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      Arsene Wenger hints winter World Cups could become a regular thing despite Qatar causing chaos with football calendar

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      ARSENE WENGER has suggested that winter World Cups could become more regular after it “worked” in Qatar.The current tournament was moved by FIFA to the winter due to it being deemed unsafe to play in the summer in Qatar due to the heat.
      Arsene Wenger has suggested that winter World Cups could happen more oftenCredit: Getty
      The switch has led to severe match congestion for domestic clubs who have had to play their league and cup tournaments around the World Cup.
      But on the flip side, this year’s winter edition of the World Cup has been praised by FIFA president Gianni Infantino as he called the group stages’ “the best ever.”
      Former Arsenal manager Wenger is now working as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development and he has suggested that winter tournaments could become more common.
      He told L’Equipe: “If we want to democratise football, we will have to go to African countries where it is impossible to play a World Cup in the summer.
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      “We can see it with this edition in Qatar, a World Cup in the winter works.
      “Of course, many players did not have the usual time to prepare physically but at least they all approached this competition with real mental freshness, which has not always been the case in the past.
      “I remember teams starting a World Cup psychologically tired because their preparation period had gone badly.”
      The Frenchman suggests that the decision to play World Cups in the winter could be chosen based on the temperature of the countries.
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      He notes that like Qatar, African countries would be too hot to play in the summer.
      The 73-year-old also let it be known that suggestions of a World Cup every two years are not in the current plans.
      He added: “I had been asked to think about it (a tournament every two years), and I thought it was not a bad idea.
      “But such a change would have required a complete review of the qualifying calendar.
      “We are not heading towards that today, but rather towards four-year cycles alternating with a World Cup, the Women’s World Cup – which is becoming more and more important – and the Euros.” More

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      Croatia 0 Brazil 0 LIVE SCORE: Livakovic DENIES Gvardiol deflection before Vinicius Jr MISSES one-on-one – latest

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      WORLD cup favourites Brazil are in action against Croatia, but have struggled in the first-half as the score remains level going into the second-half.The second period has got off to a fine start, with Brazil applying the pressure.
      Josko Gvardiol tipped a cross towards his own goalkeeper, who had to react brilliantly to save with his feet and prevent an own goal.
      Just seconds later, Vinicius Jr was denied by Dominik Livakovic as he looked set to score the opener.

      Start time: 3pm GMT
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      TV channel: BBC One
      Croatia XI: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Brozovic, Kovacic, Modric, Perisic, Pasalic, Kramaric
      Brazil XI: Alisson, Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Danilo, Casemiro, Paqueta, Raphinha, Vinicius, Neymar, Richarlison

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      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      48, No penalty and Juranovic can breathe a sigh of relief.
      He went to ground after Neymar unleashed a shot in the area, but he could do nothing about it.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      47, Massive chance for Brazil!
      There has been more goal-mouth action in this half than the whole of the last already.
      VAR are checking for a handball and penalty against Croatia in the area.
      SECOND HALF – Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      Brazil leave Croatia waiting before trudging on to the pitch.
      We are back underway now, and there are no changes to report for either side.
      Half time stats
      It’s all in the balance at the break.
      Croatia have failed to hit the target, but kept the Brazilians at bay.
      It is ALL to play for in the second half!

      Mark Irwin at the Education City Stadium
      SunSport’s Mark Irwin has this half-time report from the stands:
      NOT exactly the football fiesta we were promised so far as sluggish Brazil have struggled to get out of first gear.
      Neither keeper has been seriously tested during a cagey first 45 minutes and Croatia have looked more than comfortable keeping the crowd favourites at bay.
      Neymar has been particularly disappointing, constantly giving the ball away with needless flicks and tricks and not exactly busting a gut to regain possession.
      Danilo was slightly fortunate to get away with a yellow card from ref Michael Oliver when he took out Josip Juranovic with a head high challenge.
      Other than that, there’s not been a great deal to get excited about but on the bright side, the second-half can only get better.Mark IrwinSunSport
      HALF TIME – Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      One minute of added time comes to an end with the game perfectly poised at the break.
      It’s not been the most exciting of halves, but you sense the game will come to life in the second half.
      Vinicius had Brazil’s best chance, but neither goalkeeper have been seriously tested so far.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      43, Thiago Silva remarkably keeps the ball from rolling out for a for a corner, passing it to safety under pressure from Perisic.
      There’s no clear way through for either side as we approach half time, but you sense Croatia will be the happier of the two sides.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      42, Neymar went for a goal with the angle against him.
      A nick off the wall took it it into the grateful arms of Livakovic.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      40, Brazil continue to probe and Vinicius gets in between defenders before being clattered to the floor by the already booked Brozovic.
      Free-kick on the edge of the area… Neymar is behind it.
      Credit: Getty
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      36, Richarlison can’t get past Lovren who has formed a neat partnership with Gvardiol in the heart of the Croatian defence.
      The chequered shirts continue to pile forward, this time led by Brozovic, but he can’t test Alisson in goal.
      Danilo is booked for a high foot on JuranovicCredit: AFP
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      35, Croatia win it back and the jeers ring out from the local fans who want to see Brazil on the ball.
      Credit to Croatia who are keeping the samba boys at bay with 10 minutes of the half to go.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      33, Juranovic switches the ball towards Perisic through the corridor of uncertainty.
      Alisson is forced into an unorthodox palm clear and Brazil escape.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      31, Brozovic is next to go into the book after a nibble at the heels of Neymar.
      Brazil will no doubt target the Croatia midfielder now.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      29, But to no avail.
      Croatia break with purpose and Perisic cuts inside before blazing a ball over the bar.
      A shot is a shot, but that was never troubling Alisson in goal.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      28, Brozovic plays a pass into trouble and Neymar is hacked to the turf.
      Neymar clips a ball to Militao who can’t connect with it on the volley.
      But Bazil come again…
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      25, Juranovic gets in behind Danilo who raises his foot and Michael Oliver promptly reaches for a yellow card.
      Dangerous play from the full-back who might count himself lucky to not be shown red.
      Modric will take the free-kick from the right hand side, and Thiago Silva nods it clear.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      23, Casemiro’s shot is deflected wide after a fast paced Brazil counter.
      They are coming alive and Croatia must stay alert.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      20, Brazil turning on the style now.
      Vinicius drags Juranovic one way then the other before playing a one-two with Richarlison.
      He hits it, but Gvardiol gets a crucial block in. Neymar then attempts to go on his own, but his curling effort is straight at Livakovic.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      17, A first taste of Neymar as he glides past Pasalic, inciting the crowd.
      But his ball in-field doesn’t reach Casemiro and Croatia escape.
      Credit: Reuters
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      15, Modric picks Casemiro’s pocket on the edge of the area and floats a ball into Perisic.
      Militao manages to head clear, but Brazil are under the cosh here.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      12, What a chance for Croatia!
      Juranovic drives forward from right-back and finds Pasalic who drills a ball across the six-yard box.
      It evades Perisic and falls to Juranovic who had continued his run. But he lashes at it, and Thiago Silva got his body in the way.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      10, Brazil finding their samba rhythm.
      Vinicius finds himself in acres of space but delays the shot, running into trouble.
      Casemiro quickly wins it back and finds Raphinha who can’t quite keep it in play on the by-line.
      Vinicius really needed to shoot there.
      Credit: AP
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      6, Croatia are knocking the ball around with confidence, sizing up an opportunity.
      An early sign that the European side will not just sit back and defend, but go after a goal.
      Modric is penalised for a high foot on RicharlisonCredit: EPA
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      4, Vinicius has a shot!
      The Brazilian winger has his first shot blocked and tries his luck again from the left-hand side.
      It’s on target, but fairly routine for Livakovic in goal.
      Croatia 0-0 Brazil
      2, There is a typically cagey feel to the game in the opening couple of minutes.
      Casemiro is the first to commit, and the first to concede a foul against Kovacic.
      Load more entries… More

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      Fans go nuts after Serbian and Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic spotted at a Super Liga match

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      ALEKSANDER MITROVIC was all smiles despite Serbia’s recent World Cup exit after he was spotted at a basketball match by supporters.Just days after crashing out of the tournament against Switzerland, the Fulham star was back in the spotlight in Belgrade.
      Fans were going crazy in the background with Aleksander Mitrovic initially keeping a low profileCredit: TikTok @mozzartsport
      But the Fulham striker finally gave in and starting waving backCredit: TikTok @mozzartsport
      Mitrovic celebrating his goal in Serbia’s 3-2 defeat to SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
      Mitrovic scored twice in three games, including in their agonising 3-2 defeat to the Swiss.
      Ultimately, his efforts weren’t enough to see Serbia qualify for the knockout stages, but the ex-Newcastle man can still be proud.
      And his beloved Serbian fans gave him hero’s welcome at the Stark Arena.
      Initially, the striker was trying to keep a low profile, but with Freed From Desire playing in a background, a song that Fulham fans have changed the words to “Mitro’s on fire”, he gave in.
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      Mitrovic got off his seat and started waving his hands to all parts of the stadium, with those inside loving it.
      The 26-year-old was attending the Crvena Zvezda-Partizan derby match.
      And many on social media loved his reaction too.
      One fan said: “He’s a class act on and off the field I’d love to be a Fulham/Serbia fan 👏.”
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      Another chimed in with: “This is everyone’s dream😍.”
      A third said: “⚫️⚪️Mitro’s on fire 🔥.”
      A fourth had a simple message: “King.” More

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      World Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll CONFRONTED by security as she poses for racy snaps at Croatia v Brazil quarter final

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      THE WORLD Cup’s hottest fan Ivana Knoll was pictured being confronted by security as she posed for racy snaps ahead of Croatia’s quarter-final clash against Brazil. The Croatian fan was posing in her signature red and white ensemble as she does before every match of her national team.
      The stunning model posed up for snaps as she does before every game she attends
      Ivana pictured speaking with a security guard at the stadium
      The Croatian model was asked by staff at the Education City Stadium to return to her seatCredit: PA
      Wearing red high-waisted leggings and a bikini top, the model was snapped forming a heart with her hands to support her beloved team.
      But it appears she was asked swiftly moved on by security who asked her to return to her seat.
      Ivana was pictured speaking with one of the security guards at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan in Qatar.
      In another picture, she can be seen speaking with two members of staff.
      READ MORE ON IVANA KNOLL
      The model has appeared at every game to support her country, always in sexy outfits, despite Qatar’s modesty laws.
      Earlier today, to drum up support for her boys on the pitch, the stunning 30-year-old shared a series of seductive snaps with her 1.7million followers.
      She proved her patriotism by donning her signature red and white ensembles in honour of her country’s coat of arms.
      Her first Instagram post featured her posing poolside in a teeny checkerboard bikini with a matching headband and socks.
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      Flaunting her curves, Ivana waved cheekily before blowing a kiss at the camera and beaming with her bright red lippy.
      The model and influencer then took the opportunity to taunt five-time World Cup champions Brazil in the caption.
      She wrote: “Can’t wait for Friday!”
      Ivana was clearly in the mood to engage in some friendly football feuding, as she followed up with another flirty post.
      Clearly convinced that Croatia will triumph over the likes of Richarlison and Vinicus Jr, she posted two sexy snaps of her frolicking in a tight-fitting crop top and matching skirt.
      The stunning superfan was seen whirling around a rooftop in Qatar sporting a huge grin on her face.
      Announcing she expects to celebrate a win over Brazil on Friday, she wrote: “Let’s dance tomorrow.”
      She is no stranger to some light-hearted trolling – after poking fun at Japan after they were beaten by Croatia on penalties.
      Ivana posted a clip of herself eating sushi alongside the message: “Only sushi on today’s menu.”
      She stuffed a hoard of red and white outfits into her suitcase before flying into the Arab country for the tournament from Miami.
      Ivana revealed she puts together her striking ensembles spontaneously before heading to watch matches in the stifling heat.
      Since becoming an internet sensation, the German-born model says she has been bombarded with messages from love-struck fans – even though she is off the market.

      PROMISES AND PROPOSALS
      The 30-year-old told Sport Bild: “I get so many messages every day that I can’t count them anymore. 
      “There are also very, very many e-mails. There are more marriage proposals among them.”
      She explained that although she had planned to leave Qatar if and when Croatia are eliminated – but has now had a change of heart.
      Ivana said she is having such a blast at the World Cup, she will stay to watch the finals, “no matter who is playing”.
      But keen to encourage her team, she promised to put on quite the show if Croatia brings home the trophy.
      Wrapping herself in her nation’s flag, she teased: “If that happens, the flag falls…”
      The red-and-white lover appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored on TalkTV earlier this week to discuss her racy clothing choices.
      Donning a revealing bikini top in the colours of the Croatian flag, she claimed that she hasn’t received any negative comments since arriving in the Middle-Eastern country.
      Ivana said she is instead badgered by impressed spectators -including women, men and children – desperate for a picture with her.
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      The influencer has risked flouting Qatar’s laws on clothing as she posed in increasingly racy outfits at Croatia’s games.
      She even filmed herself strutting down a beach in Qatar in a red and white swimsuit, pouting at the camera.
      The stunning superfan posted the taunting video ahead of Croatia’s quarter-final clashCredit: Instagram
      She has faith that her team will triumph over five-time champs Brazil on FridayCredit: Getty
      She uploaded more sexy snaps of her frolicking in Qatar as she hopes to celebrate a win this eveningCredit: instagram
      Ivana said she will stay to watch the World Cup finals if Croatia are there or notCredit: instagram
      The model claims men, women and children ask her for pictures at gamesCredit: Instagram More

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      ‘Do you really think it’s a good idea?’ – Inside Cristiano Ronaldo’s dropping from Portugal’s World Cup XI

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      THE IRONY was perhaps lost on a frustrated Fernando Santos.The Portugal boss has finally set the record straight on his alleged “bust-up” with Cristiano Ronaldo after dropping him for their last-16 6-1 victory over Switzerland on Tuesday.
      Portugal boss Fernando Santos has leaped to the defence of Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA
      Contrary to other reports, Ronaldo did NOT threaten to leave the World Cup camp in protest, but upon learning he was on the bench, he did ask: “Do you really think it is a good idea?”
      Santos, 68, concluded by demanding we stop asking negative questions about football’s most egotistical, social media-obsessed and media-hungry superstar, and to leave him alone.
      He said this with a straight face, informing the room he was deadly serious. Ironic, considering how the unemployed Ronaldo has tried to make everything about him even before this World Cup.
      The Piers Morgan interview, the accusatory Instagram posts, the on-field strop at being subbed during the 2-1 loss to South Korea.
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      Who knows what will happen if the 37-year-old starts a second successive game out in Qatar on the bench, for their quarter final clash with Morocco tomorrow, something Santos did hint at.
      Yet the majority of his press conference was dedicated to clearing Ronaldo’s name – again.
      Asked for the full low-down on what happened before Switzerland, Santos explained: “Yes, we did have a conversation. It would have been very bad if we had not had it. It needed to happen.
      “It was on the match day after lunch. I did not have any conversation with him before that.
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      “I invited him into my office. I explained to him why he would not play, why he would not be one of the starters, so he would not be surprised.
      “I told him you will be important but with our strategy it would be better not to be on the field.
      “We expected the game to be difficult and I would save him for the second half. Cristiano for obvious reasons was not very happy about it.
      “He told me: ‘Do you really think it is a good idea?’.
      “I explained to him my viewpoints and of course he accepted. He has never told me that he wanted to leave our national team.
      “It is high time we stopped this conversation and stopped with the politics. He was the one who warmed up with all the players even if he knew he wasn’t going to start. He celebrated all the goals.
      “And at the end he was the one who invited his colleagues to thank the fans. It is high time to leave Ronaldo alone with what he has done for Portuguese football.
      “I don’t think there is anyone in Portugal who doesn’t want Portugal to win, but to not emphasise the positive aspects of Ronaldo and pick out the negatives? Why? It is not important.”

      Ronaldo came off the bench against the Swiss in the 74th minute, but it was the first time he had not started at an international major tournament since 2008.
      His partner Georgina Rodriguez took aim at Santos on Instagram, but the coach’s decision paid off as Ronaldo’s replacement Goncalo Ramos netted a hat-trick.
      Ronaldo took to social media to reject any rumours of a fall-out, suggesting they were a group “too united to be broken by external forces”.
      Asked if the same team will be selected to face the Moroccans, Santos said: “Every player is not happy when they don’t play. Managers have to deal with that.
      “If a team wins and they don’t change the team, we have seen that, but it is not always the case.
      “You think this match against Morocco will be the same against Switzerland? We will see. We need to find things to overcome that.
      “We are coming up against a team with very passionate fans. They play for their mothers and grandmothers, so we need to play for our grandmothers and great, great grandmothers.”
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      Lille and Portugal defender Jose Fonte recently claimed Portugal play more as a team when Ronaldo is not on the pitch. Forward Joao Felix added: “I don’t feel that.
      “He has his reason to say that and I respect him, but there are things that happen on the pitch whether Cristiano is playing or not. We played differently because of different reasons.” More

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      French media let slip France’s key weakness and what they are working on in training for England World Cup clash

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      FRANCE are practicing set-pieces ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against England.The defending champions are well aware of the threat posed by Gareth Southgate’s men and have identified corners in particular as an area of concern.
      France are working on set-pieces ahead of their clash with EnglandCredit: AP
      Didier Deschamps will be well aware of the the threat England pose from dead ballsCredit: PA
      It was reported in the French media on Thursday that centre-back Harry Maguire is England’s dangerman to watch out for.
      Under Southgate, the Three Lions have become a real threat at set-pieces, with nine of their 12 goals at the 2018 World Cup coming from some form of dead ball – a tournament record.
      And according to L’Equipe, Didier Deschamps has had his team defending set plays in the lead-up to Saturday’s game.
      France conceded from a corner against Denmark in the group stage.
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      And they were given a fresh warning by England when Maguire nodded a corner down for Bukayo Saka to smash home in the 6-2 win over Iran.
      The reigning world champions are also thought to be practicing attacking set-pieces.
      Deschamps’ men have not scored from one since they played Ivory Coast back in March.
      But their main threat is currently firing on all cylinders in the form of Kylian Mbappe.
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      The Paris Saint-Germain star, 23, who returned to training on Thursday, is set to do battle with England right-back Kyle Walker on Saturday in a much-anticipated duel.
      And Mbappe’s team-mate Youssouf Fofana believes the PSG man has what it takes to perform against England.

      He said: “If he knows how to stop Kylian, good for him. But 19 other teams in Ligue 1, and others in the Champions League, have been waiting for the solution. 
      “The truth will come from the pitch. We have full confidence in Kylian.
      “He is focused on what the team has to do and what he has to do. I feel he is very calm and determined.” More

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      I run Britain’s ‘cheapest’ pub selling pints for just £1.70 and cocktails for less than £3

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      A BAR will become one of Britain’s cheapest for one day only during England’s clash against France tomorrow. VIVID Bar & Club will be giving away bottles of Stella, Budweiser and Becks for just £1.90 – almost half their usual price.
      Vivid Bar & Club will become one of Britain’s cheapest bars tomorrowCredit: VIVIV bar&club
      They will bring back the deal for England’s next match if they beat FranceCredit: VIVIV bar&club
      It is also selling two-pint pitchers of Fosters lager and Strongbow cider for £3.45, working out at just over £1.72 per pint. 
      A cocktail glass is also going for as cheap as £2.90, while a pitcher will be £5.40.
      And while the deal is only available for England’s game tomorrow, they will bring it back if they make it to the next round.
      Nathan Ahmad, 22, who works at the family-run bar in Herne Bay, Kent, told The Sun: “We are showing the football this year and we’re doing special deals for it. 
      READ MORE WORLD CUP DEALS
      “We do these things to give back to the community.
      “It’s essential for human beings to be able to leave their house and socialise with others.
      “This is currently difficult with the current cost of living crisis but we hope that deals like these make it possible without breaking the bank.
      “I can almost guarantee this makes us one of the cheapest bars in Britain.
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      “Being a family-run business we like to do things like this to give back to the community.
      “We’re a community-venue. Everyone knows us. There’s no room for greed.”
      Bottles of beer are usually £3.50, cocktail glasses are usually £4.95 and pitchers are usually £8.40.
      Cocktails on offer include Pornstar Martini’s, Sex On The Beach, Blue Lagoon, Tequila Sunrise and Long Island Ice Tea.
      The bar, which has free entry, also turns into a club later in the evening so fans can celebrate there if England secure a win.
      And it is the first World Cup the bar has ever shown in its 14-year history. It showed its first Euros tournament last year too.
      Meanwhile, another pub has been offering punters lower prices for a pint if England do well.

      The Rec Bar’s Rob Field, 45, and Olly Clayson, 44, promised to keep dropping the price of a pint by 50p every time England scores in Qatar.
      It meant their cheapest pint of Thatchers Gold or Fosters had been slashed from £3.50 to just 50p for England’s 6-2 win against Iran.
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      Rob told The Sun last month: “We’re doing it because we are wanting to make the event as big as we can. We want to have fun. 
      “It will mean people are not just rooting for a win, they’ll be rooting for a goal so they can get a cheaper pint.” More

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      England Wags including Jack Grealish’s partner Sasha Attwood enjoy Robbie Williams gig before crunch France clash

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      ENGLAND Wags enjoyed a Robbie Williams concert on Thursday night ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against France.The Brit musician also performed a surprise gig for Gareth Southgate’s squad earlier in the week.
      Sasha Attwood was seen leaving a Robbie Williams gig in DohaCredit: Dan Charity
      Luke Shaw’s girlfriend Anouska Santos also headed to the eventCredit: Dan Charity
      Harry Maguire’s girlfriend Fern looked stylish in a grey blazerCredit: Dan Charity
      Conor Gallagher’s girlfriend Aine May Kennedy donned a pair of sunglasses as she made her way outCredit: Dan Charity
      But on Thursday night he entertained the Wags in a concert at Doha Golf Club.
      Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood was pictured leaving the event clutching a bottle of water.
      The fashion model and influencer looked chic in a beige one-piece as she headed back for her hotel.
      Meanwhile Harry Maguire’s wife Fern was spotted holding a cup in each hand while on her way out of the concert.
      Read More World Cup News
      Luke Shaw’s girlfriend Anouska Santos and Conor Gallagher’s partner Aine May Kennedy were also seen leaving the event.
      A number of the England Wags have been in the stands for every game so far and are set to return to the crowd for the quarter-final against France.
      They are staying on a stunning £1billion cruise liner while cheering on their partners in Qatar.
      But they headed out for some downtime on Thursday night ahead of Saturday’s crunch game.
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      Music legend Williams, 48, performed at the plush Doha Golf Club.
      On Wednesday he treated England’s stars to a secret gig at their Souq Al Wakra hotel – and even duetted with some of the players.
      Midfielder Kalvin Phillips revealed on Thursday: “Robbie was here with us last night. He was just by the pool and sang us a few songs. It was a really good night. We had the chance to chat to him.

      “He’s an unbelievably talented person but also a really nice person. He got along with everyone. It was a pleasure to have him.
      “Knowing how big he is in the world and how well he is doing, it’s an honour to have met him and spoken to him.
      “Yes there were a couple of duets but I’m not going to name names. They were very good duets to be fair. It was a good night in general.”
      Williams performed at Doha Golf Club on Thursday eveningCredit: Dan Charity
      The musician had played a surprise gig at England’s team hotel on WednesdayCredit: Dan Charity
      Midfielder Kalvin Phillips revealed Williams had duetted with some of the playersCredit: Dan Charity More