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      Prem star Andros Townsend ‘smashed his car through roadworks while screaming & swearing’ sparking police probe

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      PREM star Andros Townsend is being investigated by police after allegedly smashing through roadworks screaming: “I need to get to my f***g house.” The Everton player hit a manned tarmac spreader after being told he could not drive to his property because the street was being resurfaced, it was claimed.
      Andros Townsend is being investigated by police after allegedly smashing through roadworks screaming and swearingCredit: PA:Press Association
      Townsend is reported to have screamed: ‘I need to get to my f***g house’Credit: Getty
      Townsend is accused of refusing to wait, or park his white £80,000 Range Rover and walk less than five minutes to his homeCredit: Alamy
      He is accused of refusing to wait, or park his white £80,000 Range Rover and walk less than five minutes to his home in Liverpool.
      Shaken staff at paving firm Sefton called police after the footballer’s vehicle broke a barrier and hit an eight-wheel asphalt machine on December 5.
      Police swiftly arrived and spoke to the 31-year-old footballer, who has 13 England caps, at his home.
      Sources said the former Spurs and Crystal Palace winger could be charged with dangerous driving as officers search for footage and investigations continue.
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      It came days after his return to the UK, having been part of ITV’s punditry team at the start of the World Cup in Qatar.
      A source told The Sun: “No one could believe their eyes. Andros, who was calmly commentating on our screens days earlier, was in a rage. The red mist descended.
      “Contractors were tarmacking the road less than five minutes from his property. It was unfortunate timing when he pulled up at a road barrier. The tarmac was piping hot and being laid in front of him.
      “It was impossible to drive a vehicle over the road. The workmen explained he could wait or park up and complete the short journey to his house on foot.
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      “But Andros wasn’t having that. He screamed, ‘I need to get to my f*****g house’. And with that he knocked over the barrier, stopping traffic, and drove down the side of the pavement in a bid to dodge the roadworks.
      “But he was travelling at speed and his car hit a tarmac spreader. It was being driven by a worker, who was left in total shock.”
      Police said there were no reports of any injuries, adding: “The driver of the car has been identified and has been spoken to and inquiries are ongoing.”
      Townsend was contacted for comment. More

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      I’m gutted for Kane after England World Cup heartbreak but Saka WAS fouled in build up to France opener, says Wilshere

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      I AM devastated for the England lads.They gave it everything and Harry Kane is really going to be hurting for a very long time after missing that penalty.
      Harry Kane missed a late penalty for England against FranceCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions were beaten 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
      Unfortunately football can be very cruel and this emerging England team, which shows so much promise, will have to wait another 18 months or so for a chance to win an elusive trophy at the Euros.
      It was opening up for us with Morocco in the semi-finals, we were getting close to glory.
      But my old Arsenal mate Olivier Giroud turned out to be the match-winner.
      To be honest, it wasn’t one of his better games.
      Read More World Cup News
      We contained him and Kylian Mbappe pretty well.
      Sadly, as I warned Sun readers in my pre-match column, Olivier is a man to be reckoned with.
      And that header of his was classic Giroud — getting ahead of defenders to make them pay.
      It’s hard to take in that we lost, because for all we were one down at half-time, I still felt comfortable.
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      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST BETTING APPS FOR THE WORLD CUP
      We’d certainly shown enough going forward.
      Kane looked good and was unlucky with that close-range effort which his club-mate Hugo Lloris did well to come out and smother.
      We were also probing down the flanks and you felt at any moment we might just get the break we needed.
      Phil Foden was getting on the ball and Bukayo Saka was driving at them.
      But, equally, Antoine Griezmann was class in the French midfield.
      He was finding space all over the park and everything was going through him.
      His link-up play was top drawer and at times England didn’t seem to know how to deal with him.
      But he was getting away with a few fouls and the booking he eventually got was deserved.
      While I thought Mbappe was relatively quiet, the way he wrestled his way clear to help set up their first goal showed how he doesn’t need much of a chance to hurt you.
      Even when the ball went back to Aurelien Tchouameni, I doubt fans were too worried.
      In fact I was thinking, ‘Go on then, hit it from there’.
      It seemed a heck of a long way out to have a go, we had plenty of bodies in the way — and while the Real Madrid star is a fine defensive midfielder — he’s not noted for his goalscoring.
      But you have to hand it to him for the strike.
      It was a beauty and somehow it found a way through to beat Jordan Pickford, who may have been unsighted as Tchouameni swung his boot.
      There’s always something you can do to try to prevent a goal — and you could argue England should have closed him down better.
      But the chances of scoring from there were not high.
      That said, Saka was definitely fouled at the start of the move, he’s so good at drawing those fouls but he’s an honest player.
      My kids were going absolutely mad at the injustice of it.
      The referee did not award a foul for this challenge on Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty
      Dayot Upamecano appeared to bundle Saka overCredit: Getty
      There was a foul on Kane as well — with big calls for a penalty — but for me it was just outside the box.
      We got on the front foot again after the break and while Olivier got that second goal for France, I still believed we could get back into it.
      And we had the chance with Harry’s penalty.
      Read More on The Sun
      You don’t expect him to miss, he’s so good.
      It will be no consolation to Harry — but it happens to the best of them.
      A devastated Kane reacts at full-timeCredit: Getty More

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      Premier League stars targeted for expensive watches by gangs to pay off debts

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      PREMIER League stars are increasingly being targeted in home raids due to the watches they own, The Sun on Sunday has found.Street gangs are using expensive timepieces to buy drugs and pay off debts — and focus on footballers to get them.
      Raheem Sterling became the latest player targeted by the gang while he was away at the World CupCredit: Getty
      One gang, the Tottenham Man Dem Crew, are linked to the raid on Raheem Sterling’s home.
      The England ace, 28, flew home from Qatar after his mansion was raided by a mob who took watches and jewellery worth £300,000.
      Dele Alli, Riyad Mahrez and Andy Carroll are also among players to have had watches stolen in recent years in raids.
      An underworld source said gangs can expect to make up to £20,000 cash from selling on a watch and view it as a “low risk crime”.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALLER RAIDS
      The source said: “They are worth an awful lot of money and are very easy to transport.”
      Sterling pulled out of the England squad ahead of the 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal following the burglary at his home in Surrey.
      The Chelsea forward has three children in total, two of whom are with fiancée Paige Milian.
      Manager Gareth Southgate gave his full support over the player returning to England to support his family.
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      However, the 28-year-old’s partner and kids were not at home during the robbery – despite initial reports to the contrary.
      Sterling eventually travelled back to Qatar and was part of the squad which crashed out to France in the World Cup quarter finals.
      Another Chelsea player Reece James, 22, was raided by a gang who targeted his home in Cobham, Surrey, in 2021.
      They stole his safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup and Euro 2020 medals. More

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      Rishi Sunak could fly to Qatar for World Cup final to watch England make history

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      RISHI Sunak could fly to Qatar for the World Cup final if England make it through to the final.The PM is cheering on our boys from the UK for now as they face France today.
      Rishi Sunak could fly to Qatar for the World Cup final if England make it through to the finalCredit: Alamy
      He will host a number of Tory MPs with him to watch the match at his countryside retreat, Chequers.
      And he wished the boys the “best of luck” ahead of the clash.
      No10 said: “He obviously wishes Gareth and the team the best of luck.
      He knows that the team will give everything they can to try and win the match.
      Read more on World Cup
      And he may choose to jet off at the last minute to watch them play in person – if the team makes it all the way through to the end of the tournament.
      But Qatar has been hit with claims of human rights abuses of workers who put together the stadium – and ministers have warned LGBT fans to take care when they visit.
      Mr Sunak has confessed he’s a “massive football fan” and has been keenly cheering England along.
      Prince William previously said he won’t be attending any World Cup matches, despite his role as President of the FA.
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      I’m an England superfan and I’m so sure we’ll win the World Cup I’ve had a tattoo done

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      SUPERFAN Dennis Pope is so sure England will win the World Cup he has updated his ill-fated 2018 tattoo.Dennis, 25, paid £40 four years ago to have “England World Cup Winners 2018” inked on to his right calf.
      Dennis has updated the tattoo he got four years ago when he was sure England would win the 2018 World Cup
      He’s now sure that England will beat 3-1 in tomorrow night’s quarter-final, and go on to become this year’s champions
      But his hopes were dashed when they were beaten by Croatia in the semi-finals in Russia.
      Plasterer Dennis is now backing England to beat France 3-1 in tomorrow night’s quarter-final in Qatar — and has updated his inking to prove it.
      His original tattoo remains, but with a red cross through 2018 and 2022 inked below it.
      New dad Dennis said: “We’ve waited for a moment like this.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 202
      “This is it. If there was a time, it’s right now. Kane to score twice and Rashford to add a third. I would even settle for a Harry Maguire header. We can beat anyone.”
      Dennis, of Blackpool, said of his original tattoo: “It wasn’t meant to be and we lost to Croatia in the semis but I didn’t regret getting the tattoo in the slightest.
      “It’s a reminder of wonderful memories and how close we came. This time though, it feels different.” More

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      England fans are heralded by a Sun mascot parade through the capital’s souk market

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      THOUSANDS of England fans poured into Qatar for the World Cup clash with France last night – heralded by a sensational Sun mascot parade through the capital’s historic souk market.Gamechanger Chesney Hawkes, Sun lion Harry Mane and the England Supporters Band were mobbed as they danced through the bustling Arab throng.
      Chesney Hawkes led on guitar as England Band trumpeter John Hemmingham, 59, drummer Steve Holmes, 51, and Sun lion Harry Mane were mobbedCredit: Dan Charity
      And fans sang along to the lucky charm star’s One and Only to boost our chances of defeating superstar Kylian Mbappe and the world champions.
      Locals in traditional robes and fans of all nations – including English, French, Argentines, Brazillians and Moroccans joined the wacky procession snaking through the marketplace.
      Chesney, 51, led on guitar strumming his hit backed by band trumpeter John Hemmingham, 59, and the booming big bass drum of pal Steve Holmes, 51.
      The clamour for pictures and selfies from the cheering crowds at one point completely blocked the narrow souk thoroughfare.
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND VS FRANCE
      Locals posed for pictures and cuddled up to furry lion Harry with their kids until the fun was halted to respect the Muslim call to prayer at sunset.
      Trumpeter John from Sheffield – who has been to every England game – said: “That’s the most fun I’ve had since I’ve been here – what a reception!
      “I’ve learned the notes of Chesney’s One and Only song and will be playing it in the crowd tomorrow to get the fans going.
      “Our fans are arriving and the atmosphere is building – it’s going to be a fantastic game and I’m sure we can win.”
      Most read in Football
      Steve, also from Sheffield, said: “Fans of all nations love Harry Mane and Chesney’s song is catching on among the England supporters. The parade was a great laugh and we really shook the place up – we were mobbed!
      “I’ve been to seven World Cups and can honestly say we can win it this time. Gareth Southgate’s team has matured since Russia and they’re now the real deal.”
      Chesney laughed after being rescued from the crowds: “That was unreal – absolutely brilliant. It’s great to be having fun among England fans ahead of one of the biggest games in our history – now all we have to do is go out and win it!”
      Estate agent Paul Dubberley, 63, from Walsall, West Mids said after a singalong with The Sun team: “I’m convinced we can beat the French and win the World Cup.
      “And I’ve put my money where my mouth is by getting tickets all the way to the final to watch us lift the trophy. It’s been great meeting Chesney – he’s a great guy and we all love his lucky song.”
      Retired teacher Norman Bartlam, 64, also from Walsall said: “The atmosphere here has been terrific – and made even better by the fun we’ve had with Chesney and The Sun team.
      “We’re heading for the game full of hope and praying that we can play well enough to beat French and go on to finally bring it home.”
      Back home an estimated 45 million pints will be downed on pubs’ busiest day for three years today – as 23 million roar on England on Super Saturday.
      A £350 million big match party with almost half England’s population tuned in will see beer sales rocket 50 per cent. Around 25 million pints will be drunk today in 30,000 pubs, plus 20m at home, British Beer and Pub Association consumption trends showed.
      Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “At home and at the bar, the beer is flowing.”
      December is pubs’ busiest month of the year, and the 7pm prime time France game is England’s first Saturday match of the first winter World Cup.
      Read More on The Sun
      Tickets for England’s quarter final game being offered by touts for up to £9,000 each last night. There were 679 tickets being offered on the resale website Ticombo. Some were being sold for £2,500 and each came with a hefty booking fee of £750.
      That totalled £3,250 each for tickets with a face value of £350. Hospitality packages were being offered for £7,000 per person plus a £2,000 booking fee, taking the total price to an eye-watering £9,000. More

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      I’m the real Kylian Mbappe and I live in Leicester – I’m backing England to beat France

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      ENGLAND were tipped to beat France by Kylian Mbappe — a teenage student from Leicester.Kylian, 16, is a second cousin of the PSG superstar, 23, who aims to break Three Lions hearts in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.
      Kylian Mbappe, who is a second cousin of the PSG superstar, tips England to beat FranceCredit: Louis Wood
      Kylian Mbappe aims to break Three Lions hearts in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-finalCredit: Getty
      Left-footed Kylian plays too and said: “I’m the real Kylian Mbappe and am backing England.
      “If Gareth Southgate called me up I’d stop Mbappe. I’m pretty fast like him. It must run in the family. And I’m a decent defender.”
      English Kylian was born in Paris to Steeve, 46 — cousin of Mbappe’s dad Wilfried.
      The sports studies student added: “My dad and family are all supporting France but I’m behind England. All my friends are Three Lions-mad.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “And if I’m honest, I’m more English than French now.
      “I speak better English, I’ve lived here for longer, I love baked beans and Greggs.
      “I’d pick a sausage roll over a croque monsieur any day.”
      While his cousin earns £650,000 a week and owns a £3million flat in Paris, Kylian makes £6.50-an-hour washing dishes at The Frame pub and lives in a £350,000 three-bed semi in Braunstone Town.
      Most read in Football
      His namesake drives a £500,000 Ferrari 488 Pista while the Brit has a £5-a-day bus ticket.
      Teen Kylian, whose mum lives in France, added: “I’ve never had any trouble from my name. All my friends knew me before Mbappe was famous, so I’m still Kylian to them.”
      He plays left-back for club side Friar Lane & Epworth FC and said: “Other teams must take a second look when they see me on the team sheet.
      “Maybe they think it’s a joke.”
      He added: “I only realised my name was so crazy when I was watching TV and saw this young Monaco player called Kylian Mbappe. I told my dad and he said, ‘Yes, that’s the son of my cousin’. I found it funny but it’s a real honour. I would love to meet him one day.”
      Dad-of-two Steeve grew up with cousin Wilfried in Cameroon.
      He added: “When my son was born I didn’t even think about the name. I picked Kylian because I liked the meaning (little warrior).
      Kylian, 16, with his dad SteeveCredit: Louis Wood
      Flying Frenchman Mbappe has already scored five goals in the tournamentCredit: Getty
      “It was only when I went with Wilfried to watch his son, we thought the coincidence was hilarious. I would not swap my boys for the world and I have the real No1 Kylian Mbappe.”
      Yesterday The Sun told how Mbappe himself is an England fan — after draping his waxwork in Three Lions memorabilia. More

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      Kylian Mbappe transforms into Three Lions fan as Sun lands first blow ahead of England v France World Cup quarter final

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      ENGLAND supporters living in Paris cheered on The Sun yesterday — as French superstar Kylian Mbappe was transformed into one of them.We landed the first blow ahead of Saturday night’s last-eight tie — draping Mbappe’s waxwork in England colours.
      Kylian Mbappe was transformed into an England fanCredit: Paul Edwards
      Sunman Joe Hadden draped Mbappe’s waxwork in England coloursCredit: Paul Edwards
      Mbappe with his waxwork likeness at the Grevin Museum in ParisCredit: AFP or licensors
      There was more bad news for France yesterday as Mbappe, 23, missed training with a suspected ankle inury, sparking fears he could miss the quarter-final.
      Sun man Joe Hadden yesterday evaded security at Paris’s Grevin Museum to deck out the striker’s effigy in a Three Lions scarf and hat, with a St George’s flag wrapped around his waist.
      English ex-pats in Paris said Mbappe’s Three Lions makeover suited the £250million PSG striker, who has banged in five goals already in the tournament.
      Property developer Kyle Bridges, 37, who has lived in the French capital for two years, said: “That’s brilliant work by The Sun. They’ve been giving us loads of stick so we’ve got to give it back to them.”
      Read More on World Cup
      Bugsy’s Bar bartender Luke Blackford, 23, added: “Great of the Sun to do it on their own soil. He looks better than ever in an England scarf.”
      They were also confident of England’s chances of getting to the semi-finals, bolstered by players who have played in overseas leagues, including Jude Bellingham, Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier.
      Kyle, who was in English boozer The Bowler, said: “We’ll smash them, I have absolutely no doubt about it.
      “The players know how much this fixture means to the fans.
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      “Lads like Bellingham, Dier and Trippier have played abroad.
      “They know what it’s like to be the only Englishman in the room.
      “There’s an understanding of what it means to be English amongst these boys that we haven’t seen before.’’
      Luke also believes they can beat the reigning world champs, though he is dreading the aftermath, regardless of the result in Qatar.
      He said: “We’ll beat them 2-1. My French mates think they’ll win but I can’t see it.
      “Either way, France is the worst country to be in for this – if we win they’re not going to be happy and if they beat us they’re going to be even more condescending.”
      Mbappe became the youngest person to be immortalised in waxwork when the Grevin Museum unveiled his statue in 2018, aided by the man himself.
      The striker is one of the quickest players in the world, clocking around 23.6mph.
      Read More on The Sun
      However if he plays he is likely to be up against speedy England defender Kyle Walker, who has recorded a speed of 23.5mph.
      Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped for Portugal’s last-16 tie against Switzerland last night, following his unhappy reaction at being subbed off in their previous game against South Korea.
      Mbappe missed training with a suspected ankle inury, sparking fears he could miss the quarter-finalCredit: Getty More