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      Wayne Rooney tells Southgate to REST Harry Kane in World Cup clash vs Wales as England legend names one must-start star

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      ALL-TIME England top scorer Wayne Rooney has told manager Gareth Southgate to REST captain Harry Kane for their World Cup group clash with Wales.The Three Lions are top of Group B with four points after recording a 6-2 win over Iran and drawing 0-0 with USA on Friday.
      Rooney says Kane should be rested against WalesCredit: Getty
      England legend Rooney would instead play WilsonCredit: Alamy
      Captain Kane picked up a knock on the ankle in the first group game and was ultimately touch-and-go for the USA clash – but was declared fit.
      England are yet to book their places in the last-16 of the World Cup and have one more game left against Wales.
      However, England and Manchester United legend Rooney says Kane should be rested for the Battle of Britain and replaced by Callum Wilson.
      Talking in his Times column, 53 England-goal Rooney said on resting Kane: “The other big change I would make for the Wales match would be to rest Harry Kane.
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      “Against the USA, he looked like he may have been suffering the effects of a heavy knock he took in the Iran game.
      “It was from a tackle in the second half and in that match I felt that Gareth should have considered taking him off at half-time.
      “England were leading 3-0, the game was already won and Harry is our most important player.
      “When there are opportunities to protect him and help him stay fit, I believe Gareth should take them — and that is why I would keep Harry on the bench against Wales.”
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      Kane isn’t the only player Rooney is suggesting should drop to the bench.
      Chelsea star Mason Mount is another, as could be Raheem Sterling OR Bukayo Saka.
      Rooney would instead like to see another central midfielder start in Kalvin Phillips OR Jordan Henderson.
      Phil Foden would play on the left with Saka or Sterling on the right.
      Manchester City ace Foden was an unused substitute in the draw with USA – a decision that baffled Rooney.
      He said: “I found it very strange that Foden did not come on as a substitute against the USA, and as I wrote in these pages before the tournament, he would be a key part of my starting XI if I were the England boss. Technically, he is the best footballer England have.
      “He creates chances, he scores goals, he influences games and he gives you control.
      “In possession, he always keeps hold of the ball and normally makes the right choices, and out of possession he can get at players as well. He is fast, competitive and good at pressing the opposition.
      “I think if you have a talent like Foden, you simply have to play him. He is now a different player from the one we saw at Euro 2020, when he struggled to make an impact.
      “He is more mature and came into this tournament on the back of a long period of brilliant performances for Manchester City. He has the form to go with the ability.
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      “If I were him, I would be very frustrated that I didn’t get on the pitch at any stage of Friday’s game.
      “My starting XI would have Foden on the left and Bukayo Saka competing with Raheem Sterling for a place on the right.”
      Rooney’s team for Wales next week More

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      Serbia team charged by Fifa over ‘hateful’ Kosovo flag on players’ lockers at Qatar World Cup amid fears of ethnic war

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      FIFA is investigating the Serbian football team after players left an offensive message to Kosovo in their World Cup dressing room.A picture circulated online shows a provocative flag hung between two lockers amid escalating tensions between the Balkan states.
      The words No Surrender’ were written across an outline map of Kosovo, a former province of Serbia
      Serbian fans held the same flag in the stands while watching their team’s defeat to Brazil on ThursdayCredit: EPA
      The flag was draped across lockers belonging to Serbian players Milos Veljkovic and Andrija Zivkovic in their dressing room during the World Cup.
      It features an outline map of Kosovo filled in with a the national flag of Russia-backed neighbour Serbia.
      Over the top were the words “No Surrender.”
      The flag was also held up by Serbian supporters during the Brazil v Serbia match on Thursday November 24.

      In 2008 Kosovo declared independence from Serbia, but the ally of Russia refuses to recognise it as an independent country.
      Kosovo’s sports minister, Hajrulla Ceku, complained to Fifa about the photo.
      He said: “Disgraceful images from Serbia locker room, displaying hateful, xenophobic and genocidal messages towards Kosova, while exploiting Fifa World Cup platform.
      “We expect concrete actions from Fifa considering that the Kosovo Football Federation (FFK) is a full Fifa and Uefa member.”
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      The Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) submitted a formal complaint to Fifa on Friday.
      It said: “Such acts of chauvinism have no place in a sports event, and even less inside the facilities where the biggest event of world football takes place.”
      It also called for “sanctioning measures against actions that incite hatred between peoples and are against human values.”
      Its statement continued: “It is unacceptable for this act to pass in silence, therefore we strongly request that Fifa strictly implement its rules and punish the football federation of Serbia for this aggressive action and against the values ​​that football conveys.”
      Today Fifa said it had charged Serbia citing a section of its disciplinary code covering misconduct including “offensive gestures, signs or language”.
      The world governing body said: “The Fifa disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against the Football Association of Serbia due to a flag displayed in their dressing room on the occasion of the Brazil v Serbia.
      “The proceedings were opened on the basis of article 11 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and article 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2022.”
      The FFK also said today: “The World Cup is an event of joy and unity and should send messages of hope and peace, not messages of hatred. We call FIFA to take action against such actions.”
      Serbia, who lost 2-0 to Brazil, are due to face Cameroon in their next match on Monday November 28.
      Its football federation has not commented so far.
      Last week we told of fears Vladimir Putin’s brutal war could become the backdrop for a wave of violence between Kosovo and Serbia.
      Peace talks failed to defuse a bitter row over car licence plates, leaving the region “on the verge of conflict.”
      EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that the failure to resolve the long-running issue may spark fresh “violence” 23 years after the brutal Kosovo war.
      And Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic warned of “hell on the ground” if Kosovo does not back down in the dispute.
      The row came to a head after Kosovo declared a deadline for cars in the majority-Serbian north of the country to re-register cars with Kosovan plates.
      And while seeming petty, the move has sparked fury in Belgrade.
      At least eight fire bombings have already taken place against Kosovan Serbs who exchanged their Serbian plates for new ones complying with the law.
      Kosovo has backing from Nato – but that has not stopped the tensions with Serbia.
      Russian authorities continue to defend Serbians rebelling against Kosovo’s government, and say Pristina authorities are deliberately escalating tensions.
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      Kosovo and Serbia previously clashed in the Balkan Wars, with the most bloody conflict between 1998-1999, leaving 14,000 dead and thousands missing.
      Nato intervened to stop the bloodshed and the province was split in 1999 before declaring independence in 2008.
      Andrija Zivkovic during Serbia’s World Cup clash with Brazil in QatarCredit: Getty
      Milos Veljkovic was also in action in the defeat to Brazil on ThursdayCredit: Rex
      Tensions are running high between the neighbouring Balkans states More

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      World Cup fans stunned by Joe Cole’s ‘magic hands’ as he works as pundit for ITV

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      WORLD CUP fans have been left stunned by England legend Joe Cole’s “magic hands” while working as a pundit for ITV.Cole, 41, was giving some post-match comments on France’s 2-1 win over Denmark.

      Joe Cole had special effects appear near his handsCredit: ITV
      Kylian Mbappe netted a brace, while ex-Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen scored for the Danes.
      As Cole was talking, a mystical dust appeared as if by magic around his hands.
      Special effects may have played a part, but that didn’t stop fans from talking about Cole’s on-screen sorcery.
      One stunned viewer said on Twitter: “Joe Cole just did magic.”
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      The ITV panel, which also included Manchester United legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville, got on to the subject of England and cautious manager Gareth Southgate.
      England played out a World Cup Group B draw with USA on Friday and offered very little in the final third.
      Cole says the Three Lions have a knack of opting for cautious managers.
      One example he remembers is having defender Phil Neville picked ahead of him at Euro 2004 to come off the bench against Portugal.
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      The youngest of the Neville brothers played on the left flank.
      Such a decision should have seen Sven-Goran Eriksson sacked, Keane declared.
      A fan said: “Rahhhh they started Phil Neville ahead of Joe Cole vs Portugal in Euro 2004. England always Englanding.” More

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      Neymar posts gruesome pic of swollen ankle as Brazil star wears huge compression boot in battle to save his World Cup

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      NEYMAR has posted a gruesome picture of his swollen ankle.That’s as the Brazil star battles to save his World Cup by wearing a huge compression boot.
      Neymar has posted a gruesome picture of his swollen ankleCredit: Instagram @neymarjr
      The Brazil star is recovering with the help of a huge compression bootCredit: Instagram @neymarjr
      Neymar, 30, went off in tears during Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia this week.
      The Paris Saint-Germain star suffered ligament damage after being clattered by defender Nikola Milenkovic.
      And Brazil team doctors issued a worrying update afterwards after Neymar’s right ankle ballooned in size.
      It was quickly confirmed that the Samba Boys’ talisman would miss the remainder of the group stage.
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      But Neymar has now issued a fresh update on his injury with a series of pictures on Instagram.
      Several snaps showed his ankle still looking red and swollen, which is sure to worry fans.
      But Neymar gave supporters hope as he flashed a cheeky grin – while also revealing a huge compression boot to assist his recovery for the knockout stages.
      The magic forward has already revealed his determination to bounce back and lead his side out again.
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      Neymar hopes to be back for Brazil in the knockout stagesCredit: Instagram @neymarjr
      And Brazil legend Cafu believes crocked Neymar should take it as a compliment that he gets kicked to high heaven by opponents.
      Cafu told SunSport: “I don’t see it as true aggression against him. Some of the fouls are a little bit tougher than others
      “But what happens is the great stars who have more retention of the ball like Ronaldo and Neymar, will have a high probability of suffering fouls.
      “It is only natural. But until now, I haven’t seen any intentional fouls that will result in serious injury.
      “Brazil has a lot of very powerful strikers and when one is out, the others take their place to help. 
      “It is why Brazil is so strong as a team. The whole squad comes together.
      “This Brazilian team has a big set of stars, but they are all allowed them to stand out and shine.
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      “They can perform the same with or without Neymar, just like the French team is without some great players.
      “Neymar can change the game around from one moment to another, but we have many great players and Brazil will continue playing.” More

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      England ace Mason Mount bizarrely slammed by Chelsea superfan porn star Astrid Wett after USA statemate

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      PORN star Astrid Wett slammed Mason Mount for his display in England’s drab draw with USA.The 21-year-old Chelsea supporter, who is a famous Instagram star, Tiktoker, YouTuber and OnlyFans model, tuned in with the rest of the nation for Friday night’s World Cup clash.
      Astrid Wett was feeling Blue as Mount Mount and Co failed to throw the kitchen sink at the USA in the Three Lions’ second group gameCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
      OnlyFans star Astrid unbottled her emotions after watching England struggleCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
      Astrid could see through the Three Lions’ display against the YanksCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
      YouTuber Astrid didn’t hold back in her rare blast at hero MountCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
      Even Astrid was upset by Mount’s performance in the 0-0 stalemate with the USCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
      But the Three Lions were outclassed by their American counterparts in a dull stalemate in their second World Cup Group B match.
      Even the England WAGs were yawning during the game as the toothless Three Lions failed to muster any serious threat to the Americans.
      Fans took to Twitter afterwards to joke that unused substitute Phil Foden created just as many chances as Mount, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling combined.
      Mount, enjoyed a heartwarming moment as he was finally able to meet his three-year-old niece for the first time this week, in particular found himself heavily criticised afterwards.
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      And one of his biggest fans even appeared to turn her back on him.
      Astrid tweeted: “Mason Mount I love you, but this is the World Cup not Norwich at home.”
      The blonde beauty has previously sung the praises of the 23-year-old Stamford Bridge star.
      She wrote on Twitter earlier in the campaign: “Mason Mount has silenced all his haters this season!”
      Despite a good hard look Astrid couldn’t see anything to impress herCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
      England put on display as little as Astrid as they offered nothing against the USCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
      Astrid hopes England have a tough look at themselvesCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
      Mount was reminded by superfan Astrid that England were playing in the World Cup, not at home to NorwichCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
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      When she is not attending matches at Stamford Bridge, Astrid earns her living on OnlyFans – where fans can see her x-rated content for £7.50 a month.
      Meanwhile, the draw leaves England still top of the group on four points, a point ahead of second-placed Iran.
      The USA, who take on Iran on Tuesday, are third on two points after consecutive draws.
      And Wales, who England face in their final Group B match, are bottom on one point.
      That means the Three Lions will qualify for the knockouts if they avoid a 4-0 defeat to the Welsh.
      Even if Wales were to win by four goals, England would still qualify if Iran and USA draw.
      Normally Mount is one of the first names in Astrid’s favourite 11, not least as the England midfielder plays for her beloved ChelseaCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
      Astrid couldn’t get to the bottom of a woeful night for Gareth Southgate’s menCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid
      Hat’s off to Astrid, who criticised Mount despite being a Blues’ supporterCredit: Instagram / @wettastrid More

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      Bukayo Saka reunites with former Arsenal academy star Yunus Musah after USA draw and fans all say the same thing

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      BUKAYO SAKA reunited with his former Arsenal academy team-mate Yunus Musah last night following England’s World Cup draw with the USA.The winger, 21, has been a stand-out player for England so far in the competition.
      Bukayo Saka posed for a picture with Yunus Musah after the gameCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Musah played for Arsenal before moving to ValenciaCredit: Getty
      He scored twice in the Three Lions’ record-breaking 6-2 win over Iran earlier this week and earned the Player of the Match award for his efforts.
      Saka was also named in Gareth Southgate’s unchanged starting line-up ahead of Friday’s grudge match.
      But, like the rest of his team-mates, he failed to impress as England were held to a bore 0-0 draw against the USA.
      Despite the result, Saka was seen smiling and joking as he stopped to chat with his former academy teammate Musah, who started in midfield for Gregg Berhalter’s side.
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      The two swapped shirts and posed for a picture in the dressing room before Musah uploaded the snap to Twitter with a caption that read: “It’s been years since the days at Hale End but I’m so grateful to have crossed paths again on football’s biggest stage.”
      Musah, 19, joined Arsenal’s world renowned Hale End Academy at the age of nine after moving to London from Italy.
      But, after seven years with the Gunners, he left to join Valencia in 2019.
      The midfielder is now a regular presence in Gennaro Gattuso’s starting line-up.
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      But, following his impressive performance on Friday, some Arsenal fans are eager for him to return to north London.
      One person tweeted: “Yunus Musah is a Hale End product. He looks like the central midfield version of Saka. Bring him home.”
      While another added: “Musah looks a good player, only 19 as well, Arsenal look like they dropped the ball letting him go, he wouldn’t look out of place in Liverpool midfield.” More

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      I had tickets to watch England vs USA at World Cup in Qatar… but had to skip it to captain my non-league side in FA Cup

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      NON-LEAGUE Alvechurch captain Jamie Willets had tickets to watch England’s World Cup group match against USA in Qatar… but had to skip it to play in the FA Cup.Lowest-ranked Alvechurch earned a shock spot in this weekend’s round of FA Cup action after beating Cheltenham in the first round.
      Alvechurch captain Willets had tickets for England’s game against USA but didn’t go to play in the FA CupCredit: Rex
      England played out a 0-0 draw with USACredit: Getty
      But while Alvechurch captain Willets would have been delighted to have his side progress, it meant he couldn’t go to Qatar.
      Willets even had tickets secured for England’s Middle East dust-up with USA, according to BBC’s Betty Glover.
      Instead, he was in action against League One Forest Green – and unfortunately staying at home came to nothing as Alvechurch’s cup ran came to an end on Saturday with a 2-1 defeat.
      However, considering the boring 0-0 draw that England played out in Qatar, Willet might have been happy he stayed at home.
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      After the defeat, Alvechurch tweeted: “We are out of the FA Cup. A truly remarkable cup run from a small village team.
      “The boys have done everyone proud, what a team we have.
      “Thank you to all the fans that have supported us, your support has not gone unnoticed. WE ARE THE CHURCH.”
      At the World Cup, Gareth Southgate’s men went into the World Cup group fixture with the USA off the back of a 6-2 win over Iran.
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      However, despite controlling the majority of the ball, the Three Lions only managed to register three shots on target.
      Midfielder Mason Mount went closest for Southgate’s side.
      His snapshot on the edge of the USA penalty area was saved by Arsenal’s Matt Turner.
      Captain Harry Kane also had a good chance, but he sent a headed effort wide late on in the second half.
      England will need to win the Battle of Britain against Wales next week to finish top of Group B. More

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      England World Cup star Jack Grealish reveals secret behind his huge calves and why he wears his socks so low

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup superstar Jack Grealish has revealed the secret behind his low socks and large calves.The £100million Manchester City midfielder, 27, has a notable look on the pitch in Qatar, and has lifted the lid on his style.
      Jack Grealish has revealed the superstitious reason behind his famous low socksCredit: AP
      England’s World Cup ace has also opened up over his huge calvesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      On those famous calves, he claimed it is all genetics, saying to the Daily Mail: “I actually don’t do anything. It’s just something that runs in the family.
      “My grandad always had big calves when he used to play football.
      “But I don’t do any calf exercises or calf routines in the gym or anything. Honestly, it’s just something that I’ve had since I was young.”
      And on those well-known low socks Grealish shared that superstition is the reason behind it.
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      He said: “I think I was about 14 or 15 and we were sponsored by Macron at Aston Villa and the socks used to shrink in the wash.
      “In training I couldn’t get them over my calves because the socks were so small.
      “So I started wearing them below my calves in training — and that season I ended up playing really well.
      “So then I started wearing my socks below my calves in games. It was just something that stuck because I’d had such a good season.”
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      Fans have been having their say on Grealish’s calves in Qatar, with one saying: “So like, how big are Grealish’s calves going to get?”
      Another wrote: “Was very into the US-England game until noticing Jack Grealish’s mutant calves, which became my entire focus afterwards.”
      One declared: “Jack Grealish wears his socks so low cause if he pulls them over his calves he’ll lose circulation to his legs.”
      Another added: “Someone hit me up with Grealish’s calves workout.”
      As for England’s World Cup campaign, Grealish is yet to start a match for Gareth Southgate’s side.

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      But he did give fans a glimpse of his calves as he came off the bench against Iran and the USA.
      Grealish is now hoping to get a first start against Wales on Tuesday.
      But he has warned his England teammates not to underestimate Gareth Bale and Co in the wake of their drab 0-0 draw against the States.
      Grealish said: “Wales have got some very good players – and they won’t just be playing for pride. In their heads, the Welsh aren’t out yet. They have a game to play and can still qualify.
      “It’s going to be difficult for them, but they can still go through – but it’s also in our hands as well.
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      “We go into the last game top of the group, so let’s see what happens.
      “The game against Wales is going to be an interesting one. You know it’s going to be difficult because of the rivalry.” More