World Cup 2022

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      England boss Southgate opens sensational talks to recall Arsenal star Ben White after mysterious World Cup departure

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is reportedly looking at recalling Ben White to the England team.The Arsenal defender was part of the Three Lions squad that travelled to Qatar for the World Cup.
      Gareth Southgate is reportedly reaching out to Ben WhiteCredit: Getty
      He is keen to see if the defender would consider coming back to the Three LionsCredit: AFP
      However, he left the squad midway through the tournament with the FA citing personal reasons as to why he left.
      White, 25, left the camp before the last-16 victory over Senegal, while there were reports claiming he had a training ground bust-up with assistant boss Steve Holland.
      He has not been selected to play for England since his sudden exit from Qatar.
      But that could be set to change as Southgate is trying to find out if the Gunners star would be open to a return, according to the Daily Mail.
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      Southgate will name his next England squad on Wednesday for the Euro 2024 fixtures against Malta and North Macedonia.
      And the coach will be looking for a right-back with his options looking limited.
      Kyle Walker is set to be rested as he plays a Champions League final for Manchester City less than a week before.
      While Reece James is injured and Trent Alexander-Arnold is playing a new role at Liverpool.
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      The Three Lions boss previously argued that White has not been called up due to there being too many other elite options in his position.
      The 52-year-old tactician insisted Walker, Trippier and James were ahead of him as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold
      He said in March: “With Ben, it is similar for Ben and Trent.
      “We have players ahead of those two and we are blessed with talent.
      “Kyle and Tripps [Trippier] were the ones who played during the World Cup and have been consistent while Reece has come back.” More

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      Man Utd poised to offer wonderkid new contract.. before shipping striker out on loan

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      ROOKIE Mateo Mejia is to get a new deal from Manchester United — then be shipped out on loan.The striker has had injury problems but is still seen as a long-term prospect at Old Trafford.
      Mateo Mejia is set to receive a new contract at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Manchester United youngster Mejia is set to then be sent out on loanCredit: Getty
      Mejia, 20, is currently in Indonesia playing for Colombia in the Under-20 World Cup and both the player and United hope to find some interest off the back of that.
      United signed Mejia from Real Zaragoza in 2019.
      And despite being born in Spain, Mejia has been recognised by Colombia for the Under-20 finals, as he qualifies for the South Americans through his parents.
      United manager Erik ten Hag invited the winger to train with the senior squad last month after Marcus Rashford’s injury.
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      Mejia is not the first youngster the club is looking to reward with a new deal.
      The Red Devils did the same with Alejandro Garnacho, who penned a five-year contract believed to be worth around £50,000 a week.
      Garnacho has been enjoying a breakout season at Old Trafford with six goals and six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
      The Manchester giants are also set to offer Facundo Pellistri a new contract.
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      Pellistri has broken into the first team under Ten Hag and impressed this season.
      The winger played for Uruguay at the 2022 World Cup and has seen his game time increase since the tournament in Qatar.
      Both the United board and Ten Hag are said to be pleased with the 21-year-old’s development and they are keen to tie him down for the future. More

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      Who is John Stones’ girlfriend Olivia Naylor, when did they start dating and when did Man City star split with his ex?

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      JOHN STONES is an England and Manchester City star on the pitch – and off it he has his girlfriend Olivia Naylor to keep him company.Stones will be celebrating winning the Premier League title for a third consecutive time today at the Etihad.
      John Stones has been dating beautician Olivia Naylor after meeting in a club
      Who is Olivia Naylor?
      John Stones’ new girlfriend is a 33-year-old former beautician.
      She is well respected in Manchester after building her own salon near her Cheshire home.
      Olivia recently took a step back from her work duties after giving birth to her son.
      John Stones’ girlfriend Olivia NaylorCredit: Kelvin Media
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      How long have John Stones and Olivia Naylor been dating?
      Stones hit it off with Olivia after meeting her during a night out, The Sun exclusively revealed in March 2019.
      The Man City star’s Lamborghini has been spotted outside her house in recent weeks.
      It is understood that the couple have only been dating for a few months.
      Ex-girlfriend Millie Savage supported Stones during the World Cup in Russia and they share a 20-month daughter togetherCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
      When did John Stones split with ex Millie Savage?
      The pair ended their relationship in late 2018 after suddenly moving out of their £3.4million home.
      Stones reportedly told Millie Savage: “It’s over. I want more freedom.”
      After moving into a £6,000-a-month apartment in Manchester – in the same block as manager Pep Guardiola – the footballer is believed to have begun his relationship with Olivia Naylor.
      Stones and Millie Savage have a 20-month daughter together. More

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      Man City lining up £85m transfer for World Cup star as outcast defender looks set to leave club

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      MANCHESTER CITY are keeping a close eye on RB Leipzig’s financial woes as they weigh up a summer move for defender Josko Gvardiol.Etihad chief Pep Guardiola is a long-term admirer of the Croatian World Cup defender, 21.
      Manchester City are looking to bolster their ranks in defenceCredit: Getty
      Manchester City are targeting RB Leipzig star Josko GvardiolCredit: Getty
      He got a close up view when the two teams met in this season’s Champions League Round of 16 and his view remains the same.
      So they could firm up their interest if any defenders decide to leave City and seek a new challenge this summer.
      Aymeric Laporte is the most likely to go after falling down the pecking order following the arrival of Manuel Akanji in August.
      And Gvardiol’s versatility would appeal to Guardiola as he can also play at left-back where City also have a vacancy.
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      Leipzig have maintained their defender – who has a release clause of around £98million until 2024 – is not for sale.
      However it is believed a bid in the region of £85m could bring them to the table due to their money worries.
      They need to balance the books to get in line with UEFA’s financial fair play guidelines and that is likely to mean another of their stars leaving.
      Christopher Nkunku – who is linked with Chelsea – and Konrad Laimer are already expected to leave but there may need to be at least one more major sale.
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      City are likely to spend most of their summer budget on refreshing their midfield this summer – but look set to miss out on one of their top targets Jude Bellingham.
      Skipper Ilkay Gundogan’s contract expires at the end of the season and nothing has yet been agreed, while Bernardo Silva wants talks with the club in the summer.
      Meanwhile, there remains a question mark over whether England ace Kalvin Phillips will make the grade at City after a disappointing first season with them. More

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      Fans rage as Fifa reveal simplistic World Cup 2026 logo that ‘took less than a minute to design’

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      FIFA may have held a glitzy LA ceremony last night to unveil the branding for the 2026 World Cup, but the new logo definitely fell short.The official logo for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, is already being slammed by fans.
      This marks the first time the World Cup trophy has been used in the official logoCredit: AP

      The design, which was unveiled by Fifa President Gianni Infantino and two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo Nazário, has been denounced as “basic”.
      It features a simple image of the trophy in the foreground and the numbers “2” and “6” stacked vertically in the background.
      Traditionally, the World Cup logo has been designed to reflect the culture of the host nation(s) in some way, but that is not the case here.
      Football fans took to social media to vent their frustrations with the uninspiring logo for the biggest tournament in sport.
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      One said: “Is that it? Just 26 with the cup? What a failure”.
      Another added: “That’s the worst logo I’ve ever seen in my life”.
      Others questioned the credentials of the graphic designers: “I could have made that in about 2 minutes on my phone”.
      One fan comically made a 60 second video showing how long it took him to create it.
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      A fifth fan joined in: “That’s it? A PNG file image of the trophy over 26. Anaemic”.
      Another declared: “It should have been something that would represent the 3 countries. Come on”.
      Fifa President Infantino stated: “We are united as one to welcome the world and deliver the biggest, best and most inclusive Fifa World Cup ever”.
      But the branding has failed to meet these high expectations.
      However, it was also revealed, that every host city will eventually release a logo and colour scheme that is specific to each venue.
      The event to launch the World Cup was hosted by former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas and Telemundo journalist Ana Jurka.
      The competition, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, will be the first World Cup in North America since 1994.
      Despite the lacklustre logo, the ceremony was attended by a host of stars.
      Brooklyn Beckham was joined by the likes of musicians Kelly Osbourne, Angelina Jordan and Ted Lasso actor Cristo Fernandez.
      Brooklyn Beckham and Victor Montagliani were sat together at the event in LACredit: Getty More

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      Inside Pele’s tomb in world’s tallest cemetery where fans can pay respects to icon who was laid to rest in gold coffin

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      FOOTBALL legend Pele has seen his tomb opened up for public visitation.The Brazil icon died at the age of 82 on December 29 after a battle with cancer, with thousands of mourners lining the street to bid farewell.
      Pele’s mausoleum has been opened up for public visitationCredit: AFP
      Pele was laid to rest on January 3 in a golden casketCredit: AFP
      It is located in Santos, BrazilCredit: Alamy
      The tomb is topped with a crossCredit: AFP
      The side of the coffin is etched with striking detail of his playing careerCredit: AFP
      Pele’s son, Edson Cholbi Nascimento, was moved to tears during the openingCredit: AFP
      He was given a burial fit for a king, with the three-time World Cup winner being laid to rest in a golden casket in the world’s tallest cemetery after a public funeral at Santos’ stadium in January.
      On Monday his mausoleum on the second floor of the 14-storey tall Ecumenical Memorial Cemetery in Santos, Brazil, was opened up to the public.
      Fans are welcomed to the cemetery with two life-size golden statues of Pele at the door.
      Both of the statues are flanked by the flags of Brazil and Santos.
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      After stepping inside, fans will feel artificial grass in substitute for a carpet.
      The walls of the 200-square-metre space are also plastered with images of fans in a stadium, with a soundtrack of cheers also being heard.
      Even the ceiling is not void of a decorative touch, with a sky blue colouration.
      But it is the centre of the room which marks the most striking feature – Pele’s golden vault.
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      Edson said it was ‘the essence of what he was’Credit: AFP
      The tomb is located in the world’s tallest cemeteryCredit: Alamy
      However, there is a limit of 60 fans allowed to visit per dayCredit: Alamy
      The centre-piece is topped with a cross and has black etchings on the side which depict his 1000th goal and iconic raised-fist celebration.
      Pele’s son Edson Cholbi do Nascimento told reporters: “This was made with a lot of love by people who knew him, who lived with him. It has the essence of what he was.”
      One of the firsts fan in line to visit, 44-year-old businessman Ronaldo Rodrigues, told Citizen Digital: “It surpassed my expectations. It’s a really beautiful place.”
      However, the tomb itself is limited to just 60 visitors a day, which is done via a sign-up form on the cemetery’s website.
      As well as being the only player to win the World Cup three times, Pele has amassed an astonishing – if not controversial – goal record.
      Pele himself claimed he had scored 1,283 goals, which would put him on top of footballs all-time scoring charts.
      But Guinness World Records have chalked his tally down to 1.279, while RSSSF (Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation) has his tally down with a still impressive 778 strikes. More

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      Ashley Williams gives Wales’ next generation an insight into major tournament life ahead of Under-17s Euros

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      ASHLEY WILLIAMS delivered a pep talk to Wales’ stars of the future ahead of their European Under-17 Championship finals tilt.Williams led Chris Coleman’s senior side to the Euro 2016 semi-finals and won 86 caps.
      Ashley Williams has passed his tournament experience onto the next generation of WalesCredit: Reuters
      Williams was Wales captain when Chris Coleman’s side reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals and the defender scored in the quarter-final against BelgiumCredit: Getty – Contributor
      And the ex-Dragons captain visited the squad to give an insight to the next generation about his experiences of playing at a major tournament.
      Wales’ squad, which includes Manchester United forward Gabriele Biancheri, have met in Cardiff.
      They have reached their first appearance at a youth finals since 1981.
      Wales open their tournament against hosts Hungary in Budapest on Wednesday.
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      Williams, 38, posted on Instagram: “The gift is always to be passed on, it’s not yours to keep.
      “An attitude of gratitude @fawales.
      “Pleasure to speak to our U17s ahead of their Euros campaign.”
      Craig Knight’s Wales, who qualified for the first time in their history after a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in the elite round, also face Poland and Republic of Ireland in Group A.
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      England are in Group D and start their campaign against Croatia on Thursday and also face Netherlands and Switzerland. 
      Scotland take on holders France plus Germany and Portugal in Group C. More

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      Arsenal and Wales legend Aaron Ramsey wants new Nice deal after rebuilding career in France following Juventus hell

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      AARON RAMSEY wants to extend his stay in Nice by signing a new contract.The Wales captain, 32, joined the French club on a 12-month deal last summer following a nightmare spell with Juventus.
      Aaron Ramsey has enjoyed his first season with Nice in Ligue 1Credit: Getty
      But injury-plagued Ramsey has managed to stay fit for the majority of the Ligue 1 season to make 34 appearances across all competitions for Nice. 
      The former Arsenal star said: “Things have panned out quite nicely this season.
      “We have worked hard, the coaches, medical staff and myself to make sure that I am in my best shape to go out and play.
      “That communication has been key. Managing my load throughout the week has been important. It’s been a real team effort.
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      “I feel good and that’s backed up by the amount of minutes and games I have played this year.”
      Ramsey added: “I feel very comfortable at the moment. Playing games, having opportunities and the coaches have been great to me.
      “They have given me a few days off here and there to go back and see my family. That’s been a challenge, there’s no doubt about that.
      “Football-wise, it’s a great club and it’s going in the right direction and this year we have taken a step forward so there’s no problems with that point of view.
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      “Of course, I’d like to be a part of that. I’m sure we will be in discussions at the end of the season.”
      A key factor in those talks for Ramsey will be whether his family join him on a permanent basis in the south of France.
      His wife Colleen and their three children have remained in Wales since he moved to Rangers in January 2022.
      When asked if his family would move to the Cote d’Azur, Ramsey added: “Of course, there’s a lot of decisions to make at the end of the season and what is best for me and my family. 
      “It’s not an easy thing to get that balance right. But that’s definitely something we will look into and is definitely an option.
      “We will see. Let’s finish off the season and then we can go from there.”
      While Ramsey is happy at Nice, Argentina superstar Lionel Messi is to leave the French top-flight and leaders Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires at the end of the season.
      Ramsey said: “He’s still a Paris player at the moment.
      “I can’t comment on speculation. That’s their problem and his. That’s nothing to do with me.”
      Nice, who beat Rennes 2-1 on Saturday, are eighth in the table but caretaker boss Dider Digard’s side, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, reached the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League.
      The Wales captain is keen to extend his stay in the south of FranceCredit: Getty
      Ramsey struggled at Juventus after a raft of injuriesCredit: Getty
      Ramsey added: “In spells this season we have seen what this team and club are capable of doing.
      “Now it’s about getting consistency over the course of a season and taking the next step of competing and fighting for Champions League places or the league. That’s the next step for this club to take.
      “The coach has come in with his staff and done a fantastic job. It’s not easy to come in mid-season and to go on the run we went on to arrive at a quarter-finals.
      “He’s been a player, he understands and he knows what is important to do and how to get the best out of the team. He’s been brilliant and there would be no arguments to see him there next season.”
      Ramsey has only scored once for Nice – back in August against Toulouse and knows his stats should be better.
      He said: “The way I play and the attacking opportunities that I like to get into, I would have liked to have scored more goals this season.
      “There’s still a few games left to get a few but on the whole I’ve had some opportunities.
      “Going forward, scoring more goals and killing the game when we have that opportunity is something we can improve on as a team. 
      “I know I have the capability of scoring goals and I want to score more.”
      Ramsey’s Wales are in talks to play South Korea in a Cardiff friendly in September before they travel to Latvia in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
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      Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We’re really close to agreeing to playing in Cardiff in September against South Korea, which Jurgen Klinsmann manages.
      “We are hoping we can announce that quite soon. We’re close but it’s not done yet.”
      Ramsey stood out at Arsenal where he began his senior careerCredit: PA More