England World Cup squad barber talks trims and trust

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. England World Cup squad barber talks trims and trust8 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleJack GrayandNaomi de Souza , Newsbeat BBCAhmed Alsanawi, also known as Star, will often share tricks he plays on footballers in the chair Plane tickets? The weight of a nation's hopes on your shoulders? But there's another thing no self-respecting footballer heading to the World Cup would be without.

That's where barber Ahmed Alsanawi, also known as Star, comes in. He's the barber to much of the England squad, in charge of keeping players looking their best before a big game. His work has made him a social media star, responsible for some of the most-requested looks, including Jack Grealish's long-on-top, shaved-at-the-sides cut.

The Details

Before he jetted out to the USA, Alsanawi spoke to Newsbeat about how he became footballers' go-to hair stylist, and what it's like to travel with the team during a World Cup. Ahmed also has a barber shop in Chessington, SurreyAlsanawi says he got his big break working at Chelsea, where he cut players' hair for three years. "I met John Terry, Eden Hazard," he says, adding that posting about his work on social media got the attention of other Premier League stars.

"Then I connected with Pogba, a couple of the City players, Jack Grealish. " Star Barbers grew through word of mouth, boosted online by players sharing their experiences in the chair, and now has 1. 3 million Instagram followers.

Social media has been "massive" for the barbering industry, says dad-of-three Alsanawi, whose Instagram is filled with videos of him giving players including England vice-captain Declan Rice fresh trims. He also names musicians such as rapper Dave among his clients. But any regulars hoping to get a cut from the man himself at his shop in Chessington, Surrey, might be out of luck for the next six weeks as he attends his fourth World Cup.

What Experts Say

If all goes to plan, Alsanawi will be stationed in the England squad's camp to keep players looking fresh for the next six weeks. While the logistics of it can be "last-minute", he says, there are some players he knows he will be trimming, including Chelsea captain Reece James. "He's my boy," says Alsanawi.

"I've been cutting him for a few years now and I can't wait to see him at a major World Cup. "Alsanawi says he takes relationships with his clients seriously. When Newsbeat asks for his take on a recent story, where a leaked Chelsea starting line-up was linked to left-back Marc Cucurella's barber, he's clear on his own stance.

"It's sort of in your best interest and in the team's interest to keep your mouth shut," he says. "Like, certain things you're just not going to share, and I wouldn't share. "You've got to build a trustworthy relationship with your client, whether it's a footballer or not.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.