KYLIAN MBAPPE has MISSED France’s training session today ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against England. According to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Mbappe missed France training days before the meeting with England.
And boss Didier Deschamps was seen in a long discussion with Les Bleus’ doctor at the start of the session.
England’s victory over Senegal set up a clash against World Champions France, who beat Poland to secure their place in the last eight.
Gareth Southgate’s men have been tipped for victory by pundits, with Graeme Souness the latest to weigh in on the debate.
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Stay tuned with all the latest ahead from tournament…
Reason for Mbappe absence still a mystery
Just why Kylian Mbappe missed French training today is still unclear.
Any injury for their main man would of course be a huge blow to boss Didier Deschamps before meeting England on Friday.
Mbappe, 23, did avoid an ankle injury scare ahead of the tournament while playing for PSG
He was taken off late in a 2-1 win over Lorient after feeling discomfort.
Jesus set for knee op
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus is set to undergo knee surgery after sustaining an injury with Brazil at the World Cup.
There are fears that Mikel Arteta could be without his No.9 for at least three months.
The striker played as Brazil boss Tite rotated the squad in their 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.
But Jesus went off injured in the 64th minute with a knee issue.
And now The Telegraph are reporting that he requires surgery handing the Gunners a major blow in their pursuit of the Premier League title.
It means that the 25-year-old’s World Cup campaign with Brazil is certainly over and Arsenal will now have to rely on Eddie Nketiah up top.
Prem clubs eye Ghana ace
Mohammed Kudus is being repeatedly linked with a move away from Ajax.
The Ghanaian winger demonstrated his skillset during the World Cup and has given a reputation a huge boost.
The Sun revealed earlier this week that the 22-year-old is open to a Premier League move.
But he has also been strongly linked with a potential transfer to Barcelona.
Kudus hit two goals in Ghana’s three World Cup games and four goals in six Champions League games for Ajax.
H/t: Morocco 0 Spain 0
The stylish Spaniards predictably had most of the possession in a lively first half – but Morocco had much the better of the chances.
In fact, Spain managed just one shot -their lowest total in the opening 45 minutes of a World Cup game .
Follow the action on our MATCH BLOG
Records to Kyl for
France training without Kylian Mbappe today could be a boost for England in Saturday’s Wrold Cup quarter-final.
But whatever the situation, the PSG striker seems likely to break all sorts of goal records in time.
And he must be tipped to eventually pass Miroslav Klose’s all-time record for the tournament of 16 goals – achieved from 24 matches.
But the Three Lions’ own pace ace Bukayo Saka has rejected comparisons between the two.
He said: “There is only one Kylian Mbappe – and at the same time, there is only one me.
“I just want to be myself and help any team in the best way I can.”
Mbappe misses training
Kylian Mbappe missed France training just DAYS before their huge World Cup quarter-final clash with England.
The 23-year-old is leading France’s World Cup title defence and the race for the Golden Boot.
Mbappe has scored five and assisted two in four games.
He scored a brace in the 3-1 round of 16 win over Poland to set up a date with Gareth Southgate’s free-scoring England.
However, according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Mbappe missed France training days before the meeting with England.
And boss Didier Deschamps was seen in a long discussion with Les Bleus’ doctor at the start of the session.
Strong Case for joining Utd
Casemiro has revealed why he ditched Real Madrid for Man Utd over the summer.
He said: “Without a doubt it was down to the great stature, because it’s a massive club with a great history.
“I think that the great standing this club has in the game and its great history are definitely the most important reasons to be here. It’s also a fresh set of goals in a brand new league for me.
“So that presents a really big and exciting challenge for me and I’m working really hard to achieve them alongside my teammates.”
Qatar cops filmed ‘crushign fans’
Spanish and Moroccan fans were caught up in crowd carnage as they were trapped in a crush outside their World Cup game.
Riot cops were deployed as fans were pushed trapped against a chain link fence before the round of 16 kick off at the Education City Stadium.
Harrowing video shows fans of both teams stuck on a narrow pathway between two fences.
World Cup carnage as Qatar riot cops filmed crushing screaming fans outside stadium ahead of Spain v Morocco clash
Riot cops and security guards are seen at the end blocking their way and shoving the supporters back.
Other footage shows a huge crowd as cops in helmets clash with the fans.
Security officials reportedly blamed the crush on fans attempting to enter the stadium without tickets.
Men, women and children could all be seen stuck in the crowd pressed against the fence in footage shared from the scene.
Police lined up with riot shields as they corralled the fans waiting near the stadium.
Maddison names England ace he’d ban sister from dating
James Maddison has revealed which England squad-mate he’d BAN his sister from dating… and the one he’d be happy for her to marry, writes DYLAN TERRY.
The Leicester playmaker, 26, is yet to feature for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
He was plagued with a knee problem for the opening two games then failed to get any minutes against Wales and Senegal.
But that has not hampered Maddison’s spirits as he took to media duties on Tuesday – four days before England’s crunch quarter-final against France.
And he had very contrasting points to make about fellow international team-mates Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish.
When asked which member of the England squad would make the best son-in-law, he told talkSPORT: “The first one who springs to mind is Bukayo Saka. He’s just such a nice kid, man.
“You just get this relationship with him where he’s such a nice guy to everyone that you build such a good relationship with him.
“If I had a sister or a daughter and they said to me ‘I’m going on a date with Bukayo Saka’, I’d be like ‘enjoy yourself, let him pay, but enjoy yourself’.
“But if I had a family member and they told me ‘I’m going on a date with Jack Grealish’, I’d be like ‘nah you’re not’.”
Batistuta hopes Messi surpasses him
Argentina goal legend Gabriel Batistuta says he wants to see Lionel Messi take his World Cup scoring crown on Friday, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Former Fiorentina and Roma strike ace “Batigol”, 53, currently holds the Argentina top goals mark with 10 strikes across three tournaments from 1994 to 2002.
Messi’s sumptuous opener in the squeak past Australia took the little man from Rosario up to nine in five World Cup Finals stretching back to 2006.
And with Louis van Gaal and Holland now standing in Argentina’s path, Batistuta said it was time for him to pass on the mantle – and that there could be no better successor.
Batistuta said: “It is a record that I have had for 20 years and I have enjoyed holding it.
“But now it is only fair that someone else takes it – and I couldn’t be happier if that person is called Messi.”
He added: “The only thing that makes me angry, still, is that I didn’t get to play enough games in my three World Cups.. that I never got the chance to play a semi-final.
“But I hope that Messi can score against Holland to take us back to the last four again.”
Eto’o faces probe after ‘fight’
Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o could face prosecution after an astonishing fight with a YouTube cameraman, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Former Chelsea striker Eto’o, now head of the Cameroon FA, blew his top after being approached by Algeria video journalist “Sadouni SM” before Brazil’s win over Korea at Stadium 974 on Monday night.
Eto’o, 41, was caught on camera stalking after the video operator and then breaking free of a group holding him back to kick his adversary to the ground.
It seemed a hugely over the top response to a brief conversation.
But it has now emerged that the YouTuber accused Eto’o of buying off Gambian referee Bakary “Papa” Gassama before Cameroon’s controversial play-off win over Algeria in March – and has been making the claims repeatedly for months.
Algerian unsuccessfully demanded Fifa order a rematch, accusing Gassama of “scandalous refereeing” in Cameroon’s favour.
Ever since, the popular YouTuber has used his pulpit to hurl online accusations at Eto’o, suggesting he used his power and profile to corrupt the officials.
And demanding Qatari police now intervene and arrest and charge Eto’o, he admitted winding up Eto’o once again.
Yunus ‘eyed by Arsenal and Inter’
Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah reportedly impressed Arsenal with his fine World Cup for the USA.
The Gunners are said to have sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in Qatar.
Arsenal are interested in re-signing USA’s World Cup star Yunus Musah and sent scouts out to Qatar to watch him, according to reports.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal and Inter Milan are amongst Musah’s biggest admirers.
Romani told CBS: “Yunus Musah is also in the list of Premier League clubs. Arsenal recently sent their scouts to monitor him, but there are also other Premier League giants well informed on the Valencia midfielder.”
Giroud on Kane
Ex-Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has said he sees similarities between himself and Harry Kane ahead if England v France on Saturday.
The Frenchman had his say on his opposite number with the World Cup Quarter-Final clash approaching quickly.
Giroud said: “I’ve spoken to Hugo Lloris about Harry Kane because he has a profile that can maybe be compared to mine.
“He’s very powerful and over the last few years he’s moved further down the pitch to be more involved in the game.
“He’s also very good at assists and a good finisher that’s clinical. He’s generous with his team mates and has the ability to hurt opponents.
“He’s obviously a great asset to the English team. There’s similarities between us but differences too.”
The Goal
Argentina goal legend Gabriel Batistuta says he wants to see Lionel Messi take his World Cup scoring crown on Friday, writes SunSport’s Martin Lipton.
Former Fiorentina and Roma strike ace “Batigol”, 53, currently holds the Argentina top goals mark with 10 strikes across three tournaments from 1994 to 2002.
But Messi is up to nine after scoring past Australia and Batistuta said: “It is a record that I have had for 20 years and I have enjoyed holding it.
“But now it is only fair that someone else takes it – and I couldn’t be happier if that person is called Messi.”
King Kyle
Only Kyle Walker can stop Kylian Mbappe, former England star Emile Heskey told SunSport’s Joshua Jones.
The ex-Wigan striker believes that the England full-back has all the right attributes to hinder the explosive 23-year-old.
Heskey said: “The pace of Senegal’s forwards troubled Harry Maguire and John Stones and they [the Senegalese forwards] are nowhere near the quality of France and in particular Kylian Mbappé.
“I would love to keep a back four, but I think it will be a five. At right wing-back, Kyle Walker has to start because of his pace, his aggression, his know-how and his seniority. I can’t see anyone else [of the right wing-back options] being able to stop Mbappé if I’m being honest.”
Five Changes for Spain
Luis Enrique has brutally axed five starters from the Japan defeat ahead of the last-16 clash with Morocco.
Alvaro Morata is among those dropped from the line-up.
Follow all the build up to Morocco v Spain here.
Santos in dark over Al Nassr
Portugal boss Fernando Santos has said he does not know anything on suggestions of Cristiano Ronaldo moving to Saudi Arabia.
Conflicting reports have claimed first that Ronaldo had done a deal with Al-Nassr and then that he not yet agreed anything.
Ahead of tonight’s game with Switzerland, Santos said: “I have not spoken to him about this.
“I don’t know about this. It is his decision. I did not even know about this and I heard about this when I arrived here.
“We are focused on the World Cup. I don’t know anything about this other issue.”
Sou Close to Call
France will be concerned about playing England in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, according to Liverpool legend Graeme Souness.
England overcame Senegal to reach the last eight while France swatted aside Poland.
Souness told ITV: “France will be concerned about playing against England. England are the team that no one wants to play.
“You can’t sit back and say ‘I’m really enjoying that football’, like you would with Spain, and possibly tonight [referencing Brazil].
“But I’ll bet you none of the big teams want to play against England because they see how pragmatic they are, they give very few chances away.”
First-Half of Greatness
THIAGO SILVA reckons he has never seen a better 45 minutes than Brazil’s first half destruction of South Korea, writes SunSport’s Phil Thomas.
The five-time champions finally clicked into top gear with an awesome four-goal Samba salvo to book their ticket to the last eight by the break.
The 38-year-old said: “I would think yes, it is the best 45 minutes – I can’t think of another one played with such energy as this one.
“We had prepared for it, we played to a plan and we’re so happy with it…although it wasn’t perfect due to the goal Korea scored.
“South Korea was our best performance in this competition, but we hope we are going to improve even more in the next round.”
1,000 penalties
Luis Enrique is confident his squad has practiced “at least” 1,000 penalties ahead of their clash with Morocco this afternoon.
Spain were dumped out of last year’s Euros on penalties against Italy but Enrique is determined the same thing does not happen this year.
He said: “I imagine that they have done their homework. Over a year ago, in one of the Spain camps, I told them they had to get here with at least 1,000 penalties taken.
“If you wait until getting here to practise penalties… [it won’t be enough]. It’s a moment of maximum tension, a time to show your nerve and that you can shoot the penalty in the way you have decided, if you have trained it a thousand times.”
Show No Merci
Gareth Southgate will order his England lions to go for France’s throats in the World Cup quarter-final.
He believes his attacking team have the ability to finally beat a top nation in the knockout stage of a major tournament on foreign soil in Saturday’s tie.
Boss Southgate said: “We’ve made quite a bit of history over the last four-and-a-half years. Not all of it good! But that’s the great challenge.
“What we talked about before Senegal was keeping up the relentless pressure, not sitting back if we are ahead, making sure we keep the intensity of our game.
“So we’ve got to do that now against the world champions.”
Kud he go?
Mohammed Kudus is being repeatedly linked with a move away from Ajax.
The Ghanaian winger demonstrated his skillset during the World Cup and has given a reputation a huge boost.
The Sun revealed earlier this week that the 22-year-old is open to a Premier League move.
But he has also been strongly linked with a potential transfer to Barcelona.
Kudus hit two goals in Ghana’s three World Cup games and four goals in six Champions League games for Ajax.
World Cup Preview
The final set of last-16 games get underway today with two tournament big dogs in action.
Spain take on Morocco in what could be a difficult game for Luis Enrique’s side. Morocco became the first African nation since 1998 to top their World Cup group.
They have only conceded one goal so far and showed attacking threat at crucial times.
And later at 7pm it is the turn of Portugal and Switzerland. Fernando Santos’ team have goals in abundance and quality across the pitch.
But Switzerland could be tricky opposition and it won’t be easy for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates.
More than Mbappe
Kasper Schmeichel has warned England about focusing all their efforts on stopping Kylian Mbappe.
The former keeper believes France have a range of ways to hurt England that go beyond the 23-year-old superstar.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It would be a big mistake thinking it’s all about keeping Kylian Mbappe quiet. Antoine Griezmann is a fantastic player. France are building up and playing better and better.
“This is going to be some encounter. I don’t know how it is going to pan out.”
‘No fears’
Ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has insisted he is not fearing for England ahead of Saturday’s clash with France.
The Three Lions face arguably their biggest challenge under Gareth Southgate in the World Cup quarter-final.
But pundit Ferdinand told the BBC: “I have got no fears for this England team. You have to beat what is in front of you and they have done it convincingly.
“If you were told you were going to be playing in the quarter-finals against a France team with five of their starters missing, you would accept that.”
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