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      in Motorsport

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

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      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

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      in Motorsport

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

      by

      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

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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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      in Soccer

      Tottenham captain Harry Kane sees £100k Range Rover stolen by thieves in brazen daylight raid

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      ENGLAND star Harry Kane’s £100,000 Range Rover was stolen by thieves in a brazen daylight raid.
      A gang is believed to have targeted the vehicle after being filmed driving past it several times.

      Harry Kane is believed to be targeted by a gang after his £100,000 Range Rover was stolen by thievesCredit: Reuters

      The thieves sped off with it from outside an upmarket address in Chingford, East LondonCredit: WENN

      They sped off with it from outside an upmarket address in Chingford, East London.
      Kane, 27, is the third Spurs player to be robbed in recent months after his team-mates Dele Alli and Jan Vertonghen were attacked by armed raiders.
      CCTV shows a car driving past Kane’s luxury motor several times last month.
      Thieves then used an electronic device to open it before stealing the car from outside an address in Chingford, East London.

      A source close to the £200,000-a-week striker said: “Harry feels he has been targeted by a gang who focus on footballers. The way the robbery played out didn’t feel like a coincidence.”
      A Metropolitan Police spokesman said in a statement: “On Sunday, 25 October police received a report of a theft of a vehicle from outside a residential property in the Chingford area.
      “Officers contacted the victim and carried out enquiries. No suspects were identified.
      “The investigation has been closed. If any further investigative or evidential opportunities are established this will be reviewed.”

      Harry is expecting his third child with childhood sweetheart wife KateCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Dad-to-be Harry got hold of CCTV film of the theft.
      The insider added: “The footage shows a car driving past his motor a number of times. They were clearly doing a recce.
      “The road is in an upmarket residential area so it’s not hard to see why Harry and those around him think his car has been targeted.
      “Luckily he’d left no personal effects in the car or it could have been more distressing.”
      Sources close to Harry, who is expecting his third child with childhood sweetheart wife Kate Goodland, 27, say he was warned by police that the stolen car is unlikely to be recovered.
      The insider added: “The police told Harry that basically there was little chance of them recovering his motor because of how sophisticated these kinds of thieves are.
      “Obviously Harry is just happy no one was harmed and that they didn’t get away with anything irreplaceable or personal to him and his family.”

      CCTV shows a car driving past Kane’s car several times last monthCredit: PA:Press Association

      Kane was warned by police that the luxury motor is unlikely to be recoveredCredit: Reuters

      He is the third Spurs player to be robbed in recent monthsCredit: AFP or licensors
      Kane is the third Spurs ace to be targeted by criminals in recent months.
      In May his Tottenham pal Dele, 24, was held at ­knifepoint during a raid in lockdown at his home in North London.
      The robbers punched him in the mouth and threatened his girlfriend Ruby Mae, his adopted brother Harry Hickford and his partner.

      They made off with thousands of pounds worth of jewellery and watches from the £2million property in North London.
      In March Belgium defender Jan’s North London pad was broken into by armed robbers while he was away playing in a Champions League fixture in Germany.
      They terrorised his wife and young family before fleeing with valuables.

      Top goal for villains

      RANGE Rovers are a dream choice for organised crime gangs to target and they dominate the list of most ­stolen vehicles in the UK.
      Villains waste little time in shipping them abroad to Eastern Europe and North Africa.
      That gives them the opportunity to move them to places such as Dubai, where they are a particular favourite.
      Experts say Range Rovers and other premium vehicles are stolen to order by the gangs, who track their movements before choosing the right time to strike.
      The Sport model topped the list for thefts in 2019, according to latest analysis.
      It has replaced the BMW X5, which is now number two.
      The data, from stolen vehicle recovery service Tracker, reveals the Range Rover Vogue as the fourth most stolen car, the Range Rover Evoque as the seventh and Harry Kane’s model the Autobiography as the ninth.
      The data also revealed an increase in the number of cars stolen without the keys.
      Between January and July last year, 96 per cent of cars recovered by Tracker had been taken in keyless thefts, compared to 92 per cent during the same period last year.
      In the past few months, police forces all over the UK have issued warnings about the rise in thefts of Range Rovers and Land Rovers.
      Thieves have often succeeded by hacking the electronics to get in them.
      It has fuelled a huge spike in rural crime.

      Harry Kane smashes goals in during England training
      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Boxing

      Katie Taylor dominates Miriam Gutierrez to defend WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO crowns in superb performance

      by

      KATIE TAYLOR proved she is worth every penny as much as boxing’s biggest earning men with a pound-for-pound stellar performance.
      The 34-year-old headlined a groundbreaking Wembley show against Miriam Gutierrez, with two other female fights at the top of the bill.

      Katie Taylor remains the undisputed world champCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

      Katie Taylor dominated Miriam Gutierrez from start to finishCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd

      And, during fight week, the London 2012 Olympic hero insisted she will always fight for the sports brave women to earn parity with the big-money men.
      The undisputed lightweight queen – and WBO super-light champ – utterly dominated rock-hard Spaniard Gutierrez to put an exclamation mark on her bold bank statement.
      And, after Gutierrez climbed off the floor at the end of the fourth to hear the final bell, the judges scored it: 100-89, 100-90 and 99-91.
      After her resounding victory, Taylor said: “I am very satisfied, I thought that was a great performance.

      The Irish fighter was far too good for her previously undefeated opponentCredit: ©Mark Robinson Ltd
      “She was very durable and kept firing back so I just couldn’t get her out of there but I felt that it was a great performance.
      “She was heavy handed and could punch so I am just very happy today.
      “I felt I hurt her in the first 30 seconds and thought I would get her out early, how wrong I was!”
      Taylor almost had the Wembley show wrapped up in the first ten seconds.

      The Irish icon raced across the ring and unloaded a vicious volley into the visitor who was still trying to offer her gloved fist as a friendly greeting when the blows started raining down on here.
      But the 37-year-old survived the early assault and heard the second bell.
      Taylor needed twenty rounds and two controversial decisions to see off the two challengers from Delfine Persoon.
      And it looked like she was desperate to keep this mandatory defence out of the judges’ hands in her second behind-closed-doors fight.
      A ripper of a right hand thumped into Gutierrez’s skull and was followed up with a left hook.
      The 13-0 challenger was well out of her depth and Taylor looked eager to drown her in the third. A thunderous left hook rocked Gutierrez to her boots and buckled her legs.
      Taylor piled in and a right hand cracked into the wounded underdog again. But Gutierrez showed freakish resilience by absorbing the blows and staying upright.
      Every jab Gutierrez dared to throw was either slipped or maliciously countered and Taylor dropped her right on the bell at the end of the fourth with a mean right hand.
      Gutierrez was little more than a punchbag by the fifth, flailing wild shots that Taylor dodged for fun.
      In the sixth Taylor had her prey pinned on the ropes and pummelled her but heroic Gutierrez refused to wilt and her corner should really have thrown in the towel.

      In the seventh and eighth, Gutierrez was whacked and tagged repeatedly but she kept willing the 2012 Olympic hero on.
      The last four rounds were hard to watch as Gutierrez clung to life like a fish out of water.
      Taylor was free to showcase all of her skills, without showboating, and always with an evil intent. More

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      in Soccer

      Declan Rice wants to be England captain and admits he’s learning loads from skipper Harry Kane

      by

      DECLAN RICE aims to succeed Harry Kane as England captain — but for now he is happy learning from him.
      Rice, already the West Ham skipper at the age of 21, is impressed by the way Kane leads Gareth Southgate’s team on and off the pitch.

      Harry Kane inspires his England colleagues even when he is not playing, says Declan Rice, who hopes to keep learning from his international skipperCredit: Rex Features

      Declan Rice admits he always dreamed of being a captain and, having led West Ham, he eventually wants the same role for EnglandCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Hammers star said: “You feel his presence all the time.
      “He wasn’t involved against Ireland but beforehand he was in the changing room, getting everyone ready for the game.
      “He was talking to  the lads, going around individually.
      “For a youngster like me aspiring to be hopefully a future captain, to look at him and what he does, the way he goes around and speaks to players…

      “Like Gareth says, he might not be the loudest on the pitch but the way he takes the ball under pressure, the way he gets defences scared, he is a real leader.”
      And if Rice wants to learn about other kinds of leadership, he  has only to look to the player likely to partner him in England’s midfield today in Belgium.
      Jordan Henderson has skippered Liverpool to English, European and world titles in the last two seasons with his own vocal style of  captaincy.
      Rice said: “If you look at Jordan and what he’s done in the game for his whole career, but especially the last couple of years.

      Jordan Henderson is a perfect example of how to progress your career, says fellow England midfielder Declan RiceCredit: Reuters
      “I think it is so important for someone like me playing next to him to learn and get better.
      “We already know his qualities on the ball but what you don’t realise until you play next to him are his leadership qualities and what he brings to the team.
      “He is non-stop, always on you in a good way, in a positive way, and that gives you the confidence on the pitch to go out  and fight for the badge.”
      Rice always comes across as wise beyond his years, combining ambition and confidence with humility and respect.
      Southgate praised his character in the build-up to the friendly against the Republic of Ireland, not least because of the way he dealt with the death threats and other fallout that followed his decision to switch to England.
      A bookmaker successfully exploited that sensitive subject with a billboard that showed a heat map pattern for Rice and Jack Grealish — who also changed allegiance — in the shape of a snake.
      Rice said: “It was something I found really funny, actually.”
      But Rice takes captaincy very seriously and his third big role model is Mark Noble.
      ‘TAKING IT IN MY STRIDE’
      Although he remains West Ham’s club captain, Noble is finding his game time restricted this  season and boss David Moyes has turned to Rice to be his on-pitch leader.
      Rice said: “I’ve been privileged enough, if I look back at my time at West Ham in the academy, in the 16s, the 18s, the 21s, I was the captain in those age groups.
      “It’s just something that, as a kid, has always been one of my dreams, to captain a side.
      “Coming up with Nobes as the captain and me being the rising player in the team, the manager has given me the armband this season when Nobes isn’t playing, and I’m taking it in my stride.

      “I’m really lucky that I’ve got someone like Noble there to help me along the way.
      “I’m only 21 and I’m captaining the big games like Liverpool, Man City, so long may that continue.”
      All the way to captaining England one day,  perhaps?

      Ireland star Daryl Horgan understands Declan Rice’s decision to switch to England and ‘wouldn’t hold it against him’ More

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      in Soccer

      Rangers target Kenny McLean transfer from Norwich as Steven Gerrard sets sights on Scotland’s Euro 2020 hero

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      STEVEN GERRARD is looking to sign Norwich’s Scotland Euro 2020 hero Kenny McLean to boost Rangers’ title and European bids.
      Boyhood Gers’ fan McLean sent the Tartan Army to a major finals for the first time since 1998 with penalties in both of the shootouts on the way to glory.

      Norwich midfielder and Rangers fan Kenny McLean is being eyed by Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard after his penalty helped Scotland reach the EurosCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kenny McLean might be keen on switching from the Championship to Rangers to get regular football before the Euros next summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the lure of being a regular at club level in the run-up to the big games in the summer makes a move to Rangers appealing for the midfielder.
      Gerrard is keen on McLean, who has been in and out of the Canaries team since they were relegated to the Championship.
      McLean, 28, could be willing to go home as the Glasgow giants try to stop Celtic winning ten titles in a row.
      Rangers may  offer a deal paid in instalments or possibly take McLean on loan with a guaranteed buy in the summer.

      Rangers tried for McLean in the last transfer window.
      And insiders claim that the player would be up for the switch north if Norwich are willing to let him go.
      But Canaries boss Daniel Farke refused to consider selling McLean in their relegation season, insisting he was “incredibly important” and still developing.
      McLean himself has spoken before of an Ibrox approach.

      He told Si Ferry’s Open Goal: “There was talk a couple of times about Rangers but nothing ever materialised for me.
      “Even when I was out of contract at Aberdeen, I had six months left on my deal and there were talks but nothing too big to be honest with you.
      “Nothing for me to get excited about because there was nothing ever in front of me.”

      Scotland players do the conga and chant David Marshall in incredible Euro 2020 celebrations More

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      in Soccer

      Eric Dier thinks players will cop less abuse from fans when they can return to stadiums

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      ERIC DIER believes fans will cut down their abuse of players when crowds return to football.
      The Tottenham defender was banned for four games and fined £40,000 for climbing into the stands to confront a fan who had abused his brother and him after their  FA Cup defeat by Norwich in March.

      Spurs star Eric Dier, who was fined and baaed for this confrontation last term, feels fans will be calmer when they return after the lockdownCredit: Twitter

      Versatile England and Tottenham ace Eric Dier is desperate for fans to returnCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dier still expects grief from some quarters — but he believes the shared experience of  fighting the pandemic WILL have an impact.
      He said: “I think the atmosphere in stadiums when fans get back will be incredible and it is something I catch myself thinking about. I can’t wait.
      “I think there will be a little bit of a change in dynamic from our side and their side, having gone through this very difficult time.

      “We’ll be able to appreciate each other and how much we both need each other as well.

      “I can’t wait for fans to be back in the stadium but, unfortunately, those types of things will always exist.”
      Passions are sure to run high if England take on Scotland as  scheduled next June, after Steve Clarke’s team won their play-off against Serbia on penalties.
      Dier was in the England side that salvaged a 2-2 draw at Hampden Park in a World Cup qualifier in June 2017, thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from Harry Kane.
      Dier said: “We all know about the history between England and Scotland. It’s going to be a fantastic game.

      “I really hope that there can be fans there to witness it.
      “I was lucky enough to play a few years ago in Scotland. The atmosphere was one of the best I’ve played in.
      “So it would be great to be able to experience that atmosphere again as a player. Hopefully the fans can experience it live as well.”

      Harry Kane reaching new heights for Spurs this season has not surprised his club and country team-mate Eric DierCredit: Reuters
      Dier remains quietly furious about his ban and how it came about.
      And his words have more resonance at the end of a week when the Greg Clarke saga has again raised questions about the FA’s leadership.
      The Spurs star said: “There is a time when I will talk about it when I’m retired or not playing in England any more.
      “I have some very strong views on the whole process really and the ban itself.
      “If you were to compare the ban and the fine to other things, you’d find some strange outcomes.”
      One thing Dier does not find odd is how Spurs team-mate and England captain Kane has somehow found a new level this season.
      Kane grabbed his seventh league goal of the season to snatch a late victory at West Brom last weekend and Dier said: “If you put in the amount of work and commitment he does then it’s only natural to  continue to improve.

      “He has so much to his game. His hold-up play is fantastic, he’s as good as anyone in the air, his finishing with both feet, and the way he brings his team-mates into play — we have seen that a lot more this season maybe than before.
      “He’s a match-winner, he’s done it on many occasions. That’s why he’s one of the best strikers in the world.
      “Everything else he does for the team — defensively, off the ball, the effort he puts in — is the best in the world from a striker.”

      Jose Mourinho wipes new shoes with towel and dances in bizarre Instagram video More