I didn’t achieve all I set out to, so I have regrets

“IT’S fantastic to be part of it. I love the camaraderie and there’s a lot of laughter. It’s brilliant to see England doing well. I’d love to see them get a place in the quarter-final.

“I’ve got to admit when I did my first Match Of The Day, I didn’t realise how nervous I’d be. There’s a real adrenaline rush as you know you’re being watched by around eight million people who’ll take the mick out of any mistake you make.

“It’s pressurised, but great to be learning all the time.” self-esteem. It got to the point where I was more worried about my body staying together than enjoying football. It became about earning money and I started to fall out of love with the game.

“Finally, I injured my knee in training at QPR. It literally snapped in half and the ligaments detached. I knew my career was over, but it was a blessing, because it enabled me to attack a different chapter in my life.” and selfish to succeed. Now I do school runs and enjoy every second with them.

“I grew up on a council estate in very different circumstances to their privileged upbringing. It’s hard not to spoil them, but I want them to have values, so I stop myself rushing out and buying things. All three love football – even the two-year-old – and I’d love them to get into women’s football if they want to.” downhill through my injuries.

“We’re not ruling out having another child – a boy would be nice – but not for a couple of years, because we’re so enjoying life and our girls at the moment.” “GOING to the gym played a big part in coming to terms with my retirement. Retiring can be a dark place for footballers, because the sport is all you’ve known. My dad’s a football coach and I started playing aged five, so it was very hard.

“Testing myself physically and mentally like I did as a player is something I still crave, and now I do it in the gym. In the early days, it gave me a routine.

“Also, let’s be honest, I want to look half decent when I go to the beach and take my top off.