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      How England icon David Beckham broke down in tears after World Cup 98 heartbreak… before Tony Adams’ hilarious dig

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      TONY ADAMS have revealed how David Beckham broke down in tears in the England dressing room after England’s 1998 World Cup heartbreak.But instead of consoling the then Three Lions youngster – he gave him a hilarious DIG in the moments after full-time.
      Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Simeone in England’s last-16 clashCredit: Getty
      Becks was infamously sent off in the last-16 clash of France 98 after kicking out at now Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone.
      England went on to draw 2-2 with their arch rivals before crashing out on penalties 4-3.
      And Adams has revealed how he went into the dressing room afterwards where the Beckham was in floods of tears.
      But instead of comforting the Manchester United icon, he gave him a hilarious dig about it being his last World Cup.
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      Adams told The Sun’s incredible World Cup preview night: “In 1998 we had so much talent in the country then, Becks and the Manchester United boys went onto win the treble.
      “But we got done on penalties, fate kind of takes over.”
      Asked whether it was Becks’ fault, the Arsenal legend joked: “Yeah of course it was!
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      “I went into the dressing room after and he was in floods of tears.
      “I went over to him and joked: ‘that’s my last ever World Cup chance and you’ve just blown it’ and he said ‘is he having a laugh here?'”
      Harry Redknapp, who was also on the panel of the preview night and is our World Cup columnist, added: “You need the breaks.
      “Frank Lampard’s goal against Germany was two foot over the line in South Africa and if it’s given happened, who knows what happens,
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      “It’s also the luck of the draw. Like in Russia 2018, Belgium ended up in the group of death with France and Brazil.
      “We ended up in a group with Raggy A*** Rovers, then Croatia and we thought what a chance we’ve got here.” More

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      Where the Baden-Baden WAGs are now… including model who’s rebranded as a home organising expert & I’m A Celeb star

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      With the World Cup kicking off in Qatar tonight, a new set of glamorous wives and girlfriends have flown out to support their men.But in recent years, the England team has been given much stricter rules for their spouses to abide by, so it’s unlikely we will see the levels of partying witnessed at the infamous 2006 tournament in Baden-Baden, Germany – when the WAGs went wild.
      It’s unlikely we will see the levels of partying witnessed at the infamous 2006 tournament in Baden-Baden, Germany – when the WAGs went wildCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Cheryl Tweedy, Coleen McLoughlin and Victoria Beckham in the stands ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2006Credit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Their outrageous tales of drugs, dancing on tables and sky-high hotel bills rocked the quiet resort town and arguably made more headlines than the Three Lions’ performance on the pitch – they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
      Victoria Beckham was often pictured sitting next to Girls Aloud’s Cheryl, who married Ashley Cole a few weeks later.
      Coleen Rooney was 20 at the time and yet to tie the knot with Wayne.
      Already famed for her love of fashion, she was rumoured to be among the group who racked up a £57k bill after an hour of retail therapy.
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      It was so eventful, in fact, that the presence of wives and girlfriends was heavily restricted at the 2010 World Cup. 
      But Victoria, Cheryl and Coleen aside, what became of the other women?
      We take a look at the WAG class of 2006…
      Most read in The Sun
      Alex Curran, 40
      Alex Curran and Steven Gerrard started dating in 2002Credit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      The pair married the following summer and are now parents to three daughters and a sonCredit: Getty
      Husband: Steven Gerrard
      Then Alex had been dating Steven for four years prior to the World Cup, and was one of the WAGs to put her credit card to good use.
      She’s said to have run up a £25k hotel bill, which included 60 bottles of £75 pink champers.
      Now She and Steven married the following summer and are now parents to three daughters and a son, Lilly-Ella, 18, Lexie, 16, Lourdes, 11, and Lio, five.
      In 2015, they relocated to the US after Steven signed an 18-month deal with LA Galaxy.
      But after getting homesick, they returned to the UK the following year, and Steven has just been sacked as manager of Aston Villa.
      Carly Zucker, 38
      I’m A Celebrity! star Carly married Joe Cole in 2009 the year after she appeared on the showCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Her outfits were said to have enraged Victoria Beckham, who reportedly felt she was stealing all the attentionCredit: Getty
      Husband: Joe Cole
      Then She became best known for taking early-morning runs past the paparazzi in skimpy cropped tops.
      Her outfits were said to have enraged Posh, who reportedly felt she was stealing all the attention. 
      Now Carly starred on I’m A Celebrity! in 2008, but was the third person to be voted off.
      She married Joe the following year and they had children Ruby, 12, Harry, 10, and Max, seven.
      Following Joe’s retirement from football in 2018, the pair have both stayed out of the limelight.
      Michaela Henderson-Thynne, 36
      After her separation from Stewart Downing, mother-of-two Michaela lives a life out of the public eyeCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Partner: Stewart Downing
      Then She sang karaoke about her man at Garibaldi’s nightclub and loved the designer shopping.
      She admitted to having “a thing for expensive handbags”.
      Now Michaela went on to star in ITV2 show WAGs Boutique in 2007, where she tearfully announced to fellow WAGs: “Unfortunately, after four years together, we have separated. But we are still friends.”
      No longer in the public eye, she is a mum to two children.
      Elen Rivas, 47
      Elen and Frank separated in 2008 but have daughter Isla
      Spanish model Elen started dating Frank Lampard in 2002 before splitting in 2008Credit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Partner: Frank Lampard
      The then Spanish model began dating Frank in 2002 and welcomed their daughter Luna in 2005.
      She made a name for herself in Baden-Baden after belting out Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive while standing on a table.
      Now Elen and Frank went on to have daughter Isla, but the couple split in 2008.
      The footballer is now married to TV presenter Christine Lampard, while Elen has been dating businessman Dino Costas since 2017 and  runs her own home-organisation business, La Organiser.
       Toni Poole, 41
      Toni stood by husband John Terry after rumours of his affair with his teammate’s ex-girlfriendCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Husband: John Terry
      Then Officially the most forgiving woman in Britain, Toni stood by John after rumours of his affair with his teammate’s ex-girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel, emerged in 2010, which cost him the England captaincy.
      Now Toni has twins, Summer and Georgie, 16, with John.
      She enjoys horse riding and has published a fitness and healthy lifestyle book.
      Lisa Roughead, 35
      Childhood sweethearts Michael Carrick and Lisa seek to maintain low profilesCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Nowadays Lisa is a Pilates teacher with a business degreeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Husband: Michael Carrick
      Then The “quiet one” known to go a bit wild when she’d had a drink, there were rumours she’d snogged Carly Zucker after an alcohol-fuelled night out.
      Now Nowadays she’s a Pilates teacher with a business degree.
      Lisa maintains a low profile, but is still a constant support for Michael after they met in secondary school.
      Abbey Clancy, 36
      Abbey has carved out a successful TV and modelling career, since her and Peter’s marriage in 2011Credit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Husband: Peter Crouch
      Then Just months into their relationship, Abbey flew out to support Peter.
      But she was soon sent home in shame after old photos of her taking cocaine resurfaced.
      Peter tried to distance himself from the drama and dumped her.
      Now Abbey and Peter reconciled and married in 2011, welcoming daughter Sophia that same year.
      They went on to have Liberty, seven, Johnny, four, and Jack, three.
      Abbey has also carved out a successful TV and modelling career. 
      Vanessa Perroncel, 46
      Vanessa split with partner Wayne Bridge after accusations of an affair with John TerryCredit: Photography: Alamy, Getty Images
      Partner: Wayne Bridge
      Then Pregnant with son Jaydon at the time, Vanessa kept a low profile throughout the tournament.
      Now All hell broke loose when Vanessa and Wayne split in 2009, and she was accused of having an affair with John Terry – which she denied.
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      Wayne’s now married to Frankie Bridge and the pair have two sons.
      Vanessa was briefly linked to Cheryl’s second husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. More

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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Karim Benzema OUT of tournament as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi pose for iconic photo

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      France have been dealt a huge blow as Karim Benzema is out of the World Cup with injury.The Ballon d’Or winner is having to forfeit from the squad after picking up an injury in training.
      It remains to be seen as to who will replace the forward, as the French team have been dealt a huge blow.
      Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have come together with Louis Vitton and released a joint Instagram post.
      The pair are pictured together over a chess board ahead of the tournament that gets underway on Sunday.
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      Stay tuned with all the latest ahead of the tournament…
      Lucky escape for Phillips
      Kalvin Phillips dropped a clanger that almost wrecked his Qatar hopes.
      The Manchester City star, 26, recovered from shoulder surgery just in time to be named in England’s World Cup squad.
      Then he risked it all by letting a 5kg weight fall on his foot ahead of City’s clash with Brentford last week!
      The midfielder, who has cut up his left flip-flop to stop it rubbing on the wound, said: “It’s a good story to be honest!
      “So before that game, being the professional I am, I went to the gym before the match and was just doing loads of Achilles work on the leg press.
      “I’d gone to pull a weight off the rack and there must have been one stuck behind it and I pulled it off and it landed on my foot and cut it all.
      “I stood for about ten seconds and thought, ‘Oh my God — what was that?’
      “If it wasn’t a 5kg plate, if it had been heavier, I think it would have been a lot worse.
      “Imagine that, that is what you get for being professional!
      “But it’s not too bad, the blisters from training hurt more.”
      Dier sticks up for Southgate
      Gareth Southgate does not deserve the berating he got for a dismal Nations League campaign this year, Eric Dier says.
      The defender told a press conference : “It’s crazy talk and perceptions change so quickly.
      “You’ve got to remember what England were doing before.
      “He has taken England to a World Cup semi and the final of a Euros and we’re talking small margins that change the outcome of those results.
      “The criticism is crazy after a small run of results given how England performed at those tournaments — and he was at the forefront of that.”
      Defiant Kane
      Harry Kane today defied a last-ditch bid by World Cup chiefs to stop him wearing a rainbow “One Love” armband.
      His team-mate Eric Dier also became the first England player to speak out on Qatar controversies, calling stadium worker deaths “terrible”.
      Fifa’s rattled chief Gianni Infantino had earlier launched into a bizarre defence of the World Cup, which kicks off tomorrow afternoon after a succession of cock-ups.
      Three Lions captain Kane will sport its anti-discrimination armband when England play Iran tomorrow after the FA rejected a late Fifa alternative yesterday.
      In its latest startling move, Fifa chiefs unveiled its own “approved” armbands including one emblazoned with: “NoDiscrimination.”
      But the FA hit back: “We respect the Fifa armband but are committed to the One Love armband and intend to wear it.”
      Benzema out of the World Cup
      Reports are coming late tonight that Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema is out of the World Cup.
      The France striker, 34, was earlier reported to be missing out on his country’s first game against Australia.
      However, now it’s been said that he will miss the whole tournament with a tear to his left thigh, according to Le Parisien.
      French journalist Julien Laurens has also tweeted: “Karim Benzema is out of the whole World Cup!!!!”
      Southgate to resign?
      Sam Allardyce reckons Gareth Southgate will quit as England manager even if he wins the World Cup.
      Ex-Bolton and West Ham chief Allardyce said: “If Southgate doesn’t win the World Cup, he will step down from his role as England manager.
      “Even if he does win it, he will walk too as he can leave on a high.
      “It’d be a great way to bow out.”
      Forest keen on Keane
      Everton want to off-load England defender Michael Keane — and hope Nottingham Forest make a big offer.
      Keane is out of favour under Frank Lampard and the Toffees plan to cash in on the 29-year-old ex-Burnley centre-back.
      Forest have money to spend and want to boost their survival battle.
      But Steve Cooper will explore other options first and Everton may have to settle for a fee around £15million at best.
      Sancho wipes his Insta
      Man Utd fans have been left baffled after Jadon Sancho wiped out his Instagram account.
      The 22-year-old winger moved to Old Trafford last year after a stunning few years in Germany at Borussia Dortmund.
      That had led to him becoming a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
      However, a drop in form for his club has seen him lose his Three Lions place which has resulted in him missing out on the World Cup.
      Whether or not that is the reason that Sancho has decided to have an Instagram blackout remains unknown.
      But fans were quick to spot today that he had deleted all of his previous posts from the account.
      Benzema doubt
      France could be without Karim Benzema for their opening World Cup game against Australia after he limped out of Saturday’s training session.
      The reigning world champions begin the defence of their title in Qatar on Tuesday.

      But they have received some bad news just days out from getting their campaign underway.
      According to L’Equipe via Get French Football News, the Ballon d’Or winner is still being plagued by both a hamstring problem AND knee strains.
      Those reports gained further credibility just hours later when Benzema, 34, pulled up and promptly ended his training session before the rest of the France squad.
      His fitness issues now make him a doubt for their opening game against Australia.
      Messi injury worry
      Argentina are worried over the fitness of star man Lionel Messi after he was spotted training alone just days before their first World Cup game.
      Lionel Scaloni’s side trained in Qatar together but Messi was notably not involved sparking injury fears amongst fans.
      The 35-year-old appeared for practice later than the rest of his teammates and took part in a one-on-one session with a coach rather than joining in with the full squad.
      Marca report that Messi did “solo exercises” and did not touch the ball in his session but he will be okay for the team’s opening game.
      Argentine journalist Gustavo Yarroch rushed to calm down worried supporters saying that the PSG star has a small calf issue and that he is reducing his workload to ensure he is fit to play.
      Check mates
      Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been snapped playing chess against one another ahead of the World Cup.
      The long-time rivals took part in a Louis Vuitton photoshoot which was released just days before the start of football’s biggest tournament.

      It showed the pair analysing where to go on a Louis Vuitton bag that was being used as a chess board.
      Both men posted similar captions alongside the photo – which the pair shared on Instagram.
      They read: “Victory is in the Mind. A long-standing tradition handcrafted trunk-building photographed by @louisvuitton.
      “For @annieleibovitz Victory is a State of Mind. A long tradition of crafting trunks photographed by @louisvuitton.”
      Friedal claims US don’t fear England
      Former American goalkeeper Brad Friedal has claimed England does not scare US – but Wales do.
      The ex-Tottenham keeper wrote in the Mail: “A lot of people think the US should beat Wales but this Welsh team is good. They have some excellent players and I’ve seen up close how special their star man, Gareth Bale, is.
      “A lot of people think the US should beat Wales but this Welsh team is good. They have some excellent players and I’ve seen up close how special their star man, Gareth Bale, is. Watching him in the MLS Cup final showed me how the fire still burns inside.”
      FIFA’s potential £40m Budweiser bill
      Qatar’s beer ban could cost Fifa a staggering £40MILLION with Budweiser prepared to play hard-ball.
      The American beer company is one of the World Cup’s official sponsors and were set to provide the booze in grounds and fan zones in Qatar.
      However, footy fans attending the tournament will have a dry World Cup after authorities performed a stunning U-turn on alcohol this week.
      It had previously been promised that beer and other drinks would be available at all eight World Cup venues.
      However, Fifa chiefs bowed to pressure from the Qatari authorities and confirmed they will not be selling alcohol at any stadiums.
      It’s bad news for official beer sponsor Budweiser, who are now looking for compensation following the shock U-turn.
      They currently have a deal worth around £65m with Fifa for this World Cup.
      Budweiser also has a deal for the 2026 World Cup worth up to £95m.
      Dier asks fans to enjoy ‘without alcohol’
      Eric Dier believes England fans can enjoy the World Cup in Qatar without any booze.
      “I’d like to think you can enjoy yourself with or without alcohol,” Dier said.
      “It’s up to us as a team and every team in the tournament to bring great football, exciting football and that’s what is going to create a great atmosphere in the stadiums.”
      Unicorns are back!
      Harry Maguire has revealed the inflatable unicorns are back for England.
      The blow-up animals became iconic in the last World Cup when several players were pictured riding them joyfully in the swimming pool.

      They then made a comeback last year as England managed to fight their way through to the Euro 2020 final.
      And now for the third major tournament in a row, the inflatable unicorns will make an appearance.
      Maguire confirmed the beach toys have returned with a Instagram post.
      With a pic of the unicorns sat on a pool edge, the defender wrote: “nice to meet you again.”
      Wenger backs England for semi-final
      Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger says England will reach the World Cup last four – if they can banish their inner doubts.
      Wenger, the leader of the World Cup Technical Study Group, told SunSport: “If you look at the last few years, England should be in the semi-finals at least.
      “They got to the semi-finals in Russia and then the Final in the Euros.
      “But the doubt comes from what has happened over the past year.
      “If they can get over that doubt in their own minds, they have the team that is good enough to reach the semi-finals.”
      Neymar respect
      Brazil forward Richarlison physically moved teammate Fred after he sat in Neymar’s seat for a squad picture ahead of the World Cup.
      The five-time world champions are heading to Qatar as the favourites to lift the trophy.

      Tite’s 26-man squad boasts a plethora of superstars led by Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar.
      And it was Tottenham’s Richarlison who reminded Manchester United midfielder Fred of the hierarchy among the players on the eve of the tournament.
      As they prepared for a photo together, Fred sat down in the middle of the shot.
      If he had stayed there, he would have been situated next to Brazil captain Marquinhos and Newcastle man Bruno Guimaraes.
      But Richarlison was having none of it and proceeded to move the 29-year-old.
      He walked over to Fred and dragged him to the side, before sitting him down in a different spot in between Raphinha and Alex Telles.
      It was a hilarious moment which caused a huge reaction on social media.
      One person said: “😅 Poor Fred. Good to see players respect Neymar”.
      Smith Rowe tips England to win World Cup
      Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe reckons England will win the World Cup.
      Smith Rowe was part of the squad this time 12 months ago, but injuries and a lack of form has seen him miss out on the last couple of squads.
      Regardless, the attacker is confident his teammates will get the job done in Qatar.
      He told Sky Sports News: “I’m really confident in the team, obviously we missed out at the last minute in the last big tournament.
      “I believe the boys are going to bring it home this time. The squad is really strong, it’s looking good.”
      Free access for supporters
      The technical nerve centre of the 2022 World Cup has been revealed – as an office full of stats geeks in Newport, writes Martin Lipton.
      A team of 78 analysts, date engineers and scientists based in the Welsh town will detail every second of each player in all 64 matches.
      The detailed breakdowns, including the number of time a player DIDN’T receive a pass when they were open, as well as sprinting, line breaks, tackles, distances and accuracy of passes, will be available to anyone via just four hours after the final whistle on the Fifa Training Centre website.
      It means the armchair fan will have free access to all the information available to Gareth Southgate and the other 31 World Cup coaches – and be able to show where England got it right OR wrong.
      Unbeerlievable
      Budweiser have been left with thousands of canned beer they cannot sell at the World Cup after Fifa’s last minute U-turn, writes Martin Lipton.
      And that comes after a genuine booze cruise from the firm’s three breweries in London, Lancashire and Wales.
      Tankers made the 8,000 mile sea route to Doha – a voyage taking 30 days – via the Mediterranean and the Suez Canal, arriving just in time for Qatar to slam down the shutters on the planned stadium bars.
      No wonder it is anticipated Budweiser will be looking for a £40m reduction on the new sponsorship dela that takes in the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico.

      Wenger tips England for semi-final
      Arsene Wenger says England will reach the World Cup last four – if they can banish their inner doubts, writes Martin Lipton.
      The former Arsenal boss, now Fifa’s head of global football development, is backing Gareth Southgate’s to go deep in what he predicts will the “World Cup of the last chance – and the high press”.
      Wenger, the leader of the World Cup Technical Study Group, told SunSport: “If you look at the last few years, England should be in the semi-finals at least.
      “They got to the semi-finals in Russia and then the Final in the Euros.
      “But the doubt comes from what has happened over the past year.
      “If they can get over that doubt in their own minds, they have the team that is good enough to reach the semi-finals.”
      No Christraction
      Christian Eriksen has said that Cristiano Ronaldo’s interview with SunSport columnist Piers Morgan hasn’t proved a distraction for him ahead of the World Cup.
      The 37-year-old said he has no respect for Erik ten Hag and also slammed the club’s owners, but Eriksen hasn’t been in contact with the Portugal ace recently and his focus is solely on football’s showpiece.
      He said: “It hasn’t been any distraction for me, all my thoughts are on the World Cup.
      “I haven’t spoken to him in the last couple of weeks.”
      World Cup a dream for Eriksen
      Christian Eriksen will complete his ‘dream’ journey back to football’s biggest stage here in Doha when he takes to the field against Tunisia next week, writes Neil Custis.
      In June of last year Eriksen said he had ‘died for five minutes’ when he collapsed in the 42nd minute of Denmark’s Euros opener against Finland in Copenhagen.
      He returned not only to club football with Brentford last season and now Manchester United this but as the talisman for his national side.
      He said: “I think one of the first conversations I had with the doctor in Amsterdam, who participated in all the testing, was about it being my goal to play in the World Cup if everything went well.
      “That was the dream at the time. But things went as they did and I was back playing in March and have since played a number of matches. I never expected that. It’s just great.”

      Portugal presser
      Our man Jordan Davies is on the ground in Qatar covering Portugal and said there’s a nervous feeling ahead of their pre-tournament press conference.
      For the first time this World Cup, there was a nervy clamour and a long queue to get into a press conference. No surprise which one.
      Portugal only landed last night but manager Fernando Santos, as well as an unnamed player, are set to speak at 5pm local time at their training base in Al Shahaniya.
      Would be surprised if every question was not in some way related to Cristiano Ronaldo and the impact his blockbuster interview has had on Portugal’s focus in Qatar, with their opening group game against Ghana on Thursday.
      Training follows at 5.30pm local time, and all eyes will surely be on one man…

      Cafu showing support for Wales
      Wales stars were buoyed by Brazil legend Cafu giving his backing to Wales in their first World Cup in 64 years.
      A Budweiser advert emerged featuring the smiling Samba star – a two time winner of this competition – wearing a bucket hat and speaking in Welsh. 
      Cafu said: “Welcome back, Wales, you last played in the World Cup 64 years ago and your return has been an inspiration for everyone – including me. Good luck boyos!”
      Long-serving midfielder Jonny Williams revealed it had been the talk of the Wales hotel, saying: “We were completely surprised, we had a bit of a joke about it at dinner. Wishing us well, with his bucket hat on.
      “I got tagged in to an Instagram post from Budweiser too. Everyone couldn’t believe what they were seeing.”
      Spurs defender Ben Davies – himself a Welsh speaker – said:  “I saw the video and it’s class! 
      “It’s strange to see someone like Cafu wearing a bucket hat and trying to speak a bit of Welsh but it’s great, and it shows we’re doing all the right things on and off the pitch.”

      England vs Iran build up
      England’s World Cup opener against Iran is drawing ever-closer.
      The Three Lions kick off their campaign against Carlos Queiroz’s side in Al Rayyan on Monday at 1pm.
      Gareth Southgate’s charges will be expected to get up and running with a routine win, which will put them in good shape to reach the knockout stages
      But while Iran have only managed two victories in 15 previous World Cup games, but they almost qualified from a group that included both Portugal and Spain in 2018, so shouldn’t be taken lightly.
      Here’s everything you need to know about England and Iran ahead of their meeting.
      Load more entries… More

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      Richarlison wouldn’t make the England squad, Brazilians are always hyped but I think he’s no better than Callum Wilson

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      HERE we go at last with the greatest show on earth and fingers crossed England will finally go all the way.I’ve no doubt they can but you do need a bit of magic to win a World Cup and I think Gareth Southgate has just the man for the job.
      Harry Redknapp writes exclusively for The SunCredit: Louis Wood
      He believes that Jack Grealish must start for the Three Lions against IranCredit: Getty
      Now it’s just a case of picking him and I have to be honest and admit I have my doubts as to whether that will happen.
      I’ve said before if Jack Grealish played for any other country, they’d build the whole team around him.
      But when it comes to England he struggles to even get in, from the start at least.
      Let’s be honest, England begin their tournament against Iran and, with all due respect, they shouldn’t give us any trouble.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      So it is a chance to really get at them and show what fantastic attacking players we’ve got — which means Grealish MUST start for me.
      It is not just me who is a big fan of the Manchester City star either.
      I watched him against Chelsea in the League Cup this month and just wanted him to get the ball.
      And I remember speaking to Harry Kane and him telling me he loves to play with Jack because of those little balls he plays into the pockets around the box.
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      It’s those 15-yard passes when he backs in, turns and gets a shot off.
      That works with Harry so much and Grealish is the perfect man to provide the service.
      I always loved to work on that with every team I’ve had and Jack just loves making an angle and getting that ball into his feet.
      It might not be the first England partnership that springs to mind but it’s one I could see causing problems for any side in the world.
      And it should certainly cause plenty for Iran.
      Jack would always be one of the first names on my teamsheet but for some reason Gareth never seems to fancy him.
      I don’t want to see him coming on late in games to try and change them — I really want him on from the kick-off.
      Look, it’s Iran, so we will dominate the ball and we need players who can make a difference against a side that will sit in.
      We need matchwinners and players who can beat people and make things happen.
      And for me that means we need obviously Grealish.

      Richarlison would not get anywhere near Harry Redknapp’s England teamCredit: Rex
      I feel with the likes of Harry, Jack, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka buzzing around —  not to mention Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford — we have some fantastic attackers.
      Everyone goes on about Brazil’s forwards but look at our stars and it’s amazing.
      Spurs’ Richarlison is in Qatar and might even be in Brazil’s team but I honestly don’t think he’d get in the England squad.
      He’s decent enough but I really don’t see him as any better than Callum Wilson, and certainly nowhere near Kane’s class. And there are a couple of others I’d probably have ahead of him as well.
      Because he’s Brazilian, everyone raves about him but I’m telling you our options are just as good.
      I only hope they prove it this time, because once we’re out of the group — and we will be, there’s not the slightest doubt about that —  I would fancy England against any team in a one-off match.
      Maybe we wouldn’t win nine times out of ten but there’s certainly no side we should be scared of.
      It does come down to the luck of the draw and the path you get through the tournament — but why shouldn’t it be England?
      I’d love to think this is our time again but if not I’ve a funny feeling it could be the Lionel Messi show.
      I just have a hunch he could take the World Cup by storm and — if it is not England — I’d probably just about go for Argentina.
      But that’s only if it isn’t England and hopefully this time it will be as we’ve waited long enough! More

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      England’s Wags to fly into Qatar tomorrow after throwing World Cup themed bash tonight

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      ENGLAND’S team of Wags fly into Qatar today – after throwing a World Cup themed party at home.They are due to touch down in Doha tonight ahead of the Three Lions’ opening match against Iran on Monday.
      A source said Wags, including Fern Maguire, would be driven around in Mercedes and Rolls-Royces in DohaCredit: Instagram
      Glamorous Sasha Attwood is among the Wags following a professional stylist on social mediaCredit: Louis Wood
      The party tonight marks their last boozy get-together before arriving in the strict Islamic nationCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      And they’ve been offered a separate room on a luxury cruise ship to use as a walk-in wardrobe as their cabins are not big enough for all their clothes, shoes and handbags.
      The glamorous set are so confident their men can go all the way they packed their cases to the brim.
      Some of them even hired a personal stylist to help them cover up in the strict Islamic nation.
      Anouska Santos, Luke Shaw’s partner, John Stones’s pregnant girlfriend Olivia Naylor and Marcus Rashford’s fiancée Lucia Loi all sought help from Connie Jones.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      She kitted them out with designer clothing, make-up and jewellery after low-cut tops, skimpy tight shorts and revealing skirts were banned.
      The Wags will board the MSC World Europa, a £1billion luxury cruise liner, where they will stay during the tournament.
      Sources say they plan to “bunk down” in shared cabins for “safety in numbers” amid security fears.
      But the cabins are far too small to house the volume of clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories they are taking.
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      A separate hold room has since been made available for them to use as a ‘walk-in wardrobe’ whilst they are there.
      A source said: “They’re not travelling lightly, that’s for sure.
      “And they intend to do some shopping when they arrive, so the extra space is going to come in handy.
      “They’ve got a company on hire that will provide a luxury chauffeur 24/7 and personal assistants.
      “Personal shoppers will also be on hand once they arrive to tend to all of their retail needs.
      “They’ll also have a team of beauticians and hairdressers on standby to get them glammed up before hitting the city’s shops.”
      The source said the Wags, including Fern Maguire, Megan Pickford, Kyle Walker’s Annie Kilner and Jack Grealish’s Sasha Attwood, would be driven around Doha in high-end Mercedes, Rolls Royces and Bentleys.
      And some of them have even booked an open ticket home – in the hope England can make it to the final on December 18.
      The Wags kicked-off the celebrations early last night with a footie themed dinner party at one of their homes – before heading to the airport.
      A Michelin-starred chef catered for the send-off with national dishes from all over the world.
      They had champagne, balloons and banners.
      But once they arrive in Doha they will be under strict instructions to keep the boozing to an absolute minimum.
      And they will be closely guarded by a team of private security guards – believed to be paid for by their multi-millionaire footie loves.
      They will be joined in Qatar by players’ family members who are expected to stay at the five-star Marsa Malaz Kempinski.
      Coaches will be laid on to ferry them to the Khalifa International Stadium for tomorrow’s group opener.
      But as England progress through the tournament some of the Wags have eyed up a £40,000-a-night stay at the Ritz Carlton’s five-star Sharq Village and Spa.
      Up to 10 of them are looking to share the cost of the luxurious Royal Villa which boasts ocean views, a chef’s kitchen and 24-hour butler service.
      Various spa treatments on offer include a £170 stress relief massage – should England be taken to penalties – and a £400 facial to ease any tension.
      The Wags also want a day at the races cheering on camels.
      And a trip to Pearl Island is also on the cards – with endless boutique shops selling luxury clothes, handbags and jewellery.
      But they have been warned to be on their best behaviour.
      They sat through a presentation spelling out the dos and don’ts by the Football Association in September ahead of England’s 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany.
      They were told to respect the rules and warned: “You are not above the law”.
      The Wags must “dress modestly” in public and at stadiums and are not allowed to engage in any public displays of affection.
      Some were so worried they hired Connie Jones, who runs the Connie Personal Shopping Company, to tailor their outfits.
      One source said: “Connie leaves nothing to chance and has examined their itinerary and desired outfits which will fit into situations such as visits to restaurants or even when they are in the gym.
      “She is highly trusted and thought of by the women and has contacts to source the latest fashions and clothing so that the women look the best.
      “This World Cup is very different from the last one in Russia four years ago where the players wives and girlfriends could show off their bodies and figures in items such as denim shorts and skimpy tops.
      “The women know that they are going to be photographed wherever they go and they understand that it helps them on their social media profiles so they have to look the best.
      “The last thing they want is to offend anybody in Qatar. They have a lot of self-respect and want to show the same respect to the people there but at the same time enjoy themselves.
      “What we are going to see at this World Cup is a new style of WAG. They are going to look amazing everywhere they go.”
      Connie has more than 50,000 followers on Instagram and they include Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan, Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte, Kalvin Phillips’ girlfriend Ashleigh Behan and Declan Rice’s partner Lauren Fryer.
      They must not drink alcohol or swear in public, play loud music, sing, shout or act “inappropriately” during the call to prayer.
      Littering, which is illegal in Qatar and punishable by a fine of up to £6,000 and a year in prison, is also forbidden.
      Read More on The Sun
      And they were warned taking selfies outside government buildings was strictly off limits – and likely to lead to police action.
      The presentation ended with the words: “With that said, do have fun!” More

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      Qatar ready for World Cup curtain-raiser, but you wouldn’t normally bother opening them for this underwhelming kick-off

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      AFTER a dozen years of raging controversy over corruption, tragedies and hideous human-rights abuses, we finally get to the actual football.This may be a World Cup in a nation which is too small, played at the wrong time of year and in a culture alien to most of us.
      Qatar and Ecuador will meet in the World Cup curtain raiser at the Al Bayt StadiumCredit: Getty
      The 22nd World Cup gets underway in Qatar on SundayCredit: AP
      But, four weeks from now, that famous golden trophy will be lifted and champions will be crowned.
      Fifa’s increasingly-deranged boss Gianni Infantino — a man who staged a love-in with Vladimir Putin at the last World Cup — has been ordering us to concentrate on football rather than politics.
      So here we go then, at 4pm UK time, a curtain-raiser to the greatest sporting jamboree on Earth which you normally wouldn’t open your curtains to watch if it was being played in your back garden.
      Qatar, ranked 50th in the world, against Ecuador, 44th in the standings — two nations who possibly shouldn’t even be at the World Cup at all.
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      Hosts Qatar have never qualified for the finals, while their opponents have been up to their necks in bother over the eligibility of full-back Byron Castillo — an affair which almost saw them kicked out.
      And after this tournament, won by the Qataris under false pretences, was moved from summer to winter, this fixture was switched from Monday to Sunday in a World Cup that they are making up as they go along.
      At least the latest U-turn, the 11th-hour banning of alcohol inside stadiums — for rank-and-file supporters but not the corporate freeloaders, of course — could be seen as a minor triumph for human rights.
      Any beer lover will tell you that the inability to pay 12 quid for a Budweiser is a blessing rather than a curse.
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      To be in Doha in the build-up to this tournament is a deeply strange experience.
      This is a hastily-constructed, ultra-modern metropolis built around what was a small, traditional Arab city — at the cost of the lives of thousands of mistreated migrant workers — the skyscrapers as well as the tournament’s eight stadia, all within 30 miles of one another.
      But despite the cultural differences and the moral outrages, you can still discover pockets of World Cup fever.
      In central Doha, you will see thousands of locals walking around in replica Argentina shirts with Lionel Messi’s name and No 10 on their backs.
      As soon as their own team are dumped out — and Qatar are highly likely to follow South Africa as the only previous World Cup host nation to exit at the group stage — they will throw their weight behind Messi and Co.
      The little maestro’s move to Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain made sure of that.
      Downtown Doha is now starting to resemble the united-nations melting pot of previous World Cups — the Latin Americans, in particular, travelling in vast numbers as they always do.
      Scores of global TV companies have set up their studios in front of the Souq Waqif — the historic marketplace which gives their coverage a rare backdrop of authentic Arab culture in this marble-and-concrete jungle.
      Close by, dozens of soporific camels doze around.
      And at a neighbouring booth, tourists are invited to ‘Try On Qatari Dress — It’s Amazing!’
      But football fans must strive to find an oasis of western hedonism in this desert.
      On the 14th floor of a central hotel, there is an Irish bar serving Guinness at £15 a pint to supporters with deep pockets and raging thirsts from every corner of the globe.
      Qatar won the right to stage this World Cup, way back in 2010, thanks to Fifa corruption — with their crooked former boss Sepp Blatter recently admitting this had been a mistake due to the host nation’s inadequate size.
      As culture wars raged over migrant-worker deaths and the illegality of homosexuality in Qatar — as well as those beer prices — many who would normally follow England at major tournaments chose to stay well away.
      And that was before an appalling Qatari World Cup ambassador recently described homosexuality as a ‘damage of the mind’.
      These issues have completely overshadowed Qatar’s own footballing prospects.
      Their Spanish manager Felix Sanchez presides over a squad consisting entirely of players who compete in Qatar’s domestic league — and who have been frequently withdrawn from club matches to go on lengthy remote training camps.
      Sanchez said: “We consider ourselves very competitive and worthy of being here, even if the favourites, on paper, should be Ecuador.
      “We are a small country and have to work with what we’ve got. The players have spent long periods of time, making a massive sacrifice, being away from their families, outside of the country, to make sure we are as competitive as possible.”
      Given the brown-envelope culture which earned Qatar this World Cup, it was little surprise that Sanchez was asked about internet conspiracies suggesting Ecuador’s players had been offered bribes to throw Sunday’s opening match.
      Read More on The Sun
      He replied: “There is a lot of dangerous misinform­ation on the internet but we have prepared for many years to prove we are strong and competitive.
      “Nobody will destabilise us, we are not affected by it and we are excited and motivated for this historic day.”
      The Al Bayt Stadium is ready to play host to the opening game of the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      I have barely any World Cup memories and the Colombia shootout wasn’t even on in my house, says England star Ben White

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE and his squad are hoping to give England some terrific World Cup memories — although Ben White has barely any of his own.Arsenal defender White comes from a family who have never been interested in football and, even now, rarely watch games at home.
      Dier struck the winning penalty against Colombia at the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty
      England defender White has made it into his first World Cup squadCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The incredibly relaxed centre-back, who spent Saturday morning sunbathing, revealed he only started thinking about Qatar once selected last week.
      White’s honest confession is very different from other players such as James Maddison, who revealed his strong emotions after being called up by Southgate for the finals.
      Asked about his World Cup memories, White said: “There are not many that stick out.
      “Obviously the disappointments and I remember Eric Dier’s penalty against Colombia and the feeling. But the game wouldn’t have been on in the house.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      “I didn’t grow up watching football in my house as it wasn’t on. It’s never been in my life or my mum and dad’s.
      “I always get asked what I do after football — I don’t really do much but I am always busy.
      “Sitting down and watching a 90-minute game is the last thing I want to do after I’ve trained all day and had four or five meetings about football as well.”
      As for his World Cup dreams over the next month or so, he said: “No, I don’t really look too far ahead. I feel like I’m a day-to day-person.
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      “I wake up in the morning, look after that day and try to have the best ever and don’t think too far ahead.
      “I’m not someone that has anything planned in normal life. If I want to go somewhere for dinner on that day, I’ll be going there. I didn’t think about the World Cup at all until it was close.
      “I think if you’re so concerned about something, it normally doesn’t happen if you’re too worried, things will be what they will be and you deal with it when it comes.

      “I’m not going into a game thinking I’m going to be the best right-back or centre-back in the world. I’m realistic, I want to play like everyone else and if I do get a chance to play, I’ll give it my best.”
      White, from the Dorset town of Ferndown, is likely to be on the bench for Sunday’s opener with Iran.
      When he broke news of his World Cup selection to his father Barry, White hardly received an explosive response.
      The former Brighton star said: “My old man is so very laid-back it is ridiculous. When I got called up for the squad he was like, ‘Well done’.
      “It was just like he knew it was going to happen and wasn’t a surprise for him. My mum is the opposite so I think I have got the balance between them.”
      As for the last few days, he has spent time by the pool.
      He said: “I sunbathed this morning. There is not loads to do.
      Read More on The Sun
      “You put your feet up after big training sessions and do recovery stuff, so there’s not much free time. Early to bed and watch a movie.
      “It is very nice around the pool, very relaxing.”
      Kane scored a penalty in the game and then in the shoot-out against ColombiaCredit: Getty More

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      Roberto Martinez will finally show whether he’s hit or myth at this World Cup, only the final is good enough for Belgium

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      AS one of the inventors of coach speak, Roberto Martinez has always talked a good game.In one of the many seasons when Wigan were fighting to survive, he described being stuck at the bottom as a unique opportunity and a positive.
      Roberto Martinez will be leading Belgium into another international tournamentCredit: Getty
      But World Cup success with Belgium could be make or break for himCredit: EPA
      Quite why, no one ever fully understood, but there was no diverting him from that belief.
      Probably because it gave his players the chance to show their heart for a scrap, or suchlike.
      It certainly helped build his reputation as one of football’s most modern-thinking managers.
      So much so that while he did pull off one of THE great FA Cup shocks of all time when the Latics beat Manchester City in the 2013 final, the fact they were relegated three days later didn’t make a dent in his standing.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Indeed, just two weeks after they went down, Martinez was on his way back up — replacing David Moyes at Everton.
      Then, when he got the boot from Goodison three years later, he landed an even more prestigious job within three months, taking over from Marc Wilmots as Belgium boss.
      It was an appointment which stunned many in football — certainly on Merseyside and parts of Greater Manchester — but no matter. And he HAS had his moments.
      Indeed, Belgium have spent much of the time under his command as the world’s No 1-rated team. Which, without a trophy, is basically a footballing “so what”.
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      The equivalent of the highest ranked tennis player who’s never won a Grand Slam. That’s what Belgium are at the moment.
      No team has ever been the best on the planet without ever having a major trophy to their name somewhere in their history.
      Even the great Holland sides, who looked like they would draw a blank, eventually won the 1988 Euros. But Belgium? Zip. Nothing.Which is why the next four weeks are so vital to Martinez.
      Because while there is a lot of pressure to deliver on a lot of people in Qatar, there’s more on him than almost anyone.
      When you look at his squad, the Spaniard has got more aces than most.
      And this is his last chance to show he knows how to play them.It isn’t just Belgium’s golden generation for whom this is now or never, but their manager as well.
      For Martinez, Qatar 2022 is now or never. It has to be the tournament when he finally proves he is the managerial genius he thinks.
      To be fair, there have been some great results. That last-eight win over Brazil in Russia four years ago is arguably the best.
      Only to count for nothing when they lost to France in the semis. And then a round earlier in the Euros three years later.

      Now, once again, Martinez will lead a team of all-stars into battle in the most open World Cup in living memory.
      Two of the top ten in the Ballon d’Or rankings are Belgian for a start, in Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois.
      Yet while it is not a set of players on their last legs, it is also the final chance for many of them to deliver on the biggest stage. So far they haven’t really come close.
      Third place in the last World Cup, but that means nothing. Just a massive disappointment after all the earlier promise.
      So it is boom or bust for Martinez and his boys over the next month. The minimum requirement has to be the final. Anything less will be a failure.
      Especially looking at the draw, which has hardly been unkind in pairing them with Croatia, Morocco and Canada. Not for nothing are they the shortest priced group favourites.
      If results go as expected, they would likely face a Germany side still in the development stages in the last 16 and Portugal in the quarters.
      They wouldn’t cross swords with Brazil, Argentina or — whisper it — England until the final itself.
      Read More on The Sun
      So while it isn’t a simple stroll to glory, neither is it a path paved with the biggest pitfalls. It’s why this is their time to deliver.
      For Martinez even more so. Hit or myth? We’ll know the answer come December 18. More