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      Harry Kane turns up wearing £535,000 Rainbow Rolex before England World Cup win over Iran after OneLove armband banned

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      ENGLAND captain Harry Kane was pictured wearing a £535,000 rainbow watch in Qatar despite the Fifa furore.We reported earlier how Denmark are planning talks with fellow Uefa members over potentially QUITTING world football’s governing body.
      Harry Kane and other players were stopped by Fifa from wearing the OneLove armband at the World CupCredit: Alamy
      That did not stop the star from making his own statement ahead of the Iran matchCredit: Getty
      Kane was spotted wearing the Rolex Daytona Rainbow watchCredit: Getty Images
      The timepiece is worth a mega £535,000Credit: Rolex
      They were one of seven nations, including England and Wales, planning for their skippers to wear One Love armbands in their opening World Cup matches.
      The armbands promote inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights, with same-sex relationships illegal in Qatar.
      Alongside the above three, Germany, France, Belgium, and Switzerland had all planned for their captains to wear them also.
      But the seven skippers were warned by Fifa that they faced a yellow card as a “minimum” punishment for wearing the armbands.
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      Germany sent a defiant message to Fifa with an iconic team photo ahead of their shock World Cup defeat to Japan yesterday.
      Their players lined up for the pre-match team photo and all covered their mouths with their right hand – an act to show they had been silenced by the tournament organisers.

      Now it has emerged that England hero Kane, who was back training today after an injury scare ahead of Friday’s clash with USA, also made his own personal statement.
      The 29-year-old led the squad from the team coach into the dressing-room at the Khalifa International Stadium before the 6-2 win over Iran wearing a £535,000 Rainbow Rolex.
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      Instagram account Insane Luxury Life shared a snap of the timepiece, which was previously worn by Stormzy at the Brit Awards in 2020, and the star wearing it.
      And they captioned it with: “The captain of England @harrykane wears a rare @rolex Daytona ‘Rainbow’ 116595RBOW in 18k rose gold, one of the most sought after pieces on market.
      “This masterpiece is set with 36 baguette-cut rainbow sapphires on bezel, 56 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case and 11 baguette-cut rainbow colored sapphires as hour markers.
      “The Daytona Rainbow was first released in 2012 in 18k white gold and 18k yellow gold, at the time they weren’t much appreciated by the market. #Rolex.”
      They then shared that the retail price is $135,850, while the current market price is $650,000.
      It comes amid news that Qatar has been ordered by Fifa to stop forcing fans to remove their rainbow hats when they enter stadiums.

      Security guards ahead of Wales’ 1-1 draw with the USA cracked down on fans wearing pro-LGBTQ+ clothing at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
      Fans reported being forced to remove rainbow-coloured bucket hats, rainbow wristbands and even rainbow laces.
      And one man even reported he was refused entry to the stadium because he was wearing a T-shirt sporting a rainbow.
      LGBTQ+ rights have been at the centre of controversies around the World Cup – with same-sex relationships punishable by death in Qatar.

      Welsh fan group The Rainbow Wall reported only women were targeted and forced to remove their rainbow clobber.
      And this included former Wales international football star Laura McAllister. More

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      Qatar World Cup police BAN England fans from wearing St George outfits over ‘weapons and armour’ rule

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      QATAR has banned England fans dressed as Saint George from World Cup stadiums – citing fears over “weapons and armour”. Footage of Three Lions supporters appearing to be turned away from a stadium earlier this week has been widely shared online.
      England fans seen confronted by Qatari cops earlier this week
      The two men were seemingly turned away from the stadium
      Fans traditionally don the costumes which pay homage to England’s patron saint, the Christian knight Saint George.
      But others have criticised the supporters for dressing as “crusaders” which could be considered offensive in the Middle East.
      Qatari authorities confirmed to The Sun Online anything considered as “weapons and body protection” is banned when asked about the knightly costumes.
      And they also pointed us to their stadium code of conduct, which bans any items that are deemed “political, offensive and or/discriminatory in nature”.
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      Helmets are also strictly banned from the stadiums, and weapons are defined as “any object which could […] endanger the safety of others.
      England World Cup fans had already been warned by campaign groups that dressing as the knights could be considered offensive.
      Crusading warriors – often baring the red and white heraldry of the Knights Templar – attempted to seize control of Jerusalem during the Middle Ages.
      Anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out today also warned fans that the costumes “may not be welcome”.
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      “We would advise fans who are attending FIFA World Cup matches that certain attire, such as fancy-dress costumes representing knights or crusaders,” a spokesman said.
      “Foreign Office travel advice issued before the tournament expressed that fans should familiarise themselves with local customs, and we would encourage fans to take this approach.”
      Video showing men in chainmail while carrying swords and shields being turned away from a stadium has been widely shared on social media.
      The two men – understood to be England fans – are speaking to group of four Qatari security officials.
      They appear to point the two men away from the turnstiles and send them on their way.
      Other footage has also seen England fans dressed as knights getting into the swing of things in Qatar.
      Iman Atta, director of Tell Mama, a UK project monitoring Islamophobic hate, told The Telegraph: “Our fans should be mindful that there are things that may cause offence to Qatari citizens, such as openly drinking or wearing historical Crusader Knights Templar outfits that have very negative implications in the region.
      “We also know that this is not done to purposefully irritate Qataris but out of a desire to support England.
      “However, we firmly believe in the principle that any World Cup should have an environment where fans can be open, enjoy what they want to wear and feel safe and secure.
      “This principle is one that we believe in – though in Qatar, people should just be mindful and aware of deep sensitivities.”
      Ashley Brown, head of supporter engagement at the Football Supporters Association, said he believed the supporters had simply been “naive”.
      “I think it’s naivety rather than anything intentional. They’re dressing as St George, the patron saint, but perhaps they don’t really understand the implication of what they’re wearing,” he explained.
      Fan trouble has been limited at the Qatar World Cup – with most supporters at the games seeming to be in good spirits despite limited access to booze.
      But the tournament has been blighted with some problems with infrastructure, including Qatari authorities offering refunds to punters staying in rubbish, unfinished cabin villages.
      England also helped keep fans bouncing as they thumped Iran 6-2 to open their campaign.
      The Three Lions tomorrow night will face the US, before a hotly anticipated clash with Wales on Tuesday. More

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      Fury as Qatar imposes ‘last-minute’ drinking ban forcing Wales fans to cancel World Cup party before Iran match

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      QATARI officials have sparked fury after pulling the plug on pre-noon parties ahead of Wales’ crunch match with Iran. The World Cup hosts imposed a last minute ban on early drinking, stifling Welsh plans for a boozy pre-game bash.
      Wales fans have had their pre-game party cancelled by Qatari authorities just a day before their clash with IranCredit: Getty
      Welsh supporters drank bars dry for their match with the USA – but have to put the brakes on ahead of tomorrow’s gameCredit: PA
      Around 1,200 Wales fans packed-out pre and post game parties for their USA match at the InterContinental hotel in Doha on Monday night.
      And supporters expected another jamboree when they reunite for the Iran clash on Friday.
      But their festivities have been cancelled with just 24 hours notice – after Qatari officials banned booze before midday.
      Peter Humphreys, 61, said: “The fun police have struck again – but it is hardly surprising.
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      “If they can ban Budweiser for the tournament then what chance do a few plucky Taffs have of getting a drink before the game?
      “Fortunately we’re able to make our own atmosphere but it would be nice to have had a beer to settle the nerves.”
      Peter revealed he paid £79 for the pre-game party ticket which included five pints of beer and a curry – but he will now only be able to transfer it to an after-match party instead.
      Organiser Leigh James of fans’ charity Gol Cymru told ticketholders: “The hotel have been in discussions with the Qatari authorities overnight and unfortunately, as it is with Qatar, a change has been imposed and we can now no longer serve alcohol before midday Friday.
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      “Therefore we have had to take the decision to cancel the pre-match event.
      “Once again on behalf of the hotel I apologise, however I have learnt that in Qatar to always expect the unexpected.
      “Please understand this is Qatar and many things are totally out of my control, I am frustrated as the next person when they make last-minute decisions.”
      Paul Corkrey, from the Wales Football Supporters’ Association said he was “disappointed” by Qatar’s decision to make the change.
      He said: “There’s one thing about it – they are consistent, they consistently change the rules.
      “There’s not a lot we can do, really, just say that we’re disappointed really.
      “A lot of fans are by themselves, in ones or twos, and they go to these things for company and be with their friends or to meet new people.
      “It’s such a shame as the facilities, the place, the weather, the fact you can see three or four games in a day is positive. But they keep doing negative things now and then.”
      ‘LUDICROUS’
      The host nation has been raising eye-brows ever since football fans began planning their trips for the biggest tournament on earth.
      Sun man Oliver Harvey set out on a daring expedition to find Doha’s most expensive beer – with stunning results.
      He revealed that a single bottle of becks at the World Cup host city set him back a whopping £15.
      A Saudi Arabia supporter – celebrating his team’s World Cup win over Argentina – said: “The prices are ludicrous. How are we supposed to party?”
      But other supporters have had it worse – as punters who splashed out £175-a-night on fan villages have been blighted with problems.
      Despite billions of pounds being forked out to host the tournament and accommodate the over a million fans expected to visit Qatar, some of the infrastructure appears to have been hastily knocked together on a tight budget.
      World Cup fans have been forced to sleep rough amid six hour queues for “sauna” cabins with “leaky toilets”.

      But not everyone has been deterred – as this Mexico fan was caught out in a hilarious attempt to sneak booze past security.
      And Three Lions fans were also slapped with a harsh booze ban just two days before the tournament kicked off – but they defiantly vowed to The Sun to still “get p****d” before games anyway. More

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      Emotional Cristiano Ronaldo on verge of tears as he belts out national anthem before Portugal’s World Cup clash vs Ghana

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was on the verge of tears as he lined up for Portugal’s World Cup opener against Ghana on Thursday.The former Manchester United forward, 37, has become the fifth outfield player to take part in FIVE World Cup finals since his tournament debut back in 2006.
      Ronaldo looked very emotional as he stepped out onto the pitchCredit: Rex
      He seemed to be on the verge of tears but still belted out the national anthemCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo shook off the emotions as he tried to focus on the game aheadCredit: Rex
      He is playing in what is expected to be his final World CupCredit: Rex
      And, in what is expected to be the start of his final appearance at the competition, it is clear the occasion was a lot for him to take in.
      Ronaldo lined up for the national anthem and was clearly very emotional.
      He proudly sung the national anthem with a great amount of passion, but appeared on the verge of tears throughout.
      More to follow.
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      Saudi Arabia’s Yasser Al Shahrani undergoes pancreatic surgery as full extent of World Cup hero’s horror injury revealed

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      SAUDI ARABIA defender Yasser Al Shahrani has undergone pancreatic surgery following his horror injury against Argentina on Tuesday.The Middle East side caused one of the greatest World Cup shocks ever as they came from behind to beat the Copa America winners.
      Yasser Al Shahrani was involved in a horrible incident with his own goalkeeperCredit: Getty
      Al Shahrani was forced off on a stretcher deep into stoppage-timeCredit: Alamy
      Al Shahrani was forced to undergo pancreatic surgery following the injury
      But minutes before the end of the game, Al Shahrani was involved in a sickening incident with his OWN keeper.
      Saudi stopper Mohammed Al-Owais came out to punch a late cross, and did exactly that, but unfortunately collided with Al Shahrani and sent him flying.
      The 30-year-old dropped the floor and was forced off on a stretcher.
      The underdogs managed to hold on and secure a famous victory, but Al Shahrani suffered a fractured jaw, collapse of the facial bones and internal bleeding.
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      Saudi Federation said: “Yasser Al-Shahrani underwent a successful surgery in the pancreatic gland at the National Guard Hospital in Riyadh.”
      Given the severity of the injury, the defender has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup.
      But he was in good spirits when he provided an update on his health on social media.
      He said: “I want to reassure you about my state of health, I’m better. Don’t forget to pray for me.
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      “Congratulations on the victory. Thank you.”
      Despite Yasser Al-Shahrani’s injury, Saudi Arabia are still very much on course to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
      In fact, victory over Poland on Saturday will secure their place in the Round of 16. More

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      World Cup’s ‘hottest fan’ risks breaking modesty laws with VERY racy outfit after slamming ‘disaster’ Qatar tournament

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      A WOMAN dubbed the “World Cup’s hottest fan” dared to risk breaking Qatar’s modesty laws with a very racy outfit to support her team. Croatian beauty Ivana Knoll donned a plunging red and white checkerboard dress in honour of her country’s coat of arms.
      Ivana Knoll showed off her assets – and support – for Croatia ahead of their match against MoroccoCredit: Instagram/knolldoll
      The 30-year-old beauty dared to risk breaking Qatar’s strict rules when wearing her figure-hugging ensembleCredit: Instagram/knolldoll
      She proved her patriotism in the figure-hugging hooded ensemble as she headed to the Al-Bayat stadium for the game against Morocco.
      The 30-year-old supporter snubbed strict warnings to keep outfits conservative despite the soaring temperatures.
      Ivana uploaded two snaps to Instagram flaunting her curves and her country’s colours to rally Croatia footie fans ahead of the game.
      She even boldly tagged FIFA – who have reiterated Qatar’s strict rules on clothing at the World Cup – in her posts on Wednesday.
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      Ivana beamed at the camera while posing both inside and outside the stadium while sporting a bold red lip.
      She had taken inspiration from Croatia’s kit to create the dramatic look dedicated to her beloved team.
      The model and influencer joked in the caption: “We didn’t play the best today, but it’s only a warm-up. Let’s go on Sunday!”
      Although her clothing may have raised some eyebrows, Ivana didn’t spare a thought for the consequences she could face for daring to bare.
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      Glam footie fans risk being slapped with huge fines or even put behind bars if they flash their figures in Qatar.
      Although non-Qatari women don’t need to wear the abaya – the long, black robe – their tops must cover their midriff and shoulders, and skirts, dresses and trousers must cover the knees.
      Women travelling in to the Arab nation are also banned from wearing any tight clothing, or flashing any cleavage.
      WAGS were advised to wear a scarf around their necks in a bid to cover up their busts.
      But Ivana seems to have found a loophole in the draconian rules – as her revealing outfit still covered her hair, shoulders and legs in compliance.
      The former Miss Croatia has so far avoided creating an international incident over her fashion choices with her sneaky strategy.
      But she wasn’t scared to criticise Qatar’s World Cup, branding it a “disaster” after her itinerary was left in chaos.
      The stunning brunette told her 570k Instagram followers the winter tournament has “the worst organization in history.”
      She complained that some of her pals still hadn’t received their ‘Hayya’ cards – the personalised document required by all visitors attending World Cup matches in Qatar.
      Although Ivana was still able to cheer on her team during Croatia’s opening Group F match, she dubbed the sporting event a “circus”.
      Before touching down for the tournament, the superfan shared a sexy picture of herself in a revealing swimsuit alongside the caption: “How I will dress in Qatar.”
      The clothing brand owner has wowed the world with her appearance at the World Cup in both 2014 and 2018.

      Ivana – dubbed ‘Croatia’s sexiest cheerleader’ has recently become renowned on TikTok after posting a string of flirty clips.
      Her legion of followers went wild after she posted a vid twerking back in 2020 in a fitted pink top and tight leopard-print bottoms. 
      The Croatian superfan teased followers that she would dress like this in QatarCredit: instagram/knolldoll
      Ivana Knoll, a diehard Croatian supporter, has hit out at this year’s World CupCredit: Instagram/@knolldoll
      She admitted her team didn’t ‘play the best’ in the chaotic match as they drew 0-0 with MoroccoCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Guillermo Ochoa and Bukayo Saka feature in the best Dream Team World Cup XI of the tournament so far

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      TODAY completes the first round of fixtures at this year’s World Cup so how about a quick Dream Team round-up?We’ve assembled the best possible XI of the tournament so far as determined by overall points.
      Needless to say, the more of these early risers you backed the better…
      GOALKEEPER: Guillermo Ochoa/Thibaut Courtois
      A World Cup icon
      It’s a tie between Mexico’s cult hero and the man who is probably the best player in the world in his position right now.
      Both Ochoa and Courtois saved penalties to keep their sheets clean this week – the former denied Robert Lewandowski as the north Americans drew 0-0 with Poland while the latter repelled Alphonso Davies as Belgium held off an impressive Canada side to win 1-0.
      The two custodians were equally deserving of their Star Man awards and are consequently locked at the top of the keeper rankings on 16 points each.
      DEFENDERS: Dejan Lovren, Jordi Alba, Ali El Abdi, Diego Godin
      You’ve probably erased Croatia’s 0-0 draw with Morocco from your mind and with good reason.
      Lovren was the unlikely beneficiary of that snoozefest as he just edged out Achraf Hakimi to claim the Star Man award (somebody has to win it) on top of his clean sheet for a tidy 13-point return.
      An experienced head among Spain’s youthful exuberanceCredit: getty
      Alba’s success was more predictable as most Dream Team World Cup bosses would have anticipated Spain to start their campaign with a comfortable win over Costa Rica.
      The Barcelona left-back assisted Marco Asensio’s goal and won the penalty converted by Ferran Torres to bank 12 points – he’ll be a popular recruit in the coming days.
      Denmark v Tunisia was another war of attrition at times but the latter gave a good account of themselves.
      Left-back El Abdi narrowly edged out several other players to take the Star Man award on top of his clean sheet for an unexpected return of 13 points – he currently appears in 0.2% of teams.
      And fresh off the presses is the ageless Diego Godin who came out on top of the match ratings in the 0-0 between Uruguay and South Korea this lunchtime – yep, you guessed it, 13 points.
      MIDFIELDERS: Bukayo Saka, Ilkay Gundogan, Dani Olmo
      England’s No17 is Dream Team World Cup’s joint-best performer overall at the time of writing.
      Saka scored two of the Three Lions’ six goals against a vulnerable Iran defence and held off stiff competition from Jude Bellingham to claim the Star Man award when all was said and done.
      Saka cashed in against IranCredit: getty
      The Arsenal youngster has 18 points to his name and has been transferred into loads of teams ahead of England’s meeting with USA on Friday night.
      Japan’s comeback condemned Germany to a miserable start their campaign in Qatar but it was a profitable one for Gundogan from an individual perspective in the realm of Dream Team World Cup at least.
      The Manchester City midfielder scored from the penalty spot and did a good job of linking the play together for Hansi Flick’s side in the first half.
      In hindsight, replacing him with Leon Goretzka in the 67th minute may have been a critical mistake as it was only a few moments later Japan took control of the game.
      Gundogan banked 13 points for his goal, a 7+ rating and a bittersweet Star Man award – leave him on the pitch next time will you, Hansi?
      Olmo completes the midfield trio having taken advantage of Costa Rica’s leggy defence to score one goal and assist another.
      The RB Leipzig winger has an ownership of just 1% but his Star Man showing and 15-point haul will surely convince a few gaffers to take a leap of faith ahead of La Roja’s mouthwatering match-up with Germany at the weekend.
      FORWARDS: Enner Valencia, Ferran Torres, Olivier Giroud/Mehdi Taremi
      Still nobody has topped Valencia’s opening salvoCredit: getty
      It feels like along time ago now but Ecuador’s captain bagged a brace against the hosts on Sunday to zoom to the top of Dream Team World Cup’s rankings with 18 points – a position he still holds alongside the aforementioned Saka.
      Valencia may find it tougher going against Netherlands on Friday but nobody can take his flying start away from him.
      Given that Luis Enrique’s side racked up a 7-0 scoreline it’s only fitting our hypothetical XI features a Spaniard in all the outfield positions.
      Torres is the chosen one having scored a brace at the expense of Keylor Navas and co for a 13-point return.
      The Barcelona man boasts an impressive scoring rate on the international stage – he averages a goal every 138.3 minutes for Spain.
      Giroud and Taremi are also tied on 13 points thanks to braces against Australia and England respectively, though their nations experienced different emotions come full-time in those fixtures.
      In regards to the former, £3.5m is a very reasonable price for France’s starting striker – a knock-on effect of Karim Benzema and Christopher Nkunku’s injury withdrawals.
      How many of these assets will double down on their returns in the second round of fixtures? Only time will tell…

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      Cristiano Ronaldo given hero’s welcome by Portugal fans as ex-Man Utd ace begins Qatar World Cup as free agent

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO ran out to a huge roar from the Portuguese fans ahead of his first game as a free agent.The mega star, 37, left Manchester United earlier this week by mutual consent after his bombshell Talk TV interview with Piers Morgan where he criticised the running of the club.
      Cristiano Ronaldo warms up ahead of his side’s clash with GhanaCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo, 37, claps the travelling Portuguese faithfulCredit: Reuters
      Shockwaves were felt around the football world as a result – and Ronaldo’s situation has dominated Portugal’s build-up to the World Cup.
      Now it is back to the football as captain Ronaldo leads his side against Ghana in their opening game in Qatar.
      Ronnie looked pumped up as he came out to warm up with his team-mates to a massive roar.
      There was another big cheer from his adoring fans when he applauded them, as well as when both his name and famous “Siuuu” celebration were announced on the loud speaker.
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      It is amazing to think that, after 117 goals in 191 caps for his country, and a shedload more in his outrageously prolific club career, he may still have something to prove.
      But this is one of the ultimate winners in the game who will be desperate to show he still has what it takes on the biggest stage.
      After his Man United exit was confirmed, Ronaldo skipped the usual pre-match media duties normally required of a team captain yesterday.
      His former Red Devils team-mate Bruno Fernandes stepped in for him – addressing the potentially awkward situation.
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      Fernandes, 28, said: “It was good for me while it lasted. Now Cristiano has taken a different decision for his career and his family and we have to respect that.
      “I haven’t discussed the topic with Cris. We’re all focused on the national team and the World Cup.
      “I don’t feel uncomfortable. I don’t have to pick a side. It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano [at United] but nothing lasts forever.
      “We know what the World Cup means to Cristiano and his focus has always been there. He didn’t tell me about his decision.
      “It’s a personal decision and it concerns him and his family. We haven’t talked about it.

      “Everyone here is focused on the goal, the national team and the World Cup.”
      Both were named in Fernando Santos’ starting line-up for their Group H opener against Ghana.
      Ronaldo warms up with Bernardo SilvaCredit: Getty More