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      Marcus Rashford’s pal Garfield Hayward thought he’d beaten cancer before losing battle in tragedy that sparked tribute

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      A PAL who Marcus Rashford dedicated his goals against Wales to last night has been described as “his biggest supporter”. Garfield Hayward was a regular visitor to Old Trafford to cheer on the Manchester United striker with the player’s brothers Dane and Dwaine.
      Garfield Hayward was Marcus Rashford’s ‘biggest supporter’, pals saidCredit: Instagram
      Rashford celebrating his goal against Wales last nightCredit: Rex
      Flowers left underneath ‘Garf’ graffiti in the Levenshulme area of ManchesterCredit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Garfield – known as Garf – passed away earlier this week after a long battle with cancer.
      A source said: “Garf was a really good friend of the Rashford family.
      “He was a really kind good-hearted guy.”
      “He had cancer for a long time and it went away, so everyone thought he had beaten it.
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      “But all of a sudden it came back and he couldn’t beat it.
      “Marcus and his brothers and all of Garf’s friends have been left devastated by their loss.”
      Flowers have been placed underneath a graffiti-style tribute on a railway bridge in Levenshulme, Greater Manchester, where he is believed to have grown up.
      Rashford sank to his knees and pointed to the sky with both hands after scoring his free kick against Wales in a poignant tribute to his pal.
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      After the World Cup game he told reporters: “I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago. He had quite a long battle with cancer.
      “I’m pleased I scored for him, he was a big supporter and good friend of mine.
      “He was someone who came into my life.”
      Friends paid tribute on social media, with one writing: “Big Garf was loved by the whole of Manchester and everyone who had the privilege of meeting him.
      “Sending prayers and strength to all of his close friends family and loved ones.”
      A family member added: “My heart is hurting so much knowing I won’t see you again in this life.
      “Uncle Garf, one of the realist people I’ve ever know.
      “You was a big part of my life growing up. Just wish we could have made a lot more memories together, it won’t be the same without you being here.
      “You were the man with the most beautiful soul. You didn’t have a bad bone in your body, you would give anything and everything you could with even a single bit of hesitation.
      “I love you man and I’m so glad I got to tell you that.
      “You will forever be in my thoughts and my heart till the day I die.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Rashford scored two of England’s three goals against Wales at Qatar’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium last night, sending the Three Lions into the knockout stages.
      Gareth Southgate’s side are through to the last 16 where they will face Senegal on Sunday.
      Social media is flooded with tributes to the football fanCredit: Instagram
      Flowers, candles and notes left in the memory of ‘Garf’Credit: Andy Kelvin / Kelvinmedia
      Rashford after scoring during the Group B match between Wales and EnglandCredit: Getty More

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      France rest Golden Boot-chasing Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann for final World Cup group clash against Tunisia

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE and Antoine Griezmann have been benched for France’s final World Cup group game.Les Bleus will secure top spot in Group C if they avoid defeat to bottom-place side Tunisia.
      Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann start on the benchCredit: AFP
      Manager Didier Deschamps has rang the changes as a result, with Mbappe and Griezmann rested.
      There are surprises in defence with Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga featuring at left-back.
      The youngster is a central midfielder but has played as a left-back in training following the injury to Lucas Hernandez in France’s opening game against Australia.

      And Monaco’s Axel Disasi, naturally a centre-back, starts at right-back.

      Manchester United star Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate maintain their place in the heart of defence – with Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni the only other player to keep his place.
      Hugo Lloris has been replaced by Steve Mandanda while Youssouf Fofana comes in for Adrien Rabiot.
      Marseille midfielder Jordan Veretout has been given the chance to stake a claim in the side in the absence of Griezmann.
      There are plenty of shocks in attack with France’s injury list seeing former Arsenal star Matteo Guendouzi taking the place of Ousmane Dembele, who has been rested.
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      Olivier Giroud is also on the bench with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani winning his third cap.
      If France win the group they could play Argentina, Poland or Saudi Arabia in the second round.
      It is possible they will then meet England in the quarter-final if the Three Lions overcome Senegal. More

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      Fans love Ian Wright’s wild celebrations after England score vs Wales… while glum Hal Robson-Kanu sits next to him

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      IAN WRIGHT went crazy after England scored against Wales – while sat beside glum Welshman Hal Robson-Kanu. The Three Lions only needed to avoid defeat to secure a place in the World Cup knock-out stages.
      Ian Wright could not contain his joy as England bounced back from their dull 0-0 draw with the USCredit: https://twitter.com/IanWright0
      England fans were loving Wright’s celebrations in the press boxCredit: https://twitter.com/IanWright0
      To the right of Wright was a far less happy Hal Robson-KanuCredit: https://twitter.com/IanWright0
      But after a first-half of frustration, one brilliant tactical tweak unlocked the door and England hammered their British foes in Qatar.
      Marcus Rashford scored twice – one a fantastic free-kick and the other a skilful individual goal.
      Phil Foden’s strike was sandwiched in-between, and it is that goal that set off Wright.
      The ITV pundit celebrated wildly as England extended the advantage.
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      Sat in the media section, the popular former Arsenal striker did not try to contain his joy as Gareth Southgate’s side took control at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
      But sat alongside him was fellow pundit Hal Robson-Kanu who watched Wales’ first World Cup campaign since 1958 end in tatters.
      The ex-West Brom frontman led the Dragons’ sensational run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 but now watched on in despair as he saw his former team-mates fail to replicate that magic in the Middle East.
      Wright uploaded the contrasting reactions and fans were loving it.
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      One wrote on Twitter: “I love Ian Wright and I’m not even an Arsenal fan.”
      Another added: “What I love about Ian Wright – his passionate support makes me feel less foolish whooping on my own watching in SA!”
      A third tweeted: “Wrightyy vibes, this is every England fan right now. Love to see it!”
      Another supporter who was more sympathetic to Wales added: “Hal not having any of it.”
      Wright will be hoping to lead the celebrations when England face off with Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday.
      And after several outstanding performances last night, Southgate has a selection headache on his hands. More

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      Who is Marcus Rashford’s friend Garfield Hayward, what was the England star’s World Cup celebration about?

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      MARCUS RASHFORD is top of the Golden Boot standings at the World Cup following his brace against Wales. The England star has bagged three goals so far in Qatar, including one in the Three Lions’ opening game against Iran.
      Garfield Hayward (right) passed away after a battle with cancer
      Marcus Rashford dedicated his free-kick against Wales to his friend Garfield HaywardCredit: Getty
      Rashford opened the scoring against Wales with a stunning 25-yard free-kick.
      But it was his celebration which caught the eye of spectators and pundits.
      The Manchester United forward got on his knees and pointed to the sky with both hands after he was done revelling in the moment with his team-mates.
      Rashford explained after the game that the goal was dedicated to his late friend Garfield Hayward, who passed away after a battle with cancer just days ago.
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      Who is Garfield Hayward?
      Hayward was a close friend of Rashford’s, who the 25-year-old said was a ‘big supporter of mine’.
      “Unfortunately I lost one of my friends a couple of days ago,” Rashford explained after the game.
      “He’s had quite a long battle with cancer, so I’m pleased I managed to score for him.
      “He’s always been a big supporter of mine.
      “He was just a great person and I’m pleased he came into my life, really.”
      It’s also been reported by MailOnline that Hayward’s newphew Steven said: “My heart is hurting so much knowing I won’t see you again in this life.
      “Uncle Garf, one of the realist people I’ve ever known. You were the man with the most beautiful soul.
      “You will forever be in my thoughts and my heart till the day I die.” More

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      England boss Gareth Southgate faces nightmare selection ‘problem’ as his squad is too strong, says ex-captain John Terry

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE faces a huge selection headache when England face Senegal due to the Three Lions squad being so strong. That is the opinion of former England captain John Terry, who thinks the strong display from squad players against Wales has given Southgate a selection “problem”.
      Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden applaud the travelling fans after beating WalesCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate was evidently pleased with Rashford’s contributionCredit: AFP
      Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden came into the fray against Wales after Southgate dropped Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling to the bench.
      And due to both getting on the scoresheet Southgate will need to think carefully about his team to start the last 16.
      Speaking to beIN Sports, Terry said: “We have so much quality like I said before the game and at half-time.
      “It was important that we got fresh players on the pitch, I thought it was better that we made three substitutions at once.
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      “(Kyle) Walker, who needed the minutes to play. (Harry) Kane comes off and other players go on and Rashford scores two goals.
      “Foden starts the game tonight which was a real positive. I said before the tournament that Phil could be a big big player for us in this World Cup and it now causes the manager problems.
      “It will be interesting to see his next team when we play against Senegal because the players have given the manager a problem.”

      Southgate has dipped into the pool of players he has at his disposal throughout the group stage.
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      While he retained the same starting XI for the games against Iran and the USA he did bring on six different players from the bench across both.
      And by giving Walker and Kalvin Phillips good runouts it further boosts the options he has going into the knockout games.
      Terry added: “When you’ve got such a good group of players it’s important to know that Harry Kane if you’re not playing well there’s other players that can come in – Rashford could replace you.
      “If Phil Foden you’re not playing well you will be replaced. If Mason Mount doesn’t play well you will be replaced.
      “When you have that competitiveness within your group it’s great as well as the players feel part of it.” More

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      World Cup Wednesday games: Mbappe & Eriksen 2+ shots on target each at boosted 5/1 with William Hill

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      WILLIAM HILL have a price boost available ahead of the final games in Group D tonight.Punters can get 5/1 for France ace Kylian Mbappe and Denmark star Christian Eriksen both having at least two shots on target in this afternoon’s games.
      Mbappe & Eriksen 2+ SOT each | 5/1!Credit: GETTY
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      Blossoming romance and besotted.. what England stars and their Wags’ body language says about their relationships

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      ENGLAND stars relaxed with their Wags after securing a place in the second round of the World Cup.The Three Lions beat Wales 3-0 to finish top of Group B and set up a meeting with African champions Senegal.
      Conor Coady shares a kiss with his partner AmieCredit: Getty
      Callum Wilson chats to Jack Grealish and Sasha AtwoodCredit: Getty
      Marcus Rashford sits next to girlfriend Lucia after scoring twice against WalesCredit: Getty
      After the match the squad were once again given time to mingle with their family, friends and partners.
      Some were very affectionate with their significant others and shared kisses and hugs to celebrate their success.
      Here is what body language expert Judi James thinks each Wag’s body language says about their relationship.
      Jack Grealish & Sasha Atwood
      Sasha is making it very clear who her hero is here, both to Jack and to the rest of the world, with this unmasked display of excitement and adulation as she hooks round his shoulder and arm and arches her back to press her upper torso into his body.
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      Her cat-got-the-cream smile shows ‘he’s all mine’ and her mouth moves close to his ear to allow her to whisper a few smitten-looking words of praise for his victory on the pitch.
      Grealish actually shows his thoughtful and gentlemanly side here.
      The way he hugs side-on could hint at a lack of commitment but the way his right arm is hooked around Sasha is a gesture of strong connection and his body separation trait is probably him trying to keep his muddy and possibly sweaty bod away from hers.
      These two showed a mirrored personality trait too: both seem to be always laughing and grinning, showing an openly confident enjoyment of life in general as well as a love of all things football.
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      Sasha beamed from ear-to-ear as she hugged GrealishCredit: Getty
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      Bukayo Saka & Tolami Benson
      The very elegant Tolami looks too cool for school and it appears from this mirrored ‘moment’ of very controlled-looking congratulations and ‘affection’ as though Saka matches her poker face when he gets off the pitch.
      They look like they’re working a look of A-list celebrity here, honing in for their greeting with selfie-perfect closed lips and unsmiling expressions.
      The way they look at each other’s mouths rather than eyes hints at a possible touch of shyness from Saka though. No laughing or excited-looking greeting here then, but maybe it’s her calm approach that is keeping him centered out there on the pitch.
      Bukayo Saka looked a little shy as he spoke to TolamiCredit: Getty
      Aaron Ramsdale & Georgia Irwin
      This looks like a romantic kiss after a long separation rather than a brief spell apart and the romance looks even more important than the 3-0 win for this pair, suggesting they’re in the early stages of love.
      They look lost to the world, with Georgia looking especially like a girl with a crush, clutching and leaning with her back arched for an eyes-closed kiss.
      They look a bit like slightly awkward teenagers here but full marks for effort and ‘ah’ factor.
      Aaron Ramsdale and Georgia Irwin share a romantic kissCredit: PA
      Harry Kane & Katie Goodland
      Slumped back his seat and settling down for what looks like a good old natter with wife Katie, Kane looks like a man who has just come back for a cuppa after mowing the back lawn rather than having just qualified for the next round of the World Cup.
      Little fazes Kane out on the pitch and it looks as though the same is true for him and Kate off the pitch as she looks equally calm here.
      When they do kiss they just turn their heads inward rather than their torsos but the signals of strong affection are there in the eye contact that produces a reaction of facial expression softening and warm smiles.
      Harry Kane chit chat with wife KatieCredit: World Cup News Pool (WCNP)
      Luke Shaw & Anoushka Santos
      Shaw looks happily isolated with Anouska here, with his arm thrown casually around her shoulders as though they’re sitting watching a movie in the local cinema.
      Her body language signals suggest she’s besotted though, as she presses her body under his (probably match-sweaty) armpit and nuzzles his face with her own.
      Her symmetric smile and the way her eyes are closed in reflective delight suggest strong affection.
      When they kissed he leant in for a bestowed kiss as she placed both hands around his face and kept her eyes open in a gesture of proud ownership.
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      Luke Shaw and his partner are all smilesCredit: Getty
      Phil Foden & Rebecca Cooke
      We can’t see Foden’s reaction here but Rebecca looks very much like a practical girl who knows her own mind as she greets the winger with a smile of pride.
      She keeps her glasses on rather than flinging them off for a passionate snog and her splayed-fingered hands that she places on his shoulders and the way her eyes pick out the camera suggests she’s the more confident one in the relationship.
      Phil Foden hugs Rebecca after his goalscoring performanceCredit: Rex More

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      World Cup odds boost: Mbappe, Messi & Vega all to score, NOW 16/1 with William Hill

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      TWO more World Cup groups will be finalised later today as groups C & D get set for a thrilling climax.Three of the main teams involved and their star men make up a huge William Hill boost, with customers now able to get a huge 16/1 on Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Alexis Vega all to score!
      Mbappe, Messi & Vega All To Score – 16/1Credit: Getty
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      Kylian Mbappe will be hoping to lead the French line when they face Tunisia and look to make it three wins from their three games.
      The PSG man is also on course for a shot at the Golden Boot, with three goals to his name already.
      Speaking of PSG, Lionel Messi and Argentina need a win tonight to guarantee their own passage through.
      He has scored in both games so far as well and will be looking to complete the hat trick.
      While Alexis Vega scored in both warm up games for the World Cup but he – and his Mexico teammates – have found it tougher in the tournament.
      With Saudi Arabia ahead of a chance of qualification still possible, he’ll be hoping to spearhead his country into the last-16.
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      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

      *18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 13.04.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook. Further terms apply. Begambleaware.org.
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