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      Everton ace Izzy Christiansen reveals how she overcame heartbreak of missing out on an England World Cup squad spot

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      IZZY CHRISTIANSEN has opened up on how she overcame the disappointment of not being part of the Lionesses squad that reached the Women’s World Cup semis. 
      And the Everton star bravely admitted to throwing “toys out of the pram’’ before embarking on a successful commentary stint in a frank BBC Sounds conversation.  

      Izzy Christiansen has opened up on how she coped with the disappointment of not playing at the 2019 World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Christiansen, 29, who was a free-flowing attacking midfielder at Lyon in the summer of 2019, had been described as a “vital player” by Phil Neville before the tournament. 
      At the time there were some concerns over fitness with the Toffees ace battling hard to recover from surgery on an ankle injury sustained in  March that year. 
      However, Neville, 43, would later reveal the midfield star had missed out on a place in his 23-strong squad due to the impressive form of other players. 
      The experience would later lead to the Everton player joining BBC sports and eventually commentating at the 2019 World Cup final in France. 

      Christiansen has been sharing her reflections on how she recovered from her tournament upset on a BBC football series involving Toffees team-mate Hayley Raso. 
      The Macclesfield-born midfielder told The Players podcast: “I was off on a weekend or something and I got a phone call to say, ‘You’re not going to be going. You’re on standby’. 
      “I was just a mess. I threw the toys out of the pram and was like, ‘I don’t want to do anything. I’ve got this summer off, what am I going to do.
      “I don’t feel afraid to say I just want to drink. 

      “But then something kind of flicked in my head and I was just like, ‘Yeah, okay, I’ll do something’. 

      Christiansen ended up commentating at the Women’s World Cup final after missing out on an England spotCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “I think I did co-comms for a game I can’t even remember and they said I was brilliant and they wanted me to go again and it just kind of snowballed. 
      “Then it got to the point where I ended up doing  co-comms with John Murray at the BBC who for me is an absolute genius. 
      “I ended up sitting next to him at the World Cup final doing co-comms for the BBC. 
      “I was just like jeez, this is amazing.” 
      Christiansen, whose Everton side are due to play Manchester City in the league, has made an impressive start to her Toffees career this term after sealing an 18-month deal in December 2019. 

      Christiansen and her Everton team-mates are due to play Manchester City in the leagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      A combination of injury and Covid-19 forcing women’s football into a temporary hiatus meant the England ace had to wait until September to make her WSL debut for the club. 
      The midfielder has enjoyed a solid run in Willie Kirk’s side, helping them to reach the 50th Women’s FA Cup finals where they were beaten by Man City. 
      And the Toffees, who are currently fourth, will be after maximum points when they face their FA Cup victors in the league for the first time this season.

      Lionesses in training More

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      How England’s 1966 World Cup winners were tricked into lifting FAKE trophy after FA secretly swapped cup

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      ENGLAND’S 1966 World Cup winners were tricked into parading a fake trophy it has been revealed.
      The trophy was swapped with a replica just moments after England captain Bobby Moore was presented with it by the Queen when they trounced West Germany 4-2.

      The real World Cup trophy was swapped with a replica by the FA and policeCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

      Bobby Moore with the fake trophy at WembleyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Moore and Co were unaware it had been replaced and unknowingly celebrated with it after the swap.
      The deception by the FA and police was only revealed to World Cup winner George Cohen recently, who for the last 54 years had no idea he had been holding a replica on that famous day.
      Cohen, 81, shared his dismay and anger about the swap, which he was told about in a new seven-part podcast called ‘Stealing Victory – The Untold Story of the 1966 World Cup Heist’.
      He said: “I’m staggered. I did not know that, bl***y cheek. It’s outrageous. Just like the FA isn’t it?

      “Bl***y hell, I don’t understand that. I honestly did not know anything about that.”
      The bombshell about the World Cup was dropped by PC Peter Weston, who was also on the podcast.
      He explained how he was given the daunting task of changing the trophies around when just a rookie on the force and that he had no clue about the plan until the morning of the final.
      He said: “We didn’t have a clue, not until we actually arrived and then we were introduced to the secretary who had two wooden boxes on his desk.

      “He went on to explain that this is the World Cup and this is the replica and this is what you are going to do.
      “We were just wide eyed really. You will be taking these to the stadium where you will be met by the head of security. If England win we want you to swap the trophies when you get the chance.”

      Moore and manager Alf Ramsey with the trophy, which they didn’t know was fakeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      It was the greatest day in the history of English footballCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Weston went on to say how nervous he was on the way to the dressing room to carry out the task and that he hoped that the now-deceased Jack Charlton wasn’t holding the trophy as he wouldn’t have handed it over.
      But to his delight, Nobby Stiles, who recently passed away, was in possession of it, which made it much easier for him.
      He continued: “I had it under my tunic and walked into the dressing room, it was bedlam, it was packed with people.
      “My main thinking was ‘I hope Jackie Charlton’s not holding it’ because Jackie would have told me to go away.
      “Out of sheer luck Nobby was sitting starry eyed almost in tears with it in his lap, on his own.
      “I just walked up and said ‘Nobby you have this and I’ll have that,’ and he looked at me and went ‘okay’ and I took the real one off him and out I went. Straight out and then put it in the boot of the car.”
      When he was asked why the FA wanted the trophies swapped, Weston said he had no idea but suggested: “It’s politics, pure politics.”

      George Cohen, left, with fellow World Cup winners Jack Charlton and Nobby Stiles (right)Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Cohen poses with a replica World Cup trophy alongside nephew Ben who won the rugby World Cup in 2003Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      The podcast explores the claims that a deal was done between the police and criminals from the underworld for the Jules Rimet trophy.
      But it was kept safe in a central London bank vault until it was handed to next hosts Mexico.
      It may have been locked away to protect the trophy from thieves after the fake was stolen four months before the World Cup in 1966 while on exhibition at Central Hall in Westminster, London.
      It was later found by Pickles the dog and his owner David Corbett who found the trophy under a car.
      The pair then went on a tour around the country with the fake and even appeared on Blue Peter with it.
      The real trophy was made of soild gold and worth £30,000.

      Ray Clemence dead aged 72: England, Liverpool and Spurs legend passes away More

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      Neymar sent home from Brazil squad through injury and will miss World Cup 2022 qualifiers against Venezuela and Uruguay

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      NEYMAR has been sent home from the Brazilian squad due to injury and will miss both World Cup 2022 qualifiers.
      The ace will be forced to sit out encounters against Venezuela and Uruguay due to a leg strain.

      Neymar will be a big miss in the clash against Uruguay Credit: Alamy Live News

      While the management knew he would be absent for the first game, it was hoped he would recover in time to face Uruguay.
      Brazil’s national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said: “We were hopeful that he could play, that’s why we brought him to Brazil.
      “He improved but not enough so that he’ll be ready for the game on Tuesday against Uruguay. The backroom staff decided to release Neymar.”
      PSG manager Thomas Tuchel was critical of all the games players are involved in for both club and country following football’s suspension after the outbreak of Covid-19.

      He said last month: “We’re going to kill the players. That’s what I’ve always said.
      “We are going to kill them because there is an important link between preparation, performance and rest.
      “In football it always falls on the greatest players because they will always play for their country.
      “They play during the break, they travel and that’s too much in my opinion. They don’t have a recovery phase to allow them to come back and a preparation phase.

      Brazil will be short on Neymar’s goal threat after the PSG star was ruled out with injury Credit: AFP or licensors
      “That is not a secret, it happens in sport. Preparation influences injuries and performance.

      “Without preparation, players are more fragile and difficult to manage. This is not an excuse, this is the truth. We are going to look for solutions and I hope we will find some.”
      Neymar returns to France amid rumours he is ready to quit PSG in the summer.
      Reports today suggest some of Barcelona’s presidential candidates want him to return and he is open to offers.

      Neymar asks to be subbed after just 25 minutes of PSG’s clash with Basaksehir after apparent groin injury More

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      Brazil vs Venezuela: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup qualifying game

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      BRAZIL take on Venezuela on Friday night in what should be a rather straightforward affair on their way to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
      Five-time winners of the prestigious competition, it would be unheard of to see Brazil fair to qualify for the World Cup.

      Brazil are top of the 10-team group on six points with Argentina in second place. Opponents Venezuela, however, are sat in ninth position.
      A win over the South American minnows would keep them firmly in the top spot ahead of their big clash with Uruguay next week.

      Gabriel Jesus could play a part for Brazil on Friday. Credit: Reuters
      What time is kick-off?
      Brazil vs Venezuela will get under way at 12.30am on Friday, November 13 – a late one for fans attempting to watch in the UK.
      The game will take place at Estadio do Morumbi, in Sao Paulo.

      What channel is it and can it be streamed?
      Unfortunately for fans in the UK, Brazil vs Venezuela isn’t available to watch on our shores.
      As a result, the game cannot be live streamed in the UK either.
      If you’re watching in the United States, however, the game is available to watch on DIRECTV.

      Brazil are expected to win their clash with Venezuela comfortablyCredit: EPA
      Team news
      Brazil will unfortunately be missing superstar Neymar, who injured his shoulder in a Champions League clash with Istanbul Basaksehir.
      “We believe that with an intensive week of treatment… there is a possibility of recovery for the second match. We will be monitoring his condition closely,” Brazil’s team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar.

      Chelsea’s Thiago Silva and Everton’s Richarlisson have travelled and should play a part, however.
      Silva’s ex-PSG team-mate Marquinhos has also been selected for duty.
      Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, who just scored against Liverpool last weekend, could also play.
      Odds
      Brazil – 1/6

      Draw – 6/1
      Venezuela – 14/1
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Argentina vs Paraguay: Live stream, TV channel, team news, kick-off time for crunch 2022 World Cup qualifier

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      ARGENTINA are up against Paraguay tonight in what should be a spicy South American World Cup qualifier.
      Watching Lionel Messi is worth the price of admission alone but these two sides will give it a right crack in an effort to get a strong foothold in their group.

      Argentina will want to coast through their qualifiers so they can move themselves into an easier World Cup group, when the draw is eventually made.

      Messi is in line to start for Argentina against ParaguayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Paraguay, however, haven’t been to a World Cup since 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals, ultimately losing to tournament winners Spain.
      What time is kick-off?
      Argentine vs Paraguay will get underway at midnight (BST) on Friday, November 13.
      The game will take place at Estadio Alberto J. Armando in Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      In the UK, unfortunately Argentina vs Paraguay won’t be shown on TV.
      The game is not available for streaming in the UK, either.
      If you’re in the United States, however, then you can catch the game on DIRECTV.

      Dybala will miss the clash due to a genital problem Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Team news
      The Argentine FA released a statement explaining why Paulo Dybala and Marcos Acuna would not be in the squad.
      They certainly didn’t hold back on the reasoning for Dybala’s withdrawal.

      “Marcos Acuna and Paulo Dybala have been dropped.
      “The Sevilla player has been withdrawn from the squad as a result of the muscle problem he suffered playing for his club on Saturday.
      “Meanwhile Dybala has also been left out after presenting general genito-urinary symptoms.
      “He needs to rest from playing sport, and to have tests.”

      Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, however, are both in the squad and should feature.

      Odds
      Argentina – 3/10
      Draw – 18/5
      Paraguay – 15/2
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Argentina vs Paraguay: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for crunch 2022 World Cup qualifier

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      ARGENTINA are up against Paraguay this week in what should be a spicy South American World Cup qualifier.
      Watching Lionel Messi is worth the price of admission alone but these two sides will give it a right crack in an effort to get a strong foothold in their group.

      Argentina will want to coast through their qualifiers so they can move themselves into an easier World Cup group, when the draw is eventually made.

      Messi is in line to start for Argentina against ParaguayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Paraguay, however, haven’t been to a World Cup since 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals, ultimately losing to tournament winners Spain.
      What time is kick-off?
      Argentine vs Paraguay will get underway at midnight (BST) on Friday, November 13.
      The game will take place at Estadio Alberto J. Armando in Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires.
      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
      In the UK, unfortunately Argentina vs Paraguay won’t be shown on TV.
      The game is not available for streaming in the UK, either.
      If you’re in the United States, however, then you can catch the game on DIRECTV.

      Dybala will miss the clash due to a genital problem Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Team news
      The Argentine FA released a statement explaining why Paulo Dybala and Marcos Acuna would not be in the squad.
      They certainly didn’t hold back on the reasoning for Dybala’s withdrawal.

      “Marcos Acuna and Paulo Dybala have been dropped.
      “The Sevilla player has been withdrawn from the squad as a result of the muscle problem he suffered playing for his club on Saturday.
      “Meanwhile Dybala has also been left out after presenting general genito-urinary symptoms.
      “He needs to rest from playing sport, and to have tests.”

      Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, however, are both in the squad and should feature.

      Odds
      Argentina – 3/10
      Draw – 18/5
      Paraguay – 15/2
      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

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      Shearer pays tribute to Nobby Stiles and says great’s family wait for answers over possible football-related dementia

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      HEARTBROKEN Alan Shearer paid tribute to ‘giant’ Nobby Stiles — but said his family are still waiting for answers on possible football-related dementia.
      Stiles died on Friday at the age of 78 — the seventh member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning starting XI to pass away.

      England stars past and present have been paying tribute to Nobby Stiles, who sadly passed away on FridayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Stiles, Martin Peters, Jack Charlton and Ray Wilson have all died since 2018 after living with dementia.
      Former England striker Shearer made a powerful BBC documentary in 2017 investigating whether there is a link between heading footballs and the brain syndrome.
      Stiles’ family featured on the programme after the Manchester United icon was revealed to be suffering from advanced dementia in 2016.
      Shearer believes serious questions need to be answered, especially as footballs were heavier in the past.

      And he added that funding for ground-breaking research is due to run out next year.
      Shearer, 50, said: “We had spoken to the family when we did the documentary.
      “As you can imagine, they were pretty angry in terms of the lack of answers — and the research has started.
      “There are about six months left of the funding and then there are serious questions about where it goes from there.

      Alan Shearer says Stiles family are waiting on answers on whether the World Cup winner (right) suffered from football-related dementiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “That needs to be answered because there is no way it can be stopped. There are too many families who need those answers.
      “There are too many families that are being left alone and are unable to fund what they need to.
      “So there is still work to be done and hopefully that will continue to happen.
      “It’s unbelievably sad news. Obviously, I was aware of him and the struggles with him and his family.
      “It’s terrible news that another one of our giants has sadly passed away — his record, winning the World Cup and helping England, was incredible. Such a sad day for football again.”

      Manchester United fans have been laying flowers outside Old Trafford in honour of Red Devils hero Stiles Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Manchester United fans left touching tributes to Stiles outside Old Trafford, while the players will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence at today’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
      Stiles won two league titles and the 1968 European Cup during an 11-year career with the Red Devils.

      He was someone who the fans saw as a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy
      Rio Ferdinand

      But he will be most remembered for that glorious summer 54 years ago which culminated in a 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup final.
      The sight of Stiles dancing around the Wembley pitch while holding aloft the trophy remains one of the defining images of English football. In 2000, he was awarded an MBE.
      Members of United’s famous Class of 92 paid their respects over the weekend.

      Manchester United’s old rivals Liverpool are among the clubs who observed a minute’s silence in honour of Stiles following his deathCredit: Getty – Pool
      Former midfielder Stiles helped the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers while working as a youth team coach between 1989 and 1993.
      Former  Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand said: “He was someone who the fans saw as a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy.

      His contribution to that World Cup success was enormous. Everyone who knows football understands and respects that
      Roy Hodgson

      “He was always charismatic and a lovely person to be around.
      “The impact he had on football I don’t think is valued as highly as it could have been.
      “He was a fantastic competitor — very modest and down to earth.”
      Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson, 73, said: “Like all football lovers and being very much a keen spectator of that wonderful final, my image will forever be of Nobby at the end of the game.

      “He had given his heart, his soul around the field, putting so much effort into protecting the England lead.
      “His contribution to that World Cup success was enormous. Everyone who knows football understands and respects that.
      “I do know other members of the team and they’ve spoken to me about how highly they valued his contributions. What a wonderful job he did.” 

      England World Cup-winner Nobby Stiles has died aged 78 after long illness More

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      Neymar goes past Ronaldo as Brazil’s second-highest goalscorer with hat-trick in thumping 4-2 win over Peru

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      NEYMAR became Brazil’s second-highest goalscorer of all time last night as his hat-trick helped thump Peru 4-2 in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.
      The PSG star leapt above Ronaldo with his goals last night and only lags behind legend Pele.

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      Neymar bops away in celebration after netting his first goal from the spotCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Ronaldo’s stunning goal tally for Brazil has been overcome, leaving only Pele to chaseCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      The 28-year-old now has 64 goals for his country while Pele has 77, and with time still on his side the forward will hope to catch him.
      Performances like last night will help, with two penalties and a stoppage-time strike helping Brazil continue their 100 per cent start to the qualifying campaign.
      Everton’s Richarlison also got in on the act, with Peru eventually reduced to nine men and taking nothing from a game they led twice.
      Neymar’s 64 goals come in 103 games while Ronaldo scored 62 in only 98 games, helping his nation to win two World Cups, the Copa America twice and a Confederations Cup in a stellar17-year career.

      Legendary Brazilian goalkeeper Taffarel believes Neymar is a ‘superstar’ talent who will also help the country win their first World Cup since 2002.
      He told the official FIFA website in August: “[Neymar is] a great player. He plays the game in a beautiful way. He’s an incredible dribbler, sets up goals, scores fantastic goals.
      “He’s very important for us. We really hope he can be at his best and help Brazil win another World Cup. He’s a superstar.
      “I cheered a lot for Paris [in the Champions League final] because of the Brazilians who play there. I really wanted Neymar to win this Champions League and, consequently, The Best FIFA [Men’s Player] award.

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      Neymar steps up to the spot as he adds to his historic goals haulCredit: Rex Features

      BRAZIL’S TOP GOALSCORERS OF ALL-TIME

      Neymar has stepped into second place in Brazil’s talented list of all-time goalscorers, with the striker now only 13 goals behind the legendary Pele

      Pele – 77
      Neymar – 64
      Ronaldo – 62
      Romario – 55
      Zico – 48
      Bebeto – 39
      Rivaldo – 35
      Jairzinho – 33
      Ronaldinho – 33
      Ademir – 32
      Tostao – 32

      “But it’s just one day. I really hope in the future he can win this award and be considered the best player in the world.”
      Neymar’s first and second goals were penalties which he netted with ease.
      He also scored a stoppage time tap-in to steal the match ball.
      Richarlison’s goal came when he headed the ball over the line after Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino flicked it across the six-yard box.
      Neymar’s record-breaking goals are the latest chapter in an eventful season for him so far.

      The former Barcelona man announced he tested positive for coronavirus at the beginning of last month, but recovered in time for Paris-Saint Germain’s eventful match against Marseille.
      He was one of five players sent off in injury time, with Neymar striking defender Alvaro Gonzalez on the back of the head before accusing him of racism, which the Marseille player denies.
      After he returned from suspension, he scored twice as PSG hammered Angers 6-1 in their last game before the international break.

      Watch Neymar humiliate Angers rival who shoved him with amazing ‘sombrero’ as Brazilian runs riot in PSG’s 6-1 win More