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      ‘Sneaky sods’ – Man Utd icon Neville spots Liverpool and City stars’ Jude Bellingham transfer tactic on World Cup duty

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      GARY NEVILLE reckons England’s stars from Liverpool and Manchester City are laying the ground work to try to sign midfield sensation Jude Bellingham.He joked that “sneaky little sods” Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden are all cosying up to the Borussia Dortmund ace while on World Cup duty.
      Jordan Henderson and Jude Bellingham are good friendsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bellingham enjoyed a recent stroll through DohaCredit: Instagram @trentarnold66
      Manchester City ace Phil Foden pictured sharing a joke with BellinghamCredit: Getty
      Liverpool captain Henderson and Bellingham are good pals – despite the 13-year age gap between the pair.
      Elsewhere Reds fans were sent into meltdown when Alexander-Arnold shared a snap of the pair together after they went for a stroll together in Qatar.
      While Manchester United legend Neville also claimed City ace Foden was getting close to Bellingham.
      And the pundit doesn’t believe it to be a coincidence.
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      Neville told Sky: “The whole thing unnerves me!
      “When I was in the camp sort of 15 years ago, I used to sort of get close to [Wayne] Rooney, close to Rio Ferdinand. All those players you thought you could just grab.
      “Now you see Phil Foden next to Jude Bellingham, you see Trent Alexander-Arnold going for a walk with him, you see Jordan Henderson cuddling up to him at the end of the game.
      “And you think ‘you sneaky little sods’, I know what you’re trying to do you lot’.”
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      Neville conceded that Bellingham appears more likely to end up at City or Liverpool, rather than his beloved Red Devils.
      He continued: “That’s the reality of it at this moment in time. [Bellingham] is more likely to go to Liverpool and Manchester City, just because of where they are at, what they are doing.
      “But you can’t rule out one of the big European clubs either, and you can’t certainly rule out what Chelsea or Manchester United might try and do financially to try and sort of wrestle him away.”
      Bellingham has been strongly linked with a big money move in 2023, and his performances at the World Cup will only fuel more speculation.
      Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City are reported to be the three frontrunners to sign Bellingham, with Manchester United claimed to be out of the running.
      Bellingham has been in stunning form for England at the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Samuel Eto’o apologises for ‘violent altercation’ with fan at World Cup but blames ‘daily harassment’ from Algerians

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      SAMUEL ETO’O has apologised for his “violent altercation” with a fan at the World Cup.But the former striker has blamed losing his temper on the “daily harassment” he receives from “some Algerian supporters.”
      Samuel Eto’o has apologised for attacking a fan at the World CupCredit: AFP
      Eto’o has received ‘daily harassment’ from Algeria fans over Cameroon’s World Cup spot
      Shocking footage emerged of Eto’o appearing to KNEE someone in the head before Brazil’s win over South Korea.
      The ex-Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea star was left incensed after exchanging words with a man holding a camera – who has since been identified as Algerian video journalist “Sadouni SM”.
      And the video ended with Eto’o attacking the YouTuber before being led away from the scene.
      Sadouni said afterwards: “I did all this for Algeria. Eto’o broke my camera and microphone and hit me on the chin.
      READ MOPE ON WORLD CUP
      “I am at the police station for the investigation. This video must be shared.
      “As Eto’o is famous, I am afraid that they will hide the case, but I trust the Qatari police.”
      But Eto’o, 41, has now posted his own message on social media apologising for his actions, adding he blew his top after being “harassed daily” by Algeria fans.
      Cameroon booked their World Cup spot with a controversial victory over their African rivals earlier this year.
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      Algeria were left furious with the refereeing during the second leg of the play-off – even demanding for it to be replayed.
      And Eto’o, who now heads Cameroon’s FA, claims he has been harassed ever since by unhappy Algeria fans.
      Eto’o wrote on social media: “On last 5 December, after the Brazil-South Korea match, I had a violent altercation with a person who was probably an Algerian supporter.
      “I would like to apologise for losing my temper and reacting in a way that does not match my personality. I apologise to the public for this unfortunate incident.
      “I pledge to continue to resist the relentless provocation and daily harassment of some Algerian supporters.
      “Indeed, since the Cameroon-Algeria match on 29 March in Blida, I have been the target of insults and allegations of cheating without any evidence.
      “During this World Cup, Cameroonian fans have been harassed and pestered by Algerians on the same subject.
      “I would like to mention that the scenario of Algeria’s defeat was cruel but perfectly in line with the rules and ethics of our sport.
      “All the appeals made by the Algerian Football Federation to the competent jurisdictions have been rejected.
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      “I therefore call on the Algerian authorities and Federation to take their responsibilities to put an end to this unhealthy climate before a more serious tragedy occurs.
      “To Fennecs’ fans, I wish that they find peace and manage to overcome the disappointment of a painful defeat, now behind us.” More

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      David Beckham spotted at England training camp giving World Cup pep talk to Southgate, Kane and Co

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      DAVID BECKHAM has met the England squad in Doha as they bid for World Cup glory.The former Three Lions captain is in Qatar working as an ambassador for the tournament.

      David Beckham posed with his iconic No7 shirt alongside Gareth Southgate
      Harry Kane asked Becks what he thinks of the current England team
      Many players seemed enthralled with what Beckham had to say
      Declan Rice looked delighted to see the former England captainCredit: Getty
      Bukayo Saka politely asked Beckham for a photoCredit: Getty
      An old England great meets a star of the new generation, Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      The ex-Manchester United star spoke to Trent Alexander-Arnold about their Anfield experiencesCredit: Getty
      Beckham with fellow pin-up GrealishCredit: Getty
      But he spent time at England’s World Cup training camp to speak to players.
      Gareth Southgate presented his former team-mate with his iconic No7 shirt, fitted with “Beckham” across the back and his legacy number, 1087, imprinted on the inside of the collar.
      He also met with England captain Harry Kane – a player he helped inspire on his way to the top.
      Beckham shared some words with Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kieran Trippier and Jordan Pickford, likely passing on wisdom he gained from his own World Cup experiences.
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      He also spoke to Trent Alexander-Arnold about his crossing ability as well as some of his memories playing against Liverpool at Anfield as a Manchester United player.
      The likes of Jack Grealish, Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Callum Wilson all looked buzzing to see the 115-cap former star, and each beamed from ear to ear as they shook hands with Becks.
      Bukayo Saka also asked the former Real Madrid star for a photo, which Beckham happily said yes to.
      Beckham also looked delighted to see the current England stars and will hope his visit acts as a source of inspiration.
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      Kane, who famously met Beckham as a kid, revealed the former United man was his idol growing up.
      The England No9 said: “Becks went to my secondary school, Chingford Foundation. We both played for Ridgeway Rovers, our Sunday league team.
      “He was my biggest idol when I was growing up. He was here the other day. We had a good chat.
      “He was one of the best captains we ever had.
      “I didn’t just ask questions about games or how he felt, it was more just getting to know his experiences, how he feels about our team, what he sees in our team.
      “We had a chat about loads of things. He’s really excited for the national side. He loves watching us play.
      “It’s great to have support from ex-players. They know how much it means to represent your country. They’re all part of the team.” More

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      Watch Sofiane Boufal ‘send Marcos Llorente back to Atletico’ with filthy skill in Morocco’s World Cup game against Spain

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      SOFIANE BOUFAL sent Marcos Llorente back to Atletico Madrid with an outrageous bit of skill during Morocco’s World Cup clash with Spain.The two countries – separated by the Strait of Gibraltar – collided in the World Cup round of 16.

      Boufal had Llorente on toast in the first halfCredit: EPA

      Morocco, in particular, have been one of the surprise packages at the Qatar tournament, topping a group consisting of World Cup 2018 finalists Croatia, Belgium’s golden generation and Canada.
      Meanwhile, Spain ultimately turned in an underwhelming group stage after thrashing Costa Rica in their opener, finishing second to Japan.
      Morocco called on their technical ballers to break Luis Enrique’s well-drilled Spanish side down.
      Ex-Southampton ace Boufal was put up against Atletico’s Llorente and got the better of the versatile Spaniard.
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      Trickster Boufal sent Llorente back to Atletico with a bit of outrageous skill that left the midfielder scrambling.
      Boufal faked one way, prompting Llorente to lunge in before darting down the line.
      One fan tweeted: “Llorente got sent back to Atletico lmao.”
      Another said: “Stop that Boufal.”
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      A third quipped: “Boufal is the final boss of tricky North African wingers with 5 star skill moves and no end product.”
      It was one of three times Llorente was dribbled past in the first half.
      Morocco pulled off the first shock of the World Cup knockouts, beating Spain 3-0 on penalties.
      Boufal was subbed in the second half More

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      Luis Enrique barks orders at Spain players from top of a TOWER through walkie-talkie in innovative coaching technique

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      SPAIN manager Luis Enrique has come up with an innovative way of coaching his players – installing a tower at the team’s training base in Qatar.The former Barcelona boss barks orders using a walkie-talkie with a microphone attached to each player.
      Luis Enrique and his coaching staff climb a ladder to get their improved viewCredit: TWITTER / BarcaUniversal
      Enrique uses a walkie-talkie to communicate from high upCredit: TWITTER / BarcaUniversal
      The ex-Barcelona boss is always looking for innovative coaching methodsCredit: Getty
      Enrique, 52, watches training from his vantage point as he is set on coaching a possession and positional based style with his view allowing him to see everything better and provide quick feedback.
      A tower made out of scaffolding has been installed at Spain’s University of Qatar training base.
      ITV pundit Joe Cole joked if he was in the Spain team he’d say: “I’ve lost reception boss, I can’t hear ya.”
      It has been a tactic the gaffer has reportedly used since 2013 when he was in charge of Celta Vigo.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      When the Spanish side meet up on home soil in Madrid, Enrique continues to be contemporary using a giant screen by the side of the pitch to analyse practice immediately.
      Enrique has been doing nightly Twitch streams that have proved popular in Spain where fans can ask him questions.
      In one of his streams he opened up on his use of technology saying: “Today, for example, I decided that the strikers will wear them [walkie-talkies] and we have had much calmer communication.
      “I don’t talk to them when the play is in motion, because they don’t need to think that I’m running after them, but when the move is over, if there’s something to correct, I’ll correct it.
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      “We train more on video than on the pitch.
      “There are players who do things with their clubs that are very different to what we ask, but we have seen when they come with us they do brilliantly.”
      Enrique then revealed that he has always had a passion for using tech to help football despite his lack of knowledge with it at times.
      He said: “I like computers, at 21 when I arrived at Real Madrid, the first thing I did was buy one.
      “My team-mates told me ‘but you don’t even know how to turn it on’. [I said] well, don’t worry, some day I will learn.
      “I’ve always liked technology. I remember being one of the first players to get on the Internet, working out emails and helping everyone else. I’ve always liked it.
      “Now I’m an old geezer who doesn’t know how to work the Bluetooth on his headphones.”
      Enrique methods have had success. Spain reached the semi-final of Euro 2020 losing to eventual winners Italy on penalties.
      Read More on The Sun
      He also won two LaLiga titles and a Champions League while managing Barcelona but was blessed to have a front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
      Enrique is well-known for being a demanding coach insisting that his players practice “1,000 penalties” before arriving at the World Cup. More

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      Sunburnt Matty Cash bumps into Ronaldinho in Qatar after Poland’s World Cup 2022 exit to France

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      MATTY CASH bumped into Brazilian legend Ronaldinho days after being dumped out of the World Cup.Poland lost 3-1 to France on Sunday in the last-16 as two Kylian Mbappe stunners set them apart.
      Poland and Villa star Cash met the legendary midfielder Ronaldinho
      The Villa star was taken to task by France’s main man Mbappe on Sunday during the World Cup knockout
      But it was a valiant effort from the Poles and Cash, 25, had a good tournament for his mother’s home nation.
      And he is taking a deserved break on the beaches of Qatar.
      The Aston Villa star has even had the chance to meet a hero in Ronaldinho.
      He posted it on Twitter and next to an emoji of a goat, Cash simply wrote: “Legend.”
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      Despite Cash’s sunburn and Ronaldinho’s choice of attire, fans on social media absolutely loved the combo.
      One wrote: “A footballing icon. And Ronaldinho.”
      Another added: “The magician of the ball, captivating with a smile, like a panther on the pitch. Ronaldinho is cool too.”
      Cash did his best to mark Kylian Mbappe during Poland’s defeat to Les Blues and walked away breathless after the game with his shirt as a mark of respect.
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      It was the closest he had got to it all game.
      Cash is no slouch and did his homework but there is only so much preparation anyone can do against the young ace.
      Mbappe is just three games away from winning a second World Cup – two days before his 24th birthday.
      England stand in his way on Saturday and Cash described the challenge that Kyle Walker and the Three Lions defenders will have this weekend.

      He joked: “I watched the videos while lying in bed – then in real life Mbappe’s burning my legs, that’s the difference. 
      “It’s a massive difference, when he stands you up and moves he does it really well. He drops the shoulder, goes short then long. 
      “I got into a couple of races with him, and I did alright. You look over your shoulder and he’s there.
      “For me personally it’s amazing, to have that experience and that learning curve.
      “I’m obviously still a young kid, learning the game, and to be at a major tournament playing against the world’s best players is something you dream of, so it’s amazing.
      “He is on a different level. It’s even hard stopping the ball getting to him because their game plan is to get the ball to the wingers and when it’s one v one you’ve got to try to stop him.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He obviously does it really well because he scores and he’s probably in the top two, three players in the world at the minute.
      “But I’m delighted, playing against Messi and Mbappe in the space of four days is a learning curve. It’s a boy’s dream to play in a major tournament against these types of players and to get their match shirt.” More

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      How Harry Kane is reacting to Raheem Sterling break-in and taking action inside England camp ahead of crunch game

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      HARRY Kane is providing invaluable support to the England squad following the break-in at Raheem Sterling’s home as they prepare to take on France in their crunch World Cup game.The England skipper, 29, is helping calm other members in the camp who may be concerned about the raid.
      Harry Kane is providing invaluable support to the England squad following the raid on Raheem Sterling’s homeCredit: Getty
      Raheem, seen here with his fiancée Paige, has said he will only return to Qatar once his family is safeCredit: Getty – Contributor
      The England ace rushed home from Qatar following the raidCredit: Rex
      A Three Lions source said: “Harry knows the players’ families are really shaken up by what has happened and that is a worry for the players themselves.
      “He sees it as his job as skipper to keep the morale of the team up and to focus everyone on the France match.”
      Sterling, 27, dashed home from Qatar after his mansion was targeted by a gang who stole £300,000 worth of watches and designer jewellery — he is said to be the fourth Chelsea FC player hit by them in recent months.
      Police understand his fiancee Paige, 27, discovered the raid on Saturday night, less than 24 hours before England’s clash with Senegal on Sunday.
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      He is hoping to return to Qatar for Saturday’s quarter final against France — but only if he thinks his home is secured and his family are not at risk.
      A source said: “Raheem has told everyone, ‘There is no way I’m going anywhere unless I’m 100 per cent sure that my family can be kept safe’. He is security conscious and part of the reason they moved into the property was that it is on a very exclusive estate, with regular security patrols.
      “Despite this, he has still managed to be targeted, which is very upsetting for Raheem and Paige. They have just moved back to London and want to feel safe.”
      The family moved into the property in Oxshott, Surrey, after Chelsea paid Man City £47.5 million for the winger this summer.
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      It is understood Paige returned to the UK from Qatar with his three young children after cheering on Raheem in the group stages.
      She had a work commitment related to her property firm.
      Raheem has now met with detectives from Surrey Police who are investigating the crime.
      It’s not the first time Chelsea players have had their homes raided and it’s feared a highly organised criminal gang has the club’s wealthy players in its sights.
      One of the other Chelsea victims defender Reece James, 22, was raided by a gang who targeted his home in Cobham, Surrey, in September 2021. They stole his safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup and Euro 2020 medals.
      Two other teammates have also suffered similar crimes in recent months, with cops now looking into potential links.
      England ace Harry Maguire has blasted the thugs who targeted Raheem.
      Man United star Harry, 29, said: “It’s extremely disappointing to hear that when we are out here playing for our country and giving everything there are people back home targeting us.
      “The game could have gone different and we might have needed Raheem.”
      And other Wags have offered Paige their support.
      Meanwhile, Raheem plans to beef up security at his home once the police have finished their investigations.
      A source said: “He has got a firm on standby to go straight in to install 24/7 security with enhanced infra red night vision. He’s looking to get dozens of cameras installed.
      Read More on The Sun
      “And he’s going to employ a security firm to patrol his house night and day, and will keep them in place until the World Cup is over. All the jewellery of value has since been removed from the house to a safe deposit place.”
      Police said no arrests had yet been made.
      The raiders stole £300,000 worth of watches and designer jewellery
      Harry sees part of his job as England skipper to keep the side’s morale up, a source saysCredit: Getty More

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      Watch USA striker Ricardo Pepi pole dance in Holland shirt after his nation’s World Cup defeat to Dutch

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      USA striker Ricardo Pepi was spotted pole dancing in a Holland kit after he appeared to lose a bet on the World Cup last-16.Pepi was a surprise omission from Gregg Berhalter’s side, who were knocked out of the tournament by the Dutch.
      USA striker Ricardo Pepi has been seen wearing a Holland kitCredit: https://twitter.com/StefanBleeker
      Holland knocked USA out of the World Cup in the last-16Credit: https://twitter.com/StefanBleeker
      Pepi, left, was snubbed for USA’s World Cup squad, but appears to have worn the Holland shirt after losing a betCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Christian Pulisic and Co suffered heartbreak at the hands of HollandCredit: Reuters
      Footage of Pepi, who plays in Holland for Gronigen, donning a Dutch kit was then posted to Twitter.
      The 19-year-old was seen laughing as he jokingly danced around a pole.
      But fans were quick to leap to the teenager’s defence.
      Comments on social media claimed the snubbed USA striker was in fact forced to wear the Holland shirt after losing a bet with a team-mate.
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      There are no suggestions the 12-cap USA international wore the shirt to mock the 3-1 defeat to Holland in the last-16.
      Pepi has scored six goals in nine league games for Gronigen this season, on loan from German outfit Augsburg.
      And leaving the teenager out of USA’s World Cup squad raised some eyebrows pre-tournament.
      Explaining the decision to leave out Pepi, Berhalter said: “The Dutch league, I think it’s a great league, but it doesn’t bring the same physicality that the Premier League or the Championship brings.
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      “That was something that went into the decision.”
      Pepi himself also admitted that it was “disappointing” to miss out on the squad.
      He said: “[It’s] disappointing because I felt like I gave myself the best opportunities to be in the World Cup roster.
      “I felt like I had a chance, but also not disappointing at the same time because, like I said, I did my thing, I went out there, I played many minutes, I scored my goals. I’m really happy with that situation.
      “At the end of the day, it’s a coach’s decision that I can’t control. 
      “I feel like once he told me, I wanted to flip the page as soon as possible and just focus on the game now. I can’t keep thinking about why I didn’t make it or why I did.” More