World Cup 2022

THE French media have targeted Harry Maguire and labelled him the weak link in England’s side.But they picked on the wrong man – because the stats show the centre-back has been in exceptional form at the World Cup.
Harry Maguire is already proving the French press wrong at the World CupCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
L’Equipe were scathing in their criticism of MaguireCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Sud Ouest also piled in on the Three Lions
France’s victory over Poland followed by England beating Senegal secured the mouthwatering quarter-final showdown next Saturday.
And it did not take long for the press across the Channel to up the ante by trash-talking “slow” Maguire.
L’Equipe, who went with the headline ‘God save OUR king’, wrote: “Harry Maguire’s slowness could prove detrimental to the England rear guard, which Gareth Southgate could strengthen by abandoning his 4-3-3 for a 3-4-3, as he does every time he faces the best teams.
“The face-off between Kylian Mbappe and Kyle Walker, who has just returned from a long groin injury that kept him away from the field for almost two months, will be key to unlocking the match.
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“The Three Lions have often struggled against midfielders as skilled with the ball as Adrien Rabiot or Antoine Griezmann, but this time they may have their say thanks to Jude Bellingham, who has been a dominant box-to-box player in the tournament.”
Fellow French newspaper Sud Ouest declared France are “ready to eat a lion” at the Al Bayt Stadium.
But the figures tell an altogether different story regarding Maguire, whose selection was originally questioned but immediately justified by the Manchester United man.
He has been dominant in England’s four matches, conceding one goal when he was feeling unwell, thanks to a superb partnership with John Stones.
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At the other end, he has proved to be a handful in the attacking box once again – hitting the bar and assisting Bukayo Saka against Iran.
And the facts and figures only reinforce the exceptional performances.
Of the 215 defenders to play at the World Cup this year, Maguire is comfortably among the very best – and ranks high in all the key areas.
He is in the top 20 per cent of the large pool for tackles won (three), interceptions (three) and top ten per cent with his 14 clearances, eight of which are headed.
Going forward, it is even more impressive.
No defender has had more touches in the opposition box than Maguire’s 11, while he is also in the top five for shots (four) and successful passes (276).
Maguire shows a good turn of pace to deal with a Senegal attackCredit: AP
He has continued his strong relationship with John StonesCredit: Getty
Maguire has been a key part in England’s success in QatarCredit: Getty More

ENGLAND fans have declared war on France ahead of their mouth-watering World Cup clash.Victory over Senegal has got fans dreaming of claiming the trophy for the first time since 1966.
England fans are gearing up for the quarter-final in a range of different waysCredit: Getty
Some England fans are swerving anything French until SundayCredit: AFP
A hilarious declaration of ‘war’ ahead of the last eight game has gone viralCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
But standing in their way are the reigning world champions France who have the in-form Kylian Mbappe in their ranks.
Some England fans are pulling out all stops to show their support.
Vows to give up French food and declarations of war have gone viral on social media ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final face-off.
One passionate fan said: “Right lads, it’s War. No baguettes from now on, no croissiants, and don’t you even f***ing dare look at Macarons. Come on England.”
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Others jokingly swore off pain au chocolates and French fries as they looked to swerve anything even remotely related to England’s European neighbours.
Another added: “Carling only diet till Saturday 10pm.”
But another tweeter pointed out: “Carling was created in Canada, which has a few French links…”
Some England fans tried similar tricks before last year’s Euros final against Italy and remembered their lack of success.
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One said: “When England played Italy I spent the week before coming up with ways to make Italian food horrendous in an attempt to win the psychological battle.
“Won’t be doing that this time. Not because I’m worried it won’t work – just because French food is already an abomination.”
The tension is likely to ramp ahead of the big game with the French media already baring their teeth.
One regional paper simply said: “Ready to eat some lion.”
While another declared “God save OUR King” in reference to Mbappe.
The match is set to be one of the biggest challenges of Gareth Southgate’s England career.
He could be without Raheem Sterling after the terrifying break-in on his home. More

SADIO MANE penned an emotional message to his Senegal team-mates after they were knocked out of the World Cup.The African champions were swept aside 3-0 by England, who set up a quarter-final meeting against France with the win.
Sadio Mane missed the World Cup through injuryCredit: Reuters
Senegal had their World Cup journey ended by EnglandCredit: Reuters
Mane, 30, missed the tournament through injury.
The ex-Liverpool star scored the winning penalty in Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations glory in February, and had been set to lead their charge at the World Cup.
But the Bayern Munich ace was injured just weeks before the tournament kicked off.
He kept a keen eye on his team-mates’ progress in Qatar, and took to Instagram after their heartbreak at the hands of England.
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The forward wrote: “Dear brothers, you have fallen into arms.
“The people are very proud of your journey and you have put the balm in the hearts of Senegalese and all supporters by defending the national flag with dignity.
“Continue learning and good luck. We will go in search of more Trophies Inshallah. #Allez Lions.”
Senegal qualified for the last 16 after finishing second in Group A, behind Holland but ahead of Ecuador and hosts Qatar.
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In doing so the Lions of Teranga made it to the knockout stages for just the second time in their history.
Mane has scored 34 goals in 93 caps for Senegal.
He was included in Senegal’s World Cup squad, despite his injury, before being ruled out shortly before the tournament kicked off. More

ENGLAND stars were all smiles in training less than 24 hours after their romp to the World Cup quarter-finals.Gareth Southgate’s troops booked their place in the last eight of the tournament with a 3-0 win over African Champions Senegal last Sunday.
England returned to training just hours after their win over SenegalCredit: Reuters
Gareth Southgate’s second string went through a full session while the starters worked out in the gymCredit: Reuters
Mason Mount was among the crop of players put their pacesCredit: REUTERS
As was Jack Grealish, who was all smiles as he chated with SouthgateCredit: REUTERS
Marcus Rashford cracked a laugh with defender Conor CoadyCredit: PA
Southgate was the picture of happiness as he oversaw his reserve players’ training sessionCredit: REUTERS
But there was no rest for the wicked as he had his Three Lions back in training less than 24 hours after the win.
Southgate and his coaching team put the starters from Sunday’s win through a light workout in the gym.
But those who started on the bench were put through their paces in 28-degree heat – although they seemingly enjoyed the session.
Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount all had smiles on their faces during the sweltering session.
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But it was Southgate who had the biggest grin of the lot.
The gaffer was seen laughing and joking with the second string players.
Southgate’s reserves all got good sessions in – apart from Callum Wilson.
The Newcastle hitman – who bagged an assist in the group stage rout of Iran – missed the session with the minor niggle.
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It’s not yet known if the knock will keep him out of Saturday’s mouthwatering quarter-final tie with France.
Defending champions France will provide the toughest test of England’s stellar Qatar campaign – an examination Southgate is relishing.
He said: “We’ve got a brilliant tie, haven’t we?
“The two quarter-finals are fabulous football nations, great history, couldn’t be more exciting.
It wasn’t all smiles for the reserves as they were put through a gruelling sessionCredit: REX
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips was among the traineesCredit: REX
As was Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: REUTERS
Southgate will have some tough decisions to make ahead of Saturday’s match with FranceCredit: PA
“Our history is not quite as good as all the others, by the way.
“But we’re really pleased.
“I’ve just been told it’s the first time we’ve won knockout games in three consecutive tournaments.
“That’s another bit of history that this team has managed to achieve and we’ve got to keep trying to do that.”
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He added: “They’re an outstanding team with a phenomenal tournament record and some outstanding individuals.
“So without a doubt we’ll have to find our highest possible level.”
Southgate is relishing Saturday’s clash with the FrenchCredit: Reuters More