World Cup

LUKA MODRIC has no intention of retiring from the Croatian national team despite heading into twilight of his career. The Real Madrid star became a hero for his country after leading them to the World Cup final in 2018.
Luka Modric made his debut for Croatia in 2006 aged just 20 and made his 156th appearance in Qatar, aged 37.
The 37-year-old wears the armband for his nation and has racked up a whopping 159 appearances for the side, more than any other player.
Despite many assuming the Qatar World Cup would be his final swan song due to his age, Modric has been quick to dispel any rumours.
He said: “No, I won’t leave the national team. I feel very fit, very good and I’ll stay here until I can.
“There’s no reason to retire. It’s my choice. People say I should leave and focus on club football. I don’t agree”
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The midfield maestro has had an illustrious club career outside of international football, winning five Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.
Modric has also had his fair share of individual accolades, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2018 as well as UEFA Player of the Year.
The former Tottenham man will be hoping to cement his name in footballing folklore by taking his nation one step further to win the World Cup in Qatar.
Croatia finished second in Group F before beating Japan on penalties in the round of 16 of the tournament.
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They face favourites Brazil next as they fight to push onto the semi-finals of the competition.
Modric is yet to register a goal or assist in the four games he’s played in Qatar so far.
The star is currently in the midst of his tenth season in Madrid after his move from North London in 2012.
He has amassed 454 appearances for the La Liga champions and has scored 36 goals and registered 74 assists. More

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has named Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham in a wacky all-time World Cup XI.And the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham manager has left out his Argentine compatriot Lionel Messi.
Mauricio Pochettino has been watching plenty of the action in QatarCredit: Getty
Poch selected Zinedine Zidane at left wing-backCredit: AP
In addition to working as a pundit for the BBC during the World Cup, Pochettino has been contributing for The Athletic.
In an article featuring a number of columnists’ all-time World Cup XIs, Pochettino went for an unorthodox approach.
Clearly just having a bit of fun, Poch used a bizarre 3-3-1-3 formation – stretching the positions that his players could be deployed in.
The team didn’t feature Messi, or any modern day stars.
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Explaining these omissions, Pochettino, 50, said: “So, the rule of my team was that only players who had finished playing were eligible — so you understand why there’s no Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Neymar etc.”
On his unusual positioning of iconic No10 Zidane, Pochettino – who once deployed Son Heung-min at left wing-back in an FA Cup semi-final – explained that his strategy would be all-out attack.
He added: “But still you’re asking me if I’m crazy, right? Zinedine Zidane as a left wing-back?
“I would say: ‘Don’t worry’. The positions will be interchangeable.
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Pochettino made some bold choices
“We have three of the greatest central defenders of all time and a brilliant goalkeeper.
“Also, we are going to score so many goals that nobody will catch us.”
Pochettino named legendary Cameroonian Thomas N’Kono in goal, with the 56-year-old having represented his country at World Cups in 1982, 1990 and 1994.
His back line comprises of Carles Puyol, Franz Beckenbauer and Paolo Maldini – all three having won the competition with their respective nations.
Becks and Zidane are Pochettino’s “interchangeable” wing-backs.
While Michael Laudrup is Poch’s silky lone midfielder.
Pochettino’s fellow Argentine and good friend, the late Diego Maradona, is in the No10 position that Zidane would often find himself in.
While Johan Cruyff, Pele and Hristo Stoichkov make up a formidable front line.
Pochettino was a great friend of the late, great Diego MaradonaCredit: Getty
The Argentine reckons Becks would make a good wing-backCredit: Getty – Contributor More

DECLAN RICE has returned to England training just 48 hours before their huge World Cup quarter-final against France.The West Ham skipper, 23, did not train with the rest of Gareth Southgate’s squad on Wednesday due to illness.
Declan Rice is a key part of Gareth Southgate’s starting line-upCredit: Getty
That raised alarm bells for Three Lions supporters as they look ahead to their mammoth game with France this weekend.
But Kalvin Phillips, who would be one of the first players in line to replace Rice should he be unavailable, was quick to reassure England fans.
Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, he said: “I believe Dec is fit, he’s back in training and he’s fine.
“If something goes wrong, then I’ll be there and I’ll do my best to be fit for 90 minutes.
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“I want to play as many minutes as possible.”
Rice has started all four of England’s games in Qatar, making the position at the base of Southgate’s midfield his own.
Since making his international debut in 2019, he has racked up 38 caps for his country.
For the opening two matches of the World Cup against Iran and USA, Rice played as the holder in a three that also consisted of Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount.
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But for the Wales match, Southgate switched Mount out for Jordan Henderson.
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And England have subsequently looked superbly balanced in the middle of the park, fielding that trio again in the convincing win over Senegal.
Rice’s return to training was not the only boost the England manager received on Thursday.
It was also confirmed Raheem Sterling will re-join the squad on Friday after having to fly home following a burglary at his home.
The biggest concern for the Three Lions remains France talisman Kylian Mbappe who has five goals in three games at this World Cup – two more than any other player.
Yet Phillips has total faith in England right-back Kyle Walker – who will be tasked with trying to stop the Paris Saint-Germain superstar.
Asked about the battle, Walker’s Manchester City team-mate Phillips said: “Kyle is the quickest player I’ve ever seen play football.
“A lot of people ask how fast he is, but you cant really put it into words.
“You just have to see him out on the training pitch or in one-on-ones with a really good player and we’ll see that in a few days.
“Obviously we know Kylian Mbappe is a good player and one of the top players over the past few years.
“But we’re just focused on what we’ve got to do, and focused on how we can stop not just stop Mbappe, but Giroud, Griezmann etc.
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“If there’s anyone I’d like to put up against Mbappe to stop him, it’s Kyle Walker.
“He’s an unbelievable defender and probably the only one that’s quicker than him.” More

FRENCH newspaper L’Equipe have named Harry Maguire as England’s dangerman ahead of their crunch World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.Gareth Southgate’s side face off against the reigning world champions for a place in the last four in Qatar.
Harry Maguire has been superb at the World Cup so farCredit: Getty
Kylian Mbappe has been widely discussed as France’s key man heading into the tie after his five goals in four games in Qatar.
He has already netted nine times in just 11 appearances across his two World Cups and is one of the most frightening stars at the tournament.
For England, many would label the likes of Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka or Jude Bellingham as the team’s main threat.
But L’Equipe have identified centre-back Maguire as the one member of the Three Lions squad to watch out for this weekend.
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How Maguire and France talisman Kylian Mbappe stack up
The Manchester United defender’s prowess at set-pieces is a fear for many teams.
He should have been awarded a penalty after being brought down in the box during a corner in the Iran win.
And minutes later he was inches away from scoring from another corner, crashing a header off the crossbar.
Only Kane, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford have scored more goals for England since Southgate took over – with the United man hitting the back of the net seven times in 52 caps for his country.
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France conceded from a corner against Denmark in the group stage.
And the French press are wary of Maguire as they bid to keep their hopes of defending the World Cup trophy alive.
In particular, they are concerned about England’s screening of Maguire at corners (putting a man in front of him to stop defenders from getting close).
L’Equipe said: “One of the great English strengths is the screen: as in basketball, a team-mate positions himself in the trajectory of Maguire’s marker and blocks him or forces him to go around him, which will free the defender of Manchester United.”
They then went on to add: “The Englishman exudes plenty of upper body power and uses his arms to gain the upper hand.”
Meanwhile, much of the focus heading into the game is on the blockbuster battle between Mbappe and England right-back Kyle Walker.
But the Manchester City man is not intimidated by the Paris Saint-Germain forward.
Speaking about the match-up with Mbappe, Walker said: “The game isn’t England v Mbappe, it’s England vs France.
“We will give respect but I’m not going to roll out a red carpet for him to score. It’s do or die as if we lose we go home.
“I do understand what I need to do and that’s to stop him. It’s probably easier said than done but I don’t underestimate myself.
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“I’ve come across great players before so I just treat it like another game.
“I’ll give him the respect he deserves but not too much because this is England. No one player makes a team. This isn’t tennis, it isn’t a solo sport.”
Mbappe is in line to win the Golden Boot at this year’s World CupCredit: Getty More

MARCUS RASHFORD is the latest England star to take on the gauntlet that is Bukayo Saka’s “spelling school.”A host of other Three Lions stars including Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Declan Rice have all tried and failed to pass Saka’s tricky spelling tests.

Marcus Rashford was the latest England star to be tested by Bukayo SakaCredit: TikTok @bukayosaka87
Upon realising he was being filmed Rashford burst out laughingCredit: TikTok @bukayosaka87
He then attempted to spell the word “embarrassed”Credit: TikTok @bukayosaka87
Jack Grealish has also been tested on his spellingCredit: TikTok / @bukayosaka87
Declan Rice fell victim to the test tooCredit: TikTok / @bukayosaka87
Saka is England’s top goalscorer at the World CupCredit: PA
And Manchester United ace Rashford became the latest cornered England star.
Saka has previously tested his pals on words including aesthetic, rhythm and pronunciation.
After realising he was being filmed Rashford burst into laughter, as Saka revealed his word was “embarrassed.”
Following a moment’s thought Rashford gave it his best shot, and was so close to becoming the first person to pass Saka’s spelling school.
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However, Rashford went with just one r, when in fact he needed two.
To signal Rashford’s wrong answer, Saka made an attempt at a Britain’s Got Talent style buzzer before bursting out into laughter and shouting: “You’re wrong.”
The camaraderie in the England camp appears to be very high, and Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has been doing all he can to ensure his squad remains relaxed before they face France on Saturday.
This tactic included a secret gig from former Take That singer Robbie Williams after he paid the England camp a visit last night.
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The inflatables are back too, while the squad have been bonding over a card game called Werewolf.
England just edge out France when it comes to meeting them in tournaments.
The record goes two games in England’s favour, one win in France’s and two draws, with Saturday’s quarter-final being the sixth time the nations have met in competitive international football.
While the overall record is good news, the catch to this is that England last beat France in 1982.
But an apparent time traveller has already predicted England to come out on top against Kylian Mbappe and Co. More

HARRY MAGUIRE and John Stones will find it nearly impossible to deal with Kylian Mbappe, according to former France left-back Patrice Evra.And the Manchester United legend says Les Bleus have what it takes to “smash” England in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.
Harry Maguire has been one of England’s most impressive players in Qatar, but Patrice Evra still believes he could be a weak point against MbappeCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
John Stones could have to change tactics against Mbappe with it still undecided if Gareth Southgate will use a back five or a back four
Mbappe is set to go head to head with lightning fast right-back Kyle Walker at the Al Bayt Stadium.
But 81-cap Evra reckons the Paris Saint-Germain superstar will turn his attention to the Three Lions’ centre-back pair if he has no luck out wide.
He said: “Walker is going to block Mbappe, he did it against Neymar very well in the Champions League for Manchester City.
“He can be confident and say he’s got him because he’s fast and strong, but Mbappe will find a way to escape. He will move into the centre.
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“I hope he does because Stones and Maguire won’t be able to deal with him. It will be difficult for them to stop him. 
“To stop Mbappe when he’s in the centre, you have to be close to him every time, frustrate him, foul him – he doesn’t like to be fouled.
“Maguire and Stones will love playing against [Olivier] Giroud though, he’s not fast, he’s strong and that is the jackpot for them.”
Evra reckons either team is capable of lifting the trophy next Sunday if they both get past their “biggest test of the tournament”.
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But the 41-year-old reckons Didier Deschamps’ side could embarrass England on the biggest stage.
He told Betfair: “I am confident, but not arrogant. I’m happy with what France are doing. 
“It’s a big mix. I feel like France are going to smash England.
“France will face an angry, strong team. If they play with the attitude that they are stronger and more confident than England, France can smash them.
“Playing against England is always special as a French player. It’s always an amazing game.
“It’s a nice rivalry, it’s not bitter. We’re jealous of each other in a nice way.”
Despite Evra’s confidence in France’s ability to triumph – especially if “key player” Antoine Griezmann plays well – he warned Les Bleus against underestimating Gareth Southgate’s men.
Especially “unbelievable” Jude Bellingham.
He added: “With England, the star is the team. It’s not just one player. 
“This is the best English side, as a team, not as a group of individuals. England look more of a unit than France.
“But Bellingham will be by far the best midfielder England have ever had.
“What a joy it is to see him play. He is a complete player. It’s scary he’s only 19.”
Although Evra reckons France have it in them to wallop England, he has predicted a much tighter affair. 
He predicted: “I can see the game being 2-1 to France. We will score first then England will level. 
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“Then I can see this being another moment for Mbappe to do Mbappe things in the last 10 minutes. I don’t see it going to extra time or penalties. If it does go to penalties, it’s a risk for France.
“It’s a big game and there’s lots of banter. I really thank England for all those great years, but it’s time for you guys to lose. I’ll be eating snails and singing ‘It’s coming home’, if France win.”
Jude Bellingham has been a huge part of Gareth Southgate’s side in Qatar. More

WITH Germany suffering a World Cup group stage exit for a second straight tournament, an inquest into their awful campaign took place.It saw Hansi Flick survive as boss – but German reports claim a “holiday feeling” in the camp contributed to the failure.
German reports claim a visit from Wags caused unrest at Germany’s World Cup baseCredit: INSTAGRAM / @sophiaaemelia
Mathias Ginter’s wife Christina (R) was in Qatar to cheer Germany onCredit: Getty
Kevin Trapp was joined by supermodel girlfriend Izabel GoulartCredit: Getty
Ilkay Gundogan is marriedCredit: Instagram / @sarabenamira
German FA (DFB) chiefs held a two-and-a-half-hour crisis meeting after crashing out of Group E behind Japan and Spain, according to Bild.
The same outlet reports DFB employees were “amazed” with what they saw at Germany’s plush Zulal Wellness Resort base, which was an hour-and-a-half drive away from Doha.
They booked out more than a quarter of the five-star rooms, and were given permission to invite their Wags to stay at the hotel for two nights ahead of the final group game against Costa Rica.
But that is said to have brought on problems.
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Bild claim a number of the Wags spent time taking selfies in the hotel swimming pool – while their partners were left taking care of the children.
It’s suggested not all of the players “liked” the situation that unfolded.
And the “holiday feel” in the hotel, which was 111 kilometres (69 miles) away from Doha, is reported to have contributed to the failure on the pitch.
Flick’s side followed up the visit from their Wags with a 4-2 win over Costa Rica.
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Trapp’s supermodel girlfriend Izabel cheered on Germany from the standsCredit: Splash
Kai Havertz’s girlfriend Sophia Weber donned a Germany shirtCredit: Getty
Christina Ginter,Credit: Instagram / @chrissy_ginter
But it wasn’t enough to save them from an embarrassing elimination.
The Germans finished two points behind group winners Japan and level on points with Spain, but well behind the 2010 champions on goal difference.
A number of the players’ Wags were seen in the stands cheering on Germany before their premature exit.
Izabel Goulart, the supermodel fiancee of backup goalkeeper Kevin Trapp was seen in the crowd, with Kai Havertz’s partner of four years Sophie Weber also there.
And the reported Wags’ unrest could be one of the reasons DFB bosses concluded Flick remains the best person for the job going forward.
The boss declared after it was announced he was staying on: “My coaching team and I are optimistic about the European Championship in our own country. 
“We as a team can achieve much more than we showed in Qatar.
“We have missed a great opportunity there. We will learn our lessons from that.”
Lucas Klostermann’s girlfriend Laura pictured in QatarCredit: Getty
Germany stayed at the remote Zulal Wellness Resort – over 100km north of DohaCredit: Reuters More