Declan Rice develops new friendship with #ENG 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 's 'secret weapon' Chesney Hawkes

HOPE 

Declan Rice reveals unlikely friendship with pop star Chesney Hawkes and hopes England’s new ‘secret weapon’ can perform at remaining World Cup games

Declan Rice revealed he had no idea who pop star Chesney Hawkes was but has quickly built up a friendship with England’s new secret weapon.

Hawkes performed his 1991 chart-topper ‘The One and Only’ during half-time of England’s 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday with many believing the pop star has become a lucky charm for the Three Lions.

Following Tuesday’s victory, England midfielder Declan Rice made a plea for Hawkes to play at all England matches in Qatar and the singer is desperate to perform at Sunday’s clash with Senegal.

If Hawkes is to be at the Round of 16 clash then it would be a mad dash for him as he is booked to perform at Butlins in Skegness this weekend as part of a 90s reloaded show.

The Sun have got behind Hawkes’ efforts to be in attendance in Qatar on Sunday and have confirmed that they will help him fly 4,500 miles back to the Gulf state after his show finishes at 11pm on Saturday night.

England star Declan Rice who has a blossoming friendship with Hawkes after initially not knowing who he was, has backed him to get to No.1 as his legendary hit becomes an unlikely World Cup anthem.

Rice said: “I knew the song but I actually didn’t know who he was – though he had a really familiar face.

“It’s actually funny – I walked into the changing room and one of the kit men went ‘Chesney Hawkes is outside with your shirt on.’

“I was like ‘I don’t know who he is’. And he said ‘What?’. Then I see him with the Rice shirt on and after the game I went and spoke to him and gave him a hug.

“That was really good. We’re pals now – and we’ve got to get him to the games.

“We obviously won comfortably the other night with him there so we’ll get him singing The One and Only at every half-time. Hopefully we’ll get him back to No.1 as well.”

Before Hawkes left for the UK, he spoke of his enjoyment in Qatar so far and his hope that FIFA will allow him to perform again.

Hawkes said: “I’ve had the time of my life in Qatar and want to support the team every step of the way.

“If the Sun’s operation goes to plan I’ll be there and, if FIFA let me, I’ll perform again.

“I’ve loved the World Cup gig but I can’t forget my fans at Butlins – we always have a ball. But I’m definitely coming back and want to see England go all the way.”