More stories

  • in

    World Cup 2022 LIVE: England face Senegal in last-16 as USA meet Netherlands – Wales, Ecuador and Iran OUT – latest

    ENGLAND have confirmed their place in the last-16, where they will face Senegal.Gareth Southgate’s men came out 3-0 victors over Wales as they secured their spot at the top of Group B.
    This will see them face Senegal, who came out victorious against Ecuador earlier in the day, while the Netherlands face the USA in the other confirmed last=16 clash.
    Southgate’s side will be hoping to progress past the AFCON Champions as they look to mount an impressive run in the 2022 World Cup.

    World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
    Stay tuned with all the latest ahead from tournament…
    US matchwinner Pulisic ‘not keen on move’
    Christian Pulisic hopes to stay at Chelsea despite links to Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle.
    That’s according to Sky Sport News’ Florian Plettenberg amid claims the Blues might be willing to cash in on the fringe attacker, who put the USA into the World Cup last 16 with the only goal against Iran.
    Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen on reuniting with the 24-year-old, with Liverpool mentioned too.
    Plettenberg described the rumours as “not hot” and posted: “Been told that he wants to stay at #CFC in winter.”
    You can milk victory
    Gareth Southgate has promised his England players they can kick back with a MILKSHAKE on their day off on Wednesday as reward for setting up a last-16 clash with Senegal, writes TOM BARCLAY.
    Four years ago the Three Lions boss allowed his squad to have a few beers after making it out of the group at the Russia World Cup.
    But with Qatar’s alcohol stocks as dry as a Middle-Eastern desert, the players will have to stick to milky soft drinks instead while they relax after sealing safe passage to the knockouts.
    Boss Southgate joked: “We’ve got loads of milkshake back at the hotel!
    “Everything is different here, isn’t it? We’re embracing it.
    “We love our base camp, the people who are operating the hotel are fabulous. We’re enjoying each other’s company, the players are really tight.
    “They get a day off now. They need that breather. They don’t have to look at our faces, which I’m sure they’re delighted with.
    “We can start to prepare for the knockout round. The big business starts now, really.”
    Pulisic celebrates from hospital bed
    Christian Pulisic was forced to watch the end of USA’s nervy clash with Iran from a hospital bed after injuring himself netting the winner.
    The Chelsea winger grabbed the only goal of the game in the 38th minute, which included a painful collision with Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
    After several minutes of treatment, Pulisic was taken off at half time, and went to hospital soon after having complained of dizziness and abdominal pain.

    Yet he soon posted a picture of himself on social media lying in a hospital bed celebrating the win after keeping track of the score on his phone.
    And ‘Captain America’ has assured worried USA fans that he will be fine for their last-16 clash with Holland on Saturday.
    Boss Gregg Berhalter explained: “He was taken to hospital as a precaution. He was feeling some dizziness and suffered an abdominal injury. We facetimed him after from the locker room [at full-time]. We got to see him and he is in good spirits.
    “My guess is he brought his phone with him and he was just updating one of these football score apps.
    “Christian makes those sorts of runs. That’s what he does and that’s the special quality he has. He makes it really difficult for defenders.”
    Pulisic posted on social media: “So proud of my guys. I’ll be ready for Saturday, don’t worry.”
    Out of Line
    Gary Lineker couldn’t help but take a sly dig at ITV after revealing they’ll broadcast England’s World Cup last 16 tie with Senegal.
    England booked their place in the knockout stages of the tournament with a 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday night.

    And BBC host Lineker stunned fans by publicly plugging ITV’s coverage of Sunday’s match against Senegal.
    The former Everton and Three Lions hitman said: “England finished top and will take on Senegal at 7pm on Sunday.
    “And that’s on live on, well – uh – ITV. Oh well.”
    Footy fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “Gary Lineker mentioning ITV, the forbidden door opens once again.”
    And another said: “Can’t believe Gary Lineker said that Senegal vS England is on… ITV.”
    One remarked: “Enjoyed Gary Lineker mentioning ITV just then.
    “Think that might be the first time I’ve ever heard either channel acknowledge the fact that there’s another broadcaster showing the games they don’t have.”
    Win, Lews or draw
    Polish Wag Anna Lewandowska takes a hands-on approach to supporting her country.
    The model, who posed in a printed bikini for swimwear brand Calzedonia, has been in Qatar cheering on her husband, Poland captain Robert Lewandowski.

    The Barcelona striker will be hoping to get on the scoresheet again tonight as Poland take on Argentina at the 974 stadium.
    Lewandowski secured their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, right, with a stunning goal in the 82nd minute.

    He married martial arts guru Anna, who is a black belt in karate, in 2013.
    The couple, both 34, share a daughter, Klara, five, together.

    Ampadu in tears over exit
    Wales star Ethan Ampadu broke down in tears after Wales were knocked out and demolished by England.
    The Welsh were in the game at half-time before the Three Lions went up a gear and won convincingly 3-0.

    Ampadu started all three of the Dragons’ group games but could not help them make it through to the knockout stages.
    Wales picked up just one point as they finished bottom of Group B after a 64-year wait to be part of a World Cup.
    As the final whistle went on their campaign in Qatar, Ampadu was seen crying into his shirt knowing his dream of progressing was over.
    He sat on the pitch in disbelief as he was consoled by his teammates.
    Three Lions players such as Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson also went over to the 22-year-old to pick him up off the floor.
    Jude: We got the balance right
    Jude Bellingham believes England combined the best of their displays against Iran and the USA in the 3-0 win over Wales.
    Marcus Rashford’s two solo specials and Phil Foden’s simple effort rewarded the Three Lions’ rampant second half as they topped the group and condemned the Dragons to bottom place.
    And midfield general Bellingham, told BBC One: “I think what you saw in the first game was an attacking display, the second was defensive, this was a mix.
    “It was good to tie them up today.”
    Of Rashford’s opener, he said: “The free kick, in a game like this there is big pressure, the way he delivered was brilliant.”
    And the Borussia Dortmund star praised England’s options going forward as Rashford and Foden came in for Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.
    Bellingham said: “We’ve got loads of attacking depth, whoever comes on makes an impact.
    “The changes don’t change the style of the team. I’m really pleased for Phil, given the attention on the last few days.”
    United and Liverpool linked to Caicedo
    Man United have reportedly joined the race for Brighton and Ecuador star Moises Caicedo.
    Sky Germany claims the Red Devils are ready to battle Chelsea for the box-to-box midfielder.
    It’s reckoned United see Caicedo as an alternative to Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.
    But rivals Liverpool are also interested in the youngster as they too search for a new midfielder.
    Marcus celebration for tragic friend
    Marcus Rashford’s celebration after scoring for England was a tribute to a friend who recently lost their battle with cancer.
    The Three Lions ace scored twice in the 3-0 win over Wales.
    His first was a stunning free-kick from range that gave Wales keeper Danny Ward no chance.

    Rashford then celebrated the strike by kneeling down and pointing to the sky with his eyes closed.
    Speaking after the game, Rashford revealed the celebration was in honour of a friend who died just days before the match.
    He said of his recent heartbreak: “Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago.
    “He’s had quite a long battle with cancer so I’m pleased I managed to score for him.
    “He’s always been a big supporter of mine, he was just a great person and I’m pleased he came into my life really.”

    England cut to 8-1 to win World Cup
    England have been cut to joint fourth favourites to win the World Cup and are 2-7 on to get past Senegal in the last 16.
    Coral slashed the odds on the Three Lions winning the tournament to 8-1 alongside Argentina – behind Brazil, France and Spain.
    Coral’s John Hill said: “It was straightforward for England in the end in their final game in Group B, and as a result of that impressive performance, they have been trimmed in the outright market to 8/1.
    “England are warm favourites to get past Senegal in the last 16. They are odds-on to win that game in 90 minutes on Sunday evening.”
    World Cup outright: 5-2 Brazil, 5 France, 13-2 Spain, 8 Argentina, England, 11 Portugal, 12 Portugal, 14 Netherlands, 40 Bar.
    England vs Senegal – 90 mins: 8-13 England, 11-4 Draw, 9-2 Senegal.
    England vs Senegal – to qualify: 2-7 England, 11-4 Senegal.
    Gutted Bale vows to play on
    Gareth Bale admits Wales have had a poor World Cup – but insists he won’t quit international football and they should be proud to have just qualified.
    Losing 3-0 to England sent Wales home from Qatar with just one point from three group games.
    But Bale, 33, told the BBC: “We should be proud to have made the World Cup.
    “We’d have loved to have played better and created more chances.
    “It just didn’t happen for us at this World Cup. It’s been difficult, this tournament. We haven’t played very well.
    “But we played with our hearts and gave everything.”
    Bale claimed he is committed to continuing his international career – for as long as he can and is still wanted.
    Southgate hails Foden and Rashford
    England boss Gareth Southgate believes goal heroes Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden exploded into action after switching flanks.
    Southgate rated Rashford’s free-kick opener in the 3-0 win against Wales as an “incredible strike”.
    But he claimed the duo – recalled as England cruised into the last 16 – had been a bit “quiet” before the break.
    England sub ratings
    Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Walker, 58mins) – 6
    Neat and tidy first appearance of tournament
    KALVIN PHILLIPS (for Rice, 58mins) – 7
    Impressive comeback, good pass to set up third
    CALLUM WILSON (for Kane, 58mins) – 6
    Energetic and played nice and high
    KIERAN TRIPPIER (for Shaw, 65mins)
    Did the necessary, showed he can be left-sided option
    JACK GREALISH (for Rashford, 76mins) – 6
    Kept possession well to close out game
    Rest of the England starting XI ratings
    PHIL FODEN – 8 
    After slow start, England’s most wanted justified his selection and then some. Dangerous off both flanks and took his goal neatly. Hard to leave out now.
    JUDE BELLINGHAM – 7
    Not a Rolls Royce as against Iran, but purred nicely along in a less flashy supporting role, especially in the second half as England went up a gear.
    MARCUS RASHFORD – 9 STAR MAN
    Faded in first half after early chance was saved. But turned his and England’s night around with fabulous opener, stole ball for second, scored third.
    HARRY KANE – 7
    Created early chance and teed up Foden superbly for quickfire second goal. Still looked a bit leggy so no surprise to see him go off to save energy for knockouts.
    More England ratings
    LUKE SHAW – 6
    Untroubled in defence. May feel he should have done better from his set-pieces and crossing opportunities. Did enough to keep his place. 
    JORDAN HENDERSON – 5
    Unfairly criticised before, but gave the doubters some more ammunition. Tried his heart out as ever but very little that he did came off.
    DECLAN RICE – 7
    Had a much easier time than against USA and gave England a platform to build from. Given a well-earned rest once the game was won.  
    England ratings vs Wales
    Here’s how SunSport’s Dan King assessed the Three Lions after the 3-0 defeat of Wales.
    JORDAN PICKFORD – 6
    A first-half spectator apart from playing keep-ball with his centre backs. Coped well with Maguire deflecting Kieffer Moore’s effort, but that was about it.
    KYLE WALKER – 6
    Decent return. Combative and prepared to be enterprising, stepping up into midfield or putting in crosses. Understandably ran out of gas and went off before the hour.
    JOHN STONES – 6
    Cope easily with Wales’ so-called attack yet not quite as effective on the ball and missed great late chance. Looks in good nick, but tougher nights are ahead.
    HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
    Lost the odd aerial duel to Kieffer Moore but with no impact and was otherwise effective. Attempted some long diagonals to vary England’s game. 
    Rashford: We put it right
    Two-goal England hero Marcus Rashford says the rout of Wales makes up for the bore draw with the USA.
    The Manchester United striker told the BBC: “We were a little bit disappointed with the game against the  USA but we responded with a good performance.”
    England and USA through
    They were the best two teams in the group performance wise – but they went through in vastly contrasting ways tonight.
    The Three Lions crushed a sorry Wales side 3-0 while the US clung on desperately to see off Iran 1-0.
    Result: Iran 0 USA 1
    The US deservedly join England in qualifying for the KO stages.
    Christian Pulisic hammered their 38th minute winner as the Iranians failed to conjure a single effort on target.
    Iran utterly dominated possession in the last quarter of an hour – plus the 10 minutes of stoppage time – but the Yanks defended well.
    They did, though, survive huge shouts for a penalty in the TENTH MINUTE of time added on – as video replays denied them a spot-kick.
    It means England top the group on seven points – so will face Senegal in the last 16.
    The US came second on five points, with Iran on three and the woeful Welsh just one.
    Iran 0 USA 1: HERE is our match blog for all the reaction.
    Wales 0 England 3: All the reaction HERE with our match blog.
    Result: Wales 0 England 3
    England win the group and Wales finish bottom – summing up the gulf between the teams.
    Marcus Rashford struck twice brilliantly and Phil Foden slipped in the second goals as England upped their domination with a second-half treble.
    England cruising, USA edging it…
    ENGLAND are 3-0 up against outclassed Wales in stoppage time – while the USA lead Iran 1-0 as they enter time added on.
    That means the Three Lions topping the group, with Wales and Iran heading home.
    Iran, in fact, have yet to have a shot on target – a dire stat when they need just a draw to go through.
    Iran 0 USA 1: HERE is our match blog.
    Wales 0 England 3: HERE is our match blog.
    Gakpo and Frimpong ‘would cost £65m’
    Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong would cost Manchester United around £65million together, reports suggest.
    The Red Devils are favourites to land Holland’s PSV winger – for about £43m.
    Uncapped Dutch anchorman Frimpong would be much cheaper – but Bayer Leverkusen are keen to keep him.
    ‘Don’t sign Cristiano’
    Newcastle legend Chris Waddle insists his former club’s mega rich owners shouldn’t sign Cristiano Ronaldo after his dramatic Manchester United exit.
    The ex-England winger Waddle insists the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wouldn’t fit Eddie Howe’s high pressing game and the Toon should instead look for younger talent.
    The former England international expects the 37-year-old star forward to “see his days” abroad in a slower and more possession-based league.
    Waddle told SunSport: “I think it would be great publicity for the owners and the club. Personally no, if you want to progress as a club I don’t think they should get Ronaldo.
    “Yes, sign him to the end of the season but Callum Wilson is doing ever so well. Would you leave Callum Wilson out? Ronaldo wants to play, Ronaldo’s not gonna sit on the bench. For me it’s a no no.
    “I think we will see Cristiano Ronaldo going off abroad and I think that’s where he will see his days. I think he’s done with England.
    “He’d have to play as a centre-forward, you couldn’t play him anywhere else at the minute. Newcastle press and they work very very hard. If you watch Newcastle, they press, they play high. That’s not Ronaldo’s game.
    “So I don’t think he’d be a great fit. I’m sure he’d score goals cause he will score goals wherever he goes. He’s a great player, still a good player today. But I think he’ll end up going somewhere where it’s more possession based, slower league; I think that would suit Ronaldo.”
    Latest: Iran 0 USA 1
    Iran have threatened little in the second half – despite knowing an equaliser would put them through ahead of the Yanks.
    Iran 0 USA 1: HERE is our match blog.
    GOAL: Wales 0 England 3
    Marcus Rashford slalomed in from the right to fire home a left-footer at the near post.
    A brilliant team goal.
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Iran 0 USA 1 LIVE RESULT: Christian Pulisic’s brave goal sends USA into last-16 clash against Netherlands

    CHRISTIAN PULISIC netted the only goal of the game to send his country into the last-16.The Chelsea winger scored goal before half-time as he got onto the end of a Sergino Dest header to convert before clattering into the goalkeeper.
    It remains to be seen as to the extent of the clash, with Pulisic being substituted in the second period.
    Timothy Weah thought he had doubled his side’s advantage, running through to score, but the flag was up as he was deemed to be offside.
    Finishing second in Group B, the USA now face Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands in the knockout round.

    Kick-off: 7pm UK
    Group B: LIVE TABLE
    TV channel: BBC 2
    Live stream: BBC iPlayer
    Iran XI: Beiranvand; Mohammadi, Hosseini, Pouraliganji. Rezaeian; Hajsafi, Nourollahi, Ezatolahi, Gholizadeh; Azmoun, Taremi
    USA XI: Turner; Dest, Carter-Vickers, Ream, Robinson; Adams, Musah, McKennie; Weah, Sargent, Pulisic

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    Follow ALL of the latest updates…
    That’s all from the Al Thumama Stadium
    The USA seal a narrow 1-0 win over Iran to earn a place in the World Cup round-of-16.
    They join group winners England in the knockout stages.
    Gregg Berhalter’s side will now face Group A winners the Netherlands on Saturday, while the Three Lions take on Senegal on Sunday.
    Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
    Timothy Weah reacts
    When speaking to FOX, Weah said:
    “We worked so hard as a group to be in these types of positions.
    “Iran played a beautiful game, but, you know, thanks to Christian he put it away and got hurt in the process but we love him and we thank him and we’re through so it’s a great feeling.”
    On Pulisic: “He’s huge. Going back to him not qualifying for the last World Cup and being here and qualifying us through, that’s just the work of God.
    “God bless him. I love him and he’s so important to this team, he’s a key player and he’s a leader so someone that we definitely need.”
    “I always say it’s us against the world. No one believed that the US can play good football and we’re just here trying to show the world. It’s no better than to do it with the people that you love and our families in the stands – we do it for them and I’m just really happy that we’re through to the next round.
    “It’s a beautiful day. It’s definitely a beautiful feeling.”
    Credit: Getty
    BREAKING: Pulisic hospitalised with abdominal injury
    Christian Pulisic has been sent to the hospital with an abdominal injury.
    This comes after he was forced off after scoring the decisive goal to send the USA through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
    Credit: Getty
    Gregg Berhalter reacts
    The USA boss told BBC Sport:
    “In the first half we showed what we can do, soccer wise. We had a really good first half.
    “Second half we showed what we could do determination wise. The guys grinded, gave every single ounce and we are undefeated going into the next round.”
    Credit: AP
    Gregg Berhalter provides Pulisic update
    When speaking to BBC Sport, the USA boss said:
    “No update on his status. But it’s a wonderful thing when one of your best players is also one of the most hard working. He’s certainly that. I can’t say enough positive things about Christian.
    “With this new injury time, counting every second it’s stressful. I think I have less hair on my head now! But we’ll take it and move on and go battle against Holland.”
    Credit: Getty
    England and USA progress
    England have topped Group B with a total of seven points, meaning they will now play Senegal on Sunday.
    Meanwhile, the USA have finished second, so they will take on the Netherlands on Saturday.
    Full Time – Iran 0-1 USA
    A deserved win for the USA.

    Group B latest
    Wales 0-3 England
    A Marcus Rashford brace and a superb Phil Foden finish comfortably secures England’s place at the top of the group.
    Credit: Reuters
    Full Time – Iran 0-1 USA
    Iran threw everything they had at the USA in those final minutes, but it wasn’t enough.
    They are OUT. The USA are THROUGH.
    90+8. Iran 0-1 USA
    Iran appeal for a penalty with one minute to go as Taremi goes to ground following a challenge from Carter-Vickers!
    But, the referee is not convinced.
    90+6. Iran 0-1 USA
    Jalali is booked for a clear shirt pull on Musah while the USA were on the break.
    90+3. Iran 0-1 USA
    Iran have another free kick.
    Rezaeian steps up to take it and sends the ball into the box.
    Pouraliganji makes a run towards the front post to head it towards goal, but his effort flies inches wide of the post!
    90+1. Iran 0-1 USA
    We’re into the NINE minutes of added time.
    Yes, you read that right, nine minutes.
    85. Iran 0-1 USA
    Five minutes to go.
    The USA have to preserve this lead if they want to go through…
    Iran need just one goal.
    83. Iran 0-1 USA
    Iran appeal for a penalty, claiming that Moore – who just replaced Dest – had handballed it.
    But the referee dismisses claims.
    Weah has been replaced by Zimmerman with less than 10 minutes to go.
    Credit: AP
    81. Iran 0-1 USA
    Iran have a free kick in a dangerous position following a foul from Weah on Jalali.
    79. Iran 0-1 USA
    Another substitution, this time for Iran.
    Gholizadeh has been replaced by Ansarifard.
    78. Iran 0-1 USA
    Sargent is forced off with an injury.
    He has been replaced by Wright.
    Credit: Getty
    75. Iran 0-1 USA
    Bad news for the USA as Sargent goes to ground after avoiding a challenge.
    After jumping to avoid the sliding tackle, his knee and ankle appeared to jar. That looked a painful one.
    He might not be able to continue.
    Credit: AP
    71. Iran 0-1 USA
    Two more changes for Iran.
    Torabi is on to replace Noorollahi.
    Jalali is on to replace Hajsafi.
    70. Iran 0-1 USA
    The USA have made another change.
    Acosta is on to replace McKennie.
    69. Iran 0-1 USA
    Musah steps up to take the free kick, but he fires his shot over the bar.
    68. Iran 0-1 USA
    The USA have a free kick in a dangerous area after Rezaeian handballs it on the edge of the box.
    65. Iran 0-1 USA
    Chance for Iran as Gholizadeh picks the ball up on the edge of the box, cuts inside and squares it to Ghoddos.
    The striker attempts to take it first time, but his shot curls wide of the post.
    Credit: Reuters
    60. Iran 0-1 USA
    30 minutes to go…
    As things stand, the USA will progress to the knockout stages.
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    World Cup 2022 – Wales 0 England 3 LIVE REACTION: Rejuvenated Rashford sends England into last-16 clash against Senegal

    ENGLAND cruised through to the knockout phase thanks to two goals from Marcus Rashford and one from Phil Foden.After an uneventful first half, the Three Lions scored two in quick succession to put Gareth Southgate’s men firmly in charge.
    Welsh star Gareth Bale was replaced by Brennan Johnson at half-time and it all fell apart for Wales in the second half.
    England head into the last-16, where they will face Senegal after the AFCON Champions finished runners up in Group A.

    Kick-off: 7pm GMT
    TV channel: BBC One
    Live stream: BBC iPlayer,
    Radio commentary: Live on talkSPORT
    Group B: LIVE TABLE
    England XI: Pickford, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Shaw, Henderson, Rice, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane, Foden
    Wales XI: Ward, Mepham, Rodon, Davies, Williams, Ampadu, Allen, Ramsey, James, Bale, Moore
    Explainer: How can Wales AND England qualify from Group B?

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    Stay up to date with all the latest from the Group B clash…
    Fans continue celebrations into night
    In Qatar and back home England, fans are still absorbing the feeling of progressing to the last 16 as well as the local tipples.
    There will be some sore heads in works tomorrow for sure.
    Few days off then you have to go all again Sunday.
    Monday’s hangover is a problem for another day.
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Alamy
    Credit: Alamy
    Mission accomplished for manager
    Gareth Southgate spoke about what he looked to change at half-time in the game today:
    “We wanted a bit more thrust and threat in the final third, play forward a little bit quicker.”
    And his thoughts on match-winner Marcus Rashford:
    “It’s great for him. He has trained really well. He could have had a hat-trick, the free-kick, that is what he is all about. It is incredible really.”
    Gareth vows to fight on
    Wales captain Gareth Bale admitted his team have had a disappointing World Cup campaign.
    But Bale, 33, told the BBC: “We should be proud to have made the World Cup.”
    “We’d have loved to have played better and created more chances.”
    “It just didn’t happen for us at this World Cup. It’s been difficult, this tournament. We haven’t played very well.”
    “But we played with our hearts and gave everything.”
    Bale claimed he is committed to continuing his international career – for as long as he can and is still wanted.
    Credit: PA
    Bookies slash odds for Three Lions
    Coral slashed the odds on the Three Lions winning the tournament to 8-1 alongside Argentina – behind Brazil, France and Spain.
    Coral’s John Hill said: “It was straightforward for England in the end in their final game in Group B, and as a result of that impressive performance, they have been trimmed in the outright market to 8/1.”
    “England are warm favourites to get past Senegal in the last 16. They are odds-on to win that game in 90 minutes on Sunday evening.”
    World Cup outright: 5-2 Brazil, 5 France, 13-2 Spain, 8 Argentina, England, 11 Portugal, 12 Portugal, 14 Netherlands, 40 Bar.
    Rashford tribute for friend
    England hero Marcus Rashford has revealed that his goal celebration after his first goal against Wales tonight was for a friend who tragically lost his life only days earlier.
    The Man Utd attacker pointed towards the skies after his opening goal this evening.
    Rashford put a match-winning performance in for Gareth Southgate’s side to book their place in the last 16.
    Credit: AP
    Players spend time with families
    With the game done and dusted, the players get chance to catch up with girlfriends and families.
    Chance for some downtime before returning to the bubble of their training camps.
    The fans do not stay behind inspired by their Japanese counterparts however.
    Credit: PA
    Credit: PA
    Credit: Getty
    England fans celebrate qualification
    Up and down the country, fans enjoy having their progress to the last 16 confirmed as they finish top of the group.
    Victory over Wales leaving them two points clear of USA in second.
    Senegal now wait in the last 16.
    Credit: Alamy
    Credit: Alamy
    Credit: Alamy
    Lions set to maul Al Khor
    The Three Lions will now fight it out with The Lions of Teranga on Sunday at the Al Bayt Stadium in the last 16.
    Senegal beat Ecuador 2-1 to book their place as runners-up of Group A.
    Gareth Southgate’s side will be focussed on progressing to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    The people of Senegal took to the streets earlier to celebrate their qualification.

    Final tale of the tape
    Here are the final standings in Group B.
    England progress as group winners.
    Wales are eliminated from the tournament.
    Credit: @FIFAWorldCup
    End of an era for Wales
    With the World Cup played every four years, the harsh reality looms for Welsh fans that for some of their players this will be their final swansong.
    The likes of Hennessey, Bale, Ramsey and Joe Allen have probably played their last World Cup game for their country.
    Wales now need to focus on the new breed of Welsh talent coming through to replace the old guard.
    Credit: Getty
    Nothing Rash about this performance
    The Man Utd attacker showed what he was all about this evening with his display from start to finish.
    He was a thorn in Wales’ side and any time he looked to cut in from the left, he looked dangerous.
    Rounding his performance off with two goals, unlucky to not get a third.

    World Cup first for Qatar
    Marcus Rashford scored the first free-kick of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    Danny Ward will be criticised for getting beaten on his own side and not trusting his wall but Rashford drilled the ball into the top corner.
    The last free kick scored at a World Cup before Rashford’s was actually scored by Kieran Trippier.
    Must be something in the training methods.
    Credit: Getty
    Chance given and taken
    Many people were calling for the introduction of Phil Foden into this England team after the drab stalemate with USA.
    Both players given the chance to perform tonight, took the bull by the horns and showed their manager why they should be in the team.
    Marcus Rashford starred this evening, bagging two goals for himself in the process.
    Man City’s Foden grabbed a goal in between the two goals scored by Rashford.
    A real Manchester affair for England tonight.
    Credit: Getty
    FT: Wales 0-3 England
    The result is a fair reflection on the difference in quality between the two sides this evening.
    Once talisman Gareth Bale came off at half-time, the chances of seeing Wales cause an upset seemed to disappear.
    England dominated from start to finish and in the second half, back it up with some goals.

    FT: Wales 0-3 England
    The referee brings the game to a close.
    England are through to the last 16 of the World Cup 2022.
    They will face Senegal in the next round.
    Wales head home.
    Wales 0-3 England
    90+2. Some sloppy defending again by Wales eventually conceding a corner.
    The ball comes in deep and Maguire heads it back towards goal.
    It drops to Stones three yards out, in the middle of the goal, unmarked.
    Somehow he puts it two yards over the bar when it looked more difficult than scoring.
    Wales 0-3 England
    90. We are going to have four additional minutes.
    The token Jack Grealish foul is officially out of the way.
    Such is the style of the Man City attacker, he really does get kicked a lot.
    Wales 0-3 England
    88. England would like one more goal to really put the icing on this performance today.
    Wales look ready for the final whistle now.
    Callum Wilson is putting the Welsh defence under pressure trying to sniff out a goal for himself.
    Wales 0-3 England
    86. England are looking to manage the remainder of the game.
    Passing the ball around not looking to press forward much.
    Wales win the ball and break, Keiffer Moore tries to bend one in the top corner but the ball goes well wide.
    Credit: Reuters
    Wales 0-3 England
    84. There is nothing worse than travelling home from a game after your side has lost.
    Let alone if the trip home is close to 8,000km.
    England fans continue to sing ‘God Save The King’.
    Wales 0-3 England
    82. Gareth Southgate will be pleased with this performance.
    They have controlled the game from start to finish.
    Pickford could have been writing his memoirs for most of the game.
    More importantly, they have scored goals too.
    Wales 0-3 England
    80. Ruben Colwill replaces Joe Allen.
    We are into the last ten minutes of the game.
    It has kind of ended as a contest now.
    Wales 0-3 England
    78. Harry Wilson comes on for Dan James.
    Ramsey gives the ball away to Wilson.
    He looks set to score England’s fourth but Ward saves well, Wilson cannot direct the rebound towards goal but Foden slices wide of goal.
    The replay shows Roden did well to put Foden off.
    Credit: Reuters
    Wales 0-3 England
    76. Marcus Rashford comes off to an applause as he is replaced by Jack Grealish.
    Not what tiring legs would want to see this late in the game.
    Chance for the City attacker to stake a claim for a starting spot.
    Wales 0-3 England
    74. Wales come forward, still looking to reduce the deficit.
    The atmosphere has completely died here now.
    Thoughts of a long trip back to Cardiff Airport sinks home for many.
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Netherlands vs Qatar – World Cup 2022 LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel – Gakpo opens scoring for Dutch

    NETHERLANDS are taking on Qatar RIGHT NOW – and they lead 1-0!The Dutch know a win will guarantee their progression to the last-16.
    The Oranje comfortably beat Senegal 2-0 in their opening match courtesy of two late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen.
    But the Netherlands were held to a frustrating draw in their second fixture against Ecuador.
    However, Louis Van Gaal’s side will be expected to secure a last-16 spot against Qatar who are already OUT of the tournament.

    Kick-off: 3pm UK
    Group A: LIVE TABLE
    TV channel: ITV 1
    Live stream: ITV X
    Netherlands XI: Noppert, Timber, Van Dijk, Ake, Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Blind, Klaassen, Gakpo, Depay
    Qatar XI: Barsham, Ismail, Pedro, Khoukhi, Hassan, Homam, Al Haydos, Madibo, Hatem, Almoez, Afif

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £20 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    GOAL! – Netherlands 2-0 Qatar
    48, De Jong doubles the Netherlands advantage!
    Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    47, Gakpo attempts to slide a pass into Depay who would have been in, but for a timely interception by Khoukhi.
    Al Haydos then drives forward and Mohammad’s ball in is dealt with by Ake.
    Van Gaal will want a goal to create a buffer here.
    Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    46, Qatar win an early free-kick and get bodies in the box.
    Ake sends a commanding header clear.
    SECOND HALF – Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    45, We’re back underway in Qatar!
    No changes to report for either side.
    Half time stats
    As expected, Netherlands have been dominant and have the all important goal.
    Mind you, they’ve looked sloppy in possession at times and Qatar, with nothing to lose, are showing glimpses of promise in attack.
    Second half up next.

    Neil Custis at the Al Bayt Stadium
    SunSport’s Neil Custis has this half-time report from Al Khor.
    CODY GAKPO is becoming one of the stars of this World Cup.
    Many Dutch fans felt they would struggle for goals with Memphis Depay unable to start the opening two games.
    But PSV Eindhoven’s Gakpo has filled the gap with three in as many games.
    In so doing he has joined exulted company as only the fourth Dutch player to do so at the World Cup after Johan Neeskens (1974) Dennis Bergkamp (’94) and Wesley Sneijder (2010).
    His strike against Qatar broke the deadlock here at the Al Bayt Stadium in the 26th minute and it was a cracking slick move to that lead to it.
    There had been question marks over why wing-backs Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries had not been getting more involved in the opening two games.
    But Blind was constantly part of anything good the Dutch did in the first period.
    It was he who found Memphis Depay who moved it on to Gakpo who played a slick one-two with Davy Klaassen before executing another fine finish curling the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s outstretched arm in to the far bottom corner.
    In their opening group win over Senegal he stole in to nick a header home to break that deadlock and was on the mark with scorching shot after just six minutes against Ecuador.Neil CustisSunSport
    HALF-TIME – Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    Depay takes the shot on first time, dragging it wide of the target before raising his hands in apology.
    The Dutch have the lead at the break, and as things stand, are winning group A.
    Ismaila Sarr’s penalty over in Doha bumps Senegal up to second.
    Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    45+1, Afif runs out of room and shakes his head in frustration.
    Gakpo then attempts to let one run for Depay but Miguel is on his toes and thumps it clear.
    Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    45, There will be three minutes of added time here.
    Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    Elsewhere in group A, Senegal have scored. That puts them up to second, one point behind the Netherlands as things stand.
    Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    40, De Roon slides a ball into Gakpo who takes one touch before firing an effort narrowly over the bar.
    The flag was up against him, but that was a good chance by his standards.
    Akram Afif of Qatar takes on Nathan Ake of NetherlandsCredit: Getty
    Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    38, Madibo has a nibble at the heels of Depay and Netherlands continue to play around Qatar who patiently wait for a Klaassen mistake and pounce.
    Hassan drives into Dutch territory but isn’t on the same wavelength as Ali who wanted it in behind, and not to feet.
    Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    34, Hasan curls in a dangerous ball but no one in white had bothered to get into the box, allowing Van Djik to calmly mop up.
    Neil Custis in Qatar
    A word on the attendance from SunSport’s Neil Custis:
    Well, they left Al Bayt stadium 20 minutes before the end as Qatar stumbled to defeat in their opener here and this time thousands have just not bothered to even turn up for the match against Holland. The sight of large patches of empty seats in the 68,895 capacity tent like structure out in the desert is embarrassing for the hosts.Neil CustisSunSport
    Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    With every goal that Gakpo scores at this tournament, you sense the higher his price will rise.
    He looks so composed in front of goal.
    Cody Gakpo scores Netherlands’ first goalCredit: Reuters
    Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    28, Mohammad latches on to a loose Klaassen pass and goes for goal.
    It bounces just in front of Noppert who does well to hold on.
    GOAL! – Netherlands 1-0 Qatar
    26, Gakpo smashes the Dutch in front! Who else?!
    Klaassen smartly flicks the ball on to Gakpo who powered into the penalty area before unleashing a low drive past Barsham and inside the near post.
    His third goal of the tournament, taken expertly.

    Credit: Getty
    Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
    25, Blind clips a ball in behind to Depay who turns his man, but can’t get his shot away.
    Afif then asks too much of Al Haydos at the other end.
    Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
    24, Afif is in acres of space down the left and floats a ball in towards Ali, forcing Van Djik to knock it behind for another corner.
    It’s driven into Hassan who’s right-footed shot is high and into the stands.
    With the shackles off, this is the best I’ve seen Qatar play.
    Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
    21, Ali looks to sweep the ball on to Hatem on the counter-attack but Ake cuts out the danger.
    They move the ball well and Ahmed’s cross is out for a Qatar corner.
    Netherlands are in control but it’s good to see the hosts carry some kind of threat.
    Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
    20, For a team that are already out of the World Cup, the Qatari supporters are doing well to generate some real noise here.
    It almost feels louder than their opening game against Ecuador, which saw half the stadium leave at half-time.
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Getty
    Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
    18, The free kick is given against Depay and the Barcelona man waves his arms in disbelief.
    They quickly win it back and are awarded their second corner of the day.
    Klaassen attacks it well, but his header is glanced well wide of the target.
    Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
    15, Dumfries glides past Hassan like he wasn’t there.
    His ball across is intercepted and we have our first corner of the afternoon.
    It comes to nothing.
    Credit: Getty
    Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
    14, The chances are coming for Netherlands.
    Depay and De Jong combine well before the latter strikes one on goal.
    It hits Klaassen and breaks to Depay who’s instinctive first time volley flies over the bar.
    Netherlands 0-0 Qatar
    12, Netherlands cut through the Qatar defence with ease.
    Blind picks out Klaassen who’s first time effort is blocked.
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Ecuador vs Senegal – World Cup 2022 LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel – Sarr scores penalty to put Senegal in last-16

    ECUADOR are facing Senegal in their final Group A clash RIGHT NOW – and both teams can still advance.The Ecuadorians held table-topping Netherlands to a 1-1 draw which has put them in a good position to progress to the next round.
    But Senegal secured a crucial 3-1 win against hosts Qatar to keep them within touching distance of the two teams above.
    Senegal HAVE to win this game to qualify for the knockout stages, while a point will do the job for Ecuador.

    Kick-off: 3pm UK
    Group A: LIVE TABLE
    TV channel: ITV 4
    Live stream: ITV X
    Ecuador XI: Galindez, Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan, Franco, Caicedo, Plata, Estrada, Valencia
    Senegal XI: Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly, Jakobs, Diallo, Ciss, P. Gueye, Ndiaye, I. Gueye, Sarr, Dia

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £20 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
    Kick-off – Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
    46. We said that Ecuador would have to change something in the second half, and Gustavo Alfaro has realised that.
    The Ecuador coach has made a double change at the break with Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento on along with Jose Cifuentes.
    Alan Franco and Carlos Gruezo are the pair that make way.
    Live from Khalifa International Stadium
    Andy Dillon is our man at the ground this afternoon, and he’s been in touch to give us his half-time thoughts.
    “Ismaila Sarr has turned up the volume of the Senegalese drums with a surprise goal that puts them in the driving seat to reach the last 16.
    The African champions need victory to overtake Ecuador and are now in the lead thanks to the Watford winger’s athleticism and steely nerve.Andy DillonThe Sun
    “He was wiped out by Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie as he burst through on goal. And in the absence of injured Senegal captain Sadio Mane, stepped up to score from the penalty spot.
    “It’s a deserved lead as Ecuador have been sitting tight looking for the point they need to go through and it’s backfired.
    “Depending how results go later, Senegal could face England in the knockout stages where Chelsea pair Edouard Mendy and Kalibou Koulibaly would meet some familiar faces from Stamford Bridge on the opposite side of the pitch.”
    First half facts and figures
    Ecuador may have had the greater share of possession, but Senegal have bossed this game from the off as demonstrated by the shots total of either side.
    The fact that only one of their ten attempts – the penalty they scored – has been on target is perhaps indicative of a side missing their main Mane.

    Half-time – Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
    Clement Turpin calls time on the first half, and Senegal take a deserved lead in with them at the break courtesy of Ismaila Sarr’s penalty.
    It’s unlikely that the Watford star has ever scored as important a goal with his strike currently the one taking his country through to the Last 16 of the World Cup.
    Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
    45+4. There’s something of a flashpoint down by the corner flag as Valencia crashes to the ground, holding his knee.
    There’s the suggestion that Sabaly has caught the Ecuador captain off the ball, but replays show that there was barely anything in it.
    French official Clement Turpin is too experienced an official to be fooled into anything daft there.

    Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
    45+2. You expect Ecuador will regroup and rethink once they’re get back in the dressing room, but the game may be beyond them by that point!
    Ndiaye goes close to notching a quickfire second after another weaving run into the box.
    Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
    45. The board goes up to signal six minutes of stoppage time, but that may be extended following the flamboyant celebrations that greeted Sarr’s goal.
    Ecuador 0-1 Senegal
    44. Ismaila Sarr scores for Senegal!
    The Watford man is as cool as you like as he stutters in his run-up before stroking his right-footed spotkick into the bottom corner beyond the flat-footed Hernan Galindez.
    It’s a huge goal that puts the Africans on course for the Last 16!
    Ecuador have been happy to defend so far, but how will they respond now?

    Advantage Senegal!

    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal – Penalty to Senegal!
    42. Piero Hincapie mistimes a challenge, and crashes into Ismaila Sarr inside the area…
    …and Clement Turpin points to the penalty spot!
    The Ecuador players are furious at the decision, but they can have no complaints with the decision. It’s as clear-cut as they come.

    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    39. The Africans are finishing the half as strongly as they started it with Sarr and Ndiaye causing problems in possession.
    Can Ecuador see it through to half-time?
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    37. A set-piece brings similar disappointment for Senegal.
    Pathe is up highest to a free-kick swung over from the right, but his header rises up above Galindez’s goal.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    35. A wonderful dink over the top from Pape Gueye almost sends Dia through on goal, but the ball takes an unfortunate bounce at the vital moment and Ecuador escape again.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    33. A strong challenge by Koulibaly on Valencia leaves the striker momentarily down in the heap, but thankfully for the watching Ecuador fans, he’s quickly back to his feet.
    That was firm but fair from the Chelsea defender.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    31. Ecuador have grown in confidence in the past five minutes or so, and have begun to keep the ball very well at the back.
    The South Americans are knocking it around, and attempting to tire their opponents, who started this contest at such a furious pace.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    29. Another stoppage gives television directors around the world the chance to show the opening goal from the group’s other game where Cody Gakpo has fired his third of the tournament to put the Dutch ahead against Qatar.
    Few would have been expecting the hosts to do much in that match, but the deadlock being broken does reinforce the fact that Senegal have to win here.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    27. The Senegalese are pushing again.
    To such an extent that even captain Kalidou Koulibaly has crossed the halfway line.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    25. The corner comes to nothing, and you do start to wonder about all these Senegal chances.
    Would a fit Sadio Mane have been the difference at these finals?
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    24. A slice of Hertfordshire comes to Qatar as Watford’s Sarr cuts inside from the left with a drop of the shoulder, and then curls a shot wide of the far post.
    In fact, the forward’s attempt took the slightest of touches off a defender – think Cristiano Ronaldo’s hairline – and has gone behind for a corner.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    23. Dia and Sabaly combine well, and look to have unlocked the Ecuador defence.
    However, the Senegal attack then delay the final ball, and that’s just enough for the South Americans to drop back into their defensive shape.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    21. The Ecuador left-back is back on but moving very gingerly indeed.
    It will be worth keeping an eye on him over the next few minutes.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    20. There’s a pause in play for treatment after Sarr crashes into Preciado on the far side.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    18. Idrissa Gueye is playing further forward than I’ve ever seen him do so before.
    The combative Everton midfielder is operating almost as a number 10, and has just forced the Ecuador defence into conceding another corner.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    16. If the Senegal fans were in fine voice before kick-off, they’ve taken it to another level now.
    They are absolutely loving life right now. You can only imagine how they’d react if they actually scored.
    Ecuador 0-0 Senegal
    14. Despite their dominance, the warning signs are there for Senegal – and they come in the form of Enner Valencia.
    The Ecuador captain is a livewire whenever the ball gets near the box, and looks desperate to grab his own slice of World Cup history.
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    World Cup 2022 – Wales vs England LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time as Henderson set to START group clash

    ENGLAND and Wales are two countries separated by a common grudge.And it does not get any bigger than today as the two countries meet in the World Cup for the first time.
    Jordan Henderson looks set to START for the Three Lions and there could be even more to come on the personnel front.
    A win for England tonight would see them top Group B, while Wales need to win and hope USA vs Iran ends in a draw for them to qualify.

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    What time is Wales vs England?

    Wales’ mouth-watering clash against England will get underway from 7pm UK time TONIGHT – Tuesday, November 29.
    The game will be played at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
    And it opened in 2003 and can hold up to 50,000 spectators.

    What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    Wales vs England will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The game is FREE to watch, so long as you have a TV licence.

    Stay up to date with all the latest from the Group B clash…
    It’s a goer in Doha
    Fans of both teams are hydrating well in the afternoon sun before a huge game between Wales and England this evening.
    They will need to pace themselves with almost three hours until the big kick-off.
    The Red Lion seems to be a popular venue with both sets of fans in Doha.
    Credit: PA
    Credit: PA
    Credit: PA
    Credit: PA
    Dragons slayed by Iran
    Following Wayne Hennessey’s red card for a dangerously high tackle on Mehdi Taremi, Wales succumbed to injury-time strikes from Roozbeh Cheshmi and Ramin Razaeian to leave supporters devastated.
    Bottom of the group with one point to their name, Wales must beat England and hope that Iran’s game with the USA ends in a draw to secure a place in the knockout stages.
    A win for Iran of the USA will eliminate them unless they can thump the Three Lions by a four-goal margin.
    It will be a little closer to home
    The Three Lions will qualify as group winners with all three points, while Wales must win and hope that other results go their way to stand a chance of going through.
    Before the Baddiel and Skinner tracks start playing up and down the country, victory would certainly bring some closer to home if not heading its way back completely.
    England’s players need to thrive on the big occasion, achieve what they have so often only threatened to do.
    Bars fill up and down the country
    Fans of both Wales and England are heading to the pubs to watch this monumental clash between their nations.
    The atmosphere is everything a World Cup should encourage as fans mix together looking forward to enjoying the action.
    With under four hours until kick off, fans get into the spirit.
    Credit: Louis Wood
    Boss talks about Welsh threat
    The England manager spoke about what he sees as the dangers Wales possess:
    They have some world class players who can produce moments of brilliance and have done for a long time with their clubs and their country. They have a good spirit and organisation. We know the quality of the Ukraine team they beat to get to these finals. They seem to have additional motivation to play England from what they’re saying. We’ve got to be prepared for all of those things. But we’ve got to focus on our own performance and that’s the key.Gareth SouthgateEngland manager
    England fans flock to Al Rayyan
    Enjoying the afternoon sunshine, fans of the Three Lions are enjoying the Qatar weather before tonight’s game.
    Both sets of fans seem to mingling and enjoying the occasion together.
    A huge clash ahead for both sides tonight.
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Dan Charity
    Credit: Dan Charity
    Key players need to perform
    Against Iran, national team heroes Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey were practically anonymous in the game.
    Page is unlikely to consider dropping the duo however in such an important fixture.
    Both players need to put in performances of a career for Wales to stand any chance of pulling off the unthinkable tonight.
    Bring back the Phil-good factor
    Gareth Southgate was reluctant to bring on Phil Foden for Mason Mount in the number 10 role on Friday, but with Bukayo Saka have an off night against the USA, Foden could push for a start out wide.
    Pundits are baffled by the absence of one of the most naturally gifted footballers in this squad, not being utilised whatsoever.
    Foden brings a creativity that can unlock defences that was much needed against USA.
    England team news:
    As for England, Southgate could be working with a near fully-fit squad for tonight’s game after welcoming James Maddison back to training from a knee injury.
    Ben White could miss out due to illness, and he is facing plenty of selection dilemmas.
    Kyle Walker’s return to fitness could see the Man City man return on the right over Kieran Trippier, in spite of calls for Southgate to introduce Trent Alexander-Arnold.
    Wales team news:
    Wales number one Wayne Hennessey will serve a one-match suspension for his red card against Iran, opening the door for Danny Ward to start in between the sticks after some recent good form for Leicester.
    Page has no new injury concerns, where Joe Allen was able to come off the bench following his hamstring injury, but the Swansea City man was largely at fault for Cheshmi’s long-range effort with his poor clearance.
    Daniel James and Brennan Johnson should be considered for starts, though Kieffer Moore provides a much-needed physical presence in the final third.
    Welcome to England vs Wales!
    Hello and welcome to England vs Wales at the World Cup 2022 in Qatar!
    It’s a massive game for both sides tonight as the two home nations battle it out for a spot in the last-16 at football’s most famous tournament.
    England are sitting pretty at the top of Group B, while Wales are rock bottom.
    But BOTH can still qualify.
    The task is simple for the Three Lions, who have four points to their name after two games.
    Win and they top the group, with their last-16 game to come on Sunday, December 4 at 7pm against the runners up of Group A.
    Wales need to win, by any margin, and hope that USA vs Iran finishes in a draw for them to qualify in historic circumstances.
    The only way England can be knocked out of the tournament tonight, is to lose 4-0 to Wales.
    Manager Gareth Southgate could make FOUR changes to the side which drew against USA on Friday night, with Jordan Henderson likely to start.
    Kyle Walker could also make his first appearance in Qatar.
    And all eyes will be on Phil Foden, who England fans pleaded for Southgate to bring on against the Americans last week.
    Whatever the weather, we’ll have you covered here at SunSport all evening, so kick back and relax – you’re in for a cracker.
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    World Cup 2022 LIVE: Portugal and Brazil into last-16 as England face Wales in Group B showdown – latest

    BRAZIL and Portugal confirmed their place in the last-16 of the World Cup on Monday.Tite’s side came out 1-0 victors over Switzerland while Portugal scored two in a 2-0 win over Uruguay to seal their place out of the groups.
    Elsewhere, England face Wales in a showdown clash in Group B, with both teams still seeking qualification.
    The Three Lions were dismal in a bore draw with USA last Friday while Wales lost to Iran and Group B remains wide open.

    World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
    Stay tuned with all the latest ahead from tournament…
    Bru-haha over penalty
    Ally McCoist was fuming over the penalty decision that allowed Bruno Fernandes to secure Portugal’s victory against Uruguay.
    The incident occurred during the final seconds of Portugal’s 2-0 World Cup win over Uruguay as VAR intervened for a penalty check.
    Fernandes carried the ball into the box and sent Jose Maria Gimenez tumbling backwards as he nutmegged the defender. The Uruguayan unintentionally handled the ball as he fell to the ground.

    The referee waved play on, despite the protests of Fernandes, before VAR got in his ear to advise him to check the incident.
    Iranian Alireza Faghani headed over to the pitchside monitor and duly awarded the spot-kick, much to the anger of Luis Suarez and his Uruguayan teammates.
    Former Premier League ref Mark Halsey exclusively told SunSport he thought the decision was ‘shocking’.
    And ITV commentator Ally McCoist, the much-loved Rangers and Scotland legend, was equally as damning after he heard ex-referee Peter Walton’s attempted justification.
    Walton said: “It’s hit him as he’s falling back but the ball has struck his arm. The referee in his instructive view that striking the arm is the deliberate action.
    “I think it’s very harsh. The law did say if you’re putting your arm to break the fall, it was a deliberate act but that was removed from the law a year or so ago, it’s down to the subjective call of the referee.
    “It’s clearly hit his arm, stopped the progress of the ball and that’s what the VAR has advised.”
    England are Wales’ big brother – Sven
    Sven-Goran Eriksson has taunted Wales by saying they have little brother syndrome when it comes to facing England.
    The former Three Lions boss claims it is nonsense to say Gareth Bale and Co have more passion than England.

    And instead he believes Robert Page’s men are only desperate to put on a show as they feel like a young child eager to impress an older sibling.
    Speaking to Midnite, the Swede, 74, said: “Wales will try to play the game of their life, as if England is their big brother and they want to impress them.
    “Wales don’t have more passion than England. If you put an England shirt on, you want to win.
    “Wales will just feel it’s more important to win against England. It is a dream to beat England — as it almost never happens.”
    The two nations face off on Tuesday evening in a mouthwatering clash to decide who qualifies for the World Cup knockout stages.
    Ahead of the current tournament, Bale reignited his taunt from Euro 2016 by declaring there is nobody better than the Welsh when it comes to passion.
    Why I didn’t pick Foden
    Gareth Southgate has warned against putting too much pressure on Phil Foden ahead of tonight’s clash with Wales.
    England boss Southgate said: “We need to make sure we are not building up Phil into a situation where, if he steps on the pitch, this is becoming really difficult for him.

    “The level of expectation is beyond a young guy still establishing himself intern­ationally, in a different environment from his club, where you’re comfortable with all the players you play with.
    “He is a young player and he’s doing brilliantly and we love him to bits. We also have to look after him.
    “We’re happy with how he is training. He’s bright, he’s ready and he’s a good player. We’re blessed. We’ve got some exciting players.
    “But sometimes the discussion around just plopping Phil in as a No 10 in every game isn’t realistic.
    “In a game like USA the other night, you have to have the ball and there are defensive responsibilities that he doesn’t have at his club.
    “From the wide areas it’s different, the defensive responsibility is different. As a No 10, you have to cover a lot more ground and be more aware of the spaces without the ball.
    “If that pressure isn’t right, then they are through you and into your back line. That’s why we didn’t put him in as a No 10 the other night. There are games where there isn’t that same tactical challenge in midfield.
    “There might be more freedom and that might be the slot he can express himself in.”
    Revenge can be served Ice cold
    Gareth Southgate will fire up England for tonight’s Battle of Britain by showing a video of Wales gloating over their humiliating Euro 2016 exit.
    The clips of Gareth Bale and Co wildly celebrating the shock loss to Iceland wound up Three Lions’ players, staff and fans.
    Asked if the video has been used as a motivational tool, boss Southgate replied with a broad grin: “I couldn’t say! We are aware of some of that.”

    SunSport on Sunday reported how Luke Shaw admitted Wales’ taunting “wasn’t nice” and the England star vowed his team-mates will do their talking on the pitch.
    And, after a 64-year wait to play in a World Cup, Wales must either win by four goals or more or defeat England by a lesser margin and hope the USA draw with Iran if they are to progress to the last 16.
    Southgate’s side are through unless they lose by four goals and will be confirmed as Group B winners with a victory.
    On the rivalry with Rob Page’s Wales, he said: “We know they have  additional motivation to play against us, from what they are saying, so we have got to be prepared.
    “Like any two countries who border each other, there is a competitive rivalry.
    “For me, it’s a great sporting rivalry, no more than that — that feeling might not be mutual but I can understand that. I live in Yorkshire — they feel the same about the rest of England!”
    Revenge can be served Ice cold
    Gareth Southgate will fire up England for tonight’s Battle of Britain by showing a video of Wales gloating over their humiliating Euro 2016 exit.
    The clips of Gareth Bale and Co wildly celebrating the shock loss to Iceland wound up Three Lions’ players, staff and fans.
    Asked if the video has been used as a motivational tool, boss Southgate replied with a broad grin: “I couldn’t say! We are aware of some of that.”

    SunSport on Sunday reported how Luke Shaw admitted Wales’ taunting “wasn’t nice” and the England star vowed his team-mates will do their talking on the pitch.
    And, after a 64-year wait to play in a World Cup, Wales must either win by four goals or more or defeat England by a lesser margin and hope the USA draw with Iran if they are to progress to the last 16.
    Southgate’s side are through unless they lose by four goals and will be confirmed as Group B winners with a victory.
    On the rivalry with Rob Page’s Wales, he said: “We know they have  additional motivation to play against us, from what they are saying, so we have got to be prepared.
    “Like any two countries who border each other, there is a competitive rivalry.
    “For me, it’s a great sporting rivalry, no more than that — that feeling might not be mutual but I can understand that. I live in Yorkshire — they feel the same about the rest of England!”
    Bruno tries to give goal back to Ron
    Bruno Fernandes happily tried to give Cristiano Ronaldo back his goal as Portugal sealed their last 16 place.
    Ronaldo claimed the opener but officials decided he had not touched the cross by his former Manchester United team-mate.
    Fernandes wrapped up victory with a late penalty and said: “I don’t think it really matters who scored.

    “My feeling at the time was that Cristiano touched the ball. I was crossing to him. I celebrated as if it had been Cristiano’s goal.
    “But what’s important is that we are able to go in the next round with an important win against a tough opponent.”
    Portugal coach Fernando Santos bizarrely refused to answer direct questions about who had scored the first goal.
    Santos said: “It was a great match, our team played very well. The rest, for me, does not matter. It was a deserved victory. The team did what it said it would. We’re through to the next round.”
    Qatar’s light balls are a problem
    England right-back Kieran Tripper has revealed that players at the World Cup are having issues with their balls.
    The Newcastle star says the official ball is difficult to control as it is not as heavy as the ones used in the Premier League.
    Trippier’s claim is backed up by the fact that many players – including Lionel Messi – have seen their free-kicks fly high and wide past the goal.
    The Newcastle defender said: “It’s a bit lighter. It feels that if you put too much power on it, it’ll just fly away. 
    “But it’s one of those things where we have to deal with that. We train with the same ones.”
    But Trippier, with a grin, added: “It’s a football, though, isn’t it?!”
    Different Tripp
    Kieran Trippier claims the England squad has a different feel compared to the World Cup in 2018 – with some of the golden oldies having been replaced by the young ones, writes CHARLIE WYETT.
    Ashley Young, Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill are the senior players who left the squad after the adventure to the semi-finals in Russia.
    Yet Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Declan Rice have come into the squad and made their mark.
    Trippier is one of the old guard and he is set to win his 40th cap against Wales today..
    He said: “In Russia, the squad was really good. We had players like Gaz Cahill who was brilliant around the place and the whole team and togetherness was really good in 2018. That showed in the tournament. 
    “Comparing that to now, we have so many younger players but they are playing at such a high level. The togetherness in the squad is probably something I’ve not seen before, the characters we have in the dressing room, all the young boys. 
    “And you’ve got old people like myself trying to help the young players as well. We have a really good togetherness and that comes down to the manager.”
    The Time Traveller’s strife
    A TikTok “time traveller” CLAIMS they know the result of tomorrow’s crunch clash between Iran and the USA – adding they even have the footage to prove it, writes Jacob Bentley-York.
    TikTok user @guardian_angel_5 has spent the last week sharing predictions of for the tournament, but went one step further in their latest post.

    In the bizarre clip, the user claimed they know the result of Group B’s pivotal match up tomorrow night, including what the score will be.
    Sharing footage, which they claimed was taken in the past, they claimed that Iran would beat the USA 3-1.
    The clip, shared with their 8k followers, shows Iranian fans celebrating, while Christian Pulisic shakes hands with the opposition.
    On the screen is the scoreline Iran 3 -1 USA, with the official-looking World Cup screen graphics.

    The screen even shows the apparent goalscorers in the match, leaving the self-proclaimed time traveller with very little wiggle room.
    According to the clip, the Iran scorers include a brace from prolific hitman Mehdi Taremi and defender Morteza Pouraliganji.
    For the USA, the scorer is Chelsea’s Pulisic.
    In the short video, the TikTok user said: “I’m a time traveller, we are going to lose to Iran 3-1.”
    Bale not even greatest Welsh player
    COMMENT: THE first British derby ever played at a World Cup finals — and quite possibly the final match for Gareth Bale as an elite footballer, writes DAVE KIDD.
    England versus Wales adds a serious dollop of local spice to this global jamboree.
    We’ve had Welsh actor Michael Sheen geeing up the boyos prattling on about the valleys and “crimson thunder” and the land of our fathers.

    And we’ve had Gareth Southgate suggesting that he will use a video of Wales players celebrating riotously in their team room, after England were humiliated by Iceland at Euro 2016, as motivation for the clash in Doha.
    So it seems the perfect time for an Englishman to ask: “Gareth Bale, five-time Champions League winner — was he ever really all that?”
    No other British footballer has five European Cup winner’s medals and no other British footballer has ever spent nine years on the books of Real Madrid, the most famous club on Earth.
    There is no doubt that Bale’s career-highlights reel is sensational.
    The “taxi for Maicon” night against European champions Inter Milan back in 2010. The sprint down, and outside of, the touchline to  out-pace Barcelona’s Marc Bartra and score in the 2014 Copa del Rey final Clasico. Inspiring Wales to a major semi-final six years ago, as well as their first World Cup in 64 years.
    And his two goals in Champions League finals — especially that sensational bicycle-kick against Liverpool in Kiev in 2018.
    So, of course, Bale was a special player but the idea that he might be British football’s GOAT is unlikely to garner much favour outside of Wales. Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, George Best and Stanley Matthews would surely rank above him. In fact, Bale is probably not the greatest Welsh footballer of all time.
    If you asked the late, great Jimmy Greaves to name the best British player ever, as I once did, he’d argue for Bale’s fellow Welshman John Charles — world class at both centre-forward and centre-half and a legend at Juventus.
    FULL VERDICT HERE
    Wales face walloping – Waddle
    England legend Chris Waddle is confident the Three Lions will thrash Wales at the World Cup.
    The Three Lions and the Dragons meet in the Battle of Britain on Tuesday at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in their final match of the group stage.
    Gareth Southgate’s men will top Group B if they win and a draw would be enough to qualify to the Last 16, although if Iran beat USA then England will finish second.
    Wales, on the other hand, need to beat their British counterpart with a score of at least 4-0 to have any hopes of going through after their drab 1-1 draw with USA and their shock 2-0 loss to Iran.
    Waddle, who amassed 62 England caps, does expect a 4-0 result but predicts it will be the other way around.
    The Tottenham and Newcastle great believes Southgate’s side will stand tall because Gareth Bale and co will chase for goals and that will leave them exposed at the back.
    Waddle told SunSport: “I’m gonna say England win because I think Wales are gonna chase and they’re not the best defensively, let’s be honest.
    “Losing [Wayne] Hennessey is a bit of a blow, it’d be interesting to see what Wales do. Do they sit tight and think, ‘We’ll give them an hour and then we’ll throw everything at it’?
    “But if I was Wales then might as well go for it and if you get caught on the break and get hammered then you get hammered.”
    Aaron inspired by 1966 hero
    Aaron Ramsdale has revealed his bizarre pre-match ritual – and it was inspired by England legend Bobby Charlton.
    The Arsenal keeper, who is part of the Three Lions’ World Cup squad, does a specific routine before each and every game.
    Ramsdale said: “In the changing rooms, if I am playing, I take myself away from the main changing room to put my gloves on. I don’t like everyone giving me well wishes.
    “I put my right glove on, my left glove, take my right glove off and shake everyone’s hand so they are not touching my gloves. It is also a respect thing.
    “It comes from Bobby Charlton. My dad met him once and he went to shake his hand and Bobby Charlton took his glove off to shake his hand so that sort of resonated with me.
    “Then, I go out onto the pitch and put my glove back on, I go to the centre circle, play with the ball and then I go and touch the crossbar. I am not massively bothered if I do not touch the ball or crossbar but the gloves one is the main one.”
    Jon the money
    Man Utd target Jonathan David could be available for £43million, according to a report.
    Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims that the Canadian attacker might be on the move in the new year for the right price.
    David has scored nine goals this campaign already for French club Lille.
    Cris-tal clear…?
    Images appear to show Cristiano Ronaldo’s head DID get a scoring touch for the first of Bruno Fernandes’ two goals as Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0.
    Ronaldo wheeled away in celebration aft appearing to glance in Fernandes’ cross.

    But replays were inconclusive and it left many wondering whether Ronaldo had in fact scored his 100th competitive goal for his country.
    On commentary, Ally McCoist said: “I guarantee after the game he [Ronaldo] says he touches it.”
    Despite umpteen looks from ITV, it was still difficult to see whether the 37-year-old had actually connected.
    But certain photos suggest that Ronaldo did meet his former United team-mates cross, with no clear gap between his hair and the ball.
    Becks checks out of posh hotel
    David Beckham has checked out of his five-star Qatar hotel after almost a week after fans discovered where he was staying.
    The former England star has reportedly been enjoying a stint at the elegant Baraha View suite at the Mandarin Oriental in Doha – costing up to £20,000 a night.

    Located on the hotel’s top floor, the room comes with its own dining area, private concierge, open air courtyard, private pool and gym.
    But according to the Mail Online, Beckham checked out over the weekend after word spread about his accommodation status.
    A source told the outlet: “The staff have loved having him here and referred to him as ‘Sir David’ because he was so respectful and respected back by everyone.
    “He wasn’t seen much at all by the other guests because he had a lovely suite which is like a hotel within a hotel, meaning he didn’t need to mix with them.
    “He’s been very polite and charming to the staff and seems like a very decent man. Sir David is one of the most famous men in world football and it’s been an honour having him here.
    “It’s a pity he’s no longer here but I’m sure he’ll be back. Who wouldn’t love staying here?”

    Result: Portugal 2 Uruguay 0
    Bruno Fernandes’ second-half double put Portugal into the last 16.
    Victory was narrowly deserved over a Uruguay side who were flat until chasing the game at 1-0 down.
    Fernandes was awarded a 54th minute opener despite Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating as he claimed it went in of his rising head.
    Then the Man Utd midfielder tucked home a controversial penalty early in the nine minutes of stoppage time – before hitting the post in the dying seconds.
    GOAL: Portugal 2 Uruguay 0
    Portugal have been handed a controversial penalty clincher in stoppage time.
    Bruno Fernandes nutmegged the sliding Gimenez, whose hand impeded the ball behind him as he fell to the ground, with a spot-kick given on VAR.
    Fernandes himself calmly stroked home the penalty with a shimmy that sent the keeper diving early.
    Ronaldo taken off
    Cristiano Ronaldo was replaced on 82 minutes as Portugal reacted to Uruguay suddenly awaking in search of an equaliser.
    He didn’t look best pleased but raised his hands to acknowledge fans as he went off stony-faced.
    Our live blog HERE has all the action and reaction.
    England can play more direct, says Adams
    We might benefit from playing the occasional long ball too. Teams have got out of the habit, believing you have to keep tight possession all the time, says Adams.
    But a well hit long pass – not just a hoof down the field – can work wonders unsettling the opposition and putting them on the back foot. Jordan Pickford is good at it and so are Harry Maguire and John Stones.
    What’s wrong with pinging one up there for Saka to run on to?
    Going with a few 60-yarders would be my tactic for the first ten minutes against Wales. Get them running backwards and push on to them. Let’s get them panicking from the off.
    Get Harry on the two centre-halves as high as he can and make them earn their money and realise they’ve been in a game.
    Fernandes credited with goal
    What would have been Cristiano Ronaldo’s 100th competitive Portugal goals has been given instead to Bruno Fernandes.
    Ronaldo appeared to flick in the inswinging ball from his former Manchester United team-mate.
    But Fifa acted to clarify he’d made no contact.
    Who’s going to tell Ron in person?!
    Our live blog HERE has all the action and reaction.
    Rainbow fan halts play
    Portugal’s clash with Uruguay was forced to stop after a spectator invaded the pitch carrying a rainbow flag.
    The protester raced onto the field from the stands shortly after the second half kicked off.

    The ITV cameras failed to show the individual, but commentator Jon Champion confirmed that they were carrying a rainbow flag.
    Photos emerged later showing that the man was also wearing a blue t-shirt with the ‘Superman’ logo with the words ‘Save Ukraine’ written on it.
    And on the back it had ‘Respect for Iranian Woman’ wrote on.
    After the short delay, Champion added that security had caught the person and ‘frogmarched’ him off the grass.

    GOAL: Portugal 1 Uruguay 0
    RONALDO! A classic rise in the box and deft header from the Manchester United discard broke the deadlock on 54 minutes.
    Our live blog HERE has all the action and reaction.
    H/t: Portugal 0 Uruguay 0
    Portugal had most of the possession but Uruguay edged the first-half chances, notably a miss from Rodrigo Bentancur.
    Our live blog HERE has all the action and reaction.
    Evra and Wright hail Lisandro
    Patrice Evra and Ian Wright rate Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez as an outstanding signing for Manchester United this season.
    Martinez’s form before the World Cup mocked doubts over his 5ft 9ins frame in the Premier League.
    And ex-Old Trafford left-back Evra told the Vibe with Five YouTube channel: “It’s because of his fighting spirit. That’s what United fans want to see – those players have to bleed for the shirt.
    “People were talking about his height and I was laughing. When you play with that heart and passion, size doesn’t matter.
    “When he gets the ball, he is so clean and composed. Mexico were pressing everywhere [in the World Cup Group C game] but every time he got the ball he was calm and playing forward. That’s what I love.
    “Martinez puts the ball through the lines like Michael Carrick. That’s what he does and I love that. What a player, what a player.”
    And Match of the Day pundit Wright, the Arsenal legend, said: “He’s got defensive quality that I haven’t seen at Manchester United for a while.
    Not only his positioning but he passes the ball through the lines. He’s exactly what they’ve needed.
    “Someone that doesn’t mess about, there’s no thrills with him, it’s just bang, good challenges. He’s been a really, really good signing. I didn’t think he was going to be as good as he’s been.”
    Classic Ron-two
    Brazil legend Ronaldo was spotted in the stands for tonight’s World Cup Group G clash against Switzerland, writes GIACOMO PISA.
    And also in the crowd was an adoring fan rocking his iconic wedge haircut.
    TV cameras picked out Ronaldo, 46, now sporting a full head of hair, watching the action unfold.

    They then immediately cut to a Brazil fan in the stands showing off Ronaldo’s legendary old trim.
    The supporter had their head shaved, except from a triangular wedge at the front, exactly like Ronaldo did as he helped fire Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002 as the tournament top scorer.
    And fans watching on TV were left in stitches after the hilarious transition from the director.
    One joked: “R9 sees R9.” Another said: “Bro got the R9 cut.”
    A third added: “Some fans are really iconic and extreme. He really brought back the reincarnation of R9.” And another quipped: “R9 looks oddly different.”
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    FA Cup 3rd round draw LIVE REACTION: Arsenal visit Oxford, Man City vs Chelsea DRAWN in tie of the round

    THE FA Cup third round draw has been completed – with Man City vs Chelsea the tie of the round!Premier League giants have gone into the hat for the third round draw with some huge ties picked.
    There are four more Premier League clashes in the third round as Crystal Palace host Southampton in the third round.
    Manchester City recently knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao CupCredit: Conor Molloy/News Images
    Premier League table-toppers Arsenal are travelling to Oxford for their clash, with Manchester United hosting Everton in an another all-Prem special.
    Elsewhere, Boreham Wood have been drawn against Accrington Stanley as they will be hopeful of pulling off an upset.

    Start time: 7pm to 7.30pm
    TV channel: BBC Two
    Live stream: Live on the official Emirates FA Cup Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts
    Also live on Emirates FA Cup YouTube channel
    Full draw: Preston North End vs Huddersfield Town, Middlesbrough vs Brighton and Hove Albion, Chesterfield vs West Bromwich Albion, Man City vs Chelsea, Charlton Athletic or Stockport County vs Walsall, Boreham Wood vs Accrington Stanley, Tottenham Hotspur vs Portsmouth, Derby County vs Barnsley, Cardiff City vs Leeds United, Brentford vs West Ham United, Bournemouth vs Burnley, Coventry City vs Wrexham, Norwich City vs Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa vs Stevenage, Luton Town vs Wigan Athletic, Oxford United vs Arsenal, Fleetwood Town vs QPR, Liverpool vs Wolves, Grimsby Town vs Burton Albion, Blackpool vs Nottingham Forest, Dagenham and Redbridge or Gillingham vs Leicester City, Forest Green Rovers vs Birmingham City Bristol City vs Swansea City, Hartlepool United vs Stoke City, Hull City vs Fulham, Crystal Palace vs Southampton, Millwall vs Sheffield United, Shrewsbury Town vs Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday vs Newcastle United, Manchester United vs Everton, Reading vs Watford, Ipswich Town vs Rotherham

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN WORLD CUP BONUSES
    Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…
    Recap on the draw…
    Preston North End vs Huddersfield Town
    Middlesbrough vs Brighton and Hove Albion
    Chesterfield vs West Bromwich Albion
    Manchester City vs Chelsea
    Charlton Athletic or Stockport County vs Walsall
    Boreham Wood vs Accrington Stanley
    Tottenham Hotspur vs Portsmouth
    Derby County vs Barnsley
    Cardiff City vs Leeds United
    Brentford vs West Ham United
    Bournemouth vs Burnley
    Coventry City vs Wrexham
    Norwich City vs Blackburn Rovers
    Aston Villa vs Stevenage
    Luton Town vs Wigan Athletic
    Oxford United vs Arsenal
    Fleetwood Town vs QPR
    Liverpool vs Wolves
    Grimsby Town vs Burton Albion
    Blackpool vs Nottingham Forest
    Dagenham and Redbridge or Gillingham vs Leicester City
    Forest Green Rovers vs Birmingham City
    Bristol City vs Swansea City
    Hartlepool United vs Stoke City
    Hull City vs Fulham
    Crystal Palace vs Southampton
    Millwall vs Sheffield United
    Shrewsbury Town vs Sunderland
    Sheffield Wednesday vs Newcastle United
    Manchester United vs Everton
    Reading vs Watford
    Ipswich Town vs Rotherham
    United fans bemoan luck of the draw
    The Red Devils drawing Everton didn’t go down well with United fans on social media – as many seemed to be hoping for lower-league opposition.
    One said: “There could have only been one other PL team in that draw and we’d still have got them. Our luck with draws is shocking.”
    Another posted: “Championship league 1 league 2 national league teams all in the draw but we still get a prem team.”
    And the moaning continued with: “Another boring home draw that’ll no doubt get moved to Friday or Monday night for TV. Sigh.”
    But another wrote: “Us against Everton in the FA Cup, good memories.”

    Time stops for Norman
    Manchester United drawing Everton has brought back memories of an iconic FA Cup final winner.
    Norman Whiteside saw off the Toffees by swerving a famous and brilliant extra-time clincher for the only goal of the 1985 showpiece.

    In fact, the Northern Ireland legend raised almost £200,000 from his memorabilia for that game at auction two years ago.
    Whiteside, now 57, said at the time: “This will go a long way to subsidise my pension that I never really had when I was a player.”
    Utd and City land cracking ties
    It sounds more like a final – but Manchester City will host Chelsea in surely the pick of the FIVE all-Premier League third-round ties.
    One Etihad fan posted: “This is just ridiculous chelsea in the first stage of both the carabao and fa cup what are the odds of that.”
    Another joked: “The FA making sure chelsea ends the season trophyless.”

    Wood vs Stanley for live TV?
    Fans of Boreham Wood and Accrington Stanley have been joking about their third-round clash being a live pick for TV.
    Both teams wanted Prem opposition rather than each other.
    But their supporters took the draw in good spirit online.
    One said: “Coming from an Accrington fan – as desperate as I am for Stanley to make the fourth round I’m very glad at least one of these two teams will be in round 4!”
    And a Wood follower said: “What an opportunity to get through to the next round.
    “Sending very best wishes from Montenegro and hoping to read of further success to come. I used to get taken to see you guys play back in the 1970s as a young lad! Go the Wood!”
    But when one joked £Hopefully a TV tie” another replied: “Not a chance.”
    Back in our Pomp…
    Portsmouth couldn’t resist a flashback to a famous win after being draw at Tottenham.
    Pompey beat Spurs 2- 0 at Wembley in April 2010 to reach their second FA Cup final in three years.
    And along with a video of the goals, now-League One side Portsmouth posted: “Don’t say it, don’t say it, don’t say it. Spurs in the FA Cup, you say?”
    Didier Drogba notched the only goal for Chelsea against Pompey in the final 12 years ago.

    ‘Owling success
    Sheffield Wednesday’s 2-1 late comeback win over Mansfield topped the second-round attendances.
    And the three biggest crowds for the next stage could all be in the north west.
    Man Utd host Everton, City entertain Chelsea and Liverpool entertain Wolves.

    Wrex-rated daw for Coventry
    Hollywood’s Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney wills see the National League leaders visit mid-table Championship side Coventry.
    Dragons’ fans labelled it a “tasty” draw” and a perfect test of how far the big spenders have come.
    But others wer less happy at missing a real top glamour tie.
    One said of Coventry: Too good to realistically beat, but not a special day out.. Respectable but meh!”

    Watch the replays first
    Two enticing second-round replays will be televised live on terrestrial TV.
    Charlton visit Stockport County for the right to host Walsall.
    And Gillingham entertain Dagenham & Redbridge with extra edge – as the winners are at home to Prem side Leicester.

    Was the draw a bore?
    Social media was divided over whether the FA Cup has lost more of its prestige by making the third-round draw during the World Cup.
    Several fans bemoaned how long it took and one posted: “It was a very very very dull draw!”
    And another claimed: “We’re watching the World Cup, no one is interested in FA CUP FOR NOW.”
    Don’t write us Gills off yet!
    Gillingham fans are peeved that pundits are trailing Dagenham & Redbridge as hosting Leicester City.
    The Gills, second bottom in League Two, snatched an stoppage-time leveller at the Daggers to earn a second-round replay.
    And the winners have a prime clash at home to the Foxes.
    But one Gills’ fan posted: “@ITVSport have already wrote gills off, just as us fans have. Dagenham vs Leicester apparently.
    And another wrote: “#ITVSport#PORGHA please tell your commentator that Dagenham & Redbridge will play Leicester IF they beat Gillingham. They probably will mind-you, but as a @TheGillsFC fan we deserve a little hope!”
    Always look on the Whiteside of life…
    Manchester United drawing Everton has brought back memories of an iconic FA Cup final winner.
    Norman Whiteside saw off the Toffees by swerving a famous and brilliant extra-time clincher for the only goal of the 1985 showpiece.
    In fact, the Northern Ireland legend raised almost £200,000 from his memorabilia for that game at auction two years ago.
    Whiteside, now 57, said at the time: “This will go a long way to subsidise my pension that I never really had when I was a player.”

    Pick of the five all-Prem ties?
    It sounds more like a final – but Manchester City will host Chelsea in surely the pick of the FIVE all-Premier League third-round ties.
    One Etihad fan posted: “This is just ridiculous chelsea in the first stage of both the carabao and fa cup what are the odds of that.”
    Another joked: “The FA making sure chelsea ends the season trophyless.”

    Here’s the draw in one go…
    Preston North End vs Huddersfield Town
    Middlesbrough vs Brighton and Hove Albion
    Chesterfield vs West Bromwich Albion
    Manchester City vs Chelsea
    Charlton Athletic or Stockport County vs Walsall
    Boreham Wood vs Accrington Stanley
    Tottenham Hotspur vs Portsmouth
    Derby County vs Barnsley
    Cardiff City vs Leeds United
    Brentford vs West Ham United
    Bournemouth vs Burnley
    Coventry City vs Wrexham
    Norwich City vs Blackburn Rovers
    Aston Villa vs Stevenage
    Luton Town vs Wigan Athletic
    Oxford United vs Arsenal
    Fleetwood Town vs QPR
    Liverpool vs Wolves
    Grimsby Town vs Burton Albion
    Blackpool vs Nottingham Forest
    Dagenham and Redbridge or Gillingham vs Leicester City
    Forest Green Rovers vs Birmingham City
    Bristol City vs Swansea City
    Hartlepool United vs Stoke City
    Hull City vs Fulham
    Crystal Palace vs Southampton
    Millwall vs Sheffield United
    Shrewsbury Town vs Sunderland
    Sheffield Wednesday vs Newcastle United
    Manchester United vs Everton
    Reading vs Watford
    Ipswich Town vs Rotherham
    Reds should focus on cups
    Ex-Liverpool striker John Aldridge says the Reds should put extra focus on the FA this season – so a home clash with Wolves is a tougher draw than they might have liked.
    Aldridge reckons the Premier League title is already out of Liverpool’s reach – freeing them up for a real go at cup glory.
    Wood you believe it?
    It was the draw neither of them wanted.
    But Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard and Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman could joke about in person – as they were at Anfield together to hear it!
    National League promotion-chasers Wood will host League One strugglers Stanley – when both were hoping for a money-spinning tie.
    FA Cup third round draw
    The ties will be played across Fri January 6 to Sun January 9, 2023.
    We can’t wait!
    FA Cup draw
    And that completes the draw!
    And my word it is quite easy to see what the tie of the round is…
    Man City vs Chelsea!
    FA Cup
    Sheff Wed vs Newcastle
    Man Utd vs Everton
    Reading vs Watford
    Rotherham vs Ipswich
    FA Cup draw
    Hartlepool vs Stoke City
    Hull City vs Fulham
    Crystal Palace vs Southampton
    Millwall vs Sheffield United
    Shrewsbury vs Sunderland
    FA Cup draw
    Blackpool vs Nottingham Forest
    Dag Red/ Gillingham vs Leicester
    Forest Green vs Birmingham City
    Bristol City vs Swansea City
    FA Cup draw
    Fleetwood vs QPR
    Liverpool vs Wolves
    Grimsby vs Burton Albion
    FA Cup draw
    Norwich City vs Blackburn
    Aston Villa vs Stevenage
    Luton vs Wigan
    Oxford United vs Arsenal
    FA Cup draw
    Cardiff City vs Leeds
    Brentford vs West Ham
    AFC Bournemouth vs Burnley
    Coventry City vs Wrexham
    FA Cup draw
    Charlton or Stockport vs Walsall
    Boreham Wood vs Accrington Stanley
    Tottenham vs Portsmouth
    Derby vs Barnsley
    Load more entries… More