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    World Cup 2022 LIVE: Raheem Sterling misses England win after home broken into, Neymar latest – updates

    RAHEEM STERLING missed England’s 3-0 World Cup win over Senegal after thugs broke into his home.The thieves smashed into his home, as revealed by The Sun, forcing the Chelsea winger to fly back to the UK in the middle of the tournament.
    England cruised to a 3-0 win over Senegal and will play France in the quarter-finals – after Les Blues dismantled Poland.
    Brazil are expected to welcome Neymar back to World Cup action, after he was injured for their second two group games.
    Keep up to date with TODAY’S live match blogs below:

    World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
    Stay tuned with all the latest ahead from tournament…
    Bellingham’s bandage
    Jude Bellingham cut a bandage off his arm after starring in England’s win over Senegal.
    The Three Lions defeated the African champions 3-0 to seal a meeting with France in the World Cup quarter-final.

    Bellingham was outstanding once again as he produced the assist for Jordan Henderson’s opener and started the move for the second goal with some stunning play.
    The 19-year-old was substituted in the second half to save his legs for the next round, but he was still busy as he sat on the bench.
    Bellingham cut a bandage off his upper left arm as he sat next to Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench.
    The Borussia Dortmund star fiddled around with a pair of scissors before eventually managing to tear the material off.
    More Sterling details
    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 after the gang took £300,000 of watches.
    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.”
    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.
    Mbappe’s warning
    By MARK IRWIN
    Kylian Mbappe has fired an ominous World Cup warning after firing France into a quarter-final showdown with the Three Lions on Saturday.
    The PSG superstar is now the tournament’s top scorer after his second-half double sealed a 3-1 win against Poland and took his goals tally to five.
    And the powerful 23-year-old now has his sights set firmly on Gareth Southgate’s team as he targets a second World Cup winners’ medal.
    He said: “This is the competition of my dreams and my only objective is to win the World Cup again.
    “The most important thing for me right now is the quarter-final match. That is my only focus.
    “I have been preparing for this competition all season both mentally and physically. I wanted to be ready and I am delighted to be here.
    “We are still a long way from our ultimate objective which is to win the trophy. But we are delighted to win this game and get through to the quarter-finals.
    “I have not come to Qatar to win the Golden Boot or the Golden Ball. If I get them I will be happy but that’s not what I am here for.
    “I am here to help the French team to win the World Cup.
    “Today was a difficult game against a very tough Polish side but we managed to score at the important moments.
    “We showed good control even though we didn’t play as well as we could have. But we got the result and that is all that matters.”
    France next
    It’s Kylian Mbappe and France who await England next.
    Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate is fully aware of what awaits.
    “They’re an outstanding team with a phenomenal tournament record and some outstanding individuals. 
    “Without doubt we have to find our highest possible level.”
    Sterling situation
    Raheem Sterling is heading home from Qatar, after The Sun revealed his home was burgled.
    Sterling was initially withdrawn from England’s team against Senegal at the eleventh hour for personal reasons.
    And now boss Southgate is unsure if Sterling will return.
    He told ITV: “We’ll have to wait and see. The priority is for him to be with his family and we are going to support that. We’re going to leave him to have as much time as he needs. 
    “He is going home.
    “I really don’t know if he will return. It’s a situation he needs time with his family to deal with and I don’t want to put him under pressure. Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first.”
    Superstar Bellingham
    Jude Bellingham produced another display beyond his years, as England swept Senegal aside 3-0.
    And Southgate reserved some praise for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, as well as the his other young guns.
    Southgate told ITV “We have got some super young players we feel it’s been right to give them their head and opportunities. 
    “Jude, Phil and Bukayo in particular tonight. They are heading in a really good direction and these games are brilliant life experiences for them. The progress they are making is phenomenal.
    “The team made a very complicated game tonight look straight forward. That wasn’t the case but because of our mentality and attitude they’ve made it look that way.”
    Kane breaks duck
    England boss Gareth Southgate has spoken of the importance of Harry Kane breaking his World Cup scoring duck against Senegal.
    Southgate revealed: “Any centre-forward wants to be off the mark and for him it stops questions.
    “He started to find a bit more space in the second half and his link play was better as well.
    “It was important for Harry and for us.”
    Southgate pleased
    Gareth Southgate was pleased with England’s ruthlessness and the way they worked off the ball.
    He also reserved special praise for Jordan Henderson.
    “The ruthlessness of our execution and the way the team worked off the ball,” Southgate told ITV Sport.
    “We were a bit sticky with the ball in the first 25-35 minutes. Senegalhad a lot of energy, pressed well and their shape was good. And I felt our best opportunities came from winning the ball from them.
    “Jude and Hendo in particular were outstanding in that aspect of the game.
    “They are both forward running and thinking midfield players. Hendo doesn’t get many for us but he’s been outstanding. 
    “He’s such a leader, he knits the team together and around the camp he is brilliant. His performances have been top drawer.”
    Sterling burglary
    Raheem Sterling was forced to race back from the World Cup today after burglars smashed into his home, The Sun can reveal.
    The Chelsea ace pulled out of England’s last-16 tie with Senegal after learning of the invasion at his Surrey pile on Saturday night.
    A spokesperson for the FA said Sterling would not play in the game.
    The statement read: “Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the #ThreeLions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”
    The shock announcement came just hours before the Three Lions were due to kick off against the African Cup of Nations champs.
    Asked at a pre-match press conference why Sterling was left off the team sheet, England Manager Gareth Southgate said: “He’s dealing with a family matter.
    “I had quite a bit of time with him this morning but I have now had to pass that on to other people to help him with that.
    “He’s going to go and deal with that matter. And then we will have to take it from there really.”
    Sterling is expected to return to Qatar as England head into a quarter final clash with France next Saturday.
    Peep Peep!
    England are through.
    The Three Lions have made short work of African Cup of Nations champs Senegal – winning 3-0.
    Jordan Henderson set the ball rolling, Harry Kane added a second, while Bukayo Saka put the icing on the cake.
    It’s France next. Bring on Mbappe… gulp.
    Gomez ‘fine’
    Argentina midfielder Papu Gomez has shrugged off injury fears ahead of Friday’s huge World Cup quarter-final against Holland.
    The Sevilla star admitted he sprained his ankle as he was taken off in the 2-1 last-16 win over Australia.
    But the 34-year-old insists he will be “fine” for what could be one of the games of the tournament.
    Dreamland for England
    It’s three!
    And that’s three goals for Bukayo Saka in this World Cup too.
    Now that really is game, set and match now – surely?
    England can dream of the last eight now.
    Deschamps rages at Kounde
    France boss Didier Deschamps was RAGING with defender Jules Kounde after he was forced to remove a GOLD NECKLACE during their 3-1 win over Poland.
    The 24-year-old began the match with the jewellery on and it was visible to those watching on TV, with many flagging it on social media.
    When asked about the matter, he said: “He has no right. I don’t know what he has on his chain, I know that Jules has a bit of a superstition, he has it in training.
    “I don’t know the meaning. I even told him – ‘You’re lucky you’re not in front of me, or else…’.
    “The referee had told us that as soon as there was a stoppage in play… players are not allowed to wear a bracelet or a necklace. They’re not going to start wearing watches or sunglasses either.
    “It’s not allowed. I thought he was taking it off but apparently that wasn’t the case.”
    One foot in the quarters
    It’s now 2-0 to the Three Lions and there’s delirium around the nation.
    And finally Harry Kane has broken his World Cup duck – firing home.
    On the half-time whistle too.
    Surely there’s no coming back for Senegal now?
    1-0 England!
    Jordan Henderson has given England the lead after 38 minutes.
    Fantastic finish from the Liverpool midfielder – who burst into the box and slid the ball low in the corner.
    Jude Bellingham with the assist.
    Come on England!
    Giroud’s not going to stop
    By MARK IRWIN
    Olivier Giroud insists he is not going to stop at 52 after breaking Thierry Henry’s French goal record to fire his country into the World Cup quarter-finals.
    The 36-year-old AC Milan striker set his team on their way to a 3-1 victory over Poland before a double from Kylian Mbappe finished the job in style.
    Wife Jennifer and their four children were all at the Al Thumama Stadium to see him making history and he said: “It’s a childhood dream to beat Thierry Henry like that. 
    “A lot of people told me it was coming, but now my obsession is to go as far as possible with this team.
    “Now the adventure continues. We have had to show solidarity and unity to get this far and the team has been rewarded for its efforts.”
    Delighted French coach Didier Deschamps said: “Olivier has always been an important player for us, even four years ago in Russia when he didn’t score.
    “He has had some difficult periods in his career and has often been criticised but he has always stayed strong mentally and now we are seeing his quality.
    “He has broken a very difficult record held by Henry and to score so many goals at international level isa great achievement.
    “But now there is another boy in Kylian Mbappe who might break that record one day and perhaps he has a better understanding now with Olivier.
    “Four years ago we played a 4-4-2 with Kylian more on the right, but now they are closer together and I don’t mind if it doesn’t work as long as we can get the same results as in 2018.
    “Both players need each other because a striker like Olivier likes to play with Kylian because he likes laying balls off for him.
    “Kylian didn’t have his best match tonight and he knows that but he is a player who can change a match in just a moment.
    “He always plays with joy and we all want to share those smiles. France needed a great Kylian Mbappe and tonight we got one.”
    Belgium players go home
    Five Belgium players reportedly took earlier flights home to the rest of the squad after crashing out of the World Cup,
    The Red Devils exited the tournament in the group stage after failing to beat Croatia in their final match.

    Roberto Martinez’s side created plenty of chances against the 2018 finalists but were unable to find a clinical finish.
    Some of the players were visibly devastated at full-time, with Romelu Lukaku having to be consoled by assistant manager Thierry Henry.
    The draw left Belgium in third place, with Morocco finishing top and Croatia going through in second place.
    Throughout the duration of the tournament, there have been reports of unrest in the team’s dressing room.
    Why Sterling is missing
    England are taking on Senegal in the World Cup as they aim to reach the quarter-finals.
    Though star man Raheem Sterling will be playing no part for the Three Lions.

    Raheem Sterling is not available for England’s World Cup clash with Senegal as he is dealing with a family matter, the FA have confirmed.
    The Chelsea ace has been a mainstay in the national team ever since Gareth Southgate took charge back in 2016.
    Sterling started both of England’s games against Iran and USA but was then benched for the 3-0 win over Wales.
    The 27-year-old has scored 21 times in 80 times in total.
    Suarez parting shot at Fifa
    Luis Suarez aimed a parting shot at Fifa as he exited what will almost certainly be his final World Cup.
    The controversial Uruguay striker, 35, was furious at the way his team’s matches have been officiated after they slipped out of his fourth tournament on goals scored on Friday.

    Portugal’s second goal against them last week was scored via a penalty for handball which many claim should not have been given.
    And as they chased extra goals in their 2-0 win over Ghana on Friday they were denied two  penalties by German ref Daniel Siebert, taking charge of just his second World Cup match.
    Suarez also said he was stopped from seeing his children at the end.
    The former Liverpool forward said: “It seems that Uruguay has to have more power, Fifa is always against Uruguay.
    “After the game I wanted to see my children and the Fifa people told me, ‘No’ — yet a player from France was with his children on the bench.
    “The people of Fifa and the Referees Committee have to give explanations as to what they are basing the obvious penalty decisions on that are being taken. On Friday, they didn’t give us two.”
    Saka and Foden to start
    Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are set to start against Senegal tonight.
    Manager Gareth Southgate is keeping Foden in the team while he is also poised to bring Saka back into the starting XI for the last-16 clash.

    And that is heartbreak for Marcus Rashford, who has scored three times this tournament including two against Wales.
    And it is also a blow for Raheem Sterling who was pushing for a place after failing to feature in the 3-0 win over Wales.
    Football fans will be pleased that Foden keeps his place for the last 16 clash.
    Saka started the first two games and will now be fresh as England look to reach the quarter-finals.
    Unstoppable
    There is no stopping that man.
    Kylian Mbappe has two, curling another effort into the top corner, which Wojciech Szczesny got a hand to but couldn’t keep out.

    He has 16 goals in his last 14 games for his country. He’s 23.
    It’s 3-0 and that’s surely that.
    Alcohol-free Irish pub
    This is surely a first.
    Next door to England’s hotel in Al Wakrah is Irish bar Bennigans.

    We’re no experts, but this has to be the world’s first non-alcohol selling Irish bar?
    Wenger backs England
    Arsene Wenger says England have what it takes to win the World Cup – and predicts they are only going to get better.
    The former Arsenal boss, now Fifa’s global head of football development and head of the Qatar 2022 technical study group, believes Gareth Southgate’s men can go all the way.
    Wenger said: “The big teams have turned up at this World Cup.
    “Like the rest of them, England have been inconsistent in the group phase.
    “They were absolutely outstanding in the first game against Iran but then struggled in the second game against the USA.
    “Then they came back when needed against Wales to give a convincing performance.”
    Wenger added: “They have been up and down, like all of the big countries.
    “But I would say that England are one of the countries that has learned a lot from their recent competitions.
    “They were in the last four in 2018 and then reached the final of Euro 2020.
    “Contrary to someone like Belgium, who have passed their peak, England look a team that is now at their peak to deliver and has learned. And it is still a young team.
    “Gareth Southgate is a very intelligent man and he is capable of analysing  all the games and the performances as a team and as individual players.
    “He is like his team. 
    “Gareth has learned from the World Cup and the Euros and is now in a situation to deliver.”
    Wenger’s verdict on England was backed up by Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann, who said: “The England situation is fascinating because you can see the progression from Russia and the Euros, when you thought they were right there to win it and found the last piece was missing.
    “But Gareth Southgate has only one goal here and that is to bring the trophy home.
    “This is a new phase of the competition. Once the knock-out phase starts it’s a completely new tournament.
    “You have a different mental approach. It switches something in your brain and turns it on.
    “If you don’t feel 100 per cent right on the day, it can all go with one mistake or a set-piece.
    “But this is what you live for. 
    “I wish England good luck because we can all see the progression.
    “They are coming. The team is very deep with high quality players who perform in the best league in the world, because the Premier League IS apart from all the other top leagues in Europe, everybody watches all the superstars.
    “It’s a good time to deliver now.” 
    Wenger, who appeared to suggest that first round flops Denmark, Belgium and Germany had allowed themselves to be distracted by off-field issues in Qatar, presented a statistical review of the  opening stage which confirmed some emerging trends.
    Goals direct from open-play crosses are up 83 per cent on Russia four years ago, goals from outside the box are markedly down and the development of goalkeepers as critical release valves has grown exponentially.
    Wenger added: “From what we have seen so far, the team with the best wide players will win the tournament.
    “But we have also seen the importance of the goalkeeper as a playmaker.
    “Most of us inside the game have long considered the keepers as a union apart but now they have to be viewed as a crucial part of any team. 
    “Passes to the keeper have more than doubled. They are the first link. That is the modern evolution of the game.”
    What a strike
    Kylian Mbappe’s thunderous strike puts France 2-0 up.
    And that looks like it’s game, set and match with just 15 minutes left.
    He now has eight World Cup goals to his name – more than Pele.
    Ferdinand bumps into Ji-sung
    Rio Ferdinand and Park Ji-sung reconnected in Qatar while the pair were visiting for the World Cup.
    The duo played together during the Red Devils’ successful years under former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

    Ferdinand grabbed a selfie with the former South Korean midfielder as he was on while taking a break from his punditry work.
    In the picture the pair are smiling, although Park does look a lot smarter in his suit compared to Ferdinand’s white t-shirt.
    Ferdinand posted the picture with the caption: “Good to see my guy Park Ji-sung.”
    Fans loved the picture of the two as it was ‘liked’ over 120,000 times on Instagram and many were happy to see the midfielder again.
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    TV viewers left shocked as World Cup legend looks unrecognisable in stands during England’s last-16 win over Senegal

    FANS were left stunned after spotting a World Cup legend in the stands during England’s win over Senegal in the Last 16.The Three Lions defeated the Lions of Teranga 3-0 at the Al Bayt Stadium to punch their ticket to the quarter-finals where they will face France.
    Fans struggled to identify this World Cup legend during England vs Senegal
    Senegal’s hopes of becoming yet another giant slayer in Qatar after the likes of Japan and Morocco didn’t come to fruition as goals by Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka sent them crashing.
    However, they had some strong support from the stands, and that is where one of their greatest ever legends was sitting.
    Fans struggled to recognise him at first with his muscly figure, Senegal cap and tattoo-covered arms.
    That was none other than former Liverpool, Bolton, Sunderland and Blackburn ace El Hadji Diouf.
    Read More on World Cup
    TV viewers were amazed after his identity was revealed as Diouf has added some serious muscle since 2015 when he retired.
    One fan said: “El Hadji Diouf piled on some muscle there.”

    Another posted: “El Hadji Diouf? El HENCH Diouf.”
    A third commented: “El Hadji Diouf looking buff.”
    Most read in Football
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    That was none other than Senegal legend El Hadji Diouf, who played for LiverpoolCredit: AFP
    Diouf enjoyed tremendous success with Senegal as he was part of the team – which also included current manager Aliou Cisse – that sent the nation to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup.
    That led him to a major move to Liverpool where he spent three turbulent years, one of which saw him getting loaned out to Bolton before his permanent move to the Trotters in 2005.
    The 41-year-old former forward amassed a total of 16 goals in 43 caps with Senegal. More

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    England vs Senegal LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel – Saka adds Three Lions’ THIRD in World Cup last-16 clash

    ENGLAND have sailed through into a World Cup quarter-final against France after putting Senegal to the sword.Gareth Southgate and his boys deserve all the credit in the world after showing their class against their African opposition.
    Bukayo Saka, Jordan Henderson and Harry Kane scored the goals as the Three Lions won 3-0.
    France are up next on Saturday night!

    Result: England 3-0 Senegal
    England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Henderson, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Kane
    Senegal XI: Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly (c), Diallo, Jakobs, Ciss, Mendy; Ndiaye, Diatta, Sarr, Dia

    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS FOR THE WORLD CUP
    Follow all the action from Qatar with our live blog…
    Team mate shocked at news
    Senegal captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, was in complete shock when told of the news of Raheem Sterling:
    I really didn’t know. I’m really surprised. I hope his family is good. Now I will call him and see what happened to him. But I hope he will be good and his family is good.Kalidou KoulibalySenegal
    Senegal player ratings:
    E Mendy 5
    Sabaly 6
    Koulibaly 6
    Diallo 5
    Jakobs 4 (Ballo-Toure, 84, 4)
    I Sarr 6
    N Mendy 5
    Ciss 5 (Gueye 46, 6)
    Diatta 6 (P Sarr, 46, 5)
    I Ndiaye 5 (B Dieng, 46, 5)
    Dia 6 (Diedhiou, 72, 5)
    Kane scores on and off the pitch
    Harry Kane silenced the critics as he scored his first goal in an England shirt in open play this year.
    Dropping deeper, looking to link the midfield and attack, Kane scored well into added time at the end of the first half to send England 2-0 before the interval.
    He celebrates the win with a kiss with wife Katie Goodland.

    Always a keen Walker
    Football is over, time to get back to parent responsibilities for England’s Kyle Walker.
    He can enjoy the victory today but next weekend he will have a more willing runner to look after in the form of Kylian Mbappe.
    Let’s hope he is up to that test just as much.

    England player ratings:
    MARCUS RASHFORD (for Saka, 65mins) – 6
    A few bursts of pace to keep Senegal on their toes as match petered out
    JACK GREALISH (for Foden, 65mins) – 6 
    As against Wales, kept possession well without threatening much.
    ERIC DIER (for Stones, 77mins) – 6
    An uneventful run-out but useful if he is to be called upon against France.
    MASON MOUNT (for Bellingham, 77mins) – 6
    Pressed high to keep Senegal from having a sniff of a consolation.
    KALVIN PHILLIPS (for Henderson, 82mins) – 6
    Gained a few more minutes on the pitch as Southgate rested legs.
    Security checks Harry’s forward burst
    If only the host nation’s football team could have shown defence as tight as the stadium security.
    England’s Harry Maguire was stopped from seeing his family and friends.
    I’ve never seen so many shirts saying ‘Maguire 6’.

    Southgate praises midfield display
    The England manager was asked what pleased him most in the display against Senegal:
    “The ruthlessness of our execution and the way the team worked off the ball.”
    “We were a bit sticky with the ball in the first 25-35 minutes. Senegal had a lot of energy, pressed well and their shape was good. And I felt our best opportunities came from winning the ball from them.”
    “Jude and Hendo in particular were outstanding in that aspect of the game.”
    “They are both forward running and thinking midfield players. Hendo doesn’t get many for us but he’s been outstanding.”
    “He’s such a leader, he knits the team together and around the camp he is brilliant. His performances have been top drawer.”
    Credit: Alamy
    England player ratings:
    BUKAYO SAKA – 7
    Justified his starting place by playing his part in first-half operation to stop Sarr and then finally making his presence felt at the other end by scoring third.
    HARRY KANE – 7
    Fed off scraps until his fine through ball to Bellingham led to opener. Broke his tournament duck at perfect time and became a creative hub as England took control.
    PHIL FODEN – 8
    After finding it hard to get into game, burst into life to start move for opener then tee up Kane for second and Saka for third. Like Saka, repaid Southgate’s faith.
    England player ratings:
    JORDAN HENDERSON – 8
    Worked his socks off pressing the ball and shutting off passing lanes, then burst through to ease England nerves with opener. Should silence critics with a big-game performance.
    DECLAN RICE – 8
    England’s steady Eddie kept his head while some about him were losing theirs. Full of running and heart as England’s midfield turned the game and saved the day.
    JUDE BELLINGHAM – 9
    Actually faded a bit after powerful start, but came good again in style to drive England to victory. Fine run and cross for first goal, superb to create second, excellent all round.
    England player ratings:
    JORDAN PICKFORD – 7
    Important one-handed save from Boulaye Dia when Senegal were on top. A much less worrying second half. Distribution improved from group stage . 
    KYLE WALKER – 7
    Lucky to escape first-half booking for foul on Ismaila Sarr. Otherwise did a decent job on the dangerman but that restricted his impact at the other end. Bring on Mbappe!
    JOHN STONES – 6
    Looked on edge, uncharacteristically careless with the ball and headed decent chance over bar in first half. Improved in second, but pressure was off by then.
    HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
    Tested by Senegal’s pace from early on and loose pass led to Sarr chance that should have been buried. Like Stones, will have to show more grace under fire.
    LUKE SHAW – 7
    Did what he had to do, and a lot more calmly than his centre backs. Had less to worry about on his side than Walker and so was able to offer a bit more going forward.
    Hey Jude, don’t let me down
    England’s young midfielder Jude Bellingham absorbs the World Cup buzz, sat in the middle of the pitch after the game.
    Bellingham, put in a solid shift and his partnership with Henderson and Rice was the foundation for this England win.
    Maybe he’s checking his Sun World Cup Dream Team.

    French test for Three Lions
    England will now face reigning champions France in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    The game will kick-off at 7pm, taking place in this exact stadium on Saturday.
    Fans can follow the action here, to see if Gareth Southgate’s side can move one step closer to ‘bringing it home’.
    Bell of the ball
    Jude Bellingham is quickly turning himself into one of world football’s hottest properties.
    The Dortmund midfielder has stood out from that first group game against Iran and hasn’t let his levels drop since.
    Playing a slightly different game, he found himself out on the left a lot but England utilised this to their advantage.

    Sterling home broken into
    News has broken that Raheem Sterling was forced to return home from the World Cup after his home was ransacked by burglars.
    The Chelsea attacker has returned to the UK to deal with his family matter but is expected to return to Qatar.
    That being said, Southgate has pointed out:
    “He’s going to go and deal with that matter. And then we will have to take it from there really.”
    Jordan shines in Middle East
    Much-maligned England midfielder, Jordan Henderson, silenced his critics this evening with another stand-out performance.
    The Liverpool man kept his place off the back of his performance against Wales but certainly delivered today.
    His partnership in the centre of midfield with Jude Bellingham was the difference this evening.
    While England may have ended up winning the game comfortably, the midfield trio of Rice, Henderson and Bellingham contributed to the win more than anyone.
    Credit: Getty
    FT: England 3-0 Senegal
    A dominant victory for England in terms of possession and shots on target.
    For their part, Senegal could have scored themselves but just lacked the clinical-edge the Three Lions had.

    FT: England 3-0 Senegal
    The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
    England are into the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
    There will be some sore heads in work tomorrow.
    England 3-0 Senegal
    90+2. So England will take on France next Saturday.
    Games don’t get much bigger than that.
    Rice is penalised for a studs-up challenge, giving Senegal a free kick on the edge of the box.
    Credit: Getty
    England 3-0 Senegal
    90. We are going to have four additional minutes.
    The England fans continue to sing ‘Jerusalem’.
    England come forward once again.
    Shaw’s cross finds Rashford who can only find the side-netting.
    England 3-0 Senegal
    88. It is all about game management now for England.
    Keep the ball, pass it around, take the result.
    Three goals and a clean sheet in the knockout rounds of tournament football is something anyone would take before the game.
    England 3-0 Senegal
    86. Mount is penalised for an unnecessary foul.
    Senegal continue to come forward, testing the England defensive capabilities.
    They have won a corner.
    Pickford claims the cross all too easily.
    England 3-0 Senegal
    84. Whoever has been on these drums for the last few hours, deserves their break at the end of this game.
    It has been non-stop.
    Jakobs comes off for Ballo-Toure.
    England 3-0 Senegal
    82. Jordan Henderson leaves the pitch for Kalvin Phillips.
    Great applause for Henderson as he comes off the pitch.
    Kalvin Phillips by the end of this game may have played for minutes for England than he has Man City.
    Credit: PA
    England 3-0 Senegal
    80. We are into the final ten minutes of the game.
    Grealish is happy to run at the Senegalese players still.
    He feeds it out wide and Rashford whips a low cross looking for Kane.
    Kane slides in but cannot make contact.
    Close.
    England 3-0 Senegal
    78. Luke Shaw takes a free kick from a wide position.
    He finds Maguire deep in the box but his header is easily cleared.
    Senegal trying to retain possession more now.
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    England 3 Senegal 0: Rampant Three Lions to face fearsome France in World Cup quarter-finals as Kane scores in rout

    JUDE BELLINGHAM is having an impact on this World Cup which surpasses even Paul Gascoigne’s breakthrough campaign at Italia 90.This lanky Brummie teenager is four years younger than Gazza had been during that golden summer, where he dribbled and sobbed his way into the nation’s affections.
    Jordan Henderson’s strike gave England the leadCredit: Reuters
    Captain Harry Kane fired home England’s second shortly before the breakCredit: Alamy
    Bukayo Saka made it three in the second half with a lovely finishCredit: Getty
    Jude Bellingham produced a remarkable midfield displayCredit: PA
    Gareth Southgate watched his side breeze into the quarter-finalsCredit: Reuters
    England dominated the last-16 clash to beat Senegal with relative ease
    But Gascoigne never stamped his authority on World Cup matches like this kid does.
    After Bellingham had laid on England’s opener for Jordan Henderson, with a visionary cut-back at full gallop, there was a moment when the 19-year-old’s maturity shone through.
    Harry Kane – who has played an excellent supporting role at this tournament but had not scored any of England’s first ten goals – skied a decent chance from a Bukayo Saka cross and slumped in frustration.
    Bellingham lifted his captain back to his feet, gave him a gee-up.
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    And soon after, on the stroke of half-time, Kane lashed home England’s second after another telling burst from the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
    That was a moment of pure relief for Kane and for Gareth Southgate.
    Pretty much the only ingredient missing from England’s campaign had been a goal for a skipper, who – incorrectly – never feels as if he is doing his job fully unless he is filling onion bags.
    And so England had repeated their happy knack of scoring in bursts here in Qatar.
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    Senegal could not cope with England after a cagey opening 30 minutes
    Bellingham was magnificent once again for England
    Like a boxer delivering a flurry of punches, they have the killer instinct to finish off opponents as soon as they land the first telling blow.
    Three in six minutes against Iran, two in two against Wales, two in seven here to floor the champions of Africa.
    Then, early in the second half, a third from Saka which snuffed out comeback hopes.
    Of course the standard of opposition is going to crank up a serious notch when England face France, and Golden boot leader Kylian Mbappe, in the quarter-final.

    But now a nation where nothing works, where everyone is on strike, where harsh winter weather is gripping and fuel bills are crippling, can at least look forward to a World Cup quarter-final against the world champions on a Saturday night.
    And however good Mbappe is, and however experienced France are, England have a real chance.
    Because, once Southgate’s team have imposed their game on an opposition during this tournament, they have possessed a bloodlust we have rarely associated with our national football team.
    And they even managed to do it playing live on the cursed ITV.
    At the centre of it all is Bellingham – outstanding in each of England’s three victories here – heading the opening goal of the campaign and showing a supreme conviction, in and out of possession, which makes a mockery of the date on his birth certificate.
    He wasn’t even born when Wayne Rooney made his England debut – does he even know how old that makes so many of us feel?
    What talent, and what a temperament, Bellingham has.
    He had been the only Englishman who seemed to turn up for the first 38 minutes of this last-16 clash – then he played a major role in winning it by half-time.
    It was England’s biggest World Cup knockout win since 2002Credit: EPA
    Bellingham’s superb cutback set up the opening goalCredit: Reuters
    Henderson and Bellingham squared up to one another in a hilarious celebrationCredit: Reuters
    Declan Rice protected the back four superbly for England
    Again, Southgate made a bold call when he left out Marcus Rashford, the two-goal hero against Wales.
    While Raheem Sterling’s unavailability, due to a family issue, made the selection of widemen less convoluted, this was still bold.
    Saka returned, though, and scored the third from a Phil Foden assist, so nobody could complain.
    It was a slow start from England. Slow, that was, except for Bellingham.
    Thrust forward into the No 10 role since the Wales game, he was thriving there, winning tackle after tackle and even performing a cheerleading routine in an attempt to get England’s supporters heard above the rhythmic Senegalese drumming that provided the soundtrack.
    Midway through the half, there was serious alarm for England when Harry Maguire passed straight to Krepin Diatta, who centred for Ismaila Sarr to sky a close-range shot and John Stones survived a VAR review for handball.
    There was an anxiety about England’s defence which we hadn’t seen in the group stage – pressed aggressively by Senegal, their passing was loose.
    They looked like four men waiting around for something terrible to happen.
    And it almost did when Saka gifted possession to Sarr, who fed Dia for a shot which Pickford saved instinctively.
    Southgate had been demanding England show respect to their opposition but not this much.
    Kane got off the mark at the tournament and took his World Cup tally to sevenCredit: Getty
    Harry Maguire continued his fine form for England
    And then, out of nowhere, England scored a goal which was sweet and self-assured.
    There was a flick from Foden, a pass from Kane, a burst of speed from Bellingham, whose cutback on the run, which showcased his peripheral vision and masterful technique, allowing Henderson to slot home first-time, left-footed.
    It was only the Liverpool captain’s third goal in 73 internationals but you wouldn’t have guessed it – this was a striker’s finish.
    Henderson pointed markedly at Bellingham as he celebrated. They all know this 19-year-old is the one.
    Almost immediately came Kane’s miss, and Bellingham’s pick-me-up.
    And then, in the last action of the half, Bellingham made a headed interception, surged forward and fed Foden who slipped one square to Kane.
    The Tottenham man took one touch then leathered it past Edouard Mendy to move to 52 England goals – one behind Rooney.
    Senegal, superior for much of the first half, looked devastated.
    Before the hour it was three – Kane feeding Foden, who centred for Saka to score with a neat flick of the boot.
    And that was it, job done – subs came on, Southgate conserved energy levels and England managed out the game.
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    This is a very good, very serious, England team.
    On Saturday, we will discover whether the champions of the world are any better. 
    England march on to the quarter-finals where they will meet FranceCredit: Getty More

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    Watch Bellingham’s individual magic for England goal against Senegal as Lineker and Keane sing his praises

    GARY LINEKER led the praises for Jude Bellingham following his first-half display in England’s last 16 clash with Senegal.The Borussia Dortmund man was the star of the show as The Three Lions went into a 2-0 lead over the African champions.

    Jude Bellingham was the star of the show in England’s clash with SenegalCredit: ALAMY
    The Borussia Dortmund midfielder set up Jordan Henderson’s openerCredit: ALAMY
    Bellingham, 19, provided an inch-perfect assist for Jordan Henderson to break the deadlock in the 38th minute.
    And the lanky midfielder was at the heart of the action for England’s second, driving the team forward for Harry Kane’s first goal of the tournament.
    England fans around the world purred at Bellingham’s performance, including Lineker.
    The former England striker tweeted: “Goodness me, @BellinghamJudeis unbelievably good.
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    “He’s the leader in this team. His parents must be so proud. Love him.”
    He added: “Sensational from @BellinghamJude again, he does everything, and @HKane gets his first goal of the tournament. Happy days.”
    Roy Keane said of the youngster: “He’s going to be a superstar that kid.”
    Footy fans followed suit, with one saying: “Jude Bellingham bossing the middle of the park.”
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    Another said: “Jude Bellingham is realllly that guy.”
    And another said: “Jude Bellingham. What a player.”
    One remarked: “JUDE BELLINGHAM WHAT A F*****G PLAYER.”
    Another chimed in: “Jude Bellingham is special. England’s best player at this tournament by a considerable distance.”

    England superfan Piers Morgan said: “Only 19.. but already looks a world-class footballer on the ultimate world stage.
    “Take a bow, @BellinghamJude.”
    Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted: “@BellinghamJude is not 19.
    “I want to see the birth certificate!!! Unreal.”
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    Jude Bellingham celebrates with his England team-matesCredit: GETTY
    A second-half strike from Bukayo Saka saw Gareth Southgate’s troops run out 3-0 winners over the Senegalese.
    And it’s set up a mouthwatering quarter-final clash with defending champions France. More

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    World Cup fans say the same thing about Senegal fan’s VERY convincing lion costume during crunch clash with England

    WORLD Cup fans are all saying the same thing about one of Senegal’s supporters who showed up at the Stadium in a very convincing lion costume.A footie fan dressed in their country’s colours along with a massive lion head appeared in the crowd during the team’s clash with England.
    One of Senegal’s fans appeared wearing a gigantic lion headCredit: ITV
    Senegal’s superfan who has caught everyone’s attention has attended all of his country’s team’s games dressed in the same outfit and always wearing the lion head.
    Twitter users were quick to spot him in the crowd and they were all left stunned about how realistic the lion head looks.
    One said: “Regardless of how they do the real MVP of this whole tournament is the fan whose been at every Senegal game wearing this amazing lion head.
    Someone else wrote: “Senegal have got a lion in their crowd. It’s a health and safety disaster just waiting to happen.”
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    One added: “actual lion in the crowd dancing with Senegal supporters.”
    Another one said: “Someone has a whole Lion’s head in the Senegal crowd and I have to respect it.”
    It comes after mascot Harry Mane stole the show ­during a dance-off with Senegal fans ahead of the game yesterday.
    Meanwhile, large sections of the Al Bayt Stadium were left empty for the World Cup Round of 16 clash.
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    Daniel Sturridge trolled by ex-Liverpool team-mate Dejan Lovren after ex-England star sings new song about Kylian Mbappe

    DEJAN LOVREN has hilariously trolled his former team-mate Daniel Sturridge for his recent Kylian Mbappe song.The former England striker stunned fans on television recently as he broke out into song as he argued that the French star would win the Golden Boot at the World Cup.

    Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren responded to Daniel Sturridge’s song
    Lovren is currently at the World Cup with CroatiaCredit: Getty
    He also started singing and using a Portuguese accent as he backed Portugal to win their group.
    While fans have been posting messages about his recent antics, his former teammate has not let them slide.
    Sturridge posted a video on Instagram of himself discussing the day’s football matches.
    In the video, he said: “Getting to the sports bar now to watch the England game, watched the France game as well as Giroud scored and my man scored a double again.”
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    Sturridge then broke into song again to celebrate the Mbappe goals, as he sang: “Mbappe, Mbappe, Mbappe, he will score he will score yeah.”
    The post has been liked 4,000 times and received plenty of comments, but one coming from Lovren stuck out.
    The Croatian defender replied: “Stop singing and send me for once these sunglasses,” along with a kiss emoji.
    Lovren’s comment was liked almost 200 times, with people commenting and calling him the “goat” for his joke.
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    The defender has played in every game for Croatia at the World Cup, helping them progress to the knockout stages.
    Croatia will be playing Japan in their round of 16 game as they look to replicate their run to the final from 2018.
    Lovren left Liverpool in 2020 and moved to Russian Premier League side Zenit St Petersburg. More

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    Heartwarming moment Jack Grealish wears young disabled fan’s T-shirt design ahead of World Cup clash

    ENGLAND ace Jack Grealish melted hearts as he donned a T-shirt designed by his number one fan.The white tee by Finlay, who has cerebral palsy, shows Grealish doing the ‘Worm’ celebration after bagging against Iran in the 6-2 thriller.
    Jack Grealish surprised number one fan Finlay as he wore a special tribute T-shirt designed by the young lad just hours before England’s clash with SenegalCredit: Twitter
    Finlay, who has cerebral palsy, shows off his T-shirt of Grealish doing the ‘Worm’ celebrationCredit: Twitter
    The Man City winger fulfilled his promise to perform the move after the 12-year-old requested it specially.
    A picture of Grealish doing the celebration sent the internet into meltdown and raked in almost 350,000 likes on Twitter.
    And heart-warming footage of Finlay in awe after watching his idol crack out his special dance also went viral.
    Grealish later called up the youngster in a touching one-to-one phone call from Qatar.
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    The pair struck up an unbreakable bond after meeting at a weekly training session for disabled kids organised by Man City’s charity, City in the Community.
    It came after the young fan penned a letter to Grealish after learning that the Three Lions ace’s sister also suffers from cerebral palsy.
    Grealish received plaudits across the nation for the kindness he showed the 12-year-old lad when they met.
    And Finlay was so star struck by his idol that he gave him a big hug.
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    The 27-year-old debuted Finlay’s tribute T-shirt just hours before the Three Lions kicked off against Senegal in their last-16 World Cup tie.
    The photo, shared by Art of Football on Twitter, read: “Moment made. @JackGrealish wearing Finlay’s design ahead of tonight’s game.
    “These moments of wholesome connection are priceless. From every player to every fan across the country, when we say we are behind this England team, this is why.”
    Grealish struck up an unbreakable bond with Finaly after meeting at a weekly training session for disabled kids organised by Man City’s charity, City in the CommunityCredit: ITV More