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      Houghton hails sports psychologist boost for Lionesses and England’s bid to reach Women’s World Cup

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      STEPH HOUGHTON believes England having a new performance psychologist could help their quest for international glory. And the Lionesses skipper warns her team-mates need to be defensively disciplined against North Macedonia despite predictions of them trouncing the minnows. 
      Steph Houghton and her team-mates are targeting a win against North MacedoniaCredit: Getty
      England Women are aiming to qualify for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New ZealandCredit: Getty
      Houghton, 33, was speaking ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against the Macedonians tonight, their first game under new boss Sarina Wiegman.
      The clash comes days after the FA hired Dr Kate Hays as the team’s new performance psychology guru.  
      Houghton, who has worked with performance psychologists, said: “Getting the trust of the psychologist is really important for us going forward because we’re going to have some bad moments.
      “But we’re one hundred per cent going to have more good moments than bad. 
      “As soon as I got the armband I knew that it would be important to lean on someone, to talk about how I would be on and off the pitch. 
      “I was young when I first got given it and I knew there were going to be some tough times ahead, but also some really good times. 

      “I think it’s okay to speak out when you’re quite vulnerable and speak to someone that you trust. 
      “It’s always nice to have someone that’s quite neutral, and not really associated with the team.
      “Somebody who won’t be emotional with you and you can just bounce ideas off, explain your feelings to.”
      Hays, who advised Harlequins stars in the run-up to their 2012 Rugby Premiership triumph, will work as part of Wiegman’s support staff.
      For the England manager, Hays’ input will be important in terms of building the team’s resilience. 
      The former Netherlands boss is aiming to lead the Lionesses past the semis of a major tournament for the first time since 2009.
      Back then Hope Powell led the team to the final of the Women’s Euros where they were beaten 6-2 by Germany in Finland’s Olympic Stadium.
      Weigman, 51, said: “I talked to Kate and really clicked. What we want to do, is to get more team resilience, get some identity and have our values.
      Sarina Wiegman and England are aiming to finish top of their World Cup qualifying groupCredit: PA
      “It’s really nice to have a specialist who can bring in their qualities and knows about these things. 
      England’s duel with North Macedonia at St Mary’s will be their first match in front of fans since November 2019. 
      The encounter will also be the first of England’s Group D World Cup qualifiers with five matches more scheduled before the end of this year.
      And those clashes will be against Luxembourg, Northern Ireland, Latvia and Austria. 
      North Macedonia – who are 123 places below the Lionesses who are eighth in Fifa’s rankings  – are yet to win a game this year.
      The best teams are those that absolutely love keeping clean sheets and no matter who we play, whether it’s North Macedonia or one of the best teams in the world, it’s important that we get in that habitSteph Houghton
      And they suffered two heavy Euros qualifying losses to France in September and October last year including an 11-0 trouncing. 
      Despite these results, Houghton expects the Lionesses need to be shrewd in defence.
      And gaffer Wiegman, 51, was tight-lipped as to who she intends to start in her side or whether she intends to experiment with a youthful line-up.  
      Houghton said: “The best teams are those that absolutely love keeping clean sheets.
      Houghton expects England to keep a clean sheet against North MacedoniaCredit: PA
      “No matter who we play, whether it’s North Macedonia or one of the best teams in the world, it’s important that we get into that habit.
      Wiegman added:  “We’ll start with the game with what I think will be the best team. 
      “And we’ll see what we think is needed, who we want to see and what the score is and then decide what we’ll do.

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      Sarina Wiegman addresses Lioness fans after she arrives at St George’s Park More

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      England ranked third best team in the world ahead of both World Cup AND Euro winners France and Italy

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      FIFA have confirmed England’s rise into the top three of the world rankings – for the first time since 2012.SunSport revealed last week that Gareth Southgate’s side were set to leapfrog France and take a place on the rankings “podium”.
      Harry Kane and his England team-mates are now the world’s third-best international team
      England’s third position in Fifa’s table is their highest ranking since the system began in the 1990s
      Despite conceding that injury-time equaliser to Poland in their third September World Cup qualifier, England are now a single point above the world champions, with Belgium leading the way and Brazil clear in second.
      Third spot equals England’s all-time best ranking since the system was introduced in the early 1990s, matching the spot held for two months in the immediate aftermath of Euro 2012.
      And it is likely that the Three Lions will stay third for another month –
      However, a triumph for France in Belgium in their Nations League semi-final match could change this.
      Expected wins over Andorra and Hungary – which would be enough to clinch qualification for the 2022 World Cup if Albania and Poland draw on October 12 – would earn England 7.5pts.

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      France could then only overtake England with a victory in either 90 minutes or in extra-time in Brussels. 
      The 2018 World Cup winners would stay a point behind Southgate’s men with a penalty shoot-out triumph.
      Other giants in Fifa’s top 10 best men’s teams include Copa America finalists Brazil and Argentina who are in second and sixth the rankings. 

      Italy, who defeated England in the finals of Euro 2020, currently occupy fifth place. 
      Four-time World Cup winners Germany are fourteenth in Fifa’s table and one place behind the United States.  
      And Wales are the second-highest ranked side from the British isles after England in nineteenth place.

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      England manager Gareth Southgate comments on the possibility of having a FIFA World Cup every two years More

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      Fifa want to stage World Cup every two years – but not everyone’s convinced

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      EVERY four years, life stands still as the greatest show on earth – the football World Cup – unfolds.After a month of drama, tension and joy, a record 3.6billion people – half the planet’s population – watched the 2018 final between France and Croatia.
      Fifa want to stage the World Cup every two years insteadCredit: PA:Press Association
      Billions around the world tuned in to watch England and other countries playCredit: Getty
      Now moneybags organisers Fifa want to change it from 2026.
      Led by their chief of global football development, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, they want to stage the tournament every two years instead.
      It left many fans wondering whether, even for the World Cup, you can get too much of a good thing.
      England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed he is “open-minded” about the proposal.
      But Gareth Bale, the Wales forward, is not keen.
      “I like the tradition of every four years,” he said.

      “It has the prestige, like the Olympics, coming around every four years.”
      And Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets said decision-makers “do not care enough about the players”.
      So is Wenger’s plan a work of genius or will it ruin the magic of the cup?
      Here, The Sun’s Head of Sport Shaun Custis and England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton argue for and against the divisive proposal.
      YES – says The Sun’s Head of Sport Shaun Custis
      YES, let’s get on with it. As Alan Partridge might say: “Back of the net.”
      A World Cup every two years gets my vote for one big reason – there will be more meaningful, competitive England matches and less of the nonsense we had to suffer at the weekend.
      Shaun says: ‘A World Cup every two years gets my vote for one big reason – there will be more meaningful, competitive England matches and less of the nonsense we had to suffer at the weekend’Credit: The Sun
      We’ve had to put up with one-sided games against the likes of Andorra in qualifying ­campaigns for far too long.
      Part of the biennial World Cup plan is that the minnows will have to pre-qualify to earn the right to mix it with the big boys, and that’s how it should be.
      There would also be fewer friendlies where nobody is the slightest bit interested in the result. Hurrah to that.
      Over the past three years we’ve had a World Cup, a Euros and two extremely competitive Nations League competitions which have whetted the appetite for proper games – and no more of those glorified kickabouts.
      Whatever football supporters say about how they love their club far more than England, when the major tournaments come round they pack the pubs and the fan parks (Covid permitting) and scream themselves hoarse for the national team.
      Arsenal loyalists cheer on Harry Kane, Manchester United ­supporters hail Raheem Sterling.
      They don’t like to admit it but they do. And while Uefa is raging against the idea, watch them go for a Euros every two years too if the World Cup plan succeeds.
      Then we’ll have a high-profile competition every year – happy days.
      You could have put your house on the top European clubs kicking up an almighty stink.
      They claim all this will affect players’ welfare but that’s a smokescreen.
      What they are really upset about it is the effect on their lucrative pre-season tours, because players will have to get time off after the World Cup.
      They don’t care much about welfare when they are dragging their stars half- way around the world to fulfil sponsors’ demands.
      The mastermind behind the plan is ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, now Fifa’s head of global football development.
      Mind you, when he was Arsenal boss he never stopped moaning when any of his players were away on international duty and came back late or injured.
      The poacher has truly turned gamekeeper and is making no ­apologies for it.
      So here’s to England winning the 2028 World Cup – after we’ve won it in 2022 and 2026, of course!
      NO – says Peter Shilton, who played in three World Cups
      WHEN I first heard talk of holding the World Cup every two years I thought it was a wind-up
      But former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and football’s governing body are serious about the idea.
      Peter Shilton says: ‘I played in three World Cups for England and it is the ultimate moment in your career’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The World Cup is already the biggest tournament in sport, so there is no need to make it any bigger.
      Lifting the golden trophy is what every football player dreams of.
      As a young player, my ambition was to represent my country on the biggest stage.
      I played in three World Cups for England and it is the ultimate moment in your career.
      You know the chance has to be grabbed because it doesn’t come round very often – and that adds to the incredible tension every time the ball comes close to the goal.
      If you get knocked out, you may never get another chance.
      Making it a biennial event would reduce the fervour and devalue this clash of nations.
      As a player I would be totally against it.
      Top-class footballers are playing almost the whole year round as it stands.
      Those England stars that reached the final of the Euros this summer hardly enjoyed any rest before they were thrown back into the cut-and-thrust of the Premier League.
      The domestic game just keeps expanding with more and more competitions, leading to more injuries.
      How will they squeeze in twice as many World Cups? It doesn’t sound workable.
      The Euros is very special, as we saw this summer, so that shouldn’t be shoved to one side
      There needs to be ample time to qualify for both the World Cup and Euros and build up excitement around these events.
      I can see the point of the lowest-ranked teams such as Andorra having pre-qualifying games for World Cup qualifiers because they have no chance of reaching the finals.
      But that should be introduced to the current four-year schedule.
      Generally, fiddling with formats produces no clear benefit to fans and is instead about money.
      The 2026 World Cup held in Canada, the US and Mexico will be the largest ever, with 48 countries taking part.
      Doubling the number of big ­tournaments is an idea too far.
      We shouldn’t be fixing something that isn’t broken.
      The ­current system is perfect.
      We are in danger of reaching a saturation point and need to ­realise you can have too much of a great thing.
      England manager Gareth Southgate comments on the possibility of having a FIFA World Cup every two years More

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      Barcelona’s clash against Sevilla POSTPONED due to late South American World Cup qualifiers

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      BARCELONA’S La Liga clash against Sevilla will no longer take place this weekend.The game has been postponed after La Liga chiefs won an appeal to Spain’s High Council for Sports to push the fixture back to a later date, The Athletic report.
      Barca’s game against Sevilla has been called off due to the South American World Cup qualifier backlogCredit: Getty
      They had initially asked FIFA to extend the league’s stars break due to the backlog of three games they’ve had to play in the international break caused by the delayed South American World Cup qualifiers.
      But FIFA had denied the La Liga’s request at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      Which led the Spanish football bosses to appeal the decision as they didn’t think the players would be in any condition to compete.
      Along with Barca’s game against Sevilla being axed, Villarreal’s game against Alaves will also no longer go ahead.
      Speaking on their successful appeal, Barca said: “High Council for Sports (CSD) has adjudicated in favour of the injunction requested by La Liga to postpone the fixture between Sevilla and Barca set for Saturday 11 September.
      “The game was set to start at 9pm CEST in the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville but will now be played at a later date.
      “The request was made after the Spanish Football Federation’s Competition Committee came out against La Liga wish for the fixtures between Sevilla and Barca and Villarreal and Alaves to be postponed.

      “On 29 August La Liga released a press statement announcing that they have made a request to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to postpone the two games from week’s list of fixtures as well as to modify kick off times of other fixtures.
      “After (the) failure of La Liga’s injunction against FIFA’s decision to prolong the time away of South American international players in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
      The decision was taken ‘as there will be players who return to their clubs on Friday after having played three games during the international break and many of them have games on Saturday and Sunday.
      “All of which makes clear that will not be in any state to compete on an equal footing.”
      The South American World Cup qualifiers were thrown into chaos when the Covid pandemic hit last year.
      Cases were rife in the region which led to all games being suspended until this year.
      Several La Liga stars were involved in the Brazil vs Argentina farce a few days ago that was axed after just seven minutes.
      The game was brought to an abrupt end when federal officials invaded the pitch to reprimand three Argentina stars who were accused of falsifying documents to enter Brazil illegally.
      The trio included Spurs pair Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
      Brazil vs Argentina in Covid-19 chaos as local health chiefs stop game after six minutes to deport Premier League stars More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo BANNED for next Portugal game after taking off shirt after record-breaking goal as referee apologises

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO will be BANNED for Portugal’s next World Cup qualifier after receiving a yellow card for taking off his shirt.The incredible scene occurred as Ronnie celebrated two late strikes to beat the Republic of Ireland and break Ali Daei’s historic goal record.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is suspended for Portugal after picking up a yellow card for removing his shirt while celebrating his late winnerCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo became the all-time international record top goalscorer after scoring his 110th and 111th goals for PortugalCredit: Sportsfile
      It even prompted the referee to APOLOGISE as he dished out the booking.
      And Ronaldo, 36, will now miss Tuesday’s trip to Azerbaijan after the yellow card resulted in a one-match suspension.
      He is still expected to feature in Saturday’s friendly against Qatar, however.
      But the new Manchester United signing won’t mind too much, having missed a penalty earlier in the game before netting his 110th and 11th international goals.
      An 89th-minute Goncalo Guedes cross was headed home by Ronaldo to break Iran legend Daei’s 109-goal record.
      And that was not enough for the insatiable striker, who popped up with virtually last kick of the game to grab the winner.

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      Joao Mario provided the ball in and once again Ronaldo guided his header into the net.
      The superstar whipped off his shirt in trademark fashion as Estadio Algarve wildly celebrated Portugal’s favourite son.
      However, Ronnie’s behaviour was not overlooked by Slovenian referee Matej Jug.
      After allowing Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates to celebrate their winner, he approached sheepishly before branding the booking.
      Jug then shrugged and appeared to apologise as Ronaldo soaked up the applause.

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      But the Red Devil did not even seem to notice as he expressed his joy at breaking yet another record.
      Ronaldo told RTE: “I’m so happy, not only because I beat the record, but for the special moment that we had.”
      Two goals at the end of the game. I have to appreciate what the team did, we believed until the end. I’m so glad.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Cristiano Ronaldo lashes out at Ireland’s Dara O’Shea as fans call for Man Utd superstar to be sent off for Portugal More

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      Chelsea boss Tuchel backs Premier League in World Cup row with Fifa over sending stars to play in ‘red-list’ nations

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      THOMAS TUCHEL backs the Premier League in the row with Fifa over sending top stars to play in ‘red-list’ countries.Chelsea’s boss has already spoken to Brazil defender Thiago Silva about refusing to travel to Chile next week for their World Cup qualifier.
      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has backed the Premier League in its ‘red-list’ row with FIFACredit: Getty
      Tuchel has already spoken to Thiago Silva about not travelling to BrazilCredit: Getty
      Tuchel, 47, said: “We had a conversation very early, when the decision was in doubt.
      “And when we heard about the regulations, like if Thiago goes to a red-list country he will play three times and come back, sit in a hotel for 11 days.
      That would have cost him, in our schedule, five matches, then he would be able to play two matches and then go again on international break.
      “For a player that is paid by and a player for Chelsea, this cannot be the solution.
      “So we were absolutely shocked about the situation.
      “Now I am happy because things are clear and it can only be like this at the moment, that the club’s get protection.

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      “I understand the needs of all the national teams but this is the way it is and we need to find other solutions than the ones suggested.”
      Premier League clubs voted unanimously to ban their players travelling to nations which would require quarantine upon return to the UK.
      Tuchel’s main priority is to pick a team capable of beating Liverpool at a packed Anfield this evening.
      He added: “We believe this group can fulfil the target but we can only do it if we can live up to it at the very best level every game.”
      The German is expecting a thought test at Anfield, saying: “Any time when you play at Anfield against Liverpool, it’s one of the toughest challenges that you can face in European football.
      “After that, you’re much smarter about where you are and what your true capacity and performance is.

      “It’s like this tomorrow.
      “We had a good start and Liverpool had a good start so tomorrow we will fight from the first minute to get a good result but it will be a huge challenge.
      “No result will be a decision for the season but of course we are fighting because these are the challenges where we want to prove ourselves.”

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      Louis van Gaal set to manage Holland for THIRD time as ex-Man Utd boss agrees deal ahead of World Cup 2022

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      LOUIS VAN GAAL looks set to embark on a third stint as Holland boss amid reports of him reaching an agreement on the role with the Dutch FA.The ex-Manchester United manager will be tasked with helping the side reach the 2022 World Cup following their disappointing last 16 exit from Euro 2020. 
      Former Man United boss Louis van Gaal is reportedly in line to become Netherlands bossCredit: PA:Press Association
      The reports come weeks after Frank de Boer stepped down as Holland coach after his team crashed out of the Euros following a shock 2-0 loss to the Czech Republic.
      Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claims Van Gaal, 69, has met Holland’s football chiefs’ criteria for the role. 
      And it is thought Dutch FA’s director of football Nico-Jan Hoogma was looking to hire a national gaffer with the aura of Ronald Koeman. 
      Van Gaal, who is one of the world’s most successful club managers, has taken charge of Holland on two separate occasions from 2000-2002 and from 2012-2014. 
      The former Ajax chief, who turns 70 in August, led a memorable run to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
      It was a run that started with that Robin van Persie header against Spain, and ended with a 3-0 victory over the hosts that meant they finished third at the tournament.
      But the Amsterdam-born gaffer endured a disappointing stint during his first spell in Holland’s hot seat. 
      His side, who were considered outside favourites to win the 2002 World Cup, failed to qualify for the contest after a shock loss to the Republic of Ireland.   
      It is thought Van Gaal will bring in three assistants to help him during his next spell in the dugout with the Netherlands set to face three tricky World Cup qualifiers in September. 
      De Telegraaf claims Frans Hoek, Henk Fraser and Danny Blind – the father of ex-United star Daley Blind – will take on the roles.
      And the squad will play Norway, Montenegro and Turkey in their first group stage qualifying games in September before clashes with Latvia and Gibraltar in October. 
      Van Gaal’s return to international management will come as a surprise to some following his sacking from Manchester United in 2016 two days after leading the side to an FA Cup win.
      He has not managed a team since that brutal dismissal.
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      However, the former Red Devils boss reportedly said he “would not say no” if the Dutch FA asked him to return as head coach. 
      Van Gaal, who began his managerial career with AZ Alkmaar in 1986, has won 20 major trophies with five European clubs. 
      Silverware wins include two LaLiga titles with Barcelona, one Bundesliga crown with Bayern and three Eredivisie championships with Ajax.
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      Saudi Arabia ‘considering teaming up with Italy to host 2030 World Cup’ in blow to England’s bid

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      SAUDI ARABIA are considering joining forces with a European country in a bid to host the 2030 World Cup, according to reports. And The Athletic claims the Middle Eastern nation is eyeing Italy as a possible partner in a move that could see both countries rivalling a bid from Britain and the Republic of Ireland. 
      Italy are reportedly being eyed as potential World Cup 2030 bid partners by Saudi ArabiaCredit: AP
      Should the oil-rich state succeed in creating an official team-up with the Euro 2020 champs, it will come as a further knock to Britain and Ireland’s dream of hosting the tournament in nine years’ time. 
      SunSport reports the joint bid for the two nations has already been marred by the chaotic and violent scenes that preceded the Three Lions Euros final duel with the Azzurri.
      Ticketless thugs were seen pushing through barriers and shoving spectators and stadium staff at Wembley ahead of England’s historic clash with Italy.
      And 1966 World Cup winner Geoff Hurst is among the influential football figures who fear the incident could harm England’s and the Republic of Ireland’s hosting chances. 
      Although joint bids have previously been off-putting to football’s authorities, it is reported they are now seen as a useful option given the increase in World Cup entrants. 
      From 2026 the number of countries competing in the contest will rise to 48 teams with tournament fixtures increasing to 80. 
      The Athletic claims US firm Boston Consultancy Group is providing guidance to Saudi Arabia on its bid and is reportedly advising them to consider broadening their alliances. 

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      Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s nation are working with US company Boston Consultancy Group on World Cup bid plansCredit: AFP
      And it is reported that one option for consideration is for Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s state to join up with Egypt and Morocco to host the contest. 
      However, it is thought that such a partnership would be a massive challenge in terms of logistics and security. 
      And a European partner such as Italy –  who have already hosted four large-scale international football tournaments in the past 90 years – is thought to be a safer option. 
      The Athletic adds that the potential of the Saudis investing in the revamp of Italy’s stadiums could be a bonus. 
      The two nations are reported to enjoy a warm sporting relationship with Saudi set to host the Italian Super Cup in January 2022. 
      And the country has hosted the contest – which is a match between the Serie A champions and Italy’s cup winners – twice in the past. 
      However, Saudi Arabia’s human rights records could see a joint bid overshadowed by controversy. 
      There are fears chaos caused by ticketless fans at the Euros 2020 final at Wembley could harm a bid from BritainCredit: AP

      The country made headlines worldwide following the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. 
      And it has faced criticism for its involvement in a catastrophic civil war in Yemen. 
      The nation is also thought to hold considerable diplomatic sway as the largest exporter of oil in the world. 
      Ministers hope chaos at Wembley will not harm Britain’s and the Republic of Ireland’s 2030 World Cup bidCredit: James Curley
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