World Cup

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.
Kylian Mbappe was transformed into an England fanCredit: Paul Edwards
Sunman Joe Hadden draped Mbappe’s waxwork in England coloursCredit: Paul Edwards
Mbappe with his waxwork likeness at the Grevin Museum in ParisCredit: AFP or licensors
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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Bugsy’s Bar bartender Luke Blackford, 23, added: “Great of the Sun to do it on their own soil. He looks better than ever in an England scarf.”
They were also confident of England’s chances of getting to the semi-finals, bolstered by players who have played in overseas leagues, including Jude Bellingham, Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier.
Kyle, who was in English boozer The Bowler, said: “We’ll smash them, I have absolutely no doubt about it.
“The players know how much this fixture means to the fans.
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“Lads like Bellingham, Dier and Trippier have played abroad.
“They know what it’s like to be the only Englishman in the room.
“There’s an understanding of what it means to be English amongst these boys that we haven’t seen before.’’
Luke also believes they can beat the reigning world champs, though he is dreading the aftermath, regardless of the result in Qatar.
He said: “We’ll beat them 2-1. My French mates think they’ll win but I can’t see it.
“Either way, France is the worst country to be in for this – if we win they’re not going to be happy and if they beat us they’re going to be even more condescending.”
Mbappe became the youngest person to be immortalised in waxwork when the Grevin Museum unveiled his statue in 2018, aided by the man himself.
The striker is one of the quickest players in the world, clocking around 23.6mph.
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However if he plays he is likely to be up against speedy England defender Kyle Walker, who has recorded a speed of 23.5mph.
Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped for Portugal’s last-16 tie against Switzerland last night, following his unhappy reaction at being subbed off in their previous game against South Korea.
Mbappe missed training with a suspected ankle inury, sparking fears he could miss the quarter-finalCredit: Getty More

LUCKY mascot Chesney Hawkes aims to give World Cup rivals France the hump — by belting out The One and Only on a camel.And the One and Only singer went further by declaring: “I’m going to stick my neck out and say that England are going to win.
England’s lucky mascot Chesney Hawkes aims to give World Cup rivals France the hump — by belting out The One and Only on a camelCredit: Dan Charity
Chesney was adopted by the England players as their lucky mascot after performing his 1991 hit during half-time of the final Group B clash with WalesCredit: The Sun
As well as entertaining locals outside Qatar capital Doha, 51-year-old Chesney showed off his football skills on top of 200ft-high sand dunesCredit: Dan Charity
“It won’t be easy as the French are a very good team, but so are we. Come on England!”
As well as entertaining locals outside Qatar capital Doha, 51-year-old Chesney showed off his football skills on top of 200ft-high sand dunes.
Camel owner Ali Hussein, 32, said: “Chesney is a great guy. He can come and ride my camel again any time he wants.
“I hope England win on Saturday and go on to win the whole tournament.”
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Chesney was adopted by the England players as their lucky mascot after performing a rousing rendition of his 1991 hit during half-time of the final Group B clash with Wales — heralding a 3-0 second-half thrashing.
The Sun then ensured he got to the Senegal game.
Now he wants tournament bosses to allow him a repeat performance against France.
Fifa insist a French singer would have to be found too.
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