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

    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

    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

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    The grim fate of ‘psychic octopus’ that perfectly predicted World Cup results

    RABIO THE OCTOPUS met an unfortunate fate following its predictions heroics during the 2018 World Cup.Having been caught in the Japanese town of Obira, Rabio was enlisted to try to predict the Samurai Blue’s group stage results.Rabio the Octopus correctly predicted Japan’s 2018 World Cup resultsCredit: Golders / HitotoincRabio made headlines around the world before meeting a grim fateCredit: Golders / wasabinori1The octopus was tasked with swimming into one of three boxes in a pool, each labelled with either a Japanese win, defeat or draw.Rabio went on to successfully predict a Japanese triumph over Colombia in their opening game.After goals by Shinji Kagawa and Yuya Osako inspired Japan to a 2-1 victory, Rabio was enlisted again to conjure up an outcome for their second game against Senegal.The divine octopus went for a draw this time, and was proven right yet again when the match finished 2-2.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Rabio then went for a defeat to Poland, which subsequently came true when Jan Bednarek’s goal earned the Poles a 1-0 win.Japan’s group stage results saw them earn a place in the round of 16.Sadly, however, Rabio was not around to make any knockout round predictions.After the octopus’ exploits made headlines around the world, fisherman Kimio Abe went on to reveal that he had sold Rabio to market, where he went on to become seafood.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAbe subsequently enlisted the services of a new octopus, Rabio Jr, to try to predict the rest of the tournament.He told Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun at the time: “I’m glad that all the forecasts turned out correct and Japan moved on to the knockout stage.Octopus picks SpainEURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT”I hope Rabio’s successor will accurately tip the results of all games and Japan will win the World Cup.”Unfortunately things did not turn out that way, with Japan famously surrendering a two-goal lead to Belgium, with Nacer Chadli scoring a 94th minute winner following a sensational counter-attack.Rabio Jr’s predictions didn’t appear to match up with its predecessors, with the younger octopus never gaining the same level of fame.Back in 2010, Paul the Octopus gathered notoriety for his predictions.After getting the correct outcome four times in six attempts during Euro 2008, Paul honed his skills for the 2010 World Cup.He went eight for eight during the South Africa tournament, right up to Spain’s win over the Netherlands in the final.Paul sadly died in October 2010 at Sea Life Centre in Oberhausen, Germany.Paul the Octopus correctly predicted 8/8 results at the 2010 World CupCredit: AFP More

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    Forgotten Chelsea flop lashes out and throws boots away after being subbed in World Cup qualifier

    CHELSEA flop Hakim Ziyech threw his boots on the floor in a huge tantrum after being substituted. The attacking midfielder was in action for Morocco in a 2-1 World Cup qualification win over Zambia. Hakim Ziyech raged after being subbed off during Morocco’s clash against ZambiaThe Chelsea ace trudged off the pitch and threw his boots on the floorHe has been slammed by fansZiyech opened the scoring from the spot after six minutes but was subbed off an hour later.And the 31-year-old reacted furiously to being replaced by Soufiane Rahimi.Ziyech threw his arms into the air in anger and trudged off the pitch.Team-mates like former Wolves star Romain Saiss went in for a hug but were brushed aside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLZiyech then made another frustrated gesture towards manager Walid Regragui before slumping into his seat in the dugout.But his strop did not stop there as he took off his boots and slammed them on the floor.Fans hit out at his antics, with one saying: “Ziyech is such a manchild.”Another added: “Spoilt kid.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSZiyech is still on the books of Chelsea after a season-long loan at Galatasaray.The Turkish giants reportedly have the option to make the deal permanent.Ziyech has played 107 times for Chelsea and scored 14 goals since his reported £34million move from Ajax in 2020.He previously retired from international duty with Morocco after falling out with previous boss Vahid Halilhodzic, who claimed the star faked injury to miss a game.But Ziyech reversed his decision following the appointment of Regragui and helped fire them to the World Cup semi-final in 2022.Hakim Ziyech has been on loan at GalatasarayCredit: Getty More

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    Who is Daniele Orsato? Meet Euro 2024 referee

    REFEREE Daniele Orsato is set to hang up his whistle at the end of Euro 2024.The vastly experienced referee, 48, took charge of his final Serie A match last month, receiving a standing ovation from Atalanta and Fiorentina fans – he also broke down in tears after his final Champions League game. Italian Daniele Orsato is one of the world’s most respected and experienced referees but will retire after Euro 2024Credit: GettyWho is Daniele Orsato?The Italian made his first World Cup appearance in 2018 and also officiated at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.Orsato had before officiated a series of international friendlies and World Cup qualifying fixtures, including the first leg of the World Cup play-off between Honduras and Australia.He’s also been a senior referee in Serie A since 2010, officiating 290 games before retiring.Orsato made his Serie C debut in 2002, moving to the premier Serie A division for the 2006-07 season. He has gone on to make nearly 200 appearances in the division.Since 2012, the Italian has been involved in Champions League fixtures. Orsato went on to referee the 2020 Champions League final and multiple semi-finals.Most read in sport He faced huge criticism from Croatian legend Luka Modric in the last World Cup.The Real Madrid star branded Orsata as “one of the worst” and said his performance was a “disaster” as Argentina beat Croatia in the sem-final.Modric said: “Argentina were a fair winner of the match, they were better, they deserved to win, but these things have to be mentioned, I generally don’t do them, but today they have to be done.”‘I don’t like to talk about referees, but this is one of the worst. I don’t have a good memory of [Orsato], he’s a disaster. For me it wasn’t a penalty.”Despite this, I don’t want to detract from Argentina. The penalty killed us. We have to recover for third place and win that match.” More

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    Who is Danny Makkelie? Meet the Dutch referee officiating at Euro 2024

    OFFICIAL Danny Makkelie is back on the world stage for Euro 2024 and is seen as one of the best referees around.The Dutchman, 41, has huge experience in the middle – having first taking up the job in 2005 and being placed on the Elite list in 2014. Danny Makkelie was in charge during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final against Denmark when he awarded a controversial penaltyCredit: PAWho is Euro 2024 referee Danny Makkelie?A former police inspector, Makkelie will accept no messing about in Germany.He was first listed as a Fifa referee in 2011 and at 38 years old, still has plenty of mathches under his belt.Having taken charge of 47 Champions League matches in his career – including Bayern’s 1-0 win over Arsenal in the quarter-finals this year – he also has experience at two international tournaments.Makkelie refereed games at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.England fans may remember a controversial penalty against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final that helped the Three Lions reach the final.Makkelie made his Eredivise debut in 2009 and has gone on to make over 300 appearances since.Most read in sportHas he used VAR before?The Dutchman has been involved in two major controversies with the VAR system.Makkelie became the first referee to send-off a player using the technology after he changed his yellow-card decision to a sending off against Willem II’s Anouar Kalu in a KNVB Cup game in 2016.He was also involved in one of the most famous and controversial usages of VAR when he took charge of the Dutch Super Cup final between Feyenoord and Vitesse.During that match, Feyenoord saw a goal disallowed and a penalty awarded to Vitesse instead after a VAR review showed Makkelie should have given the spot kick before the goal was scored. More

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    Who is Euro 2024 referee Istvan Kovacs?

    ISTVAN KOVACS Istvan Kovacs is used to brushing away nonsense from footballers – given he deals with rowdy pupils in his day job as a PE teacher.The 39-year-old Romanian has been picked to officiate at Euro 2024, having also reffed in Euro 2020.Istvan Kovacs, who will referee at Euro 2024, was blasted by Xavi after sending the ex-Barcelona coach off in the Champions League earlier this seasonCredit: AFPKovacs was appointed as an 2010 and nominated to the elite list in 2020.Who is Istvan Kovacs?Kovacs, a native of Carei, grew up a sports fanatic and turned his attention to officiating from a young age.After following his dream, he was appointed as a professional referee in his homeland ahead of the 2007/08 season.In his debut season, Kovacs officiated 17 Romanian top-flight fixtures and within three years he took charge of Europa League matches.He has since become a fixture at the top level of European football, taking charge of numerous games in the Europa League and Champions League.Most read in FootballHe had a perfect view as Ademola Lookman scored a brilliant hat-trick in the final of the Europa League last month.However, he was in Xavi’s crosshairs in April after Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.The ex-Barca coach was sent off after complaining over Ronald Araujo conceding a penalty against PSG.Xavi said: “The decision completely changed the game. It was too much to give a red card.”I told the referee his performance was very bad. He was a disaster. He killed the tie.”What games will he officiate at Euro 2024?Uefa have not yet revealed which games will be officiated by which referees.That information will be updated as the tournament approaches. More

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    England risk World Cup ban as huge storm kicks off over FA Cup replays being scrapped

    MPs demanding a U-turn on the FA Cup replay row could risk England being banned by Fifa.During the second reading of the Football Regulation bill in Westminster on Tuesday, former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron promised to propose an amendment to give the Regulator the power to force the FA to reintroduce replays.England risk being banned from the World Cup over the FA Cup replay rowCredit: APHe argued, with backing from MPs across the House, that all member clubs must have a vote on deciding the rules of the competition.Yet such a move by the Regulator would leave open the possibility that Fifa could determine the FA had been subjected to “government interference” in the running of the game.That would be a breach of membership rules.In recent years, the world governing body has temporarily suspended the football associations of Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Pakistan because of outside influence.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLast night, it emerged that Spain’s government could take over the RFEF (Spanish FA) following disgraced ex-president Luis Rubiales’ kiss-gate scandal at the Women’s World Cup final.That could see them run the same ban risk as England, although in reality such a punishment is unlikely. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERLast week, the English FA announced plans to scrap all replays in the FA Cup.Every round will now also be played on a weekend.Most read in FootballChris Wilder leads furious backlash to FA Cup replays being scrapped as fans urged to protest at ‘ridiculous’ decisionWhile there will be no clashes with the Premier League in the fourth and fifth rounds, as well as the quarters.The final will also be played on a Saturday, with no Prem fixtures to take place on the same day.But in another major change, it will take place before the final match of the Premier League campaign.Lower-tier clubs have been left in uproar, with some EFL and National League sides even threatening to boycott the FA Cup next season.An EFL statement read: “The EFL wishes to clarify further its position in respect of yesterday’s Premier League and Football Association bi-lateral announcement over the removal of FA Cup replays and the role of the League’s representatives on the Professional Game Board (PGB). “The agreement which now sees the abolition of replays from the competition format was agreed solely between the Premier League and FA.”Ahead of the deal being announced there was no agreement with the EFL nor was there any formal consultation with EFL clubs as members of the FA and participants in the competition.”In September 2023, the EFL did initially discuss with clubs potential changes to the FA Cup format but only as part of a wider and more fundamental change to financial distributions.”As is now clear, there has been no movement in this area since September.READ MORE SUN STORIES”This latest agreement between the Premier League and the FA, in the absence of financial reform, is just a further example of how the EFL and its clubs are being marginalised in favour of others further up the pyramid and that only serves to threaten the future of the English game.”The EFL today calls on both the Premier League and the FA, as the Governing body, to re-evaluate their approach to their footballing partnership with the EFL and engage more collaboratively on issues directly affecting our clubs.”Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
    THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
    No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
    Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
    If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
    Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
    And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
    Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More