How does the north of England produce such footballing excellence?
Much of the plaudits, of course, have gone to the boy from Brent. As England have progressed to the quarter finals of Euro 2020, it is Raheem Sterling  the kid who grew up in the shadow of Wembley  who has been hailed the nations newest hero. Hes scored three times in four games. More than that, he has been a jinking, jiving joy to watch. To see Sterling in full flow is to understand why its called the beautiful game. But in south Yorkshire  where Im based as The Independents north of England correspondent  it is other players who have drawn the attention this summer.