Football

Euro 2016: Meet the New Generation of WAGS

Move over Cheryl and Coleen – there’s a new class of WAG in town.

With Euro 2016 kicking off tomorrow night, all eyes are on who will emerge as the star of the month-long tournament. But what about the women supporting them? A decade on from the heyday of the original WAGS (wives and girlfriends for the uninitiated), a new gaggle of ‘it’ girls has arrived, believe it or not, there may be more to these ladies than fake eyelashes, fad diets and Fendi bags.

Make no mistake – these girls are no stranger to a spray tan and a spritzer on the Riviera. But this time round, could it be less diva, more girl-next-door?

With full-time jobs, interests (no, we don’t mean ASOS), and families, the new gals have swapped HELLO style weddings and media attention for a somewhat more relaxed approach.

Meet the girls giving the WAG phenomenon a (long-overdue) make-under.

Zoe Riozzi, girlfriend of Everton midfielder, Ross Barkley

The Liverpudlian lass and full-time nursery school worker appears utterly unphased by the limelight, swapping ten-inch heels for tracksuits and trainers.
Zoe Riozzi

Kimberly Crew, wife of Manchester City goalie, Joe Hart

Down-to-earth Kim is a full-time beautician and prefers Netflix and Chill to nights out in Mayfair.
Kimberly Crew

Katie Goodland, girlfriend of Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane

Girl next door Goodland is a fitness instructor who has been open about the pressure she feels from media attention.

Wags of the Euros Story

Paige Milian, girlfriend of Manchester City midfielder, Raheem Sterling

At just 21, Milian is a fashion designer, already making waves with big names in the industry.
Paige Milian
Words by Georgina Barnard