ENGLAND have been dealt a huge blow as both Declan Rice and Callum Wilson have missed training for the Three Lions.This comes just days before they are due to face France in the quarter-final of the World Cup.
Rice is out of training with an illness, while Wilson is suffering from an an injury.
Elsewhere, Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international duty following Belgium’s group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Finally, Cristiano Ronaldo did not train with Portugal’s other last-16 substitutes today.
Instead, he joined the starters in the gym for a session despite not playing the whole match.
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Stay tuned with all the latest from the tournament…
Hakimi celebration explained
Morocco star Achraf Hakimi did a penguin dance after knocking Spain out of the 2022 World Cup, and the reason behind this has now been revealed.
Paris Saint-Germain ace Hakimi seemed to have fired a dig towards Spain boss Luis Enrique, who raised eyebrows with some of his selection criteria including the notable omission of Sergio Ramos.
Ramos and Hakimi play together at PSG, and being from the Real Madrid academy the Morocco international saw the centre-back dominate Los Blancos’ defence for a number of years.
And the goal seems to have been dedicated to the Real legend as the pair previously celebrated a goal while playing for PSG by duetting a penguin celebration – which Hakimi replicated in Qatar
Xhak at it
Granit Xhaka is flying straight to Dubai to join his Arsenal team-mates after being dumped out of the World Cup following Switzerland’s 6-1 loss to Portugal in the Last 16.
But rather than head back home to London, Xhaka is travelling to join the Gunners as he reckons he is more than ready to get the show back on the road with the North Londoners.
Xhaka told the Evening Standard:”The Premier League is waiting and, of course, I wanted to be here longer than this. But we lost the game today and I am happy to go back now with the team.
“Of course, emotionally it is not easy. But this is part of our business, part of football. I have something to achieve there, and I know the team is in Dubai at the moment doing the pre-season.
“I’m flying back to Dubai, going back to the team, and going back to the training and trying to forget the tournament now”
Santos explains Ronaldo omission
Portugal manager Fernando Santos insists his decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo against Switzerland was tactical and not personal.
Santos said: “Cristiano and Ramos are different players. There is no problem with the captain of the national team.
“It was strategic. Players are different. I also started [Diogo] Dalot, Raphael [Guerreiro], however [Joao] Cancelo is a fabulous player. That’s what I thought for the game against Switzerland, in another game it might be different.
Santos added when pressed for a detailed answer: “Didn’t I already answer this question? There is no problem between Fernando Santos and the captain of the national team.
“We’ve been friends for many years and things don’t affect us. Coaches make decisions. I already explained, that part was completely resolved and he set an example of a great captain”
Credit: Getty
Ronaldo’s sister act
Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister has begged him to “come home” and QUIT Portugal’s 2022 World Cup squad
That’s after Ronaldo was axed for last night’s 6-1 triumph over Switzerland.
And the star forward’s sister Katia Aveiro has now posted a passionate message on social media urging her brother to ditch Portugal’s squad and return home to his family.
Aveiro posted: “Portugal won. Thank God. New talents shone. Amazing. Are we going to win this? I believe so!! On the field they shouted for Ronaldo. It wasn’t because Portugal was winning…
“And I’m not saying this. The world watched… Why is it??? I’m glad Portugal won… (I’ve seen Portugal win so many times). And even this doesn’t invalidate the smallness of a large part of the Portuguese people. And this is what is not right, because they continue to curse, they continue to insist on offence and ingratitude.
“Too sad with what I read and hear not here in Qatar but in my country in his country… But really sad. AND I WANTED IT SO MUCH. I really wanted him to come home, leave the national team and sit next to us so we could hug him and say that everything is fine, remind him of what he conquered and what home he came from.
“I really wanted him not to go there anymore , we have suffered enough (they will never know how big) you are and the little ones don’t realise how huge you are… Come to your house. Which is where they understand you, where they embrace you. As always was. Where do you have all the gratitude. And not ingratitude.
“Thank you Ronaldo. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I really wanted to… But whatever you decide, we are with you. Until death. Thanks”
Ronaldo baffles Portugal in training
Cristiano Ronaldo refused to train with Portugal’s substitutes and instead insisted on joining the starters for a gym session.
Ronaldo was axed by manager Fernando Santos during his team’s 6-1 triumph over Switzerland in the Last-16 of the 2022 World Cup.
Santos admitted he was unhappy with the star forward for acting out after getting substituted during the group stage victory over South Korea.
According to Marca, the Manchester United legend is still causing a stir after failing to show up for training with the substitutes.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner instead went for a low-intensity gym session with the starters, even though he played less than 20 minutes.
The Portugal camp are said to be “surprised” not to see the 37-year-old amongst the substitutes on the field.
The Portugal captain was not feeling any discomfort and was thus in perfect condition to train
Buk won’t stop
Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka used to regularly score goals at the World Cup — before waking up.
Now, Saka is making his mark on the grandest stage, having already scored three times, and has his sights firmly set on France.
Set to earn his 24th cap in Saturday’s quarter-final against the world champions, here is a player who is really living that dream.
Saka said: “I always allow myself to dream. Having watched the tournament as well growing up, I have a lot of memories. I remember South Africa 2010, the famous song (Shakira’s Waka-Waka) — it’s an amazing song.
“Things like that stick with you forever and as a kid, I just woke up after a dream and thought ‘I want to do this for real. I want to score a goal in a World Cup’. Now, of course, we have to believe we can win the World Cup. Right now, our focus is on the next game, France.
“I think it’s about finding the right balance because obviously it’s not just a normal game, it’s a World Cup quarter-final. At the same time, you need to prepare and do the same things the way you normally do so you don’t overthink and get too nervous.
“It has been a great experience so far, to achieve what I have and help my team with the goals I have scored is a really nice feeling”
England fan club
England have a massive fan club at their Al Wakrah Sports Club training base, writes SunSport’s Charlie Wyett.
A security team of 90 Sri Lankans were flown in by FIFA for the start of the tournament to give the stadium 24-hour protection.
But as soon England get knocked out, they will also be sent home back to Sri Lanka with the majority not having any jobs to go to.
So unsurprisingly, the security officers are rooting for the Three Lions to beat France on Saturday meaning their employment can continue.
One of them told Sunsport: “We are all cheering for England. Everyone here, all the players and the staff, have been very nice to us.”
England’s hotel is just a mile away from the training ground next to the beach. There, the players have a security team made up of police officers.
Gareth Southgate’s players are all enjoying the one-storey accommodation which also has a lot of open space.
The players have been watching all the games on a big screen but even the physio areas are also showing games meaning the stars – such as Jack Grealish – have been able to watch the World Cup matches while having a massage
Credit: Rex
Infantino’s shock statement
Biggest shock of Qatar 2022, not: Fifa President says it’s been the best World Cup group stage ever, writes SunSport’s Martin Lipton.
Gianni Infantino’s comments will hardly surprise anybody given his determination to stay inside with the Doha authorities – especially since he moved his family here last year.
Nevertheless, the ubiquitous Infantino insisted: “I have seen all the matches, indeed, and put very simply and very clearly, this has been the best group stage of a FIFA World Cup ever.
“The matches have been of great, great quality in beautiful stadiums – we knew that already. However, as well, the public who was there was incredible. Over 51,000 on average.”
Infantino added that TV viewing figures showing a global audience of more than two billion fans so far were “really incredible”
He continued: “Two-and-a-half million people in the streets of Doha and a few hundred thousand every day in the stadiums, all together, cheering together, supporting their teams, fantastic atmosphere, great goals, incredible excitement and surprises.
“This World Cup has shown there are no more small teams and no more big teams. The level is very, very equal.
“For the first time as well, national teams from all continents going to the knock-out phase, for the first time in history. This shows that football is really becoming truly global”
Michael O’Neill returns
Michael O’Neill has been reappointed as Northern Ireland manager.
The Irish FA has agreed a deal for O’Neill to come back on a five-and-a-half year contract.
The 53-year-old tactician spent just over nine years in the role and sent the national team to the 2016 Euros.
His first game back will be be away to San Marino in a European Championship qualifier on March 23
England training latest
England’s training session is in full swing ahead of Saturday’s 2022 World Cup quarter-fainl against France.
According to SunSport’s man on the field Charlie Wyett, Declan Rice has missed training because he is unwell.
Newcastle star Callum Wilson, on the other hand, has a minor injury.
The weather cloudy and the players are practicing in 29C
Qatar’s desert storm
A major tornado has struck Qatar, with dramatic footage showing the black spiral-shaped storm clouds touching down in the desert country.
The 2022 World Cup host has also been hit with torrential rain for the first time since the tournament kicked off last month.
It touched down in Ras Laffan Industrial City, around 50 miles north of the capital Doha.
That is during England’s players and coaching staff are training in preparation for Saturday’s hotly-anticipated clash with France
Shocking moment huge tornado and torrents of rain hit Qatar as England trains for crunch quarter final against France
Ronaldo speaks out
Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence after being benched for Portugal’s World Cup Last 16 victory against Switzerland.
Manager Fernando Santos dropped Ronaldo to the bench for the crunch clash after previously slamming him for sulking when he was subbed off in the 2-1 defeat to South Korea.
Taking to Instagram, the former Manchester United superstar revelled in the team’s “incredible” win and shared a photo of him celebrating with the team.
Ronaldo posted: “Incredible day for Portugal, with a historic result in the biggest competition in world football.
“Luxury exhibition of a team full of talent and youth. Our Selection is to be congratulated. The dream is alive! Until the end! Strength, Portugal!”
World from Qatar
The president of the French football federation has been boasting how he was the driving force behind FIFA’s decision to ban the One Love armband, writes SunSport’s man on the field Mark Irwin.
Noel Le Graet has admitted: “I was one of the leaders in preventing this armband from being worn.
“Three or four countries, all from Western Europe, wanted it. In fact, most of them have been knocked out.”
Erm, not all them, Noel, as you will find out on Saturday night.
And presumably this is a different Noel Le Graet to the randy 80-year-old who was recently summoned by the French Sports Minister following allegations that he’d been sending inappropriate text messages to female employees of the federation.
One Love? Non, merci.
Barcelona target Martinelli
Barcelona are scouting Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli during the 2022 World Cup with his contract nearing its end.
Barca are believed to be considering a move for Martinelli as it would be hoped he could be bought at a cut-price deal this coming summer.
The forward’s contract at the Emirates runs out in 2024, meaning he would be able to leave the Gunners for free in a year and a half.
The Brazil international’s three appearances at the World Cup have caught the eye of the Blaugrana, who labelled him as a “favourite” of the club’s sporting department as well as coaching staff, according to Sport.
The Spanish outlet has suggested that Martinelli will be watched closely by the Catalans as they consider making a move for him at the end of the season
Credit: Getty
Eden Hazard RETIRES
Belgium star Eden Hazard has retired from international football aged 31 after his national team flopped in the 2022 World Cup by going out in the group stage.
Real Madrid ace Hazard earned 126 caps for his country, scoring 33 goals along the way.
Taking to Instagram to confirm his decision, the winger wrote: “A page turns today… Thank you for your love.
“Thank you for your unparalleled support. Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008.
“I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you…”
Liverpool favourites for Bellingham
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham could be on his way to Liverpool next summer after they emerged as the frontrunners to sign him.
According to Christian Falk, the Reds have surged ahead in the race to land Bellingham with talks at a more advanced stage with them than with Real Madrid.
Falk also revealed that the midfielder’s family are more convinced by the prospect of a move to Merseyside than they are to Madrid.
The 19-year-old himself appears to have struck up a rapport with the Reds’ skipper Jordan Henderson while on England duty at the 2022 World Cup
PSG target Bellingham
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi claims every top club wants to sign England international Jude Bellingham.
Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham faces France in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final clash.
Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and even Arsenal have been tipped to come on for the 19-year-old sensation in the summer.
Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports: “Everybody wants him. I’m not going to hide it.
“Amazing player. What a player. He’s one of the best players in the tournament.
“First World Cup, and calm and relaxed, confident – amazing”
Ron his own
Cristiano Ronaldo left his team-mates celebrating on the pitch as he walked down the tunnel at the end of Portugal’s 6-1 win over Switzerland.
Ronaldo was dropped by manager Fernando Santos after throwing a strop following his substitution against South Korea in the group stage.
Santos was not happy with the Portugal captain’s behaviour and left him on the bench, instead handing a first ever international start to Goncalo Ramos, who scored a hat-trick.
However, Ronaldo, who came on as a substitute, was spotted among his team-mates celebrating during the match before heading down the tunnel
Credit: Rex
More on Mbappe
As mentioned earlier, Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe didn’t train with France on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final clash with England.
Journalist Julien Laurens gave the latest update on Mbappe’s fitness following his training absence and insists the star striker is “not injured or tired or struggling”.
Laurens tweeted, “Kylian Mbappé is not training with the France squad.
“He is indoors for a recovery session which was always the plan. He is not injured or tired or struggling!”
Kylian Mbappe situation
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe missed France’s training session on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final clash with England.
Reports suggest that is currently simply a precaution taken by French manager Didier Deschamps.
Mbappe is one of the best players in the 2022 World Cup following some stunning performances.
The star striker currently counts five goals and two assists in four games
Round-up ahead of quarter-finals
Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement Goncalo Ramos gloriously notched the first halt-trick of the World Cup as the quarter-final line-up was settled.
Benfica striker Ramos had only played 33 minutes of international football in four games off the bench before destroying Switzerland in his first start.
Portugal’s 6-1 margin of victory accurately reflected their superiority as they outdid Brazil’s 4-1 demolition of South Korea for the best performance of the tournament so far.
Dropped Ron beamed as he shared the delight of the Portuguese bench during the romp before he came on at 5-1 up.
But he’s unlikely to start Sunday afternoon’s last-eight clash with Morocco.
The North Africans punished Spain’s failure to turn dominant possession into goals with a 3-0 shootout win following a goalless 120 minutes.
Now, though Qatar takes a break until Friday’s action.Croatia face Brazil at 3pm that day and Holland meet Argentina four hours later.
Then on Saturday it’s Morocco vs Portugal at 3pm and England vs France at 7pm.
Kylian Mbappe missed French training yesterday but it’s not yet been revealed why.
Finally, PSG have publicly admitted they want England midfield hero Jude Bellingham, 19.
Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “I’m not gonna hide it, everybody wants Bellingham.”
Ron his own
Cristiano Ronaldo left his team-mates celebrating on the pitch as he walked down the tunnel at the end of Portugal’s win over Switzerland.
Portugal won 6-1 in the last-16 clash to set up a tie with Morocco.
Ronaldo was dropped by manager Fernando Santos after throwing a strop following his substitution against South Korea.
Santos was not happy with his captain’s behaviour and left him on the bench, instead handing a first ever international start to Goncalo Ramos.
The switch paid off as Ramos scored a hat-trick as Ronaldo watched on from the dugout.
The superstar was brought on with 17 minutes left with his side already 5-1 up.
Thumb lift of the Gab
Gabriel Jesus has posted a smiling thumbs-up picture and vowed to be “back stronger” as he begins what could be a long recovery from a knee injury.
The Arsenal striker returned home early from Brazil’s World Cup bid after a knock in their final group game against Cameroon.
But he looked positive as he told fans on social media: “God is wonderful. I will be back stronger.”
Jesus could be out for up to three months but the Gunners hope he’ll return much sooner.
Jude’s a ‘dog of war’
Jude Bellingham warned England’s World Cup rivals: I’m the dog of war!
The teenage sensation is ready to show France his bite is worse than his bark when the Three Lions unleash him in Saturday’s quarter-final.
Bellingham, 19, is now the most wanted midfielder on the planet after his superb displays in Qatar — with French giants Paris Saint-Germain last night declaring their interest.
And Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham said: “I go into games knowing every one is a war and you’ve got to be up for it.
“When you’ve got the dog, you’re just born with it. The way I was raised in football, you had to have that dog in you.
“That’s something I have. Off the pitch I’m a nice guy but, on it, something takes over me.
“I feel like you’ve got no friends out there except those wearing the same kit.
“Anyone not wearing that — it’s no beef — but there is something that’s personal.”
Prem top dogs Liverpool and Manchester City, plus Real Madrid, are already tracking Bellingham.
But PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi says they will join the race for the ex-Birmingham whizkid.
Oui Lions! Mbappe transformed into England fan…
England supporters living in Paris cheered on The Sun yesterday — as French superstar Kylian Mbappe was transformed into one of them.
We landed the first blow ahead of Saturday night’s last-eight tie — draping Mbappe’s waxwork in England colours.
There was more bad news for France yesterday as Mbappe, 23, missed training with a suspected ankle inury, sparking fears he could miss the quarter-final.
Sun man Joe Hadden yesterday evaded security at Paris’s Grevin Museum to deck out the striker’s effigy in a Three Lions scarf and hat, with a St George’s flag wrapped around his waist.
English ex-pats in Paris said Mbappe’s Three Lions makeover suited the £250million PSG striker, who has banged in five goals already in the tournament.
Property developer Kyle Bridges, 37, who has lived in the French capital for two years, said: “That’s brilliant work by The Sun. They’ve been giving us loads of stick so we’ve got to give it back to them.”
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