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      Former Iran striker Ali Daei ‘sincerely hopes’ Cristiano Ronaldo beats his record for most international goals ever

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO would be warmly congratulated by Ali Daei if he breaks the Iran legend’s international goal record.
      No man has scored more than 51-year-old Daei on the international stage, with 109 bagged in 13 years for his country.

      Cristiano Ronaldo is seven goals away from the international goal recordCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Ali Daei ‘sincerely hopes’ the Portugal forward beats his tallyCredit: EPA

      Another strike for Portugal last week put Ronaldo one step closer to the record and his tally stands at 102.
      It seems only a matter of time until the Juventus star, 35, claims the honour and Daei is looking forward to that moment.
      The former striker is quoted by Record as saying: “I sincerely hope that Cristiano Ronaldo will reach my goal record for the national team.
      “In no way [would I be hurt], it would be a real honour for me if a player in his class could do it.

      “Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players not only of his time, but of all time. He is an absolute phenomenon.
      “I would congratulate him directly. But first he has to get there.

      MEN’S ALL-TIME TOP INTERNATIONAL GOALSCORERS

      Ali Daei – Iran – 109 goals – 149 caps
      Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal – 102 goals – 169 caps
      Mokhtar Dahari – Malaysia – 88 goals – 131 caps
      Ferenc Puskás – Hungary – 84 goals – 85 caps
      Godfrey Chitalu – Zambia – 79 goals – 111 caps
      Hussein Saeed – Iraq – 78 goals – 137 caps
      Pelé – Brazil – 77 goals – 92 caps
      Kunishige Kamamoto – Japan – 75 goals – 76 caps=8 Bashar Abdullah – Kuwait – 75 goals – 134 caps10. Sunil Chhetri – India – 72 goals – 115 caps=10. Majed Abdullah – Saudi Arabia – 72 goals – 117 caps

      “Cristiano Ronaldo already has 102 goals for Portugal and will beat my record, I’m sure of that, but he still has seven goals to go.”
      Portugal take on Croatia on Tuesday night with an outside shot of jumping France to win Nations League group A3.

      Next year, Ronaldo will have the chance to add to his tally with Euro 2020 warm-up games before the potential opportunity to break the record during the tournament.
      Hungary, France and Germany await the defending champions in Group F.

      Coach Fernando Santos has played down the importance of Ronaldo breaking the goal record ahead of the Croatia game.
      He said: “Nobody will be thinking about Cristiano.
      “The [other players] will not be thinking about not scoring in order to give the chance to someone else.
      “Even Cristiano wouldn’t want that to happen. Cristiano will score when he has to score. The [other players] will not be thinking about that.”

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      Gareth Southgate fears England’s Euro 2020 bid could be derailed by injuries and jam-packed fixture list

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE fears injury chaos could wreck England’s glory bid.
      The Three Lions boss is concerned the Premier League’s packed fixture list and no winter break will wreak havoc with March’s World Cup  qualifiers — and next summer’s Euro 2020.

      Gareth Southgate fears injuries and a congested fixture list could wreck England’s Euro hopesCredit: Rex Features

      Ahead of tomorrow’s Nations League game with Iceland, Southgate has been hit with a string of injury problems.
      Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling are the latest to drop out, leaving England with a 22-man squad.
      Southgate said: “We have been nowhere near, in any of the last three months, having a full squad to pick from.
      “As the season progresses, we will go through with no winter break and we don’t know who we will have at the end, so that would be the concern. I don’t think we could have prepared physically any better than this week.

      “We have given players extra recovery. We have tapered the training appropriately and we have still ended up with a couple of injuries.
      “That is a worry in the longer term because there is no winter break. Something has to give. What will it take for that  to change?
      “I said there are a couple of less serious injuries but what do we do? Wait until we get a load of really nasty ones? There has to be a collective thinking about that.”
      Manchester City star Sterling is struggling with a calf problem and Liverpool skipper Henderson has picked up a hamstring injury.

      Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson is one of the latest Three Lions to pick up an injuryCredit: Rex Features
      The pair have returned to their clubs as they battle to be fit for games with Tottenham and Leicester this week.
      Sterling did not feature in either the 3-0 win over Ireland or the 2-0 loss in Belgium.
      Henderson was substituted on Sunday in Belgium due to his issue. Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell, who complained of back pain on Sunday, has remained with Southgate.

      Also crocked are Trent Alexander-Arnold (calf), Joe Gomez (knee), James Ward-Prowse (hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee), Kalvin Phillips (shoulder), Marcus Rashford (shoulder) and Danny Ings (knee),
      After tomorrow’s clash with Iceland, Southgate will prepare for three World Cup qualifiers in Spring. The draw is on December 7 in Zurich.
      He added: “We have been able to experiment a bit through these matches and that has been invaluable because of the quality of the opposition.

      “Of course, with World Cup qualifiers we have a duty to win the games but we always try to be progressive as well.
      “We have learned a lot about a lot of new players in this autumn period and,  hopefully, March will be an opportunity to build on that.
      “What we don’t know about March is what we will have available which is really an unknown and a concern.”
      Former Manchester United chief David Gill is set to stay with Uefa in a boost for England’s 2030 World Cup bid.
      Gill was planning to step down from his role as Uefa treasurer and the FA’s  representative on the group’s executive committee.
      But Gill has answered a plea from Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin to  reconsider and serve a further four-year term.
      It means English football will have a strong hand at  the top table of European  football in the build-up to the 2030 vote.

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      Gareth Bale loses battle to watch Masters as Welsh team-mates pull rank and put rugby on TV

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      GARETH BALE lost the battle for the TV remote — forcing Wales’ talisman to watch The Masters on his iPad!
      Golf nut Bale appeared to view the first round at Augusta on a  laptop during the Dragons’ goalless draw with USA  in an international friendly on Thursday night.

      Pals Gareth Bale and Ben Davies enjoy each other’s company on international and club duty Credit: Alamy Live News

      Bale, 31, wanted to watch the golf again on the big screen in Wales’ team hotel in Cardiff on Friday evening.
      But his team-mates ignored his pleas and picked the nation’s rugby union defeat to Ireland instead.
      Bale’s Wales and Spurs pal Ben Davies, preparing to face the Irish at the Cardiff City Stadium today, said: “Gareth had his iPad out watching the golf and the rugby was on the TV. The boys pulled rank there.”
      Bale’s love of golf has been well-documented — and he is not the only Tottenham player who has a passion for the sport.

      England skipper Harry Kane tweeted on Friday: “Running off to watch the Masters”.Davies added: “Those two are some of the biggest golf fans I’ve seen. Those two love it.”So who is the best golfer? Davies joked: “Me.” He added: “I’ve played with both of them but I can’t say I’m the best judge as to who is better because I’m not the best.”
      Wales aim to cheer up a sporting-mad nation after their rugby counterparts lost 32-9 to Ireland in the Autumn Nations Cup in Dublin.

      Bale was spotted appeared to be enjoying The Masters while sat in the stands during Wales’ 0-0 draw with the USACredit: PA:Press Association
      Davies said: “It was a tough game and it will be the same for us. We have to keep the momentum up and keep going in this Nations League.“It’s about winning habits and sometimes it doesn’t matter how it comes. If you keep winning games that’s the most important thing.“I don’t think we’ve been at our best in this Nations League, but we’ve got three wins and we’re top of the group. We want to continue that run.”
      Caretaker boss Rob Page has captain Bale fit to start after his midweek rest.Asked if Wales can inflict revenge on Ireland, Page said: “Let’s hope so. We had a meeting and then we all had our evening meal together and it was on in the background, so we saw bits of it.“Of course a disappointing result but we’re looking forward to our game on Sunday.“We’re ready for the challenge.”

      Meanwhile, defender Tom Lockyer wants to prove he is a key man for Wales — and nail down his Euro 2020 spot to emulate idols Ashley Williams and James Chester.

      Bale was rested for the friendly last week but is expected to feature against Ireland Credit: PA:Press Association
      The Luton centre-back, 25, has been a first-choice pick for the Dragons when fit over the last 12 months.
      And Lockyer, back from an ankle injury, would love to follow in the footsteps of Williams and Chester, who were rock solid in defence when the Dragons reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
      He said: “They were my idols when I was watching the Euros. I was watching in a fan park with my mates with a couple of beers.
      “To actually get involved with all that is something I never thought was possible.
      “It didn’t even cross my mind. I was just a fan and enjoying it.”

      Lockyer was injured for last month’s Nations League games against Ireland and Bulgaria.
      But, after completing 90 minutes against USA, he could line-up versus Ireland, then Finland on Wednesday.
      He added: “There is competition for places all over. No player wants to be sitting on the bench watching it.”

      Tottenham boss Mourinho admits he feels ‘uncomfortable’ about Bale playing for Wales because assistant manager works for Arsenal More

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      Jude Bellingham’s England rise after move to Dortmund provides hope to the rest of the Young Lions, says Conor Gallagher

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      CONOR GALLAGHER says Jude Bellingham’s promotion to the seniors gives all English youngsters hope.
      Bellingham, 17, became the third youngest player to make their Three Lions debut when coming on in the 3-0 win over Ireland.

      Bellingham moved to Dortmund for a deal worth £30million in the summerCredit: Rex Features

      That was after the Dortmund starlet had been promoted from the Under-21s squad following an injury to James Ward-Prowse.
      It was the latest example of Gareth Southgate dipping into the Aidy Boothroyd’s squad for a player, following the likes of Reece James, Bukayo Saka and many more in his tenure.
      Gallagher, who played in the Young Lions’ 3-1 win over Andorra on Friday, said: “It gives every young England player hope. 
      “I think there have been 22 players in the last four years who have gone up to the seniors from the 21s which is obviously a very high number. 

      “Having boys like Jude to go up to the seniors is great to see.”
      Gallagher gave away what he felt was a “harsh” penalty just before half-time at Molineux, allowing Andorra to chalk off Curtis Jones’ opener.
      England secured the victory after the break thanks to Ben Wilmot’s header and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s spot-kick.
      Boss Aidy Boothroyd wants his youngsters to learn from the experience so they avoid allowing teams a way back in to matches when the Under-21 Euros kick off in March.

      Gallagher is currently on loan at struggling West Brom but says he is relishing the challengeCredit: Rex Features
      Gallagher added: “He always tries to drum into us to think like a 30-year-old, he says.
      “We’re all 20, 21 and even younger, but he wants us to play maturely and with experience which a lot of us do have. So there’s definitely still learning for us.
      “I did (feel hard-done by). I was quite surprised when he gave it.
      “I thought by him falling over and screaming, he might give this, but it was very harsh.”
      Unlike Bellingham, Gallagher opted not to move to the Bundesliga this summer despite interest from Schalke.

      Instead he picked West Brom, who are still yet to win a league game this season.
      But the Chelsea loanee, 20, said: “I always said my dream was to play in the Premier League and if I had a chance to do it, I would, which I did. I’m happy to be playing there.
      “(Playing in a struggling team) doesn’t faze me at all. However it is, I’ll always give 100 per cent no matter what.”

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      Scotland coach John Carver tore his CALF celebrating the penalty shootout win over Serbia to seal Euro 2020 spot

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      JOHN CARVER has revealed he tore his CALF celebrating Scotland’s penalty shootout win over Serbia.
      The Scotland coach was seen on crutches leaving the team hotel in Belgrade yesterday hours after the dramatic play-off final win that ended our 22 year wait to reach a major tournament.

      Carver tore his calf muscle at the end of the penalty shootout against SerbiaCredit: PA:Press Association

      While Carver was in agony the delighted players enjoyed the momentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Newcastle boss says he always knew David Marshall would save Aleksander Mitrovic’s spot-kick after studying footage of the Fulham striker with goalie coach Stevie Woods.
      But as the celebrations began all around him, Carver says he felt like he had been SHOT as his calf tore while running onto the pitch.
      He said: “It was pretty embarrassing. The adrenaline is flowing and I knew Mitrovic was going to miss the penalty.
      “I sat next to Stevie Woods on the plane and I watched him miss a couple, so I was concentrating on that area.

      “We were on our marks ready to go and when David Marshall produced the wonderful save that was it the starting gun and off we went.
      “Within five steps, the goalie coach tried to trip me up, Steven Reid jumped on my back and then the next thing I felt like I had been shot in the calf.
      “I was in so much pain and haven’t felt anything like it.
      “The performance director then tried to jump on my back and then I saw the guys celebrating but the pain was incredible.

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      “It still is and it is uncomfortable. Despite that it was an incredible feeling to be part of it.
      “You see how much it means to the nation, especially in the current times.
      “Any big tournament needs a team like Scotland and hopefully the way it is going we will have crowds in.
      “Yes I am English but I am a professional and I have given everything for Scotland – including a torn calf.”
      Carver worked with Clarke under Bobby Robson at Newcastle and says he will always be grateful to the former Killie boss for giving him a route back into football.

      Clarke and Carver worked together at Newcastle under Bobby RobsonCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Speaking to Sky Sports, he added: “We met in 1999 when I was made first-team coach at Newcastle and we developed a friendship.
      “We have kept in touch and then an opportunity came around when Alex Dyer stayed with Kilmarnock.
      “Steve would ask me to watch games as when you are out of work it is a lonely place.
      “He said I might be needed for September, October and November and I looked at Norway, Serbia, Czech Republic and Israel and did a few reports for him.
      “All of a sudden he picked up the phone to join him and the rest is history.”

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      England vs Scotland WILL have fans, Government reckon thanks to coronavirus vaccine

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      THE Government are confident the Euro 2020 clash between England and Scotland WILL be played in front of fans, thanks to the Covid vaccine.
      The Auld Enemy face off in a group game at Wembley on June 18 — and under current restrictions supporters would not be allowed in.

      England manager Gareth Southgate salutes the fansCredit: AFP or licensors

      England and Scotland are expected to be able to play with fans in the delayed Euro 2020 tournamentCredit: Getty – Contributor

      But SunSport has been told the Pfizer vaccine breakthrough — with an AstraZeneca version to follow this month — has given ministers belief crowds will be able to attend games.
      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “We want fans back in stadia as quickly as is safe to do so.
      “And the real progress we are making on testing and vaccines means that next year’s Euros are firmly in our sights.”
      Up until as recently as last month, there were real fears in Whitehall that Euro 2020 matches would be behind closed doors as the country battles to keep a lid on the virus.

      But the impending arrival of vaccines has changed the landscape.
      Uefa has confirmed the Scots will get 14,400 tickets for Wembley.
      But the Tartan Army is likely to be bolstered by thousands more who bagged seats in last year’s Uefa general ballot.
      Steve Clarke’s team won their spot after a thrilling penalty shoot-out win in Serbia.

      Keeper David Marshall was the hero saving Fulham ace Aleksandar Mitrovic’s effort.
      Mitrovic had to score after after all nine previous spot-kicks were converted successfully by both sides.
      And the Scottish players celebrated ending 22 years of hurt with a proper dressing room boogie.

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      Watch ecstatic Scotland heroes BOOGIE in dressing room as wild Euro 2020 party kicks off More

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      England vs Scotland WILL have fans, Govt reckon thanks to Covid vaccine

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      THE Government are confident the Euro 2020 clash between England and Scotland WILL be played in front of fans, thanks to the Covid vaccine.
      The Auld Enemy face off in a group game at Wembley on June 18 — and under current restrictions supporters would not be allowed in.

      England and Scotland are expected to be able to play with fans in the delayed Euro 2020 tournamentCredit: Getty – Contributor

      But SunSport has been told the Pfizer vaccine breakthrough — with an AstraZeneca version to follow this month — has given ministers belief crowds will be able to attend games.
      Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “We want fans back in stadia as quickly as is safe to do so.
      “And the real progress we are making on testing and vaccines means that next year’s Euros are firmly in our sights.”
      Up until as recently as last month, there were real fears in Whitehall that Euro 2020 matches would be behind closed doors as the country battles to keep a lid on the virus.

      But the impending arrival of vaccines has changed the landscape.
      Uefa has confirmed the Scots will get 14,400 tickets for Wembley.
      But the Tartan Army is likely to be bolstered by thousands more who bagged seats in last year’s Uefa general ballot.
      Steve Clarke’s team won their spot after a thrilling penalty shoot-out win in Serbia.

      Keeper David Marshall was the hero saving Fulham ace Aleksandar Mitrovic’s effort.
      Mitrovic had to score after after all nine previous spot-kicks were converted successfully by both sides.
      And the Scottish players celebrated ending 22 years of hurt with a proper dressing room boogie.

      Watch ecstatic Scotland heroes BOOGIE in dressing room as wild Euro 2020 party kicks off More

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      England’s predicted Euro 2020 XI with Mount and Grealish giving Southgate dilemma after impressing vs Ireland

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      THE field is set, the fixtures are locked in, and Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 preparations are hotting up.
      While England were routinely sweeping aside Ireland at Wembley, Scotland were overcoming Serbia in a tense battle in Belgrade to seal the final Group D spot alongside the Three Lions.

      Southgate could use his three-man central defence

      Fans cannot wait for the home nations battle in the capital, with the possibility of supporters returning to the stands making it a mouthwatering prospect.
      But who will take to the field at the national stadium on June 18, 2021?
      Amid the Mason Mount-Jack Grealish debate, which continues to rumble on after both started the Ireland triumph, SunSport takes a look at how Southgate could line his side up as they aim for European glory.
      GOALKEEPER

      Jordan Pickford is in the driving seat for the No1 jerseyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Burnley stopper Nick Pope won his fourth cap against IrelandCredit: EPA
      It will surely be Jordan Pickford, won’t it?

      Southgate, 50, recently raised eyebrows when he suggested that the Everton stopper has ‘no serious challengers’ to his No1 shirt.
      But if he continues to blunder for Everton, with Sweden international Robin Olsen breathing down his neck at Goodison, perhaps Southgate may reevaluate his stance.
      Burnley’s Nick Pope would likely be best placed to step in, although worries persist over his kicking.
      Dean Henderson would probably need to usurp David de Gea at Manchester United to stand any chance.

      Alternatively the England gaffer may return to a back-four

      DEFENCE

      Eric Dier has returned to the international fold this yearCredit: Reuters

      Tyrone Mings and Harry Maguire could play together at the finalsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      A back-four, or a back-five? Southgate has toyed with both in the last few years.
      In recent times he appears to have returned to the latter, which served him fairly well at the 2018 World Cup.
      Harry Maguire is a nailed-on starter if fit, but who partners him could be interesting.
      Eric Dier has ample experience playing in a three-man central defence for Tottenham which could serve him well, while Tyrone Mings would provide a nice left-footed option.
      Joe Gomez looks likely to be in a race against time to be fit and may miss out, opening the door to Toffees defender Michael Keane to feature.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Chilwell would seem to be stick-ons as the wing-backs – although Reece James is making an impressive case for himself at Chelsea.
      Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier may be yesterday’s men as far as the England fold goes.
      MIDFIELD

      Mount and Grealish both featured alongside Jadon Sancho and Co against IrelandCredit: Reuters

      Rice and Henderson offer England a solid baseCredit: Reuters
      England really are stacked in the middle of the park.
      Declan Rice is only getting better and better at West Ham, while Jordan Henderson continues to be an inspirational figure in the Liverpool engine room.
      The pair offer an incredibly stable base.
      But, if already using a five-man defence, Southgate may opt to spice things up a touch with another flair player, of which England are not short.
      Mason Mount could come in, as a talented, creative option, that also offers up a strong work-rate and willingness to help a backline.
      Jack Grealish may feature a little further forward, and could compete with Phil Foden for a No10 slot.
      Harry Winks will also be in the mix for a deeper role, while Kalvin Phillips has four caps to his name.
      ATTACK

      In-form Harry Kane is set to have some top-class serviceCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Tammy Abraham has impressed this season for ChelseaCredit: AFP or licensors
      Again, Southgate’s options are among the best in Europe.
      Skipper Harry Kane is fit and firing, already notching a remarkable 13 goals and ten assists this term.
      Who features alongside him is another matter, with Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling most likely in the driving seat.
      Marcus Rashford cannot be discounted, however, while Tammy Abraham and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are on fire for their clubs.
      Mason Greenwood could yet still provide an excellent wildcard option.

      England defender Reece James celebrates his side’s 3-0 win over Ireland at Wembley More