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      in Boxing

      I’m Anthony Joshua’s rival and saw Chinese pals attacked over Covid but nobody dared target me due to my mammoth size

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      ZHILEI ZHANG saw Chinese compatriots getting attacked in New York during the Covid-19 pandemic but was too big for the cowards to target.The Beijing 2008 Olympic silver winner trains as a pro in New Jersey and has adopted the US as a second home.
      Zhilei Zhang opened up on how he saw Chinese compatriots being attacked in New YorkCredit: PA
      But when coronavirus gripped the world – and ex-president Donald Trump made a series of allegations against China – 39-year-old Zhang felt like the enemy in the Land of Opportunity.
      Thankfully life is almost back to normal and Zhang was welcomed to London last week to take on Putney’s 37-year-old Juggernaut Joe Joyce at the Copper Box on Saturday.
      Recalling the torrid time his innocent fellow expats faced, the softly spoken giant told SunSport: “We saw people getting pushed on the subway in New York City.
      “I would probably never become a target in the street, because of my size, but I do have Chinese friends and business owners in New York who have been targeted.
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      “These people have suffered, not just financially but also mentally and emotionally.
      “I don’t think it is the right thing to do, I don’t agree with politicising the pandemic, it should not be used as something to attack people.
      “People and human beings are innocent, nobody wants anyone to be sick, suffer or be infected.
      “Nobody wanted the virus and nobody wanted the impact it has had on the world.
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      “Thankfully now we are moving on and getting back to living our lives in a positive way.”
      With China being the cradle of martial arts and boxing coming under that huge and money-spinning umbrella, it’s strange that 6ft 6in Zhang remains a rarity.
      But the 24-1-1 southpaw explains very wisely why a population of 1.4billion people have ZERO world boxing champions and just a few Asian fighters, largely representing Japan in the lightest weight classes.
      “When I got the silver medal in 2008, boxing was still a minor sport in China,” he said.
      “In China the major sports are diving, table tennis and soccer. Even after I got my silver medal I didn’t get recognised a lot. But I know what I have achieved and how far I have come.
      “Last time I fought in Las Vegas, my fight got 60 million views in China, that was record-breaking and historic, so I hope my career is helping make boxing a bigger success in China.
      “Maybe there are a couple of reasons why boxing and Asian countries haven’t really taken off.
      “One might be Geography, Asia is a pretty remote region, cut away from the likes of Europe and the Americas.
      Zhang won a silver medal at the 2008 OlympicsCredit: PA
      “Also Asian guys are traditionally smaller guys, so we have stars like Manny Pacquiao but they operate in the smaller divisions, which don’t get as much attention as the bigger guys from around middleweight and above.
      “I am not from a big family at all, it really is just me! My parents are just average sized”.
      Before Anthony Joshua agreed to fight Jermaine Franklin in his comeback bout in April 1, promoter Eddie Hearn teased the idea of taking him on a round-the-world tour and facing Zhang at the iconic 80,000 seat Bird’s Nest Stadium.
      Sadly it was another bluff but Zhang hopes our London 2012 legend is not getting written off by the British public he won over so spectacularly over the last decade.
      “We talked about something but it was premature,” Zhang confirmed.
      “Maybe after two losses to Usyk he is scared of southpaws forever now?
      “But I don’t think there is any fear among the top boxers – in any division – I believe that we are all fighters who want the biggest and best fights.
      “But I do believe and understand how promoters and broadcasters want to protect their investments, they are the ones who are scared of a loss.
      “Joshua has lost a few times but look at his wins, the respect is there.
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      “I don’t think Joshua fears anyone but I think the business people and investors in him are protecting their career with smart business moves.
      “He might have lost some confidence but I think he deserves time and recognition.” More

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      in Soccer

      Six Premier League legends AXED from Hall of Fame shortlist amid controversies as new group is announced

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      THE PREMIER LEAGUE has AXED six nominees from this year’s Hall of Fame shortlist.It comes as a smaller group of nominees has been announced for 2023 after all six of the Prem icons were on a larger shortlist last year.
      Matt Le Tissier has been taken out of the shortlist of nominees for the Premier League Hall of FameCredit: PA
      Patrice Evra has also been taken off of the nominee’s listCredit: AFP
      This year’s shortlist sees 15 stars nominated, down from the 25 nominees in 2022.
      The names cut from the list are Matt Le Tissier, Patrice Evra, Teddy Sheringham, Edwin van der Sar, Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
      Southampton legend Le Tissier was cut after coming under fire for his controversial views relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccines and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
      Le Tissier, who was axed as a pundit by Sky Sports in 2020, claimed PCR tests were “the biggest fraud ever perpetuated on mankind”.
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      He also said images of destruction in Ukraine were “falsified” and reposted a Tweet claiming the media had “lied” about a number of stories.
      Ex-Manchester United star Evra was taken off the list after being convicted in a Paris court over his use of homophobic language online.
      Following a game between United and Paris-Saint Germain in 2019, Evra posted a clip online of him saying: “Paris, you are queers, you are queers.”
      Stop Homophobia and Mousse launched a complaint in March 2019, with the 41-year-old landing a fine of £890 and being ordered to pay £1780 compensation to two anti-hate campaign groups.
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      After the conviction in February, Evra said: “I have so much to learn.”
      Premier League sources insisted that the shortlist had been reduced as a result of the lower number of inductees and entirely on footballing criteria.
      In addition, the Premier League added: “ New players become eligible each season upon their retirement from football.
      “A number of other factors are also taken into account by the Premier League and the League’s Awards Panel.
      “They include prior voting data for players included in previous Hall of Fame shortlists, eras, player positions and achievements.
      The 2023 Hall of Fame nomineesCredit: PREMIER LEAGUE
      “Each player will be considered according to these factors when compiling all future shortlists.”
      Ex-Man Utd and Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick has been joined by ex-Spurs and Sunderland ace Jermain Defoe in this year’s list as newcomers in this year’s list.
      The Hall of Fame began in 2021 and has seen 16 players inducted into it so far.
      Legendary managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger became the first managers inducted into the list earlier this week.
      They join the 16 players already in the list, which saw David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, Thierry Henry, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Alan Shearer in the inaugural selection in 2021.
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      Last year brought the addition of Wayne Rooney and Patrick Vieira before Sergio Aguero, Didier Drogba, Vincent Kompany, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes and Ian Wright were all selected by fans.
      Supporters have until 6pm on April 10 to cast their ballots via the Prem website, with the winners announced on May 3. More

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      in Boxing

      YouTube star AnEsonGib to rematch Austin McBroom in winner-take-all tournament after American says he fought with Covid

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      YOUTUBER Austin McBroom is set to rematch AnEsonGib after claiming he fought him while suffering Covid. The pair are both in KingPyn’s eight-man winner-take-all tournament and drew each other in the quarter-final stage.
      Austin McBroom was knocked out by AnEsonGib but claimed he had Covid at the timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It gives McBroom the chance to avenge his defeat in September when the two rematch at Wembley Arena on April 22.
      The American sparked controversy when he made a video to say he tested positive for coronavirus after being hospitalised following defeat.
      McBroom also revealed he fought just moments after using an IV – which is banned by any boxing commission – to combat his illness.
      Gib – who was floored in the first round – would go onto win by knockout in the fourth after scoring FIVE knockdowns.
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      The rivals traded words when they faced off once again in the tournament draw.
      Gib, 26, said: “This makes sense, he made his complaints, it’s time to prove yourself but it’s going the exact same route.
      “I’ve got better IQ, you’re getting smoked, and it’s repeat. You haven’t got no easy fight coming in, you’re facing me and you’re getting smoked.”
      McBroom, 30, said: “All I’ve got to say is, you won’t get lucky again because I won’t be sick. I wish you the best of luck.”
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      Gib hit back: “I hurt you with every shot. Right hook, straight, body shots, I hurt you with every, bro.
      “You were suffering, you were suffering. Everybody was screaming for you, ‘What’s happening to him.’ You was suffering.”
      Elsewhere in the tournament, DJ Tom Zanetti faces YouTuber Jarvis with Brazilian content creator Whindersson fighting a mystery opponent.
      AnEsonGib and Austin McBroom squaring off ahead of their rematchCredit: @kingpynboxing More

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      in Soccer

      Pele’s family give positive health update but reveal Brazil legend is in hospital with Covid-aggravated infection

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      PELE’S family have given a positive health update but reveal the Brazil football legend is in hospital with a Covid-aggravated infection. The 82-year-old, who won the World Cup three times from 1958 to 1970, was hospitalised earlier this week after he stopped responding to chemotherapy as he battles bowel cancer.
      Pele’s daughter provided a positive updateCredit: Instagram @pele

      Pele is fighting a lung infection, his family has revealedCredit: Instagram @pele

      Pele with family and friends in OctoberCredit: Instagram @pele

      Reports had surfaced that Pele had been moved to palliative end-of-life care in hospital.
      However, his family have said that it is not true and the football icon is “in a regular bedroom” but is fighting a Covid-aggravated infection.
      And once he has fully recovered he will leave the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo.
      Daughter Kely Nascimento said in an interview with TV Globo that aired Sunday night: “He is sick, he is old.
      READ MORE ON PELE
      “But at the moment, he is there because of the lung infection. And once he feels better, he will go home again.
      “He is not saying goodbye in a hospital at the moment.”
      Pele’s other daughter, Flavia, added: “It is very unfair for people to say he is in the end of his life, in palliative care. Guys, that’s not true. Believe us.
      “He is not in intensive care, he is in a regular bedroom. He is not in risk, he is in treatment.”
      Most read in Football

      Pele has been moved by the tributes pouring in from across the football world, but his grandson, Arthur, says his time hasn’t come and he will see Brazil lift a sixth World Cup.
      Arthur said: “I see people telling me ‘rest in peace’ (for Pele). One day it will happen, but it is not today.
      “He is going to be well, it is a matter of time. He will see Brazil lift the sixth title.”
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      Brazil are one of the favourites to lift the World Cup in Qatar and begin their knockout campaign on Monday.
      They face South Korea, who pulled off a shock win over Portugal in their last group game.
      Superstar Neymar is expected to play after overcoming an ankle injury that ruled him out of Brazil’s final two group fixtures.
      Pele is expected to return home once he has fought off the lung infectionCredit: Instagram
      Grandson Arthur says the football great’s time hasn’t come and he will see Brazil lift a sixth World CupCredit: Instagram @pele
      Pele won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970Credit: AP:Associated Press More

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      in Motorsport

      Chinese GP CANCELLED again for fourth straight year as F1 confirm race called off due to ‘Covid difficulties’

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      FORMULA ONE have cancelled the Chinese Grand Prix for the fourth year in a row due to “Covid difficulties”.The circuit was set to return to Shanghai for the fourth race of the 2023 season on April 16.
      The Chinese Grand Prix for 2023 has been cancelledCredit: Reuters
      Lewis Hamilton won the last edition of the race in 2019Credit: AFP
      But with coronavirus still an ongoing issue in the Asian country and restrictions remaining in place, F1 confirmed the Grand Prix will not go ahead as planned.
      China’s covid policies mean that all F1 staff and drivers would be required to quarantine.
      There is the added risk that if team members tested positive for Covid they would be detained while they recover.
      A short statement from F1 said: “Formula One can confirm, following dialogue with the promoter and relevant authorities, that the 2023 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the Covid-19 situation.
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      “Formula One is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course.”
      The Chinese GP was axed when the pandemic broke out in early 2020.
      The 2021 and 2022 races were also wiped off the F1 calendar as the problems continued.
      Lewis Hamilton won the last edition of the Chinese GP in 2019.
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      That was the Brit’s sixth victory at the Shanghai circuit in his illustrious career, claiming his first chequered flag in 2008.
      One possible solution is a return to Portimao, which would make up a record 24-race calendar.
      The cancelled race will otherwise mean there will be a four-week gap between the Australian GP and the Azerbaijan GP which run at the start and the end of April respectively.
      Another option would see the Azerbaijan GP move forward to close up the gap, meaning the total GPs is reduced to 23.
      Max Verstappen will begin his campaign for a hat-trick of drivers’ world championships in Bahrain on March 5 – after pre-season testing at the same venue.
      F1 had pieced together the whopping 24-race season for 2023, with a new Las Vegas Grand Prix on the penultimate weekend.
      As usual, the season will come to an end at Abu Dhabi on the last weekend of November.
      But a handful of drivers could be at risk of facing bans next year if they hit the 12-point penalty limit threshold on their licences within a rolling 12 months.
      Pierre Gasly (ten), Lance Stroll (eight), Verstappen and Alex Albon (both seven) are closest to triggering an automatic one-race ban. More

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      in Soccer

      Stunning OnlyFans model promises free naked pictures for every Brazil goal at World Cup 2022

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      A STUNNING OnlyFans model has promised a free nude snap for every goal her native Brazil scores in the World Cup.Daiane Tomazoni, 24, joined OnlyFans shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic and says she now earns much more than she would in any other job.
      Daiane Tomazoni has promised a nude snap every time Brazil score at the World CupCredit: Instagram – tomazonidaiane
      She works as a model on OnlyFansCredit: Instagram – tomazonidaiane
      Daiane is a fan of RicharlisonCredit: Instagram – tomazonidaiane
      She told Newsflash in an interview: “I currently work exclusively producing 18+ content. In addition to OnlyFans, I work with other platforms in the same industry.
      “Before the pandemic, at the suggestion of some friends who were already working in and were managing to earn a lot from content production, I decided to start selling too.
      “The pandemic and social isolation ended up suiting this online work. I was working in the HR department of a company and I was fired due to court issues.
      “So I decided to focus 100 per cent on content sales and it worked.”
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      On her latest, eyebrow-raising pledge, Daiane added: “I have a group on Telegram where I keep in close contact with my followers.
      “Unlike subscriber platforms, this group is for interaction and for me to send previews of my content.
      “I talk a lot, I reply to everyone, and I realised that people weren’t that excited about the games.
      “So I thought of creating a way to encourage everyone to better support the national team.
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      “As soon as I pitched the idea, many thought it was a lie and that I wasn’t going to send them.”
      Daiane continued: “Even so, the majority started backing and sharing messages of support for Brazil.
      “They asked for photos even for balls that hit the crossbar during the game. As the goals took a while and only happened in the second half, people got anxious.
      “But as soon as Richarlison scored the first, the group was thrilled! And, of course, I sent the first photo completely uncensored.
      “Of course, with the second goal, people were even happier.
      “And since it worked out, in the next games I will keep and expand my pledge. Who knows? Maybe even with videos. Anything for the Brazil’s sixth title!”
      Commenting on Brazil’s performance in the World Cup so far, Daiane said: “Our team shone on the field.
      “There was the nervousness of the opening game that’s always common, especially for those with five stars on their shirt.
      “But the team soon found themselves and secured their first victory.”
      Daiane also spoke of her love for the beautiful game and named Spurs and ex-Watford and Everton striker Richarlison a second time.
      She said: “I think it’s impossible not to be a football fanatic in Brazil. It’s very connected to our culture. I love it!
      “And even before the call-up, my fans were already very fond of Richarlison, who scored the goals in the opening game.
      “He has cool opinions off the field and he has the Brazilian joy of playing football.”
      She is not the only Brazilian fan to talk up the attacker as Mayara Lopes believes Richarlison will be a superstar.
      Daiane wants to reward Brazil’s squad the same way she rewards her followers.
      She said: “I want to send the same incentive I send to my followers to the national team players and the entire coaching staff.
      “Imagine some of them getting some intimate photos and receiving that excitement, right?”
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      She joked: “I’ll send, you can DM me on my official Instagram!”
      Daiane ended with a message of support for Brazil and PSG superstar Neymar, saying “I want to send good luck in particular to Neymar Jr., who deserves our support, as he was injured in his first game.”
      She wished Neymar luck after his injuryCredit: Instagram – tomazonidaiane
      Daiane believes football is connected to the culture of BrazilCredit: Instagram – tomazonidaiane More

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      in Soccer

      China censoring Qatar World Cup crowds on TV by cutting away to hide maskless faces as rage grows of Covid lockdown

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      CHINA’S state broadcaster cut away from maskless fans at the Qatar World Cup today amid Covid lockdown rage. During the live broadcast of the Japan and Costa Rica game, CCTV Sports replaced close-up shots of maskless fans waving flags with images of players, officials or the football stadium.
      CCTV Sports replaced close-up shots of maskless fans with images of players, officials or the stadiumCredit: Twitter
      The broadcaster showed distant shots of the crowd where it was difficult to make out individual facesCredit: Twitter
      CCTV Sports showed distant shots of the crowd where it was difficult to make out individual faces, and fewer crowd shots compared to the live broadcast of the same game on Douyin – China’s TikTok.
      Footage of the Tunisia and Australia clash on Saturday also emerged showing a stark difference between the state TV’s version of the game and other broadcasts.
      CCTV Sports kept the camera on players on the pitch and officials on the sidelines while the other broadcast zoomed in on fans reacting to the game.
      And in a video shared of the 1-1 draw between the USA and Wales, the crowd appeared to be blurred in one version of the broadcast.
      Read more on China
      Tens of millions of people in major cities in China – including the capital Beijing – are currently under some form of lockdown as Covid cases rise across the country.
      China is the last major economy still trying to stamp out the spread of Covid with snap lockdowns, lengthy quarantine rules and mass testing regimes.
      But the contrast of the harsh restrictions with the raucous World Cup crowds has infuriated many living in China.
      The images of maskless fans in Qatar have highlighted to many frustrated Chinese the difference between their country’s Covid curbs and a world that has moved on from masks and lockdowns.
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      An open letter to China’s National Health Commission questioned the country’s Covid policies and asked if China was “on the same planet” as Qatar.
      It went viral online last Tuesday before being deleted.
      One Weibo user fumed: “My biggest takeaway from watching the World Cup: no one is wearing a mask, and no one is afraid of the pandemic!”
      “How long will the policies keep us in lockdown? Are we not the same species with those from the rest of the world?
      “Are we closing off the entire country from the world now?”
      Another said: “The Qatar world cup tells us that the rest of the world has returned to normal.
      “It’s not sustainable for us to maintain this state of shutdown.”
      State broadcaster CCTV spent millions of dollars on the rights to broadcast the event – even though China has not qualified for the competition since 2002.
      It comes as China deployed an army of riot cops to crush protests as fury erupted over the deaths of ten people in a tower block blaze.
      Hundreds have taken to the streets across major cities in China after the tragedy was blamed on Xi Jinping’s draconian zero-Covid lockdown.
      From Beijing to Shanghai, the deaths have led to protests across China and cops have descended onto the streets to keep order as tensions boil over.
      The deadly blaze at the apartment block in Urumqi on Thursday sparked outrage as the city has been under strict Covid restrictions since August.
      Furious residents have blamed the deaths on the Covid lockdown as they said they were only allowed to leave home for short periods each day and the timing was strictly controlled by authorities.
      Footage also showed workers trying to take down fences near the building, delaying firefighters and emergency services from getting to the scene and helping victims.
      Thousands took to social media to question whether residents had been trapped in the building – and whether the fire exits had been blocked.
      Urumqi authorities issued an unusual apology on Friday night and confirmed lockdown measures would be eased “in stages” after the blaze.
      And on Sunday, Beijing appeared to acknowledge the tragedy as authorities reportedly issued a notice stating it is “strictly forbidden” to block fire exits in buildings under lockdown.
      But the deaths have sparked protests across China.
      People in Urumqi were seen confronting officials, breaking down a barrier and yelling “end the Covid lockdown”.
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      Protesters in Shanghai stood on police cars and others chanted “we don’t want PCR tests” as a vigil was held in the city for the fire victims on Saturday night.
      The demonstrations are the latest signs of building frustration with Chinas intense approach to controlling Covid. More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate to let players see their WAGS for World Cup downtime if Covid permits

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      ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate wants players to see their partners for World Cup downtime but Covid may intervene.Southgate, 52, said: “We would like it to happen, we think it is a significant part of a team feeling relaxed and comfortable.
      England boss Gareth Southgate wants players to see their partners, such as Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, during downtime at the World CupCredit: Instagram
      Model Sasha Attwood, girlfriend of Man City’s Grealish, is among those expected to fly out for the tournamentCredit: Instagram
      Southgate said he thought it would make the team ‘relaxed and comfortable’Credit: PA
      “But at the moment none of us know what the transmission rate is likely to be out there.”
      On Friday, there were 307 new Covid cases in Qatar.
      Southgate added: “We need to monitor it quite closely.”
      Some of the players’ wives and girlfriends will be on the £1billion cruise ship MSC World Europa. 
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      Model Sasha Attwood, 26, girlfriend of Man City ace Jack Grealish, 27, is among those expected to fly out for the tournament, starting next Sunday.
      Southgate also revealed he has some special motivational plans up his sleeve – but was keeping it a secret for now.
      Actor Michael Sheen delivered a rousing pre-World Cup speech to the Welsh team, who will face England in the group stages.
      It was light-heartedly put to Southgate that perhaps he would bring in Brian Blessed to do likewise.
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      Yet the England chief was giving nothing away, and joked: “Maybe we can go one better than Wales.”
      When Southgate was pressed to reveal details, he added: “No, we can’t. But we want them to do all the things that going to a World Cup involves the suits, the photos.
      “But thankfully there’s been no record, or song! We just want them to be excited about going.”
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