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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.”
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      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.
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      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

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      Chesney Hawkes aiming to give England’s World Cup rivals France the hump — by belting out The One and Only on a camel

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      LUCKY mascot Chesney Hawkes aims to give World Cup rivals France the hump — by belting out The One and Only on a camel.And the One and Only singer went further by declaring: “I’m going to stick my neck out and say that England are going to win.
      England’s lucky mascot Chesney Hawkes aims to give World Cup rivals France the hump — by belting out The One and Only on a camelCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney was adopted by the England players as their lucky mascot after performing his 1991 hit during half-time of the final Group B clash with WalesCredit: The Sun
      As well as entertaining locals outside Qatar capital Doha, 51-year-old Chesney showed off his football skills on top of 200ft-high sand dunesCredit: Dan Charity
      “It won’t be easy as the French are a very good team, but so are we. Come on England!”
      As well as entertaining locals outside Qatar capital Doha, 51-year-old Chesney showed off his football skills on top of 200ft-high sand dunes.
      Camel owner Ali Hussein, 32, said: “Chesney is a great guy. He can come and ride my camel again any time he wants.
      “I hope England win on Saturday and go on to win the whole tournament.”
      READ MORE ON EGLAND
      Chesney was adopted by the England players as their lucky mascot after performing a rousing rendition of his 1991 hit during half-time of the final Group B clash with Wales — heralding a 3-0 second-half thrashing.
      The Sun then ensured he got to the Senegal game.
      Now he wants tournament bosses to allow him a repeat performance against France.
      Fifa insist a French singer would have to be found too.
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      Raheem Sterling still deciding if he will return to World Cup as cops probe if same gang robbed three of his teammates

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      RAHEEM Sterling was yesterday still deciding if he will return to Qatar – as cops were probing if the same gang behind his break in also robbed three of his teammates.The Three Lions ace was left distraught when his fiance Paige, 27, returned home with their three children on Saturday night and found his mansion in Oxshott, Surrey, had been broken into and £300K of watches and jewellery stolen.
      Raheem, seen here with his fiancée Paige, is still deciding whether to return to Qatar for the World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The horrific raid took place on Saturday night – less than 24 hours before England’s clash against Senegal – pictured Sterling with Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The 27-year-old winger wants to return to the tournament to help manager Gareth Southgate but he and his family are still shaken up following the burglary, The Sun understands.
      Now Surrey Police are examining whether the same gang are responsible for other raids in the last two years on Chelsea stars who all live within a five mile radius of each other.
      Defender Reece James – who would have been in Qatar but for injury – was raided by a gang who targeted his home in Cobham, Surrey, in September 2021.
      They stole his safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup and Euro 2020 medals.
      READ MORE ON RAHEEM STERLING
      Two other teammates have also suffered similar crimes in recent months, with cops looking into any potential links.
      A source said: “Whenever high value raids take place, police officers will also look to see if there are any similarities.
      “Did they break in the same way? Did they use the same car to getaway? Did they steal similar items in each robbery? These are all questions they will ask.”
      Yesterday security was being beefed up outside the homes of all England stars playing in the World Cup, at the request of manager Gareth Southgate.
      Most read in Football
      A source said: “Gareth has asked the FA to do whatever it takes to make the players feel safe. He wants them to be confident their families are looked after so they can fully focus on the quarter final against France.”
      Leicester ace James Maddison is among those who have improved security.
      Speaking from Qatar, the England midfielder said: “Raheem’s a brilliant guy and a brilliant character in the group. We’ve all sent him a message to make sure he’s okay at this time.
      A security patrol is seen at Raheem Sterling’s home in SurreyCredit: LNP
      “It’s obviously difficult. It’s not nice and something I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. As a young man with a family of my own, it’s horrible to see stuff like that happen, but it does happen. You do have to take those measures. It’s just the world we live in, unfortunately.”
      England play France in the quarter-finals on Saturday. More

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      Raheem Sterling vows ‘I won’t go back to the World Cup until my family is safe’ after terrifying raid on his mansion

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      DISTRAUGHT Raheem Sterling has vowed he will only return to England’s World Cup campaign when his family are “safe”.The Three Lions ace’s mansion was targeted by a gang who stole £300,000 worth of watches and designer jewellery — he is said to be the fourth Chelsea FC player hit by them in recent months.
      England ace Raheem Sterling has vowed he will only return to England’s World Cup campaign when his family are ‘safe’ – pictured here with fiancée PaigeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      A security patrol is seen at the home of couple, in SurreyCredit: LNP
      The horrific raid took place on Saturday night – less than 24 hours before England’s clash against Senegal – pictured Sterling with Bukayo SakaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Police understand his fiancee Paige, 27, discovered the raid on Saturday night, less than 24 hours before England’s clash with Senegal on Sunday.
      Raheem, also 27, pulled out of Gareth Southgate’s squad and dashed home after learning of the terror raid. He is hoping to return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter final against France — but only if he thinks his home is secured and his family are not at risk.
      A source said: “Raheem has told everyone, ‘There is no way I’m going anywhere unless I’m 100 per cent sure that my family can be kept safe’. He is security conscious and part of the reason they moved into the property was that it is on a very exclusive estate, with regular security patrols.
      “Despite this, he has still managed to be targeted, which is very upsetting for Raheem and Paige. They have just moved back to London and want to feel safe.”
      READ MORE ON STERLING
      The family moved into the property in Oxshott, Surrey, after Chelsea paid Man City £47.5 million for the winger this summer.
      ‘Patrol night and day’
      It is understood Paige returned to the UK from Qatar with his three young children after cheering on Raheem in the group stages.
      She had a work commitment related to her property firm. Yesterday, Raheem met with detectives from Surrey Police who are investigating the crime.
      One of the other Chelsea victims defender Reece James, 22, was raided by a gang who targeted his home in Cobham, Surrey, in September 2021. They stole his safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup and Euro 2020 medals.
      Most read in Football
      Two other teammates have also suffered similar crimes in recent months, with cops now looking into potential links.
      It is feared a highly organised criminal gang has the club’s wealthy players in its sights. Yesterday, England ace Harry Maguire blasted the thugs who targeted Raheem.
      Man United star Harry, 29, said: “It’s extremely disappointing to hear that when we are out here playing for our country and giving everything there are people back home targeting us.
      “The game could have gone different and we might have needed Raheem.”
      And England skipper Harry Kane, also 29, was yesterday helping to calm his teammates worried by the raid.
      A Three Lions source said: “Harry knows the players’ families are really shaken up by what has happened and that is a worry for the players themselves.
      “He sees it as his job as skipper to keep the morale of the team up and to focus everyone on the France match.”
      England manager Gareth Southgate said he and the FA had discussed security arrangements with the squad prior to leaving for Qatar.
      Harry knows the players’ families are really shaken up by what has happened and that is a worry for the players themselves. A Three Lions source
      When asked if the FA had offered to increase security, he said: “We had offered that to players. I think there’s a little bit [for Raheem] in the midst of moving house that played a part in that.”
      And other Wags have offered Paige their support. Meanwhile, Raheem plans to beef up security at his home once the police have finished their investigations.
      A source said: “He has got a firm on standby to go straight in to install 24/7 security with enhanced infra red night vision. He’s looking to get dozens of cameras installed.
      “And he’s going to employ a security firm to patrol his house night and day, and will keep them in place until the World Cup is over. All the jewellery of value has since been removed from the house to a safe deposit place.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Last night, a security guard ­provided by Chelsea FC stood watch outside the house.
      Police said no arrests had yet been made. More

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      Chesney Hawkes celebrated in Qatar after last-gasp sprint to the England match & roared: ‘It’s coming home’

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      LUCKY charm Chesney Hawkes celebrated in Qatar last night after a last-gasp sprint to the match as he roared: “It’s coming home.”The One And Only singer made kick-off with minutes to spare thanks to The Sun’s military-style operation to get him from Skegness to cheer on the Three Lions.
      Chesney Hawkes celebrated in Qatar after a last-gasp sprint to the match
      Chesney at The Sun’s HQ where he had a singalong with boxing champ Tyson FuryCredit: Simon Jones
      Chesney returned to the UK after the Wales game for a pre-arranged gig at Butlin’sCredit: Doug Seeburg
      We launched Operation Sun And Only to get Chesney back to Qatar after his rousing half-time performance
      The 3,400-mile, 23-hour dash saw him sweep into the desert state with just his hand luggage and a guitar — and an excess baggage-sized goodwill message for England’s heroes.
      And together with 8,000 jubilant Lionhearts Chesney, 51, was punching the air in delight at the final whistle in the Al Bayt stadium as Gareth Southgate’s men roared into the quarter finals.
      He said: “England were amazing tonight. I was delighted to make it back and it was all down to The Sun. I’ll have to stay on in Qatar now. With the Three Lions playing out of their skin I reckon we can go all the way.”
      We launched Operation Sun And Only to get Chesney back to Qatar after his rousing half-time rendition of his 1991 hit helped inspire England to a thumping 3-0 win over Wales.
      Read More on Chesney Hawkes
      The players were also keen for him to return with West Ham’s Declan Rice declaring: “We’re pals now and we’ve got to get him to the games. We’ll get him singing The One And Only at every half-time. Hopefully we’ll get him back to No1 as well.”
      Chesney had to return to the UK after the final Group B game against Wales for a pre-arranged gig at Butlin’s in Skegness, Lincs.
      He went there via a stop-off at The Sun’s HQ, where he had a singalong with boxing champ Tyson Fury.
      Chesney went down a storm in Skegness as part of a 90s Reloaded show with DJ Judge Jules and S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara.
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      As soon as he was off stage Berkshire-born Chesney raced to the Sun’s car to hot foot it back to his London base for three hours’ sleep.
      He then leapt into another Sun car to Heathrow for the 8.35am flight to Doha and had another nap on the plane.
      The Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300 touched down at 17.50 local time and Chesney raced through customs and to yet another waiting Sun car for the last leg of the journey, the 69,000-seater Al Bayt Stadium.
      The Sun’s Special Ops team had to weave our way through the traffic to deliver Chesney to the stadium shortly before kick-off — to the delight of England fans.
      He whipped out his guitar and performed a quick rendition of his best-known song to huge cheers from the fans, who hope he’ll be our lucky mascot all the way to the final.
      PE teacher Stef Carte, 37, of Leeds, said: “I knew he’d be our lucky mascot once again.”
      And Matt Harris, 40, of Warrington, Cheshire, added: “We love Ches and couldn’t believe it when we bumped into him at the stadium.”
      Chesney, who now lives in LA with model wife Kristina, 47, and their three children, said: “I am ecstatic. I’m a massive Three Lions fan and it means so much to me.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I’m also a big West Ham fan and spent quite a bit of time chatting to Declan Rice at the Wales match.
      “I will be here to cheer on the boys in the quarter final and beyond. I am delighted that I have been adopted by the team as their lucky mascot.”
      Chesney went down a storm in Skegness as part of a 90s Reloaded show with DJ Judge Jules and S Club 7’s Jo O’MearaCredit: Doug Seeburg
      Chesney raced to the Sun’s car to hot foot it back to his London base for three hours’ sleepCredit: Gary Stone
      Chesney leapt into another Sun car to Heathrow for the 8.35am flight to Doha and had another nap on the plane
      Chesney raced through customs in Qatar and on to the 69,000-seater Al Bayt StadiumCredit: Dan Charity
      Chesney said: ‘I am ecstatic. I’m a massive Three Lions fan and it means so much to me’ More

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      Raheem Sterling’s terrified family inside home when armed thugs broke in & stole £300k of watches while he was in Qatar

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      ENGLAND’S Raheem Sterling raced back from the World Cup yesterday after an armed raid at his mansion.Terrified fiancée Paige Milian, 27 — at home with their two kids — raised the alarm when the gang took watches worth £300,000.
      Sterling, 27, raced back from the World Cup after an armed raid at his mansionCredit: Tim Stewart
      Terrified fiancée Paige Milian, 27, was at home with their two kidsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Raheem Sterling may return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter-final against France despite having lost £300,000 of watches in the horrific break-inCredit: Rex
      Sterling told FA chiefs he had to go home. News that he’d left the squad broke shortly before the last-16 clash with Senegal.
      Sterling, 27, may return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter-final against France.
      Boss Gareth Southgate said: “He is dealing with a family matter. I had quite a bit of time with him this morning but I have had to pass that on to other people to help him with that.
      “He will go and deal with that matter and we will have to take it from there.”
      READ MORE ON STERLING
      The raid at Sterling’s home, less than 15 minutes from Chelsea’s training ground in Cobham, Surrey, happened on Saturday night.
      It is not known if property developer Paige confronted the raiders or whether they fled when they realised someone was in.
      The gang may have thought she and the couple’s sons, aged five and three, were still in Qatar.
      Before England’s first game she posted pictures of the two boys on a cruise ship in Doha, and she was tagged in social media images with cocktails.
      Most read in Football
      A family source said: “This was terrifying for her and obviously traumatic for all the family.
      “Raheem will have been beside himself with worry when he heard.
      “To be away when your partner and children are at home when an armed gang breaks in is beyond words.
      “It looks like about £300,000 of watches have been taken. The police were there several hours.”
      The boss of a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised crime has warned of a rise in raids on stars due to gangs scouring social media feeds.
      Supt Carl Williams, of Operation Opal, said: “In today’s world where many wealthy individuals are active on social media their significant public profile can help make them targets.
      “Their high-value possessions are often on display as well as information about their plans.”
      The FA said last night: “Raheem is not available for selection for the Three Lions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”

      ADDITIONAL reporting by Thomas Godfrey More