World Cup

GARETH Southgate has spoken out after a horror break-in at Raheem Sterling’s Surrey mansion forced him to race home from the World Cup.The England boss said the Chelsea ace’s future in the tournament is still up in the air following the home invasion.
Gareth Southgate has spoken out after Raheem Sterling was forced to fly home from the World CupCredit: Getty
The England boss commented on the issue after the Three Lions stormed to victoryCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Sterling raced home after armed burglars broke into his Surrey mansion on Saturday nightCredit: Reuters
Southgate was asked about Sterling’s absence after his team hammered Senegal 3-0 and cruised through to the quarter-finals next Saturday.
“We’ve got to wait and see,” he said.
“At the moment the priority is for him to be with his family, we’re going to support that and give him as much time as he needs.
“He’s going home… he needs time with his family.
READ MORE WORLD CUP STORIES
“Sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first.”
England captain Harry Kane also sent best wishes to pal Sterling after the match, and said that he hoped he could return “as soon as possible”.
He said: “Our thoughts are with him and his family.
“It is a private matter but it is never easy to see one of your teammates and friends go through something like that.
Most read in Football
“For us as a team, we all send him our best and hope we will see him as soon as possible.”
Sterling’s Chelsea team-mate Kalidou Koulibaly has also spoken out in support of the star following the harrowing raid.
“I really didn’t know. I’m really surprised,” he said.
“I hope his family is good. Now I will call him and see what happened to him. But I hope he will be good and his family is good.”
‘BESIDE HIMSELF WITH WORRY’
It emerged tonight that the England star was forced to dash back to his Surrey mansion after armed burglars broke into his home while his fiancé and young children were in the house.
The horror break-in occurred on Saturday evening – the night before England’s World Cup rout against Senegal.
His terrified fiancé Paige Milian, 27, raised the alarm after the gang took £300,000 of watches.
It is not yet known whether property developer Paige confronted the armed robbers, or if they scarpered after realising the family was home.
The gang may have thought she and the couple’s sons, aged five and three, were still in Qatar.
Before England’s first game against Iran, she posted pictures of the two boys on a cruise ship in Doha, and she was tagged in social media images with cocktails.
A family source said: “This was terrifying for her and obviously traumatic for all the family.
“Raheem will have been beside himself with worry when he heard. To be away when your partner and children are at home when an armed gang breaks in is beyond words.
“It looks like about £300,000 of watches have been taken. The police were there several hours.”
STARS AT RISK
The boss of a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised crime has warned of a rise in raids on stars due to gangs scouring social media feeds.
Supt Carl Williams, of Operation Opal, said: “In today’s world where many wealthy individuals are active on social media their significant public profile can help make them targets.
“Their high-value possessions are often on display as well as information about their plans.”
Before the game, Sterling’s absence from the clash was explained as due to “a family matter”.
A spokesperson for the FA said: “Raheem Sterling is not available for selection for the #ThreeLions tonight as he is dealing with a family matter.”
Read More on The Sun
The shock announcement came just hours before the Three Lions were due to kick off against the African Cup of Nations champs.
But with England now set to face reigning-World Cup champs France next Saturday, it remains unclear whether Sterling will be a part of the squad.
Southgate said ‘sometimes football isn’t the most important thing and family should come first’Credit: AFP More

JACK GREALISH’s calves caused quite the stir as the camera panned to him on the bench at the World Cup.England brushed past Senegal 3-0 in the last-16 clash on Sunday night.
Grealish’s fans looked on in delight as the camera showed the England ace on the bench
The Man City star, 27, spent the majorty of the game as a substitute at the Al Bayt Stadium.
But before his 65th minute entrance, fans got a shot of the midfielder sat next to Marcus Rashford.
And the reaction on social media was all about his immensely-sized leg muscles.
One user said: “Jack Grealish’s calves are bigger than Marcus Rashford’s head.”
READ MORE ON GREALISH
Another added: “THE SIZE OF JACK GREALISH’S CALVES????”
One joked: “Jack Grealish is 2 small cows that the platoon can’t bring themselves to slaughter #calves”.
While another quipped: “Grealish has Popeye calves, this much I know.”
Supporters often talk about the size of his large calves.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
The famous winger is known for his shapely legs and is often asked about them.
According to Grealish, his grandfather used to have big calves as well.
His great-great-grandfather, William Garraty was a famous football player during the late 19th and early 20th century.
Grealish says that when he goes to the gym or is training, he does not do any calves exercises.
But his calves have certainly caught the eye of the public. More

FOOTBALL fans were left in stitches after the referee for England’s win over Senegal appeared to shout “shut up” at someone during the game.Gareth Southgate’s men breezed into the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory on Sunday night.
Referee Ivan Barto appeared to shout “shut up” during the matchCredit: Twitter

The cameras were unfortunately zoomed in on his face when he made the remarkCredit: Twitter
Referee Ivan Barton was praised by those on social media for his angry responseCredit: PA
Goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka capped a brilliant all-round display from the Three Lions as they set up a blockbuster clash with France.
But it was the behaviour of Salvadoran referee Ivan Barto which caught the attention of many on social media.
As coverage of the game cut to the official while the ball was out of play, he suddenly turned very angry.
Barto proceeded to look across the pitch, appearing to shout: “Shut up!”.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
And the moment left those online in hysterics.
Speaking on Twitter, one person said: “The referee is a legend. Just yelled shut up full force 😅.”
Another added: “Referee just shouted “Shut Up!” at the player in the World Cup 🤣🤣🤣👏🏿👏🏿. I got time for that.”
A third said: “Absolutely here for the referee shouting “SHUT UP!!!!” at someone with all of his might 😂.”
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
And a fourth responded: “The referee just yelled “shut up” at someone, bruh he’s so funny. I love this ref so much 😭.”
It was a routine night for Barton – who had very few contentious decisions to deal with.
There was a VAR check for a potential handball on John Stones with the game goalless, but it was dismissed before Barton was required to go to the monitor. More

ENGLAND cruised through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a stunning victory over African champions Senegal.The Three Lions booked their place in the last eight with a 3-0 victory over the Senegalese at the Al Bayt Stadium.
England booked their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a stunning win over SenegalCredit: REUTERS
The Three Lions will face France in the last eight on SaturdayCredit: PA
Teenage midfielder Jude Bellingham was the star of the showCredit: GETTY
Goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka saw Gareth Southgate’s troops march into a quarter-final clash with France.
But star of the show was 19-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham – who bagged an assist in the first half and was at the heart of action for England’s second.
England Ratings
JORDAN PICKFORD – 7
Important one-handed save from Boulaye Dia when Senegal were on top. A much less worrying second half. Distribution improved from the group stage.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
KYLE WALKER – 7
Lucky to escape a first-half booking for a foul on Ismaila Sarr.
Otherwise did a decent job on the dangerman but that restricted his impact at the other end. Bring on Mbappe!
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
JOHN STONES – 6
Most read in Football
Looked on edge, uncharacteristically careless with the ball and headed a decent chance over the bar in the first half.
Improved in the second, but the pressure was off by then.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 6
Tested by Senegal’s pace from early on and loose pass led to Sarr’s chance that should have been buried.
Like Stones, will have to show more grace under fire.
Harry Maguire was dominant at the back
LUKE SHAW – 7
Did what he had to do, and a lot more calmly than his centre-backs.
Had less to worry about on his side than Walker and so was able to offer a bit more going forward.
JORDAN HENDERSON – 8
Worked his socks off pressing the ball and shutting off passing lanes, then burst through to ease England’s nerves with the opener.
Should silence critics with a big-game performance.
Jordan Henderson enjoyed one of his best England games
DECLAN RICE – 8
England’s steady Eddie kept his head while some about him were losing theirs.
Full of running and heart as England’s midfield turned the game and saved the day.
England’s midfield was held together by Declan Rice
JUDE BELLINGHAM – 9
Actually faded a bit after a powerful start, but came good again in style to drive England to victory.
Fine run and cross for the first goal, superb to create the second. Excellent all around.
Jude Bellingham had another outstanding game
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Justified his starting place by playing his part in the first-half operation to stop Sarr and then finally made his presence felt at the other end by scoring third.
HARRY KANE – 7
Fed off scraps until his fine through ball to Bellingham led to the opener.
Broke his tournament duck at the perfect time and became a creative hub as England took control.
Harry Kane was vital to England’s win
PHIL FODEN – 8
After finding it hard to get into game, he burst into life to start the move for the opener then teed up Kane for the second and Saka for third.
Like Saka, he repaid Southgate’s faith.
Senegal Player Ratings
E. Mendy 5
Sabaly 6
Koulibaly 6
Diallo 5
Jakobs 4
Ballo–Toure, 84 -4
I Sarr – 6
N Mendy – 5
Cisse – 5 (Gueye 46, 6)
Diatta – 6 (P Sarr, 46 – 5)
I Ndiaye – 5 (B Dieng, 46 – 5)
Dia – 6 (Diedhiou, 72 – 5)

SUBSTITUTES
MARCUS RASHFORD (for Saka, 65mins) – 6
A few bursts of pace to keep Senegal on their toes as the match petered out
JACK GREALISH (for Foden, 65mins) – 6
As against Wales, kept possession well without threatening much
ERIC DIER (for Stones, 77mins) – 6
An uneventful run-out but useful if he is to be called upon against France

MASON MOUNT (for Bellingham, 77mins) – 6
Pressed high to keep Senegal from having a sniff of a consolation
Read More on The Sun
KALVIN PHILLIPS (for Henderson, 82mins) – 6
Gained a few more minutes on the pitch as Southgate rested legs
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka tops the scoring charts for England in Qatar More