ENGLAND captain Harry Kane will have a scan on his ankle after injuring it in the 6-2 win over Iran. The Three Lions play USA on Friday in their next World Cup clash but Gareth Southgate will now be fretting over his star man’s availability.
Meanwhile, Argentina suffered a nightmare start to their World Cup campaign by losing to a hard-fighting Saudi Arabia side.
Lionel Messi thought he had put his nation on their way to a opening win in Qatar.
But two second half quick fire goals – including a spectacular hit by Salem Al Dawsari saw the Saudis pull off one of the biggest upsets in football history.
And late in the day, France beat Australia 4-1 after suffering an early scare in their Group D clash.
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Lions could meet Wags after USA clash
England players could meet their families after Friday’s United States match – but it depends on Covid rates in Qatar.
Manager Gareth Southgate is hoping that the 26-man squad could have a proper catch-up with their partners, children and parents after arriving in Doha eight days ago.
Some players, such as Jack Grealish, saw their girlfriends on the pitch after the final whistle of their amazing 6-2 win over Iran.
Southgate insists – providing Covid rates remain low – they will be allowed at the team hotel.
During the women’s Euros, England’s players were forced to remain in a bubble due to Covid.
Southgate said: “I think towards the end, the women’s team had to batten that down a bit more because they had a few positive cases so we’re going to have to monitor it throughout.
“There’s this balance of the spirit and happiness of the group and the medical line of zero risk, and sometimes if you’re going to take zero risks, it can kill it for everybody, so we’ve got to try and find that balance.
“We’re going to see how the next few days go and we’ve talked about maybe looking at something after the second game but we’ve got to monitor what the rates are out here as much as anything else.”
Southgate fears England are unfair victims
Gareth Southgate fears England are being targeted by World Cup referees after they featured in a pre-tournament video nasty.
The Three Lions boss wants urgent talks with Fifa, believing his side should have had a penalty in Monday’s 6-2 win over Iran.
Harry Maguire was rugby-tackled by Roozbeh Cheshmi but VAR did not recommend a review.
Yet Iran scored a late spot-kick through Mehdi Taremi when John Stones was adjudged by VAR to have pulled the shirt of Morteza Pouraliganji.
Southgate revealed his worries after officials were shown a video of Maguire’s goal in a World Cup qualifier against Albania 12 months ago.
It would now be ruled out because Kalvin Phillips blocked a defender.
“We were told that incident in the first half would be a definite penalty. For the second half (Iran penalty), maybe there’s a shirt pull — but I’m a bit worried we were the example shown and then to get a decision as happened in the first half.
“We’ve got to have that dialogue with Fifa. We want clarity otherwise we don’t know where we stand.”
Stat’s not impressive for Ron
Cristiano Ronaldo’s outspoken interview with Piers Morgan was the final straw for his United exit.
But his match stats this season – his second back at Old Trafford – also told a sorry tale.
Of course, he also paid for manager Erik ten Hag’s apparent loss of faith in the 37-year-old.
But one goal and no assists in ten matches make for far from iconic figures.
Spanish football chief ‘made De Gea snub worse’
David de Gea’s snub from the Spanish World Cup squad was made worse by a shock phone call from the country’s football chiefs.
The keeper is one of the few Manchester United stars absent from the World Cup.
It was claimed De Gea knew months ago he would not be in Luis Enrique’s plans but still hoped to win a recall at some stage in the future.
But now it’s claimed a Spanish football Federation boss called him – to say he was “glad” the 32-year-old had retired from international football.
Spanish journalist Jose Alvarez said: “After De Gea was told he wouldn’t be called up to the Spain squad, he received a message from the president of the Federation, who said: ‘David, I am glad that you have finally made the decision you have been thinking about’.”
De Gea reportedly replied: ‘Sorry? There is no renunciation of anything, who has told you that I renounce anything?
“The coach has told me that he is not going to count on me. but I have never renounced the national team, nor do I intend to do so, that is if I am called up.”
Forget Jude diligence at work!
Joker Jude Bellingham urged fans to bunk off to watch England’s march to World Cup glory.
The Manchester United target, 19, scored in a stunning midfield display during the 6-2 demolition of Iran on Monday.
Millions bunked off work and school to watch the game in Qatar, which kicked off at 1pm UK time.
Jude was shown a clip of fans in a beer-chucking frenzy at London’s Box Park as his header went in.
The Stourbridge-born Borussia Dortmund star asked: “It would have been one o’clock there? Half one?”
He joked: “Sack it! Don’t go to work when we’re playing!
“This is what you love seeing really. This is why we play, especially when so far away from home.”
Lloris hails record-equalling Giroud
Keeper Hugo Lloris hailed two-goal Olivier Giroud, 36, for replacing World Cup absentee Karim Benzema so brilliantly
Giroud’s double took him to 51 international goals, level with fellow ex-Arsenal striker Thierry Henry on the French record of 51.
Spurs star Lloris said: “Unfortunately we lost Karim Benzema to injury and we were all very sad, but Olivier deserves a lot of credit because he is an example in football because he never gives up.
“In the last few months he was in, then out of the national team but in the end you can always count on him.
“It’s a big achievement to equal Thierry Henry’s record and hopefully now he will go ahead.
“For all the team it’s a good start and for a striker it’s always good to start with two goals. He’s going to be full of confidence.”
Scholes posts blunt Ron message
Paul Scholes has been far less forgiving over Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from Manchester United than fellow legends Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney.
Ferdinand reckoned it was best for both parties and, while Rooney believed it was inevitable, he described Portugal striker Ronaldo as a “fantastic servant”.
But in contrast to his fellow England legends, Scholes posted on Instagram: “Mission accomplished… a**ed!”
Kane tipped to get all-clear
Harry Kane will have a scan on the right ankle he injured in England’s World Cup opener with Iran.
The Three Lions skipper went down in the 48th minute of the 6-2 win.
Fellow striker Callum Wilson eventually replaced him on 76 minutes.
Kane then gave England fans cause for concern when he limped out of the Khalifa Stadium with his ankle strapped.
And The Athletic have now confirmed he is set to have a scan to determine the severity of the problem – with England set to face USA on Friday.
Journalist David Ornstein tweeted: “Harry Kane to have scan on right ankle.
“England captain took heavy blow on 48 mins of Iran win, went off in 75th + later seen with light strapping & slight limp. Indications were he was ok – England will hope results clear.”
A frame of two laughs
A Saudi Arabian fan celebrated his country’s winner over Argentina by ripping his OWN DOOR off.
Saudi Arabia put together one of the greatest World Cup shockers of all time when they beat Lionel Messi and co 2-1 in the group stage.
Messi opened the scoring after just 10 minutes from the penalty spot and it looked like the Copa America winners would cruise to an easy victory.
However, Herve Renard’s men fought back in the second half and equalised with Saleh Alshehri on 48 minutes.
And Salem Aldawsari netted a stunning winner just five minutes later to seal Saudi Arabia’s most famous World Cup victory.
A group of fans watched the game from home and were lucky to record the moment Aldawsari scored his screamer without knowing they would soon go viral on Twitter.
Result: France 4 Australia 1
Olivier Giroud’s double led this flowing French feast after Craig Goodwin thumped an early opener for the Aussies.
Adrien Rabiot and main menace Kylian Mbappe netted the first and fourth of France’s goals as they matched England’s attacking quality from yesterday.
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Kane has scan ahead of USA clash
Skipper Harry Kane has given England a fitness scare ahead of Friday’s second group game with the USA.
The Spurs striker will have a scan on a knock.
MORE TO COME…
Saka still tipped to sign new Arsenal deal
Bukayo Saka’s two-goal star man show for England against shouldn’t stop him signing a new Arsenal contract.
That’s the verdict of transfer guru Fabrizio Romano amid speculation top clubs will target the winger.
has sought to reassure Arsenal fans that a superb campaign in Qatar won’t affect his club situation.
Romano wrote on CaughtOffside: “What a performance from Bukayo Saka as England beat Iran yesterday!
“Both goals were of the highest quality, but could a strong World Cup affect his situation at Arsenal? “From what I’m told – no.
“He was already considered one of their most important players and talks are ongoing over a new deal.”
GOAL: France 4 Australia 1
Olivier Giroud bagged to his second to equal Thierry Henry’s France goal record of 51.
And it was yet another soaring header, this time from a Kylian Mbappe cross on 72 minutes.
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GOAL: France 3 Australia 1
Kylian Mbappe finally gets the goal his lively display deserves .
The electric PSG attacker has been the star man so far.
And he darted in for a well-timed header on 67 minutes to put France 3-1 up.
MATCH ACTION & REACTION ON OUR MATCH BLOG HERE
Sou cannot be serious
Roy Keane and Graeme Souness had an angry verbal bust-up during ITV’s half-time coverage of Saudi Arabia’s shock 2-1 comeback win over Argentina.
The Copa America champions and 36-game unbeaten Argentina were awarded a penalty after Leandro Paredes was wrestled to the ground.
Liverpool great Souness says the Saudi player had no interest in where the ball was – only the whereabouts of the player he was tracking.
Souness said the call is not down to “opinion” but “fact”, which prompted Keane to respond saying: “Well I’m here to give my opinion – that’s not a penalty.”
Fans loved the interaction that got increasingly heated as they shouted over each other, one said: “Just watched Graeme Souness and Roy Keane almost kick [the] f*** out each other live on air. And it’s not even lunchtime.”
Rooney hails ‘fantastic servant’ Cristiano
Wayne Rooney reckons the departure of fellow Old Trafford legend Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United was inevitable.
The Portug hero exits for a second time after the Red Devils ripped up his contract this afternoon.
Ronaldo blasted United in a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan last week, leading to tonight’s decision by the club.
But Ronnie also took aim at Rooney following previous comments made by the Englishman over his conduct, claiming Wazza was JEALOUS of his longevity and LOOKS.
Rooney has now had his say over Ronaldo’s United departure.
The ex-England captain reckons the announcement was inevitable following Ronnie’s talks with Piers.
But rather than blasting Ronaldo again, Rooney instead called him a “fantastic servant” to United before wishing him the best.
Speaking on live TV with Sports 18, Roo said: “Am I surprised? No.
“There was no other choice but that’s a shame because he’s been a fantastic servant to the club. I wish him the best wherever he goes.”
H/T: France 2 Australia 1
World champions France roared back to rightly lead at the break in this entertaining clash
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Ron’s hint over next club
Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to drop a hint about his next club during his Piers Morgan interview, writes DYLAN TERRY.
The 37-year-old’s Manchester United contract was ripped up on Tuesday as the club confirmed his deal had been terminated by “mutual consent”.
He is now a free agent heading into the January transfer window, but it is unclear where he will end up.
However, Ronaldo appeared to rule out a return to Sporting Lisbon or transfer to Napoli during his sit-down with Morgan last week.
He initially claimed he had turned down £3MILLION PER WEEK to join a team in Saudi Arabia.
And, speaking about his future, he then said: “You go [to] the clubs. But Jorge Mendes for example, has more than 100 players and they go Chelsea, they go Arsenal, they always mention Cristiano Ronaldo, they offer Cristiano.
“Piers, let’s be honest, who is the most expensive player, salary player, that Premier League had in history? It’s me, even with 37 years old. Why they’re gonna…even… they even offer me to Sporting or Napoli?
“I will be honest with you, I didn’t have many, many clubs. But I have many, many offers of other clubs. I didn’t change because I didn’t plan to do it. ”
Rio: Parting good for Ron AND Red Devils
Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo will be happy to have parted ways.
The Portuguese star has had his contract terminated by mutual consent following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Ferdinand, who played with Ronaldo during his time with the Red Devils, was covering the World Cup when he found out about the news.
He said on BBC: “I think both parties will be delighted now. He has obviously done that interview with the mindset that he wanted to get out of the club.
“He wasn’t happy and made it very clear.
“Erik ten Hag has got what he wanted as well in this situation.
“So both parties are happy, so move on and the next chapter for Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Goal: France 2 Australia 1
Olivier Giroud slotted a simple second for the French after the Aussie were sliced apart down the left.
That’s two goals in five minutes for the now-flowing French after falling behind.
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Piers: Gunners must sign Ron
Piers Morgan has urged Arsenal to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after he was axed by Manchester United.
The Red Devils announced that the Portuguese star will leave the club with immediate effect after his damning interview with Morgan.
During the TalkTV interview, Ronaldo slammed the club for not progressing since he originally left the club for Real Madrid in 2009.
The 37-year-old also revealed that he did not respect manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo’s play time had been cut dramatically this season as the dutch manager changed the club’s play style, despite him being the club’s top scorer last season.
He also suggested the club did not believe him regarding his daughter’s ill health over the summer.
Latest: France 1 Australia 1
Adrien Rabiot stole in to firmly head the French level on 27 minutes.
the Aussies will rue a rare moment of dozy defending.
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Goal: France 1 Australia 1
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Time waits for no Man U
Fansare convinced Cristiano Ronaldo has taken one final swipe at Manchester United, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
That’s by showing off a new £124,000 luxury watch design depicting the famous header he scored AGAINST the Red Devils while playing for Real Madrid.
The timing couldn’t be worse, with United ripping up Ronaldo’s contract as the watch was released.
And all eyes are now aimed at Portugal’s World Cup camp on the eve of their group stage opener against Ghana.
Ronaldo, 37, left club chiefs stunned when he blasted the Red Devils in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan last week.
SunSport revealed United had decided to terminate Ronnie’s deal as a result of his bombshell talks.
And the news was confirmed in a blunt statement at 5.30pm on Wednesday, with United bidding farewell to one of their greatest players for a second time.
However, it appears Ronaldo has aimed one final swipe at Old Trafford.
Around the same time, Ronnie has released a brand new watch in collaboration with Jacob & Co.
The luxury timepiece is bedecked with jewels while also boasting sapphire crystals and gold print.
Latest: France 0 Australia 1
Craig Goodwin roared in at the backpost to thump a shock opener for the Aussies on seven minutes.
They carved France totally apart down the right and Goodwin calmly fired in a left-footer when a deep cross came in.
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