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      Spurs forced to lean on heartbroken Kane with Richarlison set to be out ‘at least month out’

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      TOTTENHAM will have to lean on heartbroken Harry Kane even more after news Richarlison will be out for at least a month.The Brazilian forward suffered the blow to his hamstring in the warm-up to his country’s shock World Cup quarter-final defeat to Croatia last week.
      Tottenham will be hoping Harry Kane gets over his World Cup heartbreak quicklyCredit: Rex
      Brazilian Richarlison is expected to be out for at least a monthCredit: Rex
      The 25-year-old bravely battled on to play 84 minutes in the clash.
      But the Evening Standard claims he returned to Spurs yesterday for a scan and the true extent of the damage has been discovered.
      The North London club are now waiting for the results but they fear the star could be sidelined for four weeks.
      Kane and his England team-mates flew home on Sunday after their own World Cup exit.
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      And the heroic captain bravely took responsibility after he missed a late penalty in the Three Lions’ 2-1 loss to France in the last-eight.
      The striker understandably struggled to fight back the tears after the game but now only has seven days to get over that torment before his return to club action.
      He is due back in training on Monday before Spurs’ Boxing Day clash at Brentford.
      Their busy festive fixtures continue to come thick and fast with a home match versus Aston Villa on January 1.
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      And that is followed by another London derby when they travel to Crystal Palace on January 4.
      The Richarlison news comes as another bitter blow for Spurs boss Antonio Conte.
      He is already having to contend with the loss of winger Dejan Kulusevski, who has been out for almost a month, after his injury before the World Cup. More

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      Sacked Spain boss Luis Enrique reveals flop he wish he’d never picked for World Cup.. and star he should have started

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      SACKED boss Luis Enrique has said there is one flop he wish he never picked as he spilled the beans on Spain’s car crash World Cup. The 52-year-old did not have his contract renewed after La Furia Roja lost on penalties to Morocco at the last-16.
      Luis Enrique is no longer Spain manager after taking over in 2019Credit: Getty
      He has been replaced by Spain’s U21 boss Luis de la Fuente.
      After an incredible 7-0 win over Costa Rica to kick off their campaign, Spain’s World Cup unravelled and they failed to win any of their next three.
      Enrique revealed to Spanish internet personality Ibai Llanos during a Twitch interview that there was one player who let him down.
      He said: “One player, but I won’t say the name. One player didn’t end up being what I thought and I would have changed him for another player.”
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      But the former Barcelona manager had praise for PSG’s Pablo Sarabia and admitted he should have played him more.
      The 30-year-old only played five minutes at the end of Spain’s loss to Morocco.
      Enrique added: “I think Pablo Sarabia deserved more than the five minutes I gave him. Right now I would have even made him the starter.
      “I’m not one of those who beats himself up, surely we would have lost the same, but in terms of justice he deserved it.”
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      The boss admitted Spain’s campaign “went to hell” but defended the decisions he took.
      He said: “In 90 minutes, everything went to hell. It is clear that we did not play a good game against Morocco.
      “I saw it positively. Right now I am calm and satisfied with what we have done. We generated enthusiasm and desire to see the national team.
      “We have seen it. Many young people and children came to see us at the hotel. We could do better, I am aware, but I tried to take the best players and those who embodied my ideas.”
      After their victory over Spain, Morocco now face a huge semi-final against world champions France tomorrow.
      Meanwhile Spain will look forward to Euro 2024 as they bid to bounce back from a series of disappointing tournaments. More

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      Analysing the XI currently in pole position to win Dream Team World Cup’s jackpot

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      WITH the World Cup set to conclude in the coming days, let’s take a look at the XI currently at the top of Dream Team World Cup’s overall leaderboard.Mark Hughes (probably not that one) is the gaffer best placed to claim the £25,000 jackpot for finishing first – and remember, the runner-up takes home £15,000 while third gets £10,000.
      The Manchester United fan has a whopping 406 points heading into the nerve-jangling semi-finals.
      Let’s take a closer look at his team…
      Allez Les Bleus!Credit: DREAM TEAM
      Something tells us Mr Hughes didn’t have much confidence in England ahead of that crunch quarter-final.
      No fewer than eight France players feature in the table-topping XI with just four fixtures remaining – don’t forget the third-place play-off.
      No doubt Mark would have backed other defenders on his way to such a mammoth total because the truth is Les Bleus have struggled for clean sheets.
      Theo Hernandez leads the way among his defensive compatriots and he’s yet to breach double figures.
      Still, given Morocco’s focus on resoluteness and organisation, it seems sensible to back the defending champions to keep out the Atlas Lions.
      France’s forwards have excelled in QatarCredit: getty
      Where France have excelled is up front where Kylian Mbappe leads the way with 48 points – only Lionel Messi (50 pts) has more among all assets.
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      It’s remarkable that, at the time of writing, Dream Team World Cup’s best XI doesn’t include the game’s outright best player but perhaps Mark feels as if Argentina’s captain will be frustrated by Croatia this evening.
      Of course, he may well be planning on transferring Messi into his forward line at some point today.
      Olivier Giroud is now just one goal behind Mbappe in the Golden Boot race after his decisive header against the Three Lions on Saturday.
      Following Karim Benzema’s withdrawal from the squad through injury, Milan’s experienced target man has stepped up impressively – and he’s been an absolute bargain at £3.5m.
      Antoine Griezmann is yet to score in Qatar but he’s been a class act as France’s playmaker, providing three assists and earning two Star Man awards for his puppeteer’s performances.
      Messi doesn’t feature in the best Dream Team World Cup XICredit: getty
      It will be interesting to see whether Mark does indeed go for triple France forwards ahead of the semi-finals – another Morocco defensive masterclass could cost him dearly.
      Danilo, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are players Mark needs to replace – will he bring in even more French assets or will he back either Croatia or Argentina?
      Good luck to all those in contention of landing a life-changing sum of money! More

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      Who is Argentina vs Croatia World Cup 2022 referee Daniele Orsato and what controversies has he been involved in?

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      REFEREE Daniele Orsato officiated the opening World Cup contest, and will now be in charge for a huge final four clash.The Italian official will preside over the semi-final between Argentina and Croatia.
      Italian Daniele Orsato is one of the world’s most respected and experienced refereesCredit: Getty
      Has he officiated at a World Cup or Euros before?
      The Italian made his first World Cup appearance in 2018 and also officiated at Euro 2020.
      Orsato had before officiated a series of international friendlies and World Cup qualifying fixtures, including the first leg of the World Cup play-off between Honduras and Australia.
      He’s also been a senior referee in Serie A since 2010.
      What has he done so far?
      Orsato made his Serie C debut in 2002, moving to the premier Serie A division for the 2006-07 season. He has gone on to make nearly 200 appearances in the division.
      Since 2012, the Italian has been involved in Champions League fixtures. Orsato went on to referee the 2020 Champions League final between PSG and Bayern Munich before reffing the 2021/22 semi-final second leg between Real Madrid and Chelsea.
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      Has he used VAR before?
      Orsato reversed a decision in a Serie A clash between Inter Milan and Juventus after using VAR to view the incident. The Italian correctly decided to send off Inter’s Matias Vecino instead of sticking with the yellow card he had already given.
      But in the same game he controversially refused to use VAR after failing to give Miralem Pjanic a card for a high tackle on Rafinha, with the Bosnian already on a yellow.
      The decision would prove crucial as Juve went on to secure a late 3-2 win.
      VAR has been used in Italian’s Serie A since the start of the 2017/18 season. Orsato is a regular official in the league.
      He also refereed the controversial Champions League tie between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
      Orsato awarded a penalty to United in the 94th minute via VAR after a handball by Presnel Kimpembe and Marcus Rashford scored it to send United through.
      Which Euro 2020 games did he referee?
      Daniele Orsato made his Euro 2020 bow in England’s 1-0 win over Croatia.
      And following that game he refereed Spain vs Poland, awarding a penalty to the Spaniards after a VAR review.
      He later officiated Ukraine’s win over Sweden in the last 16 of the tournament.
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      Ten Hag warns Maguire he’s still way down Man Utd pecking order despite World Cup heroics and can LEAVE club if he wants

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      HARRY MAGUIRE has been told he can fight for his Manchester United place — or leave the club.Erik ten Hag is prepared to give the England defender, 29, the chance to battle his way back into favour at Old Trafford.
      Harry Maguire was brilliant for England throughout the World CupCredit: Getty
      But he was dropped shortly after Erik ten Hag’s arrival at Man Utd and has not been a regular sinceCredit: Getty
      But the Red Devils boss says it will be the England centre-back who chooses where his future lies, as he faces up to returning from starting at the World Cup to sitting on United’s bench.
      Asked if Maguire could go, Ten Hag said: “Only when he doesn’t want to be in these circumstances any more.
      “Until that moment, I am happy with him.”
      Ten Hag dumped Maguire after back-to-back defeats against Brighton and Brentford in United’s first two games of the season.
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      The Dutchman says his £85million man — the most expensive defender on the planet — “performed badly” and lost confidence.
      Not for the first time, Maguire looked like a different animal wearing the white of his country as opposed to the red of his club as he started all five games for the Three Lions.
      But that cuts no ice with the Dutchman who stressed: “I can only battle this after being asked many times if he is good enough.
      “It is clear he is good enough to play at the highest level. Then it is up to him to show that confidence on the pitch and he didn’t show that in all the games.
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      “We want him to bring that back to Manchester with him so he can bring it on the pitch for United. When he is playing with his confidence like now he is a massively important player for us and that is what everyone expects.
      “That’s what Harry expects from himself. He has that high standard, he wants to play at the highest level, he wants to lead the defensive line, so it is up to him.
      “I’m sure he has the potential to play in our style and fit into our system. He had a period in Manchester where he performed badly and then, of course, there are difficulties but when he is confident in himself, he will put that on the pitch.
      “When he is working hard you will get that confidence and you are seeing that with the way he was playing for England.
      “I expect from him, the team knows what they expect from him.
      “If he does that he will be a great player for us.”
      He had a period in Manchester where he performed badly and then, of course, there are difficulties but when he is confident in himself, he will put that on the pitch.Erik ten Hag on Harry Maguire
      Gareth Southgate showed faith in Maguire, who had started only one Prem game in three months after getting the axe following United’s horror show 4-0 defeat against the Bees.
      But he is unlikely to find regular action when he returns to Old Trafford, having been demoted to Ten Hag’s fourth-choice centre-back behind Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof.
      Ten Hag added: “It is up to him to contribute and to play himself back into the team.
      “We have 16-18 players in the squad and that is what you need at the top level if you want to play for trophies.”
      Chelsea and Barcelona have previously shown an interest in Maguire.
      SunSport revealed that Barca enquired about him as part of drawn-out summer negotiations when United tried and failed to sign Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
      But the Red Devils may have to take a hit of up to £40m if they decide to cash in on a player they fought so hard to land from Leicester in 2019.
      Maguire, who has two and a half years left on his deal, believes he proved in Qatar that he belongs at the top level.
      After England’s quarter-final defeat by France, the 53-cap Three Lions star said: “I’ve played every game and I’m proud of my mentality to prove to myself again.
      “I don’t need to prove to others but at the moment, I don’t look at myself.
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      “I look at the team and every time I put this shirt on, I want the team to do well.
      “But I’d have much preferred to have had a bad game against France and gone through.”
      Maguire shortly before flying home from the World Cup after defeat to FranceCredit: Reuters More

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      France hope Kylian Mbappe can unleash frustration on Morocco in World Cup semi after being tamed by Kyle Walker

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      FRANCE aim to fully unleash Kylian Mbappe against Morocco after his night of frustration against England.Mbappe will look to cause mayhem tomorrow against the World Cup’s surprise package — who have conceded just once through an own goal.
      Kyle Walker did a good job defending Kylian Mbappe at the weekendCredit: Getty
      The Frenchman had his least efficient game of the tournament against the Three LionsCredit: Getty
      Although the PSG superstar, who has scored five times in Qatar, celebrated wildly at the end of Saturday’s 2-1 win over England, he found himself well-marshalled by Kyle Walker.
      French defender Jules Kounde said: “I have not discussed the England game personally with him.
      “I do not think he is unhappy. He likes to be in the statistics for scoring goals, but he was intelligent in his choices, we knew what to expect and they blocked him a bit on the wing.
      “We moved the ball around a lot, he was happy with the performance
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      “It was a collective effort, we defended better compared to our win over Poland.
      “We closed the passing lines and we made our job a bit easier.
      “I have watched the video of the England game. Their left side was their strongest side and we managed to adapt to that.
      “I played my game and tried to leave the least space possible — I thought we coped really well.
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      “We are very aware of Morocco’s qualities. They are very efficient when they have the ball.
      “They know how to play on the wings and they are great players. We are going to take that into account in terms of their defence.
      “It is remarkable they have conceded once and it was an own goal.
      “Look at the teams they have played against as well. We will have to be very accurate with our passing to try and score.”
      Antoine Griezmann was France’s star man in midfield against England.
      We can put him in a position he might not play as much but he gives 150 per cent.Jules Kounde
      Barcelona’s Kounde added: “Antoine, over the last couple of years, has become a key player for us. He fights for the team — and it does not matter what position he is in.
      “We can put him in a position he might not play as much but he gives 150 per cent, he runs, he presses and does it for the full 90 minutes.
      “He also has above average technical capabilities. He is very important.”
      Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, Griezmann, Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud are the wise men of the world champions.
      Varane said: “The four of us know each other very well.
      “We know how to work together, we have a lot of experience and are trying to transmit this philosophy to the younger players and to guide the rest with mentality, team spirit — and trying to share the coach’s thoughts.
      We all know what is expected of us now.Raphael Varane
      “We know what direction we have to go to try to communicate during matches — to transmit our calmness and composure during games where stakes are high.
      “It is important to do that. We know our role. We all know what is expected of us now.”
      Asked about the clash with England, which France won 2-1 after Harry Kane missed a late penalty, Varane accepted it was similar to the 1-0 win over Belgium in the World Cup semi-final in Russia in 2018.
      He said: “Yes, I kind of agree with Giroud about comparing the game against England to the Belgian one.
      “England were tough, we faced a very good team.
      “They kept the ball well, we suffered and we fought really hard to win.
      “But four years is an eternity and the competition’s evolution goes on.
      “Time goes very fast in football and now, there is more intensity, the team is tactically very strong and makes fewer mistakes — the level continues to improve, always.
      “We are at the semi-finals now and the slightest mistake can cost us. We have a lot of experience in the team, to not fall into the trap of thinking we are favourites against Morocco. As they are through, it is not luck.
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      “They defend very well and it will be a very difficult game but it is up to us, the players with more experience, to push forward.
       “We have to fight really hard and not think it is going to be easy — we have to give 100 per cent and fight to the end. You have to earn a place in the final.”
      Jules Kounde and Raphael Varane have spoken ahead of Wednesday’s semi-finalCredit: Reuters More

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      Man Utd told to go all out for Jude Bellingham transfer as Louis Saha reveals why England man would be perfect fit

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      LOUIS SAHA believes Jude Bellingham is the missing piece in the jigsaw for Manchester United.The 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder is one of football’s most sought-after talents following his World Cup displays for England.
      Bellingham is wanted by European giants and Saha sees whyCredit: Rex
      The former Man Utd striker says his old club should go and get the England starCredit: Getty
      Bellingham has been linked with a move to rivals Liverpool or Manchester City while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen.
      But former Red Devils striker Saha feels he would be the perfect fit at Old Trafford.
      Saha said: “For quite a few years now Manchester United have lacked energy and fitness and been outrun in matches, which is not normal if you’re trying to return to the top.
      “So that is something Bellingham would be able to bring in.
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      “United would be an incredibly tough team to defend against if they had Bellingham and Bruno Fernandes in midfield, with Casemiro sitting behind as cover for the defenders.”
      Bellingham was the name on everyone’s lips at the World Cup – with Europe’s top clubs already on red alert.
      The 19-year-old was seen as England’s top performer in Qatar and has become one of the most in-demand players in the world.
      Bellingham only signed new long-term contract at Signal Iduna Park back in 2021.
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      But his red-hot form on the global stage was impossible to ignore.
      PSG joined the Prem sides in the £130million race for the midfielder.
      The Ligue 1 champions have even gone public with their admiration for the England star.
      PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi praised the young ace.
      But he concedes it will be a tough transfer battle as “everybody” wants to sign Bellingham.
      Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “Amazing player, what a player.
      “England are lucky to have him, to be honest. He’s one of the best players in the tournament.
      “Amazing – his first World Cup. He’s calm and relaxed, confident – amazing.
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      “Everybody wants him, I’m not going to hide it.
      “He’s at his club and we have respect, so if we want to talk to him we’ll talk to the club first.” More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo shares cryptic post just days after Portugal’s World Cup exit as ex-Man Utd star hunts for new club

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has shared a cryptic post just days after Portugal’s World Cup exit.The forward was in tears as he left the pitch, after losing his final opportunity to win a World Cup in his career.
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup on SaturdayCredit: AP
      Ronaldo, 37, again started on the bench for the clash with Morocco, being called upon in the 51st minute by boss Fernando Santos.
      Despite his early introduction, the former Manchester United marksman was unable to prevent his side from slipping to a 1-0 defeat.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner now faces an uncertain future, having been axed by the Red Devils last month.
      He has been linked with a megabucks move to Saudi Arabia, but a transfer has yet to materialise.
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      Following his tearful exit from the World Cup, Ronaldo was defended by The Sun’s Piers Morgan.
      Partner Georgina Rodriguez could only watch on, having already criticised Fernando Santos for not picking her man on Instagram.
      Following his side’s exit, Ronaldo wrote in an emotional statement: “Winning a World Cup for Portugal was the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career.
      “Fortunately, I won many titles of international dimension, including for Portugal, but putting the name of our country on the highest level in the world was my biggest dream.
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      Georgina could only watch on as Portugal were eliminatedCredit: AFP
      “I fought for it. I fought hard for this dream. In the 5 appearances that I scored in World Cups over 16 years, always alongside great players and supported by millions of Portuguese people, I gave my all. 
      “I left everything on the field. I never turned my face to the fight and I never gave up on that dream.
      “Unfortunately, yesterday the dream ended. It is not worth reacting to heat.”
      Despite his disappointment, Ronaldo is now set to go back to the drawing board, as he plots his next move.
      In updating his fans, United’s former No7 cryptically wrote: “3 aspects of reality.
      “Pain, uncertainty and constant work.”
      Despite being criticised by his former team-mate last month, Gary Neville said it was “horrible” to see Ronaldo in tears after Portugal’s World Cup exit.
      ‘THAT WAS A HORRIBLE IMAGE’
      The pundit told his Sky Sports podcast: “I do want to mention Cristiano Ronaldo, because I saw that image of him crying in the tunnel. That was a horrible image for me.
      “That’s that moment where he knows his dream of winning the World Cup for his country has gone. 
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      “We’ve all been there at the end of our careers, but he’s one of the greatest, if not the greatest player of all time. 
      “It was horrible to see him like that. He’s had a tough couple of months.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo posted this image to his Instagram storyCredit: INSTAGRAM / @cristiano More