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    First pics of world’s biggest football stadium emerge with incredible roof design as 115,000-seater will host World Cup

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    THE first pictures of an amazing 115,000-seater stadium expected to host the 2030 World Cup have been released.The major tournament six years away is set to go global and be held across three continents.Stunning images of the Grand Stade Hassan II have been releasedCredit: SPAIt is set to have an incredible capacity of 115,000Credit: SPAMorocco hope to see it given the nod to host the World Cup final in 2030Credit: SPAFifa have confirmed Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the co-hosts – with the opening three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay to celebrate the World Cup’s 100th anniversary. Morocco want to be the setting for the final and have plans to build the biggest football stadium on the planet.And computer generated images of what the jaw-dropping arena named the Grand Stade Hassan II might look like have been revealed after a meeting with organising committees.The stunning design’s inspiration comes from traditional Moroccan “Moussem tents”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the stadium also incorporates “layered overlapping planes and peeling planar texture of the native acacia tree.”It will be designed by architects Populous – who are famous for their work on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Lusail Stadium, which hosted the last World Cup final in Qatar.Local architects Oualalou + Choi are also involved in the project.The Grand Stade Hassan II will be located in Casablanca. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd preparation work has already begun at a 100-hectare site in the town of El Mansouria near Benslimane Airport after the approval of public financing in October.An estimated £400million is set to be spent on building the state-of-the-art stadium and improving surrounding infrastructure.Real Madrid’s stadium looks unrecognisable as it prepares for ‘never-before-seen’ presentation of Kylian MbappeThere is hope the stunning new ground will be completed in 2028.Morocco’s national team will play there as will the nation’s two largest clubs Raja CA and Wydad AC in a ground share.The largest stadium in the world is currently the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea, which has space for 114,000 fans.This felt like our time… but keep Gareth’s culture and we can win it in 2026 instead, writes Jack WilshereIT will take a while for me and every England fan to get over this, writes Jack Wilshere.To come so close to winning that trophy, only to be beaten in a second Euros final in a row, is a huge disappointment.Especially when it really felt like this was our time.It seemed that everything was coming together for us to end the long wait for a major title.But Spain deserved it. They were the better team in the final and the best team of the tournament.We will all — supporters, players, coaches, the FA — have to move on and go again.Because English football is still in a good position.Gareth Southgate has taken us to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final in four tournaments. We have never produced a run like that before.The challenge now is to maintain this level of competitiveness and make England even better.Southgate and his staff have done a fantastic job in changing the whole environment and narrative around the national team.Now Gareth is gone, the wider culture he has put in place must be preserved.This tournament was the biggest test of that culture the team had to go through.They overcame the problems and went all the way, only to fall at the final hurdle.But there is every reason to believe we can challenge at the World Cup in 2026 and beyond.We’ve got a really good group of players, many of them young, who can go on playing and performing for England for years.Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — to name just five — have plenty more tournaments in them.This tournament will also be an inspiration for the next generations of players. Unfortunately there isn’t the trophy lift to take that to a completely different level.But England have delivered moments in Germany that will be replayed forever.The Bellingham overhead kick and Ollie Watkins’ semi-final winner will be recreated in playgrounds and cages up and down the country.What I would like to see now is England continuing to develop, to become a team that can consistently dominate opponents and can give a real identity to English football.We now have players who are comfortable on the ball and technically very good.The biggest disappointment of the tournament was that we didn’t see that as often as we would have liked. That leaves us with a ‘what if?’ feeling.England must not lose that old-school mentality of finding a way to win even when you’re not playing well — that never-say-die spirit which got us through this Euros more than once.But the next step is to allow other qualities to shine through, to give the players that our system is creating the platform to show  everything they can do.The job for me and for other coaches is to keep producing players that are comfortable on the ball and understand how to perform under pressure at a high level.English football is in a good place but we need to keep going. Then we will finally get over the line.Real all of SunSport columnist Jack Wilshere’s Euro 2024 columns… More

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      Who is Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte and how long has she been married to the England and Newcastle United defender?

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      KIERAN TRIPPIER is set to feature for England at Euro 2024 this summer.But who is the Three Lions star’s wife Charlotte and how long and the couple been married? Here’s everything you need to know… Charlotte and Kieran Trippier celebrate at the FIFA World CupCredit: Getty – ContributorWho is Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte?Charlotte Trippier is one of the more private England WAGs, stating in her Instagram bio “fam and friends”.While she keeps her life away from the public eye, she does also state that she’s “a princess who has found her prince.”The striking brunette is often seen on the sidelines cheering on her husband.How long has Charlotte been married to Kieran Trippier?It is thought that the pair met when they were younger.Kieran proposed to Charlotte in Cyprus on June 6, 2015.The couple then married in June the following year.However, it was reported that Trippier’s £3.8million family home is on sale — amid rumours of a break-up.His six-bed mansion in Morpeth, Northumberland, has been marked as “new” in a listing by high-end agent Sanderson Young.Charlotte posted a cryptic message on Instagram before it was deleted.She also unfollowed her husband on the social media platform.Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte ‘in Naples looking for schools’ ahead of Spurs ace’s proposed Napoli transferCharlotte posted on Instagram: “’Sooner or later you get over the s*** you swore you’d never get over and it’s the best feeling in the world.”The mum of three has not flown to Germany to support the Three Lions alongside the other Wags.Last year Trippier was filmed getting close to a blonde woman in a Newcastle karaoke bar where he was with teammates celebrating the team’s qualification for the Champions League.In the footage, he wrapped his arms around the mystery woman and then picked her up by the bottom as the crowd belted out a karaoke tune. Charlotte has not joined Kieran this year at the EurosDo they have any children?The pair have three children together.They welcomed their adorable son Jacob in December 2016. Daughter Esme Rose was born in February 2020.And the newest addition to their family was in 2022 when they welcomed their third baby.Jacob has been spotted on the sidelines of the pitch, watching his dad play and all three of his kids could be in attendance in Germany this summer. More

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      What are the lyrics to Denmark’s national anthem Der er et yndigt land? Plus what the Danish song words mean in English?

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      WITH everyone hoping to get involved in Euro 2024 SunSport have been taking a look at the participating countries’ national anthems.Denmark will be hoping to build on a fantastic Euro 2020 campaign which saw them reach the semi-finals, losing 2-1 to England by taking the pitch again for Euro 2024.Christian Eriksen will be key to Denmark in Euro 2024Credit: GettyDenmark beat France twice during the Nations LeagueCredit: ReutersDenmark have made it to successive Euro 2024 knockout stages for the first time following three draws in Group C.Christian Eriksen has made the scoresheet in the opener against Slovenia.Denmark go toe to toe with Germany Saturday 29 and Danish fans are hoping they can go all the way to repeat their winning history of Euro 1992.Read More on Euro 2024What are the lyrics to Denmark’s national anthem?Der er et yndigt land translates to ‘There is a lovely country’ in English.The lyrics were written in 1819 by poet Adam Oehlenschläger, and the anthem boasts Denmark’s beautiful nature and rich history.At the World Cup, only the first verse and last lines of the fourth verse were sung, with the last line of each repeated once.But we thought we’d treat you to the lot for Euro 2024.Most read in Euro 2024Verse 1Der er et yndigt land,det står med brede bøgenær salten østerstrandnær salten østerstrand|Det bugter sig i bakke, dal,det hedder gamle Danmarkog det er Frejas salVerse 2 Der sad i fordums tiddeharniskklædte kæmper,udhvilede fra stridudhvilede fra strid|Så drog de frem til fjenders mén,nu hvile deres benebag højens bautastenVerse 3 Det land endnu er skønt,thi blå sig søen bælter,og løvet står så grøntog løvet står så grønt|Og ædle kvinder, skønne mø’rog mænd og raske svendebebo de danskes øerbebo de danskes øerHow to watch Euro 2024Both ITV and BBC will be showing matches, with the decision on who is hosting what games already decided for the group stages — you can see a list of the confirmed TV picks of remaining games for each broadcaster below:All the games will also be available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX respectively.24-Jun Albania v Spain 8pm BBC24-Jun Croatia v Italy 8pm BBC25-Jun Netherland v Austria 5pm BBC25-Jun France v Poland 5pm BBC25-Jun England v Slovenia 8pm ITV25-Jun Denmark v Serbia 8pm ITV26-Jun Slovakia v Romania 5pm BBC26-Jun Ukraine v Belgium 5pm BBC26-Jun Georgia v Portugal 8pm ITV26-Jun Czech Republic v Turkey 8pm ITVTV for the knockout rounds of the tournament will be announced in due course.Verse 4Hil drot og fædreland!Hil hver en danneborger,som virker, hvad han kan!som virker, hvad han kan!Vort gamle Danmark skal bestå,så længe bøgen spejlersin top i bølgen blåsin top i bølgen blåWhat are the lyrics to Denmark’s national anthem in English?Verse 1There’s a beautiful countryIt stands with wide beechesNear the salty eastern beachesNear the salty eastern beachesIt bays in the back and valleyIt’s called Old DenmarkAnd it it Freya’s hallVerse 2Who sat in former timesThe armour dressed fightersRested from the fightRested from the fightthen went up to the enemies injuryNow resting their legsBehind the menhir of the hillsVerse 3The country that’s still greatbecause blue is the sea that wavesand the foliage is so greenand the foliage is so greenand noble women and beautiful virginsand men and healthy swainsinhabit the islands of the danishinhabit the islands of the danishVerse 4READ MORE SUN STORIESHail king and motherlandHail any Danish citizenwho gives what he canwho gives what he canOur old Denmark will endureas long as the beech-tree mirrorsits treetop in the blue wavesits treetop in the blue wavesHow to watch Euro 2024Euro 2024 will be shown live on BBC and ITV this summer.You can live stream all the action from the BBC iPlayer or the ITV X app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Games are FREE to watch, so long as you have a valid TV licence. More

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      What are the lyrics to the Switzerland national anthem and what do they mean translated to English?

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      SWITZERLAND have impressed in the 2024 Euros and have found themselves in the knockout stages.Before each game they begin by singing the national anthem, but what is it?Switzerland are through to the next stage of the 2024 EurosCredit: GettyWhat are the lyrics to Switzerland’s national anthem? The Swiss side, like the rest of the nations involved in the tournament, belt out their national anthem before games to try and inspire themselves to victory.The anthem, named the Swiss Psalm, references the famous alps and depicts the scene of Switzerland. The song was was composed in 1841, but not officially declared the nation’s anthem until 1981. Here’s what it means: Verse 1 When the morning skies grow redAnd over us their radiance shedThou, O Lord, appeareth in their light!When the alps glow bright with splendour,Pray to God, to Him surrender!For you feel and understandThat God dwelleth in this land.That God, the Lord, dwelleth in this land.Verse 2In the sunset Thou art nightAnd beyond the starry skyThou, O loving father, ever near!When to Heaven we are departingJoy and bliss Thou’lt be imparting!For we feel and understandThat God dwelleth in this land.That God, the Lord, dwelleth in this land.Most read in FootballVerse 3When dark clouds enshroud the hillsAnd gray mist the valley fillsYet Thou art not hidden from thy sons!Pierce the gloom in which we cowerWith Thy sunshine’s cleansing powerThen we’ll feel and understandThat God dwelleth in this land.That God, the Lord, dwelleth in this land.Watch as Switzerland supporter is smacked in face by ball but fans can’t get over Scot’s reaction in front of himVerse 4Towards us in the wild storm coming,You yourself give us resistance and stronghold,You, almighty ruling, rescuing!During horror and nights of thunderstormsLet us childlike trust Him!Yes, we feel and understand,That God dwelleth in this land.That God, the Lord, dwelleth in this land.Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.But who is the sexiest?Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story. More

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      Who is Euro 2024 and Champions League referee Clement Turpin?

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      THERE will be a familiar face in the middle during Euro 2024 this summer.Clement Turpin, known for officiating in the Champions League, is taking charge of England vs Slovenia on Tuesday, June 25. Clement Turpin is one of Europe’s most respected refereesCredit: ReutersWho is Clement Turpin?Clement Turpin is one of the most experienced whistlers at Euro 2024.The Frenchman began in the National League in 2006, taking just two years to reach Ligue 1, the highest rung in the domestic ladder.In 2010 he was given Fifa listed status, meaning he could branch out into Europe.Since then he has reffed in 2014 and 2018 World Cup qualifiers and was in the middle during Euro 2016 in his home country.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Turpin is a hugely experienced referee and has previously taken charge of both a Champions League (2022) and Europa League final (2021).He will be joined by assistants Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pages in Germany this summer.The official previously spoke about how he never expected to take charge of such important games when he was beginning his career.He explained: “I never said to myself that I would referee a European final one day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“From the start, I preferred to set myself small targets and challenges along the way.”I’ve never had a particular role model as a referee, but I’ve watched other referees and taken little bits of what they do and incorporated them into my own refereeing.”Gareth Southgate needs to take urgent action to avoid Euro 2024 disaster – here’s how England should line up vs SloveniaSome of you may think that Turpin looks familiar despite not even knowing his name.That could be because a lot of supporters have likened his appearance to that of Arsenal and Belgium star Leandro Trossard.When he took charge of the 2024 Champions League semi-final clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, fans took to social media to joke that at least onE Arsenal player had made it through.One fan posted: “Leandro Trossard has made the #UCL semi-finals…” Turpin has refereed the Europa League and Champions League finals beforeCredit: PAAnother wrote: “Dude’s on fire, deserved spot in the semis.”A third said: “Wait a minute!! The referee is Trossard.”A fourth joked: “Why is Trossard refereeing?”While a further fan added: “This ref gotta be Trossard’s father.”Full list of main referees at Euro 2024What Euros matches has Clement Turpin refereed?Turpin was in charge for the opening match of Euro 2024, when hosts Germany thrashed Scotland 5-1.He is back in action when he officiates England vs Slovenia on Thursday, June 25.He will be assisted by his French team of Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pages, with Jérôme Brisard as Video Assistant Referee (VAR). More

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      What are the lyrics to Portugal’s national anthem ‘A Portuguesa’?

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      PORTUGAL’S national anthem is a marching song which was adopted by the country’s new Republic in 1911.And you can guarantee that it will be proudly belted out before every match they play in Euro 2024.Portugal players singing their national anthem prior to kicking off their Euro 2024 group stage match against TurkeyCredit: GettyWhat are the lyrics to Portugal’s national anthem “A Portuguesa”?Verse 1Heróisdo mar, nobre povo,Naçao valente, imortal,Levantai hoje de novoOs esplendor de PortugalEntre as brumas da memória.Ó Pátria sente-se a vozDos teus egrégios avósQue há-de guiar-te à vitória.Chorus:Às armas! Às armas!Sobre a terra, sobre o mar!Às armas! Às armas!Pela Pátria lutar!Contra os canhões marchar, marchar!Verse 2Desfralda a invicta bandeiraÀ luz viva do teu céuBrade à Europa à terra inteiraPortugal não pereceu!Beija o solo teu jucundoO oceano a rujir d’amor;E o teu braço vencedorDeu mundos novos ao mundo!Chorus:Às armas! Às armas!Sobre a terra, sobre o mar!Às armas! Às armas!Pela Pátria lutar!Contra os canhões marchar, marchar!READ MORE ON EURO 2024Verse 3Saudai o sol que despontaSobre um ridente porvir;Seja o eco d’uma afrontaO sinal de ressurgir.Ráios d’essa aurora forteSão como beijos de mãeQue nos guardam, nos sustêm,Contra as injúrias da sorteChorus:Às armas! Às armas!Sobre a terra, sobre o mar!Às armas! Às armas!Pela Pátria lutar!Contra os canhões marchar, marchar!Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Costa, Pepe and Ruben Dias proudly singing their anthemCredit: GettyWhat are the lyrics to Portugal’s national anthem in English?Verse 1Heroes of the sea, noble race,Valiant and immortal nation,Rise up once againThe splendor of Portugal.Out of the mists of memory,Oh Homeland, we hear the voicesOf your great forefathersThat shall lead you on to victory!Chorus:To arms, to armsOn land and sea!To arms, to armsTo fight for our Homeland!To march against the enemy guns!Most read in FootballVerse 2Unfurl the unconquerable flagIn the bright light of your sky!Cry out all Europe and the worldThat Portugal has not perished.Your happy land is kissedBy the Ocean that murmurs with love.And your conquering armHas given new worlds to the world!Chorus:To arms, to armsOn land and sea!To arms, to armsTo fight for our Homeland!To march against the enemy guns!Verse 3Salute the Sun that risesOn a smiling future:Let the echo of an insult beThe signal for our revival.The rays of that powerful dawnAre like a mother’s kissesThat protect us and support usAgainst the insults of fate.Chorus:To arms, to armsOn land and sea!To arms, to armsTo fight for our Homeland!To march against the enemy guns!Who composed the Portuguese national anthem?In 1890, the British gave the Portuguese an ultimatum about its African colonies, igniting the Portuguese nationalist movement.When the news broke that Portugal’s monarch and government had agreed to Britain’s terms, composer Alfredo Keil furiously put pen to paper.A patriotic protest march was the result, and this is where the music for ‘A Portuguese’ came from.Who is the lyricist to the Portuguese national anthem?The lyrics of ‘A Portugese’ were written by Henrique Lopes de Mendonça.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was a Portuguese poet, writer and naval officer.Henrique was friends with the composer Alfredo Keil, who wrote the anthem’s music.How to watch Euro 2024Both ITV and BBC will be showing matches, with the decision on who is hosting what games already decided for the group stages — you can see a list of the confirmed TV picks of remaining games for each broadcaster below:
      All the games will also be available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX respectively.

      22-Jun Georgia v Czech Republic 2pm BBC
      22-Jun Turkey v Portugal 5pm ITV
      22-Jun Belgium v Romania 8pm ITV
      23-Jun Switzerland v Germany 8pm BBC
      23-Jun Scotland v Hungary 8pm BBC
      24-Jun Albania v Spain 8pm BBC
      24-Jun Croatia v Italy 8pm BBC
      25-Jun Netherland v Austria 5pm BBC
      25-Jun France v Poland 5pm BBC
      25-Jun England v Slovenia 8pm ITV
      25-Jun Denmark v Serbia 8pm ITV
      26-Jun Slovakia v Romania 5pm BBC
      26-Jun Ukraine v Belgium 5pm BBC
      26-Jun Georgia v Portugal 8pm ITV
      26-Jun Czech Republic v Turkey 8pm ITV

      TV for the knockout rounds of the tournament will be announced in due course. More

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      What is wolf game? Card game that England have been playing at Euro 2024

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      A CARD game may well be the secret to England’s success at Euro 2024.The Three Lions opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Serbia – although Gareth Southgate’s men were far from their best.Jude Bellingham revealed his celebration against Serbia was in tribute to the card game WerewolfJude Bellingham scored the only goal of the game and whipped out a celebration not many had seen before.And the Real Madrid star revealed that a card game was behind the celebration – and it’s one that England have played since at least the 2022 World Cup.What is Werewolf and how do you play it?Speaking after their opening Euro 2024 game, Bellingham revealed that his celebration was because one of the England staff members always pulls the face.Bellingham was talking about Werewolf. He said: “When we play Wolf, one of the staff loves loves that face when he doesn’t have a clue what’s going on.”That was a group celebration for the Wolf, the Wolf crew.”It is a card game which requires strategic thinking to come out on top and the objective of the game is to identify and kill the werewolves amongst the villagers.Werewolf takes place over a series of game rounds and each round has two phases – day and night.Most read in Euro 2024During the day, the village discusses who they think is guilty and during the night, players can use special powers while the werewolves make their kill.Players start by shuffling and dealing out the game cards, making sure to include two werewolves, a Doctor, and a Seer card. There are also wild cards that can be played such as the Drunk, the Witch, and the Alpha Werewolf. It starts off in the night phase where the moderator has the werewolves choose a victim, the Doctor is allowed to save one person, and the Seer gets to make a guess on the person they suspect of being a werewolf. When the night round concludes, the day round starts and the players discuss their characters before taking a vote on who they believe is a werewolf. That player is then killed and the night round begins again. The game continues until either the werewolves or the villagers win.What has been said about Werewolf?During the 2022 World Cup, Harry Kane admitted that it is a good way to build the team chemistry and a large group of the squad get involved.During the 2022 World Cup Harry Kane revealed that Werewolf is good for team bondingCredit: GettyKane said at the time: “There about 16 or 17 of us that play Wolf and it is a great way to kill some time. It also helps with team bonding.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips also revealed it’s a game you can enjoy by just watching.Phillips said: “It’s definitely one you can watch as it’s quite funny and even if I’m not around there, when they get somebody out. You can hear them cheering by the pool.” More

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      Who is Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson and how long has she been dating the England and Arsenal star?

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      BUKAYO SAKA is one of England’s very best players and will be a key man in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 plans this summer.The Arsenal star appears to have some further support off the pitch too, dating long-term partner Tolami Benson who will be cheering him on in Germany.Tolami Benson on her InstagramCredit: InstagramTolami Benson in the stands to watch Saka at Euro 2024Who is Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson?Tolami Benson is 23-years of age, making her one year older than Bukayo Saka.Benson, who has 47,000 Instagram followers, is regularly spotted on social media relaxing on holiday, sometimes with the Arsenal ace by her side.She is also quite the Gunners fan, posting pictures of herself in the shirt as well as following the club on Instagram.Tolami Benson wears an Arsenal jersey on her InstagramCredit: InstagramHow long have they been dating?The pair are thought to have started dating in late 2020 but have kept their relationship secret until recently.They do not share pictures of them together, and don’t even follow each other on social media.Most read in Euro 2024Dating rumours started when Benson posted a picture with someone in a mask back in 2021.Tolami Benson on Instagram, with who fans believe is Bukayo SakaCredit: InstagramTheir romance was later uncovered by fans in February 2022, when the pair shared individual photos of themselves on a yacht in Dubai.However, neither are yet to actually confirm their relationship.Most recently Tomali has shared snaps of herself at the Emirates Stadium alongside the partners of Arsenal stars Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Ben White. More

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      England’s best players who missed out on playing in major tournaments including Le Tissier, Gazza and Grealish

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE isn’t the first England manager to have made some brutal selection decisions.The Three Lions boss, 53, raised eyebrows last week by leaving the likes of Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire out of his final Euro 2024 squad.Jack Grealish was surprisingly cut from the England squadCredit: GettyWhenever a major tournament comes around, fans eagerly pick over which stars should and shouldn’t get the nod from the powers that be.Last time out in Qatar, Fikayo Tomori, Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse suffered the heartache of falling at the final hurdle.While at Euro 2020, it was Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard who received the last-minute chop.Along with Grealish and Maguire, Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Maddison, Curtis Jones and James Trafford also missed out on this summer’s tournament.Read More on FootballWith Euro 2024 kicking off, let’s take a walk down memory lane to consider seven previous stars who surprisingly missed out.RIO FERDINANDIn 2012, aged 33, it’s fair to say Rio was past the peak of his powers.However, he did still offer a wise and experienced head at the back, and had come off a decent season for Manchester United.But Ferdinand was left “gutted” to have been left out of England’s Euro 2012 squad.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManager Roy Hodgson explained the decision was made for footballing reasons, but Ferdinand’s omission did avoid any potential conflict with the selected John Terry, who months later faced allegations in court that he racially abused Rio’s brother, Anton.”I admire Rio Ferdinand as a player,” Hodgson explained. “I think he’s a fine footballer and I respect him, but I had to pick a squad with defenders I wanted to take to the Euros.”Phil Jones and Joleon Lescott got nods ahead of Ferdinand.Meet the ten Wags ready to stun at Euro 2024Rio Ferdinand was snubbed from the Euro 2012 squadCredit: Getty Images – GettyPAUL GASCOIGNEEx-England boss Glenn Hoddle once described it as the “saddest thing he ever had to do.”After Gazza was instrumental in helping his country in the qualifiers, he was told he wouldn’t be going to France ’98.The hero two years earlier at Euro ’96, Gascoigne was given an ultimatum about his fitness. But Hoddle felt he just wasn’t up to it.According to reports, Gazza smashed up Hoddle’s hotel room when he was told the news.The mercurial midfielder was never picked for England again.Gazza was reportedly furious when Glenn Hoddle told him he wouldn’t be picked for the 1998 World CupCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENTPAUL MERSONAlthough Merse got the nod ahead of Gazza for France ’98, he could count himself unlucky not to have gone to Italia ’90.In fine fine form at Arsenal, and only 22, the ‘Magic Man’ won the PFA Young Player of the Year Award in 1989.But Bobby Robson only picked three forwards for the World Cup, with the striking positions being taken by Gary Lineker, Peter Beardsley and Steve Bull.Nine midfielders were selected, including Bryan Robson, who struggled with injury and missed the majority of the competition. and a relatively unknown Gazza.England Euro 2024 guideGARETH SOUTHGATE is under no illusions coming into this competition – it is win or bust.
      The Three Lions have never had a better opportunity to end their 58-year wait for a major international trophy given the talent and experience they have in their armoury.
      MANAGER: Gareth Southgate
      The former England star has come closer than anyone since Sir Alf Ramsey to ending the Three Lions’ trophy hoodoo.
      Southgate is aware that the nations expects, and has even suggested he will quit if he doesn’t deliver the European Championship.
      STAR MAN: Jude Bellingham
      The Real Madrid star is arguably the world’s best player at the moment and gives England the platform they need to dominate big games.
      How England attack
      England will look to dominate the ball against almost everybody.
      Declan Rice is crucial in progressing the ball, Bellingham, Saka and Foden will rotate to pull defenders out of position and Kane can both score and drop deep to provide chances for others.
      How England defend
      England press man-to-man with the midfield pushing up to support Kane when the ball is lost and look to win it as close to the opposition goal as possible.
      However, the left-back spot could be a cause for concern, particularly with Luke Shaw entering the tournament with fitness worries.
      Read the full England Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags.

      In 1989 Paul Merson was the best young player in the country, but that didn’t get him an England call-up a year later for Italia ’90Credit: GettyPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

      MATT LE TISSIERArguably the most talented footballer of his generation, it’s criminal Matt Le Tissier didn’t get the international recognition he deserved.Possibly because he played for an unfashionable club in Southampton at the time – that might’ve been why he was overlooked.But the Saints legend only managed eight caps in his career, despite scoring 209 goals for his club.Had England qualified for the 1994 World Cup, he might’ve had a chance of being selected.He was also overlooked for the 1998 World Cup, even after impressing in an England B game against Russia – scoring a hat-trick.A hat-trick playing England B against Russia wasn’t enough to earn Matt Le Tissier a place in the squad for the 1998 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers LtdTONY ADAMSExperience, perhaps, wasn’t on Mr Arsenal’s side when Bobby Robson was selecting his Italia ’90 squad.And the formation wouldn’t have been to the Gunners legend’s strengths – playing in a back three, when he was used to a flat back four in North London.Adams’ spot went to Mark Wright, a more cultured sweeper who could bring the ball out of defence better than his counterpart.At Euro ’92, Martin Keown and Des Walker were the preferred two. However, Adams was restored to the first team before Euro ’96, where he had an outstanding tournament.Tony Adams wasn’t selected for Italia ’90 or Euro ’92, but was picked in subsequent tournaments afterCredit: GettyJERMAIN DEFOEIn 2014, it was a close call in the striking positions for a partner for Wayne Rooney.In fairness to Roy Hodgson, Jermain Defoe didn’t do himself any favours by moving to the MLS to play for Toronto months before the squad was decided.Rickie Lambert, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge were picked instead, leaving Defoe devastated.”I don’t think I’ll ever be at peace [with the decision],” the striker said at the time.Jermain Defoe was omitted from the 2014 World Cup squad by Roy Hodgson in favour of Rickie LambertCredit: Getty Images – GettyLAURIE CUNNINGHAMGood enough for Real Madrid, but not for England.Winger Laurie Cunningham, whose life was tragically cut short at 33 in a car crash, joined Los Blancos after starring at West Brom for £950,000 in 1979.In doing so, he became the first British footballer to move to the LaLiga giants.However, Ron Greenwood completely snubbed him from his Euro 1980 squad.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe following season, Cunningham made the squad for the qualifiers, after bitter negotiations with Real Madrid.But after appearing as a sub in a 2-1 defeat to Romania, he would never wear an England jersey again.The late Laurie Cunningham found himself on the periphery of the England squad, despite starring for Real MadridCredit: PAJack Wilshere’s England XI vs SerbiaSunSport columnist Jack Wilshere wants Engand to start with just one holding midfielder – Declan Rice.

      That means playing Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in attacking midfield roles, with Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka on the wings, either side of Harry Kane up top.
      Wilshere said: “In the group stage against teams we should beat, we can  afford to be more expansive, let’s attack.
      “It wasn’t that long ago we were saying we didn’t have the Spanish-type of players who can dominate the ball, now we have.
      “So let’s try to utilise that, dominate the ball and go for goals.”
      And the ex-England midfielder wants Trent Alexander-Arnold to get the nod at right-back, with Kyle Walker centre-back.
      He added: “If you play Trent at right-back and he drifts in midfield, he can switch the play at speed. Walker’s pace will get you out of trouble.”
      Read more from Jack Wilshere during Euro 2024. More