World Cup 2022

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      Best XI of the World Cup group stages as England pair Rashford and Maguire shine and Mbappe scores three for France

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      THE WORLD CUP is in full swing and the group stages are all done already. Brazil and Portugal both lost on Friday meaning no teams progressed through with a perfect 100 per cent win record.
      Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire have impressed at Qatar 2022Credit: Getty
      This is SunSport’s team of the tournament after the group stages
      Belgium and Germany crashed out as did Wales and Denmark while Argentina survived an almighty scare.
      But now as we head into the knockout stages, SunSport rounds up the best players of the tournament so far…
      GK: Wojciech Szczesny
      Probably the easiest pick of all is the man between the sticks as Poland No1 Szczesny gets the gloves.
      Wojciech Szczesny saved two penalties during the group stages. including one from Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      He saved not one but TWO penalties in the groups – denying Salem Al-Dawsari and then Lionel Messi – while his saves helped Poland scrape through at Mexico’s expense.
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      DF: Harry Souttar
      Centre-back Souttar has joined an elite list of Scotland-born players to reach the knockout stages of a men’s major tournament – with the actual national team never doing so.
      Harry Souttar looks the real deal as the beast at the backCredit: EPA
      But the 24-year-old Stoke ace proved a rock at the back with his manager tipping him for a Premier League transfer – after only just returning from an ACL injury.
      DF: Harry Maguire
      To say there were question marks over his inclusion in the squad would be an understatement but Maguire has blocked out the noise and let his defending do the talking.
      A colossus through the groups, he crashed the bar with a booming header, set up Bukayo Saka and proved unbeatable against USA and Wales.
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      Harry Maguire looks to be enjoying himself alongside John Stones for EnglandCredit: Getty
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      DF: Jordi Alba
      Playing at his sixth major tournament for Spain, the experienced left-back is still Luis Enrique’s first choice – and for good reason.
      Jordi Alba has excelled for Spain adding assists from left-backCredit: Getty
      He grabbed two assists in the opening two games as Spain progressed to the last 16.
      RM: Marcus Rashford
      Three goals, six shots on target and one beaming smile – Rashford has been a revelation for England.
      Marcus Rashford is playing his best football in an England shirt for a long timeCredit: Getty
      Again, some considered him fortunate to be in Qatar, but he has more than justified it with his goal immediately after coming on against Iran – his first action since the penalty miss against Italy – then banged in a couple more past Danny Ward.
      CM: Gavi
      It’s easy to forget this lad only turned 18 in August as he runs the show in the middle of the park for Spain.
      Gavi has shown great maturity and experience for an 18-year-oldCredit: Getty
      He secured a team-high seven tackles in the groups and chipped in with a goal in the 7-0 Costa Rica thrashing to become the third-youngest scorer in World Cup history.
      CM: Casemiro
      The pre-tournament favourites Brazil can reel off an embarrassing list of attacking talent.
      Casemiro stepped up with a special winner against SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
      But in the absence of Neymar, it was the United man who blasted in a cracker to see off Switzerland – at the other end he helped the Selecao to two clean sheets before being rested for the Cameroon defeat.
      LM: Cody Gakpo
      Memphis Depay’s injury concerns threatened to wreck Holland’s relatively-routine Group A campaign – Gakpo stepped up, though.
      Cody Gakpo has been one of the standout performersCredit: Reuters
      He grabbed a goal in all three games and no doubt added a few millions to his transfer value at home with PSV.
      CAM: Bruno Fernandes 
      After his frosty welcome for Cristiano Ronaldo, it is the current Manchester United man making more of a mark on the World Cup.
      Bruno Fernandes scored twice against Uruguay to add to his two assistsCredit: AP
      He chipped in with two assists in the opener against Ghana then got both goals in the 2-0 victory over Uruguay – the first a cross which Ronaldo did NOT get a touch on and then his controversial penalty.
      RS: Enner Valencia
      What an eventful three games for the Ecuador striker who lit the World Cup up in the opening game with two goals – plus had THAT goal ruled out in the opening couple of minutes.
      Enner Valencia got the World Cup off to a fantastic startCredit: Reuters
      Then the ex-West Ham man added another against the Netherlands before being taken off on a stretcher and making a stunning recovery as the South Americans were knocked out by Senegal.
      LS: Kylian Mbappe
      Mbappe carried on where he left off in Russia four years ago with a goal against Australia and two past Denmark.
      Arguably the best player in the world right now and was clearly missed when he was given a rest for France’s defeat to Tunisia.
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      Kylian Mbappe has been bamboozling defenders in QatarCredit: Getty
      SUBS
      A few notable mentions must go to the likes of Jamal Musiala, Enzo Fernandez, Mohammed Kudus, Alvaro Morata, Jude Bellingham and Pedri.
      Tyler Adams, Tajon Buchanan, Christian Pulisic and Richarlison have also impressed at Qatar 2022 – with only the Canadian star the only one heading home early. More

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      James Maddison enjoys date night with stunning Wag Kennedy as he takes break from England’s World Cup preparation

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      ENGLAND star James Maddison took a break from World Cup preparations to see his girlfriend Kennedy Alexa. The couple were pictured together in Qatar as they enjoyed a date night.
      James Maddison and girlfriend Kennedy Alexa enjoyed some couple time in QatarCredit: Instagram / @kennedyalexa
      Kennedy Alexa is James Maddison’s girlfriendCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      Kennedy has been dating Maddison since 2020Credit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      She works as a modelCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      She has nearly 60,000 followers on Instagram
      She has flown to Qatar to support her boyfriendCredit: Instagram @kennedyalexa
      She was spotted in the stands as England took on USACredit: Getty
      Kennedy, 28, took to Instagram to share the photo of them both as she wore a brown dress while Maddison stylishly put his cap on backwards with his sunglasses.
      She captioned the image “precious time with you”.
      The Leicester midfielder responded with three love heart emojis.
      The duo have reportedly been together since 2020 and they have a son named Leo.
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      Kennedy is a model who previously lived in Los Angeles before returning back to the UK.
      England manager Gareth Southgate gave his players some time away from the team’s base prior to the huge last-16 tie versus Senegal.
      Southgate faces a selection dilemma after the heroic performance in the 3-0 demolition of Wales.
      Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden made their cases to start but it seems unlikely Maddison will get the nod.
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      The 26-year-old is yet to feature at this year’s World Cup after he was ruled out the first couple of games with a minor injury.
      However he is back in training as the squad were but through their paces before Sunday night’s big match.
      Maddison has been capped just one time for England but his incredible domestic form earned him a call-up.
      In 14 matches he has netted seven goals and got four assists and he could be useful off the bench for the Three Lions if they are chasing a goal. More

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      Netherlands 2 USA 0 LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel, Blind DOUBLES lead in World Cup last-16 clash – updates

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      NETHERLANDS are firmly in command of their World Cup last-16 clash with USA. Memphis Depay opened the scoring, sweeping home after a fine passing move.
      And Daley Blind made it two just before half-time in what looked like a carbon copy of the first goal.

      Start time: 3pm GMT
      Live stream/TV: BBC One/iPlayer
      Netherlands XI: Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, De Jong, Blind; Gakpo, Klaassen, Depary
      USA XI: Turner; Dest, Zimmerman, Ream, Robinson; Musah, Adams, McKennie; Perreira, Weah, Pulisic

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Follow all the action from Qatar with our live blog below…
      50. Netherlands 2-0 USA
      Cleared off the line by the Netherlands!So close for the USA and Tim Ream!The ball goes into the middle of the Dutch box and falls at the feet of Fulham’s Tim Ream, he stabs an effort at goal and beats Noppert, but it is cleared off the line.
      48. Netherlands 2-0 USA
      It is a front two of Depay and Bergwijn now for the Dutch, with Gakpo playing in the number 10 position.
      This is the attack that Memphis Depay was calling out for, so we will see if he can add to his goal tally now that he has his wish.
      46. Netherlands 2-0 USA
      Changes for both sides…
      Christian Pulisic has moved into the false nine position, and Ferreira is off to be replaced by Gio Reyna, who the US fans have been screaming out for.
      For Netherlands, Van Gaal has made two changes.
      De Roon and Klaasen are off, and are being replaced by Koopmeiners and Bergwijn.
      What a way to open
      We have an update for you from SunSport reporter Neil Custis, who is a huge admirer of the first Dutch goal, as am I, this is what he had to say…
      “What a brilliant goal it was at the Khalifa to give Holland the lead against the USA on ten minutes.
      “Critics of the Dutch style, of which there are many back home in the Netherlands, could not argue with this fantastic move finished off by Memphis Depay.
      “It involved 20 uninterrupted passes, the most by a Dutch team at a World Cup since these statistics began being recorded in 1966.
      “The defence to attack move finished with Cody Gakpo spreading the ball wide to Denzel Dumfries who spotted Depay had slowed his run to hang just inside the area unmarked.
      “He picked him out and the Barcelona man’s first time finish from 16 yards with his instep was perfect, across Matt Turner and into the far side of the goal.
      “After being out injured with a hamstring injury since mid-September, Memphis has had to be eased into this tournament by Louis van Gaal. But he is up and running now.”
      Dutch courage
      This is what the match stats look like at half-time…
      It could have been so different when Christian Pulisic got through on goal in the first two minutes, but he was denied by Noppert.
      The Dutch soaked up the pressure, and struck twice with precision against the USA before half time.
      Ultimately it is a footballing lesson from the Dutch thus far, and a comeback looks unlikely.

      HT. Netherlands 2-0 USA.
      The referee calls the first half to a close as we had just ONE minute of added time.
      That has to be a record at this tournament, right?
      Daley Blind made it 2-0 to the Netherlands just before half-time.Credit: Reuters
      45+1. Netherlands 2-0 USA
      Almost a carbon copy of the first goal, and Martin Lipton sums up my thoughts of the goal…
      “Same move, same goal. Just a different scorer.
      “Blind of all people able to ghost in late and plonk the ball past Turner with the last kick of the half.
      “Feels like that’s the end of this one.
      “Various incarnations of Captain America in the crowd look like they are ready to throw their shields in.”
      45+1. Netherlands 2-0 USA
      It’s two! It’s Daley Blind!
      45. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      End to end stuff.
      A great bit of play from the USA found Serginio Dest in the middle, but he was unable to pick out an attacker to strike the ball at goal.
      The Dutch again fled towards the USA goal with Cody Gakpo, but his pass at the final moment towards Depay was cut out by Zimmerman.
      42. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      Chance for USA!
      Great strike from Timothy Weah, who resembled his Dad with a strike like that from outside the box.
      Really powerful effort, hit on the half volley, that was well saved by Noppert.
      40. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      Better from the US, who drive down the right -side with Timothy Weah, but again it is let down with the final ball.
      This time it is Christian Pulisic, who picked the ball up in the Dutch box and played a poor ball away from Antonee Robinson.
      38. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      Apart from that opening chance that really should have seen them take the lead, it has been a toothless performance from the USA.
      They look pretty good until the ball gets into the final third, at which point the final pass and a deadly finisher are both missing in action.
      34. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      The Netherlands are a puzzle that the USA simply cannot work out at the moment.
      They are constantly trying to build attacks down the middle of the pitch, and are used to their high intensity game being matched by their opponents.
      But, the Netherlands have been clever, and are just sitting off of the USA and forcing them to play their way.
      32. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      Jordan Davies, who is at the game has his say on criticism towards the Dutch team which was directed at Louis van Gaal, and how they have reacted to that…
      “Dutch boss Louis van Gaal has been on the receiving end of some pretty heavy criticism during this World Cup for his team’s dull and predictable style of play.
      “But that goal was a blast from the past, during the days of Joahan Cruyff and Total Football.
      “Memphis Depay’s goal ended a sequence of TWENTY uninterrupted passes, the most on record for Holland at a World Cup since 1966.”
      28. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      We have another update from Martin Lipton in Qatar, who just wants to ensure that you all (and I) are clear on his feelings towards the Mexican Wave, and the Netherlands performance…
      “Some people – I potentially include Lloyd Canfield in this – may be labouring under a misapprehension about my feelings towards large groups of people standing up and sitting down in order around the perimeter of a stadium.
      “Suffice to say, no punishment would be harsh enough, in my book.
      “Meanwhile, US fans rediscovered their patriotism, it seems. 
      “But the Dutch drummer is belting out a more hopeful beat at the moment.
      “You can see why.
      “All extremely comfortable for van Gaal’s side.”
      That is from Martin Lipton, Chief Sports Reporter for The Sun and part-time Mexcian wave hater.
      26. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      Weston McKennie as the spare player in midfield needs to start driving with the ball when he picks it up.
      They are starting to look a bit timid on the ball and afraid of going forwards, perhaps because they know what the Netherlands can do to them on the break.
      24. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      The Netherlands are controlling the tempo of this one now, and are letting the USA come at them with Timothy Weah and Serginio Dest on the right-hand side.
      It will be interesting to see how the game changes if the US can get a goal back.
      20. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      It’s always good to see that your opinion on a game is backed up by an expert, and Martin Lipton’s analysis on this one from Qatar backs up our previous post, this is what he had to say…
      “Dutch are happy to let the US come at them.
      “Even happier now they’re in front.
      “Depay and Gakpo are pretty confident they have at least one more between them on the counter if their side can win the ball back high enough.
      “Oh…and it’s Mexican Wave time, again. Deep joy.”
      That is from Martin Lipton, SunSport reporter and Mexican Wave enjoyer.
      18. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      They will play at their tempo now, and won’t be rushing things against the USA.
      The USA look eager to get the equaliser and have started the game well, despite conceding early.
      They are just missing that final ball…
      16. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      Tempers are flaring for the USA already, as we know thanks to Jordan Davies, who is also at this one…
      “What people may not have noticed was an angry United States boss Gregg Berhalter confronting one of Holland’s sub keepers for running into his technical area to celebrate the goal.
      “The States bench was livid. The fourth official had a word with the opposite dug-out.
      “Tempers already flaring in what has been an entertaining match-up so far.”
      That is from Jordan Davies, who is live in Qatar at this game.
      14. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      This is Martin Lipton’s reaction to the goal, as we get his eagle-eyed analysis from the stadium in Qatar.
      “Americans sliced to pieces by incisive passing and a terrific finish.
      “You may say they got sucked in to the six-yard box when Dumfries got away down the right to pull back but the timing of Memphis Depay’s run and quality of his strike as he swept home were peerless.
      “Sense of shock and awe for US fans, too.
      “That’s the first time they’ve been behind all tournament. Dutch have found their voice.”
      12. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      What a goal that is, textbook, training ground stuff from the Netherlands.
      They glide down the pitch in a vintage Barcelona-style attack, before finding Denzel Dumfries on the right-hand side of the box.
      He cuts it back for Memphis Depay who arrives in the box late and sweeps the ball into the corner.
      Brilliant team goal.
      10. Netherlands 1-0 USA
      Against the run of play, Netherlands are swept in front by Memphis Depay!
      8. Netherlands 0-0 USA
      The bright US start continues, as Christian Pulisic drives down the left hand side and gets a good ball into the middle for Weah.
      The American is beaten to it and the Netherlands spring an attack on the US defence, but Memphis Depay’s shot is scuffed.
      6. Netherlands 0-0 USA
      An early update from Martin Lipton who is out in Qatar watching this one, as he reacts to that early Christian Pulisic chance:
      “The Americans came out of the blocks fast in all three group games and it’s already a similar story here.
      “Pulisic will know he should have scored when the flag rightly stayed down – Blind, slow out on the far side, played him on – but the shot was at the keeper. 
      “Chelsea fans may not have been shocked.”
      That is from Martin Lipton, who is at the game in Qatar.
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      Why is Gabriel Jesus NOT playing for Brazil at the World Cup 2022?

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      BRAZIL will be hoping they can put their 20-year drought behind them by lifting a World Cup in Qatar – but they’ll have to do it WITHOUT Gabriel Jesus.The Samba side raced to last-16 qualification by beating Serbia and Switzerland in their opening fixtures.
      Gabriel Jesus was hoping to help Brazil lift their first World Cup since 2002Credit: Getty
      But Brazil suffered a shocking final group game defeat to African giants Cameroon courtesy of a late Vincent Aboubakar header.
      And after losing Neymar to an ankle issue, head coach Tite will have to continue without another key attacker in Jesus.
      SunSport has the reason why…
      Why is Gabriel Jesus NOT playing for Brazil?
      Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup with a knee injury he suffered during Brazil’s loss to Cameroon.
      Gabriel Jesus was forced off with a knee injuryCredit: PA
      The Arsenal star collided with Indomitable Lions goalkeeper Devis Epassy and was forced to limp off shortly after.
      Jesus could miss around one month, which immediately puts him in a race against time to be fit for Arsenal’s Boxing Day clash with West Ham.
      Read more on World Cup
      And reports claim that he’s been playing through pain for his club, but not enough to stop him from going to the Qatar tournament.
      Brazilian boss Tite has had his fair share of bad luck at the World Cup with injuries.
      It is still unclear when Neymar will return and it is something the footballing superstar described as one of the ‘hardest moments’ of his career.
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      What games could Gabriel Jesus miss for Arsenal?
      Arsenal fans will be hoping Gabriel Jesus is able to recover quickly from his knee injury.
      Jesus could miss:

      Arsenal vs West Ham – Monday, December 26 (8pm)
      Brighton vs Arsenal – Saturday, December 31 (5:30pm)
      Arsenal vs Newcastle – Tuesday, January 3 2023 (7:45pm) More

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      Pele, 82, ‘moved to end-of-life care’ in hospital as Brazil legend’s body stops responding to chemotherapy

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      PELE has been moved to palliative end-of-life care in hospital, according to reports.The footballing icon, 82, is said to no longer be responding to chemotherapy as he battles with bowel cancer.
      Pele has been moved to palliative care in hospital in Sao PauloCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The three-time World Cup winner is battling bowel cancerCredit: AFP
      The cancer cells in his body have spread to other partsCredit: Instagram @pele
      Pele won the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Pele was taken into hospital on Tuesday and now Folha in Sao Paulo state he will no longer be subjected to invasive tests or treatment.
      The three-time World Cup winner – widely considered as one of the greatest footballers ever – has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment since September 2021.
      He had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon last year and had numerous visits to ICU during the stay and continued to be treated regularly, including another chemo treatment just before Christmas.
      Earlier this year, it was diagnosed that the cancer cells had spread to his intestine, lung and liver.
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      In February, he spent two weeks in hospital for further treatment on the cancer – as well as a urinary tract infection.
      In 2015, Pele had prostate surgery and had another urinary infection in 2019 – and also suffers with sequelae from a hip prosthesis while movement is difficult due to knee problems.
      The latest Folha report states that his chemo has now been suspended at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Sao Paulo – but Pele continues to receive pain relief.
      Palliative care is used for patients with potentially life-threatening illnesses and diseases.
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      Pele’s latest hospital admission was due to general swelling and reported heart failure.
      However, an update from his daughter Kely reassured supporters around the world that there was “no cause for alarm”.
      The hospital issued their own statement to confirm Pele had been treated with antibiotics for a respiratory infection and his condition was described as “stable”.
      The doctors added that the former forward would remain in hospital for the coming days for treatment.
      A post on Pele’s Instagram followed on Friday in which he told his 10.6million followers: “Friends, I am at the hospital making my monthly visit.
      “It’s always nice to receive positive messages like this.
      “Thanks to Qatar for this tribute, and to everyone who sends me good vibes!”
      Pele announced himself to the global scene as a 17-year-old at the 1958 World Cup, helping Brazil to the first of their record five successes.
      Injuries impacted his tournaments in 1962 and 1966 but he returned to lead Brazil to a third triumph in Mexico in 1970 as part of what is widely regarded as the greatest international team of all time.
      Officially, Pele scored 757 goals in 831 games during a glittering career from 1957 to 1977, although club Santos claim his tally was closer to 1,000.
      His beloved Brazilian fans showed their support at Friday’s World Cup game against Cameroon, unfurling banners and tifos sending Pele their best wishes.
      Read More on The Sun
      And Qatar even lit up a building with a “get well soon” message.
      Then French superstar Kylian Mbappe tweeted: “Pray for the King,” with emojis of a crown, praying hands and the Brazil flag.
      Pele’s daughter provided a positive update this weekCredit: Instagram
      Pele burst on to the scene as a 17-year-oldCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Brazil fans sent their support at the World Cup game on FridayCredit: Reuters
      The Brazilian is considered one of the greatest players everCredit: Getty More

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      England squad trains for World Cup last-16 clash vs Senegal as Gareth Southgate faces welcome World Cup dilemma

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      ENGLAND have trained ahead of their crunch clash with Senegal in the last-16 of the World Cup on Sunday.Gareth Southgate’s entire squad were spotted at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium as they gear up for their first knockout game.
      Harry Kane will be hoping to score his first goal of the tournament against SenegalCredit: Reuters
      Kalvin Phillips looked in a relaxed moodCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Raheem Sterling and Kieran Trippier will be hoping to earn recalls against SenegalCredit: Reuters
      Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka could be fighting for a starting spot on the rightCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Gareth Southgate was in good spirits despite having some big decisions to makeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The Three Lions booked their place in the knockouts as group winners after beating Wales in the Battle of Britain on Tuesday.
      Southgate’s side were given a day off on Wednesday before enjoying a light recovery session on Thursday.
      But with the game less than 36 hours away, the Three Lions have been stepping up their preparations for their first meeting with the African champions.
      All 25 players were present, which means Southgate will have a full squad to choose from tomorrow.
      read more world cup news
      Harry Kane might not have scored in the tournament, but the captain looked relaxed as he took to the training pitch.
      As did Southgate, despite the England boss having some selection headaches following the win over Wales.
      Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden both impressed after making their first starts of the tournament in that game.
      And the manager must decide whether to stick with the Manchester duo or recall Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka, who were quiet against USA but shone against Iran.
      Harry Kane hasn’t scored yet but still appeared in a good mood at trainingCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson will be hoping to keep their places in the sideCredit: PA
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      Elsewhere, there’s a competition at right-back, with ex-Tottenham pair Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier fighting for a starting place.
      Southgate will also weigh up whether to bring Mason Mount back after his rest against the Welsh, with Jordan Henderson starting in his place.
      Jack Grealish was hard at work as he bids for his first ever tournament startCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Jude Bellingham was one of England’s standout players of the group stagesCredit: Rex
      Marcus Rashford was named man of the match for his brace against WalesCredit: PA More

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      Georgina Rodriguez stuns in bikini on beach after watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal lose to South Korea at World Cup

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      GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ headed to the beach in Qatar this week after arriving to support partner Cristiano Ronaldo.The 28-year-old missed the start of the tournament, but has since jetted to the Middle East with their five kids to cheer on her man.
      Georgina Rodriguez headed to the beach in QatarCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      The model attended Portugal’s defeat to South KoreaCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Georgina brought the kids along to the gameCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      While ex-Manchester United star Ronaldo, 37, is busy training with his Portugal team-mates, Georgina has been enjoying some down time.
      The stunning model relaxed on the beach in Doha upon her arrival, after being greeted by an enormous Cristiano cake at her accommodation.
      She shared a snap to her to Instagram story, donning a green bikini to enjoy the Qatari sunshine.
      Things didn’t go so well when it came to attending her first game of the finals.
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      Despite his side having already qualified, Ronaldo was named in Fernando Santos’ starting XI against South Korea.
      Portugal took an early 1-0 lead through Ricardo Horta, but failed to add to their advantage.
      And they were made to pay, with a Ronaldo gaffe playing a part in South Korea’s comeback.
      Paulo Bento’s side levelled from a set piece, Kim Young-gwon scoring on 27 minutes after Ronaldo turned his back, inadvertently deflecting the ball into his opponent’s path.
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      The free agent then missed a pair of presentable opportunities, before being substituted for Andre Silva on 65 minutes.
      Portugal kept pressing for a winner, but it was South Korea who dramatically went in front in the 91st minute.
      Star man Son Heung-min brilliantly charged forward on the counter attack, before delicately finding Hwang Hee-chan with a perfect through ball – the Wolves forward expertly finishing to send his side through to the round of 16.
      Georgina watched the drama unfold from the stands, where she sat with the kids while donning a yellow shirt and jeans.
      Georgina will likely be at Portugal’s round of 16 clash with Switzerland on TuesdayCredit: Instagram / @georginagio
      Cristiano Ronaldo waves to his loved ones before the gameCredit: Rex More

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      England’s best and worst routes to World Cup final with Mbappe, Messi and Ronaldo waiting for Southgate’s boys in Qatar

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      ENGLAND now know their potential route to end 56 years of World Cup hurt with the knockout draw for Qatar 2022 completed – and may have to see off three of the best players on the way. South Korea and Switzerland joined Portugal and Brazil by sealing their places in the last 16 on Friday.
      England know their possible path to World Cup gloryCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate hopes to be leading his men out at the Lusail Stadium on December 18Credit: Getty

      The wheat have been separated from the chaff and now the wallcharts are looking perfectly set up and ready for the drama of knockout tournament football.
      So Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions fans in Qatar and back home can work out how their fixtures could unfold over the next fortnight.
      SunSport has looked through and worked out the best and worst scenarios for England’s road to glory…
      Last 16 vs SENEGAL, Sun 4 Dec, 7pm, Al Bayt Stadium
      England topped Group B which means they play the runners-up from Group A in the last 16 which were Senegal.
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      Senegal will pose a threat to England in the last 16 on SundayCredit: AP

      Even without main man Sadio Mane, the Lions of Teranga pose a threat with the likes of Ismaila Sarr in attack.
      But England should be confident of hurting the Africa Cup of Nations champions and making it through to the quarters with their rich pool of attacking talent and a defence that is looking sturdier by the game.
      The 1966 champs return to the Al Bayt Stadium for this one, the scene of their drab bore goalless draw with the United States.
      Quarter-final, Sat 10 Dec, 7pm, Al Bayt Stadium
      Quite simply, it would be a major shock if England don’t face France in the quarters next weekend.
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      The reigning world champions topped their group and Kylian Mbappe looks in devastating form and the Three Lions defence – especially Kyle Walker – will likely need their A-game to keep him quiet.

      Kylian Mbappe is in red-hot form and will want to take France all the way to glory againCredit: AFP
      Robert Lewandowski and Poland will try and cause a mighty shock against the reigning champsCredit: Reuters
      France have been pitted against Poland in their last-16 tie, fresh from an uninspiring Group C campaign which included a goalless draw with Mexico, scraping past Saudi Arabia and a defensive job to restrict Argentina to two goals.
      England would be confident of seeing off the Polish side lacking strength in depth across the pitch – and hope Harry Kane can outshine Robert Lewandowski.
      Semi-final, Weds 14 Dec, 7pm, Al Bayt Stadium
      Another knockout game, another trip to the Al Bayt Stadium should England reach the last four by seeing off France or Poland.
      There, the worst-case scenario would be Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal or a Spain side that smashed Costa Rica for seven.
      Both sides have recent trophy-winning experience and would have the confidence of going all the way if they reached the semis.
      Cristiano Ronaldo would surely love to keep some of his ex-United team-mates quiet in a possible semi-finalCredit: Reuters
      Spain have a strong blend of youthful quality and experienced headsCredit: Getty
      Spain play surprise package Morocco in their last-16 clash after missing out on top spot by losing to Japan.
      Portugal, meanwhile, take on Switzerland in the second round – with the Swiss arguably the weakest team in that quarter.
      Narrow wins over Cameroon and Serbia saw the Swiss progress but they lack the firepower up front and can be targeted, especially by the Three Lions’ wide men.
      Final, Sun 18 Dec, 3pm, Lusail Stadium
      The World Cup final, the biggest match in football – and England are just three wins away from it.
      If the Three Lions can prove to be the best of the bunch in the bottom half of the draw, they will book their spot in the showpiece event and a first trip to the now-89,000-seater Lusail Stadium.
      The worst-case scenario, let’s be frank, would be pre-tournament favourites Brazil or Argentina.

      Will Lionel Messi add the World Cup to his trophy cabinet?Credit: Getty
      Brazil’s squad is packed full of incredible talentCredit: PA
      Brazil have probably the best squad at the World Cup but despite two wins in the group, have not been at their swashbuckling best many expected.
      Argentina, aka Lionel Messi and Mates, suffered that shock early defeat to Saudi Arabia but bounced back to beat Mexico and Poland and safely go through.
      They are scheduled to meet in a blockbuster all-South American semi-final on December 13.
      Brazil must get past South Korea and then Japan or Croatia while Argentina face Australia in the last 16 before Holland or USA in the quarters.
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      It would be a huge surprise if it was not a Brazil vs Argentina semi-final – and it’s too tough to call who would win that at the moment.
      The weakest teams on that half of the draw are probably USA or Australia – while England would certainly fancy their chances against the Dutch, South Korea, giant-killers Japan and Croatia in revenge for 2018. More