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WORLD CUP WILLY

Sex ban on England’s footballers will make no difference to their World Cup efforts, study claims

That's good news for the likes of Jamie Vardy, whose wife Rebekah could be among Wags attending the tournament

A SEX ban on England’s footballers will make no difference to their World Cup efforts, a study suggests.

Researchers say a pre-match romp won’t make players tired or less aggressive.

Jamie Vardy
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Jamie Vardy's wife Rebekah is thought to be accompanying him to RussiaCredit: AP:Associated Press

And a good bonk can actually help them relax and boost focus.

Boffins analysed the strength and endurance of sexually active men, average age 26.

There was no difference in the weight they lifted or how many sets of leg exercises they did, whether or not they had sex the night before.

Other studies have shown fellas burn just 25 calories having sex.

World Cup trophy
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Professor Todd Astorino says sex won't make a difference to footballers World Cup effortsCredit: The Mega Agency

And it leads to no lasting change in maximum oxygen intake, heart rate or blood pressure.

California-based Prof Todd Astorino said: “Our findings support studies which conclude that sex the day before exercise does not impact athletic performance.”

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And there’s good news for the likes of Jamie Vardy, whose wife Rebekah could be among Wags in Russia.

The professor said those enjoying a romp “had an improved response to stress, and increased emotional awareness”, which may boost performance.

Willie we all waved

IT was a very different kind of Willie that helped England to their only World Cup success.

A cuddly lion named World Cup Willie was the official mascot for the tournament in 1966.

World Cup Willie
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Cuddly lion named World Cup Willie in 1966Credit: Empics

Created by artist Reg Hoyle, he had his own song and featured on all kinds of merchandise.
Back then, a Willie cuddly toy cost the equivalent of £1 in today’s money, but now they are worth about £100.


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