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    England back training ahead of France clash in World Cup quarter-finals with whole squad raring to go in 28C heat

    ENGLAND stars were all smiles in training less than 24 hours after their romp to the World Cup quarter-finals.Gareth Southgate’s troops booked their place in the last eight of the tournament with a 3-0 win over African Champions Senegal last Sunday.
    England returned to training just hours after their win over SenegalCredit: Reuters
    Gareth Southgate’s second string went through a full session while the starters worked out in the gymCredit: Reuters
    Mason Mount was among the crop of players put their pacesCredit: REUTERS
    As was Jack Grealish, who was all smiles as he chated with SouthgateCredit: REUTERS
    Marcus Rashford cracked a laugh with defender Conor CoadyCredit: PA
    Southgate was the picture of happiness as he oversaw his reserve players’ training sessionCredit: REUTERS
    But there was no rest for the wicked as he had his Three Lions back in training less than 24 hours after the win.
    Southgate and his coaching team put the starters from Sunday’s win through a light workout in the gym.
    But those who started on the bench were put through their paces in 28-degree heat – although they seemingly enjoyed the session.
    Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount all had smiles on their faces during the sweltering session.
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    But it was Southgate who had the biggest grin of the lot.
    The gaffer was seen laughing and joking with the second string players.
    Southgate’s reserves all got good sessions in – apart from Callum Wilson.
    The Newcastle hitman – who bagged an assist in the group stage rout of Iran – missed the session with the minor niggle.
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    It’s not yet known if the knock will keep him out of Saturday’s mouthwatering quarter-final tie with France.
    Defending champions France will provide the toughest test of England’s stellar Qatar campaign – an examination Southgate is relishing.
    He said: “We’ve got a brilliant tie, haven’t we?
    “The two quarter-finals are fabulous football nations, great history, couldn’t be more exciting.
    It wasn’t all smiles for the reserves as they were put through a gruelling sessionCredit: REX
    Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips was among the traineesCredit: REX
    As was Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: REUTERS
    Southgate will have some tough decisions to make ahead of Saturday’s match with FranceCredit: PA
    “Our history is not quite as good as all the others, by the way.
    “But we’re really pleased.
    “I’ve just been told it’s the first time we’ve won knockout games in three consecutive tournaments.
    “That’s another bit of history that this team has managed to achieve and we’ve got to keep trying to do that.”
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    He added: “They’re an outstanding team with a phenomenal tournament record and some outstanding individuals.
    “So without a doubt we’ll have to find our highest possible level.”
    Southgate is relishing Saturday’s clash with the FrenchCredit: Reuters More

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    France’s World Cup Wags ahead of England clash include high-school sweetheart, qualified lawyer and tattoo parlour owner

    SHOUTING ‘Allez Les Bleus’ to the top of the lungs will be France’s Wags, when they face England in the World Cup quarter-final.Didier Deschamps took his side to the top of Group D – with the French seeing off Poland in the last 16.
    France’s Wags include stunning Alicia AyliesCredit: Getty
    Former Miss France Aylies is the girlfriend of Kylian Mbappe
    And joining the stars of the national team at the Al Bayt Stadium when they take on the Three Lions for a place in the final four will be their stunning wives and partners.
    From a qualified lawyer to a tattoo parlour, these women will be getting behind their men.
    Alicia Aylies
    Beautiful 23-year-old Alicia is the long-term girlfriend PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.
    They reportedly began dating in 2018, and she was spotted in the stands cheering the forward on at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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    Alicia is a model, who won Miss France.
    As a couple, Mbappe and the beauty prefer to keep their romance private.

    Camille Tytgat
    Raphael Varane’s wife Camille is a law graduate from Lille.
    She married the Man Utd defender in 2015, although the pair were high-school sweethearts.
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    The pair have two children together, a boy called Ruben and a girl named Anais.
    Camille, 28, is also a World Cup veteran, having watched her other half in Russia four years ago.
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    Raphael Varane’s wife Camille Tytgat was spotted at the 2018 World Cup in RussiaCredit: AFP
    Qualified lawyer Tytgat is the mother of two children, Ruben and Anais
    Zoe Cristofoli
    Tattoo lover Cristofoli, 26, is the girlfriend of AC Milan star Theo Hernandez.
    She and the defender share a son called TJ.
    The stunner has a love of ink, with her body a canvas for it.
    While she also runs her own parlour Ink Studio Lagrange in Turin.
    Zoe Cristofoli runs her own tattoo parlour in TurinCredit: Instagram @zoe_cristofoli
    Cristofoli dates Theo Hernandez
    Erika Choperena
    Erika, 31, is a child psychologist and wife of Antoine Griezmann.
    The pair were together for six years, before they finally married in an amazing ceremony at the 11th Century Palacio de Galiana in Toledo, Spain in 2017.
    She also runs her own clothing label for kids called Duzama.
    They have three children together, Amaro, Mia, and Alba.
    Erika Choperena runs her own kids’ fashion label
    Antoine Griezmann with wife Erika
    Marine Lloris
    Another children’s fashion designer, Marine owns the clothing label, Manege en Sucre.
    She boasts customers including Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria – who shop for their kids with the luxury brand.
    The 36-year-old has been married to Tottenham shot-stopper Hugo Lloris since 2012.
    The elegant brunette is also a mother of two daughters, Anna-Rose, Giuliana and Leandro.
    Marine Lloris also has a clothing label that’s worn by the kids of Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria
    Hugo Lloris has been married to Marine since 2012
    Mae Guendouzi
    22-year-old Mae is the wife of former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi.
    They went public in 2019 when he played for the Gunners, and have been inseparable ever since.
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    Last year they welcomed baby girl Mayleen into their lives.
    They live in Marseille, where Matteo is now making a name for himself.
    22-year-old Mae Guendouzi is another glam French WagCredit: Instagram @rfskmae
    Mae with husband Matteo Guendouzi More

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    ‘World Cup’s hottest fan’ hits back at claims locals ‘disapproved’ of her outfits by posting racy new pic

    A FEISTY football fan who has drawn “disapproving” attention for her racy outfits at this year’s World Cup has hit back at critics in a new racy Instagram post.Croatian supermodel Ivana Kroll wowed in a bikini on Doha’s beachfront ahead of her side’s round of 16 clash with Japan this afternoon.
    Ivana Kroll showed her support ahead of Croatia’s clash this afternoonCredit: The Mega Agency
    The model has already made her mark at this year’s winter tournamentCredit: Instagram
    Her racy outfit during the clash against Belgium earnt her ‘disapproving’ looksCredit: Instagram
    Taking to Insta ahead of the huge tie, she showed off her curves in a tight one piece as she proudly waved the flag for the Vatreni.
    “Let’s party like it’s 1998,” she wrote, referencing the Croatians first successful run to the semi-final.
    She then added a love heart emoji – much to the affection of her 1.2 million adoring fans.
    Ivana has been ever present to cheer on her side in Doha and has already stunned in several plunging outfits bearing Croatia’s synonymous chequered coat of the arms.
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    So far, the 30-year-old German born model wore a racy form fitting outfit to her side’s game against Morocco and shared snaps of herself in a revealing swimsuit while posing up by the curved skyscraper in Lusail.
    She then later caught the eye of glancing Qatari locals as she appeared in a red checked bikini top and tight red legging in the final group game clash against Belgium.

    All of which has earnt her the name as the “World Cup’s hottest fan.“
    But now the former outfit has reportedly earnt her criticism as she has attempted to test the limits of the modesty laws in Qatar.
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    According to the Mail Online, prominent Qatari entrepreneur Mohammed Hassan Al-Jefairi, claimed local men had been snapping away and staring because they disapproved of her outfit.
    Taking to Twitter following the 0-0 draw between Croatia and Belgium last Thursday he wrote: “Just for your info they take a photo not because they like her but because they don’t like the way she is mis-dressed on regards to our culture.
    “You can confirm this with any local Qatari Probably to report it.”
    Visitors to Qatar have been advised to cover their shoulders and avoid short skirts.
    And many glam footie fans have faced risk being slapped with huge fines or even put behind bars if they flash their figures while in the gulf nation.
    But Ivana has continued to poke fun at the coverage and previously vowed to would wear a skimpy thong swimsuit on a Qatari beach before the competition began.
    Speaking previously of the modesty rules she said: “First I was thinking if the World Cup is happening there (Qatar), for sure they will allow us everything to make it comfortable for all fans without any of the restrictions.
    “I’m not a Muslim and if we in Europe respect hijab and niqab, I think they need also to respect our way of life, our religion and in the end me wearing dresses and bikinis because I’m Catholic from Croatia who is here because of the World Cup.”
    Croatia is set to face Japan live on BBC One at 3pm today.  
    Ivana has poked fun at criticism levelled at her for her daring fashion choicesCredit: Rex
    She’ll likely be in the stands again for her side’s knockout tieCredit: Rex More

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    France ‘punished by Fifa for Kylian Mbappe reaction to Man of the Match award just days before England World Cup clash’

    FRANCE have given a warning for Kylian Mbappe’s failure to turn up for his post-match media duties at the World Cup.The superstar was prepared to front up the cash himself if they were fined however.
    Kylian Mbappe was named man of the match against PolandCredit: Getty
    The Frenchman has scored five goals at this World CupCredit: Rex
    According to Fifa rules, players named man of the match must attend a post-match press conference.
    But the the 23-year-old didn’t show up after scooping the awards against Australia and Denmark.
    He finally broke his silence after claiming the accolade for his devastating performance against Poland.
    Mbappe explained his decision, although El Parisien confirmed that FFF have been warned.
    READ MORE FRANCE NEWS

    He said: “People have been asking why I haven’t appeared in front of the media. I just needed to focus on the tournament and on football.
    “When I want to concentrate, that is how I do it.
    “I heard the FFF is going to get fined, so I will pay it as I don’t think the FFF should pay on my behalf.
    “This is the competition of dreams and I’m delighted to be here and I wanted to be ready.
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    “I’ve been preparing all season, physically and mentally, but we are still a long way from the ultimate objective.”
    Mbappe’s brace in the last-16 means he already has NINE World Cup before his 23rd birthday.
    Those numbers mean the PSG star is only seven behind Miroslav Klose. More

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    Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol melted hearts hugging his mum in the stands after Belgium game and is called ‘Little Pep’

    CHELSEA and Liverpool transfer target Josko Gvardiol appears as uncompromising a defender as they come – sporting a brutish facial mask to protect a broken nose suffered before the World Cup.Flying into a last-ditch tackle to thwart Romelu Lukaku, as his country knocked out Belgium in the group stages he showed his courage and tenacity on the pitch – with the interception as good a moment you’ll see in Qatar.
    Battle-hardened Josko Gvardiol has been Croatia’s standout star in the World CupCredit: Getty
    An emotional Gvardiol hugs his mum in the stands
    A goal-saving last-ditch tackle against Belgium on Romelu Lukaku has been one of the great moments of the World CupCredit: EPA
    However, an unmasked Gvardiol, who is just 20, dropped his battled-hardened demeanour when Croatia sealed qualification for the knockout stages.
    He ran to the stands to greet his mum, and while tears streamed down his face gave her the biggest of hugs.
    The heart-warming moment was even addressed by Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic in a press conference, who revealed it was “a true image” of his team.
    “When I saw this photo, it warmed my heart,” he said.
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    “And that’s why Josko is one of the best defenders in the world. You can’t be a good fighter if you’re not complete as a person, if you don’t have all the feelings.
    “I congratulate his mother for raising such a son. Such a man who is a top footballer and at the same time a modest man is the result of upbringing and faith.
    “It is very important. Such values are very important to us, and I also represent them.”

    From Croatia to Germany
    Gvardiol caught the footballing bug when he was just 7.
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    His dad, an amateur player, took him to NK Tresnjevka where his passion for the game and determination saw him move to Dinamo Zagreb just three years later.
    He learned how to defend, though, playing further forward.
    “I played as a striker as a child and that helps me to know the movements of the strikers,” he revealed.
    Gvardiol began to stand out for the Croatian giants during the 2018-19 season, helping the club reach the UEFA Youth League quarter-finals. They were knocked out on penalties by Chelsea, but scouts were aware of his special talent.
    A year later and he had broken into Dinamo’s first team, helping the club clinch the league title.
    By 2021, RB Leipzig – a group known for developing youngsters – splashed the cash to bring Gvardiol to the Bundesliga.
    Upon signing, Gvardiol insisted: “I’m very happy to be able to make this step to RB Leipzig. The club is among the best in Europe and has a very clear style of play.
    “As a young player, it was important for me to come to a club that can help me take the next step in my career.
    “That is exactly what RB Leipzig is all about. The club has shown several times how players can develop and improve here.”
    The deal worth £18million, plus £7million in add-ons, now looks a steal – with reports suggesting clubs are going to have to pay a fee in the region of £80million.
    That’s after just one and half seasons in Germany, where the left-footed centre back has already established himself as one of the best defenders of his generation – just 66 games into his career in Saxony.
    Gvardiol launches into a tackle for Dinamo Zagreb in the UEFA Youth LeagueCredit: Getty
    Versatile Gvardiol moved to Leipzig in 2021 for a fee of £25mCredit: Getty
    ‘Little Pep’
    Gvardiol has been likened to Real Madrid star David Alaba in style because he’s left-footed and is equally as dominant playing at full-back, as he is at centre back or in midfield.
    On occasion, he has played further forward and shouldn’t just considered a stopper.
    Amusingly, he is nicknamed ‘Little Pep’, after Man City manager Pep Guardiola.
    But he’s not the sort of deep-lying playmaker the Barcelona legend was known as.
    The similarities are simply because the names sound similar.
    Highly-coveted
    Nickname aside, Pep is said to be a big fan.
    Manchester City were linked with him, until they switched their sights to a cheaper alternative in Manuel Akanji.
    Liverpool, Chelsea, and now Tottenham are all reportedly in the hunt for his services.
    “Everyone is talking about this boy,” former Bayern and Croatian legend Ivica Olic said.
    “All the top clubs in Europe know him. Gvardiol is an extraordinary talent.
    “He can play great long balls, is a fine technician and is physically very strong.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Gvardiol has been nicknamed ‘Little Pep’Credit: Reuters
    Europe’s top clubs are all willing to pay big money for GvardiolCredit: Getty
    Starring in Qatar has done Gvardiol no harm in raising his profile further more on the world stage.
    Should he take Croatia further than the last-16, expect that price-tag to continue to rise. More

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    Robert Lewandowski handed three-match ban for referee gesture one day after Poland World Cup loss to France

    ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has been slapped with a three-match ban just one day after being knocked out of the World Cup.The striker was in action for Poland as they were beaten 3-1 by France in the round of 16.
    Robert Lewandowski protests to referee Jesus Gil ManzanoCredit: Reuters
    The Pole was shown a second yellow card for this challenge on David GarciaCredit: Reuters
    Lewandowski, 34, grabbed his second goal of the tournament with virtually the last kick of the game – beating Hugo Lloris at the second attempt with a retaken penalty.
    The goal will be his last action on a football pitch for a while, after he was handed a three-match ban by LaLiga.
    The former Bayern Munich star was red carded during a 2-1 victory over Osasuna in his final club match before the World Cup.
    Lewandowski was given his marching orders with just half an hour on the clock, receiving a second yellow for clattering into defender David Garcia.
    READ MORE ON ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
    As he departed the field of play he touched his chin – a gesture interpreted to have been derogatory towards the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano.
    The Pole subsequently denied this, however, instead claiming it had been directed at his manager, Xavi.
    He said: “If you ask me about that gesture, it’s a bit funny because last week I was talking with Xavi, with the coach, and we talked that if these things happened in the future, if I saw a yellow card I had to be careful, because I could go out.
    “After that the gesture was for Xavi, not for the referee.”
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    LaLiga haven’t bought Lewandowski’s explanation, however, and have slapped an extra two games onto his initial one-match ban after turning down an appeal.
    Not willing to accept the outcome, it’s claimed by Marca that Barca could take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
    As it stands, Lewandowski is set to miss his side’s Catalan derby clash with Espanyol, as well as subsequent games against Atletico Madrid and Getafe.
    Barcelona could turn to forward Memphis Depay in their regular No9’s absence, with the Dutchman having returned to action at the World Cup following a two-month injury lay-off.
    Depay, 28, has played just 131 minutes of action for his club this season.
    Memphis Depay has been back in action for his countryCredit: Rex More

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    England and France combined XI ahead of World Cup quarter-final clash including Bellingham, Griezmann and Maguire

    ENGLAND’S comfortable 3-0 victory over Senegal has set up a blockbuster World Cup quarter-final with France on Saturday.The defending champions swatted Poland aside 3-1 in their last-16 clash to reach the last-eight for a third successive time.
    England have scored 12 goals in four matches at the World CupCredit: AP
    France are bidding to join Italy and Brazil as the third country to retain the World CupCredit: AP
    And Didier Deschamps men will be confident they can become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.
    But Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions are roaring after bagging 12 goals in four games since arriving in Qatar.
    The likes of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire have shown some of their best form to help England on their way into the latter stages.
    However, how many of England’s stars would make it into the France team and vice-versa?
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    A combined XI made up of England and France’s World Cup stars
    SunSport has decided to take a look at the best possible XI that could be made based on their performances in Qatar so far.
    So here it is.
    In between the sticks we have gone with England’s No1 Jordan Pickford.
    The Everton keeper has kept three clean sheets already and conceded just one goal from open play.
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    France shot-stopper Hugo Lloris is yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament, so it had to be Pickford.
    The back four is split evenly with both sides managing two players each.
    Kyle Walker is a shoe-in at right-back, with Theo Hernandez getting the nod ahead of Luke Shaw on the left after he replaced brother Lucas in the France set-up following his injury in the opening game against Australia.
    Dayot Upamecano is one of the centre-backs thanks to a superb tournament to date.
    And he is joined in the heart of the defence by Maguire – who has once again demonstrated his ability to put club form to one side and rise to the occasion for his country.
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    The Manchester United skipper even gets in ahead of Red Devils team-mate Raphael Varane – who is keeping him out of the team at Old Trafford.
    In midfield, England occupy two of the three positions with Declan Rice and Bellingham.
    With France missing Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante, there is little debate about Rice being the sitter in this team.
    Bellingham has been one of the stars of the competition so far and produced a quite breathtaking performance against Senegal.
    They are joined in the middle of the park by Antoine Griezmann who – like Maguire – has shown club form does not affect him at international level.
    Then up front there are a host of big names that miss out on selection.
    We have decided to go for a trio of Kylian Mbappe, Saka and Harry Kane.
    Mbappe is the leading goalscorer in Qatar and has to be on the left flank.
    Kane remains one of the best all-round strikers in the world – as much of a creative threat as he is a finisher.
    And Saka has helped himself to three goals at the World Cup, establishing himself as one of England’s best players.
    But that does mean the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Foden, Kingsley Coman, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford have all been left out.
    Olivier Giroud is also absent despite becoming France’s all-time record scorer at the World Cup.
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    All in all, England have seven players in the team to France’s four.
    It remains to be seen whether that individual quality can manifest itself into a victory come Saturday. More

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    Brazil vs South Korea – World Cup: Richarlison & Vinicius Jr 2+ shots on target each – was 3/1, NOW 6/1 with Paddy Power

    BRAZIL continue their World Cup glory quest tonight when they face South Korea in the last 16.And Paddy Power have a sensational price boost ahead of the meeting later, with main men Richarlison and Vinicius Jr having two shots on target each now a 6/1 shot.
    Richarlison & Vinicius Jr 2+ shots on target each | 6/1
    Richarlison & Vinicius Jr 2+ shots on target each | 6/1!
    That’s up from the usual price on site of 3/1!
    And there is a maximum stake of £10 on this boost.
    Like the sound of those odds? You can add it straight to your Paddy Power bet slip here.
    But if you are new to Paddy Power, you could make use of their sensational sign-up offer.
    When signing up as a brand new customer HERE*, Paddy Power are offering the chance to get your first FIVE bets back as cash if they lose at the World Cup!
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    Richarlison scored twice for Brazil against Serbia in the group stage.
    The centre forward should be ready to go having been rested in the final game of the groups.
    Vinicius Jr has scored three times and assisted four goals in his last nine appearances for club and country.
    They’ll again form a formidable front three, with South Korea having conceded four goals in their last two games.
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