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      Why has Raheem Sterling left the World Cup and will he play against France?

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      ENGLAND defeated Senegal to reach a World Cup quarter-final against France.But the win was overshadowed by the news that Raheem Sterling had left the Three Lions camp to return to the UK after an armed burglary at his home.
      Raheem Sterling did not feature for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Why was Raheem Sterling NOT playing for England?
      Raheem Sterling pulled out of England’s last-16 tie with Senegal after learning that his Surrey home was broken into on Saturday night.
      Sterling was forced to fly back from the World Cup after burglars smashed into his home.
      It has since emerged that his wife and children were at home during the time of the break in.
      The FA had said before kick-off that Sterling was missing out to deal with a “family matter”.
      The statement read: “Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the #ThreeLions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”
      The shock announcement came just hours before the Three Lions were due to kick off against the African Cup of Nations champs.
      Sterling had started both of England’s games against Iran and USA but was then benched for the 3-0 win over Wales.
      The 27-year-old has scored 21 times in 80 caps in total.
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      England boss Gareth Southgate says Sterling intends to return for the France quarter-final on Saturday night, but football has rightly taken a backseat currently.
      Southgate said: “I really don’t know, it’s a situation he needs time to deal with, I don’t want to put any pressure on him.”
      “Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first.”
      Raheem Sterling has 80 caps for EnglandCredit: AP

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      Japan 1-0 Croatia LIVE SCORE: Stream FREE, TV channel – Celtic ace Maeda gives World Cup surprise packages deserved lead

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      JAPAN are facing Croatia in a huge World Cup last-16 clash RIGHT NOW – and they lead 1-0!Celtic star Daizen Maeda has fired Japan ahead on the stroke of half-time.
      While Arsenal ace Takehiro Tomiyasu came in to start for Japan in the crunch clash with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

      Kick-off: 3pm
      TV channel: BBC One
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      Japan XI: Gonda, Taniguchi, Endo, Doan, Morita, Nagatomo, J. Ito, Kamada, Tomiyasu, Yoshida, Maeda
      Croatia XI: Livakovic, Barisic, Perisic, Lovren, Kovacic, Kramaric, Modric, Brozovic, Petkovic, Gvardiol, Juranovic

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      50 Japan 1-0 Croatia
      Japan’s pressure continues thanks to their high lines on the pitch.
      Croatia have yet to find an answer to the Samurai Blue’s amazing speed and pace
      49 Japan 1-0 Croatia
      Chance
      Croatia register their first opportunity in the first half with a long-range shot by Kovacic that just misses Gonda’s right post
      48 Japan 1-0 Croatia
      Lovren creates a dangerous situation for his own team as his weak headed pass to Livakovic almost sees Maeda getting there.
      But the Croatian goalkeeper just beats the Japanese striker to it
      46 Japan 1-0 Croatia
      Chance!
      Japan knock on Croatia’s door early in the second half with Kamada’s long-range shot that just misses the crossbar
      46 Japan 1-0 Croatia
      No changes from either side as we get things under way in the second half.
      Reminding you that Japan lead with Maeda’s opener
      Japan 1-0 Croatia
      Peep!
      Off we go again in Qatar!!!
      Word from the ground
      Here’s what SunSport’s man on the field Andy Dillon makes of the first half between Japan and Croatia:
      Celtic striker Daizen Maeda has fired Japan in front and the World Cup’s self-appointed Samurais bid to make history.
      They have never been beyond the last 16 in seven appearances.
      In a gritty game with a potential quarter-final pop at Brazil at stake, there were few chances.
      Croatia look particularly jaded but it still took an error at a set-piece for Japan to take the lead.
      Three minutes before half time, Japan had two corners in succession. The second resulted in an outswinging cross which appeared to rebound off the back of Croatia’s Bruno Petkovic.
      The loose ball fell to Maeda who swept the ball in from close range on the turn for his first World Cup goal.Andy DillonSunSport
      Japan vs Croatia stats
      Croatia dominated 59 per cent of possession in the first half but struggled with Japan’s counter-attack.
      The Croats registered three shots, but only one of them was on target.
      The Samurai Blue also produced the same stats in terms of shooting in the first half.
      More below:

      HT: Japan 1-0 Croatia
      Japan lead 1-0 against Croatia after an impressive first half at the Al Janoub Stadium.
      The Samurai Blue broke the deadlock on 43 minutes with Daizen Maeda.
      Wataru Endo delivered a cross from the right and captain Maya Yoshida got his foot in to set Maeda up in front of Dominik Livakovic.
      The striker then beat the Croatian goalkeeper with a clinical shot to set up another potential upset for the Japanese
      Credit: AP
      HT: Japan 1-0 Croatia
      Peep!
      Half-time in Qatar!!!
      45 Japan 1-0 Croatia
      Two more minutes of stoppage time to go.
      VAR had a look for a potential offside after Maeda’s goal but nothing’s there.
      There was a suspicion that Yoshida was offside in the build-up but nothing there
      43 Japan 1-0 Croatia
      Japan have broken the deadlock just before half-time.
      Endo delivers a cross from the right and Yoshida gets his foot in the way to set Maeda up in front of Livakovic whom he beats with a powerful shot!

      43 Japan 1-0 Croatia
      Goal!
      Japan open the scoring with Maeda!!!
      41 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      Chance!
      Japan break into a speedy counter-attack and Kamada tries a shot from a tight corner down the left but sends it over the crossbar
      38 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      Tempo has really slowed down in the last few minutes…
      It looks like both teams just want to go back to the dressing room with a clean sheet
      35 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      Neither team has created any danger for a while now…
      The crowd is becoming louder but it is not as intense on the pitch
      33 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      The ongoing rhythm seems to be working in Japan’s favour as they are not dealing with any significant threat.
      The Samurai Blue are much more dangerous thanks – you guessed it – to their counter-attacks
      30 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      We’ve reached the half-hour mark and it’s still goalless.
      Croatia still hold the possession but Japan are extremely dangerous on the counter-attack thanks to their speed
      28 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      Croatia are especially dangerous with long balls from midfield.
      The front three are always where they are supposed to be as they know how to find space in Japan’s defence.
      Perisic, Petkovic and Kramaric always know where Modric wants to send the ball
      25 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      Croatia’s possession-based game kills Japan’s rhythm in a very effective manner.
      Sometimes it also allows them to find space, just now Gvardiol found Petkovic with a stunning long ball but the striker failed to finish
      24 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      Chance
      Croatia ace Gvardiol gets to a good position for a shot but sends the ball all the way up to the cheap seats
      23 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      Gvardiol goes down after a challenge with Doan with what appears to be a groin issue.
      But thankfully the Croatia ace gets back up to his feet
      20 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      Japan ace Ito has been dominant down the right wing thanks to his speed and low crosses.
      Barisic has been struggling against the wing-back, Croatia are not finding an answer to the Japanese players’ speed
      18 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      Doan appears to be a bit out of his element, because he didn’t come on as a substitute.
      Struggling against Croatia’s midfield trio of Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic
      15 Japan 0-0 Croatia
      Croatia are dominating 62 per cent of possession but Japan are creating the threats.
      Some strong counter-attacks by Moriyasu’s men, who are especially dangerous down the wings
      Load more entries… More

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      Watch Jude Bellingham’s confident reaction as fan tells him to complete Real Madrid transfer so he can win Ballon d’Or

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM issued a confident reaction to a fan telling him to complete a transfer to Real Madrid so he can win the Ballon d’Or.The 19-year-old has stolen the show at the World Cup, running the midfield for England.
      A fan told Bellingham to join Real in order to win the Ballon d’OrCredit: TikTok
      Bellingham replied ‘we will see’Credit: TikTok
      Liverpool captain Henderson was brutally reminded of last season’s 1-0 Champions League final loss to RealCredit: TikTok
      Bellingham has a goal and an assist in four games for England, and is the first teenager to assist in a World Cup knockout stage game since 1966.
      England reached the quarter-finals of the winter tournament after recording a 3-0 win over African champions Senegal on Sunday.
      They will now face World Cup holders France on Saturday for a spot in the semis.
      A fan approached Bellingham and Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the hope of convincing the Borussia Dortmund ace to join Spanish and European champions Real.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Bellingham was told he would win the Ballon d’Or in the Spanish capital.
      Liverpool captain Henderson told the fan “no Real Madrid”, but he was brutally reminded of last season’s Champions League final loss.
      Bellingham then confidently told the starstruck man “we will see”.
      Dortmund will be bracing themselves for astronomical transfer offers from Europe’s elite for the midfielder next summer.
      Most read in Football
      Bellingham’s heat map against Senegal

      Liverpool look favourites at the moment, but will face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real in the race to secure the Bundesliga sensation’s signature.
      Henderson could play a key role in the move with their pair having an unlikely bromance.
      But Dortmund managing director, Carsten Cramer, has issued a warning that it won’t be easy for Liverpool to sign star-man Bellingham.
      He said: “We are still in a good relationship with Jurgen and many others at Liverpool, so for me, it’s my preferred club in the EPL as well.
      “But don’t expect that we will make gifts to Liverpool.”
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      Bellingham completed 33 passes More

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      Georgina Rodriguez looks sensational in thigh high boots as she heads out while Cristiano Ronaldo is at World Cup

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      GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ wowed in a figure-hugging black dress and boots as she headed to an exhibition in Qatar.The 28-year-old model has jetted out to the World Cup to cheer on partner Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Georgina Rodriguez headed out to a fashion exhibition in QatarCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
      Georgina has jetted out to Doha to cheer on Cristiano RonaldoCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
      Georgina posted pictures to Instagram after she attended the “Forever Valentino” exhibitionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
      The 28-year-old model wowed in a black dressCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
      She was in the stands for Portugal’s group stage defeat to South Korea, before cuddling up to Ronaldo as he enjoyed a break from his preparations for the knockout rounds.
      But with Ronaldo firmly focused on tomorrow’s last 16 meeting against Switzerland, Georgina headed out for some downtime.
      Georgina checked out the “Forever Valentino” exhibition in Doha.

      She posted pictures to her 40million Instagram followers as she took in the exhibition, which opened last month.
      Read More World Cup News
      “Forever Valentino” shows off products from the Italian designer brand and pays homage to its founder Valentino Garavani.
      And Georgina stunned with slicked back hair as she attended the exhibition at M7.
      Georgina posed in front of the exhibitsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
      The exhibition is at M7 Museum in DohaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
      The “Forever Valentino” exhibition opened in OctoberCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
      She has also headed to the beach since arriving in Doha, soaking up the sun in a green bikini.
      Georgina missed the start of the tournament before arriving in Qatar for Portugal’s game against South Korea.
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      Although Ronaldo will be hoping his long-term partner isn’t a bad luck charm.
      Georgina’s first game turned out to be the first time Portugal lost at this year’s World Cup.
      But, despite the defeat, Ronaldo and Co qualified for the knockouts.
      Ronaldo goes into tomorrow’s knockout clash having not scored since a penalty in the opening 3-2 win over Ghana.
      Georgina was in the stands for Portugal’s group stage defeat to South KoreaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
      Georgina has jetted out to Qatar after missing Portugal’s first two gamesCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/
      Ronaldo took time out of his preparations for the knockouts to cuddle up with GeorginaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/georginagio/ More

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      Ex-Brazil World Cup star and serial trophy winner looks unrecognisable with new hairstyle and goatee beard

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      A former Brazil and Chelsea star looks unrecognisable with a new hairstyle and trendy goatee beard.But can you guess who it is?
      This Chelsea legend looks unrecognisable with a new hairstyle and goatee beardCredit: Instagram @chelseafc
      This former Stamford Bridge favourite used to run the show from midfield each week.
      Making an instant impact in London, he spent five-and-a-half years with Chelsea.
      And he also won an impressive 52 caps for Brazil, featuring at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
      He played in all seven games at their home tournament eight years ago – which they were knocked out of in the semi-finals after an astonishing 7-1 defeat to Germany.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

      Guessed who it is yet?
      Yes, it is Blues icon and former Brazilian midfield ace Ramires.
      He spent his time at Chelsea with a smooth, shaved head and no facial hair.
      But Ramires revealed a new look ahead of the club’s FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool earlier this year.
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      Ramires won multiple trophies at Chelsea during a five-and-a-half year spellCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ramires joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2010 for £18million, having just won a Portuguese league and cup double.
      And he went on to score 34 goals in 251 games as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder.
      He won a Premier League title, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League during his Stamford Bridge spell.
      But he was shown the door in January 2016 when he joined the Chinese Super League revolution with Jiangsu Suning for £25m.
      Ramires played 71 times for the Far East side before returning to Brazil with Palmeiras.
      Making 43 appearances, he won the 2020 Treble before departing soon after.
      Ramires was then without a club and eventually retired. More

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      Kyle Walker vs Kylian Mbappe: The key battle that’ll decide England’s World Cup clash with France… and who is fastest?

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      ENGLAND and France will meet in a blockbuster World Cup quarter-final on Saturday evening.The Three Lions breezed past Senegal 3-0 on Sunday, hours after Didier Deschamps’ world champions cruised to a 3-1 victory over Poland.
      Kyle Walker will be looking to keep Kylian Mbappe quiet on SaturdayCredit: Getty
      Mbappe has already scored five goals at the 2022 World CupCredit: Getty
      Walker and Mbappe have come up against one another four times in the pastCredit: Getty
      Now football fans across the globe are looking ahead to the potential tactical battles that will decide the match this weekend.
      Perhaps the most talked about duel is the one between French talisman Kylian Mbappe and English right-back Kyle Walker.
      Mbappe, 23, has already scored five goals in Qatar – two more than any other player – and his blistering pace is frightening oppositions up and down the land.
      His brace against Poland sent shudders down the spines of every England supporter – despite Gareth Southgate’s men keeping three clean sheets since the 6-2 win over Iran.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      But Manchester City man Walker, 32, may well be the best-placed defender in world football to deal with the Paris Saint-Germain superstar.

      The former Tottenham man hit a top speed of 23.48mph during the 2019/20 Premier League season – the fastest in the competition’s history.
      According to SpeedSDB, that is less than 0.1mph slower than Mbappe’s top speed – which is a touch more than 23.5mph.
      What’s more, Walker has been dribbled past just THREE times in his last 24 England appearances – which works out as once every 686 minutes.
      Most read in Football
      However, it is safe to say Mbappe will be his toughest England test to date.
      The 2018 World Cup winner has completed 13 dribbles in Qatar – with only Germany’s Jamal Musiala managing more (19).
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      And Mbappe has produced a successful dribble in 21 of the last 22 games for his country.
      Walker and Mbappe have faced each other four times in the past – with two wins each.
      They first got to know one another in a friendly between France and England in 2017 – which ended with Deschamps’ men claiming a 3-2 victory.
      Walker then had to wait four years to face Mbappe once more, before he got the better of him in April 2021 as Man City beat PSG 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
      Mbappe played no part in the second leg, with their third meeting then coming in September last year as PSG earned a 2-0 win.
      Two months later they battled in the Champions League yet again.
      And City secured a 2-1 win – although Mbappe did manage to bag his first goal against Walker.
      The England international is a seasoned operator at the highest level.
      He has 72 caps to his name and has helped England keep clean sheets in both games he has started in Qatar against Wales and Senegal.
      But Mbappe’s terrifying record of 33 goals in 63 games for France – and nine in 11 World Cup matches – makes him an an intimidating proposition.
      Former England striker Gary Lineker even suggested resting Walker ahead of the win over Senegal in order to preserve him for a battle with Mbappe.
      He said: “Kyle Walker should not be in England’s team to play Senegal.”
      The World Cup Golden Boot winner then added: “England cannot afford for Walker to get injured because he’s probably just about the only full-back on the planet that can compete with Kylian Mbappe, and that is the French team.
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      “How would you take the risk, why would you take the risk of him getting injured?”
      Fortunately for England, Walker did not get injured and is now set for an almighty tussle with Mbappe on Saturday. More

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      England fans all say the same thing as shock Birmingham City decision to retire Jude Bellingham’s 22 shirt is remembered

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      ENGLAND fans have all been left saying the same thing after Jude Bellingham’s stunning performance against Senegal. Bellingham, 19, produced a midfield masterclass as England thumped Senegal 3-0 in the World Cup to set up a quarter-final against World Champions France.
      Jude Bellingham has been a shining light for England at the World CupCredit: AP
      Fans have been saying the same thing after remembering Birmingham retired Bellingham’s number 22Credit: Getty
      The Borussia Dortmund star registered an assist before driving the team forward and laying on the pass before the assist for the Three Lions second.
      His performances at club level have also been nothing short of breathtaking, and fans are now recognising a decision made by Birmingham City when they sold the Englishman.
      Back in 2020, when Bellingham was sold to Dortmund, Birmingham took the shock decision to RETIRE his number 22 shirt number.
      At the time the decision was ridiculed, but in a humbling climb down fans are now holding their hands up to acknowledge the Blues.
      READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS

      Taking to Twitter, one fan said: “Birmingham City retiring Bellingham’s shirt is going to be the best ever preemptive decision in the history of mankind.”
      A second user said: “We all owe Birmingham an apology for laughing when they retired Bellingham’s number. They knew.”
      Another user tweeted: “Remember when we all took the piss out of Birmingham for retiring Jude Bellingham’s shirt number? Sorry @BCFC, you were right.”
      “I didn’t get it at first, but now I completely understand why Birmingham retired Jude Bellingham’s number,” conceded another.
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      One fan posted a video of former Ukip leader Nigel Farage when he says: “You all laughed at me. Well I have to say, you’re not laughing now are you.”
      This was paired with the caption: “Birmingham fans after the club was mocked for retiring Jude Bellingham’s shirt.”
      Bellingham has been one of the shining lights of England during this World Cup, starting in every game and forming a strong partnership alongside Declan Rice and more recently Jordan Henderson in midfield.
      Liverpool star Henderson and Bellingham have struck up an unlikely friendship while on international duty in Qatar.
      Indeed, this came to the fore when Bellingham laid on the opener for Henderson to score England’s opener against Senegal. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo slammed by OWN manager over substitution strop as Portugal boss refuses to guarantee he will start

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      PORTUGAL manager Fernando Santos has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for his sulky reaction to being substituted against South Korea.The Portuguese booked their place in the last-16 of the World Cup with a game to spare.
      Ronaldo threw a strop as he was substituted against South KoreaCredit: Reuters
      Manager Santos has admitted he was left unimpressed by Ronaldo’s reactionCredit: PA
      But they fell to a 2-1 loss in their final group game, which saw Ronaldo assist South Korea’s equaliser by turning his back while defending a corner.
      Ronaldo didn’t cover himself in glory in his 65-minute cameo and was hooked for Andre Silva.
      The 37-year-old reacted angrily to the substitution, putting an index finger to his lips as he left the field.
      And his sulking has left Portugal boss Santos unimpressed.
      READ MORE ON CRISTIANO RONALDO
      Ahead of Portugal’s round of 16 clash with Switzerland on Tuesday, Santos said: “Have I seen the images?
      “Yes, I didn’t like it, not at all. I didn’t like it. I really didn’t like it.
      “But from that moment onwards everything is finished regarding that issue.
      “These matters are resolved behind closed doors. It’s resolved.
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      Ronaldo managed just two shots against South Korea
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      “Full stop on this matter and now everyone is focused on tomorrow’s match.”
      Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo hasn’t had the best of World Cup campaigns.
      He has just one goal at the tournament, with the goal coming from the penalty spot in the 3-2 win over Ghana.
      Ronaldo is also yet to score a knockout goal, and has been surpassed by rival Lionel Messi and 23-year-old Kylian Mbappe with World Cup finals goals.
      And boss Santos has refused to guarantee that Ronaldo will start against the Swiss.

      He added: “I only decide who is going to be captain when I reach the stadium.
      “I still don’t know what the lineup will be.
      “That’s what I’ve always done and that’s what I’m always going to do and it’s going to be the same tomorrow.
      “The other topic is solved. We have fixed that in-house and that’s it.”
      Ronaldo’s next club is yet to be decided after Manchester United ripped up his contract following his bombshell sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man Piers Morgan.
      It is said he will move to the Middle East to play for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
      Marca reported last week that Ronaldo had agreed a stunning £173million-a-year deal with Al-Nassr.
      Santos says there has been no talk on Ronaldo’s future while he is in the Portugal camp.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Euro 2016-winning manager said: “That is his decision – that’s what he has to deal with.
      “We are totally focused on the World Cup. That’s all that we spoke about.”
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