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      ‘It worked perfectly’ – Alan Shearer hails Gareth Southgate’s genius tactical switch that saw England thrash Wales

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      ALAN SHEARER led the praise for Gareth Southgate’s genius tactical tweak that gave England the key to break through Wales. The Three Lions had struggled to create in the first-half as Rob Page’s side sat deep and looked to nick an unexpected World Cup result.
      Southgate has faced some criticism from fans for his tactical decisionsCredit: EPA
      But Shearer, who scored thirty goals for England from 1992 to 2000, was full of praise for his tweak last nightCredit: Getty
      But the floodgates opened in the second half as quick-fire goals from Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden finally gave England control of the match.
      A brilliant individual goal by the Manchester United forward later in the half put the game to bed, with England qualifying top of their World Cup group.
      Rashford and Foden were at the centre of a crucial half-time tactical switch.
      The two emerged on opposite flanks after the break and led to the pair being central to all three goals.
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      Pundit Shearer was impressed at the in-game tactics from the England manager.
      Speaking on the BBC, the former Three Lions striker said: “Gareth Southgate takes criticism at times for not making substitutions at the right time, etcetera, but he made a decision at half-time to switch Foden and Rashford over and it worked perfectly.
      “He also made a decision to start them because as said before there has been a lot of clamour to get Foden into the team, it’s worked perfectly.
      “He got the results with England scoring goals again and credit where it’s due.”
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      The inclusion of the two was also a big call by Southgate who opted to make some changes after the bore draw with the US.
      Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling were among those who were dropped to the bench, while Jordan Henderson got his first start of the tournament.
      Southgate now has a selection headache ahead of the last-16 game against Senegal whether to revert to tried and trusted tournament stars like Sterling or keep faith with the same side who dominated Wales.
      If Foden starts the England boss may also need to make a call on his position, with the Manchester City star in open disagreement with his manager over where he should play. More

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      Gareth Southgate explains why England are better prepared for World Cup knockout stages than they were in 2018

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE believes his England side are more prepared for the World Cup knockout stages than they were in 2018. Southgate led the Three Lions to the last four in Russia in 2018 and went one further last year with a Euros final.
      Gareth Southgate after England’s win over WalesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      England now play Senegal on Sunday in the last 16 in Qatar and do so more confident than ever.
      Southgate said: “I think there is a different mentality. More belief. In Russia, we were just thinking, ‘Can we win a knockout game?’
      “Now there is more confidence and more experience of knockout matches. We are pleased the first objective is achieved.
      “The spirit of the team is good we have got most of the team on the pitch which is fabulous for the dynamic – and no yellow cards which is good.”
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      A double from Marcus Rashford and first World Cup goal for Phil Foden saw off Wales 3-0.
      And it was United’s Rashford, who came in at left-wing for the match, who received high praise from boss Southgate.
      He said: “Watching lots of games the big players have stepped up.
      “And our forwards didn’t do that in the first half but in the second half they really did.
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      “You need goals from all areas. It is a problem for opposition if the threat is coming from other areas of the pitch.
      “It is competition for places and people have to deliver. You can see with his club there has been happiness in his performances.
      “We have a different version completely to the player we had in the Euros last summer.”
      England manager Gareth Southgate hugs Marcus RashfordCredit: Getty More

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      Watch heartwarming moment USA star Antonee Robinson hugs distraught Ramin Rezaeian after Iran’s World Cup KO

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      THE football world has hailed a beautiful moment between USA’s Antonee Robinson and Iran’s Ramin Rezaeian at the end of their World Cup clash on Tuesday night.Gregg Berhalter’s side booked their place in the last 16 and knocked Iran out in the process as Christian Pulisic’s goal handed them a 1-0 win in their crucial group stage match.
      Antonee Robinson consoled Ramin Rezaeian after the final whistleCredit: Getty

      The pair embraced as Rezaeian broke down in tears on the shoulder of RobinsonCredit: Getty
      USA leapfrogged Iran to clinch a last 16 place on Tuesday nightCredit: Getty
      And the Iran players were left devastated at the final whistle as their World Cup campaign came to an end.
      The moment was all too much for defender Rezaeian – whose home country are currently going through a turbulent time.
      But Fulham left-back Robinson was on hand to console the Iranian right-back as he wept on the shoulder of the American – despite historic tensions between the two nations.
      The clip went viral online and led to a heartwarming response across the world.
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      Reacting on social media, one person said: “BEAUTIFUL display of brotherhood! These two men said it all.
      “When the US and Iran can embrace with such compassion like this, it’s a symbol of the highest and truest part of our humanity. Peace and love to Iran.💚🕊️❤️.”
      Another added: “That is BEAUTIFUL! The BEAUTY of sport!”
      A third simply said: “True sportsmanship.”
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      And a fourth replied: “Absolutely brilliant. Sport overcomes everything.”
      USA will now face Holland on Saturday as they fight for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
      The Americans have not reached the last eight since the 2002 tournament – when they were eliminated by eventual runners-up Germany. More

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      Who should start either side of Harry Kane when England face Senegal on Sunday?

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      IN many ways, England’s three group games at this World Cup have encapsulated Gareth Southgate’s entire reign as head coach.The Three Lions’ wealth of attacking assets have set up the team for a positive tournament performance and yet still supporters had to endure 90+ minutes of nothingness against USA, a reminder of the risk-adverse approach that tempers the creative talent in the squad from time to time.
      Still, seven points from what could have been a deceptively tricky group is objectively good going and the Euro 2020 finalists will start as favourites when they meet Senegal in the round of 16.
      Looking ahead to Sunday night’s knockout game, Gareth Southgate has big decisions to make in the wide areas, as do Dream Team World Cup gaffers.
      Should Rashford start against Senegal?Credit: getty
      Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden , Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford have all scored at the tournament already – a notable statistic given none of them got close during the stalemate against the Americans.
      Manchester United’s boy wonder has made a compelling case to start from the off against the Africa Cup of Nations champions having scored three goals in 107 minutes so far.
      Rashford came off the bench to cash in against a deflated Iran and was England’s most-threatening player against Wales, opening the scoring with sweetly-struck free-kick before capping the victory with a left-footed goal to make it 3-0 in the 68th minute.
      Naturally, the 25-year-old scooped the Star Man on Tuesday night to bank 18 points, taking his overall tally to 23 and putting him level with Lionel Messi (albeit having played a game more).
      It’s easy to forget that Saka scored a brace of his own in England’s opening fixture, an effort that produced an 18-point haul – only two midfielders, Frenkie de Jong and Bruno Fernandes, have racked up more since.
      England are stacked in the wide areasCredit: getty
      Sterling scored one goal and assisted another against Iran to pocket ten points and, crucially, is probably Southgate’s favourite option on the left flank.
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      The clamour for Foden was satisfied when the Manchester City youngster produced a silky performance against Wales, winning the free-kick which Rashford converted with a mazy run before scoring one of his own to double the lead.
      The 22-year-old earned eight points for his efforts but whether he’s done enough to convince Southgate he should start in the knockout stages remains to be seen.
      Finally, there’s Grealish, who also has eight points, but it seems likely he’ll continue in his impact substitute role for the foreseeable future.
      DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP OWNERSHIP:

      Foden – 17.4%
      Saka – 17.4%
      Rashford – 9.9%
      Sterling – 6.9%
      Grealish – 2.3%

      It’s worth noting that all the above players are categorised as midfielders except for Rashford, who is a forward.
      England fans got their wish against WalesCredit: getty
      Despite being the least in-form, Sterling is surely the favourite to start from the left against Senegal, the Chelsea winger has been one of the first names on the team sheet under Southgate and he’s justified his status more often than not in recent times.
      Let’s not forget he was arguably England’s most potent threat throughout Euro 2020.
      That leaves Foden, Saka and Rashford scrapping for a place on the right and no matter Southgate’s decision, a sizeable chunk of Dream Team World Cup bosses will be disappointed.
      If the team selection was determined by Dream Team World Cup points then it would Saka and Rashford either side of Kane from the off on Sunday night – that sounds pretty good on paper but the national coach cares not for fantasy football games (sadly).
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      Dream Team World Cup bosses may choose to wait until the starting line-up is announced before making any transfers but with France likely to play in the afternoon (and possibly Argentina) they will be have to mindful of lockout.
      The last thing you want as we delve into the knockouts is multiple non-starters polluting your XI. More

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      Harry Maguire praises Man Utd pal Marcus Rashford for ‘rising to the top again’ in stunning England World Cup return

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      HARRY MAGUIRE has praised Marcus Rashford for his spectacular England return.Rashford scored twice against Wales on his first Three Lions start since June 2021.
      Harry Maguire praised Marcus Rashford after he scored twice against WalesCredit: PA
      Maguire, his club captain at Manchester United, said: “I am really pleased for Marcus.
      “For the last year or so he has been in and out of the England team and set up.
      “He has really found his form again for Manchester United and he is a massive player for our club, throughout a long career, you will always have ups and downs and it is all about how you bounce back when you are out of form.
      “He has kept working hard and done that tirelessly. I can’t speak highly enough of Marcus.
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      “He is a wonderful man and a great player.
      “He showed he belongs on this stage.”
      Rashford’s form dipped after he suffered racial abuse for his penalty miss in the final of the Euros.
      A shoulder injury also restricted him and Gareth Southgate recalled him only for the World Cup.
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      Maguire said: “This last year has been difficult for him but all good players rise to the top again.
      “I am sure the coaching staff and everyone close to him try to help him. I am close to Marcus, a good mate of his on and off the field, the main thing is trying to get the belief back in his game.
      “Marcus is a fantastic talent and you see it day in day out when you train with him. It was a matter of time until he got his confidence and form back.
      “When he gets that opportunity with the confidence that he has, he is a threat to anyone.”
      Maguire was also delighted with England’s performance against Wales, which took off with Rashford’s fabulous free kick early in the second half.
      The United defender said: “It was an amazing performance.
      “The first half set us up to do what we did in the second half. A lot of the games in the World Cup, if you watch them, there’s really tense first halves.
      “This is the biggest competition in the world so it is not going to be easy and free-flowing football always like you want it to be or it was against Iran in the first half.
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      “We controlled it from minute one, it was 3-0 and could have been more.
      “It is a great night for our country, everyone involved but it is only one game and another big game coming around the corner. “ More

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      Saudi Arabia vs Mexico – World Cup Group C: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction as Saudis look to qualify

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      SAUDI ARABIA are looking to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages for the second time after springing one of the all-time shocks in Qatar.The Saudis stunned Lionel Messi and Argentina in their opening game.

      Saudi Arabia’s XI for the defeat to Poland
      And while they were unable to maintain the momentum in their second game against Poland, qualification is still in their hands.
      Mexico have had a torrid campaign and are yet to score in this competition.
      But their fate is still just about in their own hands and they can make it through with a big win no matter what anybody else does.
      SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Saudi Arabia vs Mexico, plus our score prediction.
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      How are they getting on?
      Saudi Arabia: Herve Renard’s energetic Saudi side achieved one of the most memorable results in World Cup history as they beat Argentina 2-1 in their opening game.
      However, they ran out of gas in their second game as Poland ran out 2-0 winners to leave their qualification hopes up in the air.
      Read the full Poland vs Saudi Arabia match report…
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      Mexico: El Tri have yet to score a goal in a forgettable campaign which saw them draw 0-0 to the Poles and lose 2-0 to Argentina.
      But they still have a chance of securing an eighth straight qualification for the knockout stages.
      Read the full Argentina vs Mexico match report…

      Mexico’s XI for the defeat to Argentina
      Any injuries to worry about?
      Mohammed Al-Burayk, Yasir Al-Shahrani and Salman Al-Faraj are all out through injury for Saudi Arabia.
      Abdulelah Al-Malki misses out through suspension after picking up two yellow cards.
      Mexico’s Andres Guardado was forced off injured after 42 minutes against Argentina, but quickly returned to training afterwards.
      Who will be the star men?
      Saudi Arabia: Salem Al-Dawsari showed his quality with his stunning winner against Argentina.
      Mexico: Napoli winger Hirving Lozano is an ever-present in the team and will need to perform if the Mexicans are to rack up the goals.
      Permutations
      Saudi Arabia will qualify with a win and top the group if Poland vs Argentina ends in a draw
      A draw will be enough if Poland beat Argentina or Argentina win 4-0.
      Mexico will qualify with any win if Poland beat Argentina.
      Should that match end in a draw, they will need to win by four goals.
      If Argentina win, the Mexicans will need to win and secure a five-goal win away from the Poles.
      What’s the head-to-head?
      Saudi Arabia and Mexico have met five times, all of them being in the 90s and three of them in the Confederations Cup.
      Of those games, Mexico have won four and there has been one draw.
      Their last meeting was in the Confederations Cup in 1999, when Mexico ran out 5-1 winners at the Azteca.
      Odds
      Saudi Arabia 4-1
      Draw 33-10
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      Mexico 8-11
      SunSport prediction
      Saudi Arabia 1 Mexico 2 More

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      Poland vs Argentina – World Cup Group C: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction as Messi looks to avoid early exit

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      LIONEL MESSI heads into a huge clash with Poland looking to avoid a very premature exit from what is almost certain to be his last World Cup.The Argentines currently occupy second position in Group C but have work to do following their upset defeat to Saudi Arabia in the opening game.

      Poland’s starting XI during their 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia
      A victory will guarantee their place in the knockout stages and almost certainly see them avoid another last 16 clash with France.
      Poland meanwhile have built from the back and while not being easy on the eye, currently occupy top spot without having conceded a goal.
      And after feeling aggrieved to miss out on the Ballon d’Or to Lionel Messi in 2021, Robert Lewandowski will be determined to guide his side to the knockout stages.
      SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Poland vs Argentina, including our score prediction.
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      How are they getting on?
      Argentina: Messi and Co were stunned by Saudi Arabia in a 2-1 defeat in their opening match.
      But the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped up when his country needed it most to score the first goal in a 2-0 win over Mexico in the second game.
      Read the full Argentina vs Mexico report…
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      Poland: The Poles could have already been through if Lewandowski had converted a penalty in their opening snore draw with Mexico.
      But their talisman atoned to score the second goal in a crucial 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the following game.
      Read the full Poland vs Saudi Arabia report…

      Argentina’s starting XI for their 2-0 win over Mexico
      Any injuries to worry about?
      Poland: The Poles have no fresh injury worries ahead of this crucial clash.
      Argentina: There are no injury concerns in the Argentine camp ahead of this one.
      Who will be the star men?
      Argentina: There is an array of talent in the Argentina ranks but nobody in the world has a CV quite like Messi.
      Poland: The Poles are not likely to create too many chances in this game and Robert Lewandowski will need to take any that come his way.
      Permutations
      Argentina will qualify with a win over Poland and top the group provided Saudi Arabia don’t beat Mexico by three more goals than they can manage.
      A draw will be enough if Saudi Arabia vs Mexico ends in a draw or Mexico win by less than four goals.
      Argentina will be out if they lose.
      Poland will qualify with a draw and top the group if Saudi Arabia fail to beat Mexico.
      If Saudi Arabia draw, Poland must lose by less than three goals to be sure of qualifying.
      Poland will be out if they lose and Mexico win with a five-goal swing.
      What is the head-to-head?
      Argentina have won six, drawn two and lost three against Poland.
      At the World Cup, Poland ran out surprise 3-2 winners in 1974.
      But Argentina got revenge four years later with a 2-0 win on the way to lifting the trophy in 1978.
      The teams last meeting came in 2011 when Poland ran out 2-1 winners in a friendly in Warsaw.
      Odds
      Argentina 11-21
      Draw 16-5
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      Poland 15-2
      SunSport prediction
      Poland 0 Argentina 2 More

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      Tunisia vs France – World Cup Group D: How they’re doing, injuries and prediction as French look to win every game

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      TUNISIA are looking to perform a minor miracle and beat the world champions to qualify for the last 16.The Eagles of Carthage have yet to score in the World Cup and are on the verge of elimination.

      Tunisia’s starting XI from their defeat to Australia
      They performed well in their opener with Denmark before coming a cropper against Australia.
      France meanwhile are looking to make it three wins out of three after impressive victories over the Aussies and Danes.
      Kylian Mbappe was the inspiration for both those wins and it remains to be seen whether he will be risked for this one.
      SunSport takes a look at what to expect from Tunisia vs France including our score prediction.
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      How are they getting on?
      Tunisia: The North Africans got off to a promising start in their opener with Denmark, where they were the better team in a 0-0 draw.
      But they failed to rally after a Mitchell Duke header and went down to a 1-0 defeat in their second game against Australia.
      Read the full Tunisia vs Australia report…
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      France: Les Bleus laid down a marker in their opening game after coming from behind to hammer Australia 4-1.
      A Kylian Mbappe brace then inspired them to a 2-1 win over Denmark, their first against the Danes in four attempts.
      Read the full France vs Denmark report…

      The France team that beat Denmark
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      Any injuries to worry about?
      Tunisia: The Tunisians have no injury worries with even second goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said returning to full fitness.
      France: Where to begin?
      Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante were among a number of seasoned internationals ruled out before the tournament started.
      Karim Benzema is on holiday in Reunion with reports that he could make a surprise return to the squad before the end of the tournament appearing wide of the mark.
      Theo Hernandez is France’s only left-back after brother Lucas was ruled out by injury.
      Eduardo Camavinga may therefore slot in there for this match if Deschamps wants to rest the AC Milan man.
      Second choice goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is a doubt for a match he may well have started, as he has a back issue.
      Who to watch
      Tunisia: Ferencvaros star Aissa Laidouni has impressed in the Tunisia midfield, ensuring it more than matched its Danish and Australian counterparts in the opening two games.
      France: It’s difficult to look beyond Mbappe.
      The PSG man has three goals in two matches and despite the possibility of him being rested for this game, it is claimed he is determined to start.
      Permutations
      If Australia beat Denmark in the other Group D game, Tunisia are out.
      If the teams draw, Tunisia can qualify with a win over France.
      If Denmark beat Australia, Tunisia must beat France by a bigger margin.
      If Tunisia fail to beat France, they are out regardless of other results.
      France have already qualified and know avoiding defeat will be enough to secure top spot in Group D.
      Should France lose, Australia can top the group with victory over Denmark, but it will require a seven-goal swing.
      What’s the head-to-head?
      The teams have met competitively just once, with Tunisia winning 2-1 in the Mediterranean Games back in 1971.
      Since then, they have played four friendlies with France winning two and drawing two.
      Their last meeting was a 1-1 draw in a friendly in Rades, Tunisia back in 2010.
      Odds
      Tunisia 38-5
      Draw 15-4
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      France 4-9
      SunSport prediction
      Tunisia 1 France 2 More