World Cup 2022

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      How England could line up under Eddie Howe with Newcastle boss targeted to replace Gareth Southgate if he quits

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      NEWCASTLE manager Eddie Howe is reportedly one of the names being considered to take over as England boss if Gareth Southgate quits.Southgate is undecided about whether he will carry on in the role after the Three Lions’ quarter-final defeat to France in the World Cup.
      Eddie Howe could replace Gareth Southgate as England managerCredit: Getty
      Here is how England could line up under Eddie Howe
      The FA want him to stay on as manager but he is reflecting on his position and replacements are being drawn up in case he does step down.
      Howe is one of the names on the list along with former Chelsea gaffer Thomas Tuchel, ex-Tottenham man Mauricio Pochettino and current assistant coach Steve Holland.
      Howe is doing an outstanding job at Newcastle, guiding the team to an incredible 3rd place in the Premier League after 15 games.
      He took over half way through last season and has brought a feel-good factor back to St James’ Park with an attacking brand of football and smart recruitment in the transfer window.
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      If Howe does take over it could be good news for a number of the players at Newcastle.
      Nick Pope was signed by him over the summer and he has helped sure up the Magpies. They have conceded the joint lowest amount of goals in the division so far, with just 11.
      The 30-year-old certainly has the trust of Howe and this could present a chance for him to become England’s No1 ahead of Jordan Pickford.
      Kieran Trippier played three times in Qatar and is an experienced international with 40 caps.
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      He is another of Howe’s signings and the boss has even made him captain for a large number of games.
      The ex-Bournemouth manager is a huge fan of Trippier’s ability to deliver quality crosses and set-pieces just as Southgate is.
      Much of Newcastle’s creativity comes from the right-back, who has had a hand in five Toon goals this season.
      It’s likely that the 32-year-old continues to receive call-ups to the England squad if Howe is appointed.
      The likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham will surely remain in the midfield for years to come and the Borussia Dortmund man could thrive in Howe’s high pressing system.
      His 4-3-3 has seen Newcastle play energetic football trying to win the ball back high and have at least one of his midfield three break into the box.
      This could hand James Maddison more opportunities in an England shirt.
      Newcastle have been heavily linked with the Leicester star and reportedly had multiple bids for him turned down in the summer.

      Howe is clearly a big fan of Maddison and with him in electric goalscoring form he could finally get the nod for the national team if Southgate, who didn’t play him at all in the World Cup, resigns.
      Callum Wilson is one of Howe’s favourites having worked with him at Bournemouth and Newcastle, and surely he will continue to be back-up to skipper Harry Kane if the 45-year-old takes over in the dugout.
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      Another worth mentioning is Dan Burn, he’s a Howe signing thriving at St James’ Park and the left-back was even mentioned as an outside shout for a place on the plane to Qatar after Ben Chilwell got injured.
      Additionally, Aaron Ramsdale worked with Howe at Bournemouth and he should not be ruled out if he can keep up his top form at Arsenal and lead them to the title.
      Eddie Howe could hand more chances to Callum Wilson
      If Eddie Howe is appointed England boss it could be good news for James Maddison and Callum WilsonCredit: Dan Charity More

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      How Argentina and France could line up during World Cup final… but will either change formations for huge clash?

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      ARGENTINA face France in Sunday’s World Cup final with both nations looking to lift the famous trophy for a third time.The footballing giants meet at the Lusail Stadium at 3pm, their first clash since the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals.
      Lionel Messi will be the first name on Argentina’s team sheetCredit: Getty
      For France that will be Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
      Lionel Messi is just 90 minutes away from winning the World Cup for the first time in what will be his final EVER game in football’s greatest show.
      Meanwhile, 23-year-old superstar Kylian Mbappe is hoping to join an elite club by winning it on multiple occasions.
      The duo are leading the race for the Golden Boot on five goals each, while they’re also the favourites to be named MVP.
      But how will Lionel Scaloni and Didier Deschamps line up their teams for the clash in Doha?
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      ARGENTINA
      Starting with Argentina, Emiliano Martinez will start after keeping his third clean sheet in six games in the semi-finals.
      Having reverted to a back four against Croatia, La Albiceleste could stick with the formation.

      That means Lisandro Martinez will be on the bench – with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi and Nicolas Tagliafico all starting.
      In midfield, Scaloni might opt to start with Leandro Parades and Enzo Fernandez again, with Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo de Paul out wide.
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      Up front, Julian Alvarez, who’s scored four goals in four starts, will partner Messi.
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      FRANCE
      As for France, they have some doubts ahead of the final.
      Hugo Lloris will start between the sticks, while the performance of the back four against Morocco could see them unchanged.

      Despite the African side threatening throughout the game, France kept their first clean sheet of the tournament.
      Therefore, Jules Kounde could keep his place at right-back, with Ibrahima Konate partnering Raphael Varane and Theo Hernandez on the left.
      But Deschamps’s main dilemma will is in midfield.
      That’s because Adrien Rabiot missed the semi-final through illness and the French boss will have to decide whether to recall him or stick with Youssouf Fofana to partner Aurelien Tchouameni.
      Moving forward, it’s more simple with Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe all likely to support Olivier Giroud up front. More

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      Argentina Wags forced to go to hospital after finding GLASS inside drinks in club with World Cup security called in

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      AN Argentinian Wag reportedly had to go to hospital after finidng glass in her drink at a club.Agustina Gandolfo was out celebrating her fella Lautaro Martinez reaching the World Cup final, where they face France on Sunday.
      Argentina Wag Agustina Gandolfo suffered a terrifying ordeal in DohaCredit: Getty
      The model is the wife of striker Lautaro Martinez and has been cheering her fella on in QatarCredit: Instagram
      Lautaro Martinez, right, was celebrating reaching the World Cup final on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      Augustina headed out to celebrate with friends but claims she found glass in her drinkCredit: Instagram
      Security were called in to the incident, which occurred on Tuesday after Argentina had defeated Croatia in the semi-final.
      Augustina went out with her sister and her sibling’s partner in a shopping mall located in Doha, according to numerous reports.
      However, while drinking, the group reportedly found pieces of glass inside the bottle.
      They instantly alerted security and decided to head to hospital to make sure they were all safe while also visiting the Argentine embassy to enquire about Qatar’s healthcare system.
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      But reports in South America state that they were told the glass had actually been planted by Gandolfo and the rest of the group – something which left the model dumbfounded.
      She took to Instagram after the incident to blast: “A disgrace, we have the complaint and witnesses at the club.”
      Earlier that night fans saw fellow Wag Antonela Roccuzzo beaming with joy as she watched Lionel Messi lead Argentina into the World Cup final.
      And as he produced a dazzling display on the pitch, his wife was looking magical in the stands as she watched on.
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      After the whistle, Antonella was spotted with a huge grin while wearing an Argentina shirt decked out with “Messi 10” as he raised two fists of joy down on the turf to celebrate.
      Antonella, 34, was also accompanied by the couple’s three boys, Thiago, 9, Mateo, 6, and Ciro, 4 at the Lusail Stadium.
      And she shared an adorable celebration snap of the four of them afterwards all celebrating with dad’s iconic jersey on.
      A host of Argentina players’ Wags enjoyed dinner together before the triumph.
      A total of 19 of them posed for snaps ahead of a meal in Doha on Tuesday evening – although Antonella was nowhere to be seen.
      Among them were the partners of Emi Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez and Martinez’s other half Gandolfo.
      They will now be cheering on their partners when they take on France in Sunday’s mouthwatering final.
      Agustina Gandolfo, pictured with her husband, visited hospital after alerting securityCredit: Instagram / @agus.gandolfo More

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      France stars on lockdown with fears flu-like sickness bug could rip through squad ahead of World Cup final

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      FRANCE are desperately trying to stem the flow of a flu-like virus which threatens to derail their World Cup final hopes.Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and centre-back Dayot Upamecano were confirmed to have caught the bug before the 2-0 win over Morocco.
      Midfielder Adrien Rabiot was forced to watch the Morocco game at the team hotelCredit: Getty
      Both players missed that game with Rabiot staying in the hotel and Upamecano remaining on the bench for the full 90 minutes.
      Winger Kingsley Coman was also said to have been feeling feverish and stayed on the bench throughout the game.
      Ahead of the World Cup final with Argentina, boss Didier Deschamps said his side were taking significant precautions.
      He commented: “In Doha, temperatures have fallen a little bit, you have air conditioning which is on all the time.
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      “We’ve had a few cases of flu-like symptoms.
      “We are trying to be careful so it doesn’t spread and players have made great efforts out on the pitch and obviously their immune systems suffer.
      “Dayot Upamecano felt sick immediately after the match [against England].
      “It happens when you make such an effort, your body is weakened and you are more prone to be infected by these viruses.
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      “We are taking all necessary precautions, we are trying to make sure it doesn’t spread but viruses are of course infectious and we have to take precautions against it.
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      “We separated him from others and Adrien as well.”
      And there were even some claims that French staff believe England were responsible for passing the virus to the Les Bleus side.
      The two sides met in the quarter-final on Saturday with the French running out 2-1 winners.
      And French media claimed that journalists in Qatar were asked to wear masks at the request of the England camp.
      There is no evidence that the bug came from the England camp.
      Dayot Upamecano (left) was on the bench against Morocco after coming down with the bugCredit: AP
      Manager Didier Deschamps says France are taking all necessary precautionsCredit: Getty More

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      Fifa could rip up World Cup 2026 group-stage changes over fears of ‘dead games’ following success of Qatar tournament

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      FIFA are reportedly re-thinking their format for the next World Cup after the group stage success of Qatar.They are due to have 48 nations competing at the showpiece in North America.
      Fifa are re-thinking their plans for the format of the 2026 World CupCredit: Rex
      The governing body came up with the plan to 16 groups of three teams at the next tournament in 2026.
      That would result in two from each moving on to the next stage.
      However, there are fears that it could be “dangerously dull” and also encourage unsporting behaviour.
      The risk of “dead” matches is also worrying. If the final group game was between two countries that had already won one apiece and were therefore already qualified there would be no motivation or point to the match.
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      Ahead of this World Cup, Fifa did admit their concern about the possibility of contrived results as teams may engineer a result that would ensure they both progress while the non-playing member of the group would be eliminated.
      Vice president Victor Montagliani admitted: “It’s an issue that has been raised.”
      48 teams are due to start the 2026 World Cup tournament, which will then be reduced to 32 following the group phase as the knockouts begin.
      But alternative formats are now on the table and Fifa’s Council will decide next year which one to go with.
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      According to Fifa’s head of global football development Arsene Wenger, they are 12 groups of four teams, with the best third-placed teams advancing alongside the first and second.
      Another is the World Cup being split into two separate halves of 24, with each having six groups of four teams. 
      That would result in the winner of each half eventually meeting in the final.
      And given the number of dramatic final group games that we witnessed in Qatar, a report from Reuters claims that is the “more viable proposition” for chiefs.
      The only issue with that would be the increase in the number of matches.
      There were 32 teams that entered Qatar which had a total of 64 games being completed in the space of 29 days.
      And, at least for now, the 2026 edition will have 80 games in 32 days.
      But it would need at least an extra week for four team groups as there would be 104 matches to be played.
      However, the extra TV revenue that would bring is also something that could tempt Fifa. More

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      ‘Messi doesn’t scare us’ – France star Theo Hernandez starts the mind games ahead of World Cup final against Argentina

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      THEO HERNANDEZ has said France aren’t scared of Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight World Cup final. Hernandez scored the first of France’s two goals in their semi-final victory over underdogs Morocco.
      France will be playing in their second consecutive World Cup final after winning the tournament in 2018.Credit: Getty
      Their opponents in the final, Argentina, have been led through the tournament by Messi who has managed five goals and three assists in his six games in Qatar.
      Despite Messi’s stunning record and his sky-high reputation, Hernandez has insisted then that he and his France teammates aren’t scared of the PSG star.
      The left-back spoke to Italian station RAI Sport about his team’s confidence.
      He said: “Playing two World Cup finals in a row is an incredible moment.

      “We did a good job, it was hard, but we are in the final, we will work hard to win this final.
      “Now we have to think about the final. I’m tired, but it’s nice to win a World Cup semi-final.
      “Now let’s recover for Sunday. Messi doesn’t scare us, Argentina are an incredible team but we have a few days to work.”
      France put an end to Morocco’s superb run that saw the side become the first African nation in history to reach a World Cup semi-final.
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      The Atlas Lions fought for the full 90 minutes, but the talent of the French side ultimately prevailed.
      Les Bleus will face off against Messi’s Argentina side on Sunday at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
      Argentina had a poor start to the tournament, losing to Saudi Arabia, but have persisted to reach the final.
      The South American’s booked their place in football’s biggest game after breezing past Luka Modric’s Croatia in a 3-0 win.

      The match will see a head to head between Messi and the tournament’s other stand out player Kylian Mbappe.
      The two are teammates at Paris Saint Germain, but will have to go to battle in Qatar to earn their side the trophy. More

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      France boss refuses to comment on whether Karim Benzema could be flown in for World Cup final with star still registered

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      FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps refused to respond when asked if Karim Benzema could feature in the World Cup final.The Ballon d’Or winner, 34, has been forced to miss the tournament with a thigh injury.
      Karim Benzema could theoretically appear for France in the World Cup finalCredit: AP
      However, the French boss chose not to call up a replacement, meaning Benzema could theoretically return to the fold.
      Deschamps effectively poured cold water on any hopes of a return to the squad in an interview before the last 16 stage as Benzema jetted off for a holiday on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion.
      But the forward has recovered more quickly than expected and has been training normally with Real Madrid since the weekend.
      Reports in Spain also claim the Champions League winners have given Benzema permission to fly to Qatar for the final – though whether this is to play or just to watch is not known.
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      Nevertheless, Deschamps was in no mood to answer the question put to him about whether Benzema could play.
      With a sigh and a smirk, he responded: “I don’t really want to answer that question. Next question. I do apologise.”

      It is considered extremely unlikely that Benzema will be recalled to the squad, with Kylian Mbappe forming an excellent understanding with the Real Madrid star’s replacement Olivier Giroud.
      Mbappe is currently the tournament’s joint-top scorer with Lionel Messi on five goals.
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      And Giroud is joint second top scorer with Julian Alvarez on four goals.
      Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace Giroud also managed to break Thierry Henry’s record to become all-time France top scorer, and headed home the winner against England.
      Following a 2-0 victory over Morocco, France take on Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday.
      Didier Deschamps is very unlikely to recall Benzema and refused to answer any questions on the subject in his press conferenceCredit: Getty More

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      Mbappe’s role in French side is WEAKNESS that Argentina should look to exploit in World Cup final, says Ferdinand

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      RIO FERDINAND believes Argentina should exploit France’s “weakness” and target their left hand side due to the attacking talents of Kylian Mbappe and Theo Hernandez.The holders booked their place in the World Cup final against the South Americans as they beat Morocco 2-0 in the semis last night.
      Rio Ferndinand believes he knows where France’s weakness isCredit: BBC
      Kylian Mbappe is the joint-top scorer at the World CupCredit: Rex
      Full-back Hernandez broke the deadlock before Randal Kolo Muani set-up the bumper showdown at the Lusail Stadium for Sunday.
      France will be many peoples favourites to retain the trophy, however, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand thinks Argentina can win the prize for the first time since 1986 if they target their opponents’ left flank.
      He told BBC Sport: “If you look at France’s weakness, and there aren’t many of them, but their left side is an area of the pitch I thought opponents have been targeting.
      “You look at it, a third of the chances they’ve conceded have come from that side of the pitch.
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      “This is unfortunate – [Lucas] Hernandez obviously gets a serious injury on this side but it’s become a common thing throughout the World Cup.
      “Against Denmark, they immediately go for that side of the pitch – and one of the reasons is you’ve got Mbappe on that side of the pitch.. so maybe that gives licence to stay higher up the pitch.

      “But that puts pressure on that side of the pitch.
      “Against England, [Bukayo] Saka and [Harry] Kane caused a mistake and this was the foul for the penalty that never was.”
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      Hernandez’s brother Lucas, 26, started the World Cup as Didier Deschamps’ first-choice left-back.
      But the Bayern Munich star picked up a serious knee injury during their opening game victory against Australia and is expected to be ruled out for the rest of the season.
      He was replaced by his 25-year-old sibling Theo, who is much more attack-minded than his older brother.
      Meanwhile, Mbappe is the current joint-top scorer at the tournament alongside Argentina legend Lionel Messi at the tournament.
      And the pair will be desperate for double joy by firing their respective nations to glory at the weekend as well as scooping the Golden Boot.
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