ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate has received a massive boost as Raheem Sterling will rejoin his Three Lions teammates TODAY.
Sterling, 27, pulled out of the squad ahead of the 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal following a burglary at his home in Surrey.
But reports suggest that he will return to Qatar today – on time for England’s huge quarter-final clash against France.
Meanwhile, Spain have SACKED Luis Enrique following their shock World Cup last-16 exit to Morocco.
And Portugal have been forced to deny claims that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the World Cup squad after Switzerland snub.
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Stay tuned with all the latest from the tournament…
Ronaldo hoping for Portugal recall
Cristiano Ronaldo faces a nervy wait to discover if he’s back in Portugal’s plans for their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.
Replacement Goncalo Guedes scored a hat-trick when he led the line in the 6-1 win over Switzerland.
Here’s how the two strikers compare with a place in the semis at stake…
Rashford and Saka’s spelling delight
Marcus Rashford is the latest England star to take on the gauntlet that is Bukayo Saka’s “spelling school.”
A host of other Three Lions stars including Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Declan Rice have all tried and failed to pass Saka’s tricky spelling tests.
And Manchester United ace Rashford became the latest cornered England star.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
Possible England XI vs France
England have a host of options on the table when they play France this weekend.
Gareth Southgate is likely to stick with the 4-3-3 system that’s served him so well in Qatar.
But he could yet opt for a back five to deal with the threat of Kylian Mbappe.
WAYS ENGLAND COULD LINE UP
Rice gives England huge boost
Declan Rice has returned to England training just 48 hours before their huge World Cup quarter-final against France.
The West Ham skipper, 23, did not train with the rest of Gareth Southgate’s squad on Wednesday due to illness.
But teammate Kalvin Phillips confirmed Rice’s return today, saying: “I believe Dec is fit, he’s back in training and he’s fine.
“If something goes wrong, then I’ll be there and I’ll do my best to be fit for 90 minutes.
Inside England’s camp before France
England face a daunting World Cup quarter-final clash against France on Saturday night.
But ahead of their meeting with the reigning champions, the mood inside the Three Lions’ camp appears relaxed.
From a WEREWOLF game to spelling bees and a surprise Robbie Williams gig, there’s been plenty going on behind the scenes.
SEE INSIDE ENGLAND’S TRAINING CAMP
QF preview – England vs France
England have reached the World Cup quarter-final and they will play in-form France THIS SATURDAY – and it’s not to be missed!
- England vs France takes place on THIS SATURDAY – December 10.
- The match kicks off at 7pm UK time.
- The Al-Bayt Stadium plays host.
MORE ENGLAND VS FRANCE INFO
Bellingham’s vow for fan shirt
Jude Bellingham has vowed to send a supporter a signed shirt after the individual gave away one he had previously to charity.
Gary Williams had tweeted: “I know this sounds cheeky but does anybody know how I could get one of Judes signed shirts.
“I actually had one a couple of years ago but gave it to my Marie Curie charity for a auction it would finish off my collection now. Can’t believe the stuff I’ve given away over the years.”
Bellingham spotted his plea and responded: “Got you mate! Have a look at your messages. KRO.”
QF preview – Morocco vs Portugal
Portugal will have their hands full when they face high-flying Morocco in the quarter-finals of the World Cup THIS SATURDAY.
- Portugal’s clash with Morocco will take place on Saturday, December 10.
- The game will be held at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
- Portugal vs Morocco will get underway from 3pm GMT.
MORE MOROCCO VS PORTUGAL INFO
Spain confirm Luis Enrique replacement
Spain have announced Under-21 coach Luis de la Fuente as their new manager – just hours after Luis Enrique’s departure.
The board of directors will rubber stamp his appointment in a meeting on Monday.
De La Fuente’s first two matches in charge will come against Norway and Scotland in March as Spain bid to qualify for Euro 2024.
He has been in the national set-up since 2013 and led both Spain’s U19s and U21s to Euros glory.
QF preview – Holland vs Argentina
Holland and Argentina are set to go at it for a World Cup semi-final spot in Qatar – and fans can expect fireworks tomorrow…
- Holland’s mouth-watering fixture against Argentina will take place on Friday, December 9.
- The World Cup quarter-final clash is scheduled to get underway at 7pm UK time.
- Lusali Stadium is the allocated arena for this eye-catching contest and it can host a staggering 88, 966 supporters.
- Argentine sent Holland crashing out of the semi-final stage on penalties in 2014.
MORE HOLLAND VS ARGENTINA INFO
King Louis thrilling pal Veltman
Brighton’s Joel Veltman is delighted to see the man who gave him his Netherlands debut thriving once again.
Speaking about Louis van Gaal, Veltman told SunSport: “That [his cancer] is terrible, we are lucky that he has been through it and so far so good.
“That he can still do stuff like this is amazing. In Holland we say people will go through fire for him.
“He can give you a hug or kill you on the pitch, constantly telling you that you can do better.”
QF preview – Croatia vs Brazil
Brazil will continue their pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup when they take on Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday…
- Croatia’s clash with Brazil in the World Cup quarter-final will take place on Friday, December 9.
- The game will get underway from 3pm UK time.
- Croatia vs Brazil will be held at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
MORE CROATIA VS BRAZIL INFO
Breaking – Enrique leaves Spain post
Luis Enrique is no longer Spain boss after their shock World Cup exit to Morocco.
Pedri and Co were stunned by their opponents in a penalty shootout defeat this week.
It means Spain have failed to make it past the last-16 stage since winning the World Cup in 2010.
And the hunt is on for a new boss to lead Spain’s Euro 2024 charge after Enrique quit his post today.
Jack’s hair gets French treatment
Jack Grealish is preparing for England’s clash against France in a big way.
That’s by getting a brand new haircut for the quarter-final battle.
The Man City star employed the help of A-Star Barbers for a fresh trim.
Will it be enough to guide England to the World Cup semis?
Topless Jack Grealish shows off new haircut ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against FranceCommentator bids farewell to Cup
Fans have been left in shock after much-loved ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley announced he was on his way home from the World Cup.
Tyldesley was part of the ITV team throughout the group stages and last-16 at the World Cup in Qatar.
However, after providing the commentary during Portugal’s 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland, he took to Twitter to reveal he was heading back to England.
Posting a snap of a glass of red wine alongside his passport and plane ticket, he wrote: “My 8th World Cup in the job of my dreams and the first time I’m going to be home before England! Thank you for your company x.”
World Cup winners & losers
Prem clubs are beginning to emerge from their enforced winter hibernation.
Qatar 2022 brought an unprecedented pre-conceived six week shutdown half-way through the campaign.
But with bosses now starting to gear up through a series of friendlies for the Boxing Day return to Prem arms, the big question is how the World Cup will impact the domestic agenda.
SunSport looks at the 20 Prem teams to work out the likely winners and losers from a situation none of them will want to see repeated…
SEE OUR WINNERS & LOSERS
Robbie Williams lifts England spirits
Robbie Williams has been helping England to prepare for their crunch clash against France by performing a secret gig in the squad’s camp.
As revealed by The Telegraph, Williams performed for the team last night at their Souq Al Wakra headquarters.
Williams, 48, is in Qatar to perform at Doha Golf Club despite criticism of the Gulf State’s stance on gay rights and migrant workers who built the stadiums for the World Cup.
However, Williams has defended his decision to play in Qatar.
Ronaldo ‘threatened to quit Portugal’
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly threatened to leave Portugal’s World Cup squad.
That’s after being dropped for the 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland.
Record claims the ex-Man Utd man made a threat to quit camp after finding he was on the bench.
But the Portuguese FA have categorically denied the reports.
ITV pundits demonstrate footy skills
Pundits including Roy Keane blew off some steam as they fooled around with a football in Qatar.
The Irishman was joined by ITV pal Ian Wright for a little kickabout.
And the duo demonstrated some wonderful first touches on the ball.
But fellow pundit Lee Dixon was having none of it as he hilariously booted the ball away.
Watch ITV pundits including Roy Keane and Ian Wright show off first touch before no-nonsense Lee Dixon boots ball awayBreaking – Sterling returning to England
Raheem Sterling will return to England’s World Cup base in Qatar.
The Chelsea forward is expected to rejoin the squad tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against France.
Sterling flew back to England after a burglary at his home in Surrey.
But he will now link back up with Gareth Southgate’s squad for this weekend’s crunch clash.
Double injury blow for Portugal
Defenders Danilo Pereira and Nuno Mendes have been forced to leave Portugal’s World Cup camp.
The pair will play no part in the quarter-final against Morocco or beyond after suffering injuries in Qatar.
Danilo has a rib problem, while Mendes has hurt his thigh.
And the duo are returning to Paris Saint-Germain so they can receive specialist treatment from club doctors.
Messi set for messy reunion
Lionel Messi is set to meet the official who booked him for his Diego Maradona tribute after the legend’s death in 2020.
Argentina vs Holland will be whistled by LaLiga referee Mateu Lahoz.
But Messi does not have fond memories of the Spaniard.
SEE MESSI’S ‘ILLEGAL’ MARADONA TRIBUTE
Kounde blasted for gold chain
Didier Deschamps launched a furious rant at Jules Kounde for wearing a gold chain against Poland, says L’Equipe.
The item was spotted by officials during France’s last-16 win, and Deschamps blasted Kounde in the dressing room over it.
He said after the game: “He (Kounde) has no right. I don’t know what he has on his chain, I know that Jules has a bit of a superstition, he has it in training.
“I don’t know the meaning. I even told him – ‘You’re lucky you’re not in front of me, or else’.”
England fans face ticket blitz
Tickets for England’s World Cup quarter-final with France are up for sale for a whopping £5,000 – over 28 TIMES the original value.
A pair of official category 2 tickets normally costs £175 to buy.
However, with fans desperate to get in on the action, some have sniffed out an opportunity to up their money.
This has led to a number of tickets appearing on re-sale sites ahead of the game – with some staggering inflation to boot.
Carragher’s best World Cup XI
Jamie Carragher has named his best World Cup XI of all time with just one player allowed per country.
And he made the controversial call to leave both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi out of the team.
Instead of CR7, Eusebio was chosen to play up top instead due to his incredible World Cup record.
Eusebio scored all nine of his World Cup goals as he led his country to the semi-finals in 1966, including four in the stunning comeback win over North Korea – when Portugal won 5-3 from 3-0 down inside 25 minutes.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
