LESS than an hour after Holland had booked their place in a semi-final against England, lan Atkins' phone pinged.
"Who are you supporting then?" read the message.
Atkins grinned. His protege Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, who scored in the quarter-final against Turkey (below) was jokingly questioning his loyalties.
For the ex-Everton title-winner, it was to be expected, the happy outcome of a surprise friendship born out of De Vrij tapping into the lesser-known teachings of an ex-ballroom dancing champion from England's North East.
Atkins was a convert himself during his playing days and has passed on the knowledge, an experience he hopes will not count against the Three Lions tonight.
The 67-year-old said: "In December 2013, I was Everton's European scout and I was in the car with Stefan's agent, Alex Kroos.
Denne historien er fra July 10, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 10, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Antony backed to hit top gear again
RUBEN AMORIM wants to rediscover the old Ajax Antony by boosting the Brazilian's fragile confidence - if the winger is prepared to keep working \"really hard\".
Movie magic is on its way...
THE most anticipated films of 2025 are all blockbuster franchises topped by Mission: Impossible, Jurassic World and Avatar.
Explosions lit up the horizon, glowing red as dawn broke
RUSSIAN missiles litter Kyiv's holiday streets with balls of fire. The city was still dark and its inhabitants counting the days til Christmas when a barrage of ballistic missiles shattered the morning silence.
Astronaut over the moon with Rudolph
SUNI Williams sleighs when it comes to making a reindeer during her unplanned Christmas in space.
Teen tasered while playing tag wins £130k police payout
A TEENAGE boy who was seriously injured when police Tasered him as he played tag with friends has won more than £130,000 in damages.
I hope I managed to bring Automatic you some sunshine and light'
ZOE Ball signed off her final BBC Radio 2 breakfast show by saying she hopes she gave listeners a lift when they most needed it.
Oh baby...Joss's joy at pregnancy
SINGER Joss Stone said that being \"shocked was an understatement\" as she announced her third pregnancy, weeks after adopting a son.
Furious pharmacists blast Streeting
WES Streeting is facing a backlash from \"outraged\" pharmacists over delays to contract negotiations.
Royal 100th birthday wishes are Icing on the cake at surprise party for D-Day hero
HERO soldier Mervyn Kersh toasted his 100th birthday at a glittering surprise party held by royal appointment yesterday.
Mosley 'most likely died of heatstroke'
Coroner's open verdict on T'V doctor’s Greek island death
