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      Female refs at World Cup 2022 are a giant leap for womankind especially in Qatar where they are fourth-class citizens

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      IN MANY ways, the choice of three women refs in the World Cup finals is an important statement on the equality of the sexes.But the fact it will be taking place in a country where women are ­second best — probably third or fourth after the camel riders and Rolls owners — is of even greater relevance.
      Stephanie Frappart has emerged as one of Europe’s top whistlersCredit: AFP
      Women are second best in QatarCredit: AFP
      It says to presidents, parliaments, voters and piggish misogynists alike that women are winning the battle for full rights in a place where they are denied them.
      At least Fifa is right in one critical policy. Fully behind equality in our sport, there must be some chance of one of the three being chosen to take charge of the final itself.
      It is by no means mission accomplished in gender equality in football or a vast array of sports. But even in the past few days the revolution has flourished, from rugby league to rugby union, in boxing and others, women’s international sports have attracted big audiences on TV.
      No longer do many men shudder at body-busting tackles among a host of charging females — although I have to admit I feel the occasional jolt and wonder how they cover up the bruises and black eyes.
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      What has impressed so many of us is the sportsmanship and friendly behaviour among women footballers.
      The quality of play is improving all the time, too. We have all seen blistering goals, leaping headers, athletic movement and control becoming common, while vicious fouling is an absolute rarity. 
      Women may sometimes be spiteful but not thuggish.
      All in all, they behave like good pros with better vocabularies, too.
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      Maybe respectful behaviour towards authority is part of our make-up and I’m sure the refs will react strongly to rough tongues on the field.
      Their greatest trials will be to ignore smart asses and big mouths in the crowd hurling abuse at them.
      Although I’ve had my share of these, I shudder at the thought of some filthy chants that seem inevitable. But I live in hope that respect will win the day.
      There is no good reason why women will be lesser referees just so long as they can keep cool under pressure, an ability I admire in our current refs.
      The FA seem cautious about introducing women refs to men’s matches. Once they are seen to be capable and fearless in the vicinity of angry men or hostile crowds, the huge majority of fans will appreciate their skills and professional approach.
      Neither must they be appointed just because they are women. There is a little too much of that on TV already.
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      It was a little odd, I thought, for the BBC to ask two women to make the draw for a round of the men’s FA Cup last season. It would not be fair if two men did the women’s draw, would it?
      Fifa haven’t been so pretentious. French referee Stephanie Frappart is only 5ft 3in but players should be aware that she will not fear 6ft bruisers or anyone else as she dishes out justice on the pitch — just as it should be. More

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      Steven Gerrard was our leader in 2014, when we went out the energy drained from him, says Sun columnist Jack Wilshere

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      JACK WILSHERE has made his peace with no longer being a player.Now coaching the Arsenal Under-18s, Wilshere has become fully immersed in the all-  consuming life of planning training sessions, analysing data, systems, man-management and picking the team.
      Jack Wilshire is part of The Sun’s World Cup panelCredit: Louis Wood
      He will be providing our readers with his analysis on England’s campaignCredit: Reuters
      He was, of course, one of the most gifted midfielders of this generation — before injuries cruelly cut short his career.
      So now Wilshere has become a Sun World Cup columnist, who will be giving readers the benefit of his knowledge from competing on the biggest stages for Arsenal and England and  learning the ropes as a fledgling coach at the Emirates.
      Still only 30, a fully-fit Wilshere would probably have been in Qatar. But he’s not bitter, he’s philosophical about how life has turned out.
      Yet Wilshere still looks back on his England career wondering what might have been, with a plea to the current squad to make this opportunity count.
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      Wilshere said: “In 2018 when I was watching the World Cup on TV I was thinking, ‘I should have been there.’ It was difficult viewing.
      “I was close to selection and fit when Gareth picked the squad — but I’d got an injury during one of the earlier camps, which would have been the chance to show him what I could do. I still feel I should have gone though. But I’ve accepted I’m finished with playing.
      “I’ve got my head around it, I’m just concentrating on coaching and loving it.
      “Earlier in the season we played Tottenham and I was sat thinking about the game and how we would play, then one of my coaches asked if I missed being out there playing and I actually realised that I didn’t.
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      “I don’t get that feeling any more. That’s credit to the Under-18 team I’ve been working with, they’re top, they give everything — they make me think and challenge me.
      “Arsenal are doing so well now and I’m there in the directors’ box with my boss Per Mertesacker.
       “We are talking about the game and what we need to do to get our Under-18 players to that level.
      “My thought process is completely different to when I was a player.”
      Wilshere recalls when he knew the game was up for him on the field.
      He had gone to Denmark to try and resurrect his career after spells at Bournemouth and West Ham — but realised he was kidding himself that he could recover and get back to being the midfielder he once was.
      Wilshere added: “If I’m honest my body completely gave up in Denmark, which was really frustrating. People were looking at me and I wanted to show them what I was about.

      “I could still see the pictures in my head but my body wouldn’t allow me to get round the pitch to react to those images. It was mainly my ankle but I had a few problems with my knee as well. Strangely, since I stopped playing my ankle and knee are starting to feel good. Now it’s my back which is giving me problems!”
      A World Cup brings back bitter-sweet memories for Wilshere.
      He was chosen by Roy Hodgson for the 2014 tournament in Brazil — but England were out after two games having lost to Italy and Uruguay.
      His experience tells him that it is vital England start well in their opener against Iran on Monday, otherwise the campaign can unravel very quickly and stress levels go through the roof.
      He remembers how the pressure affected Hodgson and the captain Steven Gerrard, who quit the national team.
      Wilshere said: “When I went off to the World Cup it was a dream come true.
      “Then I was given the No 7 shirt which was David Beckham’s, who was my hero growing up, and it couldn’t have been better. But I didn’t start the first game, I just came on as we lost to Italy.
      “Then I didn’t feature in the Uruguay defeat and, by the time I played in the third match against Costa Rica, we were already out. And we had prepared what I thought was so well for the Italy match.
      “We even went for warm-weather training in Portugal, wore big coats and bin bags to acclimatise for the humidity in Manaus, we put a lot of importance on that game.
      “But we were told to let Andrea Pirlo have the ball because, although he was a gifted player, his legs had gone. What a mistake that was. He was the best player on the pitch, we couldn’t get near him.
      “You could feel pressure building up after Italy — and could see the stress in the manager’s eyes. It’s tough being in the camp when it’s going wrong.
      Steven Gerrard’s mistake let Luis Suarez score and knockout England in 2014Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “Then we lost the game against Uruguay that we couldn’t really afford to lose and Stevie G gave a goal away when he headed it on to Luis Suarez for their winner.
      “Like Beckham, Stevie G was an idol of mine, so to be in the same England World Cup squad as him was a big thrill — but I ended up feeling so sorry for him.
      “He was our captain and leader of the group. He had been fantastic with me but, after that game, the energy just drained away from him.
      “We were out and he’d given a goal away. He wasn’t really a loud type, he led by the examples he set.
      “Me, Danny Welbeck and Luke Shaw had watched him as one of England’s best players as we grew up. We looked up to him.
      “However, you could see in his demeanour that he was very low and it was tough to see your leader like that. He’d been through it before at World Cups and this was the end for him.
      “So my overriding feeling was I felt sorry for him, I really did. But that’s what tournaments like this can do to you.
      “All fans are focused on it, the pressures are huge — and starting well is so important to build momentum.
      “Hopefully for our captain this time it will be a happy story.
      “I don’t want to be writing about England disappointment, I want to be telling Sun readers how England won it.” More

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      SunSport’s World Cup 2022 columnist Wilshere reveals he used to RING UP pundits like Scholes if they criticised him

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      FORMER England star Jack Wilshere knows criticism from ex-players and fans could affect  players at the World Cup.But when he was slagged off by ex-pros he took matters into his own hands — and rang them up!
      Wilshere is one of SunSport’s star columnists for the World Cup in QatarCredit: Louis Wood
      Ex-Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere phoned up pundits who had given him a hard time – and got some thoughtful feedbackCredit: Getty
      The former Arsenal midfielder said: “I had a few comments from ex-players on TV, once from Jamie Redknapp and then from Paul Scholes, so I called them.
      “With Jamie it was when I’d come back from injury, I said, ‘I think you out of everyone should understand, you went through it too’.
      “He was very respectful and said he hadn’t really thought about it like that.
      “When Paul Scholes had a go at me he was really good  when I contacted him, he ended up helping me.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “You go in the dressing room after a game, players are straight on their phones going through Twitter.
      “You can get 2,000 good comments and there can be one negative one, especially if it’s detailed, that can really get into your head. It screws your mind.”
      England boss Gareth Southgate will be hoping for nothing but good reviews after their World Cup opener on Monday.
      But he goes into the game without Kyle Walker for Monday’s World Cup starter against Iran.
      Midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also unlikely to be ready for a starting role.
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      Both players could be in contention for the Three Lions’ second game with the USA on Friday November 25.
      And the duo will certainly be anxious to be at peak fitness in time for the group finale with Wales the following Tuesday. More

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      Russia’s secret invasion of Qatar’s World Cup with big tech deals and sexy performers

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      RUSSIA has invaded the World Cup by clinching big business mega deals worth millions – and sending sexy performers to star in Qatar’s glitzy fan zone shows.Vladimir Putin’s bloodbath in Ukraine has earned his nation pariah status – including a total ban from football by Fifa.
      Russian singer and actress Maria Rutsoba will be performing in QatarCredit: Dan Charity
      Maria is one of around a thousand Russians believed to be in QatarCredit: Dan Charity
      But hosts Qatar have stuck to deals with Putin’s oligarch cronies cut before the war guaranteeing the Russian economy millions, despite economic sanctions.
      A Sun probe has revealed Russian phone and tech companies, caterers and VIP chauffeur services are all in use in Doha.
      A World Cup insider in Doha said: “There are already hundreds – if not thousands – of Russians working here on the World Cup.”
      It is not just bigwigs who are in Qatar.
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      Singer and actress Maria Rubtsova, 24, is starring in a show on Doha’s corniche fan zone.
      Maria, from Moscow, is distraught though, thinking of her father Alexandr, 54, who is fighting in the Ukraine.
      She said: “I don’t support Putin and have no idea why he started this war – but my dad said it was his duty to fight and volunteered.”
      She added: “I can’t stop thinking about what my dad is going through and whether I’ll ever see him again.”
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      Qatar’s World Cup Supreme Committee declined to comment on The Sun’s findings last night.
      Maria says she worries she may not see her dad again, who is part of Putin’s armyCredit: Dan Charity
      Vladimir Putin struck deals with Qatar which have been honouredCredit: Reuters More

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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Messi MISSES Argentina training, alcohol BANNED from stadiums, Maddison’s race against time

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      ARGENTINA have gone into panic mode as footballing hero Lionel Messi misses training just four days before their opener.The Argentine head coach Lionel Scaloni revealed that a number of his men are struggling.
      Scaloni said: “There are some players who are physically troubled. The truth is that we are not sure that these 26 players are all in the squad, luckily, we have days to decide if we have to make any modifications.
      Meanwhile, Qatar has confirmed that alcohol will NOT be served in or around stadiums at the World Cup in a shock U-turn by organisers.
      Beer was supposed to be available in the concourses of grounds in Qatar but the powers that be have reversed that decision.
      And James Maddison has been training on his own away from the rest of the England squad as he continues his quest for fitness.
      World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
      Stay tuned with all the latest ahead of the tournament…
      Shaw thing for Luke
      Luke Shaw has made the bizarre revelation that he has a tattoo of the Coco Pops monkey on his left arm. 
      The England and Manchester United left-back is in Qatar preparing for the World Cup as the national team looks to end 56 years of hurt.
      Shaw, 25, says the image of the popular cereal-selling primate is a tribute to his two-year-old son Reign.
      The goalscorer in the Euro 2020 Final told the Lions Den YouTube channel about the unique ink.
      He said: “My son is obsessed with Coco Pops, he has a lot of them in the morning, I thought it would be quite cool because he is interested in my tattoos.”

      Southgate’s spot-kick practice
      Keeper Aaron Ramsdale, 24, revealed: “It can become detrimental if they are taking them against goalkeepers because we then start to know where they are going.
      “If I know where you are going seven times out of ten and I start cheating and going early and start saving them, you might start worrying about it.
      “We have something which is called a skills net where the corners are open.
      “At the moment the lads are just working on technique.
      “Everybody can take penalties, it is just those fine pressure-margins which we can’t recreate out there unfortunately.”
      Southgate’s attention to detail helped the Three Lions beat their spot-kick hoodoo in the last-16 win over Colombia at the last World Cup.
      It was their first penalty shootout triumph in a World Cup — at their fourth attempt.
      Ramsdale reveals England penalty prep
      England are practicing penalties WITHOUT goalkeepers in a bid to avoid more shootout heartache, reveals Aaron Ramsdale.
      Gareth Southgate does not want his stars’ confidence plummeting because his keepers are saving too many in training.
      So the Three Lions, who agonisingly lost the Euro2020 final on penalties to Italy, are training for spot-kicks using a skill net that forces players to hit corners.

      Maddison could be the game-changer for England, says Cole
      Joe Cole believes James Maddison has the “personality” to be a World Cup game-changer for England.
      The former Three Lions star said: “The big one for me was James Maddison. Form-wise and quality-wise he should be playing, but also because of his personality – he’s an England player.
      “He won’t shirk the responsibilities; he’ll get on the ball.
      “There will be times later in the tournament when the game might be in the balance and you need to be brave and accept the ball as a midfield player and he will do that.
      “You can play number 10s deeper now and we need to set the tempo of our games. I’m so happy he’s in.”
      Three Lions open with Iran
      England boss Gareth Southgate will be hoping for nothing but a good result in the Three Lions’ World Cup opener.
      But he goes into the game without Kyle Walker for Monday’s World Cup starter against Iran.
      Midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also unlikely to be ready for a starting role.
      Both players could be in contention for the Three Lions’ second game with the USA on Friday November 25.
      And the duo will certainly be anxious to be at peak fitness in time for the group finale with Wales the following Tuesday.

      Ronaldo puts aside United qualms for Portugal
      In the second part of the incredible interview released yesterday, Ronaldo shockingly revealed he wants bitter rivals Arsenal to clinch the title if United can’t.
      That was after stating that he believes his side are three years away from challenging themselves.
      But for at least the next fortnight the superstar is focused on trying to land the one crown that has so far evaded him.
      Portugal kick-off their World Cup campaign next Thursday against Ghana.
      They then face Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.

      ICYMI – Qatari authorities stamp booze ban on World Cup games
      World Cup fans will be hit with a stadium booze ban today as FIFA buckles under pressure from the Qatari authorities, writes SunSport’s Martin Lipton and Nick Parker.
      Despite months of promises that beer and other alcoholic drinks will be available at the eight World Cup venues, SunSport can confirm that NO booze will be sold at all in any of them.
      And it means that the only official World Cup site where fans can have a drink will be the Doha city centre official Fan Festival – selling just Budweiser at almost £12 for less then a pint.
      Even as late as yesterday, FIFA had promised that fans could buy drinks inside stadiums on match days but not between kick-off and the final whistle.
      But that policy was scrapped after Qatar’s Supreme Committee put the squeeze on FIFA – although it will cost the world governing body millions of pounds in compensation to official beer sponsor Budweiser and parent company InBev
      More on Ronaldo touching down in Qatar
      CR7 and his international colleagues were suited and booted as they landed at Hamad International Airport on Friday.
      Ronaldo, 37, missed last night’s 4-0 friendly victory over Nigeria due to a stomach bug.
      However, he showed no ill-effects as he looked a picture of concentration in front of the camera upon arrival in the Middle East.

      Ronaldo ARRIVES in Qatar
      Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived in Qatar with his Portugal national teammates.
      The 37-year-old icon has more or less severed ties with “disrespectful” Manchester United.
      But his focus is now on World Cup preparations.

      Son reportedly fit for South Korea
      Son Heung-Min WILL be fit for Korea’s World Cup opener against Uruguay – according to one of his closest pals in football.
      The Spurs has been training in a specially adapted face mask after suffering a fractured eye socket in a Champions League clash with Marseille a couple of weeks ago.
      He was only able to rejoin his team-mates for anything approaching a full session earlier this week and it is still far from certain that he will be risked in Thursday’s Group H opener against the South Americans.
      Yet Korean legend Koo Ja-Cheol, who is working in Qatar as a TV pundit for his homeland, insists it is unthinkable that his big buddy will not be in the line-up.
      Ja-Cheol, who won 76 caps before his international retirement in 2019, said: “He plays with such passion that I don’t think anyone would be able to stop him.
      “He never wants to miss out and although he’s not been able to do any heading yet, he will push himself very hard. I expect him to start.
      “With the mask it’s uncomfortable of course, it wouldn’t be 100 per cent condition. But from what I know of him that’s the way it will be.
      “Look, we need to score – I think we will need two to win and who can score for Korea? Everyone says Sonny.”
      Southgate to reveal team on Saturday night
      Foden, 22, is reported to be in line to start after scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 14 Premier League games this season.
      The Manchester City ace has already ruled the world with England at U17 level.
      And he has the same winning feeling as he prepares for his first World Cup with the senior side.
      Although Southgate won’t reportedly confirm his starting side until Saturday night.
      Foden set to start opener vs Iran
      Phil Foden is reportedly set to be given the nod for England’s World Cup opener against Iran.
      The Three Lions boast plenty of options in attack and Gareth Southgate has a selection headache ahead of the game.
      But Foden has impressed the boss and assistant coach Steve Holland with his recent form, according to the Daily Mail.
      Although Bukayo Saka and Mason Mount are also pushing for starting berths in attacking positions.
      Southgate is believed to have told his players that a 3-4-3 system remains his preferred formation for the tournament.
      With Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling both likely to be in from the off, there is only set to be one more place up for grabs.

      More on England’s hot training session
      Harry Kane led the team out followed by goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale and went through drills ran by former Manchester City and Wales ‘keeper Martyn Margetson.
      But Kyle Walker, who will be absent for the Iran clash, again trained despite his groin injury.
      Once again several stars including Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson wore sleeveless shirts and shorts in an attempt to keep cool under the watchful eye of assistant boss Steve Holland.
      Kane and his team-mates took on board plenty of fluids shortly after training began, with the players also making use of “The Heat Shack”.
      That is what the squad call the tent cover at the side of the training pitch, which includes a misting fan that players can use to cool down.

      Incredible Messi ad released
      Adidas have revealed an incredible new advert to celebrate Lionel Messi’s final World Cup that features him playing against FOUR versions of himself.
      The German sporting giants, who sponsor both the 35-year-old and the Argentina national team, released the stunning clip today.
      Titled “The Impossible Rondo”, they describe it as a celebration of Messi’s World Cup career over the years.
      And it features shots of him from each of his outings at past tournaments and his modern-day self enjoying a kickabout – which would make a pretty much unbeatable five-a-side team.

      Spain call up for Balde
      Spain have called up Barcelona rookie Alejandro Balde as a late replacement for injured defender Jose Gaya.
      Valencia skipper Gaya, 27, picked up an ankle problem on Wednesday and was sent home two days later.
      Boss Luis Enrique has now turned to 19-year-old Balde, who has not represented his country at senior level before.
      The left-back has only become a regular for Barca this season, playing just 23 times in total.
      A statement from Spain’s national team read: “Luis Enrique has taken into account his brilliant start to the season to replace Gaya.”
      Credit: AP
      Fans prefer Prem title over World Cup win
      A YouGov survey of football supporters on behalf of Betfair has revealed that a significantly larger proportion of fans would prefer their team win the Premier League rather than England lifting the World Cup.
      A large 65 per cent of the 1,116 supporters surveyed would rather their team win the Premier League, with just 29 per cent saying they would sooner see Gareth Southgate’s side triumph in Qatar.
      Three out of five Manchester United supporters (60 per cent) would rather their side add a 21st Premier League title, while a third (32 per cent) would prefer England win the World Cup.

      Ramsdale on top
      Aaron Ramsdale keeps being trolled by his England team-mates over Arsenal topping the Premier League table.
      The Gunners goalkeeper is with the Three Lions squad as they prepare for the World Cup in Qatar.
      Ramsdale has revealed that players are winding him up about him going on about Arsenal being top.
      The 24-year-old said: “Most of the banter is coming from Conor Coady and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
      “They keep walking around pretending that I’ve said, ‘Five points clear’, every day.”

      Maddison sweating over fitness
      James Maddison is facing a race to be 100 per cent fit for England’s opener with Iran on Monday.
      The Leicester midfielder missed training for a second day on Friday with a knee problem sustained against West Ham on Saturday.
      Maddison trained with the 26-man squad on Wednesday but complained of soreness so was told by medics to manage the issue.
      He was out on the pitch on Friday – although without boots – for a pep talk from assistant boss Steve Holland but then returned down the tunnel.
      The Three Lions are acclimatising to the 33-degree weather and appeared to be feeling the sun.
      Fortunately, temperatures will drop to around 26C by 4pm – the local time for kick-off for the Iran clash.

      EXCLUSIVE: Williams on Bale
      The Swindon midfielder told SunSport, via SkyBet, that they are well equipped to take on the best on the globe.
      He said: “Bale’s achievements and career speak for itself. The important goals in big finals, he’s a five-time Champions League winner, and what he’s done for Wales since coming into the senior team.
      “I think he’s probably the best British player of all time.
      “I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and a person, so down to earth, a pleasure to play alongside.
      “Even when I was kid coming through and he is the same now, you can’t always say that about players.
      “It is a credit to him and amazing to see what he did in America, but I am not surprised. He is a winner, a big game player and he always turns up.”

      EXCLUSIVE: Bale is Britain’s best, says Williams
      Gareth Bale is the best Britain has to offer, according to international team-mate Jonny Williams.
      The winger also warned England that superstar Bale’s title success in America was the perfect warm-up for the World Cup.
      Williams, 29, and the rest of the Wales squad flew out to Qatar on Tuesday to begin preparations.
      They kick off their tournament against USA on Monday before facing Gareth Southgate’s side on November 29.
      Lucozade pulls branding from World Cup
      England sponsors Lucozade has pulled all its branding from the World Cup in a snub to Qatar.
      The drinks maker says its bottles will not be seen at matches, in training or at press conferences following rows over the Gulf state’s brutal laws.
      Harry Kane and his teammates will still be given drinks but they will carry no branding or logos.
      The firm said today: “Lucozade is a proud long-term sponsor of the England team but we are not an official Fifa World Cup partner.
      “We continue to support all England teams, who celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion.
      “While the England team have access to our drinks for hydration purposes we will not have a brand presence at press conferences, training session or on pitches.”

      Angry fan reactions to booze ban
      Not every fan had such a sunny outlook on the booze ban.
      One supporter said: “To be honest I am very annoyed.
      “The whole time they have been telling us that you can buy booze in the stadium, which we were all very excited about.
      “Now the day before the World Cup starts we have been told we can’t buy booze there.
      “Everyone knows that English people love a drink”.
      England fans vow to still “get p****d” in Qatar despite ban
      Defiant England fans have vowed to still “get p****d” before games in the wake of Qatar’s sudden stadium booze ban.
      The announcement comes despite supporters previously being promised they could drink beer in stadiums throughout the tournament.
      The stunning booze ban comes just two days before the tournament kicks off.
      But while Fifa buckled under pressure from the Qatari authorities, it appears Three Lions fans won’t let it get in their way.

      One supporter told The Sun: “It won’t dampen my experience too much because I will just get p****d before the games.
      “That’s the way the cookie crumbles.”
      FIFA booze backlash
      FIFA President Gianni Infantino will face the global pushback against the World cup booze ban on Saturday, writes SunSport’s Martin Lipton.
      But Infantino was in full kit w***** mode as he wore the Qatar 2022 maroon referee’s tracksuit as he hailed “Team One” of the tournament.
      He said: “The 129 officials do an incredibly difficult job and I have so much esteem for them.
      “They have to take instant decisions that change the lives of entire countries, under immense pressure” 
      Phillips on the naughty list
      Kalvin Phillips has followed Peter Crouch into Fifa’s bad books – before kicking a ball at Qatar 2022, writes SunSport’s Martin Lipton from Qatar.
      Ahead of the 2006 tournament in Germany, videos of Crouch’s aerial approach was used as an example of what should be penalised by referees, making the striker a marked man.
      And now Phillips’ block to create the space for Harry Magurie’s opener in the qualifying win over Albania last November was the example of play that officials should clamp down on in the World Cup.
      Phillips moved back from an offside position to clear the way for Maguire to power home.
      Refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina said: “That would be disallowed here. It would be interfering with an opponent from an offside position”
      Credit: Getty
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      What is England’s World Cup ITV curse, and how have Three Lions results fared on BBC and ITV?

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      ENGLAND supporters will be hoping the Three Lions can give them a World Cup trophy as an early Christmas present this winter.And the announcement of their first match being broadcast on BBC ONE has filled fans with joy.
      England players trying to cool themselves down as they prepare for their World Cup opener
      What is England’s ITV curse?
      Compared to when England are shown on the BBC, the Three Lions have a lousy competitive record on ITV.
      Since France 98, England have played 27 games at the World Cup.
      They’ve won twelve of these matches.
      Fourteen of those games have been shown on the BBC – and just TWO games shown on ITV have been won.
      And the ‘curse’ struck again when England were knocked out by Croatia in 2018 which was shown live on ITV.
      England went crashing out to Croatia during the 2018 World Cup on ITV
      How have Three Lions results fared on BBC and ITV?
      Call it coincidence or what you will, but the stats speak for themselves.

      The BBC has shown 14 games with a record of 10 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats
      ITV has show 13 games with a record of 2 wins, 6 draws and 5 defeats

      During the group stages in Russia the BBC showed England’s wins over Tunisia and Panama.
      ITV were in charge for the defeat against Belgium.
      Ian Wright will be one of the pundits on ITV this winter
      Gareth Southgate will be eager for his men to break this ITV curse in Qatar alongside going one step further than the Euro 2020 by lifting the World Cup trophy. More

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      Lionel Messi plays against FOUR other World Cup versions of himself in incredible adidas advert

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      ADIDAS have revealed an incredible new advert to celebrate Lionel Messi’s final World Cup that features him playing against FOUR versions of himself.The German sporting giants, who sponsor both the 35-year-old and the Argentina national team, released the stunning clip today.
      Adidas have unveiled a stunning new advert celebrating Lionel Messi’s World Cup legacyCredit: Adidas
      Titled “The Impossible Rondo”, they describe it as a celebration of Messi’s World Cup career over the years.
      And it features shots of him from each of his outings at past tournaments and his modern day self enjoying a kickabout – which would make a pretty much unbeatable five-a-side team.
      A statement read: “Combining real footage of the Argentinian forward from 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018, adidas makes the impossible, possible with a one-of-a-kind Messi vs Messi rondo warm up.
      “Created using the latest in artificial intelligence and VFX, the film showcases the last 18 years of the world’s greatest player, celebrating his achievements in an unexpected way.”
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      Adidas added: “Complete with his haircuts, Argentina shirts and adidas boots across the previous five tournaments, historical and present-day footage of Messi was used to produce the different, de-aged versions of him.
      “This was then applied to body doubles to allow the ‘impossible’ warm-up to come to life.”
      Qatar will be Messi’s fifth and final appearance at the World Cup, with his first coming in 2006.
      They reached the quarter-finals in his first two outings at the tournament in Germany and South Africa respectively.
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      Then Messi suffered heartbreak in the 2014 final when an extra-time strike from Germany’s Mario Gotze ended his World Cup dream.
      And it was eventual winners France that knocked out Argentina four years ago in Russia.
      The Barcelona legend’s record at the tournament stands at six goals and five assists from 19 appearances.
      The World Cup remains the one trophy missing from Messi’s illustrious cabinet – and he provided a slight scare ahead of the big kick-off when he did not train alongside his colleagues today in the Middle East.
      Argentina begin their World Cup campaign with a clash against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
      They then take on Mexico before facing Poland in their final Group C clash on Wednesday 30 November. More

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      Why do England have Three Lions on their badge, and has the badge always been the same?

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      ENGLAND’s badge is one of the most unique in international football.The iconic Three Lions and ten red roses feature on this summer’s World Cup strip, along with a star representing the 1966 win on home turf.
      England’s iconic Three Lions badge and ten red rosesCredit: Alamy
      Why do England have Three Lions on their badge?
      ENGLAND are representatives of the Football Association – and therefore use their emblem on their shirts.
      That happens to be the Three Lions crest and was first used in 1872 when England played Scotland in the first ever international.
      The lion is a huge part of English history and can be traced back to the time of King Henry I and Richard the Lionheart.
      The great Stanley Matthews wearing England strip in 1954Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Banners sporting three golden lions were ridden into battle by Richard and every monarch following him has them on their Royal Coat of Arms.
      When the FA was formed the crest was designed to show that heritage – and has been a feature of England jerseys ever since.
      Because it is officially a royal emblem, the FA had to ask permission to use it with the team.
      You will notice that the crest also features 10 red roses and some believe that they hark back to the War of the Roses between Yorkshire and Lancashire.
      A young England fan shows her support for the team outside the Samara ArenaCredit: PA:Press Association
      Has the badge always been the same?
      THERE has been just one major change in the last 146 years.
      The England cricket team share the same badge and the two were difficult to differentiate between.
      Before 1949 the football version had crowns on the lions, but these were removed.
      Otherwise, the design – save for a few cosmetic differences – has remained since 1872. More