Yes, he’s damn good at what he does, but he also stands up for what he believes in. And that goes beyond sport. More

  • in

    England boss Gareth Southgate, 50, secretly battled coronavirus last month with players none the wiser

    ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate has been secretly battling Covid.
    The 50-year-old tested positive for the virus late last month after developing symptoms.

    ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

    Gareth Southgate secretly battled Covid last monthCredit: AP:Associated Press

    He didn’t tell his players about his diagnosis as he wanted to ‘just get on with it’Credit: AFP or licensors

    After self-isolating for ten days, the superfit England manager was straight back to workCredit: Rex Features
    He was forced to self-isolate for ten days before further checks came back negative.
    Concern was heightened due to his age but his fitness helped him fight off the deadly virus — with his England stars none the wiser.
    One source said: “He’s a professional, he just got on with it. Fortunately he’s very fit for his age.”

    Southgate tested positive around October 25, derailing his preparations for the current international matches.
    He self-isolated at home in North Yorkshire, abandoning plans to attend Premier League games in person.
    Like Prince William, who was diagnosed back in April with coronavirus, he kept the news quiet with only a handful of people knowing.
    A subsequent test came back negative by November 5, enabling him to host a press conference on Zoom announcing his latest squad.

    Concern was heightened due to Southgate’s age but his fitness helped him fight off the virusCredit: AP:Associated Press

    He was in good spirits during the press conference ahead of the Nations League clash in BelgiumCredit: PA:Press Association
    England staff and players are regularly tested and Southgate, capped 57 times before becoming boss in 2016, has had several negative checks since.
    He works out and jogs daily — once dislocating his shoulder on a run ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

    He’s a professional, he just got on with it.

    The same year he showed his stamina and fitness on Bear Grylls’ ITV wilderness survival show.
    Grylls said: “The wild always rewards commitment and courage, and Gareth has both of these qualities in spades.”
    Southgate showed no after-effects of the virus during Thursday’s win over Ireland at Wembley.
    He was also in good spirits in yesterday’s press conference ahead of tonight’s Nations League clash in Belgium.
    Southgate has been a staunch admirer of the NHS throughout the Covid pandemic.

    Southgate has opened up about his rise to the top in his new book

    My fight to get to the top

    By Jane Atkinson

    ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate has opened up about the setbacks that nearly made him turn down the top job and once left him feeling such “humiliation” he felt embarrassed picking his children up from school.
    Gareth shares his life lessons in an inspirational book written in conjunction with The Prince’s Trust that aims to advise youngsters who lack the confidence to achieve their full potential.
    He reveals: “After three years in my role as manager at Middlesbrough, I was sacked. It wasn’t a pleasant experience. It just felt like a humiliation.
    “On the school pick-up run, I felt like everyone was looking at me, and then I had to tell my kids. It was hard not to take it personally, and my self-esteem took a hit. It felt like I had failed in the job.
    “Then again, I reminded myself, I had been in a similar situation as a player. I knew that I could come through this.
    “As a schoolboy, I started training one evening a week with Southampton.
    “A lot of the apprentice players were brimming with confidence. Being the quiet one, it meant I really stood out. I didn’t help myself on my first day of training. I wore my school shirt and trousers, only to find that everyone else was in a tracksuit or jeans. It felt like a disaster before I’d even started.
    “The coach, Alan Smith, called me in and said, ‘You’re a lovely bloke but as a footballer you’ve got no chance’.
    “If I can go from a skinny, introverted teenager who was told he wouldn’t make it as a player to someone who played and managed his country then I’m a clear example that ‘anything is possible’.”
    Anything is Possible by Gareth Southgate is published by Century on Nov 26 at £16.99. Gareth will donate all proceeds from the book to the Prince’s Trust Future Leaders initiative.

    In March he urged fans to stay at home to help our hospitals.
    He said: “Life is very different for us all at the moment and sport rightfully stands aside to support a more important cause during these unprecedented times.’’
    In May he agreed to a 30 per cent cut in his £5million salary to help the NHS.
    Southgate also delighted two frontline workers by calling them personally to thank them.
    Southgate said: “It’s important the nation gets behind those playing their part in helping to return society to a sense of normality.”
    Last month, his preparations for the Wales game were thrown into chaos after Three Lions stars Tammy Abraham, Ben Chilwell and Jadon Sancho breached Covid rules.

    His key tips

    BE brave. It takes courage to admit aspects of our personality need to shape up. Addressing our weaknesses can be a challenging but rewarding process.
    BE kind. Our conduct is key. We can fight our way to the top or play fairly to our strengths.
    FOLLOW your dreams. Breaking down a challenge makes it manageable. Take one step at a time making every step count.

    They attended a party with dozens of other guests, forcing furious Southgate to drop them.
    He said rules were being broken across the nation, adding: “There is a lot of disharmony now. We are all in this situation together.’’
    England will play Iceland at Wembley on Wednesday after the visitors got permission to fly from Denmark – where they play today.

    Gareth Southgate announces England squad for Ireland, Belgium and Iceland clashes
    GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More