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      Underworld crooks who stole the 1966 World Cup finally unmasked – but did Britain’s most powerful men let them off?

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      THE two villains suspected of masterminding the theft of the World Cup in 1966 have remained under the radar for 56 years.But as Gareth Southgate and his England squad prepare to bring it home again, The Sun unmasks the crooks who attempted one of the past century’s most notorious thefts.
      England captain Bobby Moore holds the Jules Rimet World Cup trophy as he sits on his teammate’s shouldersCredit: Popperfoto – Getty
      Thief Edward Betchley was the only man convincted over the break-inCredit: Supplied
      Underworld fence Bernard ‘The Pole’ MakowskiCredit: Supplied
      We can reveal how crooked Hatton Garden diamond dealer Gerald Sattin and underworld fence Bernard “The Pole” Makowski were strongly suspected of being architects of the plot to steal the Jules Rimet trophy.
      Our investigations also expose how the pair — both now dead — escaped scot free after an apparent Downing Street deal to retrieve the cup.
      Historic confidential police intelligence documents list both men as associates of Edward Betchley, the only one of the three to be convicted of the theft of the cup from a display case at an exhibition in London.
      The files reveal a witness saw Sattin, then 34, at the exhibition at Westminster’s Methodist Central Hall.
      Read More on The Sun
      The witness, a solicitor who asked for anonymity, urged police “to make as full an investigation into this line of inquiry as I believe this to be more than a coincidence”.
      Professional thief Betchley, also now dead, was arrested four days after the theft following a ransom attempt — but the cup remained missing.
      Betchley told police he was acting on behalf of a man he knew only by the nickname The Pole.
      A Scotland Yard index of nicknames turned up Warsaw-born Makowski, then 40.
      Most read in Football
      The World Cup remained missing for a week until it was found in a South London hedge by a dog called Pickles — and England went on to win it in July that year.
      We can now reveal that before Pickles became an unlikely hero, a deal was hatched for the trophy’s return, backed by Downing Street.
      It led to charges being reduced against Betchley and no action being taken against Sattin and Makowski.
      A previously undisclosed document in Betchley’s police file reveals how Michael Halls, Principal Private Secretary to PM Harold Wilson, contacted the Director of Public Prosecutions over the case.
      Former Scotland Yard Flying Squad commander John O’Connor said last night: “There was clearly a deal with the DPP, police and Betchley to get the cup back.
      “But this document strongly suggests for the first time that it was done at the behest of Harold Wilson.
      “He wouldn’t get his hands dirty, but he would let his secretary do exactly that. It was skulduggery but it was also in the public interest to get the cup back.
      “It was even more important for Wilson, as it was days away from the General Election. Finding the cup could well have affected the outcome of the election.”
      ‘It was skulduggery’
      The 14in, gold-plated Jules Rimet trophy of the winged goddess Nike had arrived in London under tight security on January 5, 1966.
      The following day it was on display at the live TV screening of the tournament draw in West London.
      Two officials from previous winners Brazil handed the cup to Fifa president Sir Stanley Rous, who quipped: “Whether they leave it here permanently or just temporarily will be seen in July.”
      His words came back to haunt him when it was stolen on March 20.
      The FA had loaned it to stamp company Stanley Gibbons for an exhibition.
      The show was closed on the Sunday of the theft but the building was open for Methodist services.
      Gerald Sattin and girlfriend Maureen Flanagan in Las Vegas in the early 1970sCredit: Supplied
      Thames boatman David Corbett with Pickles, the collie who found the newspaper-wrapped cup under a bush in his owner’s front garden in South LondonCredit: PA:Press Association
      Two thieves broke into the first-floor hall, where the cup was on display, and the theft was discovered just after noon.
      With 11 days until the General Election, Harold Wilson, who believed a successful World Cup tournament could rescue the ailing Pound, told Home Secretary Roy Jenkins to call in the Yard’s top brass.
      Files reveal Jenkins spoke to then Met commissioner Sir Joseph Simpson and Commander Ernie Millen, who put his best thief-taker on the case, Tommy Butler, Scourge of the Great Train Robbers.
      There were two witnesses. Churchgoing Margaret Coombes spotted Betchley on the first floor at 11am and picked him out at an identity parade following his arrest.
      One of the guards, Frank Hudson, spotted a second man loitering near where the World Cup was on display.
      The suspect was never traced, though his description bore a striking resemblance to Makowski.
      The next day, the solicitor witness, who The Sun is not naming, came forward to say he had spoken to Sattin at the exhibition.
      Files show married father-of-three Sattin was questioned by police and admitted being at the exhibition.
      Sattin had a taste for high living, glamorous women, luxury cars and crime.
      Five years after the World Cup theft he began an 18-month affair with former Sun Page 3 model Maureen Flanagan.
      Now 81, Maureen said: “I knew nothing about him being involved with stealing the World Cup. He wasn’t even a football fan.
      “After we split up he was jailed for fraud and he had been to prison before he met me but it was not something he ever spoke about. All I’d say is that if you met him you’d trust him with the world — if not the World Cup.”
      As police questioned Sattin they were already moving in on Betchley, a known associate of his, who had anonymously called FA chief Joe Mears the day after the theft.
      He promised to send a parcel that would “be of interest”.
      England manager Sir Alf Ramsay, captain Bobby Moore and teammates at a lunch the day after they won the trophyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Two days later the lid of the World Cup was delivered with a typed ransom demand for £15,000 — around £300,000 now — for its return.
      Mears rang the police and Detective Inspector Jack Buggy posed as his assistant and spoke twice to the crook by phone.
      Investigators traced the second call to a phone box near Betchley’s South London home.
      DI Buggy met the crook — Betchley — at Battersea Park and showed him “bundles of cash” in a briefcase — though it was mostly scraps of paper.
      Former soldier and dock labourer Betchley, 47, got in DI Buggy’s car and told him to drive, but in Camberwell he got spooked and ran. He was quickly captured by Buggy.
      A search for the cup at his home proved fruitless and raids on the nearby Camberwell homes of two associates, brothers Sidney and Reginald Cugullere, drew a blank.
      Relatives later said the brothers had hidden the cup in a coal shed.
      Betchley denied two charges of theft and also demanding money with menaces.
      He told police he had been offered £500 to act as an intermediary by “The Pole”, calling the nameless figure “one of his customers”.
      Two days after his arrest, magistrates bailed Betchley on a surety of £5,000, worth £100k today.
      The next day Pickles found the World Cup wrapped in newspaper in the front garden of a house in Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, South London.
      His owner, Thames barge worker David Corbett, lived in a flat at the address.
      He went on to claim £6,000 in insurance rewards — six times the amount England’s players each received for winning the cup.
      A memo marked “confidential” and obtained by The Sun casts a further cloud of mystery around the case.
      The empty display where the cup had been keptCredit: PA:Press Association
      Thieves removed eight screws from a door to get into the exhibition hallCredit: PA
      It stated that Harold Wilson’s PPS Michael Halls asked that an unspecified matter “be given immediate consideration . . . ” and added that it was being copied to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
      Then on April 12, just over a fortnight after the cup was found, the more serious offences of theft were dropped against Betchley, despite a wealth of evidence against him.
      He later admitted two counts of demanding money with menaces and was jailed for two years.
      Police took no further action in the case.
      Ex-Flying Squad chief Mr O’Connor said: “This new information strongly suggests Sattin, Makowski, Betchley the thief and other associates were all in it together.
      “Sattin planned it and used Betchley as a professional thief, probably by going through Makowski. It was a murky old world in those days and it doesn’t get much murkier than this.
      “There was clearly a deal with Betchley and the police agreed by the DPP and which went through Harold Wilson’s private secretary.
      “We were being embarrassed by these criminals in front of the world and they would have done anything to get the cup back. It would have soured the whole World Cup tournament if the trophy had not been found.”
      The trophy went back to Brazil in 1970 when they won the World Cup in Mexico.
      As three-times winners, they got to keep it permanently — though it was stolen again in 1983 and has never been found. Its replacement, the Fifa World Cup Trophy, has been awarded ever since.
      After it was pinched in London, a replica was commissioned from London silversmith George Bird, who was sworn to secrecy.
      The copy was sold at Sotheby’s to a mystery bidder in 1997 for £240,500 — almost 25 times its estimated value.
      Read More on The Sun
      It later emerged the bidder was a representative of the FA acting on behalf of Fifa, whose secretary Sepp Blatter authorised the purchase at any price.
      The copy was later given to the National Football Museum in Manchester, where it remains on display.
      Harold Wilson believed a successful World Cup tournament could rescue the ailing PoundCredit: Rex
      The 14in, gold-plated Jules Rimet trophy of the winged goddess Nike arrived in London under tight security on January 5, 1966Credit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      England fans snap up £40 Three Lions Hawaiian shirts to take the heat out of World Cup

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      ENGLAND fans are snapping up Three Lions Hawaiian shirts to take the heat out of the game.The FA’s £40 garment has a red, white and blue tropical-leaf print covered in England crests.
      The £40 England Hawaiian shirt is perfect for tanning before Monday’s opener against Iran
      The open-button design is perfect for tanning beer bellies before Monday’s opener against Iran.
      But fans back home are also joining in.
      Ben Rispin, 23, of Newcastle, said: “I love this shirt. It’s bringing a bit of vibrant Hawaii across to a cold winter.”
      “I’m going to wear it over my retro Gareth Southgate England top and I’m sure it’ll bring me good luck.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      And Tom Cullum, 23, of Surrey, said: “I’ve already bought one to wear into the office. It’s class.”
      Cam Clark, 25, of Brixton, South London, added: “It’s a funky twist on the normal colours. I’m buying it even though it may be a little cold.”
      Will McFarland, 24, also from London, said: “It’s vibrant, loud and something a bit different.
      “I like it, I’m buying it and I’ll wear it with pride. Come on England.”
      Most read in The Sun
      It comes after fans went mad for the £99.95 England cardigan which costs £25 more than the home and away shirts.
      The Three Lions shop website says of the Hawaiian alternative: “There’s nothing better to show off your team pride when you’re enjoying the sun this season.”
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      Peter Crouch’s wife Abbey Clancy wows in sexy Victoria’s Secret lingerie just in time for Christmas

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      ABBEY Clancy unwraps husband Peter Crouch’s gift in time for Christmas.The model, 36, who has four children with the former England striker, 41, posed in a series of seasonal lingerie sets for the first UK festive campaign for Victoria’s Secret.
      Abbey Clancy unwraps husband Peter Crouch’s gift in time for ChristmasCredit: Victoria’s Secret
      The model has four children with the former England striker Peter CrouchCredit: Victoria’s Secret
      She has posed in a series of seasonal lingerie sets for the first UK festive campaign for Victoria’s SecretCredit: Victoria’s Secret
      That puts Santa’s suit firmly in the shade.
      The ex-Tottenham and Liverpool striker told a hilarious tale about the couple which ended with Abbey fuming at him.
      He told Chris Moyles on Radio X: “My career finished when Abb was locked out the house and I was playing Call of Duty.
      “I had the headphones on and the mic and she was locked out the house and I had no idea.
      READ MORE GLAM
      “I was telling people to ‘get down! Frag out!’ And she’s been outside for ages banging on the door. She’s gone to the neighbours and they let them in.
      “And I’m still in there, dark room, full headphones on, telling 12-year-olds to get down and cover me.
      “The look she gave me was like ‘you loser!’ And that look was the moment I thought I better leave this.”
      The ex-Tottenham striker told a hilarious tale about the couple which ended with Abbey fuming at himCredit: Getty
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      England’s World Cup hopefuls land in Qatar — along with 3,000 travelling fans

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup hopefuls flew into Qatar last night — with 3,000 travelling fans desperate for something to cheer.Three Lions supporters were stunned to find they face paying £11.57 for a 500ml glass of US sponsor Budweiser lager.
      England’s World Cup hopefuls flew into Qatar last nightCredit: Reuters
      The player and manager Gareth Southgate looked happy and relaxed as they touched down at in Doha’s Hamad International AirportCredit: Reuters
      Not only is that just 0.88 of a pint, but Fifa — who set the price — said there would be a “maximum purchase of four Budweiser units per person” to prevent bingeing.
      Nannying posters have gone up in capital Doha urging fans to “Drink Wiser, Cheer Better, Hydrate Between Buds”.
      There will be an alcohol-free version served up in the dry ­Muslim state, but even that will cost £6. Water is £2.30.
      And England’s following will not be the only ones hot under the collar.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Gareth Southgate’s 26-man face training this afternoon in desert heat of 32C (89.6F).
      The players, captained by Harry Kane, looked happy and relaxed as they touched down at in Doha’s Hamad International Airport at 7.56pm local time.
      They made the seven-hour flight in Virgin Atlantic’s Gay Pride Airbus, dubbed Rain Bow, to back gay rights.
      But cabin crew bowed to Qatar’s cultural sensitivities by opting not to wear the airline’s gender neutral uniforms.
      Most read in The Sun
      An hour and a half after landing, the squad arrived at their five-star Souq Al Wakra Hotel base, on the coast south of the capital.
      Southgate waved to a crowd of hundreds of England-shirted fans singing: “It’s coming home”.
      They were among tens of thousands of expats believed to be living in the region.
      The players had already been cheered by crowds lining their route from their St George’s Park training base at Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, to Birmingham airport.
      The night before, FA President Prince William had given them a royal send-off with a surprise visit during which he handed them their squad-numbered shirts.
      Despite having split loyalties since becoming Prince of Wales, he told them: “What you and Gareth have built here is something special — that’s clear to see.
      The team faces training this afternoon in desert heat of 32CCredit: Reuters
      The previous night, Prince William had given them a royal send-off with a surprise visitCredit: Getty
      The Prince handed the 26-man squad their numbered shirtsCredit: Getty
      “Play for each other, support each other, enjoy it, and I’m sure you’ll go far.”
      The players, in comfy blue hooded tracksuits, looked relaxed and confident as they climbed the steps of their plane.
      Best pals Mason Mount, of Chelsea, and West Ham’s Declan Rice beamed from ear-to-ear along with Leicester’s James Maddison, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson.
      Read More on The Sun
      Beer fan Gus Hully has a brew from each of the 32 World Cup nations, including dry Qatar and Saudi Arabia, thanks to pals across the world. Cheltenham Town fan Gus, of East Finchley, North London, reckoned toughest to source was La Gazelle lager from Senegal.
      He said: “I managed to get a Russian fella living in Italy to bring me one back from holiday there.”
      The squad made the seven-hour flight in Virgin Atlantic’s Gay Pride Airbus, dubbed Rain Bow, to back gay rightsCredit: PA More

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      Ronaldo relives heartbreaking moment his kids asked ‘where’s the other baby?’ after one of his twins died during birth

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s confused children asked “Where’s the other baby?” when his fiancée returned home with just one twin.The footie legend wept as he told TalkTV’s Piers Morgan how the family had gathered excitedly to welcome the new arrivals after Georgina Rodriguez gave birth on April 18. 
      The Manchester United legend with wife Georgina and Cristiano Jnr, Eva, Mateo, Alana and baby Bella
      Piers with Cristiano and GeorginaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The star wept as he told TalkTV’s Piers Morgan how the family had gathered excitedly to welcome the new arrivals after Georgina Rodriguez gave birth on April 18
      Ronaldo sat down for a sensational 90-minute TV interview with PiersCredit: TalkTV
      But while the couple’s daughter Bella was born healthy, her brother Angel never made it. 
      The Man Utd star, 37, recalled: “Gio arrived home and the kids start to say where’s the other baby, where’s the other baby?”
      And he revealed how he cried with his eldest, Cristiano Jr, 12, as he broke the news in his bedroom.
      But his younger children — Eva and Mateo, five, and Alana Martina, four — took longer to process the news, he said. 
      READ MORE ON RONALDO EXCLUSIVE
      He told Piers: “The other ones in the beginning, around the table, the kids start to say “Mom where is the other baby….’ …and after one week I say let’s be up front and let’s be honest with the kids, let’s say that, Ángel, which is his name, he go to the Heaven.”
      Six months on, Ronaldo also told how Angel remains part of their daily life. 
      He said: “The kids understand, we had shouts around the table and they say “Daddy I did this for Ángel” and they point to the sky. Which I like the most because he’s part of their lives. I am not gonna lie to my kids, I say the truth, which was a difficult process.”
      As the family mourned their loss, Ronaldo said it brought him closer to his children and ex-Gucci store worker Georgina who he met at an event in Madrid in 2016. 
      Most read in The Sun
      He added: “In some way, I became more of a father, more friendly with them; they become more close to their daddy, and me with Georgina as well.” 
      Piers asked: “I was going to ask you that because these things can make or break relationships.
      “Because the grief can be so intense, it can drive couples apart or bring them closer.”
      Ronaldo responded: “In my case it was better. I became more friendly with Gio. I was of course a friend but I feel more love for her and for my kids and I start to see life with a different perspective. 
      “It was the most difficult moments, the last six months, since my dad died.” 

      Watch ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored:90 Minutes with Ronaldo ’, 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday on TalkTV. Find TalkTV on Sky 526, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237, Freesat 217 and Sky Glass 508, live and on demand on the TalkTV app, streaming services and at Talk.TV.

      The Portuguese striker revealed he keeps the ashes of his son close, having created a chapel in the basement, where the remains of his dad Jose Dinis Aveiro — who died in 2005 from liver failure — are also kept. 
      Devout Catholic Cristiano said: “His ashes are with me, like my Daddy, they are here in the house. 
      “It is something that I want to hold for the rest of my life and not throw to the ocean or to the sea. I keep with me. They are next to my dad. I have a small church downstairs, a chapel, and I keep my daddy and my son there.”
      When asked by Piers if he talks to them, the emotional star said: “Yes I do…all the time and they are on my side. You know they help me to be a better man, to be a better person, to be a better father. 
      “And it’s something that I am really proud of… the message that they send me, especially my son.”
      The Portuguese ace, 37, recalled: ‘Gio arrived home and the kids start to say where’s the other baby, where’s the other baby?’Credit: Alamy
      Cristiano tells Piers the tragedy brought him closer to his children and ex-Gucci store worker Georgina who he met at an event in Madrid in 2016Credit: Alamy
      Before Georgina fell pregnant, Ronaldo was already a dad of four, with three of his children born to two surrogate mothers
      Further extracts from Piers’s world exclusive interview will be aired on TalkTV tonight.
      Ronaldo and Georgina, 28, had revealed they were expecting a twin boy and girl in October 2021. 
      Speaking for the first time publicly about April’s tragedy, Ronaldo said: “Piers, probably the worst moment that I passed through in my life, since my father die.. when you have a kid, you expect that everything will be normal, and you have that problem, it’s hard, you know, as human being, that I and Georgina we had quite difficult moments because we don’t understand why it happened to us. 
      “Was very, very difficult to understand what’s going… in that period of our life.”
      He told how despite his grief, his hectic football schedule continued, and it was only the love of his family who got him through. 
      He said of Georgina: “We had the difficult moments but we said ‘Listen, we have more kids, we have one that was born, Bella that we have to be happy too’.
      “It’s crazy. I tried to explain sometimes to my family and even my close friends. 
      “I say, I never felt to be happy and sad in the same moment. I never felt. It is hard to explain.
      “So difficult. It’s, you don’t know if you cry, you don’t know if you smile because it’s something that you don’t know how to react. 
      “You don’t know what to do to be honest. And of course I remember very well that I looked like — I don’t know the word to define what I felt in that moment. 
      Most read in Football
      “But it’s crazy feelings, it’s crazy emotional. But as I told you before, I have to hold that we had at least Bella. One died and one survived, but it was, it’s difficult to explain.”
      Before Georgina fell pregnant, Ronaldo was already a dad of four, with three of his children born to two surrogate mothers. He described Bella, now six months, as a “spectacular, beautiful girl” who the whole family is very proud of, adding: “I am so, so happy”. 
      The Manchester United striker revealed he keeps the ashes of his son close, having created a chapel in the basementCredit: Getty
      The Portuguese legend told how despite his grief, his hectic football schedule continued, and it was only the love of his family who got him throughCredit: AP
      Cristiano with Georgina in 2019Credit: Reuters More

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      James Cleverly says he will attend World Cup in Qatar after telling gay fans to be ‘respectful’

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      FOREIGN Secretary James Cleverly has confirmed he will attend the World Cup in Qatar – as he defended telling gay fans to be “respectful”.The top Tory said it was his job to keep travelling Brits “safe” after criticism over his advice for homosexuals going to the tournament.
      James Cleverly has confirmed he will attend the World Cup in QatarCredit: PA:Press Association/PA Images
      Same-sex activity is punishable by up to seven years in the Middle East Nation, prompting many supporters to boycott the competition.
      Labour MP Chris Bryant accused Mr Cleverly of giving gay fans a “slap in the face”.
      The Foreign Secretary shot back: “I’ve visited Qatar in the lead-up to the World Cup and when I go to the World Cup I will be speaking to the security authorities to ensure that English and Welsh and whatever other British fans who are going to the World Cup remain safe.”
      But asked if he would encourage gay fans to protest in the country, he said: “No I wouldn’t.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      “When British nationals travel overseas they should respect the laws of their host country.”
      He doubled down on his comments urging fans to be “respectful of the host nation”, adding: “I want them to be safe.
      “Genuinely my question is, for those gay fans who want to go watch the football, what advice realistically should I give other than the advice I believe will keep them safe.”
      He added: “We’re very proud that we champion gay rights around the world”.
      Most read in The Sun More

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      England to fly to World Cup on Gay Pride jet – to show red card to Qatar’s intolerance

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      ENGLAND’s Three Lions fly to the World Cup on a Gay Pride jet tomorrow — to show a red card to host nation Qatar’s intolerance.Boss Gareth Southgate and skipper Harry Kane will lead the 26-strong squad on board “Rain Bow”, a Virgin Atlantic A350 Airbus.
      Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane will lead the 26-strong squad on board ‘Rain Bow’Credit: Getty
      Beneath the cabin, the plane features a motif of Oscar – the airline’s LGBTQ+ Union Jack-trailing flying iconCredit: Virgin Atlantic
      Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are up for the challenge as they make their way to the World CupCredit: Getty
      It features a motif of Oscar — the airline’s LGBTQ+ Union Jack-trailing flying icon — beneath the cabin.
      The gesture was proposed by FA chiefs keen to register concern about gay rights in the strict Muslim state where homosexuality can still carry the death penalty.
      Southgate has vowed to make a stand.
      He said: “We’re very strong on inclusivity. We understand the challenges that this tournament brings . . . the human rights challenges.”
      It was “highly unlikely”, he said, that he would follow Fifa’s guidance to focus solely on football during the Cup.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      He said: “We’ve always spoken about issues we think should be talked about, particularly ones we feel we can affect.”
      Kane has already shown support for the LGBTQ+ community by wearing a rainbow armband while playing for his club, Spurs.
      The players gathered today at St George’s Park, the home of England teams in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, ahead of the seven-hour flight on Rain Bow to Doha, Qatar’s capital.
      It was chartered for the sole use of the team, backroom staff and FA officials and has 44 upper class, 56 premium and 235 economy seats.
      Most read in The Sun
      The plush jet has a social space called The Loft where players can “meet and mingle”.
      Virgin Atlantic confirmed the England party would be usign the plane — call sign G-VPRD.
      A Three Lions insider said: “It’s no coincidence this particular plane was chosen It perfectly illustrates the concerns of the England party and those of every civilised nation taking part in the tournament.
      Fifa, which awarded the World Cup to Qatar, despite its human rights record, may try to ban future “political” gestures by teams.
      Read More on The Sun
      More are expected, however, and the USA rainbow colours into their team badge at their Qatar training base.
      Tomorrow, meanwhile, the England team will arrive at Doha’s luxury Souq Al Wakra hotel.
      It’s not long now until the big kick-off
      Harry Kane is ready to make a stand at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Hat-ta boys! Star duo Kalvin Phillips and Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      The team will arrive at luxury Souq Al Wakra hotel after 7-hour flight on Rain BowCredit: Getty More

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      The Glazers don’t care about Man United, the fans need to know the truth, says Cristiano Ronaldo

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo has slammed Manchester United’s controversial US owners the Glazer family — saying: “They don’t care about the club”.He revealed he has never exchanged a single word with any of the family since his return to the club, despite being one of the world’s biggest soccer stars.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed Manchester United’s controversial US owners the Glazer familyCredit: PA
      Speaking about the owners to Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said: ‘They don’t care about the club’
      The superstar sat down for a 90-minute TV interview with Piers
      And he accused them of being more interested in United being a “marketing club” rather than a football club so they can pocket more cash.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner told Piers Morgan he believed the Glazers “don’t care” about the club and only see it as a cash cow.
      He confirmed he had “never” spoken to the owners because they put the club in the hands of CEO Richard Arnold.
      In one exchange Ronaldo said: “The owners of the club they, listen they don’t . . .”
      Read More on Cristiano Ronaldo
      Piers: “The Glazers?”
      Ronaldo: “The Glazers, they don’t — they don’t care about, about the club. I mean, professional sport.
      “As you know this, Manchester is a marketing club. They will get its money from the marketing, the sport, it’s . . . they don’t really care, in my opinion.”
      Asked: “Do you ever talk to them, the Glazers?”, Ronaldo replied “Never. No. They give all the power to the president, sport director.”
      Most read in Football
      Ronaldo also urged United fans to continue protesting against the Glazers’ ownership.
      He said: “The fans, they’re always right. I think the fans should know the truth — should now that the players . . . we want the best for the club.
      “I want the best of the club. This is why I am coming to Manchester United. This is why I love this club.”
      He that without a change of ownership, fans would face a wait for success.
      Ronaldo said: “You have some things inside the club which don’t help Manchester reach the top level as City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal, for example.
      “It’s hard in my opinion. It will be hard for Manchester to be in the top of the game, the next two, three years.”
      Sir Alex Ferguson signed Ronaldo after the Red Devils played his boyhood team Sporting Lisbon in a friendly in 2003
      The Glazers, they don’t – they don’t care about, about the club. Ronaldo
      His players urged him to sign the then 18-year-old. United splashed out £12million and gave Ronaldo the iconic No 7 shirt.
      His first appearance came as a sub with a dazzling display which George Best hailed as “the most exciting debut” he had ever seen.
      Ronaldo went on to become a fan favourite during a six-year stint in which he won the Premier League three times, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup twice and the FIFA Club World Cup.
      He scored 118 goals in 292 games before moving to Real Madrid for £80million.
      He then spent nine seasons in Spain before moving to Italian side Juventus in 2018.

      Watch ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored: 90 Minutes with Ronaldo’, Wednesday and Thursday, 8pm on TalkTV. Find TalkTV on Sky 526, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237, Freesat 217 and Sky Glass 508, live and on demand on the TalkTV app, streaming services and at Talk.TV.

      When Portugal won the 2016 Euro final, touching images emerged of Sir Alex patiently waiting to congratulate Ronaldo in the stands.
      And when United announced Ronaldo was re-signing last September, the club’s share price rose a staggering eight per cent — increasing the club’s value by around £181million.
      The club website also temporarily crashed as millions of supporters tried to find out more about the comeback.
      Ronaldo signed a two-year deal which expires next summer.During his career, Ronaldo has won more than 30 major trophies.
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      In all, they include five Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, seven league titles in England, Spain and Italy, and the European Championship for his native Portugal.
      Last season he scored 24 goals but this season he has been sidelined by manager Erik ten Hag and has scored just three times.
      Speaking about fan protests against the Glazers, Ronaldo said: ‘The fans, they’re always right’Credit: Getty
      Ronaldo said: ‘It’s hard in my opinion, it will be hard for Manchester to be in the top of the game. The next two, three years’Credit: AP
      Disgruntled fans drape a banner protesting Glazer family’s ownership at Old TraffordCredit: Reuters
      The footballing superstar has spoken out amid a turbulent season with UnitedCredit: Reuters
      In April, Ronaldo and his partner Georgina suffered the unbearable loss of their baby son More