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      Emotional Oleksandr Zinchenko breaks down in tears as he speaks on Ukraine war ahead of Scotland World Cup play-off

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      UKRAINE captain Oleksandr Zinchenko broke down in tears while discussing the war in his home country ahead of their World Cup play-off semi-final against Scotland.The Man City full-back will lead his team out at Hampden Park on Wednesday evening as they bid for the right to play Wales in the play-off final on Sunday.
      Zinchenko broke down in tears when discussing the war in UkraineCredit: Getty
      The Man City man has been vocal in calling for Russia to end their invasionCredit: AFP
      Zinchenko was visibly distraught during the pre-match press conferenceCredit: AFP
      But it was the horrific events off the pitch that led Zinchenko to understandably tear up during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
      As reported by Zorya Londonsk, he said: “Every Ukrainian wants one thing – to stop the war.
      “I spoke to kids who don’t understand what’s happening, but they have one dream: They want the war to end.
      “We also have another dream: To make the World Cup.”
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CRUNCH TIME .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Updates on the final UEFA qualifier between Wales and Scotland or Ukraine
      Zinchenko and the rest of the Ukraine squad trained at Hampden Park on TuesdayCredit: AFP
      The war in Ukraine has been going on since February when the Vladimir Putin sent Russian troops into the country.
      After winning the Premier League title with Man City earlier this month, Zinchenko held the Ukraine flag tight to his chest before crying in front of the Etihad faithful.
      He said: “It’s unforgettable emotions for me.
      “For all Ukrainians, who are starving and surviving in my country because of Russian aggression.
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      “I am so proud to be Ukrainian, and one day I would love to be able to bring this title to Ukraine for all Ukrainian people because they deserve it.”
      He then went on to add: “Honestly at some points, especially in the beginning, I didn’t even think too much about football.
      “Because it is impossible to live in the same time as what is happening in my country.
      “But with all the support we have had, we did it.”
      Zinchenko played an instrumental role in City’s title-winning match against Aston Villa.
      He came on at half-time with Pep Guardiola’s men trailing 2-0 – with the defending champions needing a victory to make sure of a fourth league triumph in five years.
      And Zinchenko gave the team a new lease of life as three goals in five second half minutes clinched the title for City. More

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      in Soccer

      Jamaica ‘draw up TEN-MAN shortlist of English stars they hope to tempt into switching allegiance for 2026 World Cup’

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      JAMAICA have drawn up a list of English-based players they are trying to recruit for the World Cup in the 2026. The Reggae Boyz did not make it to Qatar 2022, meaning their only appearance at a finals was in France 1998 when they were knocked out in the group stage.
      Everton’s Demarai Gray was capped at England Under-21 levelCredit: Getty
      Norwich right-back Max Aarons, 22, could also be in line for a switchCredit: Rex
      Brentford’s 24-year-old Rico Henry is another being targeted by the Reggae BoyzCredit: Focus Images
      But the chance of them featuring at a second World Cup has increased due to Canada, USA and Mexico hosting the tournament, leaving the CONCACAF qualification section wide open.
      Jamaica’s shortlist of targets reportedly includes Premier League stars Demarai Gray, Rico Henry, Max Aarons, Morgan Gibbs-White and Nathan Ferguson according to the Mirror.
      They’re also supposedly interested in Joel Latibeaudiere of Swansea, Lewis Baker of Stoke, Arsenal wonderkid Kido Taylor Hart, Chelsea teenager Luke Badley-Morgan and Fulham youngster Xavier Benjamin.
      West Ham striker Michail Antonio made the switch in allegiance from England to Jamaica last summer. He has since played six times, scoring three goals.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GHANA GO .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Lamptey considers switching international allegiance from England
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      He has joined a squad that features recognisable names such as Ethan Pinnock, Ravel Morrison, Leon Bailey, Jamal Lowe, Kemar Roofe, Andre Gray and Bobby Decordova-Reid.
      The Jamaica manager is Paul Hall and his former team-mate Fitzroy Simpson is assisting the recruitment drive.
      Simpson said: “(Hall is) determined to put together a strong attempt to qualify for 2026.
      “There are a lot of players out there who could help us and are interested.
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      “These guys could be playing in the World Cup in 2026 and Paul sees them as a massive part of that drive to dominate the CONCACAF.
      “Paul is willing to hand these guys an opportunity which could see them become first choice internationals.
      “Of course England is the mother country to a lot of these players but they have a vast pool of players to call upon.
      “You can be an outstanding player but never get a look in with the senior England side.
      “I obviously thought about maybe playing for England too but I made the decision to play for Jamaica and it was one of the best things I ever did.” More

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      in Soccer

      Female referees selected for World Cup for first time in history while Premier League pair are also picked for Qatar

      by

      FIFA chiefs have broken new ground by naming THREE women referees for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.The football governing body announced the list of 36 whistlers, which is more than usual because of the schedule which means four games every day in the group stage.
      FIFA have named three female referees for the 2022 World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Stephanie Frappart will be among the first ever female referees to officiate a World Cup tournamentCredit: Getty
      But the decision to select the three women officials is a trailblazing move by FIFA.
      France’s Stephanie Frappart is the most high-profile woman ref, having taken charge of the 2019 UEFA Super Cup between Liverpool and Chelsea as well as being the first woman to whistle a Champions League game, between Juventus and Dynamo Kyiv in 2020.
      The other two chosen refs are Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda and Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita.
      Prem refs Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor have BOTH been selected for the tournament as well.
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      The selection of Oliver and Taylor is a vindication for PGMOL and refs’ chief Mike Riley.
      Riley was widely criticised for the absence of any English officials at the 2018 World Cup – although that was because chosen candidate Mark Clattenburg quit for a job in Saudi Arabia in the lead-up to the tournament.
      Taylor will be part of a team with assistants Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, while Oliver works with Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett.
      Taylor and Oliver, alongside their assistants, were both part of the Euro 2020 roster last summer.
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      Wythenshawe-based Taylor received widespread tributes for his handling of the events which followed Christian Eriksen’s collapse in Denmark’s game with Finland.
      England are considered among the favourites to win the World Cup and could be joined in the tournament by either Scotland or Wales. More

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      in Soccer

      Gareth Bale World Cup blow for Wales with Real Madrid outcast set to miss training camp ahead of crucial qualifier

      by

      WALES have suffered a World Cup play-off preparation blow after Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid reached the Champions League final against Liverpool on May 28.Captain Bale will miss Robert Page’s training camp the week before the final against either Scotland or Ukraine on June 5 in Cardiff for a spot in Qatar.
      Bale will miss Wale’s training campCredit: GETTY
      Instead, Bale, who is chasing his FIFTH Champions League title, is expected to be with Carlo Ancelotti’s Spanish giants for the European showpiece versus Liverpool in Paris.
      The Football Association of Wales will confirm next week whether their training camp will be held in Cardiff or Portugal’s Algarve, which has been a favourite warm weather destination for the Welsh since 2016.
      But Real’s 14th European Cup final appearance at the Stade de France – sealed after the incredible 6-5 aggregate semi-final comeback win over Manchester City at the Bernabeu – will mean Bale now has club commitments rather than preparing with his international pals for the play-off final.
      Bale is desperate to lead Wales to a World Cup finals for the first time since 1958 after playing in two Euros for his country.
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      The LaLiga title winners involvement in the Champions League final will also put into doubt if Bale will even travel for Wales’ Nations League clash against Poland on June 1.
      The Wroclaw clash is the final warm-up before the World Cup play-off but SunSport understands that Bale and a number of other senior players could be left behind in Wales for training drills as the Dragons bid to make history and secure a spot at a global finals for the first time in 64 years.
      The 32-year-old forward missed Wednesday’s epic extra-time triumph over City and according to the newly-crowned La Liga champions he trained indoors at the club’s training ground the day before after suffering a ‘bad back’.
      However, he shared Real’s victory Instagram post of Karim Benzema’s celebration, adding fire and strength emojis.
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      Bale has been a bit-part player for Ancelotti this season but made two substitute appearances for Real in the knockout stages against Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea.
      The four-time Champions League winner in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018, who will leave the Bernabeu when his contract expires this summer, has fond memories of his last final – against Liverpool.
      Bale scored twice – including a remarkable overhead kick – after coming off the bench as Real beat Jurgen Klopp’s side 3-1 in Kiev. More

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      in Soccer

      Chile demand Fifa AXE Ecuador from 2022 World Cup – claiming South American rivals fielded COLOMBIAN star in qualifying

      by

      CHILE have called on Fifa to ban Ecuador from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup – claiming they fielded an ineligible player.It is Chile’s contention that Ecuador’s right-back Byron Castillo is actually Colombian.
      Byron Castillo (right) played eight times for Ecuador in World Cup 2022 qualificationCredit: Getty
      An investigation has allegedly found a Colombian birth certificate from 1995 with the same name as Castillo and the same parents’ name, despite Ecuadorian documents stating the defender was born in 1998.
      Fifa rules stipulate that playing ineligible players results in a forfeit.
      If found to be true Chile want Ecuador to be stripped of the results in each of the eight qualifying games Castillo played.
      That includes Ecuador’s draw against Chile and a 2-0 win last November – which put Chile on the brink of elimination.
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      Lawyer Eduardo Carlezzo, who is representing the Chilean federation, said: “The level, both in quantity and quality, of the information and evidence that we have been able to collect has surprised even us.
      “How could we not act with this level of evidence in hands?”
      Castillo’s background has been the topic of speculation for some time with Ecuadorian officials previously holding concerns about his eligibility.
      Carlos Manzur, the vice president of Ecuador’s football federation, suggested that Castillo previously was not called up due to worries about his eligibility.
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      He said in March 2021: “I think it’s a matter of playing it safe, avoiding problems.
      “I think he is a good player. If it were up to me, I would not have him play for the national team. I would not take that risk. I would not risk everything we are doing.”
      Reports followed suggesting there were inconsistencies with Castillo’s registration but Munzo claimed they had been sorted, allowing Castillo to win his first cap against Paraguay in September.
      The top four teams automatically qualify for Qatar in the Conmebol qualification, with Ecuador grabbing fourth spot.
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      And although Chile finished seventh behind Peru and Colombia, Castillo did not play against those sides so only Chile could be awarded six points.
      That would be enough to see them qualify for Qatar so they are eagerly awaiting Fifa’s findings.
      President of the Chile Football Federation Pablo Milad told The New York Times: “We understand, based on all the information and documents collected, that the facts are too serious and must be thoroughly investigated by Fifa.
      “We have always respected the fair play principals and we hope that the other federations do the same.” More

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      England’s iconic Football’s Coming Home anthem faces axe as official World Cup song over fears it offends other nations

      by

      ENGLAND’S Three Lions anthem is ­facing the axe as the country’s official World Cup song — amid ­concerns that it offends other nations. Baddiel and Skinner’s Football’s Coming Home classic has been a fans’ favourite since Euro 96.
      England’s iconic Three Lions anthem is facing the axe as the country’s official World Cup song — amid concerns that it offends other nations.Credit: Getty
      Baddiel and Skinner’s ‘Football’s Coming Home’ classic has been a fans’ favourite since Euro 1996Credit: Anthony Upton
      Lions legend Paul Gascoigne said: ‘That song is in our DNA. It helped us in 1996 and it’ll help the boys in Qatar’Credit: Getty
      Lions legend Paul Gascoigne said: “That song is in our DNA. It helped us in 1996 and it’ll help the boys in Qatar.”
      But FA chiefs fear the song is viewed as “arrogant” by other countries.
       Neil Diamond’s singalong Sweet Caroline is the favourite to replace it. 
      Critics said the proposal showed footie bosses were way out of touch with England supporters — and Gazza, 54, declared: “The FA have totally lost the plot.”
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CUP.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}RAISE THE BAR .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Footie fans will pay a whopping £9.98 a PINT at the World Cup in Qatar
      The Euro 96 hero added: “You can’t take that song off us. Sweet Caroline doesn’t come close.
      “It would be like saying we can’t wave St George’s flags anymore.
      “This woke nonsense has no place in football. It’s just a great song. 
      Last night TalkTV presenter and Sun writer Piers Morgan blasted the FA’s flaky plan and said: “This is a ridiculous idea.
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      “The song is all about wallowing in 30 years of hurt and pain at not winning anything, how can anyone say it is arrogant.
      “We should absolutely stick with Three Lions.”
      The Sun is now launching a campaign to save the anthem and will petition the FA to stick with “It’s Coming Home”.
      All 32 nations at the World Cup in Qatar in November and December must nominate a song to be played in the build-up to kick-off.
      Three Lions — by comedy duo David Baddiel and Frank Skinner and The Lightning Seeds — celebrates England’s endless dream of a first tournament triumph since 1966.
      But FA chiefs are set to drop it amid fears other nations believe it is “arrogant” to sing about England being the home of football.

      Rival teams have also mocked and abused the song’s chant.
      Croatia’s players used the classic as a motivational tool ahead of their 2-1 triumph over Gareth Southgate’s battlers at the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow.
      Italian fans at Wembley sarcastically sang: “It’s coming to Rome” after the Azzuri’s penalties win over The Three Lions in the Euro 2020 final.
      A much-travelled Three Lions supporters’ source told The Sun: “Fans will sing what they like and couldn’t really give a monkey’s what is ‘official’ or not.
      “So expect to hear ‘Football’s Coming Home’ sung in Qatar in the stands regardless.
      “Other nations might think we’re arrogant when we sing that England is football’s home and they’ve teased us about it in the past but it’s just friendly banter.”
       Neil Diamond’s stadium singalong Sweet Caroline is now favourite to become the official pre-match song.
      Three Lions became the official pre-match song in 1996 — when England lost on penalties yet again in the semi-final against Germany.
      And it has since become the soundtrack to a string of heroic failures as we failed to lift silverware in every tournament since.
      Senior figures at the FA’s Wembley HQ are now arguing that it is time for a forward-looking change — and more positive vibes during the pre-match warm-up.
      An England source said: “The FA have always countered the song’s negatives by stressing that it’s all about hope — but there’s a feeling it might be time for a change.
      “We have a great squad and a great chance in Qatar so it might be better to look forward from now on rather than back. “Gareth Southgate isn’t involved in the debate but he may well have decidedly mixed memories about 1996 after missing the penalty which knocked us out in the semi.
      “Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline was a huge hit with fans singing their hearts out at Euro 2020 and must be a strong contender now.
      “It has nothing to do with football but it’s a great feelgood song — and has absolutely no negativity attached to it.”
      FA chiefs will not announce their final decision on the song choice until after the summer. But Sun sources revealed internal discussions about a new song are already under way.
      David Baddiel revealed last year that he suspected the FA hated his Three Lions anthem – over fears that its lyrics could offend other footballing nations.
      He said: “Neil Diamond was set up as a kind of rival during the last Euro competition.
      “There was a thing which my manager feels was actually a conspiracy set up by The FA — they don’t really like Three Lions.
      “I think it’s the notion — misinterpreted by many people — that football’s coming home means that England owns football and we are the homeland of football. Which historically is the case. We were the first one to ratify the rules of the game.
      “But somehow that’s offensive to other FAs – like the Croatian FA or whatever.”
      Sweet Caroline came to prominence after England’s epic 2-0 win over Germany at Euro 2020.
      Offical Wembley DJ Tony Perry decided the track summed up the mood in the stadium. It was then adopted by the fans and rang out at every game until the final.
      The song has long been a favourite with rugby fans.. However, the 1969 hit is most associated with baseball where it’s sung at every home game of the Boston Red Sox.
      The tradition of the official England song was spawned at the 1966 World Cup with “World Cup Willie”.’
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GIRL POWER .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Mel B beams as she curtsies to William while receiving MBE in front of proud mum
      Four years later the England squad for Mexico 1970 had a hit with Back Home.
      In Italia ‘90 New Order and Keith Allen’s “World in Motion” featured a rap by player John Barnes.
      Gareth Southgate may have mixed memories about 1996 after missing the penalty which knocked us out in the semiCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      The England boss is said not to be involved in choosing a new official song for the upcoming World CupCredit: AFP
      Three Lions became the official pre-match song in 1996 — when England lost on penalties yet again in the semi-final against GermanyCredit: Getty More

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      World Cup playoff dates revealed for Scotland vs Ukraine and Wales’ clash against winner to seal spot in England’s group

      by

      WALES will face Scotland or Ukraine for a 2022 World Cup finals spot on Sunday, June 5.The final which was due to be played on March 29 was delayed to this summer due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
      Scotland will play Ukraine on June 1Credit: THE SUN
      The World Cup play-off was postponed due to Russia’s invasion of UkraineCredit: AFP
      Wales already booked their place in the play-off final with a win over AustriaCredit: REX FEATURES
      But Fifa have now decided when the Cardiff final will be played with the winners booking a World Cup place in Group B alongside England, Iran and USA in Qatar.
      Steve Clarke’s Scotland will take on Ukraine in the other last four clash at Hampden Park on June 1.
      Wales beat Austria 2-1 in their semi-final last month thanks to a sensational double from Gareth Bale.
      And that means Robert Page’s men are just one match away from their first global finals in 64 years.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}LEFT IN RUINS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Stadium of West Ham ace Yarmolenko’s boyhood club destroyed by Russian shells
      Wales will warm-up for the final with an away fixture against Poland in the Nations League on the same date as Scotland’s semi-final.
      The Dragons have five fixtures in total to contend with in June due to the rescheduling.
      Page’s side will also face the Netherlands and Belgium in home matches on June 8 and June 11 before a trip to face the Dutch on June 14.
      Football Association of Wales president Steve Williams said: “Following today’s announcement from Fifa and Uefa about the World Cup play-off final and Nations League matches in June, whilst we are pleased to see the matter resolved, we have absolute sympathy with our fans and the inconvenience this has caused.  
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      “The FAW lobbied both governing bodies to limit the disruption as much as possible for our fans, whilst recognising the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in  through no fault of all parties involved.
      “We value the support of The Red Wall; you are absolutely integral to the success of the team on the pitch, and you will be needed more than ever in June’s play-off final.”
      The prospect of an all-British clash in Qatar “will be enormous”, says Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
      When asked if playing Wales or Scotland in Qatar will be an emotional occasion, he said: “Absolutely yeah, that was the first thing that hit me when that tie was drawn because the emotion as you rightly say – whatever the fixture is – will be enormous.
      “We experienced the games in 2016 against Wales, last summer against Scotland, so we know what those fixtures look like and they’re always harder for England than maybe if they’d drawn another of the top seeds.
      “And Ukraine, well all of our thoughts are with them.
      “We just don’t know when that tie’s gonna be played, but it doesn’t matter in actual fact, we’ll wait to see what the outcome is.” More

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      Northern Ireland 0 England 5: Lionesses overcome Shiels’ aces in front of record Windsor Park crowd

      by

      ELLA TOONE netted her tenth England goal as the Lionesses stayed on song to notch up eight wins in eight World Cup qualifiers.Braces from Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway were among the efforts that saw the team trounce Northern Ireland 5-0.
      Ella Toone was on target with England’s second goal of the game against Northern IrelandCredit: Getty
      Lauren Hemp netted twice to take her tally of goals for the Lionesses up to sixCredit: Getty
      The result saw the World Cup hopes of Kenny Shiels’ side all but ended with the team now looking ahead to their first-ever Euros campaign.
      And it leaves England needing justing a point to qualify for the tournament to be held in Australia and New Zealand next year.
      Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman said: “As a team we were really good today. We dominated even more than we did in October.
      “We are trying to get connected all the time and the players’ competitiveness in this team is so high.
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      “I think the 5-0 result is great, 5-0. It’s a very mature performance from us.
      “We dominated the game throughout the 90 minutes and we hoped to score more goals in the first half but four goals in the second half is very nice to see.”
      England looked to strike early minute in front of a record 15,348 Windsor Park crowd.
      This came through Ella Toone teeing up a low shot before Kelsie Burrows intervened with a tackle around the second minute.
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      And the hosts attempted to capitalise on Jess Carter’s slip with Lauren Wade darting towards the box before Millie Bright and Leah Williamson helped regain possession.
      Northern Ireland’s bullish defending early on– spearheaded by Sarah McFadden and Julie Nelson – kept the visitors at bay for a spell.
      Ellen White, currently level with Harry Kane with her tally of England goals, saw her attempts to shoot thwarted by McFadden in the 17th minute.
      And the striker had a goal disallowed moments later after burying a rebound following Beth Mead’s shot on the edge of the box.
      Sarah McFadden put in an impressive defensive shift for Northern Ireland in the first halfCredit: Getty
      England eventually got their breakthrough with Hemp putting them ahead in the 24th minute.
      The winger’s scuffed chip flew over the head of keeper Jackie Burns to break the deadlock.
      McFadden made another vital interception blocking Leah Williamson’s dangerous cross moments after the half-hour mark.
      This came shortly before Hemp got her head on the end of Lucy Bronze’s cross before nodding the ball over minutes before half-time.
      The second spell saw Wiegman’s side crank up the pressure by upping the pace of their passing.
      And they got their rewards with Toone putting them two up with a composed finish after Bronze’s pinpoint cross.
      Following Mary Earps’ first save of the game, England went 3-0 ahead with Hemp rounding Burns in the 60th minute.
      And Stanway made it four with a thumping 70th-minute strike before registering her brace nine minutes later.
      Georgia Stanway netted a second-half brace as England dispatched their hosts at Windsor ParkCredit: Getty
      She did so with her low shot finding the bottom corner after the hosts sought to clear the ball out of danger.
      The 5-0 trouncing sees England remain in pole position in Group D with their eighth clean sheet.
      And the team unbeaten under boss Sarina Wiegman with games against the Netherlands and Belgium up next in June.   More