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      Argentina star Alex Mac Allister’s amazing football family, with dad, two brothers and uncle all playing professionally

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      ARGENTINA’s Alexis Mac Allister was born to do it.The Brighton midfielder, 23, has been instrumental in his country’s march to the semi-final of the World Cup.
      Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina and Brighton boasts a famous family tree in his homelandCredit: Getty
      Dad Carlos Mac Allister, centre, played with Diego Maradona at Boca Juniors
      And his rise as a Premier League star has been helped by having football in his blood.
      Dad Carlos played alongside Diego Maradona, although missed out on the 1994 World Cup squad.
      His older brothers Francis, 27, and Kevin, 25, turn out in the Argentine top flight for Rosario Central and Argentinos Juniors respectively.
      While uncle Patricio also enjoyed a successful career most notably with Estudiantes.
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      Football in the blood
      Alexis began his football education at Club Social Parque in Buenos Aires, alongside his two brothers.
      Famously, it’s where Maradona, Carlos Tevez and Juan Roman Riquelme all honed their skills on the small pitches there.
      They practically lived in the club – with the three consistently training with their own age group and sometimes together.
      A short stint at Club JJ Batista was then followed by a move to Argentinos Juniors.
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      “I think the three of them were born to be footballers, because they grew up with everything that had happened to my brother and me as footballers,” Carlos told The Athletic back in 2020.
      It was the Carlos and his sibling Patricio who paved for the way for the younger generation.
      Steeped in football, they branched into building their own club. This would also see Alexis involved.
      Club Mac Allister
      Not to be confused with a nightclub in Glasgow, Carlos and Patricio launched their own football academy in La Pampa.
      It bore their name and was launched as Club Mac Allister in 1998.
      Alexis played with Francis and Kevin, although they were so engrossed in the world of football – they took on additional responsibilities.
      Uncle Patricio Mac Allister set up a football academy with his dadCredit: YouTube / VIDEOSZONADEPORTIVA
      Kevin Mac Allister currently plays for Argentinos JuniorsCredit: Getty
      Francis Mc Allister also turned out for Argentinos JuniorsCredit: Getty
      Alexis Mac Allister with brothers Kevin, left, and Francis, right
      “I’d do scouting reports for a Spanish side, Osasuna, so they were with me and they helped me to put the report together,” Carlos explained.
      “I was following two or three players; one of the boys would follow one player, another would follow another player, the third would follow a third player — and we’d send reports on the teams from Argentina.
      “So they grew up around football.”
      Alexis, himself, confessed the same.
      “I was playing football [almost from birth],” he told Sky Sports.
      “Everything is about football with my family, we watch it and talk about it. We love football.
      “Growing up, I watched Juan Roman Riquelme because I supported Boca Juniors and he played there. He was amazing. I really liked Pablo Aimar, too, and of course, Messi is a hero as well.”
      They’re not Scottish
      Throughout the years, starting off with Carlos and Patricio, the family have had to field questions about their name.
      The assumption was their family tree would have Scottish links. Carlos put those suspicions to rest.
      Mac Allister has impressed for Argentina at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Carlos Mac Allister has explained where the surname has come fromCredit: AFP
      “According to our family, we came from Ireland, rather than Scotland,” dad Carlos reveals.
      He said: “We came to Argentina, to a place called Pergamino, but that was three or four generations ago, and later my father and mother married and moved to a different place — Santa Rosa in the Province of La Pampa, which is where Alexis was born.
      “Now, when we get together, they always say that our ancestors came from Ireland. I don’t know whether the ones before them were from Scotland, and went to Ireland from Scotland, and then our ancestors came here. But we say that we came from Ireland.”
      Alexis’s rise
      Like his brothers before him, his dad and uncle, Alexis followed family tradition by representing Argentinos Juniors.
      He made his debut for the club aged just 17 – when they played in the second tier.
      Incredibly, all three once played in a game away at San Lorenzo in a 1-0 defeat.
      But, for Alexis, there was a greater calling.
      In 2019, he signed for Brighton, before he was loaned back to Juniors and then Boca, where he once again teamed up with his brother Kevin for regular game time.
      Since 2020, Alexis has been a regular for the Seagulls – establishing himself in their engine room alongside fellow South American Moises Caicedo.
      Read More on The Sun
      It comes as little surprise that he has been recently linked with a move to Spurs.
      Should he become a World Cup winner in the next week, expect that transfer fee to rise significantly.
      Alexis Mac Allister has been a revelation for Brighton since his debut in 2020Credit: AFP More

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      Man Utd ‘target January transfer move for Leeds star Tyler Adams’ after impressive World Cup showing

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are targeting a January transfer for Tyler Adams, according to reports.Adams, 23, enjoyed an impressive World Cup for the US national team in Qatar as he captained them into the knockout rounds.
      Tyler Adams impressed at the World CupCredit: Getty
      And now Man Utd are considering a move for the defensive midfielder to bolster the team’s spine.
      However, they have next to no chance of signing him, according to TEAMTALK.
      They report that while the interest from the Red Devils is genuine, both Leeds and Adams remain committed to each other.
      Adams signed for Leeds last summer in a £17million move from RB Leipzig, with the potential to rise to £20m.
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      The deal he signed has him contracted to Elland Road until 2027, and it’s claimed he is more than happy with his current circumstances.
      Ahead of the last 16 clash against Louis van Gaal’s Holland, Adams had a number of impressive stats in his favour for the USA.
      He had won the most duels, made the most tackles, made the most passes into the final third and won possession the most times in the defensive third.
      Leeds have also been reaping the rewards from his strong form at club level.
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      Adams is second only to Fulham’s Joao Palhinha for tackles made, with his ability to win the ball back in the defensive third a particular key note.
      United want another midfielder to help out when Casemiro is rested, and Adams fits the description of a player who breaks up play in a similar fashion. More

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      Argentina vs Croatia – World Cup boost: Lionel Messi to score from outside the penalty area | 9/1

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      LIONEL MESSI is aiming to lead his Argentina side to a World Cup final when they face Croatia on Tuesday night.The talisman is the feature of a William Hill boost, with the skipper odds of 9/1 to score from outside the box in the semi final.
      Messi to score from outside the box | 9/1!
      Messi to score from outside the box | 9/1!
      With 15 goals for Argentina in 2022, he’s been the spearhead to a great year for their side.
      And he’ll be the focus of all attention again, with an expectant support hoping he’ll fire them to Sunday’s showpiece.
      He has four goals already in this year’s competition.
      His impressive record of 13 goals in his last eight games for Argentina can’t be ignored. 
      Hills are now offering punters 9/1 for the PSG man to score from outside the box in the 90 minutes.
      It’s usually 7/1 on the site.
      GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
      Argentina vs CroatiaWilliam Hill boost

      Like those odds? You can get the price boost on site by clicking here.
      New to William Hill? You could also make use of their new customer offer.
      Signing up HERE* and staking £10, you will be rewarded with £30 in free bets to use on the rest of the action!
      Your first £10 could be placed on this Messi boost and if it lands you’ll walk away with £100 in cash and £30 in free bets!
      If it doesn’t happen, you’ll still have £30 in free bets to use.
      Argentina are 4/11 to reach the final, with Croatia 11/5.
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      *Terms and conditions: 18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook. Further terms apply. Begambleaware.org#ad

      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
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      Argentina vs Croatia price boost: Argentina to win, 8+ corners & Messi 2+ shots on target – NOW 6/1

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      ARGENTINA and Lionel Messi go in search of a spot in the World Cup final on Tuesday night when they face Croatia.And William Hill are offering new and existing customers a DOUBLE odds boost of 6/1 on Argentina to win, 8+ corners in the match and Messi himself to have 2+ shots on target in 90 minutes!
      Argentina to win, 8+ corners & Messi 2+ shots on target – NOW 6/1Credit: GETTY
      Argentina to win, 8+ corners & Messi 2+ shots on target – NOW 6/1
      That’s up from the usual price on site of 3/1!
      There is a £10 max stake limit on this particular boost.
      William Hill also have a bonus sign-up offer for brand new customers.
      Register a new account and stake £10 on football, including the World Cup semi final action, and your account will be credited with 3 x £10 free bets!
      To claim this amazing deal, click HERE*, open an account and stake a tenner on football at minimum odds of 1/2.
      GET £30 IN FREE BETS*
      Once that’s settled, you’ll have £30 in free bets which you could place on this double odds boost!
      Argentina are odds-on to win the match in 90 minutes but know a tough game lies in store.
      In terms of the shots on target, Messi himself has enjoyed a feast in getting to this stage.
      The talisman has racked up 12 shots on target in just five matches to get Argentina to this point.
      Argentina vs Croatia price boostWilliam Hill

      Argentina to win, 8+ corners & Messi 2+ shots on target

      Was offered at 3/1
      Now available at 6/1 after price boost
      You can claim this offer – HERE

      GET £30 IN FREE BETS*

      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
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      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

      *18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook. Further terms apply. Begambleaware.org#ad
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      Supercomputer predicts World Cup 2022 winners after quarter-finals… will Messi finally get his hands on the top prize?

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      FRANCE have been tipped to win the 2022 World Cup by beating Argentina in the final.Les Bleus made it to the semi-finals after dumping England out last week with a controversial 2-1 victory in the quarter-finals.
      France are likely to win the World Cup for the second consecutive time
      France have been tipped to win the 2022 World Cup by beating Argentina in the finalCredit: Getty
      The Tricolores will take on this year’s unlikeliest giant slayers Morocco, who became the first ever African nation to make it to the last four by eliminating Belgium, Spain and Portugal in the process.
      Argentina, on the other hand, face another underdog in Croatia, who eliminated World Cup favourites Brazil in the quarter-finals.
      According to BonusCodeBets, the Albiceleste and the reigning world champions will both make it through and meet in the final at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
      And France have been tipped to become the third country to win back-to-back World Cup titles after Italy and Brazil.
      Read More on World Cup
      The supercomputer prediction has been forecast using a range of informative outright odds markets to formulate how the final fixtures will play out.
      According to the findings, Paris Saint-Germain team-mates Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe will lock horns for the grand prize in Qatar.
      But Messi’s late bid for World Cup glory as Argentina captain will be in vain as Mbappe has been tipped to lead his country to the top of the mountain once more.
      A BonusCodeBets spokesperson said: “We will have a classic Argentina vs France final in our hands on the 18th December.
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      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST WORLD CUP BETTING OFFERS AND FREE BETS
      “Lionel Messi versus Kylian Mbappe, old versus young, Ballon D’or winner versus future Ballon D’or winner, what could go wrong?
      “It’s unfortunate for both Morocco and Croatia who will be knocked out against teams who are on another level, but their World Cup journeys have been nothing short of amazing.” More

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      How Dream Team World Cup bosses should replace their eliminated England stars ahead of the semi-finals

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      ENGLAND’S players are coming home but football, sadly, is not.The Three Lions were more than competitive against France in the last of the four quarter-finals but the contest boiled down to moments, those taken by Aurelien Tchouameni and Olivier Giroud and a golden one missed by Harry Kane.
      Several of Gareth Southgate’s troops were among the most-popular players in Dream Team World Cup, leaving swathes of gaffers in need of replacements ahead of the semi-finals.
      Let’s run through the most-appealing options.
      Harry Kane (£7.5m)
      Kane still features in over a quarter of teamsCredit: getty
      England’s skipper is the joint-most expensive player in the game alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
      It just so happens that the latter pair are in a two-horse race to finish the tournament as Dream Team World Cup’s best performer.
      Argentina’s No10 holds a narrow lead at the top of the rankings right now with 50 points to his junior club team-mate’s 48.
      Croatia and Morocco have proven to be defensively resolute but surely it makes sense to back Messi or Mbappe in Kane’s place ahead of the midweek fixtures.
      Alternatively, Olivier Giroud may fit the bill.
      Most read in Dream Team
      France’s all-time top scorer has four goals at this tournament, one fewer than Mbappe, and he has 29 points to show for efforts after his headed winner against England.
      Harry Maguire (£4m)
      Morocco are brilliantly organised out of possession but they don’t offer too much going forward.
      Swapping Maguire for Theo Hernandez, France’s most attack-minded defender, seems like a wise move if you think Didier Deschamps’ men will put an end to the Atlas Lions’ impressive underdog run.
      Dream Team World Cup’s top defenderCredit: getty
      Conversely, if you think the North Africans have at least one more upset in them then Achraf Hakimi is your man – he leapfrogged England’s No6 to become Dream Team World Cup’s best defender with a five-point haul against Portugal, taking his overall tally to 34.
      Croatia will hope to mirror the rearguard that frustrated Brazil when they meet Argentina on Tuesday night.
      Dejan Lovren has the most points among their defenders but Josko Gvardiol has looked most impressive to the naked eye – the pair cost £2.5m each, almost half Maguire’s price.
      If Zlatko Dalic’s side have a weakness it’s their relative bluntness up front so perhaps backing an Argentina clean sheet is the way to go, in that case it’s a toss up between certain stater Nicolas Otamendi or right-back Nahuel Molina.
      The latter scored the Copa America champions’ opening goal against Louis van Gaal side – he has 18 points to his name.
      Jude Bellingham (£4m)
      Bellingham is the most-selected of England’s midfieldersCredit: getty
      The two best midfielders still active in Qatar are Hakim Ziyech (18 points) and Adrien Rabiot (16 points) but given the expected pattern of the semi-final, Ousmane Dembele may be a more tempting replacement for England’s teenage star.
      The Barcelona winger is more attack-minded than his team-mate and will probably see more of the ball than Morocco’s talisman.
      Those gaffers with a spare £1m could wait for Argentina’s starting line-up to be announced and then bring in Angel Di Maria if he was selected.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Albiceleste’s No11 is more likely to register a goal involvement than the more defensive-minded midfielders available to Lionel Scaloni such as Enzo Fernandez or Rodrigo de Paul, although the former has contributed in the final third in this tournament.
      Luka Modric is a class act but his efforts have only returned five points so far, Ivan Perisic has three times than total and is the same price as Bellingham. More

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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Thomas Tuchel in frame for England job after Qatar exit as Gareth Southgate considers future

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is in the frame for the England job after the Three Lions came crashing out of the World Cup.Aurelien Tchouameni’s long-range strike saw the French take the lead but Harry Kane netted from the spot to level the score.
      However, Olivier Giroud netted to put France ahead towards the end of the game and they have since returned home.
      Gareth Southgate is set to consider his future, with two years left remaining on his contract.
      Elsewhere, a new ball has been unveiled ahead of the semi-finals as Morocco shocked the world to make the next round.
      They join Argentina and Croatia, who both progressed, and will face France.
      Keep up to date with all of the action from our live match blogs ahead of the semi-finals:

      World Cup 2022 sign up offer: Get £40 in FREE BETS when you stake £10 at Sky Bet
      Stay tuned with all the latest from the tournament…
      Most read in Football
      USA’s Reyna upset team-mates
      The majority of the USA squad were unhappy with the efforts of their midfielder Gio Reyna at the World Cup.
      The Borussia Dortmund star, 20, was a peripheral figure in Qatar, and American boss Greg Berhalter revealed: “We had a player that was clearly not meeting expectations on and off the field.
      “[It was] one of 26 players – so it stood out.”
      ETH: Rashford can emulate Mbappe
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag believes their striker Marcus Rashford can reach the same level as Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.
      Ahead of Rashford and England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to Mbappe and France, Ten Hag drew parallels between the two pacy forwards.
      He said: “I believe when Marcus’s positioning is on the back of the defending line, there is almost no better player in the world.
      “There is Mbappe in this moment, a type like him.
      “But when he (Rashford)’s getting in that position, he’s great and you see he’s really improved also out of possession.”
      Morocco’s Bounou believes in miracles
      Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou says their run to the World Cup semi-finals proves that “miracles” can happen.
      The Atlas Lions face holders France on Wednesday with a chance to progress to a final against either Argentina or Croatia.
      Sevilla star Bounou, 31, has been key to their success, and said: “I am in the same state as every fan of this team – I keep thinking, ‘pinch me, I’m dreaming’.
      “To get this far, we have had to change mentalities, get rid of this feeling of inferiority.
      “We are able to face anyone, regardless of the level of the competition.
      “Future generations will know that Morocco can perform miracles.”
      Four Gunners available after Qatar
      A number of Arsenal’s World Cup stars are available for them again after national team duty in Qatar.
      Swiss star Granit Xhaka, England’s Ben White, Ghana’s Thomas Partey and American Matt Turner have rejoined the squad ahead of a Dubai Super Cup friendly against AC Milan tomorrow.
      Ready for Martinez vs Varane?
      The World Cup final could well see two Manchester United team-mates go head-t-head.
      Argentina centre-half Lisandro Martínez will be hoping to shut out Croatia in one semi-final in Qatar.
      And France defender Raphael Varane will be hoping to shackle Morocco in the other last-four tie.
      However it goes down in Sunday’s final, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag will want them both back fit and focused for a Prem visit from Nottingham Forest on December 27.
      Does Saka really need rest?
      England’s exit from the World Cup means Bukayo Saka will be heading back to Arsenal for club duty now.
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta may well give his 21-year-old winger a rest – but does he really need it?
      The guys on the Arsecast Extra podcast discussed this very issue in their latest episode, and it seems to be a point of debate.
      A promo for the show says: “We had an interesting question on the Arsecast Extra yesterday about the return of World Cup players.
      “[It was pointed] out that in the same time period last season, Saka played more minutes for Arsenal than he did for England in Qatar. Is there really any need for rest?”
      Last Gunner standing in Qatar
      The only Arsenal player still in with a chance of winning the World Cup is… William Saliba.
      Four Gunners – England duo Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka, Brazil’s Gabriel Martinelli, and France’s Saliba – were called up for Qatar.
      Now it is only the 21-year centre-half, who is having a breakthrough season at the Emirates, in with a chance of becoming a world champion as the tournament enters the last-four stage.
      Holders France face Morocco on Wednesday for the right to meet either Argentina or Croatia in Sunday’s final.
      Ferdinand critical of Southgate substitutions
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand felt England boss Gareth Southgate got his substitutions wrong in their World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.
      All four of the Three Lions’ changes came after Oliver Giroud had put the French 2-1 up and Manchester City’s mercurial Jack Grealish only got two minutes of injury-time to make an impact.
      Ferdinand, 44, who won 81 caps for England, said on his Vibe with Five podcast: “Our substitutions is where I think Gareth Southgate let us down.
      “I think he’s been pitch-perfect, touch-perfect in almost every decision he’s made up to this point.
      “But you get into a game like yesterday where this is really where it matters now, and I think Gareth Southgate came up short in the tactical element in terms of substitutions.”
      Referee Lahoz’s World Cup exit
      Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz has been sent home from the World Cup after his display in the fiery last-eight clash between Argentina and Holland, according to Cope.
      Dutch right-back Denzel Dumfries was sent off and 15 players were booked during the chaotic clash at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
      USA’s Reyna upset team-mates
      The majority of the USA squad were unhappy with the efforts of their midfielder Gio Reyna at the World Cup.
      The Borussia Dortmund star, 20, was a peripheral figure in Qatar, and American boss Greg Berhalter revealed: “We had a player that was clearly not meeting expectations on and off the field.
      “[It was] one of 26 players – so it stood out.”
      Gunners tracking Chelsea star Pulisic
      Arsenal are one of a number of clubs interested in Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, according to the Mirror.
      The 24-year-old United States play-making forward caught the eye with his displays at the World Cup and bagged a crucial winner over Iran to help them progress to the knock-out stages.
      Juventus keen on Chelsea’s Mount
      Juventus are lining up a surprise swoop for Chelsea star Mason Mount, according to CalcioMercatoWeb.
      The midfielder, 23, is coming into the final 18 months of his Blues deal and was on show with England at this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
      Apparently, the Old Lady are prepared to sell Weston McKennie and Adrien Rabiot and return on-loan Leandro Paredes to Paris Saint-Germain to fund a move to bring Mount to Serie A.
      Rashford set for deal extension
      Manchester United are set to trigger a one-year contract extension for England World Cup star Marcus Rashford.
      The Red Devils forward justified his selection for Qatar with three goals in five games and is said to be attracting interest from French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
      Now United boss Erik ten Hag has confirmed they are ready to exercise their option to extend his deal at Old Trafford.
      Five potential Southgate successors
      Will he stay or will he go now? Gareth Southgate is said to be considering his future as England boss and SunSport have come up with five potential successors.
      Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is said to be interested if approached. The German is still a free agent after being sacked by the Blues in September.
      Fellow former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is another option. He has not pulled up any trees as Everton gaffer but he never let the Three Lions down as a free-scoring midfielder.
      Newcastle chief Eddie Howe has taken them from relegation battlers to Champions League hopefuls, albeit with a very decent transfer kitty. And with Toon stars like Callum Wilson coming into the England reckoning, Howe could fit the bill.
      Steve Cooper has done a terrific job in brining giants Nottingham Forest back to the top flight after a painful 23-year absence so he knows how to handle the pressure and expectation which would come with the England job.
      And finally, free agent Mauricio Pochettino could do it. He performed heroics at both Southampton and Spurs as – as a former PSG boss – he will have the inside track on Kylian Mbappe if the Three Lions ever come up against France again!
      Good morning footy fans!
      England’s stars and staff have touched back down on home turf following Saturday night’s heartbreaking World Cup exit.
      The Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals at the Al Bayt Stadium.
      Les Bleus controversially opened the scoring with Aurelien Tchouameni’s long-range stunner and Harry Kane levelled things up from the penalty spot before Olivier Giroud extended his scoring record with 53 goals.
      England’s heroic captain had the chance to equalise once more with another spot-kick but he sadly missed the target.
      That meant that our boys were on the next plane home – but not before they showed their class off the pitch this morning.
      England showered hotel staff with gifts as they left to fly home from Qatar.
      Gareth Southgate claims England went “so close” to glory in Qatar and are now consistently “feeding at the top table of world football”.
      Southgate told England’s YouTube channel: “Ultimately we’ve fallen short, I can’t get away from that.
      “But we’re feeding at the top table of European and world football consistently now.
      “If we’re in that place with the depth of squad that we’ve got, then that’s exciting and important for England.
      “It’s a difficult time for everybody. We’re really aware of that. I think the players have represented them in the right way, played in the right way.”
      Olivier Giroud was reportedly seconds from being subbed when he broke England’s hearts.
      The Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals at the Al Bayt Stadium last night.
      Get French Football News stated: “Didier Deschamps had decided to take Olivier Giroud off for Marcus Thuram before France’s all-time scorer netted – just 1 more stoppage in play & he would have been off. Fine margins indeed.”
      Kylian Mbappe has hailed “GOAT” Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford – after initially irking England fans.
      The France striker celebrated with a huge mocking laugh when Three Lions’ skipper Harry Kane missed a late match-saving penalty in the World Cup quarter-final.
      But he responded positively after icon Ronaldo and England sub Rashford posted touching messages following their weekend exits from Qatar.
      Manchester United discard Ron, 37, hinted he is considering his international future after appearing to accept his greatest remaining dream – Portugal winning the World Cup – is now over.
      Mbappe replied to the social media post with a GOAL emoji.
      And when Rashford posted to say England had given everything, Mbappe sent a heart emoji.
      Tuchel wants England job
      Thomas Tuchel wants the England job — if  Gareth Southgate decides to walk away.
      The former Chelsea chief is back in Germany after being sacked by the Blues in September.
      But Tuchel, 49, would love to make a swift return to England as boss of the Three Lions.
      He has seen first-hand all the young talent at the country’s disposal, both at Stamford Bridge and in opposition teams.
      Chelsea stars Mason Mount, Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell have all been part of the current set-up.
      The FA is desperate for Southgate to stay on despite Saturday’s 2-1 World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.
      Giroud ‘seconds from being subbed’ before goal
      Olivier Giroud was reportedly seconds from being subbed when he broke England’s hearts.
      The Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals at the Al Bayt Stadium last night.
      Get French Football News stated: “Didier Deschamps had decided to take Olivier Giroud off for Marcus Thuram before France’s all-time scorer netted – just 1 more stoppage in play & he would have been off. Fine margins indeed.”
      ‘We were so close’ says Southgate
      Gareth Southgate claims England went “so close” to glory in Qatar and are now consistently “feeding at the top table of world football”.
      Southgate told England’s YouTube channel: “Ultimately we’ve fallen short, I can’t get away from that.
      “But we’re feeding at the top table of European and world football consistently now.
      “If we’re in that place with the depth of squad that we’ve got, then that’s exciting and important for England. 
      “It’s a difficult time for everybody. We’re really aware of that. I think the players have represented them in the right way, played in the right way.”
      England arrive home
      England’s stars and staff have touched back down on home turf following last night’s heartbreaking World Cup exit.
      The Three Lions suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals at the Al Bayt Stadium.

      Les Bleus controversially opened the scoring with Aurelien Tchouameni’s long-range stunner and Harry Kane levelled things up from the penalty spot before Olivier Giroud extended his scoring record with 53 goals.
      England’s heroic captain had the chance to equalise once more with another spot-kick but he sadly missed the target.
      That meant that our boys were on the next plane home – but not before they showed their class off the pitch this morning.
      England showered hotel staff with gifts as they left to fly home from Qatar.
      Mbappe hails Ronaldo
      Kylian Mbappe has hailed “GOAT” Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford – after initially irking England fans.
      The France striker celebrated with a huge mocking laugh when Three Lions’ skipper Harry Kane missed a late match-saving penalty in the World Cup quarter-final.
      But he responded positively after icon Ronaldo and England sub Rashford posted touching messages following their weekend exits from Qatar.
      Manchester United discard Ron, 37, hinted he is considering his international future after appearing to accept his greatest remaining dream – Portugal winning the World Cup – is now over.
      Mbappe replied to the social media post with a GOAL emoji.
      And when Rashford posted to say England had given everything, Mbappe sent a heart emoji.
      New ball, please
      FIFA have revealed their new World Cup ball for the semis and finals.
      The “Al Hilm” ball – which translates to “The Dream” in Arabic – replaces Al Rihla – “The Journey”.

      Lionel Messi’s Argentina, who beat Netherland’s, face Croatia on Tuesday night.
      A day later, reigning champions France face Morocco following their dramatic win over England.
      Saka’s breaks silence
      Bukayo Saka has broken his silence after England’s World Cup exit with a touching social media post thanking the “special” squad, Gareth Southgate and supporters.
      He wrote: “I can’t explain how I feel today, but we gave everything out there and we really wish we could have brought it home for you all this time.
      “I just wanted to say a genuine thank you to our fans, you’ve all been amazing both at the games and at home this tournament and we felt it.
      “This group are really special and talented, so although we are disappointed now, I am really excited for our future. Thank you to my @England family – my team mates, Gareth, the coaching and all the backroom staff for all their hard work and dedication to help us get this far.
      “We will build from this and with your support we will keep improving and making progress together. See you all soon.”
      Fury supports England’s heroes
      Tyson Fury sent out a message of support to the heartbroken England squad after their World Cup KO.
      He tweeted: “Hold your heads up lions. We Go Again @EnglandFootball.
      “Support Our Team. Support Our Boys. Support Our Team. In Victory and In Defeat.”
      Generous England
      Caring England stars showered hotel staff with gifts as they left to fly home from Qatar following an agonising World Cup exit.
      The Three Lions departed as classily off the pitch as they had on it with their unlucky 2-1 quarter-final loss to France.

      England players handed out signed shirts and hugged workers, who in turn said Gareth Southgate’s 25-man squad had “made them feel like princes” and became “like family”.
      Midfield sensation Jude Bellingham urged fans to “stick with us” as he went over to chat outside the hotel and sign autographs.
      Dave the Cat heading to UK
      It wasn’t all doom and gloom for England after their heartbreaking World Cup quarter-final defeat to France.
      The Three Lions’ unofficial tournament mascot, Dave the cat, began his journey to the UK as Gareth Southgate’s squad also headed for home.

      Dave became the squad’s mascot after joining England stars at meal times during their stay in Qatar.
      John Stones and Kyle Walker pledged to adopt their furry friend if England won the World Cup.
      But, despite crashing out 2-1 to France on Saturday, Dave is still heading to the UK to be rehomed.
      He was seen being loaded into a crate to begin his journey shortly after Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire and Co left their Souq Al Wakrah hotel today.
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      Youssef En-Nesyri jumped 9ft 1inch for Morocco’s World Cup winner vs Portugal.. higher than Ronaldo for Juventus in 2019

      by

      MOROCCO became the first ever African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals thanks to a bullet header from Youssef En-Nesyri.The striker put Cristiano Ronaldo to shame – jumping to a whopping 9FT 1INCHES to crash home the winner.
      Youssef En-Nesyri was clocked at 9ft 1in in the air for his winning goal against PortugalCredit: Alamy
      En-Nesyri jumped eight inches higher than Cristiano Ronaldo did for his famous header back in 2019Credit: AFP
      En-Nesyri’s goal saw Morocco become the first ever African nation to reach a World Cup semi-finalCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo famously scored for Juventus against Sampdoria with a stooping header back in 2019.
      The Portugal forward, who was knocked out of the World Cup by En-Nesyri’s goal, rose to an incredible 8ft 4in.
      He was then hailed for his superhuman athleticism after the strike.
      But Sevilla star En-Nesyri took things to a whole new level with his effort on Saturday.
      Read More World Cup News
      Both men stand at 6ft2, but En-Nesyri’s quarter-final strike saw him jump eight inches HIGHER than Ronaldo did three years ago.
      The Morocco man rose to a staggering 9ft 1in as he leapt above Ruben Dias to send his nation into the last four, according to the Daily Mail.
      En-Nesyri almost seemed to float in the air as he jumped into the gods to connect with Yahia Attiyat Allah’s cross.
      In doing so he set up a semi-final meeting with France on Wednesday.
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      Even Ronaldo was pictured looking impressed as he watched on from the bench as En-Nesyri powered home.
      The goal settled the game, and reduced Ronaldo tears at the final whistle.
      Ronaldo was seen crying as walked down the tunnel after the game, before he said in an emotional statement that his “biggest and most ambitious dream” of winning a World Cup has now ended.
      He is now jobless after being axed by Manchester United just days before the World Cup.
      En-Nesyri meanwhile will be looking to repeat the feat when he takes on Kylian Mbappe and Co for a place in the final.
      Whoever comes out on top will take on the winners of Argentina vs Croatia for the right to lift football’s greatest prize. More