The secret and very normal jobs of England’s WAGs – from Cole Palmer’s new nail tech beau to stunning office executive
PICTURE this: it’s the 2024 Euros in Germany and this tournament’s WAG cohort are filling the stands.
They’re glamorous, dressed to the nines and living a lifestyle most of us could only dream of.
It might be tempting to assume that to these women, who are dating and married to multi-millionaires, money is no object.
But, in some cases, that’s not true.
In fact, a number of England WAGs are independent women with their own careers and paychecks, separate from their star-studded relationships.
And while many use their high profiles to pursue careers as influencers, some have chosen pretty ‘normal’ jobs too.
From a new nail tech on the block to one WAG who went straight back to her office job after this year’s Euros, Fabulous takes a look at the ordinary careers of the Three Lions’ wives and girlfriends…
Nail Tech
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer debuted his relationship with nail technician Connie Grace, 22, at the GQ Men of the Year awards earlier this week.
The pair were first pictured holidaying in Ibiza this summer, but have now made things red carpet official.
Stockport-based beautician Connie charges between £35 and £40 for popular BIAB, gel and acrylic nails.
Business is booming, too.
Last month, she announced that she was unable to take on any new clients due to having the “busiest” few months of her career.
The couple have kept their romance mainly private on Instagram, with the odd like tapped by Palmer on some of Connie’s glam photos.
Graphic Designer
Erica Raimondi joined the England WAG cohort when her fiance, Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke, made his national debut in October.
The 27-year-old shares a one-year-old daughter with the striker, also 27.
Whilst it’s currently unclear how the couple met and when they got together, we do know that Dominic popped the question on a lavish holiday in the Maldives in November 2022.
Biggest WAG Clashes
Secret children
Lauryn Goodman had two love children with Kyle Walker… while he was married to childhood sweetheart Annie Kilner.
The dad-of-six welcomed his two children with Lauryn behind his wife’s back in 2020 and 2023.
The two women have come to blows repeatedly on social media, with Lauryn even referring to Annie as a dog who needs to have a “muzzle” put on her.
‘Doormat’ jibe
Last year, after Man City ace Kyle Walker drunkenly flashed two women in a bar, a feud erupted between Rebekah Vardy and Annie Kilner.
Rebekah hit out at Annie in an Instagram post, where she called her a “doormat” and accused her of “playing the victim.”
Wagatha Christie
After years of allegations and arguments, Jamie Vardy‘s wife tried and failed to sue Coleen for libel over “untrue and unjustified accusations” that she leaked false stories to the press.
The saga all kicked off after Coleen turned detective to see who was spying on her private Instagram stories and selling the intel, before publicly announcing: “It’s… Rebekah Vardy’s account.”
A very Posh snub
Victoria Beckham and Cheryl Cole were close friends when they were both WAGs.
But when Cheryl suffered a public heartache in 2008 after her husband Ashley Cole was exposed for cheating, she claimed Victoria’s support was nowhere to be seen.
WAG on a mission
They used to be pals, but Nicola McLean and Danielle Lloyd sensationally fell out.
It came after Nicola accused her former friend of only marrying footballer Jamie O’Hara because she wanted to be a WAG.
According to Erica’s social media profiles, she’s both a graphic designer AND budding chef.
Her food brand is dubbed Rai Rai’s Cookhouse, and she makes everything from savoury one-pot dishes to decadent cupcakes.
Meanwhile, her graphic design business has sold cartoon portraits to the likes of Man City’s Nathan Ake and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
E-Commerce Co-Founder
Anouska Santos, WAG of Man United and England defender Luke Shaw, 29, is the co-founder of a successful e-commerce business.
The 32-year-old shares three children with the professional footballer and is friends with the likes of Molly-Mae Hague.
When she’s not on mum duties, Anouska is running her online accessories shop, Treats.
The company launched in September 2021 and has totted up a number of celeb clients, including Rochelle Humes, Sophie Habboo and fellow WAGs, such as Sasha Attwood.
Anouska even has her children modelling Treats products.
Women’s pyjamas cost £55, signet rings cost £65, phone cases cost around £55 and product bundles cost £105.
Interior Designer
Ellie Alderson, fiance of Aston Villa and England ace Ollie Watkins, has a diploma in interior design – and it’s clear to see why based on her Pinterest account.
The 28-year-old, who got engaged to the centre-forward in July this year, is putting her vocational qualification to the test with a series of inspo boards on the picture app.
Among them are visions for an indoor pool, utility room, glass doors and a luxurious open-plan hallway.
The mum-of-two also has vision boards for nurseries, playrooms and entertainment rooms.
Ellie has been in a relationship with Ollie since 2018 and the couple live together in Birmingham.
On July 21, Ollie proposed to long-time partner Ellie at Lake Como – and the two announced their great news on Instagram the following day.
Senior Planning Executive
Arsenal star boy Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend is very much career driven.
Tolami Benson, 23, started a new job in May this year Senior Planning Executive, after various stints as an Account Executive.
Her LinkedIn profile reads: “I am a PR and media graduate with a BA (Hons) degree from Birmingham City University, where I gained valuable skills in communication, research, and analysis.
“In my previous role as an Account Executive, I worked with a diverse range of clients across various sectors, tracking, analysing and reporting on PR and integrated marketing campaigns.
“I also managed events, approvals, and meetings, and developed and maintained strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.”
During the 2024 Euros in Germany this year, Tolami even revealed on Instagram that she had returned to England before the other WAGs as she needed to get back to the office.
Make-Up Artist Trio
A number of England’s WAGs are make-up artists.
Before her relationship was making headlines, Jack Grealish’s beau Sasha Attwood was working in Solihull and hosting masterclasses and demonstration events at Selfridges in Birmingham.
The mum-of-one has since adapted her career to become a beauty influencer on TikTok and Instagram.
Within the space of a few years, she went from being a small-time make-up artist to a global personality with over 300,000 fans and brand deals with L’Oréal, Armani Beauty and YSL Beauty.
John Stones’ fiance Olivia Naylor, 33, was also once a beautician and permanent make-up trainer.
She was the CEO and director of her own beauty clinic in Stockport, and was an eyebrow specialist with nine years experience.
Olivia and John announced their engagement in August this year.
Similarly, Ashleigh Behan, childhood sweetheart of Ipswich Town’s Kalvin Phillips, 28, is a make-up artist.
According to reports, the 28-year-old specialises in prom, bridal and evening make-up, as well as special effects.
She welcomed her first child with the midfielder last winter.