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      in Soccer

      England’s best player’s so obvious it isn’t even close – Southgate didn’t play him against USA & the result was dismal

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      ENGLAND’S best footballer is Phil Foden.
      It’s not even close.
      Phil Foden is obviously England’s best playerCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate’s baffling choice is clearly responsible for Friday’s forgettable matchCredit: Getty
      Piers is saying what we’re all thinkingCredit: Facebook
      He’s the most wondrously gifted player we’ve had since Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne.
      And he’s been proving it with dazzling performances, week in week out, for Manchester City in both the Premier League and Champions League.
      Which all begs the question: why the hell didn’t manager Gareth Southgate bring him on in England’s World Cup match against the United States on Friday night?
      As an equally bemused Wayne Rooney said: “If you have a talent like Foden, you simply have to play him.”
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      Yet for some unfathomable reason, Southgate stubbornly refused to throw Foden into action despite England, so thrilling in the 6-2 rout of Iran, playing like the zombified patients in the Robert De Niro/Robin Williams movie Awakenings after the medication wears off.
      Southgate’s explanation afterwards was almost as incomprehensible as his decision.
      “We love Phil, he is a super player,” he said.
      So why leave him on the bench?
      Most read in The Sun
      “We didn’t quite have that same zip,” Southgate admitted.
      So why not bring on the guy with the most zip?
      Then came his inexplicable excuse.
      “We didn’t feel it was right for Phil [to play] in the middle because he doesn’t play there for his club.”
      Sorry, what?
      a) Foden has played down the middle for City on numerous occasions, and b) City boss Pep Guardiola said: “For Phil, responsibility is not a problem.
      “Since day one going to bigger stages, bigger scenarios and important games, it’s not a problem. He loves to play. He can play in all five positions up front: winger on both sides, striker through the middle and in the pockets like an attacking midfielder.”
      Did Southgate not hear this assessment from the world’s top manager?
      Or did he choose to ignore it?
      Either way, he dropped the ball, and the result was a dismal performance and dire 0-0 draw.
      Southgate’s been a very good England manager, but his instinctive timidity in the final cost us the Euros.
      He would do well to heed Albert Einstein’s warning: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result.”
      Read More on The Sun
      You don’t win World Cups by keeping your best, most exciting player off the pitch.
      Get a grip Gareth, take the safety pads off, and start Foden in every game for the rest of this tournament. More

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      in Soccer

      WAGs Charlotte Russell and Georgina Irwin do Wales and England proud

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      World Cup model WAGs Charlotte Russell and Georgina Irwin are busting for Tuesday night’s Battle of Britain between England and Wales.Charlotte, 28, is the fiancee of Red Dragons forward Kieffer Moore, 30, while Georgina, 26, is engaged to back up Three Lions keeper Aaron Ramsdale, 24.
      Welsh WAG Charlotte Russell is engaged to striker Kieffer MooreCredit: instagram.com/charlotteamyrussell
      Georgina Irwin is the fiancée of England back-up goalkeeper Aaron RamsdaleCredit: instagram
      Wales need at least a win to have any chance of progress into the knock-out stages in Qatar.
      Meanwhile Gareth Southgate’s men require all three points to be sure of topping the group and avoiding a possible quarter final clash with tournament favourites Brazil.
      Bournemouth forward Moore came on for the second half of Wales opening 1-1 daw with the USA.
      He kept his place for the disappointing 2-0 loss to Iran.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP
      Arsenal’s Ramsdale is keeping the bench warm thanks to the form of England number one Jordan Pickford.
      But both their ladies look winners in the glamour stakes.
      Several of England’s WAGs have been staying on a luxury cruise liner docked in Doha.
      They are sid to have racked up a £20,000 bar bill celebrating England’s opening win.
      Most read in The Sun
      Kieffer Moore will be taking on England in Tuesday’s showdown matchCredit: Getty
      Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is waiting for his England chanceCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood probed by cops for ‘second bail breach after he paid for designer clothing for alleged sex victim’

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      POLICE are looking into claims Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood breached bail conditions by paying for designer clothing for his alleged sex victim.It is claimed the woman had access to his bank account — despite being due to give evidence at the player’s trial.
      Mason Greenwood was said to be pictured with his alleged victim in a car last month
      It comes as the Manchester United player is being probed for a potential second bail breachCredit: Reuters
      Greenwood is said to have ‘paid for designer clothing for his alleged sex victim’
      The clothes were purchased online and sent to her address last weekOne of the charges against the footballer, previously accused of flouting bail rules last month is coercive and controlling behaviour.
      At his trial in November next year, he will also face charges of attempted rape and assault causing actual bodily harm.
      Greenwood, 21, who has also played for England, appeared before a judge on Monday at crown court in Manchester.
      Judge Maurice Greene reminded the £75,000-a-week striker that his bail conditions remain in place.
      READ MORE ON MASON GREENWOOD
      They are understood to ban him from having any direct or indirect contact with his alleged victim.
      But it is claimed on Friday a bank account belonging to Greenwood was used to purchase £86 worth of women’s clothes from online fashion brand Luxe To Kill.
      The company was allegedly instructed online to deliver the items to the home address of the alleged victim.
      Greater Manchester Police is aware of the alleged purchase and is looking into claims it might constitute a breach of Greenwood’s bail.
      Most read in The Sun
      A source told the Sun on Sunday Greenwood had not placed the order.
      Greenwood, of Bowdon, Gtr Manchester, was first held by police in January this year over allegations relating to a woman after images and videos were posted online.
      He was bailed but was re-arrested last month after he was pictured with his alleged victim in a breach of his conditions.
      He was remanded in custody after appearing at Manchester magistrates court on October 17 but was released from prison two days later following a private bail hearing.
      The attempted rape is alleged to have taken place in October 2021.
      The controlling and coercive behaviour relates to a period between November 2018 and October this year, where he is alleged to have made threatening and derogatory comments towards the complainant, as well as accessing and monitoring her social media accounts.
      The charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm is dated December 2021.
      Greenwood was suspended by United bosses after his arrest.
      England manager Gareth Southgate gave him his Three Lions debut aged just 18 in September 2020 for a Nations League clash against Iceland.
      Read More on The Sun
      Before his arrest, Greenwood was valued at around £50million and regarded as one of the hottest young talents in European football.
      The defendant is set to enter a plea to the charges when he next appears in court on February 10. More

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      in Boxing

      Uri Geller challenges Tyson Fury to fight — after boxer says he uses mind powers to win bouts

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      URI Geller has challenged Tyson Fury to a fight — after the boxer revealed he uses mind powers to win bouts.The 75-year-old spoon bender even fancies his chances against the 18st 6ft 9in Gypsy King.
      Uri Geller challenged Tyson Fury to a fight — after the boxer revealed he uses mind powers to win boutsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Unbeaten world heavyweight champ Tyson claims he gets inside the heads of his opponentCredit: Alamy
      Israeli-based Geller said: “Anyone who can master telepathy and knocking out or confusing his opponent is going to win.”
      But he added: “Against me in the ring — I can’t discount it.
      “I am offering Fury to fight me.”
      Unbeaten world heavyweight champ Fury, 34, claims he gets inside the heads of his opponents.
      Read More on Tyson Fury
      Most read in Boxing
      Geller also offered to help Fury defend his WBC title against Derek Chisora on December 3.
      He said: “Come to Israel, come to the Holy Land, come to my museum.
      “And we’ll spend a few good hours training telepathically.” More

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      in Soccer

      Search begins for England’s own Ivana Knoll – Croatia’s sexy World Cup fan

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      SCORE blimey! Croatian Ivana Knoll is definitely in the knock-out stage of the World Cup after being dubbed its sexiest fan.Pictures of the 30-year-old cheering on her national team against Morocco have stunned supporters worldwide.
      Stunning model Ivana Knoll is known as Croatia’s sexiest fanCredit: Splash
      Ivana’s patriotic dress attempted to rally Croatia’s players to a win against MoroccoCredit: instagram
      Ivana has legions of fans on TikTok and has been heating up the winter World Cup in Qatar.
      Her racy outfit risked breaking the host country’s strict modesty laws.
      But The Sun is certain England can do better — and launching Operation Fit’s Coming Home.
      So if you’re in striking form, send us your pictures of yourself in an England strip.
      How to enter
      YOU can email your photos to exclusive@the-sun.co.uk with “Fit’s Coming Home” in the ­subject field, or WhatsApp to 07423 720250.

      The Sun is searching for England’s own sexy superfan to cheer the Three Lions onCredit: instagram More

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      in Soccer

      England’s Wags rack up eye-watering £20,000 bar bill on luxury World Cup cruise liner

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      ENGLAND’S Wags are clearly on a super booze, racking up a £20,000 bar bill on board their luxury World Cup cruise liner.The group glugged bottles of high-end champagne to celebrate the Three Lions win in the opening game of the tournament in Qatar.
      England’s Wags have racked up a massive bill on their luxury cruise linerCredit: AP
      Harry Maguire’s wife Fern was among the Wags partying until 2amCredit: Getty
      Jordan Pickford’s other half Megan was part of the group glugging champagneCredit: Getty
      And Jack Grealish’s model sweetheart Sasha Attwood was also on a super boozeCredit: Getty
      The women and their families gathered on board the stunning £1billion MSC World Europa to toast their men after Gareth Southgate’s team opened with a 6-2 mauling of Iran.
      And the Wags, including Harry Maguire’s wife Fern, Jordan Pickford’s missus Megan and Jack Grealish’s model sweetheart Sasha Attwood, partied until 2am.
      A source said: “They’re on a premium drinks package whilst on board the cruise liner.
      “It was all paid for before they arrived in Qatar. But they were ordering bottles of champagne at £250 a pop as well as cocktails.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      “They then hit the karaoke and were belting out Three Lions and Sweet Caroline.
      “They had an absolute blast and drank so much the bar was restocking the following morning.”
      And Kyle Walker’s Wag, Annie, 29, who married the defender last November, has embraced the cruise ship experience.
      She headed to the ship’s main theatre to enjoy a singer belting out classics including Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive and Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You.
      Most read in The Sun
      The ship is docked in Doha for the duration of the World Cup.
      The Wags are among 6,762 guests who have paid up to £6,000 for five-star packages.
      The liner features a 643ft outdoor promenade, 14 ocean-view whirlpools, 13 dining venues and more than 30 bars and cafés.
      For kids and adults with a sense of fun, a Sportplex zone offers basketball, bumper cars and a roller disco.
      But the highlight is the 11-deck high helter skelter called The Venom Drop — the tallest slide on any ship in the world.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Wags can also enjoy a spa and wellness centre, thermal baths, a beauty salon and a gym.
      Their Three Lions are staying at the nearby Souq Al Wakra hotel in a Covid bubble. More

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      in Soccer

      Sun mascot Harry Mane wears rainbow bucket hat celebrating FIFA bowing to pressure

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      SUN mascot Harry Mane became Harry Mane-bow yesterday as he celebrated FIFA bowing to pressure over rainbow bucket hats by donning one of his own with pride.Welsh fans had rainbow hats and flags confiscated by hard line cops before their first game against America.
      Sun mascot Harry Mane wears a rainbow bucket hat in World Cup host country QatarCredit: Dan Charity
      The crackdown made a mockery of FIFA’s message that “everybody will be welcome” at the World Cup.
      But they caved in when The Football Association of Wales (FAW) demanded clarification over what fans could wear.
      Red Dragons fans echoed Harry’s jubilation over the climb down before the match but were left heartbroken at the final whistle after two late Iran goals left them on the brink of elimination.
      Rob Page’s men now need a miracle against England in their final group game to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stage in their first World Cup in 64 years.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP
      Professor Laura McAllister, 55, refused to let the 2-0 defeat dampen her sprits after she was allowed to wear her rainbow bucket hat to the game.
      She made headlines all over the world when footage of her being told to take it off at the first match against the USA went viral.
      Laura, professor of policy at Cardiff University, said: “The security stewards told me to put it in the bin or take it to the restricted items area.
      “I asked why and all they said was ‘regulation’. I challenged them but they wouldn’t budge so it was clearly an orchestrated stance.
      Most read in The Sun
      “I went outside and when I was out of sight of the guards I put it in my back pocket and went back in to the ground.
      “FIFA can’t have it both ways. They can’t say that their tournament is for everyone and push the diversity message and then refuse to let fan wear rainbow hats with others feeling so unwelcome they haven’t travelled here.
      “This is not a Qatar World Cup, it’s a World Cup in Qatar.
      “The irony though is that rather than keeping things under wraps, they have achieved the exact opposite. Everyone is now talking about it.
      “Wearing my hat was a small act of defiance but an important one because there are still many countries where homosexuality is illegal.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Civil servant Jon Bettinson, 52, of Cardiff, wore a rainbow necklace to the match to show his support for the LGBT community.
      He said: “It was important for us take make a stand however small it might be. Every gesture helps.” More

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      in Soccer

      Cristiano Ronaldo’s supercars packed up by movers as he leaves Manchester amid claims he may never return to UK

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo has said goodbye to Manchester — hiring movers to pack up his cars and belongings.The Portuguese legend, 37, is currently at the World Cup in Qatar after leaving Man United.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has hired movers to pack up his cars and belongingsCredit: PA
      Ronaldo’s Cadillac Escalade and Bentley Flying Spur were seen being loaded on to a transporter on Tuesday
      But his £150,000 Cadillac Escalade and £300,000 Bentley Flying Spur were seen being loaded on to a transporter on Tuesday — before his departure was announced.
      The Sun witnessed the flash motors being moved out the £5million rented home he lives in with partner Georgina and family in Alderley Edge, Cheshire.
      A source said: “Cristiano absolutely loves his cars so has been focussed on starting to transport them away.
      “He did the same when he left Juventus for Manchester.
      Read More on Cristiano Ronaldo
      “Georgina is organising everything else . . . and it is likely Ronaldo won’t be stepping foot on UK soil again.”
      The former Real Madrid ace also has an extensive trainer collection worth £50,000 that needs boxing up, while decorators will touch up the £40,000-a-month mansion.
      Ronaldo ended his second spell with Manchester United by mutual consent after giving an explosive interview to TalkTV’s Piers Morgan in which he said he felt betrayed by the club and criticised the manager Erik ten Hag.
      Most read in Football
      Ronaldo’s £150,000 Cadillac Escalade was loaded on to a transporter before his departure from Man Utd was announcedCredit: Instagram @georginagio
      His £300,000 Bentley Flying Spur was also seen being packed up on TuesdayCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More