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      England fans face beer drought in Cologne after Scotland fans drink pubs dry

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      ENGLAND fans face a beer drought in Cologne after Scotland’s Tartan Army fans drank bars dry – knocking back a million pints in three days.A record-breaking army of at least 50,000 Three Lions supporters have begun arriving in the historic city for the crunch clash with Slovenia tomorrow.Scotland’s Tartan Army fans drank bars dry in Cologne – knocking back a million pints in three daysCredit: Story Picture AgencyBut bars are struggling to restock after 100,000 thirsty Auld Enemy drinkers drained the city when the Scots’ drew 1-1 draw with Switzerland last week.A manager at Cologne’s Corkonian Irish pub, on the main Alter Markt square, said: “The Scotland fans drank everything – beer, Guinness and vodka. Our cellar was emptied.“It was the same at other bars, with record beer sales – even more than carnival.“Now we’re all now trying to get more deliveries from breweries to get drinks for England fans.”Read More on SportA staff member at Papa Joe’s Biersalon, also on the square, said: “The Scotland fans showed us how much they could drink.“Our supplies are low and we need more beer so the England fans don’t miss out.”England fans are now gearing up to rise to the challenge – and out booze their rivals ahead of Tomorrow’s 8pm kick-off.A record English surge is expected as Cologne is the closest Euro 2024 host city to Channel ferry ports.Most read in Euro 2024England fans were last night dreading a draw as much as a defeat against Slovenia – as it could put us on a collision course with new tournament favourites, Germany.Mathematicians say if not a win – which will secure last 16 game against a third-placed team – that England are better to concede goals and lose rather than draw with Slovenia.‘I’ll have to talk to my agent’ says Harry Kane as England star offered transfer from Bayern during press conferenceDraw would mean England finish as runners-up in group, facing Germany in the Round of 16.But finishing third means England would play Belgium or Portugal in second round. More

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      Furious taxi drivers slam ‘woke’ ban on flying England flags during Euros

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      FURIOUS taxi drivers have hit out at a “woke” ban on flying England flags during the Euros.Leftie London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Transport for London bosses say the St George’s Cross could “distract” other drivers and even cause accidents.Furious taxi drivers have hit out at a “woke” ban on flying England flags during the EurosCredit: AFPAnd the capital’s 125,000 drivers have been warned they could face serious penalties including losing their black cab licence if they fly the red and white banner.Drivers have hit back insisting the flags are no more distracting than the colourful paint jobs on vehicles plastered with advertisements.And they accuse Khan’s killjoys of pandering to woke concerns that the English flag is offensive to minorities.Cabbies across the rest of the nation are not affected with many flying the flag to show support for the Three Lions’ campaign in Germany.Read More on SportLondon’s 125,000 black cab, taxi, private hire and Uber drivers have all been barred by TfL from displaying mini flags – and even stickers – of any countryBosses say their rules only permit only “official taxi signs and stickers” to be displayed in or on vehicles.Black cab driver Fred Perkins, 60, based on a rank in Chelsea, West London, said: “It’s nonsense. It’s all coming down from Khan at the top, because he’s ultimately in charge.“Our society has really gone woke when we can’t fly a little flag for England for the Euros. Loads of drivers used to have flags on their cabs in years gone by.Most read in Euro 2024“How can a little flag be a distraction compared to the great big advert on the side of my cab?”David Lawrie, director of the National Private Hire Association cabbies’ organisation, which represents hundreds of London drivers, said: “Khan should not have put this rule in place.Awkward moment when BBC commentator pulls up pal for shoehorning England scenario into match commentary“It’s woke mentality. Is it because some people view the England flag as offensive?“There are St George’s flags on private hire vehicles in Manchester, so why can’t drivers fly them in London?“Black cabs can have adverts over the whole taxi for sponsorship, so it’s hypocritical to say a small flag could be a distraction compared to that.“Common sense should allow mini England flags for the Euro. The ban should be overturned.”TfL guidelines say: “Breaches of regulations could lead to a formal sanction – such as a warning, Fixed Penalty Notice, prosecution or licence review.”A TfL spokesman said: “For the safety of all passengers and drivers, we have guidelines about what can be displayed in or on taxis and private hire vehicles.“Only official signs and stickers can be displayed. Any other signage or flags are not permitted because they could cause a distraction to other drivers and other road users.READ MORE SUN STORIES“These guidelines apply to all flags and signage.”“We expect all taxi and private hire operators and drivers to comply.” More

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      Jude Bellingham first showed off footie skills as four year old at nursery

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      ENGLAND ace Jude Bellingham first showed off his footie skills as a four year old – at a nursery called Twinkle Toes.The future star raced around the playground booting a ball about already showing signs of his future star potential.Jude Bellingham first showed off his footie skills as a four year old – at a nursery called Twinkle ToesEngland ace Jude raced around the playground booting a ball about already showing signs of his future star potentialCredit: GettyLuisa Mead-Blandford said: ‘We are all so proud of him and everything he has achieved’Credit: Roland LeonJude was one of the first ever kids to join Twinkle Toes nursery in the town when Luisa started itCredit: Roland LeonProud nursery manager Luisa Mead-Blandford, 54, said: “He will have been one of the better ones but that’s no surprise because his dad was a really good footballer as well.“We are all so proud of him and everything he has achieved.”Bellingham, 20, has gone on to forge a reputation among Three Lions fans as a twinkle-toed midfielder who can dance his way past defenders.But it all started almost two decades ago in Stourbridge, West Midlands.Read More on SportHe was one of the first ever kids to join Twinkle Toes nursery in the town when Luisa started it.She said: “He was one of our very first customers when I opened the nursery and then his brother Jobe joined.“It’s wonderful to see how he has grown and developed.“But it doesn’t surprise us because he had that natural ability and he was brought up so well.Most read in Euro 2024“His family are lovely. I remember his mum and dad well, they were always very friendly when they dropped off Jude and his brother and picked them up.”Dad Mark, 48, was a prolific non-league striker, netting 700 goals by the time he was 40.Why we love Jude BellinghamHe played for 15 different clubs and once described himself as “not very good”.But it was watching his dad that inspired Jude’s passion for the game in the years after he showed his first natural ability as a four year old at nursery.The England midfielder said of his dad: “I used to watch him play all the time, it’s where I started to get that love for football.”As he grew up in Stourbridge Jude developed an outstanding sporting ability not just on the football pitch – he also could have been a star cricketer.Mark Baker, 71, chairman of Hagley Cricket Club, Worcs, said: “His dad brought him along and he had a couple of years playing in our youth sides.“You could tell he was a natural-born cricketer from a really early age.“He was a very good player – especially because he didn’t have a lot of time for cricket because of his football commitments.“I remember he took a fantastic catch in a youth game. Most people wouldn’t have been able to get near it – but he did.“He had incredible coordination, it was just raw natural ability.“If he had focused on cricket, he could have gone far in the game. He’s just a special sporting talent.”Former cop Mark acts as agent for Jude and his younger brother, Sunderland’s Jobe, 18.And their mum is equally supportive – she moved to Germany to live with Jude when he signed for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 for £25million making him the most expensive 17-year-old ever.Instant impactShe did the same when he moved to Real Madrid for £115million last summer.He made an instant impact in La Liga and in November broke a club record after scoring 14 goals in his first 15 games, one more than club legends Alfredo Di Stefano, who played in the Fifties and Sixties, and Cristiano Ronaldo.Luisa is delighted that one of her former charges at the £79-a-day nursery is now one of the most famous footballers on the planet.The nursery has posted a snap of him on their Facebook page holding one of the many awards he has won in recent years with the words: “The Nursery of Champions– We are so proud of you Jude Bellingham.”Luisa said: “I’m not a huge football fan but I do watch Jude play.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When someone you know is playing then you want to watch it and he is on the television a lot now of course.“It’s wonderful to see, he is a lovely young man and deserves all of his success – we love him.” More

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      Harry Kane called players’ summit after dismal display against Denmark to rally troops ahead of crunch Euro qualifier

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      ENGLAND skipper Harry Kane called a players’ summit after the dismal display against Denmark to try to rally his troops.The Bayern Munich ace put England ahead against the Danes only to see it cancelled out as England limped to a disappointing 1-1 draw.Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate in training yesterdayCredit: Paul EdwardsKyle Walker seems to row with Kieran TrippierCredit: Paul EdwardsPhil Foden steps in as peacemaker to calm down TrippierCredit: Paul EdwardsTrippier sees the funny side and peace is restored in trainingCredit: Paul EdwardsAnd he later decided that his teammates needed a rousing call to arms to lift them for their next match on Tuesday.Kane summoned the rest of the 26-man squad to a private meeting with no coaches present.He wanted them to thrash out any differences and bring the squad closer — as well as reminding them that they had the class to win the Euros.And it appeared from the players’ training session yesterday that more team bonding might well be in order.Read More on SportAt one stage, fellow full-backs Kieran Trippier, 33, and Kyle Walker, 34, had an exchange of words. They stood a few feet away from each other, both with their arms spread — clearly disagreeing about something.They had been laughing and joking moments earlier until Newcastle’s Trippier appeared to take exception to something Manchester City defender Walker said.Walker’s club teammate Phil Foden, 24, appeared to step in as peacemaker, putting his hands on Trippier’s shoulders in an apparent bid to calm him down. Most read in Euro 2024The players were all smiles again soon after.The exchange followed Kane’s attempts to rouse the squad, thought to have taken place on Thursday morning at the team’s camp in Blankenhain.Awkward moment when BBC commentator pulls up pal for shoehorning England scenario into match commentaryA source said: “Harry is a natural leader and wanted to gee the lads up after Denmark.“That game left the whole country feeling a bit flat, never mind just the players. Harry wanted to remind them how good they are. He urged them to pull together, to bond more, to express themselves.“They are world-class players. They don’t really need reminding of that but everyone needs a pick- me-up now and then. It was a really rousing speech from Harry.”All but Luke Shaw took part in training at the team’s camp yesterday — the first full session since the Denmark clash. Manchester United defender Shaw is still battling to regain fitness.The pitch was watered throughout the session. There had been complaints about the state of the surface on Thursday after match organisers insisted on watering it before kick-off — against the advice of Frankfurt’s specialist grass technicians.Kane said after the game: “It was tough out there with the heat and the pitch.”Three Lions fans will hope his speech to the players worked and Gareth Southgate’s men can improve for the last Group C game against Slovenia in Cologne.Meanwhile, Jarrod Bowen, 27, hailed his family, including partner Dani Dyer, for supporting him at the Euros — but said she does not give him tactical advice.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said her actor dad, Danny Dyer, had sent good luck ­messages, also telling him to “always play with a smile on your face”.Jarrod’s dad Sam, brother Harry and two mates are travelling to games in Sam’s campervan — and “just kind of park up somewhere”.Cab flag ban
      TAXI drivers have hit out at a ban on flying England flags during the Euros.
      The capital’s 125,000 cabbies and private hire drivers have been told they risk losing their licences if they show their support.
      Transport for London bosses say the St George’s Cross could distract other drivers.
      Cabbie Fred Perkins, 60, said: “Our society’s really gone woke when we can’t fly a little flag for England for the Euros.”
      David Lawrie, director of the National Private Hire Association, said: “Common sense should allow mini England flags. The ban should be overturned.” More

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      Wayne Rooney’s £3,000 golf cart written off by his son after he crashes it into fishing lake at their mansion

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      ONE of Wayne Rooney’s children has written off his  £3,000 golf buggy — by driving it  into a fishing lake.The former England footballer  and wife Coleen splashed out  on the   4×4 buggy so the family could whizz around their  40-acre estate in style.Dad Wayne Rooney and his boys – one of whom drove a golf buggy into a lakeThe Rooney family, who live on 40-acre Chesire estateBut Wayne said it came to a soggy end when one of his four boys accidentally drove it into one of the two man-made lakes he had built  at the manison near Knutsford, Cheshire.None of Coleen and Wayne’s lads — Kai, 14, Klay, 11, Kit, eight, and Cass, six — were hurt  but the buggy was a write-off.Ex-DC United manager Wayne, 38, told    his former teammate Gary Neville about the crash on Sky Bet’s The Overlap programme, which was filmed at his house. Gary, 49, said: “Do you go swimming in that lake?”He replied: “I wouldn’t. We’ve had a golf buggy go in it. The day I’ve gone to America as manager. I went to the airport and one of the kids, straight in.”READ MORE ON ROONEYWayne did not name which son was involved, but fans believe eldest son Kai is the most likely culprit.In June 2022, schoolboy footie prospect Kai posted a video on Instagram showing him racing  in a vehicle. He captioned a video clip with “Sunday be like” as he showed off his driving skills on the private road.A month later  Wayne became DC United’s new head coach.Wayne and Coleen moved into their mansion in December 2021.Most read in FootballIt boasts a TV room, snooker room,  wine store, cinema, gym and swimming pool, as well as a tunnel to a six-car garage.The grounds also  have stables, an orangery and a full-size artificial turf football pitch. Wayne Rooney reveals his biggest fear for England’s Euro 2024 stars and warns them to be ‘very careful’ More

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      Cash in on Euro 2024 by selling old football souvenirs that could be worth hundreds of pounds

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      SCOUR your attic for old football items and you could score some cash.The global market for sports memorabilia is worth £21billion a year, and with the Euros in progress in Germany, now is a great time to sell your soccer collectibles.Getting your hands on a genuine match worn shirt can be big businessCredit: AFPA signed Manchester United shirt worn by David Beckham recently sold for £4,995Credit: Here, Jane Hamilton brings you some of the top items that could net you a nice little windfall.Match worn shirtsTOPS worn by leading players can be worth up to £5,000 – but you will need to prove the item is genuine.Auction houses have rigorous verification processes, so gather proof such as photos of the game with the shirt’s identifying marks clearly shown.A David Beckham No 7 Man Utd shirt recently sold for £4,995.READ MORE EURO 2024Stickers and cardsA Pele football card once sold for £1 millionCredit: 2020 Heritage AuctionsTHIS is the most popular form of footie merchandise, so there is a huge market.But prices can fluctuate wildly, according to demand and the item’s condition.The most expensive card ever sold is the 1958 Alifabolaget Pele Rookie #635, which fetched more than £1million at auction in February 2022.Completed tournament sticker books are highly sought-after.Most read in FootballYou can check prices on get-collectables. co.uk.Programmes and ticketsA match programme from the 1966 World Cup final sold for £169.99Credit: PROGRAMMES from before the Sixties are the most pricey, with some in good condition fetching thousands of pounds.Fraser Forster reveals the one piece of rare Celtic memorabilia he will never sell Ticket stubs and programmes from modern games are worth less.Find out what yours could sell for at oldfootball programmes.co.uk.An original 1966 World Cup Final England vs West Germany programme sold for £169.99.Team scarvesEven old scarves can fetch a price, one recently sold for £299Credit: WHILE not as valuable as shirts, old supporter scarves can sell for three to four times their original value. Try eBay as a good way to sell. A Leeds United 1974 League Champions scarf is on sale on there for £299.Replica shirtsClassic replica shirts can still sell for hundredsCredit: RETRO replica kits from the ’80s and ’90s are making a comeback, so prices are rising too.Look at classicfootballshirts.com for an idea of value and then you can sell to them too. A 1988 Netherlands home kit recently sold for £310 on the site.Rare footie bootsA rare set of football boots can sell for thousandsCredit: bootsfinderUNWORN retro footie boots can go for £1,500 – and more. Adidas Predator Accelerators and Nike Mercurial Superfly VI Elite are among the most wanted.READ MORE SUN STORIESLook on bootsfinder.co.uk. Only 100 pairs of mango Nike Mercurial Vapor IX CR SE FG were ever made.And a pair recently sold for £5,000. More

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      England stars hope for longer stretch at Euros — as they do yoga at five-star hotel

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      ENGLAND stars hope for a longer stretch at the Euros — as they do some yoga at their five-star team hotel in Germany.Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka, 22, was among those stretching out yesterday – together with Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Jordan Pickford.England stars are hoping for a longer stretch at the Euros — as they do some yoga at their five-star team hotel in GermanyCredit: GettyArsenal forward Bukayo Saka, 22, was among those stretching outCredit: GettyThe yoga session was led by NHS doctor and part-time DJ yogi Dr Rebekah Jade at England’s five star golf resort base, the Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain, eastern Germany.Players were snapped doing multiple poses during, including the chair pose, tadasana, and the warrior pose.It is not the first time that England have used yoga during a major tournament.During the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 the squad had a session as they settled into life in the Middle East.READ MORE ON EURO 2024They will be hoping the session inspires them after their lifeless draw against Denmark. TV pundits Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand all let rip as Southgate took the blame — admitting his tournament favourites “didn’t function” and “fell short of expectations”.And Man Utd and Ireland legend Roy Keane fumed that England stars lacked “bravery and courage”.Harry Kane put England ahead but the Danes were far the better side after Morten Hjulmand’s 34th-minute leveller at Euro 2024 in Frankfurt.Most read in Euro 2024And former Three Lions striker Shearer, 53, stormed: “Awful performance, particularly after going up in the game.“I don’t think one England player can look at themselves and say, ‘I’ve done my job tonight’.”Gareth Southgate needs to take urgent action to avoid Euro 2024 disaster – here’s how England should line up vs Slovenia More

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      England’s draw with Denmark was caused by eco idiots vandalising Stonehenge, claims The Sun’s druid

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      ENGLAND’S dreadful Euros draw was caused by eco idiots vandalising Stonehenge — which ruined the spell cast by The Sun’s druid, he insisted last night.Three Lions fan King Arthur Pendragon used sorcery to summon up the spirits of the ancients to fire up Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed Stonehenge’s sacred stones with orange powder on WednesdayCredit: PAThree Lions fan King Arthur Pendragon used sorcery to summon up the spirits of the ancients to fire up Gareth Southgate’s Three LionsCredit: Jon RowleyHarry Kane scored the opening goal in what ended as a draw for England against DenmarkCredit: GettyBut Just Stop Oil protesters sprayed at least three of the sacred stones with orange powder on Wednesday, hours before King Arthur directed the circle’s mystic power to Germany.The desecration of the 5,000-year-old monument led directly to the awful 1-1 draw with Denmark, he reckoned — and blew our chances of qualifying as winners of our Euro 2024 group on Thursday.White-bearded wise man King Arthur — who performed an ancient rite with his followers before kick-off — seethed yesterday: “The protestors disturbed the peaceful majesty of the sacred place.“They made it more difficult for our powerful thoughts to reach the England team. The orange powder not only defaces the stones but affected their mystic powers — it was heresy!”Read More on FootballEngland took the lead after 18 minutes with a goal from captain Harry Kane and were on their way to grabbing the 2-0 win which King Arthur had predicted.But stars including Jude Bellingham failed to shine and the Danes equalised minutes later — with England going on to struggle to hold on to the draw in Frankfurt.Aces including Phil Foden, Trent-Alexander Arnold and Declan Rice also appeared to wilt in one of England’s most woeful performances of Southgate’s reign.King Arthur, 69, added: “The crazy thing is that the protesters were acting against their natural allies as we pagans share concerns about the natural environment.Most read in Euro 2024“We’re livid, but we keep the faith and believe Gareth and the team can recover and win the Euros.“Once the stones have been cleaned I can re-cast the spell for the Slovenia game — this time without the eco-idiots spoiling it.”England fans’ must watch guide to Frankfurt ahead of Three Lions’ Euro 2024 clash vs DenmarkWiltshire Police arrested and bailed a man in his 70s and woman in her 20s on suspicion of criminal damage and damaging an ancient monument.The druid king — a former soldier — changed his name from John Timothy Rothwell 37 years ago.He was convinced he is a reincarnation of the mythical monarch and has been leading the solstice ­celebrations since the Eighties.Around 15,000 people greeted the sun with cheers, drumming and chanting as it rose over Stonehenge for the solstice on Thursday.England’s draw against Denmark was watched by more than 11 million people, up from 10.5 million for their first Euro 2024 match against Serbia. More