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      in Soccer

      England fans will be able to drink beer at the World Cup – but there’s a big catch

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      ENGLAND fans can drink beer during matches at the World Cup in Qatar – as long as it’s non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero.The news comes after it was revealed alcoholic lager will cost around £13-a-pint when the event starts in 60 days.
      England fans can drink beer during matches at the World Cup in Qatar – as long as it’s non-alcoholic Budweiser Zero (stock picture)Credit: Getty
      While matches are in progress and at half-time, Budweiser Zero will be the only beer on sale for around £6-a-pint
      Ticket holders will be able to buy pricey pints within the stadium perimeter before and after matches.
      But while the match is in progress and at half-time, Budweiser Zero will be the only beer on sale for around £6-a-pint.
      But thirsty Three Lions fans have been warned not to sup alcohol outside designated areas – and not to attempt to smuggle their own booze into the Muslim country – risking fines and deportation if they do so.
      A FIFA spokesman said its goal was “catering for those who wish to enjoy an alcoholic drink while being respectful towards the local culture”.
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      England face Iran in their opening match at the Khalifa International Stadium on November 21.
      And while fans have high hopes for Gareth Southgate’s men, alcohol free beer experts have warned them not to expect much from the booze.
      The Free Beer website’s review of Budweiser Zero was lukewarm.
      It said: “Very mild malt flavours, initially very fizzy, and a pretty watery mouthfeel. Bland.”
      Most read in The Sun More

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      in Soccer

      Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt all smiles as the ex-Man Utd stars conquer Three Peaks challenge following pre-match beers

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      EX-Man United stars Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs enjoyed pre-match beers before tackling the Three Peaks challenge.Butt, 47, posted pictures on Instagram showing the group enjoying a pint, joking that Guinness and lager were “maybe not the right fuel”.
      Nicky Butt posted pictures on Instagram showing the group enjoying a pint
      Butt later posted a photo of the group after completing the Three Peaks challengeCredit: Instagram paulscholesaaa
      Best mate Giggs, 48, sat to the right of the group and kept a low profile under a woolly hat.
      The challenge sees hikers walk 26 miles and ascend 9,843ft on Ben Nevis in Scotland, England’s Scafell Pike and Snowdon in Wales.
      And the group now appear to have completed the challenge.
      Butt provided regular updates of the group’s progress on his Instagram story, before posting a photo with the group at the summit of Snowdon.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Fellow ‘Class of 92’ member Paul Scholes posted a screenshot of Butt’s story which revealed they had completed the challenge.
      Scholes, 47, accompanied his post with the caption: “Unbelievable lads… well done.”
      The trio all played together for a number of years at Manchester United.
      They graduated through the academy along with the likes of David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville.
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      Last week Giggs posed with fans outside the Railway pub in Hale, Gtr Manchester, near the home he shares with partner Zara Charles, 33.
      He faces a retrial over allegations of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour towards his ex Kate Greville, 38. More

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      in Soccer

      Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs enjoy pre-match beers before tackling the Three Peaks challenge

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      EX-Man United stars Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs enjoyed pre-match beers before tackling the Three Peaks challenge.Butt, 47, posted pictures on Instagram showing the group enjoying a pint, joking that Guinness and lager were “maybe not the right fuel”.
      Butt, 47, posted pictures on Instagram showing the group enjoying a pint
      Best mate Giggs, 48, sat to the right of the group and kept a low profile under a woolly hat.
      The challenge sees hikers walk 26 miles and ascend 9,843ft on Ben Nevis in Scotland, England’s Scafell Pike and Snowdon in Wales.
      Last week Giggs posed with fans outside the Railway pub in Hale, Gtr Manchester, near the home he shares with partner Zara Charles, 33.
      He faces a retrial over allegations of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour towards his ex Kate Greville, 38.
      READ MORE ON RYAN GIGGS
      Most read in The Sun More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt all smiles as ex-Man Utd stars conquer Three Peaks challenge following pre-match beers

      by

      EX-Man United stars Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs enjoyed pre-match beers before tackling the Three Peaks challenge.Butt, 47, posted pictures on Instagram showing the group enjoying a pint, joking that Guinness and lager were “maybe not the right fuel”.
      Nicky Butt posted pictures on Instagram showing the group enjoying a pint
      Butt later posted a photo of the group after completing the Three Peaks challengeCredit: Instagram paulscholesaaa
      Best mate Giggs, 48, sat to the right of the group and kept a low profile under a woolly hat.
      The challenge sees hikers walk 26 miles and ascend 9,843ft on Ben Nevis in Scotland, England’s Scafell Pike and Snowdon in Wales.
      And the group now appear to have completed the challenge.
      Butt provided regular updates of the group’s progress on his Instagram story, before posting a photo with the group at the summit of Snowdon.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Fellow ‘Class of 92’ member Paul Scholes posted a screenshot of Butt’s story which revealed they had completed the challenge.
      Scholes, 47, accompanied his post with the caption: “Unbelievable lads… well done.”
      The trio all played together for a number of years at Manchester United.
      They graduated through the academy along with the likes of David Beckham, Gary and Phil Neville.
      Most read in The Sun
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Last week Giggs posed with fans outside the Railway pub in Hale, Gtr Manchester, near the home he shares with partner Zara Charles, 33.
      He faces a retrial over allegations of assault and coercive and controlling behaviour towards his ex Kate Greville, 38. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Trent Alexander-Arnold will struggle to make England squad for World Cup due to defensive frailties, claims Danny Mills

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will struggle to make the plane to the World Cup, according to ex-England star Danny Mills.Gareth Southgate named a 28-man squad for the Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.
      Danny Mills reckons Trent Alexander-Arnold could be without a seat on the plane to QatarCredit: Getty
      Alexander-Arnold doesn’t make Mills’ squadCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But the Three Lions boss can take just 26 to Qatar and Mills thinks Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold may miss out.
      Mills, who was England’s right-back in the 2002 World Cup, said: “There is a real possibility that he doesn’t make the squad.
      “I’ve always been concerned about his defensive ability and that has really come to the fore.
      “When on form, going forward he’s exceptional. But that papers over the cracks a bit, especially at Liverpool.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “You accept his defensive frailty because of what he gives you going forward. But this isn’t about getting out of the group in Qatar.
      “This is about the last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, big games against very good teams.
      “We’ve seen that Trent’s defensive capabilities are not always there.”
      Alexander-Arnold’s problem is the number of rivals for a place on the right side of defence, whether Southgate goes for a back three or a four.
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      Mills added: “As an out and out right-back, Kyle Walker is way better, Kieran Trippier is better. And so is Reece James. That’s three right-backs and do you need to take four? I don’t think you do.
      “James can play wing-back, so can Walker if he needs to.
      “Trippier played wing-back at the World Cup four years ago in Russia.
      “Everyone goes on about Trent’s delivery in the final third but look at Trippier’s and his set-pieces.
      “It’s a toss of the coin between Trent and Trippier for second wing-back.
      “And Trippier can play in other positions that Trent can’t.
      “If it was today, I would take Walker, Trippier and James. I think that gives you ample cover and plenty of options.”
      But Southgate does not have the same embarrassment of riches in the rest of his defence. 
      Euro 2020 stars Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are in the squad to face Italy on Friday and the Germans at Wembley three days later, despite both being dropped by Manchester United.
      Ben Chilwell is the only other recognised left-back in the party but is only just back from injury and has been in and out of Chelsea’s team.
      Mills, who starred in all five games when England reached the quarter-finals before losing to Brazil in 2002, said: “Shaw and Maguire aren’t playing for United but what are the options?
      “Gareth says he will pick players on form but you also need players you know and trust and you know can work in the environment. Those players are still in there because of that.
      “There are just two months to go. That’s why he has no choice but to revert to those he knows.
      “A big question will be how fit is Harry Maguire?
      “Gareth might well give him a game and a half next week to keep his levels up.
      “Come Qatar he needs a fit Harry Maguire because his options are limited.”
      Mills is also concerned that midfielder Kalvin Phillips — another Euro 2020 stalwart — has “barely had a kick” since joining Manchester City.
      Southgate at least has more choices up front and is taking the chance to assess if Brentford’s Ivan Toney has what it takes to be Harry Kane’s understudy — or even partner — up front.
      But, overall, Mills fears England will have trouble matching the performances in the last two major tournaments if their first 11 are not fit and firing in November.
      The talkSPORT and Sky Sports pundit added: “England’s best 11 players, all in good form, have a great chance to go deep in the tournament, possibly win it.
      “If you have two or three out of that, you are weaker. That is the problem.
      “If Harry Kane is out, where do you go from there?
      “How many of the first 11 are in good form and not injured right now? Not many.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Gareth took us within a penalty of winning the Euros. He’s done an incredible job.
      “But are we the second best team in Europe? Probably not. We need to be realistic.”
      Gareth Southgate is aiming to lead England to World Cup glory later this yearCredit: PA More

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      in Soccer

      Paul Pogba steps out looking like Ali G at kids’ trampoline party

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      BOOYAKASHA! Footballer Paul Pogba is Indahouse at a kids’ trampoline party — looking like Ali G.The ex-Manchester United star, 29, wore a bright yellow tracksuit with red trim just like Sacha Baron Cohen’s comedy character.
      Paul Pogba celebrated his son’s birthday by having a party in TurinCredit: BackGrid
      The French World Cup winner was joined by his model wife Maria, dressed as BatwomanCredit: BackGrid
      Pogba styled himself after Ali GCredit: London Features International
      Several of Pogba’s teammates were also at the partyCredit: AFP
      The French World Cup winner was joined by his model wife Maria Zulay Salaues, 28 — dressed as Batwoman — as they celebrated their son’s birthday in Turin, Italy.
      Juventus team-mates Angel Di Maria, 34, Juan Cuadrado, 34, and Alex Sandro, 31, were also there.
      It comes as we reported the ace could be in line for a call-up to France’s World Cup squad even if he’s not match-fit.
      Pogba, 29, suffered a serious knee injury in training over the summer, throwing his World Cup hopes into doubt.
      read more on pogba
      The former Manchester United star could make a return to action for his club side by November 10th, just ten days before the tournament starts.
      And despite his relative lack of game time, France coach Didier Deschamps could still call up the midfielder.
      Most read in The Sun More

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      in Soccer

      Ivan Toney would have been PERFECT for Man Utd… but if he carries on scoring Chelsea could come calling

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      IVAN TONEY is a good friend of mine so I am very chuffed and pleased he has got his England call-up.It has been a long journey and he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
      Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been called up to the England squad for the first timeCredit: Getty
      Toney has banged in five goals in six Premier League games this seasonCredit: Reuters
      He never made it in the England age groups but he has still played at a really good level for a really long time.
      He left Newcastle and dropped down divisions to prove he could deliver.

      And with the way the England set-up is now, I think his story could become even rarer in years to come so, when we see a story like Ivan’s, we have to champion it.
      There were even a lot of question marks when Brentford bought him from Peterborough but he is a proper finisher and an all-round No 9.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Aside from blistering pace, he is good at everything, including his insane penalty record, which Gareth Southgate would have had on his mind after how the Euros ended.
      His Brentford boss Thomas Frank has even said in the past that Ivan should be in the squad purely based on that alone — but he has so many other strings to his bow.
      If he was doing what he is doing now at a more glamorous club we would be waxing lyrical about him.
      But because he is at Brentford, it is a bit more unfashionable.
      Toney scored a hat-trick in Brentford’s 5-2 win over Leeds last time outCredit: Reuters
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      This guy has proven for a few years now that he can do it on the next level.
      I remember Ivan was linked with Arsenal and Manchester United  previously and he would have shone there.
      He would have been a perfect fit for United in terms of what they currently need up front, as well as Arsenal until Gabriel Jesus redefined that role for them.
      If he has the year he will likely have, even Chelsea will be keeping an eye on him.
      He could go there long-term and be a real success under Graham Potter.
      You look at the certain type of striker nowadays, your Darwin Nunez or Erling Haaland who are 6ft-plus and are mobile and can score all different types of goals, you have to put Ivan in that category.
      He has always been a humble kid but he is very confident in his ability and when you score the amount he has over the past two years, you would back yourself.
      And he will certainly back himself to impose his character and personality on this current England squad and training camp under Southgate ahead of the World Cup.
      Troy Deeney believes Chelsea could look to sign Toney at the end of the campaignCredit: Reuters
      If he was doing what he is doing now at a more glamorous club we would be waxing lyrical about him.”Troy Deeney
      What makes me say that is how his game evolved massively simply by playing briefly with Christian Eriksen last season at Brentford.
      He used to come deep a lot and yet a few months with Eriksen saw him stay high on the defender’s shoulder and he grabbed more goals.
      When he is around better players he lifts and raises his own game and being at England will only see him kick on and do more.
      Ivan won’t get intimidated and he will take his game to a whole new level.
      He really will flourish if he is given the time on the pitch by Southgate.
      You’d like to think Southgate is seriously considering Ivan for the World Cup, alongside the likes of Tammy Abraham.
      We all know Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane are already going.
      He has seen enough of them already. So, in these upcoming fixtures you have to give Ivan and Tammy that chance and experience.
      Toney fired in 12 top-flight goals last campaign to help the Bees finish in 13th spotCredit: Getty
      If he has the year he will likely have, Chelsea will be keeping an eye on him.Troy Deeney
      Give them a full game each and see how they do, rather than bringing either on for 20 minutes.
      Give the pair of them a proper challenge and see if they can sustain their club form at international level against two of the very best in Italy and Germany.
      Also, Southgate will be arguably more interested to see how Ivan fits in around this group off the pitch.
      At World Cups, it is more about the culture and how you mix with the lads socially in a different country for almost a month.
      Elsewhere in the squad, there has been a lot of talk about the inclusion of some names who either aren’t in form or haven’t played much this season.
      I am talking of Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Kalvin Phillips and Ben Chilwell.
      No English player has scored more than Toney in the Premier League this termCredit: Reuters
      But put yourself in the shoes of Southgate. He has never been let down by these players in an England shirt.
      Last time they were in a tournament they lost a final on penalties.
      Why would you now say someone like Maguire needs to be dropped because of some recent poor form for Manchester United, who aren’t playing well themselves?
      If he was at Manchester City and not playing well, when the team was flying, perhaps he needs to be dropped but it is not like that.
      It is fans getting too caught up in the short-term. I can see why Southgate has picked the players he has but he can never win.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
      Even if he picked his squad based on a poll on Twitter, there would still be complaints.
      He will live and die by his decisions but he knows that all too well by now. More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury thinks Anthony Joshua is already running scared of him and has upper hand ahead of all-Brit heavyweight fight

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      TYSON FURY believes Antony Joshua is already running scared ahead of their blockbuster December fight. The Gyspy King has told pals the “wall of silence” coming from AJ indicates he already has the upper hand. 
      Tyson Fury believes he already has the upper hand ahead of his Anthony Joshua clashCredit: PA
      Anthony Joshua’s silence in the build-up has been deafening, according to FuryCredit: PA
      An insider close to the Fury camp said: “So far AJ has allowed his management team to do all the talking.
      “In contrast, Tyson has been front and centre pushing for this contest and taking the fight directly to Joshua. 
      “Tyson thinks this says it all and that he already has the upper hand and that he has AJ on the run. 
      “He is determined to boss things in and out of the ring from here until fight night.”
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      Tyson goaded AJ a few weeks ago after offering him an unexpected way back to the big time. 
      Urging AJ to take a 60/40 split of a £50m fee, Fury told him: “AJ, I have not heard from you at all… you have not said whether you want the fight or not.
      “To clarify, there has never been a December 17 date, ever.
      “There has only been November 26 at Wembley or December 3 in Cardiff.
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      “This is it AJ, don’t get scared now.
      “Agree to the fight and let’s give the fans what they want.
      “I have given you an unbelievable deal and an unbelievable opportunity, so it’s showtime. Take the fight.”
      The contract for the fight has since been signed by Joshua’s team as they confirmed the 60/40 split and December 3 date.
      Yesterday we told how Fury is vowing to win his fight against AJ “nice and early”. 

      When will Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua take place? All you need to know on blockbuster bout
      Fury celebrates retaining the WBC belt after beating Dillian Whyte in AprilCredit: Reuters
      Joshua lost the opportunity to become a three-time world champion when he lost to Oleksandr Usyk last monthCredit: Getty
      “Tyson wants to leave with a win and win in style,” a source close to the Gypsy King said. 
      “He wants to leave no one in doubt who is the better fighter.
      “He wants an early KO to put the whole debate about who is the better fighter to bed once and for all.”
      Despite having everything to lose, Tyson has also told pals he feels “zero pressure”.
      Our source added: “Tyson isn’t nervous. Why would he be? He knows he has all the tools to dismantle Joshua and he plans to demonstrate that.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Tyson’s vow comes days after Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum warned Joshua he faces a “massacre” if he accepts the challenge of the all-British clash.
      WBC heavyweight world champion Fury announced his retirement after beating Dillian Whyte in April, but has reversed that decision numerous times.  More