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      England fans rejoice as France’s lucky cockerel mascot deserts them before World Cup clash

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      THREE Lions fans are crowing because France’s lucky cockerel mascot has deserted them.French supporters reckon victory is assured if rooster Balthazar crows tomorrow morning — but they face defeat if he keeps quiet.
      England rejoices as it still has Chesney Hawkes and our own Harry ManeCredit: Dan Charity
      Balthazar was at earlier matches in Qatar but is now thousands of miles away on the Cote d’Azur after owner Clement Tomaszewski, 74, returned home
      He was at earlier matches in Qatar but is now thousands of miles away on the Cote d’Azur after owner Clement Tomaszewski, 74, returned home with him.
      He will be back if France get past England — but we still have Chesney Hawkes and our own Harry Mane.
      The One and Only singer was adopted as a lucky charm when England beat Wales 3-0 after he sang on the pitch at half-time.
      Nineties heart-throb Chesney, 51, said: “I’ll bring as much luck as possible to the England team.
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      “Lots of players are superstitious so any lucky mascot that can help could be worth their weight in goal.
      “Thankfully, I’m still here while Balthazar is all the way back in France.”
      Clement, from Antibes in the South of France, hit back: “I may not be there but we’ll still win.
      “We have the best players. I’ll be back to Qatar for the semi-final and final.”
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      England ace Kyle Walker hopes to have Kylian Mbappe in his back pocket in World Cup quarter-final clash

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      SPEEDY England defender Kyle Walker can have Kylian Mbappe in his back pocket tomorrow night — thanks to a bit of jean-ius fashioned by The Sun.Kyle, 32, will be given the tough job of tackling the flying French forward in the World Cup quarter-final.
      England fans are hoping Kyle has what it takes in the locker to match the speedy French front line
      France’s pacey winger, Kylian Mbappe, could be a handful for the English defenceCredit: Getty
      While Kyle and his team-mates ironed out their plans, supporters both in Qatar and back home are gearing up for the big gameCredit: Getty
      So to encourage him to give Mbappe the bum’s rush, we produced jeans emblazoned with three lions and the name Kyle Walker Jeans Co.
      Under the label, Mbappe peeks out of the pocket — a sure sign the French will be legging it from the tournament after an England stitch-up.
      Last night fan Paul Elliott, a 50-year-old building contractor from Kent, said: “I’d love a pair of these.
      “Everyone will be praying Kyle has a belter of a game.”
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND VS FRANCE
      Daniel Embleton, a 42-year-old risk manager from London, added:
      “The jeans are great fun. Let’s just hope the message comes true.”
      While Kyle and his team-mates ironed out their plans, supporters both in Qatar and back home geared up for the big game — and hopefully a march to the final.
      And preparations in the England camp were give a double boost by forward Raheem Sterling and singer Robbie Williams.
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      Raheem, 27, returned to the training base following a dash to his Surrey family home, plundered by raiders who snatched jewellery and watches worth £300,000.
      And pop star Robbie, 48, put on a VIP show and singalong of hits including Angels at their Souq Al Wakra Hotel.
      He posted a snap of himself with stars Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford, and wrote: “I’m at the England camp with the lads. How lucky I am?”
      Midfielder Kalvin Phillips said of the poolside gig: “There were a couple of duets but I’m not going to name names. They were very good duets, to be fair.
      “And we had the chance to chat to him. He’s an unbelievably talented person but also a really nice person. He got along with everyone.
      “It was a pleasure to have him. Knowing how big he is in the world and how well he’s doing, it’s an honour to have met him and spoken to him.”
      Kieran Trippier added: “In these little moments, everyone’s buzzing around the place and to hear him sing. It was a great moment for everyone going into a big game.
      “He was brilliant. It’s the first time I’ve ever met him. I’ve got say he’s a great guy. Really down to earth, really humble guy.”
      There was also an emotional goodbye as the Three Lions squad stars said thanks to their guardian angel — head of security Tony Conniford.
      He is leaving the FA after nine years with the team. Kalvin said: “It was a good night in general. We said farewell to Tony. For me, he has been one of the guys I have always gone to when needing help. He is a massive part of the England set-up as well.”
      An FA spokesman said of Robbie’s visit: “It was just a private performance within an outdoor area of the team hotel — arranged via the players and enjoyed by all.”
      Last night the atmosphere was ramping up in Qatari capital Doha as a 10,000-strong army of lionhearts began arriving.
      Pop star Robbie, 48, put on a VIP show and singalong of hits including Angels at their Souq Al Wakra Hotel
      Here’s Robbie’s World Cup eleven
      At home, the game is set to give another vital shot in the arm to the UK’s struggling hospitality sector, beset by cost of living woes.
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      Analysis from small business insurance provider Simply Business suggests UK pubs could get a £155million boost from the tournament as a whole.

      KYLE Walker paid tribute to a tragic pal yesterday, posting a snap of himself with “caring and loving” footie agent Dominic Yarwood on what would have been his birthday. Dominic went missing aged 32 last December and was later found dead in woodland. An inquest in May gave a verdict of suicide. More

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      Man City striker Erling Haaland’s name tops list of difficult-to-pronounce words

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      MAN City striker Erling Haaland’s name gave pundits as many nightmares as he did defences this year.The Norwegian ace, 22, tops a league table of difficult-to-pronounce words.
      Man City striker Erling Haaland’s name has topped a list of difficult-to-pronounce wordsCredit: Getty
      Rishi Sunak’s name was also on the list after US President Joe Biden called the PM, Rashid SanookCredit: Alamy
      Many fans and commentators call him Halland, not Haa-land.
      Other top 2022 tongue-twisters included Rishi Sunak — with US President Joe Biden calling the PM, Rashid Sanook.
      US actor Steve Carell struggled with CBeebies (see-bee-bees) when guesting on the BBC channel.
      In June, ex-PM Liz Truss mispronounced Taoiseach, the head of Ireland’s government, as “tea sock”, not the correct, “tee-shock”.
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      The British Institute of Verbatim Reporters, which handles subtitles, compiled the list for language site Babbel.
      Babbel said: “Many of the words are rooted in languages other than English, so it’s great to see them entering our vernacular.” More

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

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

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      Three Lions’ Kyle Walker vows to give French superstar Kylian Mbappe a run for his money in World Cup showdown

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      THREE Lions speed merchant Kyle Walker yesterday vowed to give French flier Kylian Mbappe a proper run for his money in Saturday’s World Cup showdownThe England full back, 32, said: “I’m not going to roll out the red carpet for him and tell him to go and score. It’s do or die.”
      With a top sprint speed of 23.48mph, Kyle Walker virtually matches Mbappe (23.50mph) for pace – and will be a key man in England’s defenceCredit: Getty
      Flying Frenchman Mbappe has already scored five goals in the tournamentCredit: Getty

      The 23-year-old French ace has himself said of gritty campaigner Kyle: “He is one of the rare players who make me suffer.”
      Manchester City star Kyle can put the brakes on the Paris Saint-Germain superstar, who has already scored five goals in Qatar.
      With a top sprint speed of 23.48mph, Walker virtually matches Mbappe (23.50mph) for pace.
      The pair’s duel has become the focal point of a potentially epic quarter-final clash at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND V FRANCE
      Kyle insisted yesterday: “This game is not England v Mbappe. The game is England v France. 
      “If we lose we go home. He’s not going to stand in my way of hopefully winning a World Cup for my country.” He added: “Do I understand the focus on Mbappe? Of course I do. 
      “I understand what I need to do and that’s obviously to stop him. 
      “It’s probably easier said than done but I don’t underestimate myself. I’ve played him before and I’ve come up against great players with England, Man City and other clubs. 
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      “I have to give him the respect he deserves but not too much because he’s playing England and we can also cause them problems.”
      The rivals – who are both 5ft 10in tall — have faced each other four times in the past while playing for their clubs in the Champions League and a friendly. The results are level at two wins each.
      Mbappe has only scored once playing against Kyle — and that was in a 2-1 defeat in November. Statistics show Walker has been dribbled past just three times in his last 24 England games.
      The England full back, 32, said: ‘I’m not going to roll out the red carpet for him and tell him to go and score. It’s do or die’Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Walker and Mbappe duel in a Champions League match from 2021Credit: Getty
       Wily Kyle — who has 74 international caps — also told how his superior experience could be the key to thwarting Mbappe.
      He said: “You have to use a little bit of nous – you can’t be a speedboat without a driver.
      “You need to obviously use your brain when needed and I can’t get as tight to him as I probably would with some other players.
      The pair’s duel has become the focal point of a potentially epic quarter-final clash at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al KhorCredit: The Mega Agency
      “France versus England has always been a great game and a great battle. . . . and you are going to get another one on Saturday.”
      Kyle refused to accept that the Three Lions will be the underdogs against the world champions. 
      He said: “don’t see an outright favourite or an underdog. I see two very good teams that are going to go toe-to-toe.”
      Mbappe missed training on Monday and was spotted in an injury recovery room. But France said he rejoined the squad yesterday and is likely to fit to play.
      Read More on The Sun
      Before England beat Senegal 3-0 in their last match, Match of the Day host and ex-Three Lions ace Gary Lineker suggested resting Walker to save him for battle with Mbappe.
      He said Kyle is “just about the only full-back on the planet that can compete with Kylian Mbappe — and that is the French team”. More

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

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

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

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

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