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      Sven-Göran Eriksson gave me blank cheque after romp but I never cashed it even when he left me high & dry, says Ulrika

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      WHEN I look at Sven-Goran Eriksson now, I see a much diminished man. A man reduced by terminal illness, but also a man who, by his own admission, has had a good life.As The Sun told yesterday, he talks about his private life on his Amazon Prime film Sven, including his affair with me.Ulrika Jonsson opens up on her time with Sven-Göran ErikssonCredit: Scope FeaturesUlrika says: ‘I was single at the time and he confided that he wanted to end his relationship with Nancy Dell’Olio because it was sapping him of energy’Credit: Rex FeaturesAfter a night together, Sven popped a blank check in Ulrika’s pocket when she was not lookingWe first met in 2002, when I asked him for his autograph at a party held by Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s spin doctor.He replied to me in our native language, Swedish, asking for my telephone number so he could call me. I was single at the time and 34. He was 54 and confided that he wanted to end his relationship with Nancy Dell’Olio because it was sapping him of energy.He then proceeded to call me every day when he went on holiday with Nancy, telling me I was beautiful and how much he wanted to see me.READ MORE ON SVENWhen he returned, the day after his 54th birthday, he visited me and we slept together.This was no great passionate affair. It was devoid of passion. He had all this power and money, yet he was the weakest man I have ever met.During our dalliance he was heading to his place in Portugal for the night between England games and asked me to join him.He said I should book myself on his flight and he would reimburse me. I said no way, I pay my own way — I’ve never taken money from a man.Most read in Football‘Pawns in a game’It was a point of principle.We met in the Club Lounge at Heathrow, pretending we had just met, and sat next to each other on the flight, almost giggling all the way.Legendary ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson kept terminal pancreas cancer secret for a year to enjoy time with familyThen we spent the night at his place, where his housekeepers cooked us a meal.The following morning we left for the airport together and, in the car, he put a blank cheque from Coutts in my pocket when I wasn’t looking.He presented me with a blank cheque which he put in my pocket when I wasn’t lookingI keep it for posterity. But it might have been nice to fill it out at some point for all the hassle he brought me!When news of our affair broke, he didn’t confirm what went on between us. This meant I was left high and dry, even to the point that people believed I had made it up to get Press attention.That really angered me.I was an independent, working woman who did not voluntarily need to create a drama around my life for attention.He says in his documentary that he didn’t commit a crime, and he’s right about that.But he did do wrong.And he simply didn’t really care about much of life.As far as I could tell, he cared only about three things: His two children, who he adored. And football.Even when we were in Portugal, I asked him about his ex, the mother of his children.He said he had moved the wedding day in fav- our of a football match and she wasn’t happy.And I wondered if he was romantic and asked him how he proposed.I was surprised when he confided that she had proposed to him, which confirmed to me that I don’t think he had a romantic bone in his body. I know people didn’t understand why we were seeing each other, as it was an odd connection.Initially it was the Swedish thing that united us — and football.We talked about football a lot. But he was chivalrous and, in his heart, he was a kind man.He brought a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne — without fail — every time he came to my house.No ‘words of affection’For me, he showed me kindness and I’d just been going through the most horrendous time with being abandoned by my sick daughter’s biological father and worrying if she was going to get through her operations.When someone shows you kindness, it grabs your attention. In the film, he says he does have feelings, but he doesn’t show them. I think that’s honest and true. We never exchanged words of affection — it wasn’t that kind of set-up.I just saw him when he could get away from Nancy or was on the way to football games.She should be grateful for me raising her profile, she made a career out of ‘refusing to accept that she had been cheated on’Ulrika on Nancy Dell’OlioNancy admits in the film that she only stuck with him because she could get something out of it, which strongly suggests that she only really was with him because of the fame and the glory.She should be grateful for me raising her profile. She seemingly made a career out of “refusing to accept that she had been cheated on”.Before news of the affair between me and Sven broke, she was just the Italian girlfriend of the England manager. When it hit the headlines Nancy was suddenly famous. And she used that to her advantage. She’d have never been on Strictly Come Dancing if it wasn’t for me.Sven told me she was very fiery — it was a volatile relationship and I felt it was clear that he didn’t really, truly care about her.But he never promised me he would leave her, because I never asked him to.I sensed he feared her. And he confirms that in the film.He says he was afraid (of leaving her). He admitted to me that she “loved” the attention she was getting from the media, so it’s little wonder if she didn’t want to give that up.And obviously, apart from women attacking each other, there is the problem that misogyny is still verymuch alive and kicking in the world of football. Women continue to be viewed as pawns in a game of utmost importance, ruled over by men who show little but disdain for the opposite sex.I’ve never in my life fought over a man. I know Nancy was clinging to Sven, but she really needn’t have worried.She threw insults at me because she didn’t believe the brief affair was true. Surely her beef should have been with him?In the film, Sven’s son says how his dad doesn’t stress about things, and that was my experience, too.He never got concerned about things and said to me, “Why worry about something which might not happen?”.’Thinker perhaps more than a doer’He’s bright and studied philosophy, which is probably what brought a new and different approach to being England boss.Many didn’t like that he wasn’t demonstrably expressive, but that was just the way he was.Nancy says in the film that Sven is a narcissist, but I think that might be unfair. I just think he’s a very simple-minded person. And by that I mean he only puts energy into the things that are important to him. He’s pragmatic. Not a practical man, however.He proudly showed me his hands and said “these have never done a day’s hard work”.Sven is right, of course, about his outlook on life now. Life is short and I believe he has certainly made the most of itSven is certainly a thinker, perhaps more than a doer.I extracted myself from the situation when he clearly wasn’t going to ’fess up and carried on going out publicly with Nancy.I certainly didn’t become a Princess Di character, where there were “three of us” in that relationship.For a while he kept phoning me to speak to me or ask me to see him. He even got his agent to phone my agent to ask if I would wait for him after the World Cup. I declined.Sven is right, of course, about his outlook on life now.Life is short and I believe he has certainly made the most of it.He has led a life according to his own wills and desires.I’m sure he has regrets over some of his actions, but what good are regrets when the clock is ticking?We can but do our best.I bear him no ill will.READ MORE SUN STORIESI hope he squeezes the best out of whatever life he has left and that, on reflection, he realises that to err is to be human.He didn’t get it all right. But then, who does?Ulrika also says of Sven: ‘He had all this power and money yet he was the weakest man I have ever met’Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe ex-England boss has been diagnosed with terminal cancerCredit: Getty More

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      England star John Stones & entrepreneur girlfriend Olivia Naylor ENGAGED as couple celebrate with ‘love is sweet’ cake

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      ENGLAND hero John Stones is engaged to his stunning entrepreneur girlfriend Olivia Naylor, she revealed today.The Manchester City centre-back, 30, popped the question during a getaway after the Euros final defeat to Spain.Olivia Naylor revealed that she was engaged tonightCredit: InstagramJohn Stones and Olivia Naylor are happily engagedCredit: olivianjnaylor / InstagramOlivia and her pals celebrate the achievementCredit: olivianjnaylor / InstagramA cake reading ‘love is sweet’ was shown off by the bride-to-beCredit: olivianjnaylor / InstagramThe England and Man City star proposed during a romantic getawayCredit: InstagramThe happy couple have since made their engagement public after Olivia announced the incredible news on Instagram.She captioned the post “Mrs Stones to be” alongside a wedding ring emoji.A beaming Olivia posed next to champagne, cake and flowers as she stood next to a sign reading “engaged af”.In another snap, she posed up with her pals with a celebratory cake reading “love is sweet” and strawberries covered in icing on show.Read More in FootballOther cute pics on her story showed champagne glasses and candles set alight in celebration.Stones, who has won 79 caps for his country, started every single match for the Three Lions in Germany.But he and his Three Lions teammates were left devastated after being narrowly beaten 2-1 in last month’s final.The Prem star and Olivia, 35, then jetted away for a sunshine break abroad to relax.Most read in FootballAnd in the days that followed, Stones was able to celebrate a personal win as he proposed.A source told The Sun: “They’re over the moon.”They’re a gorgeous couple and are utterly devoted to one another.”Being together, as a couple and as a family, means more to them than anything.Three Lions’ aces dance away Euros disappointment at wild Ibiza knees-up”They’re beyond excited about the future and can’t wait to get married.”Olivia, who was among the partners in Germany to roar on the Three Lions this summer, celebrated her engagement with an “intimate” dinner party for close friends.She hired celebrity wedding and party planner Jayde Elise.Another source added: “It was a beautiful dinner setting with a black and white theme running through it.”There were bespoke themed desserts and treats to celebrate the engagement.”Everyone’s thrilled for them.”John and Olivia, founder of the children’s clothing brand, Moosh, began dating in early 2019.She gave birth to their first child together in January last year – shortly after the defender starred for England at the World Cup in Qatar.Stones has played in every one of England’s last four major tournaments under former gaffer Gareth Southgate.The pair tend to keep their family life out of the spotlight but after the birth of their boy last year, a source told The Sun: “They’re absolutely thrilled. “They couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin the year than with the birth of their son.”He’s absolutely gorgeous and they’re so thankful. They take nothing for granted. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They both work extremely hard but it’s been lovely to spend some time together at home with the kids.” Before welcoming their child together, Olivia was spotted at the World Cup in Qatar to support John in 2022.Other pics showed champagne glassesCredit: InstagramStrawberries covered in icing were also seen in the celebrationsCredit: olivianjnaylor / InstagramOlivia runs her own children’s clothing brandCredit: Instagram @olivianaylor More

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      I can’t forgive my sister Lauryn for second affair with Kyle… I have no sympathy, says Chloe Goodman

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      REALITY TV star Chloe Goodman fell out with her sister Lauryn when she “covered up” her second affair with footballer Kyle Walker — and they are still not speaking.In an exclusive interview with The Sun, glamour model Chloe tells how the feud saw her disinvite Lauryn from her dream wedding, claiming she had been “kept in the dark”.Sisters Chloe and Lauryn Goodman are not currently on speaking terms, and she has revealed whyCredit: AlamyChloe disapproves of Lauryn’s decision to take her children to Euro 2024, and was shocked she had a second child with Kyle WalkerCredit: SplashWalker with wife Annie and three of their four childrenCredit: AFPShe says she had no idea the England and Manchester City defender had been secretly romping with Lauryn until she called and told her she was pregnant.Chloe said: “I don’t think it’s a case of forgiveness, it’s a case of timing. I’m not ready to sit down and discuss things with her yet.“I feel I would get emotional and angry and I could say things I might regret.”Chloe had previously been assured that influencer Lauryn had resumed contact with Walker, 34, only so he could see their first son Kairo without his wife Annie Kilner finding out.READ MORE LAURYN GOODMANBut Chloe said: “I was shocked when I found out Lauryn was pregnant a second time because I didn’t know they had rekindled things.“I knew Kyle had been seeing Kairo privately and I was happy because all children should have a father in their lives.“I hadn’t asked him if he was back seeing my sister, because I’d assumed nothing was happening.“Lauryn hadn’t told me either. I told her, ‘I have no sympathy for you and Kyle now.’Most read in Football“That was the start of our relationship becoming strained.”Chloe, 31, has since tried to ensure her children Isla, four, and two-year-old Hudson maintain a relationship with their cousins at the same time as trying to protect her own family.Kyle Walker tried to meet Lauryn Goodman in a hotel room DAYS before saying their relationship was a mistakeBut today she reveals that she expressed concern for both Lauryn and her son’s safety when she saw they had flown to the Euros in Germany in June, with four-year-old Kairo wearing his dad’s favoured number two shirt.She also argued with Lauryn about how she informed 32-year-old Annie on Boxing Day last year that Walker was the father of her daughter Kinara.Lauryn’s text message to Annie sparked such a bitter war of words that former Celebrity Big Brother star Chloe has been deluged with vile abuse on social media along with Lauryn.In June, she made the decision to disinvite her sister from her wedding in Portugal to Swindon Town footballer Grant Hall, 32.Lauryn was due to be her bridesmaid while her children would have been page boy and flower girl — but the sisters have not discussed the situation since.Celebrity Big Brother star Chloe Goodman told sister Lauryn she had no sympathy for her after having a second child with WalkerCredit: Ben O’Connor/The SunWedding banChloe is giving this interview to set the record straight on their falling out — and to call on £160,000-a-week Walker, who also has four children with Annie, to take more responsibility.Mum-of-two Chloe said: “Kyle has stayed quiet and let the two women go at each other — and people always want to blame the woman. But bringing a child into the world is a shared responsibility.“Kyle and Lauryn are two adults. They both made choices and they should both take accountability for them. And the fact is that Annie, Kyle and Lauryn have all chosen to be in this situation. “My sister lives down the road from me and we see each other when my mum suggests I pop over with the kids.“But we haven’t properly spoken since she told Annie about Kinara on Boxing Day as I didn’t condone that. “Our relationship became strained over all the tit-for-tat and how she has acted.”I stand by my decision because I don’t think the wedding was the best place for Kairo and Kinara and I will explain that to them when they are olderChloe GoodmanChloe’s friendship with Walker dates back to when she was an 18-year-old model clubbing in London. She had become part of the footballer’s friendship circle and introduced him to Lauryn. In 2019 Walker was thrown out of his £3.5million Cheshire mansion after being accused of romping with Ex on the Beach star Laura Brown.Chloe said: “I knew that Lauryn was there for Kyle as a friend when Annie kicked him out and that led to them becoming closer.“But I didn’t know they had become more than friends until Lauryn rang me and told me she was pregnant with Kairo.“I asked, ‘Who is the dad?’ She told me it was Kyle and I was in shock. However, once the news sunk in, I was delighted. “All children deserve to be celebrated and Kairo was such a beautiful baby.“Lauryn hadn’t done anything wrong at this point. He was single and she had helped him through a hard time and a baby came of it.“Kyle eventually went back to Annie, which was expected as they had been together for so long, and things calmed down for a while.“Grant proposed to me in 2019 and we started planning the wedding in 2022.“We’re a close knit family and I asked Lauryn to be my bridesmaid. But in the build-up to the wedding we just weren’t getting on.“It’s like having a friend that will never take your advice and you have to suffer the consequences.“I eventually realised I had to be selfish to protect my own family.“I stand by my decision because I don’t think the wedding was the best place for Kairo and Kinara and I will explain that to them when they are older.“Lauryn and I were constantly arguing about multiple things. I didn’t agree with the decision to take the kids to the Euros because it was not safe for them given everything that was going on.“I do feel awful and I wish I could have had them all there, but I know I made the right decision.”Chloe says she has tried to ensure her own children have a good relationship with their cousinsCredit: Instagram @lauryngoodman91Court battleLast month, Chloe was left shocked again after a judge accused Lauryn of “insatiable greed” and of using Walker as an “open-ended cheque book”.A court heard that as well as £150,000 in annual maintenance, Lauryn had demanded a £31,000 astroturf pitch for one-year-old Kinara, as well as £33,000 for air conditioning at her seven-bedroom mansion in Hove, Sussex.At the end of the day the most important thing is that six innocent children are at the heart of thisChloe GoodmanChloe said: “To me the demands showed she was angry and hurt and was going for the jugular.“She’s been seen as the bad person and that’s justified with some of her actions so she probably thinks she has nothing to lose.“And people are looking at this from the view of an ordinary household income and saying, ‘That’s a disgraceful amount of money.’ “I’m not excusing her behaviour and there’s a lot that she’s done that I struggle with and that upsets me.“I often want to speak out — and if I bite my tongue people criticise me for remaining silent.“I’m damned if I speak and damned if I stay quiet because everyone has an opinion on this.READ MORE SUN STORIES“At the end of the day the most important thing is that six innocent children are at the heart of this.“I fear people have lost sight of that fact.”Lauryn explosively revealed Kyle was the father of her second child late last yearCredit: Tim StewartTimeline of 5yrs of tots, rows and texts2019: Lauryn comforts Kyle Walker following his split from Annie Kilner. After a brief relationship their first child is conceived.April 2020: Kairo is born and Kyle moves back in with Annie two months later — having proposed.November 2021: Kyle and Annie get married.2022: Kyle agrees to see Kairo in secret and his second child with Lauryn is conceived.March 2023: Lauryn announces she is pregnant but refuses to name the dad.August 2023: Kinara is born with Lauryn describing the father as being “another footballer”.December 26, 2023: Lauryn sends Annie a text telling her Kyle is the father of her second child.January 2024: Annie, pregnant with her fourth child with Kyle, dumps him again.April 2024: Annie takes Kyle back.June 2024: Chloe disinvites Lauryn from her wedding as they argue about her taking Kairo to the Euros.July 2024: A judge criticises Lauryn for treating Kyle like an “open-ended cheque book”. More

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      Chloe Kelly looks sensational in bold wedding gown as England Lionesses hero ties the knot with long-term boyfriend

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      CHLOE KELLY now has a rival day for the ‘best day of her life’ after she tied the knot with long-term partner Scott Moore.The Manchester City and England star will surely have thought the day she sealed European Championship success for the Lionesses was her peak moment until her stunning wedding last month.Chloe Kelly tied the knot with long-term partner Scott Moore last monthCredit: British VogueChloe stunned in a bold dress on the wonderful occasionCredit: British VogueHer wedding day will surely rival the moment she won England the Euros as her ‘best day ever’Credit: ReutersChloe pushed the Lionesses over the line at Euro 2022 with a late goal to beat Germany in the final at WembleyCredit: GettyKelly, 26, married Moore in a spectacular ceremony after the pair got engaged in December during a trip to Finnish Lapland.Kelly stunned in bold wedding gown at the wedding that saw a whole host of familiar faces attend, including fellow football stars Steph Houghton and Ruby Mace as bridesmaids.The pair married at Merrydale Manor in Cheshire with celebrations going on until 2am at the venue.Before the happy couple invited their nearest and dearest back to their house for an extension of the celebrations until 4:30am.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKelly and Moore had been dating for over five years before their wedding, but Kelly revealed to Vogue that their romance almost slipped away before it even started.She said: “Scott was working as a groundsman at Everton while I was playing there.“One day I held the door for him, and ever since that day he kept saying he was going to message me. “When he did slide into my DMs, I didn’t see it for ages, because it was in my requests folder, and then when I did see it I was like, ‘Who is this?’ Most read in Football”But when I saw a few people that I knew had followed him, I realised, I must know him!”Kelly’s triplet brothers, Ryan, Jamie, and Martin, were three of Scott’s groomsmen, and her sister Paris was her maid of honour.Kelly and Moore shared a kiss as they left the ceremonyCredit: PP.Guests showered the happy couple in confettiCredit: PP.England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awardsThe ceremony took place at 2pm and was followed by drinks and food for the guests, with the happy couple whisked away in a Rolls Royce.During the reception there was a cocktail hour, the cutting of a four-tier cake, live music, DJ sets, and a magician on hand to keep the guests entertained.Kelly and Moore also took to the dance-floor for their first dance – sharing the moment to the song “Never Change” by Picture This.Despite making a career out of staying ice cool in the biggest moments, Kelly admitted she was nervous before setting off down the aisle – something she never experiences with her football.She told Vogue: “I’d never been nervous like that.“I don’t really get nervous for games, we train to prepare for those moments, it’s just natural.Whereas the wedding day is just something I haven’t done before! I actually felt sick.”Kelly’s celebrations were perfectly timed with no international tournament for the Lionesses this summer, giving her plenty of time to enjoy the moment.But it’ll be back to the grind now with the WSL season fast approaching.Kelly’s Man City side begin their new league season with a trip to capital against Arsenal on September 22.But preparations will begin much in advance to that game with City’s first pre-season clash in Australia against Leicester City on August 28.READ MORE SUN STORIESThroughout her career Kelly has played for Arsenal, Everton and Man City at club level.While she has also made 45 appearances for the Lionesses, famously netting the winning goal in England’s Euro 2022 triumph over Germany.Kelly and Moore have been together for five yearsCredit: INSTAGRAM/@CHLOEKELLYThe pair met while Moore was a groundsman at Everton, where Kelly used to playCredit: Instagram @chloekellyThe happy couple got engaged underneath the northern lights in DecemberCredit: Instagram @chloekellyKelly is one of England’s biggest starsCredit: GettyShe’s due to be back in action for Man City at the end of the monthCredit: Getty More

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      Watch as Tyson Fury dances with Paris and posts gushing tribute to ‘the girl from 2005 who stole my heart’

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      TYSON FURY danced with wife Paris and paid a gushing tribute to the “girl from 2005 who stole my heart.”The childhood sweethearts met in their teens and tied the knot in 2008 when Fury was 21 and Paris 19. Tyson Fury dancing with wife ParisCredit: Instagram @tysonfuryFury paid a gushing tribute to his childhood sweetheartCredit: Instagram @tysonfuryThey have been happily married since and share seven children together. Fury showed off his romance on Instagram as they slow danced on their driveway – which has a huge Gypsy King logo printed on it. He captioned the post: “Blessed is he who came from above and died for us! “@parisfury1 the girl from 2005 who stole my heart ride or die chick.”READ MORE IN BOXINGThe couple share Venezuela, Prince John James, Prince Tyson II, Valencia, Prince Adonis, Athena and youngest Prince Rico Paris. Before Fury’s loss to Oleksandr Usyk in May – the first of his career – he hinted at an eighth child being on the way. But in the aftermath of the split-decision, the maverick heavyweight hero denied that Paris was pregnant. Fury, 35, and Usyk, 37, are now set to rematch on December 21 back in Saudi Arabia. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow rich are the Furys? Tyson and Paris Fury have an estimated combined net worth over £70 million. The bulk of this comes from Tyson’s heavyweight boxing paydays, most recently earning £80 million from his clash with Oleksandr Usyk. Experts believe he has a whopping £300 million sitting in the bank, which is also thanks to the Fury family’s Netflix show and five book deals. But mum-of-seven Paris proved she can take on the world after stepping down from Tyson’s company in August 2022 to focus on her own projects. In just one year of flying solo, she raked in £180,000 from book and PR deals, and social media ads.The couple live with their seven children in a £1.7 million mansion in Morecambe, Lancashire. But the IBF title will not be on the line after Usyk vacated it to proceed with the Riyadh return. Daniel Dubois, 26, instead was elevated from interim champ and defends the belt against Anthony Joshua, 34, on September 21. The winner of the all-British bout and Fury’s rematch with Usyk are then primed to collide for all the marbles. Tyson Fury pokes fun at wife and mum-of-seven Paris as she showcases new gadget that helps her get around their £1.7 million mansion More

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      Lioness Chloe Kelly ties the knot with long-time boyfriend Scott Moore at stunning country estate

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      LIONESS Chloe Kelly has tied the knot with long-time boyfriend Scott Moore, The Sun can reveal.Man City ace Kelly, 26, married greenskeeper Scott today on a stunning country estate in Cheshire surrounded by friends and family.England hero Chloe Kelly has tied the knot with long-time boyfriend Scott MooreCredit: Instagram @chloekellyAn Instagram snap of the happy coupleCredit: https://www.instagram.com/chloekelly/?hl=enThe happy couple exchanged vows at Merrydale Manor in Over Peover, near Knutsford.Kelly – who scored the iconic winning goal against Germany in the 2022 Women’s Euros final – looked incredible in a long white figure hugging wedding dress, holding a large bouquet of white flowers.While Scott stood next to her looked dapper in a dark suit and large dickie-bow.The thrilled couple were spotted in the grounds of the picturesque wedding venue having their photo taken, surrounded by wedding guests.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIn one shot the pair are seen kissing to the delight of onlookers.Chloe announced her engagement to Scott in December last year after he got down on one knee in a romantic Northern Lights proposal.The footballer shared a photo on Instagram of the pair in Finland against the incredible lit up green sky.Showing off her huge diamond ring she posed with her hand on her fiancé’s chest, captioning the post: “The easiest YES. Here’s to forever with you”.Most read in FootballShe met her husband-to-be when she was playing at Everton and he was a groundsman.Chloe revealed she held the door open for him, and he used that as an opening to slide into her DMs.Their first date together was to IKEA because Chloe was moving home.England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awardsScott is currently a greenkeeper at a golf club, but he largely keeps their relationship away from social media.Following England ladies’ Euros triumph, he was pictured wearing an England shirt with his girlfriend’s name emblazoned on the back.And he proudly watched on as Kelly scored the winner to clinch the trophy for the Lionesses.The happy couple were married inside Merrydale Manor’s stunning civil ceremony room which boasts limestone flooring, oak beams, and beautiful views of the grounds.And after exchanging vows the pair joined guests for drinks and canapés served in a stylish bar and lounge area, before the couple celebrated at the wedding breakfast in the on-site Merrydale Suite.The Lioness met her husband-to-be when she was playing at Everton and he was a groundsmanCredit: Instagram @chloekellyThe venue can accommodate up to 200 guests, and those who have had one too many can stay over in one of the manor’s 19 bedrooms.The grounds of the opulent venue feature a grand driveway, manicured gardens, and a serene lake and fountain – a perfect backdrop for wedding snaps.The venue is also becoming popular with Cheshire’s rich and famous.Last summer Kym Marsh’s daughter Emilie Cunliffe married Michael Hoszowskyj at the venue.While in 2021 Geordie Shore star Gaz Beadle tied the knot with wife-to-be Emma McVey.In an interview on the NewlyWeds podcast earlier this month Chloe revealed the moment Scott proposed in Finland.“I couldn’t stop smiling. It was just such a happy moment!” she gushed.Host Jamie Laing then asked Chloe which was a happier moment – when Scott proposed or when she scored the game-winning goal in the 2022 Women’s Euros against Germany.“The wedding’s not been yet so I’m going to say the winning goal,” she laughed, as Scott could be heard in the background jokingly saying: “The wedding’s off!”“I think because the smiles that it put on everyone else’s faces, seeing my family in the crowd, scoring the goal at Wembley – that was the hard work I’d put in throughout my career, the sacrifices my family had made to get me to that moment,” Chloe explained.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And scoring the goal off the back of my ACL journey that I’d been on, it was more than just a goal.“So I’m gonna say that.”Kelly scored the iconic winning goal against Germany in the 2022 Women’s Euros finalCredit: Getty More

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      Loved-up England hero Ollie Watkins walks hand-in-hand with fiancee Ellie Alderson in Milan after romantic engagement

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      ENGLAND hero Ollie Watkins has been seen enjoying the sites of Milan with new fiancee Ellie Alderson.Watkins, 28, revealed he had proposed to long-term partner Ellie in front of the mesmerising Lake Como in Italy on July 21.Ollie Watkins and new fiancee Ellie Alderson were seen taking a walk in MilanCredit: RexThe couple were seen hand-in-hand after announcing their engagementCredit: RexThey enjoyed some shopping too as Ellie clutched a Fugazzi bagCredit: RexWatkins and Ellie shared pics of their engagement in front of the stunning Lake ComoCredit: InstagramThe Aston Villa ace, whose late goal against the Netherlands sent the Three Lions into the Euro 2024 final, shared heartwarming pictures of him getting down on one knee the following day.Watkins presented Ellie, 28, with a gorgeous diamond ring on a balcony overlooking the lake and alps.With the couple wearing matching white outfits and surrounded by flowers in the sweet photos, Watkins captioned his post: “Future wifey!!”And following the announcement, they have now been spotted taking in some of the stunning sites.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair swapped their white outfits for a more low-key look as they held hands during the walk.Watkins was seen in a matching grey polo top and shorts combo, while Ellie wore jean shorts and a black top.It seems they had been out for a spot of shopping too, with Ellie spotted holding a bag of Fugazzi perfume.Despite being in another country, Watkins’ stock appears to have risen to that of a continental star after he was also seen posing for a picture with a group of fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWatkins was seen in a casual grey polo top and shorts comboCredit: RexHis Euro 2024 performances have seen his stock rise as he was seen taking a photo with some fansCredit: RexEllie also took to Instagram to share a video of them together following the engagement, showing the couple beaming with happiness.Watkins and interior designer Ellie have been in a relationship since 2018 and live together in Birmingham.Ollie Watkins scores 90th minute winner vs Netherlands to put England into Euro 2024 FINALThey have two children together – Amara, two, and one-year-old Marley.Ellie was a regular sight in the stands in Germany for Euro 2024 as she supported Watkins, and it is the same at club level.Former Exeter and Brentford star Watkins bagged 27 goals and 13 assists to help Unai Emery’s Villa qualify for the Champions League.It is the first time the club are in Europe’s top club competition since it’s rebrand to the Champions League, with their last season among the elite coming back in 1982/83.That was one season after they won their maiden European title in Rotterdam by beating Bayern Munich 1-0 as Peter Withe scored the winner.Watkins was not the only England star to reveal his engagement to their partner following the Euros, with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen proposing to Dani Dyer after three years together.Watkins and Ellie both wore white for the engagement photosCredit: InstagramThey shared pictures of their beautiful venue to social mediaCredit: InstagramThe pics showed off the lake and the beautiful alpsCredit: InstagramWatkins captioned his post ‘future wifey’Credit: InstagramWatkins sent England into the Euro 2024 final with a last-minute goal against the Netherlands in the semi-finalCredit: Getty Images – GettyEllie was a regular sight in the stands as she supported himCredit: PAWatkins and Ellie have been dating since 2018 and they have two children togetherCredit: Instagram / @ellsaldersonEllie is an interior designerCredit: InstagramInside humble Ollie Watkins’ remarkable rise from non-league to England’s Euro 2024 heroNINE summers ago Ollie Watkins went on a lads’ holiday after helping to save Conference South side Weston-Super-Mare from relegation, writes Dan King.Now he’s just fired England into the Euro 2024 final with a sensational 90th-minute winner.And even helped Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League last season.Watkins arrived on the Somerset coast as a teenaged striker on loan from League Two Exeter in December 2014.His 10 goals in 24 league games were a big factor in stopping Weston from slipping into the sixth tier for the first time in their history – and in giving them something to celebrate on a post-season trip to Spain.But it was also his workrate and attitude that earned him the respect of the dressing room, and helped him take the first significant steps on the road to stardom.Ryan Northmore, boss of Weston at the time, said: “His goals saved the club from relegation. But he contributed much more than his goals, which is really important when you’re scrapping away for your lives.“He wasn’t just sat at the top of the pitch waiting for the ball to come. He would roll his sleeves up and get involved in all aspects of the game.”Days after joining, Watkins made an instant impact with an equaliser against Farnborough.Team-mate Tom Jordan said: “He always struck me as the kind of lad who had his eyes wide open to different aspects of the game.“Sometimes you would have loan lads come in from a League club to non-League and they would be looking at you like they were doing you a favour.“His attitude was very different. He was coming in thinking, ‘I’m going to learn from this experience’.”It was during Watkins’ spell at Weston that the then Walsall boss Dean Smith spotted him.Smith would later take the striker to Brentford and bring him to Villa, where he has reached new levels under current boss Unai Emery.But Watkins has never forgotten the part that Weston played in his rise to the top.One of his Villa shirts is on display there, he has spoken to young players coming through and happily tells the local press how important and enjoyable his time at the club was.And he even helped fund an end-of-season boys’ trip to Spain due to his fines for being late – although he was allowed to join the rest of the squad.Read all about Ollie Watkins’ incredible rise in full… More

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      Inside Gareth Southgate’s marriage to wife Alison who he wooed in Tesco car park… before she gave him a bold ultimatum

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      GARETH Southgate’s career has been marked by incredible highs and disappointing lows. However, one thing that has remained constant is his wife Alison’s unwavering support.Gareth Southgate has been married to his wife for over 30 yearsCredit: RexThe loved-up pair first met in the 90s when he was a trainee player with Crystal PalaceCredit: AFPThey have three kids together and live in a mansion near HarrogateCredit: Tim StewartThe couple, who have two kids together, have been together for 30 years and are still going strong. She was no doubt in his corner when he decided to quit as England’s manager after eight years in the role.In a statement, he said the position meant “everything” to him and spoke about how he joined the FA to make a change. He also thanked fans for their support.Before making his next move, Gareth, 53, is now settling back into a quiet life with Alison and their kids, who have been by his side throughout his triumphs and tribulations.READ MORE FEATURES She has been credited with helping him relax after intense matches, offering a shoulder to lean on when times get too tough.Here, we look at how their love story developed thanks to a Tesco car park – and a bold ultimatum that could have ended the relationship before it had even blossomed.An awkward startWhen Gareth first met Alson in his early 20s, he played with Crystal Palace as a trainee. She was working in a clothes shop in nearby Croydon.Although he knew he wanted to pursue a relationship with her, he couldn’t pluck up the courage to talk to her at the time as he was not confident about his looks. Most read in Euro 2024In 2020, he explained his struggles in an interview with The Guardian. He said: “It felt like a disaster before I’d even started.”All my peers seemed to so much more streetwise and I was just this kid from the suburbs with goofy teeth. Nothing about me was cool, and I felt like I’d never fit in.”When Gareth first met Alison, he was not confident enough to approach her as he was insecure about his looksCredit: ReutersFor years, Gareth was teased over his appearance, which affected his confidenceThey had to have their first dates in a Tesco car park to ensure her ex wouldn’t find outCredit: Times Newspapers LtdHe had also been teased about his nose for years, contributing to his low confidence.In Gareth’s book Woody & Nord: A Football Friendship, he detailed how he would hang around the shop Alison was working in, pretending to look for clothes. He even enlisted the help of the owner of an Italian restaurant he and Alison both frequented. He acted as the middle man between the pair.After two years, Gareth finally plucked the courage to ask her out. To his disappointment, she was in a relationship and was living with her boyfriend at the time.But when he heard that Alison had broken up with her partner, Gareth swooped in and gave her his number. Fortunately for him, she called that night.During the early stages of their romance, the pair had their dates in the car park of their local Tesco supermarket.This was reporetedly to ensure Alison’s ex wouldn’t catch wind of her blossoming relationship.Southgate’s England legacy should be celebrated, not torn downBy Tom BarclayGareth Southgate claimed that only winning Sunday’s final would earn England the respect of the footballing world.Spain proved a last-gasp comeback too far in Berlin, but defeat did not change the fact that Southgate’s eight-year transformation put respect back into the world of England football.Critics will pick apart his cautious tactics, his selection choices and his record in the most high-pressurised games – with some legitimacy.Yet what is quickly forgotten is the laughing stock our national side had become before he took over in 2016.A shambolic Euros exit to Iceland that summer had been followed up by Sam Allardyce quitting just one game into his tenure thanks to his pint of wine with undercover reporters.Then came Southgate, with his decency, his humility, his understated eloquence and his vision for a better, different future.He had analysed why England had so often failed in the past, from lack of preparation at penalty shoot-outs to players being bored out of their minds during major tournaments.Southgate took those findings and implemented a culture where players wanted to play for their country again – and it led to back-to-back finals for the first time in our history.Instead of going to war with the media, he opened his doors to them and discovered, shock, horror, that it was met, generally, with support. It did not stop him from being criticised when required – we are no cheerleaders, here – but the vitriol of yesteryear – or today on social media – was largely gone.No manager is perfect and neither was Southgate. We cannot pretend his teams played like those of Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp.But in the fullness of time, his feats will likely be revered because the results speak for themselves.Hopefully his successor can go one step further and bring football home. To do that, they must show respect to what Southgate has created and build on it, rather than rip it down.To read more from Tom Barclay click HERE. Dramatic ultimatumThey married in a low-key ceremony at his parents’ church in Crawley, West SussexCredit: GettyBefore they wed, Alison issued an ultimatum when he was transferred to Aston VillaCredit: RexWhen Gareth was transferred to Aston Villa, Alison supported the move but was not thrilled about the idea of a long-distance relationship.As a result, she issued an ultimatum that could have altered the course of their relationship. She insisted that she move to Birmingham with him or the relationship ends.He agreed, but not everyone was thrilled with the idea. His parents were skeptical about it since they had only met Alison once.Gareth explained: “[They] found it hard to believe that a son who had been so methodical, logical, and weighed up everything would behave so capriciously.”But she was able to prove to them that she was invested in the relationship for the long haul.The pair tied the knot in a small ceremony in Crawley, West Sussex. They married at Gareth’s parents’ local church, a ceremony devoid of the usual hype surrounding high-profile footballers’ weddings.The wedding had to be planned carefully as it was scheduled between the World Cup and the European Championship.Southgate’s England recordHere is a look at Gareth Southgate’s record as England manager.Overall recordGames: 102Wins: 61Draws: 24Losses: 17Goals scored: 213Goals conceded: 72Plush £3.7m padGareth says his family help him deal with the disappointing results on the pitchCredit: instagram/miasouthgateGareth and Alison have two kids – Mia, 24, and Flynn, 20. Their family home is Swinsty Hall, a huge Grade I-listed Elizabethan mansion in Middlesbrough that cost £3.75million. The family have been a huge hit with neighbours who have praised their down-to-earth and relatable demeanour. Alison has consistently supported Gareth’s football career. She has been seen in the stands cheering on his team – despite the fact that she’s not even particularly a football fan.In an interview with the Mail, Gareth’s father said: “Actually, I don’t think Alison likes football very much. Obviously, she has to take an interest because it’s Gareth’s job, and she is always very supportive.”She will sometimes go to Wembley for an international game – but not during the school term because she always puts the children first.”Gareth also credits his family for helping him overcome disappointments on the pitch. He said: “On Saturday evening, our children are not too bothered whether Dad’s team have won or lost. “Neither does Alison fret too much about football, and this is how I like it. Regardless of the result, it is up to me to ensure that no one’s evening is ruined because of things that happened on a football field. “The agonising waits until Alison and the kids are asleep.”Odds on next England bossHere are the latest odds from Ladbrokes:Here are the latest odds from Ladbrokes:Graham Potter – 11/10Eddie Howe – 2/1Mauricio Pochettino – 4/1Jurgen Klopp – 10/1Lee Carsley – 10/1Pep Guardiola – 14/1Ange Postecoglou – 16/1Michael Carrick – 20/1Steven Gerrard – 20/1Thomas Tuchel – 20/1In an with the Evening Standard, he spoke about how his family’s support keeps him grounded.”Over the last couple of weeks I’ve just had a nice time spending it with the family though, and for me that’s important because my kids are 18 and 14, and their development is as important for me as anything else in my life”, he said. “You do have to try to find a balance because my focus inevitably gets drawn towards making this team as successful as we can and driving them to be the best team in the world, but I’m also a dad and a husband.”Rebekah Vardy, who is married to England player Jamie Vardy, praised Gareth for promoting family values within the England squad. She said: “He’s got the right idea of the team mentality. He’s really relaxed with the players and he makes an effort with all of the families. “He really encourages family days after games, which relaxes the players. It brings a bit of normality in.”And it appears that when Alison does not have her hands full with her family and campaigning for human rights, she doubles as Gareth’s stylist.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn May, while talking to GQ about his hair, he said: “I’ll have one more hair cut before we go [to Germany for the Euros], I think, because my hair gets a little bit curly, which I don’t like.”Plus my wife says I haven’t got the features to have it really short.”He has been praised for encouraging the England team to spend more time with their familiesCredit: Paul Edwards – The SunAlison has often been seen in an embrace with Gareth after intense gamesCredit: Rex Features More