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      in Soccer

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

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

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      in Soccer

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

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

      ADDITIONAL reporting by Thomas Godfrey More

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      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury reveals biggest fear after enjoying post-fight burgers with beaten rival Derek Chisora

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      TYSON Fury chewed the fat with beaten Derek Chisora — and revealed he is scared of spiders.The world heavyweight champion had a burger with Chisora after battering him on Saturday night.
      Tyson Fury took on Derek Chisora last night, winning the fight
      Fury now has fellow champ Oleksandr Usyk in his sights before he hangs up his gloves
      On fight night, Fury wore the England shirt The Sun gave him the day beforeCredit: Simon Jones
      Fury, 34, also pondered the future — which does not include a stint on I’m a Celebrity.
      Asked if he would do the ITV1 show, he said: “I turned it down because I don’t like bugs, creepy crawlies, snakes, rats, lizards. Anything that moves on the floor I turn into a boy. It’s not for me.”
      On fight night, Fury wore the England shirt The Sun gave him the day before when he paid a visit.
      He now has fellow champ Oleksandr Usyk in his sights before he hangs up his gloves.
      READ MORE BOXING NEWS
      He said: “I think I’ve got one more year and then I’ll become a used car salesman.”
      He also revealed he wants to hang out with King Charles.
      Fury said: “I’ve not met the King yet. I’m sure I’ll get an invite to this coming New Year’s Eve party!” More

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      in Soccer

      Sun mascot Harry Mane steals the show ­during a dance-off with Senegal fans ahead of World Cup knockout game

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      SUN mascot Harry Mane stole the show yesterday ­during a dance-off with Senegal fans.The Senegalese supporters have been entertaining the crowds at Doha’s main souk with traditional dance and music.
      Sun mascot Harry Mane stole the show yesterday ­during a dance-off with Senegal fansCredit: Dan Charity
      Jewellery worker Coumba told Sun girl Eleanor Sharples she hought Senegal would winCredit: Louis Wood
      But the biggest cheer came when Harry joined them.
      Alhadji Diedhiou, 39, danced with Harry and said: “I love your lion. Our team are known as the Lions of Teranga so it is fitting we play the Three Lions next.”
      Meanwhile, The Sun on Sunday flew the St George’s flag over Africa’s tallest statue, the 52m Africa­n Renaissance monument in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.
      But jewellery worker Coumba told Sun girl Eleanor Sharples it would not stop Senegal winning.
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      Only a few hundred fans have made the trip from West Africa to Qatar but they have been making plenty of noise each night with their routines.
      Sidy Sagna, 47, said: “We are famous for our atmosphere before, during and after the match. We will create an ambiance in the stadium and we will win.”
      Given the limited numbers of their fans at the World Cup, the team has called on all Africans to support them in the last 16 clash with England at the Al Bayt stadium tomorrow night.
      Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, 31, Senegal’s captain, said earlier: “I’m calling on all Africans to come together, because that’s how we’re going to move forward.
      Most read in The Sun
      “We support all the African teams and I think they support us too. That’s really nice. We heard the fans throughout the match – we’re going to need them for the upcoming games.” More

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      in Soccer

      England’s lucky charm Chesney Hawkes in race against time to make it to World Cup round of 16 match

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      ENGLAND’S lucky charm Chesney Hawkes is in a race against time to get to the World Cup round of 16 match today — but he has The Sun on his side.The singer, 51, inspired the Three Lions into walloping three second-half goals against Wales by performing his 1991 hit The One and Only at half-time.
      Chesney Hawkes is in a race against time to get to the World Cup round of 16 matchCredit: Doug Seeburg
      Even England ace Declan Rice said he hoped England could “get him singing at every half-time”.
      He also paid a visit on Friday to The Sun’s HQ to sing a duet of One and Only with boxer Tyson Fury.
      The first stage of Operation Sun and Only to get Chesney to Qatar swept into action last night — as he jumped in our cab to Heathrow following a gig at Butlin’s in Skegness, Lincs.
      West Ham fan Chesney said: “The whole thing has just been a whirlwind — hearing one of my heroes Declan name-checking me in the England press conference was just amazing.
      Most read in World Cup 2022
      “I never claimed to bring England good luck but anything I can do as a fan, to get the crowd going and help the side, I’ll do it.”
      He has 19 hours to get from his gig to the match as England take on Senegal.
      Sing Along tonight
      I am the one and only, oh yeah
      Call me, call me by my name or call me by number
      You put me through it
      I’ll still be doing it the way I do it
      And yet, you try to make me forget
      Who I really am, don’t tell me I know best
      I’m not the same as all the rest
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me
      I’ve been a player in the crowd scene
      A flicker on the big screen
      My soul embraces one more in a million faces
      High hopes and aspirations, and years above my station
      Maybe but all this time I’ve tried to walk with dignity and pride
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me
      I can’t wear this uniform without some compromises
      Because you’ll find out that we come
      In different shapes and sizes
      No one can be myself like I can
      For this job I’m the best man
      And while this may be true
      You are the one and only you
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me
      I am the one and only
      Nobody I’d rather be
      I am the one and only
      You can’t take that away from me More

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      in Soccer

      Harry Kane declares himself fit for England and targets goals against Senegal after dry spell in group stage

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      THREE Lions skipper Harry Kane last night declared himself fit — and raring to go for his first goals of the World Cup.Harry was top scorer at the 2018 tournament in Russia but is yet to hit the target in Qatar.
      Harry Kane is determined to get on the scoresheet to help England beat SenegalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The hitman, who turned provider as England battled through their opening three matches, now hopes to open the floodgates against Senegal tonight.
      He said: “I would love to be sitting here with two or three goals, for sure, but the group games have gone well.
      “The games have not been too physical and going into the knock-out stages I feel really good — fit and sharp and as match-fit as I will ever feel.”
      Manager Gareth Southgate also will not be surprised if Harry, 29, opens his account in the 7pm knockout game against the African Nations champs.
      READ MORE ON ENGLAND
      Harry’s last goal was against Germany in the Nations League at Wembley in September.
      Harry Kane’s last goal for England came against Germany in SeptemberCredit: Reuters
      Gareth Southgate is backing England’s players to step up if the game goes to penaltiesCredit: Reuters
      But Gareth insisted: “With Harry, you know the goals are coming. So the longer the period without them, then you know they’re coming pretty soon.’’
      He added: “We’ve always wanted to bring the country on a journey with us and to create nights that people remember forever.
      “I think we’ve had a few of those over the last few years and we hope that Sunday’s another one.’’
      Most read in Football
      And he assured anxious fans that the squad have been preparing intensively in case of a dreaded penalty shootout.
      England — who suffered spot-kick heartbreak at the Euro 2020 final at Wembley last year — have won just three out of ten in tournaments.
      But Gareth said: “We are prepared and we’ve had a process we’ve ­followed.
      “We’ve done that over the last few months but there’s so many other aspects to the game you’ve got to get right.
      With Harry, you know the goals are comingGareth Southgate
      “We’re aiming to win the game and avoid extra-time and avoid penalties.
      “But if we need to go 120 minutes or to go beyond that, we need to be ready mentally and physically — and I believe we are.”
      England have been further boosted by the form of Manchester United star Marcus Rashford who, with three goals, is in contention for the Golden Boot top scorer award.
      Marcus, 25, was devastated when he was among those who missed a penalty at the Euro final and was targeted by racist trolls.
      But Gareth said the striker was once again playing “with a smile on his face” — and remains one of England’s best spot-kick hopes.
      He said: “Marcus is one of the best penalty takers in the world.
      “Statistically he is an 85 per cent person, but even the best miss 15 per cent.
      “So in the end you have got to trust your players that they are going to deliver in those big moments.’’
      England star Marcus Rashford is the player Senegal fans fear the mostCredit: AP
      Senegal, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, go into the game as underdogs but Gareth warned his players not to underestimate them.
      It will be the first time England have played Senegal, and Gareth said they will be facing a “well organised and athletic” side who play with “tremendous spirit”.
      As he spoke, The Sun’s lion mascot Harry Mane was firing up fans among the 8,000 travelling lionhearts who will pack a corner of the 69,000-seat Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor tonight.

      There will be a TV audience of more than 20 million back home.
      Pub bosses predict 15 million pints could be downed today as beer sales rocket 50 per cent.
      Another 20 million pints will be sunk at home.
      Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “At home and at the bar, the beer is flowing.
      “When England do well, so do our pubs and breweries.”
      Molly Davis of the British Institute of Innkeeping, added: “Sunday’s match will bring cheer to our pubs.”
      Cam on England
      The Sun on Sunday’s psychic camel Camilla tips England to beat SenegalCredit: Paul Tonge
      THE Sun on Sunday’s psychic camel Camilla predicts victory for the Three Lions tonight against Senegal.
      Read More on The Sun
      Owners Jenny and Vernon Moore, both 52, of Melton Mowbray, Leics, insist she’s “never wrong”.
      Vernon told manager Gareth Southgate and the team: “Camilla’s got your back . . . football’s coming home!” More

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      in Soccer

      Jack Grealish’s dad vows to keep wearing his ‘lucky’ Union Jack waistcoat to take England to World Cup glory

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      JACK Grealish’s dad has vowed to continue wearing his ‘lucky’ Union Flag waistcoat to take England to World Cup glory.Madcap Kevin left his famous son squirming by cheering on the Three Lions in Qatar wearing a garish outfit in the stands.
      Jack Grealish’s dad Kevin has vowed to continue wearing his ‘lucky’ Union Flag waistcoatCredit: BackGrid
      Jack joked: ‘What’s he doing with that? I said ‘what are you wearing there?’’Credit: Facebook
      But the proud father is unmoved by Jack’s pleas to leave behind the inspirational attire – and will “100%” be donning the patriotic kit tomorrow.
      The mortified Manchester City £100m star laughed: “What’s he doing with that? I said ‘what are you wearing there?’.
      “He had a little bow-tie as well but my mum told him to take it off – I don’t know where he’s got it from, it looks like something from the market, doesn’t it?”
      But Kevin’s £100 waistcoat – specially made by an independent retailer near his Solihull home – will be back on display in the knock-out clash between England and Senegal.
      Read More on Jack Grealish
      The Union Flag themed bow tie was an extra £20 and Kevin will keep it on after attending all of England’s three Group B games in which Jack and his team-mates remained unbeaten.
      Along with his parents, the midfielder’s sister Hollie, who has cerebral palsy, has travelled out to lend her support.
      Jack, 27, performed a special celebration for an 11-year-old fan called Finlay after scoring his first-ever World Cup goal against Iran in England’s first game of the tournament.
      Dan McHale, the assistant manager at Kevin’s tailor Bentley’s, told of their special commission last night.
      Most read in Football
      He said: “Kevin came in a few days before he flew out to Qatar and picked it up. He was absolutely delighted with it. I think it’s definitely something the cameras can pick up on.”
      Kevin’s natty look is in stark contrast to Jack’s fashion sense, which landed him a seven-figure tie-up with Gucci earlier this year.
      England fan John Gadd said last night: “I’ll be wearing my lucky underpants watching England and everyone needs to do their bit – including Kevin Grealish. Good on him and let’s hope it takes us to World Cup glory.”
      Jack said: ‘He had a little bow-tie as well but my mum told him to take it off’Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      England star John Stones says Three Lions are ‘in it to win it’ after 56 years of World Cup hurt

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      ENGLAND star John Stones laid bare the Three Lions’ hunger to end 56 years of World Cup hurt last night and roared: “We are in it to win it!”Centre back John, 28, poured out his pain at losing the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia followed by last year’s Euro 2020 penalties heartbreak against Italy.
      England defender John Stones is determined to put the pain of past defeats behind himCredit: Reuters
      But he promised England fans the team is focused and ready to play their hearts out to lift our first trophy since 1966.
      The Manchester City star tapped into growing belief that Gareth Southgate’s side are now among the favourites to go all the way to the final in Qatar – and win it.
      And he revealed England’s agonising last ditch failures at the last two tournaments are driving the squad toward glory.
      He said: “It is a big motivation for the team, 100 percent.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP
      “I always aim for the highest thing to win the competition – I have always said we are in it to win it is my belief is that we can do it.
      “We need to think about everything we have done, our ambitions and where this can take us.
      “Coming so close twice now, especially the last tournament, you never want to go through that feeling again.
      “It is probably more than likely I will through my career, so I cannot get my head around that but I always want to do better than the last time.
      Most read in Football
      “Getting fourth in a World Cup was incredible where we came from but we need to better that and some more.
      “In 2018 it was a success in terms of uniting the nation and everyone loving English football again – but you look back and we were so close.
      “I never want to go through that again.
      “As a team, as a fan, this is something you dream of as a kid, and we never want to feel that way again.
      “We have to better what we did last time, that is the long and short of it.”
      John also revealed the team had been practising penalty shoot-outs in a bid to banish the spot kick hoodoo which has haunted England teams for decades.
      Southgate is understood to have ordered psychological training to steel his men for the intense pressure to come if games go to dreaded shoot-outs in the knockout stages.
      The star – a key rock in a solid defence which has conceded just two goals in Qatar – said: “Four years ago we won our first shoot out and then in Euros it did not work out.
      “So we have done a lot of work on penalties and the fine details of it and working on individual needs, sometimes people have to step up and it is trying to find comfort in that environment.
      “You have to get used to being uncomfortable and for lads like me going through the process of what you need to be clinical at that time.”
      John stressed England were not underestimating Sunday’s West African Last 16 opponents Senegal – and were desperate to make fans in Qatar and back home proud.
      He said: “We have come through these three games in a difficult group and in a World Cup, anything can happen.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We have already seen big upsets, and we do not want to take anything for granted, and always respect the opposition and we will do that.
      “It has been a great journey for all of us as a nation – we want to make everyone proud.”
      Gareth Southgate is preparing his side for the intensity of the World Cup knockout roundsCredit: Getty More