World Cup

GARY NEVILLE hit out at World Cup referee Wilton Sampaio in a scathing attack after England’s loss to France. Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions were dumped out of the tournament in the quarter-final stages following a bitter 2-1 defeat.
Gary Neville hit out at World Cup referee Wilton Sampaio in a scathing attackCredit: Rex
But Sampaio was slated for questionable decisions throughout the match and faced Neville’s wrath after the final whistle.
He told ITV: “You see French defending it was startling, we knew it was the weak point in their team but I don’t think we knew they’d make those poor decision in those types of areas.
“The referee had a nightmare game, an absolute joke of a referee.
“I’m not saying that was all down to England’s defeat because that’s making excuses, he was just a bad referee, rank bad.”
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England fans fumed after Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka appeared to be brought down by defender Dayot Upamecano with no punishment.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni would just moments later open the scoring with a stunning strike from outside the box.
Sampaio was again under fire after Harry Kane was brought down by Upamecano and protested for a penalty.
The ref was not interested and neither was VAR – but that was not the end of the penalty drama.
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Saka was brought down in the second half and Harry Kane stepped up to score past Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris in the France goal.
Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud put the 2018 reigning champions back in the lead with an excellent header.
But England were awarded another penalty after Theo Hernandez shoved Chelsea’s Mason Mount in the box.
Sampaio amazingly waved off protests but after a VAR check, he changed his mind.
Hernandez escaped a red card despite Jude Bellingham & Co clearly feeling a clear goalscoring opportunity was denied.
Kane once more stepped up but this time blazed over as England were cruelly dumped out with France progressing to play Morocco.
Harry Kane misses from the penalty spotCredit: Reuters More

JORDAN PICKFORD ushered away a camera operator as they tried to film Harry Kane’s penalty agony.The England captain missed a late spot-kick to equalise in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against France.
Jordan Pickford ushered away a camera operator who was filming Harry Kane’s agony
Kane was devastated after missing a penalty in England’s defeat to France
It saw the defending champs cling on for a 2-1 win, setting up a semi-final against Morocco.
And devastated England players, including Kane, were overcome with emotion at the final whistle.
One camera operator decided to get a close-up of skipper Kane, who scored a penalty earlier on, as he leaned on his haunches with his head in his hands.
But teammate Pickford was having none of it.
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The goalkeeper angrily span around when he realised what was going on.
And he forced the camera operator to walk away from Kane with a wave of his hands while saying: “A bit of respect, please.”
Pickford himself came under the spotlight earlier in the game.
That’s after conceding a long-range shot from Aurelien Tchouameni after just 17 minutes.
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It prompted no-nonsense pundit Roy Keane to criticise Pickford’s efforts between the sticks.
He said: “Brilliant strike, keeper could he do better? Yeah, I think so.”
But fans were divided over Keane’s analysis of Pickford.
One said: “Agree with Keane, Pickford could do better. Could move his feet quicker and get across.”
Another quipped: “I just know Roy Keane is fuming at Jordan Pickford not saving that.
“And he’d be right, because Pickford should be saving that.”
One countered: “Let’s see Roy do better.”
Another added: “How’s keane blaming pickford for that? This guy is miserable.” More

ENGLAND fans were left in stitches after spotting Steve McClaren’s doppelganger in the stands during the 2022 World Cup quarter-final clash with France.The Three Lions suffered another World Cup heartbreak as they were eliminated from the competition after losing 2-1 to the defending world champions at the Al Bayt Stadium.

Steve McClaren’s lookalike was spotted in the crowd during England’s clash with FranceCredit: Rex
The Tricolores opened the scoring with a long-range stunner by Aurelien Tchouameni on 17 minutes before Harry Kane equalised from the penalty spot after 54 minutes.
The reigning world champions regained the lead in the 78th minute as Olivier Giroud extended his scoring record to 53 goals.
Tottenham superstar Kane had the chance to equalise with another spot-kick but sent the ball way over the crossbar.
However, England fans still found a reason to lift their spirits as they spotted former Three Lions manager McClaren’s lookalike for the second time after the Last-16 clash with Senegal.
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The fan was pictured going wild with the rest of the crowd while Gareth Southgate’s men pushed for a second goal that would have sent the game to extra-time.
And he held the same World Cup trophy replica he had during the 3-0 victory over Senegal.
One fan tweeted: “That Steve McClaren!”
Another posted: “He’s been on a few times now, I think he looks like Steve McLaren’s long lost brother.”
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A third wrote: “STEVE MCLAREN GOING MENTAL IN THE CROWD.”
This one said: “Melted, Steve McLaren is in the crowd.”
And that one tweeted: “There’s f*****g Steve McClaren again.”
Manchester United assistant coach McClaren infamously took over as England boss from Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2006.
But the former Newcastle manager was sacked within a year after failing to qualify for Euro 2008. More

ENGLAND fans were left raging after VAR failed to intervene to check a potential foul on Bukayo Saka in the build-up to France’s opener goal.Aurelien Tchouameni broke the deadlock against Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions in the World Cup quarter-final after just 17 minutes in their eventual 2-1 victory.
Bukayo Saka appeared to be fouled by Dayot Upamecano in the build-up to France’s openerCredit: Getty
Aurelien Tchouameni went on to fire the French into the leadCredit: Getty

The midfielder unleashed a beautiful strike from 25 yards that went through the legs of Jude Bellingham, meaning Jordan Pickford only saw it very late as he failed to keep it out.
England were on the attack when Arsenal attacker Saka was clattered by Dayot Upamecano.
No foul was given and France quickly broke as the Three Lions scrambled to get back, but ultimately Tchouameni’s strike proved too good to be stopped.
Further VAR frustration followed when Harry Kane was denied a penalty moments afterwards, but it was the decision not to rule out France’s goal that had most supporters up in arms.
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One Tweeted: “What a bull***t France goal.. coming from a foul against Saka that was not given. Absolute joke.”
Another said: “Clear foul on saka, what a joke.”
And even the much-loved pundit Chris Kamara fumed: “Foul not given on Saka but what a strike. Good game to win now.”
As tensions mounted, another wrote: “Foul on Saka for the French goal & a 100% penalty on Kane. This is a scandal.”
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And England legend Gary Lineker commented: “One of these days, just once, we might get a decision in our favour.”
He then added later: “One hundred percent foul on Saka. One hundred percent penalty on Kane.”
ITV pundit Gary Neville said at half time: “It’s not excuses. It’s a simple decision. He just kicks his leg away and I’m not sure why it’s not a foul.
“He’s nibbling and nibbling and it should have been a free-kick.”
Roy Keane agreed and said: “It should be a foul.”

The match was being shown live on ITV, and former Premier League ref Peter Walton said on their coverage that he did not believe it was a foul and stated that the 21-year-old had gone down too easily.”
But fortunately for England the referee did see sense moments after the restart when Saka was sent tumbling in the area by Tchouameni.
And Kane kept his cool after a lengthy delay to fire the Three Lions level.
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Olivier Giroud later headed England in front again but England were awarded ANOTHER penalty when Mason Mount was sent tumbling by Theo Hernandez.
But this time Kane blazed high over the bar and was left devastated as the Three Lions crashed out of the tournament. More

ENGLAND were sent crashing out of the World Cup quarter-finals after losing to world champions France. Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions were unable to replicate their 2018 performance and set up a semi-final clash against Morocco.
Harry Kane missed a late penalty to equalise for a second timeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Olivier Giroud’s second half header proved to be England’s downfall in QatarCredit: AP
Here’s the statistical breakdown of the games stats
Harry Kane missed a late penalty to cancel out Olivier Giroud’s second half header, despite already converting another penalty in the half.
Here’s how SunSport rated the England stars performances.
England Ratings
Jordan Pickford – 7
Might have done better with Tchouameni long-ranger but redeemed himself with fine saves from Rabiot and Giroud.
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Kyle Walker – 7
Made Mbappe look more than just mortal with a terrific and intelligent display.
John Stones – 6
Solid enough and kept Ground quiet. Once again proof that he likes to play with Maguire.
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John Stones stunning pass map vs France
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Harry Maguire – 6
Physical when he had to be but his distribution lacked precision when England looked to play forward. Unlucky touch on Giroud header.
Luke Shaw – 6
Exposed for pace and position by Dembele and Griezmann in the first half but improved as England did.
Declan Rice – 6
Mopped up in front of the back four and sensible in possession without really playing a killer pass.
Jordan Henderson – 6
Typical performance full of endeavour and determination but lacked that sprinkling of star dust.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Will only get better and gave his all. Bossed second half. but not quite able to grip the game and shape it. Might have closed down Tchouameni.
Jude Bellingham was an effective presence throughout
Bukayo Saka – 8
Bravery to take on his man rewarded by earning the first Kane penalty. He is the real deal.
Bukayo Saka put in a shining peformance against France
Phil Foden – 7
Struggled to really influence the game in the first half but excellent as England dragged themselves back into the contest.
Harry Kane – 7
Penalty miss will haunt him for months, maybe years. But Kane had been outstanding until that point. Heartbreaking.
Harry Kane influenced the game all over the pitch
Substitutes
Mason Mount (for Henderson 79) – 6
Made an instant impact with his run to draw the penalty that should have forced an extra half hour.
Raheem Sterling (for Saka 79) – 5
Back from his return home but could not make any impact in that last few minutes.
Marcus Rashford (for Foden 85) – 5
Last throw of the dice but couldn’t land the six Southgate needed.
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Jack Grealish (for Stones, 90+6) – 5
No chance to do anything. More

BRAVE Harry Kane had to fight back the tears after England crashed out of the World Cup against France.Gareth Southgate’s side were defeated 2-1 as Les Bleus clinched their place in the semi-final.
Heartbroken Harry Kane is consoled by Kieran Trippier and Jordan PickfordCredit: Rex
England’s stars were left in tears after their World Cup exitCredit: Reuters
Harry struggled to control his emotions after his late penalty missCredit: Rex
The heroic captain was comforted by Gareth Southgate after the defeat to FranceCredit: AP
Kane’s wife Kate buries face in her hands after he missed his second penaltyCredit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP) – England vs France
Heroic captain Kane blazed his second spot-kick over the bar – blowing the chance to draw England level and send the game to extra-time.
That was after he had scored an earlier penalty to equal Wayne Rooney’s record as the country’s all-time top scorer.
And after the whistle he slumped to the turf in a crouched position and brought a hand over his face as he struggled to get to grips with England’s exit.
A number of his heartbroken colleagues raced over to him while manager Southgate, who famously missed a penalty at Euro ‘96, also gave him a hug and offered some words to his talisman.
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France goalie Hugo Lloris, a team-mate of Kane’s at Tottenham, also went to console the striker before the Three Lions skipper trudged off towards the dressing-room.
England keeper Jordan Pickford was also spotted ushering a cameraman away as they tried to get close and film Kane in his moment of despair.
Elsewhere, teenage midfield sensation Jude Bellingham was in tears and his new pal Jordan Henderson was forced to put an arm around his shoulder to comfort him.
The Borussia Dortmund man was then spotted still crying as he too headed down the tunnel.
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Henderson was the first star to brave the cameras, telling ITV: “It is hard now to sum it up, it is hard to find the right words.
“I thought we gave everything in the game, we were disappointed to go 1-0 down but we showed the character and mentality to keep going and find the equaliser.
“We gave it everything and unfortunately it wasn’t our night.”
And on Kane’s penalty miss, he added: “We know how many penalties Harry has scored for us, how many goals he has contributed to even get us here.
“He will be stronger for this in the future. He is a world-class striker and our captain, he will bounce back.”
Southgate about Kane: “He’s been incredible for us and so reliable in these situations. And we wouldn’t be here without him.
“In the end goals are decisive but I’ve said to the players that I don’t think they could have given anymore.
Match report By David Kidd
EVERYTHING was on the line – a World Cup semi-final against Morocco, the chance to dethrone champions France, and England’s all-time goalscoring record. 
Harry Kane, who had roused England after an early French opener, and already thumped home one spot-kick to equal Wayne Rooney’s 53 goals, took a deep breath, stepped up and ballooned it over the bar. 
After a World Cup semi-final in Russia in 2018, and a Euros final loss to Italy last year, this cruel quarter-final was technically a step backwards. 
But England have been excellent in four of their five games in Qatar – including this one, where they outplayed France for long periods. 
After Aurelien Tchouameni’s early opener, they went for the French jugular and dominated until Kane’s spot-kick equaliser. 
Then, a desperate late double blow – a headed winner from Olivier Giroud, followed Kane’s sky-high penalty.  
It was agony for Southgate and his team – especially with such an inviting semi-final opponent. 
Yet this, like most elite games, was one of those ‘fine margins’ – first Harry Maguire allowing Giroud his close-range header, then Kane fluffing the biggest moment of his career.  
Southgate had decided as early as last Monday to name an unchanged team – there was no thought about applying that infamous Southgate handbrake. 
And Kyle Walker, the man who would mark Mbappe, was adamant that they wouldn’t ‘roll out the red carpet’ and allow France ‘a night at the theatre’.
The pre-match atmosphere was subdued – as it so often is at this weird tournament where there have been so relatively few partisan travelling supporters from all but a handful of nations. 
Yet despite plenty of bravado in the build-up England began tentatively – both full-backs, Walker and Luke Shaw, looking especially vulnerable.
And then Mbappe – speak of the devil, as we’d been doing all week got to work.
He turned Declan Rice, darted infield and when Antoine Griezmann laid it back, Tchouameni steered a low shot into the far corner from 20 yards. 
Jordan Pickford probably should have saved it, any number of England players might have prevented but the champions were swaggering and France were ahead.  
It was the first time England had been behind this tournament but it jolted them into action – Kane in particular.   
After the break, Southgate’s men were straight back at it.
Bellingham, who had just been the victim of a horrible lunge from Ousmane Dembele, fizzed a shot from 20 yards which Lloris tipped over. 
The equaliser had been well signposted and it was England’s two youngest starters who engineered it – Saka playing a one-two with Bellingham drawing the foul from Tchouameni.
The ref did not hesitate and after Kane had re-spotted the ball, he thudded into the corner, sending Lloris the wrong way.
But just as England has responded aggressively to France’s goal, the reverse was true now. 
Saka was causing more mischief to France than Mbappe was to England. When the Arsenal man won a free-kick, Henderson delivered and Harry Maguire’s header brushed against the post.
But when Shaw lost Dembele, he nodded down for Giroud to unleash a close-range volley which forced Pickford into a fine save.
England never fully cleared the resulting corner and when Griezmann delivered a wicked cross, Giroud got in front of Maguire to thud home a header which gave Pickford no chance. 
Mason Mount arrived and almost immediately was barged over in the box by Theo Hernandez, the VAR sent Sampaio to his monitor.
But Kane stepped up and blazed it into the Gods. 

Jordan Pickford ushered a cameraman away from the devastated Kane
Declan Rice and Jack Grealish share a hug after their World Cup exitCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Jude Bellingham broke down after the final whistleCredit: Getty
England battled bravely against France
“Congratulations to France, they know that they’ve been in a hell of a game.”
There was also a huge swell of support for Kane following the game on social media, led by our columnist and Talk TV host Piers Morgan.
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The Arsenal-mad star tweeted: “You won’t meet a more decent honest footballer or person than @HKane – or a better leader of the England team. Absolutely heart-breaking for him.”
Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell, who missed the tournament through injury, also wrote: “So gutted for the boys.”
Harry Kane worked hard but could not prevent England’s defeat to France More