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      England legend Paul Ince praises diversity of Euro 2024 squad – and reveals his prediction for score in Sunday’s final

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      ENGLAND great Paul Ince has praised the diversity of the Euros squad — highlighting  quarter-final goal hero Bukayo Saka. The 58-year-old, the only black player in the Euro ’96 starting line-up, also applauded Three Lions fans for helping expose the racists who have abused Gareth Southgate’s squad.England great Paul Ince has praised the diversity of the Euros squad, above with his son Thomas InceCredit: The TimesEzri Konsa, Jude Bellingham, Ollie Watkins and Marc Guehi celebrate together following the semi-final victory over the NetherlandsCredit: GettyInce was the only non-white player in England’s Euro 96 teamCredit: Offside SportsAhead of tonight’s final against Spain, Ince said: “Saka, for such a young lad, has performed very well for England. “There’s always going to be a few idiots who are going to criticise, and make racist remarks.“That’s the society we live in, you’ll never change that.“Everyone’s got to get behind the team. It’s a fantastic occasion for everyone, including the fans.”READ MORE ON EURO 2024Meanwhile, he is backing England to lift the trophy in Berlin tonight.The former Manchester United ace told The Sun on Sunday in an exclusive interview: “We’ve got a chance of making history. Maybe it’s aligned with the stars. Maybe it’s our time. I honestly believe it.“I’ve got this feeling again with this team. It’s our time. It’s so overdue. “Let’s win and forget the hoodoo of 58 years without a major trophy. I’ve had enough of the ‘Football’s Coming Home’ tag.”Most read in Euro 2024On tackling racism, Ince said: “Credit to Saka and Marcus Rashford who have come out of that horrible situation in the last final and moved on with their careers.“The FA and Professional Footballers’ Association, managers, players, and the media have done so much to try and out these people and educate that we won’t tolerate this type of discrimination against all different creeds and colours.Sven-Göran Eriksson’s Rallying Cry for England“The message is getting out there. Would I like to go a bit quicker? Yes, I would. But the good thing for me now is that fans are outing their own fans.“You’re not getting away with these remarks and insults.”The midfielder recalled the hullabaloo around the build-up to Euro ’96, when the players let their hair down with a drinking game in Hong Kong after warm-up matches.He said: “When I hear Jude Bellingham talking about the siege mentality within the ranks. I totally get that. “We were getting slaughtered in 1996 from all corners, so there was that siege mentality within the camp. Today’s team can do the same.”Ince said nothing would change the way his old England and Middlesbrough team-mate Gareth Southgate prepared for the final — despite getting flak early on.’Chance of making history’He added: “Does it really matter now? No, because we’ve got a chance of making history. “That’s the good thing about it. All the criticism won’t bother Gareth.“He’s one of those really calm people. He doesn’t let things fluster him. He knows that as soon as you take the job you’re going to be out there for criticism.“Southy has been in the job long enough now, for eight years. It’s just water off a duck’s back. People are always going to have an opinion, that’s the great thing about football.“But Gareth has changed. At the World Cup, he would never take Harry Kane off.“We’ve seen a different side to Southgate where he’s now prepared to make those changes. Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins have come on and made a difference.“Gareth has tried to make changes to benefit the side.”Ince said of preparations for the 8pm clash: “Gareth and the players will be chilled. You’ve got to try and relax the players. “We did a lot of fun games, racing nights, just not focusing too much on the job in hand.We’ve seen a different side to Southgate where he’s now prepared to make those changesPaul Ince“That will come tonight once they walk into that stadium.“It’s important the senior players recognise anyone who’s worried. Everyone’s going to be nervous.“It’s hard not to show. A little bit of nerves is good.”The player-turned-pundit, who managed teams including Blackburn Rovers and Reading, said: “It’s sad if you think about the 58 years since we’ve won a major trophy.“Think about the generations of retired footballers — Bryan Robson, Kevin Keegan, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard. “Great, great players like Paul Gascoigne and Alan Shearer. Yes, we’ve been unlucky along the way but it’s sad for us as a nation.“But the pressure today might come from the fact we lost to the Italians in the last Euros final. That would be more on the players’ minds than anything else.“Spain tonight is just another game. History makers? I don’t think that will be going anywhere near their minds.“We have to peak. We’re probably playing the best team in the tournament in Spain. Their style of football has got past the Germans, and the French.’England will win’“There haven’t been that many outstanding games in the tournament. The quality of the Euros hasn’t ultimately been great.“England have underperformed but we’ve still managed to reach the finals, which is a great thing for us. “We’ve shown a lot of character, going down and coming back. We’ve had a bit of luck, too. It’s about coming together.”Ince, who was too nervous to watch the Euro ’96 penalty shoot-out, said he was much calmer now.He will watch the game, glass of white wine in hand, at home with his wife. He said: “All my mates said to come to the pub but I said absolutely no chance — I want to watch it in peace.READ MORE SUN STORIES“At least if I’m watching it, nervous and jumping around, I don’t look like an idiot like I would if I’m watching it in the pub.”And his score prediction. “I think England will win 2-1,” he said.England’s Bukayo Saka celebrates after scoring in the 80th minute against Switzerland in the quarter finalsCredit: Getty More

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      King Charles joins Idris Elba and army of Sun readers to back the Three Lions ahead of Euro 2024 final against Spain

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      KING Charles has joined the army of Sun readers sending their support to the Three Lions ahead of the Euros final.It came as it was confirmed last night that Prince William would fly to Germany for the match.Idris Elba and King Charles show their support for the Three Lions ahead of the Euros finalCredit: PAKing Charles, Idris Elba and guests take time out from knife talks to back Three LionsCredit: PACharles — along with acting star Idris Elba — posed with an England shirt at St James’s Palace yesterday to show his support for the Three Lions. It came after he joked it would be better for the nation’s health if England did not leave it so late to clinch victory again.His Majesty, 75, said in a message to the team after Wednesday’s  last-minute semi-final victory over the Dutch: “My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the UEFA European Championship — and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.“If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated! Good luck, England.” READ MORE ON EUROS FINALWilliam, who is president of the FA,  was in the crowd for the Denmark group match and the dramatic win on penalties against Switzerland in the quarter-final. He was seen fist-pumping the air in celebration after the shoot-out.Meanwhile, a legion of Sun readers added their voices to back England to go all the way and bring the trophy home.Jordan Pickford fan Jackson Reed, eight, said: “Second time lucky boys, we believe in you!” Ivan Jones wrote: “Good luck Gareth. Don’t leave it too late this time. I’ve got no nails left.” Most read in Euro 2024Thomas Cooper said: “I’ve followed England my whole life and never have I been prouder to be English. I’ve always believed in you Gareth  even when you missed that penalty at Euro 96.”But all is forgiven as you and the lads have given me the best times over the years you have been manager.”Sven-Göran Eriksson’s Rallying Cry for England Tony Rimmington said: “Good luck. One last push lads and it’s home.” And Sylvia Turner added: “Good luck England and Gareth. Hope you win. You have given us back a brighter summer on the edge of our seats. Bring it home lads.” Harry Singleton, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Gtr Manchester, said: “Two weeks ago, lots of fans wanted Gareth Southgate to be beheaded. Win the game England on the return to our shores it will be ‘arise Sir Gareth Southgate’.” Nora Kent, from Eton Wick, Berkshire, wrote: “What a cracking team these young men have turned out to be under Gareth’s guidance. Good luck, the nation is behind you willing you on to the last minute of play.”Helen and Peter Bennison offered a poem: “Good Luck and do you best. With Three Lions on your Chest. Wear your vest with pride. And sweep the Spaniards aside.” And Christopher Harris said: “Good luck to the Three Lions on Sunday. It’s written in the stars we will win. “Last time we won a major trophy, the World Cup in 1966 Labour were in power. Guess what? They are back in power, so come on, it’s your time to win.” One’s top pal IdrisTHE King and actor Idris Elba get shirty to show their support for the Three Lions — while urging  the Government to  help tackle youth  knife crime.Charles invited the star, plus  PM Sir Keir Starmer and youngsters, to  St James’s Palace to discuss the violence problem.His King’s Trust has been working with Idris’s  Hope Foundation  to support teens. Charles said he would be  “watching and hoping for progress”   from the new Government.Idris, 51, said governments  past and present  have been willing to listen  but “right now is a moment for change, not talk”.In a lighter moment ahead of tomorrow’s massive game, they posed with the younger guests as they all held England tops. More

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      From football shirts to wigs and even pyjamas – how to bag bargain England merch ahead of Euro 2024 final

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      SHOW your support for England tomorrow night by decking the halls in red, white and blue.You might have got this far in the Euros without investing in footie tat – but the final  is the time to go all out.These pyjamas, were £9.80, now £4.20, Tu at Sainsbury’s – find out below where you can get the rest of the merchGoogle says searches for “football shirts” are up 798 per cent since England’s win against the Netherlands on Wednesday, while the shops are awash with Euros paraphernalia.You can score a shirt that doesn’t cost a fortune and have a ball at home with bargain paper plates, cups, decorations, wigs and hats. So you don’t miss a sitter, Abby McHale reveals where to get Eur own party favourites for the footie – come on England! Adult T-shirt, was £19.99, now £17.99, DecathlonCredit: SuppliedSunglasses, £7.99, AmazonCredit: SuppliedCake, £13, TescoCredit: Oliver DixonBabygrow, £12, George at AsdaCredit: SuppliedBlow up hammer, £5.99, AmazonCredit: SuppliedWig, £9.99, AmazonCredit: SuppliedStraws, £1.50, B&MCredit: SuppliedBunting, £1.50, B&MCredit: SuppliedHat, £13.99, AmazonCredit: SuppliedHat, £1.25, PoundlandCredit: SuppliedHead boppers, £2.50, PeacocksPlates, £2 for 20, all B&MCredit: SuppliedScarf, £11.99, AmazonCredit: SuppliedCups, £2 for 20, B&MCredit: SuppliedTablecloth, £1.25, PoundlandCredit: SuppliedEuros final weather forecast revealed by Met Office – with Brits to bask in 24C sunshine as they cheer on Three Lions More

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      Euro 2024 final blow for Spain as teen goal sensation Lamine Yamal BARRED from playing should game go to extra-time

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      SPAIN’S teenage goal sensation Lamine Yamal is barred under German child labour laws from playing during extra-time in tomorrow’s final, The Sun can reveal.Under-18s cannot work after 11pm on a Sunday so if the game is not over in normal time Spain would have to sub him, or face a fine of €30,000 (£25,000).Spain’s teenage goal sensation Lamine Yamal could be kicked off the field if the Euro final against England goes into extra-timeCredit: AFPEngland fans are hoping the authorities make an example of the dangerous Barcelona star, 17 today.His left-foot curler against France helped his country clinch their final spot as well as making him the youngest player to score in the Euros. Bradley Richardson, 26, of Gosforth, Newcastle, said: “He’s excellent but the law’s the law. “I think we can beat Spain regardless but there’s no harm in asking the Germans to do us a favour.”READ MORE ON SPAIN V ENGLANDAnd Jack Nicholson, 17, of Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, added: “The Germans need to enforce their law. It’s only fair.”A German trade union and a legal expert confirmed Yamal should be subbed after 90 minutes of the game, which starts at 9pm local time — 8pm in UK.Lukas Frew, from German union Verdi, said: “There are exceptions for 16 and 17-year-olds but, theoretically, even then they wouldn’t be allowed to work after 11pm.” Lawyer Jonas Warnken said: “Yamal may only play until 11pm.” He added that a fine for violations was possible, but unlikely.Most read in Euro 2024Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match More

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      Inside the incredible worlds of teen sensations Kobbie Mainoo and Lamine Yamal, as they go head to head for Euros glory

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      WHEN Cristiano Ronaldo made his Euros debut in 2004 neither Spaniard Lamine Yamal nor Englishman Kobbie Mainoo had been born.Tomorrow the two exciting teenagers will face each other in the final of Euro 2024 in Berlin.Stats show Mainoo has the best pass accuracy for a midfielder in the history of the European Championship, at 96 per cent – making him key to England’s hopesCredit: GettyEven before Lamine Yamal’s wonder goal for Spain in the semi-finals, Barcelona had already set a billion-euro price tag on the talented youngsterCredit: GettyBoth have set the football world alight with a string of dazzling displays for their countries. Here we take a look at the teens playing for kicks . . . KOBBIE MAINOO, 19ALL dressed in replica England shirts bearing the number 26, Kobbie Mainoo’s family beamed with pride after England’s semi-final victory.Just a year ago Mainoo still had not made a league start for his club side Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyAnd so they should — at the beginning of the Euros the 19-year-old central midfielder was not in manager Gareth Southgate’s starting XI.Yet, he is going to be key to England’s hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time tomorrow night having become the team’s most reliable passer.READ MORE ON ENGLAND V SPAINWaiting for debutStats from Opta show Mainoo has the best pass accuracy for a midfielder in the history of the European Championship, at 96 per cent.But just a year ago Mainoo still had not made a league start for his club side Manchester United.At the time, the most famous Mainoo was his half-brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames, who appeared on the ITV reality show Love Island.But in the past year, Mainoo made a name for himself by winning the FA Cup, scoring a wonder goal against United’s rivals Liverpool and getting called up by Southgate.Most read in Euro 2024After his debut for England in March, the manager said: “You cannot believe he has taken everything in his stride like he has.”Lamine Yamal explains cheeky message he did in Spain v France Euro 2024 match But even Mainoo could not contain his excitement on Wednesday after winning in Dortmund against the Dutch, joining his mum and dad in the crowd after the match.Like Spain’s Lamine Yamal, Mainoo’s talents were spotted at an early age.Born in Stockport, Gtr Manchester, in April 2005, he moved to the town’s Cheadle Hulme suburb.There he played for Cheadle and Gatley Junior Football Club aged four, before being scouted by Man United and Man City aged six.Steve Vare, his first coach at Cheadle and Gatley, told The Sun: “He came from a lovely family. I used to have regular chats with his dad.”A lifelong Red, young Kobbie opted for United.Normally, youth players join the scholarship scheme aged 13 or 14, but Mainoo came in at 11 years old.Injuries hampered his progression to the first team, but once Mainoo got over them he starred in manager Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up.His level-headed parents have made sure the youngster does not go off the rails.Mainoo said: “At home with the family I have around me, they very much keep me grounded and nothing changes at home.”Dad Felix, who is divorced from Kobbie’s mum Abena Herold, has guided much of his career.A young Kobbie relaxes in a Manchester United shirtCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kobbie/The star’s family and friends rush to support the talented teenCredit: GettyLives in £370k homeHe could not hide his pride when he saw a young United fan wearing a replica Mainoo shirt at Wembley Stadium before the FA Cup final. Felix asked the boy: “Is that your favourite player? He’s my son.”Mainoo lives with his dad in a £370,000 semi-detached home in Cheadle Hulme, despite earning £20,000 a week.He also spends time with his mum and sisters Ama and Efia. Mainoo is believed to be single and unlike his teammates was not sharing any kisses in the stands in Dortmund after the semi-final. Instead he is focusing on his football and keeping in touch with his old pals.I do know Kobbie is still in contact with his old school friends. He hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very groundedSteve Vare, Kobbie’s first coach at Cheadle and GatleyCoach Steve added: “I do know Kobbie is still in contact with his old school friends. He hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very grounded.”Fans will be grateful that Mainoo chose to play for the country of his birth, rather than that of his parents, who are originally from Ghana.The African nation tried to encourage him to join their team, but Mainoo said: “As a kid you always dream of playing for England.” Kobbie’s rise has been so rapid that he has not had time to take in his enormous progress. He said: “It happened quick. But I’ve been taking it day by day, game by game. And now we’re in the final.”That will all change if England defeat Spain in Berlin tomorrow night — after that he will be a hero forever.LAMINE YAMAL, 17EVEN before Lamine Yamal scored a wonder goal for Spain in the semi-finals, his club Barcelona had placed a billion-euro price tag on the youngster.Barcelona have been nurturing Yamal’s talents for more than a decade and he made his senior debut for the club aged just 15Credit: GettyThe winger was still 16 when he curled a shot into the top corner to knock out France on Tuesday.And he is celebrating his 17th birthday today by preparing to play in tomorrow night’s European Championship final against England.It is an incredible rise for the youngster, who was bathed as a baby by Argentina and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi for a charity calendar.The Spanish giants have been nurturing Yamal’s talents for more than a decade and he made his senior debut for the club aged 15 years, nine months and 16 days.A star is bornHe is so young that he has had to take exams online during the Euros. His dad Mounir Nasraoui is 35 — three years younger than Yamal’s Spanish team-mate Jesus Navas.Mounir’s Instagram account is filled with images of his son, including the one of Messi with the baby Yamal, with the caption: “The beginning of two legends.”But Yamal’s family have not had it easy. His parents used to share his grandmother’s apartment with Yamal, an uncle and four cousins in the city of Mataró on the outskirts of Barcelona.England will be hoping to undermine those Messi comparisons by restricting his goal-scoring opportunities in BerlinDad Mounir split from Yamal’s mum Sheila Ebana, who worked in a fast food outlet, when their son was three.His dad stayed in Mataro and his mum moved to the nearby city of Granollers. Yamal split his time between their homes.With Mounir having been born in Morocco and Sheila in Equatorial Guinea, they had faced hostility in Spain.Standing up to the bigotry got Mounir into trouble when he confronted activists from the anti-immigrant far-right party Vox earlier this year.He was fined £450 in June after allegedly getting into a scuffle with a group who were handing out leaflets in Mataró.But Yamal is a hero in the deprived part of Mataro, called Rocafonda, where he grew up — an area he celebrates when he scores.He draws the number 304 with his hand. They are the final three digits of the suburb’s postcode. Half the population there faces poverty.But for Yamal, it all started on the streets of that suburb.Yamal was bathed as a baby by Argentina and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi for a charity calendarCredit: APYamal pictured with his proud dad earlier in the Euros tournamentCredit: Instagram/hustle_hard_304In an interview with GQ magazine in Spain, Yamal said: “I was always there, I spent the whole day playing, and without picking up my mobile phone. I didn’t stop.“I arrived home dripping with sweat.” The teenager has become a symbol for diversity and he celebrates his African roots by displaying the flags of both Morocco and Equatorial Guinea on his boots.He said: “I’ve visited both countries. In the end my families are my roots. It’s something very important for me.”The contract he signed with Adidas to promote that footwear bought a new house for his grandmother.But even though Yamal is earning a reported £120,000 a month, he still lives at Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy. The club is trying its best to protect him, restricting interviews and disciplining him if he steps out of line.When he played for the national side’s under-17s, he and some team-mates reportedly made prank calls to the team’s psychologist in March 2023.As a result, Barcelona banned him for four games. But according to the Spanish Press, he has found time for romance and has been linked to Spanish influencer Alex Padilla.In the press one day they put you as the new Messi and the next day they say that you have to stop playingLamine YamalYamal’s skill has led many to call him the “new Messi”. But it is a title the youngster himself is wary of, given how many former prodigies have failed to live up to that lofty billing.Yamal said: “In the Press one day they put you as the new Messi and the next day they say that you have to stop playing.”Clearly, though, Barcelona sees him as Lionel’s heir.Yamal signed a three-year contract with them last year, the longest allowed for minors under Spanish law.There is an agreement that the deal will automatically renew until 2030.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut England will be hoping to undermine those Messi comparisons by restricting his goal-scoring opportunities in Berlin tomorrow night. More

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      ‘England can win, believe it!’ – terminally ill ex-boss Sven-Goran Eriksson gives emotional rallying cry to Three Lions

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      SKIPPER Harry Kane can fire England to Euros glory tomorrow, insists Sven-Göran Eriksson.The ex-Three Lions boss says Gareth Southgate’s heroes have the talent to smash Spain in Berlin.Harry Kane can fire England to Euros glory tomorrow, insists terminally ill ex-England boss Sven-Göran ErikssonCredit: APEriksson bossed England from 2001-6 and never took us past the quarter-finals of a major tournament, but believes they can win under Kane and his team-matesCredit: GettyThe Swede, battling pancreatic cancer, urged Gareth Southgate to end 58 years of hurtCredit: GettyPubs can stay open until 1am to toast a first major title on foreign soil, and Sven, 76, told The Sun: “Yes of course England can do it!The Swede, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, urged Gareth Southgate to end 58 years of hurt and win for ex-Three Lions bosses like himself who never got as close.Speaking exclusively to The Sun Sven, 76, also hailed midfield ace Jude Bellingham as the key to beating Spain and lifting our first major title on foreign soil.Sven bossed England from 2001 to 2006 and never took us past the quarter-finals of a tournament.READ MORE ON ENGLAND V SPAINBut he said: “Gareth has learned from the mistakes we made — handling the mental block of penalties, in particular — and has gone further than any of us ever did.“Now he, his players and the entire nation must know England can win. If you believe in something it can happen, and that includes beating Spain in the final.”Sven believes Southgate’s achievement will trump even that of 1966 World Cup winning boss Sir Alf Ramsey should we triumph at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. We saw the real EnglandSven, who will cheer us on from his home in Sweden, added: “The job of England manager brings with it a beautiful pressure.Most read in Euro 2024“I felt it. Sir Bobby Robson felt it. Every one of the 13 managers since Sir Alf will have felt it.England fans gush ‘my manager’ as incredible footage emerges of Southgate going wild after reaching Euro 2024 final “None of us succeeded, but no one has come closer than Gareth Southgate.“By reaching a World Cup semi-final in 2018, the World Cup ­quarter-final and now a second successive Euros final, Gareth is certainly the best English coach since Sir Alf.“Win in Berlin on Sunday and I believe he should be considered better.”Spain and their wonderkid Lamine Yamal, who turns 17 today, have wowed at the tournament and go into tomorrow night’s final as firm favourites.England are very, very good and they won fairly because they were the better team. Everything looks very possible nowSven-Göran ErikssonBut England’s stars finally began to shine in the 2-1 win against the Netherlands and Sven said: “Last game against Holland they played very, very well especially the first half.“I think we saw the real England in the first half.“If they can repeat that — and I am sure they can — they have a very good chance against Spain.Shoot out boost“But they have to play like that for 90 minutes, 45 minutes as against Holland won’t be enough.“England are very, very good and they won fairly because they were the better team. Everything looks very possible now.” Asked which player would decide the final, Sven said without hesitation: “Jude Bellingham of course — he’d have played in my team.”Sven’s England record was defined by penalty shoot-outs as he was twice beaten by Portugal — in quarter-finals on spot-kicks at Euro 2004, and World Cup 2006.But Southgate’s teams have won three shoot-outs from four — most recently in the Euros quarter-final against Switzerland.Sven, who managed Manchester City from 2007 to 2008, revealed in January he has been suffering pancreatic cancer and was given “about a year” to live.He enjoyed a five-year spell in charge of the Three Lions from 2001 while Southgate was still a player at Aston Villa then Middlesbrough.In his first major tournament, the 2002 World Cup in Japan, Sven’s England lost 2-1 in the quarter-final to ten-man Brazil, the eventual winners.Englan hero Ollie Watkins poses with a group of young fans — and called on them and supporters everywhere to roar us on to glory on SundayCredit: ReutersHarry Kane meets fans ahead of Sunday’s final against SpainCredit: GettyThen came the double exits to Portugal, and he left the role after the 2006 World Cup.In contrast, Southgate, who won 16 of his 57 caps under the Swede, tomorrow leads England to a second major final in three years. Sven predicted: “It will be an open game and I think England have a big, big chance.“And while I have not been feeling well in the past week or so, I will be watching the game from home.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’d love to see England win. So would every one of the managers who has tried and failed to win a major trophy since 1966.“Come on, Gareth. Do what we never could.”OLLIE’S CALL TO ROAR ON THE LIONSBy Nick Parker and Robin PerrieENGLAND hero Ollie Watkins poses with a group of young fans — and called on them and supporters everywhere to roar us on to glory tomorrow.His last minute goal against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final sent England to the final against Spain in Berlin.Ollie, 28, said he had had a premonition about it — and has had another about tomorrow, but would not say what it was.But he is feeling confident and said: “I’ve got that fire in my belly ready whenever I’m called upon to come on to the pitch again.”Ollie praised the fans and said: “Their support is everything and they’ve been supporting us so well so far and hopefully they can keep going and be loud for us on Sunday.”He also revealed that every member of the 26-man England squad is planning to have an identical commemorative tattoo inked if they win the trophy. ᐧPubs can stay open until 1am to toast a first major title on foreign soilCredit: Getty More

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      This is your moment, Lions! When the Euros started I predicted we’d win – there are three signs I’ll be proved RIGHT

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      SO, here we are again.Three years ago, I slumped out of Wembley Stadium sick to the pit of my stomach after England choked the last Euros final against Italy. England finally kicked into top gear against the Netherlands, especially in the first halfCredit: GettyPiers expects England to meet Spain head-on and overwhelm them with a scintillating display of attacking flair and powerI say choked because we should have won it; we were the better team but played with far too much defensive timidity as the game wore on.The penalty shoot-out that night was one of the most agonising things I’ve ever endured, with the possible exception of breaking five ribs and collapsing a lung after falling off a Segway in LA – or facing Australian fast bowler Brett Lee in a cricket net which turned into another rib-crunching nightmare.Watch Piers’ explosive interviews on his Uncensored YouTube channel hereAnd my sick stomach turned out to be the least of my health problems as I also got infected with covid at the stadium, which led to long covid and seven months of no taste and smell.READ MORE FROM PIERS MORGANLosing a big football match is one thing, but losing my ability to enjoy fine wine was a catastrophe!I therefore have very profound personal reasons for wanting a different result this time round.But if that’s how I’m feeling, imagine what emotions the England players who lost that day are experiencing?Actually, we don’t need to imagine.Most read in Euro 2024Declan Rice admitted: ‘Seeing Italy lift that trophy will haunt me forever.’However, he added: ‘We know now what we have to do, compared to last time, in terms of how to control the game, not to sit back. We know how we can win this final which I think is a positive.’England gets ready for almighty Euro 2024 final party with fans set to spend £800MILLION on beer and pizzaYes, it is.As Frank Sinatra once said, the best revenge is massive success.And I’m convinced the pain and torment of the way the last final ended will now drive us to triumph and joy. One month ago, I wrote a Sun column right before the Euros began that predicted England could win because we have ‘pace, power, several genius ballers, a top goalkeeper, and a goal-scoring machine upfront.’But I cautioned that we would only do it if manager Gareth Southgate found his bottle and ordered his men to attack, attack, attack.Tomorrow night, I confidently predict that I’ll be proven right.First, because after an explicably dull, plodding, snail-like first few matches of the tournament, we finally kicked into top gear against the Netherlands, especially in the first half.  Carpe diem, lads!Second, because Safety-first Southgate has at last found his bottle, ripping the restrictive reins off his team, and making bold, daring, courageous late substitutions that led to a thrilling last-minute victory.And third, because after 58 years of bloody hurt, this is surely our time again?Yes, yes, I know Spain have played the best football in this year’s Euros.And they have brilliant young players like 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who Gary Lineker says is better than Pele and Messi at the same age.And the record of Spanish teams in international and club finals is ridiculous, with 26 straight wins since 2002.But this England team is man-for-man the best we’ve had since Bobby Moore’s 1966 World Cup winning heroes.And they’re hitting their best collective form right when it matters, at the business end of the tournament.They also, from Harry Kane to Jude Bellingham, have a steely glint in their eyes, fuelled by intense irritation at fully justified media criticism of their woeful early performances, that tells me coming second again simply isn’t an option.That’s why I confidently expect England to meet the rampaging Spanish footballing Armada head-on and overwhelm them with a scintillating display of attacking flair and power. To Gareth’s glory-hunters, I simply say this:This is your moment.READ MORE SUN STORIES This is England’s moment. Carpe diem, lads!Gareth Southgate has been making bold, daring, courageous late substitutionsCredit: APThe England team is the best we’ve had since Bobby Moore’s 1966 World Cup winning heroesCredit: Getty More

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      Football WAG Jessica Aidi shows off her stunning figure in skimpy bikini on beach

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      MODEL Jessica Aidi is not quite in her birthday suit as she celebrates turning 33 at the beach.The French beauty posted party pics in Ibiza this week.Jessica Aidi is not quite in her birthday suit as she celebrates turning 33 at the beachCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaaidi/?hl=enJessica is wed to footballer Marco VerrattiShe’s wed to footballer Marco Verratti who was left out of Italy’s Euros squad. The former Sports Illustrated pin-up and Verratti wed just a week after he helped Italy to victory over England at the 2020 Euros Wembley final.Former PSG team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic and France superstar Kylian Mbappe all attended the lavish ceremony.Marco wished Jessica a happy birthday on Instagram writing: “Happy birthday my love. read more on Jessica Aidi “I will always love you.”Jessica has over 700,000 followers on Instagram, where she regularly posts snaps from her various photoshoots.Hailing from Montpellier, Jessica works as a highly successful model.She has featured on several magazine covers, and took part in Paris Fashion Week last year.Most read in FootballMarco Verratti’s wife Jessica Aidi soaks in the sun on pair’s loved-up honeymoon More