‘My mental health deteriorated at the Euros but I had Therapy’ - Tyrone Mings reveals
I was probably the only name on the team-sheet that people thought, ‘Not sure about him’. And that was something I had to overcome
Sebastian Nkrumah Listowell 
England and Aston Villa defender, Tyrone Mings has revealed that he needed therapy to overcome mental health problems during England’s heroic Euro 2020 campaign.
The Villa defender played a key part at the start of the Three Lions’ run to the final but recalls being dubbed the team’s “weakest link”.
“I did have a tough time in the lead-up to the opening game against Croatia.
“I think I’m a lot more hardened to outside influences now, but my mental health did plummet.
“And I have no shame in admitting that because there was so many unknowns about me going to that game.
“I was probably the only name on the team-sheet that people thought, ‘Not sure about him’. And that was something I had to overcome.
“When 90-95 per cent of your country are having doubts over you, it’s very difficult to stop this intruding on your own thoughts.
“So I did a lot of work on that with my psychologist. I was given a lot of coping mechanisms — whether it was breathing, meditation, or just learning how to bring yourself into the present moment. To stop letting your subconscious take over.
“It was hard. I didn’t really sleep very well before that first game.”Mings said.
The 28 year-old Villa ace, deputized for the injured Harry Maguire in England’s games against Croatia and Scotland.
Ahead of the tournament, some fans on social media questioned his selection.
BBC pundit Rio Ferdinand even told viewers before the Croatia match that “I think he is the weakest part of our team, and an area where most people are concerned.
“He has not played Champions League football, he has not played at this level.”
Tyrone reveals the former Manchester United centre back later contacted him privately, to praise him for his performances on and off the pitch.
