MOST boys grow up with a close connection to their mum.
And England’s Euro 2020 stars are no different, often sharing stories about their childhood before they hit the big time.
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From their mother’s sacrifices helping them reach their potential to the love and support needed to prosper, Rashford, Phillips and Co have revealed how grateful they are.
Raheem Sterling and Nadine
England’s hero against Croatia, Raheem spoke glowingly of his mum back in 2019 for giving him the confidence and self-esteem to overcome racist abuse he faces as a footballer.
She raised him alone after his father was murdered in Jamaica, and the family relocated to North West London.
Nadine, herself, was an inspiration for Raheem – she was a professional athlete for the Jamaican national athletics team.
In the past, the Manchester City winger has credited her for his running style.
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Kalvin Phillips and Lindsay
The Yorkshire Pirlo put in a star-performance against Croatia – laying on the assist for Sterling’s goal.
Growing up in Armley, West Leeds Phillips endured a tough childhood after his father went to prison.
Lindsay worked two jobs to support her family, sometimes skipping meals to make sure Kalvin, his two sisters and brother were well fed.
It was fitting Lindsay was there to see her son’s crowning moment.
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Marcus Rashford and Melanie
Rashford’s charitable nature, which saw him receive an MBE after campaigning for free school meals, can be traced back to mum Melanie, who he said gave him his morals.
Just like Lindsay Phillips, Melanie too skipped meals so Rashford and his siblings could eat.
As soon as Rashford hit the big time, he showed his gratitude by moving his mum to a stunning Manchester mansion.
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Tyrone Mings and Dawn
When the England centre back was a kid, he was forced to live in a homeless shelter with mum Dawn and his three sisters.
They shared two bunk beds and a sofa, with no means to survive.
In fact, Mings was so tight for money when he came through the ranks playing non-league football, he supplemented his income pulling pints at a local pub.
In 2015, he shared a heart-warming text exchange with his mum after he paid off all her debts.
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Jordan Pickford and Susan
Another mum who wouldn’t miss her son in action is Susan Pickford.
The retired school worker from Sunderland is regularly seen watching England’s No1 from the stands alongside Pickford’s wife Megan.
When Pickford would set off for training at Sunderland’s academy aged eight, she would pack his bags with Tupperware containers of chicken and pasta.
Amusingly, she once told him to grow up during a youth game after he had a tantrum and kicked a post in disgust over letting in a goal.
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Jack Grealish and Karen
It’s through mum, Karen that Jack might’ve got his football prowess from.
The housewife’s great-grandad was an Aston Villa legend, who won the league title and FA Cup between 1898-1908 for the Birmingham giants.
Billy Garraty also played for England too.
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Jude Bellingham and Denise
As champions of their son go, there are few more vocal than Denise.
The mum of teen sensation Jude regularly shares her son’s success on social media.
“One minute you’re a Kings Norton District Cup Year 7 winner and the next minute you’re a DFB-Pokal Champion,” she wrote on Twitter after his club Borussia Dortmund won the cup. “Well done son,” she added.
She also shared a stat when Bellingham became England’s youngest ever U21 star and goalscorer.
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Phil Foden and Claire
Claire has been praised in the past for keeping Phil’s feet on the ground since his meteoric rise to PFA Young Player of the Year and Manchester City star.
And she revealed how easy it was raising young Phil.
“He was the cheapest kid ever. Just get him a ball and he’d be happy,” she revealed.
“He didn’t care about anything else, games, toys, nothing, just a football.”
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Harry Kane and Kim
Kim travelled to Russia to watch her boy go on to win the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup.
And the proud mum was ever-present when he played for local team Ridgeway Rovers in Chingford, Essex on the touchline.
“We just want him to keep doing what he’s doing,” she once said.
“We are all football fans and a football family. We spend every weekend watching Harry, going round the country to see him.”
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Jordan Henderson and Liz
In Sunderland, Jordan’s mum Liz runs a company that provides a programme that keeps kids active.
As a youngster, she preached the importance of a balanced diet, as well as the benefits of early nights.
“She gives me a bit of stick, but my dad does, too,” Jordan once said.
“I will be indebted to them both for the rest of my life, and I try to make them as proud as possible every time I play.”
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Kyle Walker and Tracey
Admittedly, Tracey isn’t a fan of watching her son play in the flesh and prefers to watch on the TV.
However, when he was a kid playing youth football in Sheffield – she was always on hand to provide directions to games.
“My dad’s not the best on directions,’ Kyle said. “We’d go to matches on the team coach, but go back with our parents so that was when Dad and I got lost.
“We’d ring Mum and say: ‘Where are we? Can you help us get back?’ She’d reply, ‘Look for the M1!’”
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Harry Maguire and Zoe
Whenever Harry broke a window playing football outside, Zoe happily turned a blind eye.
A hairdresser by trade, she was quick to slaughter her son for turning up to an England training session with his football stuff in a bin bag.
Despite Harry’s superstar status, Zoe still makes sure he contributes around the house when he’s around.
“I still live a normal life,” Harry said. “I do jobs at home, stay as grounded as I can. Mum and Dad expect it. They don’t make excuses for me.”
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