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      FA want Southgate to stay as England manager REGARDLESS of France World Cup result, and do not have succession plan

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      THE FA want Gareth Southgate to stay on as England manager after the World Cup, according to reports.The Three Lions boss has been in charge since October 2016 and is England’s most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey.
      The FA want Gareth Southgate to stay as England manager until Euro 2024Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Southgate has guided England to a semi-final and final in his two major tournament campaigns and has set up a quarter-final clash with France on Saturday.
      And according to the Daily Mail, the FA want Southgate to continue managing England regardless of the result against France.
      Southgate, 52, is under contract until Euro 2024 but his future is not clear.
      The FA want him to oversee that European Championship campaign but the former Middlesbrough boss could step down.
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      Southgate is believed to be open to a return to club management but English football’s governing body is hoping to convince him to stay on.
      And the two parties are reportedly set to discuss his future in a post-World Cup debrief.
      It is believed the FA do not have a succession plan in place if Southgate does leave, which is another factor behind their desire for him to continue.
      But they will not stand in his way if he decides he is ready for a new challenge.
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      Southgate has been linked to the likes of Fulham and Nottingham Forest if he does decide to leave his England post.
      And Chelsea boss Graham Potter has been tipped as one of the favourites to take over.
      Newcastle’s Eddie Howe is another manager who has been linked to the role. More

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      Workers begin dismantling Qatar’s temporary Stadium 974 ‘before it is rebuilt in Uruguay for World Cup 2030’

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      THE World Cup may just be reaching its business end, with eight countries remaining – but one of the stadiums is already being dismantled.Crew got to work on taking apart the temporary Stadium 974 in the Ras Abu Aboud area of Doha.
      Stadium 974 is already being dismantledCredit: Getty
      The ground was built using 974 shipping containersCredit: Getty
      The workers wasted no time getting to work on relocating the venueCredit: Getty
      It hosted seven matches for the World CupCredit: Getty
      The unique ground was primarily built using 974 repurposed shipping containers – 974 is the dialing code for Qatar.
      Inside, it held around 40,000 seats – officially bumped up by 4,089 after the tournament kicked off.
      But fans may get to take their seat in the ground again – on the other side of the world.
      Opened on November 20, 2021, the stadium was used for just 13 matches.
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      That included six at the Arab Cup and seven at the World Cup, the last of which was Brazil’s thumping 4-1 win over South Korea on Monday night.
      Within hours of the full-time whistle, though, the trucks and forklifts were out in force to start the mammoth dissembling job.
      However, this is not expected to be the end of the story for the Stadium 974.
      Because as reported by the Financial Times, the plan is to transport the shipping containers – presumably by boat – 8,000 miles to Uruguay.
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      The South American nation plan to rebuild the stadium back to its original structure and host World Cup matches there in 2030.
      Uruguay are hoping the proposed initiative to reduce the wasted derelict venues will help sway the votes for the hosting rights for the tournament in eight years’ time – exactly 100 years since they staged the inaugural event.
      Their bid will be a joint effort with Argentina, Chile and Paraguay.
      But it faces competition from the European bid of Spain, Portugal and Ukraine.
      A bid from Morocco and a cross-confederation campaign from Egypt, Greece and Saudi Arabia has also been proposed.
      Brazil won the last of the 13 matches at the stadiumCredit: Getty More

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      Brazil’s press officer leaves World Cup journalists in disbelief as he brutally disposes of CAT in Vinicius Jr interview

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      BRAZIL’S press officer shocked reporters after picking up a cat and throwing it on the floor.The official was sat alongside Vinicius Jr at the time of the incident.

      The cat was relaxing after jumping up on the table
      The press officer picked it up in a shocking manner
      He then threw the cat on the floor as Vinicius Jr watched on
      Vinicius was answering questions to the press when a cat jumped up onto the table.
      The Brazil star laughed as the curious feline chilled out during the press conference.
      But the press officer decided to pick up the kitty by the fur on its back before dropping it over the front of the desk.
      The reporters present could be heard gasping in shock but the Brazilian looked puzzled as he shrugged his shoulders.
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      He quickly asked for the next question as Vinicius burst out laughing.
      The 22-year-old appeared to ask the press officer why he decided to get rid of the cat and seemed to laugh out of shock.
      Fans on social media were also shocked by the press officer’s actions, with one writing: “Why did he throw it???”
      Another added: “He didn’t have to throw it like that.”
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      And a third said: “Why did he pick the cat up like that …. I hope Brazil don’t win the world Cup now 😒.”
      Vinicus was speaking ahead of Brazil’s quarter-final clash with Croatia on Friday.
      The Real Madrid winger scored in the previous round against South Korea, which Brazil won 4-1. More

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      Argentina star Rodrigo De Paul – nicknamed Lionel Messi’s ‘bodyguard’ – an injury doubt for Holland World Cup clash

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      ARGENTINA are sweating on the fitness of the man dubbed “Lionel Messi’s bodyguard” for their crunch clash with Holland.Rodrigo De Paul failed to train alongside his team-mates earlier today and is preparing to undergo tests.
      Rodrigo De Paul has provided Argentina an injury scare ahead of the World Cup quarter-finalCredit: Getty
      The star has been dubbed Lionel Messi’s ‘bodyguard’Credit: AP
      The 28-year-old midfielder has featured in all of his nation’s World Cup matches in Qatar so far.
      Now Argentina are preparing to face Holland in the quarter-final on Friday.
      But there is concern whether the Atletico Madrid man will be fit enough to face the Dutch.
      He is believed to have a problem with his right hamstring and was forced to train away from the rest of the squad earlier.
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      De Paul has often been referred to as “Messi’s bodyguard” by Argentina fans.
      However, it is not only in a physical sense that moniker was devised.
      The ace also covers the free-playing magician in a tactical sense.
      He played a key role in the success at last year’s Copa America and boss Lionel Scaloni has trusted him immensely again so far in the Middle East.
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      He has played every minute of the World Cup for Argentina.
      But now it appears that he faces a race against time to be fit for Friday’s crunch showdown.
      De Paul has 48 caps for his country, scoring twice, and will be desperate to add to that before football’s biggest showcase concludes. More

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      Jamie Carragher names his best World Cup XI of all time using no more than one player from each country

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has named his best World Cup XI of all time with just one player allowed per country. And he made the controversial call to leave both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi out of the team.

      Pele is probably the greatest World Cup player everCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Diego Maradona unsurprisingly makes the incredible line-upCredit: Getty
      The Portuguese representative is forward Eusebio, who leads the line in a 4-2-3-1 formation for Carragher.
      Eusebio scored all nine of his World Cup goals as he led his country to the semi-finals in 1966, including four in the stunning comeback win over North Korea – when Portugal won 5-3 from 3-0 down inside 25 minutes.
      Supporting the clinical striker are three of the all-time footballing greats.
      From Argentina, operating on the right, is none other than Diego Maradona, who led his nation to glory in 1986 – thanks in part to his famous double against England.
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      The magician scored eight goals in his 21 appearances in the competition and is considered one of the best ever.
      Alongside Maradona is another of the sport’s greatest icons in Pele.
      The Brazilian is the only player ever to win three World Cups, is the youngest winner and goalscorer and arguably the very best World Cup player.
      To complete a fearsome front four for Carragher is Holland maverick Johan Cruyff.
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      He led the Dutch to the final in 1974 with the beautiful brand of football but the Oranje fell short by losing to West Germany in the final.
      Providing the balls into the elite attack are two of the great passers the game has seen.
      Ultimate technician Xavi, winner of the 2010 World Cup, is in the team for Spain.
      And next to him is his former El Clasico rival and 2018 finalist Luka Modric.
      In fact, the Real Madrid star is the only active footballer in the XI – currently representing Croatia in Qatar.
      The back four is made up of some of the titans of the game with 1998 winner Lilian Thuram, 1974 champion Franz Beckenbauer, 1966 victor Bobby Moore and 1994 runner-up Paolo Maldini.
      Bobby Moore is the only England captain to lift the World CupCredit: PA
      Xavi helped Spain to glory in South Africa in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Jamie Carragher left out Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel MessiCredit: Getty
      Thuram played for France 142 times across 14 years and managed two goals – incredibly both came in the 2-0 1998 semi-final win over Croatia.
      Beckenbauer is one of just three men to win the World Cup as a player and as a manager – the supreme defender leading West Germany from the dugout in 1990.
      England’s player is none other than their only captain to lift the World Cup – Moore was the linchpin in the heart of the defence when the Three Lions secured the Jules Rimet trophy on home soil 58 long years ago.
      Maldini, meanwhile, may not have won the World Cup for four-time champions Italy but still gets the nod for Carragher as one of the game’s top left-backs.
      And this all-star team apparently needs a goalkeeper, too – although one doubts he would be very busy.
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      The man chosen is Denmark hero Peter Schmeichel, who only played at one World Cup – reaching the quarters in 1998 – but is widely regarded as the No1 goalkeeper ever by many.
      Ironically, his son Kasper has played at more – representing the Danes in Russia and Qatar. More

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      Croatia star Mateo Kovacic shows off nasty face injury after freak gym accident ahead of World Cup clash Brazil

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      MATEO KOVACIC showed off his nasty-looking facial injuries ahead of Croatia’s clash with Brazil.The losing finalists in 2018 take on the five-time champions in the quarter-final of the World Cup at 3pm on Friday.
      Mateo Kovacic had nasty looking cuts on his faceCredit: Alamy
      The midfielder revealed he had an accident in the gym
      Kovacic is fit to play in the tie despite suffering a freak accident in the gym this week.
      The Chelsea star had cuts to his right eyebrow and just below his right eye.
      But he is looking forward to taking on Brazil and admitted he has room for improvement after the last 16 game against Japan.
      He said in a press conference: “It’s easier when the opponent plays out and leaves more space.

      “But I can improve some things in my game, especially when the team closes and I have room for improvement. But every match is different.”
      Croatia booked a meeting with Brazil after beating Japan 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
      Kovacic has featured in every World Cup game for Croatia – who are unbeaten in four matches.
      And while Croatia have impressed on the pitch, superfan Ivana Knoll has captured attention off the pitch.
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      The former Miss Croatia trolled Japan fans by eating sushi following Croatia’s win and many fans have stopped to take photos with her.
      Ivana says she has been warmly received in Qatar with men, women and children all keen to take photos with her. More

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      Arsenal could be forced to rip up January transfer plans and shelve Mykhailo Mudryk move after Gabriel Jesus injury

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      ARSENAL could have to postpone their planned January transfer swoop for Mykhailo Mudryk after news Gabriel Jesus could be sidelined long-term.The Gunners have been dealt a huge blow to their title hopes with the star facing months out after surgery on his knee.
      Arsenal may have to postpone their transfer pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk next monthCredit: Getty
      The Gunners have been rocked by the news Gabriel Jesus will be sidelined long-termCredit: Instagram
      They have confirmed that their star striker, signed from Manchester City for £45million in the summer, had gone under the knife after returning from the World Cup.
      Arsenal are currently unclear on how long Jesus’ recovery will take, but the striker could be facing months out.
      Jesus, 25, has five Premier League goals so far this season and has been key to them going into the break five points clear at the top of the table.
      The former Manchester City man suffered the injury in Brazil’s final group stage game against Cameroon, his first start at Qatar 2022 having come off the bench against Serbia and Switzerland.
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      In a statement, the North Londoners said: “Gabriel Jesus has successfully undergone surgery to his right knee after suffering an injury during the Brazil v Cameroon World Cup group stage match on Friday.
      “Gabby will now begin his rehabilitation programme. Everyone at the club is supporting Gabby and will be working hard to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
      The injury could force Mikel Arteta to go back into the transfer market to sign another striker to continue challenging Manchester City for the title.
      Arsenal spent £120million in the summer but only have one other out-and-out striker in the squad, Eddie Nketiah.
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      The former England Under-21 international is yet to start a Prem game this season and has no goals in 12 league appearances from the bench.
      Arsenal are keen on signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mudryk, 21, but may have to rethink their plans as the Ukrainian is not a centre forward.
      Brazil boss Tite was accused of the Arsenal man knowing there was a concern over his knee but firmly denied those claims, calling them “evil lies”.
      Tite said: “I don’t like hearing lies out there, evil lies.
      “At no time do we play for victory at the risk of a player’s peril. The liar who’s out there – because that’s the name isn’t it, the haters, right?
      “We are responsible, we are personally responsible, we are ethical and it would never have happened. I didn’t want this to happen, it’s a shame, we are very sorry for Gabriel.”
      Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, still in Qatar with England, quickly got in touch with his teammate after hearing of the injury.
      Saka said: “He’s a very, very, very important player for us.
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      “It’s not good to hear the news, obviously I’ve messaged him. It was definitely not good news when I heard that.”
      After a training camp in Dubai and friendlies against Lyon, AC Milan and Juventus, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Boxing Day against West Ham. More

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      World’s worst football lookalikes cashing in on their famous ‘doppelgangers’… can YOU guess who they are?

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      THE weird world of celebrity lookalikes can be a surprisingly lucrative business.But unfortunately, some of these supposed spitting images of famous footballers aren’t exactly the full ticket.
      Mbappe lookalike Reece Ford
      With the World Cup in Qatar well underway, The Sun Online had some fun putting together a list of some of the worst football doppelgangers.
      From a Cristiano Ronaldo ‘lookalike’ who is more Cristia-no, to a Harry Kane impersonator who Kane-not be serious, can you tell who these are supposed to be?
      Bewar Abdullah thinks he resembles a world-famous footballerCredit: Glen Minikin – The Sun
      SIU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING
      Bewar Abdullah is a 28-year-old from Birmingham.
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      He is also often mistaken for Portugal and former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
      So striking is the apparent resemblance that he often gets booked out for children’s parties, and has racked up 1.3million followers on Instagram.
      He also claims his resemblance has made him a hit with the ladies, and that he often gets asked to do Ronaldo’s trademark “Siuuuu” celebration in pubs during Portugal games.
      Bewar claims he is often mistaken for the Portuguese starCredit: Getty
      A sweet shop worker has reportedly been mistaken for one of football’s biggest starsCredit: Central European News
      MESSI-ING AROUND
      Alejandro Pereira Negreiros was working in a sweet shop in Sao Paulo in Brazil when he went viral in 2017.
      A number of Twitter users claimed the 21-year-old was the spitting image of a legendary player from Brazil’s arch-rivals Argentina.
      Yes, apparently, Alejandro is a doppelganger for Lionel Messi.
      The bemused shopworker soon became a local celebrity after a colleague shared his photo online, even though by his own admission he knew little about his more famous twin.
      Messi is often regarded as one of if not the greatest footballers of all timeCredit: Getty
      Danny McLaughlin has been compared to a top England starCredit: harrykanelookalike/Instagram
      KANE YOU BELIEVE IT
      Danny McLaughlin from Epping in Essex was only born a stone’s throw from his famous “lookalike”.
      The council worker claims he is often mistaken for Walthamstow-born Three Lions and Tottenham legend Harry Kane.
      He told one publication the similarity was first noticed when he was outside a nightclub after Kane had scored against north London rivals Arsenal.
      “I didn’t think anything of it, it was only when friends said it to me and then all of a sudden we were getting into nightclubs for free or queue jumping which was something special,” he said.
      Danny also says a number of women slide into his DMs but, unfortunately for them, he was, as of 2021, happily taken.
      Harry Kane is closing in on Rooney’s record as England’s all-time leading goalscorerCredit: Getty
      A Gareth Southgate ‘lookalike’Credit: PA
      DOPPEL-GARETH
      Last year, among the excitement as England progressed to the final of the postponed Euro 2020 final, one lookalike was milking it for all he could.
      The unnamed man was compared by many in the crowd to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
      He even donned Southgate’s infamous lucky waistcoat from the 2018 World Cup as he was mobbed by fans.
      Dozens of boozed-up supporters ran up to take their pictures with the lookalike under the famous Wembley arches.
      Can Gareth Southgate finally bring it home?Credit: Rex
      Liam Wilson has been mistaken for another Three Lions starCredit: SWNS
      THE GREAL DEAL
      Liam Wilson from Norwich is another lookalike who has been mistaken for an England star.
      He claims to get preferential treatment at restaurants and have kids come up to him for selfies because of his resemblance to Jack Grealish.
      Liam said he often plays along with people who earnestly mistake him for the Manchester City and England midfielder.
      However, he admits his girlfriend finds the constant requests for pictures “cringey”.
      England and Manchester City star Jack GrealishCredit: Getty
      Eigon Oliveira has been mistaken for a famous Brazil star while in QatarCredit: Reuters
      CLEAR AS NEY
      Eigon Oliveira caused a Puma shop to close in Doha after he was mistaken for Brazilian star Neymar.
      He even donned a Brazilian training uniform along with similar sunglasses, a hat and beard.
      Eigon now has over one million followers on Instagram thanks the likeness, and now wants to make being Neymar’s lookalike a full-time job.
      He previously worked as a waiter on Brazil, where he said customers often remarked on his resemblance to the PSG player.
      Brazil and PSG star NeymarCredit: Getty
      Reece Ford, the Love Island bombshell from Coventry, and footballer’s body doubleCredit: Instagram
      LOOK-KYL-LIKE
      Love Island star Reece Ford isn’t just famous for reality TV, he also has a remarkable secret.
      The Coventry-born Brit revealed earlier this year he was a stunt double for France’s supremely-talented forward Kylian Mbappe.
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      On his Instagram page, the 23-year-old shared an image of himself with the France and PSG striker.
      He also posted a number of polaroid images of himself in various football poses as part of an ad for Nike. More