Eastbourne author offers simple solution to England’s footballing woes

Mr Flood, who worked closely with World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore, said: "England manager Gareth Southgate can finally solve his attacking problems by simply playing substitutes Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo from the start. The stats about Palmer speak for themselves and former Manchester United star Roy Keane has highlighted what a big difference the Chelsea star made when he was finally brought off the bench in England's third lacklustre group display. Palmer's great vision, skill and instant reactions made England look like a different team."

Mr Flood, who interviewed previous England managers Terry Venables and Bobby Robson as editor of soccer magazine Football Monthly, added: "Palmer's record of two hat-tricks, 22 goals and 11 assists in 34 appearances in the Premier League in 2023-24 should have made him an obvious first choice. Southgate must start with Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo for the last-16 match against Slovakia on Sunday."

Tony also interviewed World Cup winner Bobby Charlton and Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar about the Hillsborough disaster. They are among the sport and showbiz stars he features in his celebrity book My Life With The Stars – Sizzling Secrets Spilled. The book is available at https://www.amazon.co.uk/MY-LIFE-STARS-Sizzling-secrets/dp/1089391161/ref=sr_1_1?crid= Donations from sales go to Children with Cancer UK.

Tony spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of Football Monthly, controller of information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with The People before retiring in 2010.

He recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges – learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.”