World Cup

JUDE BELLINGHAM cheekily claimed that he had been “saving” his first goal for England for the World Cup.The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was named in the starting XI as the Three Lions kicked-off Group B against Iran.
Jude Bellingham headed England into the lead against IranCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
It was the teenager’s first goal on the international stageCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
And the 19-year-old star was celebrating after just 35 minutes when he broke the deadlock with his maiden strike for his country in the 6-2 victory.
England had started brightly after a long delay following a brutal head injury to Iran’s goalie.
They were raging early doors when Harry Maguire was denied a stonewall penalty after being pulled down in the box.
But it was Bellingham who finally got the ball in the net as he superbly headed home Luke Shaw’s cross.
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Before the game he had sat down with BBC, and during the interview he was asked about his lack of goals for England.
And he confidently replied: “Maybe I’m saving it?
“I’m only joking, I’ve been trying I promise.
“I’ve got into some good positions in the last few games.
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“I think it’s about making the box, getting in the right positions and staying calm in the right positions.” 
And after the game Bellingham told BBC: “I told you I was saving it! It was a really good day for us, six goals in a World Cup game is really impressive regardless of who you play against.
“I thought it had missed to be honest! It took ages to loop into the goal.
“I told you last year I wanted to score more goals for Dortmund and England. It’s a brilliant ball from Shawy and I get into the position and flick it away – a really proud moment for me.
“I think they came out really well, really strong, hard to break down. We didn’t have anything clear for quite a while.
“With more goals we opened them up. The start was tough but we had to dig it out when we were not getting it all our way, it’s important that we learn how to create chances against those types of sides.”
England continued their superb start by adding to their advantage.
Bukayo Saka rifled home from Maguire’s knockdown on 43 minutes.
And then Raheem Sterling turned home Harry Kane’s cross to make it three before the break.
England eventually went on to win the game 6-2 with Saka bagging another and substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also on target.
Bellingham cheekily told BBC beforehand he had been saving his first goalCredit: BBC More

A WORLD CUP feed was mysteriously cut on the big screen at the Qatar World Cup fan festival when England took the knee. It is claimed the screen blacked out for between 10 and 15 seconds as the Three Lions took part in the powerful gesture.
Harry Kane leads the Three Lions in standing against oppressionCredit: Reuters
Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka take the kneeCredit: Getty
Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kieran Trippier take the kneeCredit: Getty
Gareth Southgate’s side decided to reintroduce taking the knee before kickoff after not doing so during recent fixtures.
Qatar has faced criticism over its oppressive laws and treatment of migrant workers.
The feed alleged was cut at the Fifa Fan Festival at Al Bidda Park in Doha – which is the central hub for fans at the World Cup.
It was unclear if that was a deliberate move or a technical error for the big screen.
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Two journalists on the ground at the fanzone tweeted about the fact the TV feed went black as England took the knee.
Pictures from the festival show hundreds of fans gathered around the central big screen as Doha loomed in the background.
And meanwhile as England took the knee, Iranian players appeared to refuse to sing their own national anthem.
Iran has been swept by anti-regime and women’s rights protests in recent months – with thousands arrested and hundreds dead.
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The two gestures came as the Qatar World Cup is overshadowed by politics and human rights issues.
And it came amid a day of rowing and U-turns as the FA decided to ban Harry Kane wearing the “OneLove” armband during the game.
The armbands were meant to promote inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights while same-sex relationships are criminal in Qatar.
Fifa warned players could face a booking if they wore the armband as it was not officially sanctioned.
But in a sudden U-turn, England, Wales, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark all decided to drop the gesture.
“As national federations, we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions including bookings,” they said.
But despite this, England opted to continue taking the knee.
Southgate explained: “We feel we should. It’s what we stand for as a team and have done for a long period of time.
“Of course, we understand in the Premier League that clubs have decided to only do that for certain games, big occasions, we feel this is the biggest.
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“We think it is a strong statement to go around the world for young people in particular to see that inclusivity is very important.”
It remains to be seen as to what other nations, if any, will join England in the gesture during the World Cup. More

FANS have all been saying the same thing after Bukayo Saka netted twice in England’s 6-2 win over Iran.The Arsenal winger scored the Three Lions’ second and fourth goals of the game to put them in control in their World Cup opener.
Bukayo Saka volleyed home England’s second goal against IranCredit: Reuters
Jude Bellingham had headed England in front, but Saka’s strikes got fans talking.
Many are suggesting that it is his redemption after missing a penalty in the shootout of the Euros final last year.
One tweeted: “I cheered this goal like a Man United player scored it.
“Saka was racially abused after missing that penalty against Italy, at Euro 2020, I bet those same s*** bags are cheering him right now.
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“Redemption for the 21-year-old.”
Another said: “Saka’s redemption arch continues.”
A third added: “Little piece of redemption for Saka in an England shirt. I feel like a proud dad.”
A fourth chimed in with: “Very happy for Saka.
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“Redemption arc after the way the Euros ended – fitting with his form at Arsenal this season. Lovely finish.”
Raheem Sterling made it three for England before half-time.

Saka scored his second goal of the game in the 62nd minute after a good run into the opponent’s box.
Marcus Rashford also got his own bit of redemption after his penalty miss at the Euros.
The Manchester United forward netted with his third touch of the game after coming on as a second-half substitute to make it five for England.
Jack Grealish also got in on the act as England won 6-2.
Saka and co can now look forward to facing the USA and Wales as they look to make it out of Group B. More

ENGLAND fans were left chuckling after Mason Mount seemed to sing the wrong words to the national anthem.The Chelsea ace was named in the starting line up for the Three Lions’ World Cup opener against Iran.
Mason Mount appeared to sing the wrong word during the national anthemCredit: BBC
England stars sing the anthem before taking on IranCredit: Getty
The 23-year-old stood alongside his fellow team-mates ahead of the game – which England won 6-2 – and proudly belted out the words to the national anthem.
But, awkwardly for Mount, eagle-eyed lip readers appeared to notice the midfielder getting the words wrong.
BBC cameras seemingly picked up Mount singing “God save our gracious Queen”, rather than King.
For the first time since the 1950 World Cup, England have had a king as monarch during the tournament after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September.
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The 1950 edition was also the first time the Three Lions competed at a World Cup.
George VI, Elizabeth II’s father, was on the throne at the time.
And Mount appeared to forget the words to the anthem after Elizabeth II’s long 70-year reign.
Reacting to the apparent gaffe, One fan wrote on social media: “Can’t blame him to be honest, I’m still not used to it.”
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Another said: “Someone tell Mason Mount we have a King now please!”
A third pointed out: “Mason Mount said God Save The Queen instead of King….pretty sure a good few England fans have forgotten to say king instead of queen?”
And a fourth said: “I swear I just lip-read Mount still singing Queen rather than King.”
Mount looked lively on the pitch when the game kicked off, looking to make things happen in midfield.
Jude Bellingham headed the Three Lions ahead on 35 minutes, before Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling made it 3-0 before the break.
Saka added another with substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish also getting in on the act as England won 6-2.
Mount celebrates with Jude Bellingham after England’s opening goalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

WORLD CUP camps can feel like being in “prison”, revealed Emile Heskey.And he believes the England squad will need to create a dynamic and fun environment to survive in the roasting Doha desert.
England need a strong squad cohesion behind the scenes as well as on the field in QatarCredit: Getty
Emile Heskey believes this Three Lions squad can go all the wayCredit: Rex
But if they do that, the former striker reckons the Three Lions can keep their shackles off to go all the way and WIN the World Cup.
Heskey featured at the tournaments in Japan and South Korea as well as in South Africa – so knows the kind of challenges Gareth Southgate’s squad face on and off the field.
He told SunSport: “With Qatar being a small country, the players will likely be locked away in their hotel when they aren’t training or playing games.
“With this, they will need to create a network of the people within the squad for harmony, which will create a fun atmosphere.
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“You don’t want it to become routine where every day is the same, that will flatten the atmosphere.
“From my experience during the 2002 South Korea World Cup, Sven-Göran Eriksson made sure we left the hotel as a squad quite a bit.
“We went to the shopping mall together, went for walks together, even went to restaurants together rather than having meals in the hotel.
“I never struggled with it, but many players did during my time and I can see why many players used to say it was like being in a prison because you had to be in certain places at specific times and you could only go to a few places outside the hotel.”
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England kicked off their Qatar 2022 campaign against Iran today, with Jude Bellingham unpicking the first lock – hopefully the first of seven matches up to December 18.
And Heskey believes the quality and experience of this Three Lions squad – who are aiming to go one step further than their Euro 2020 final heartache – can pip their fellow big hitters in the Middle East.
The 62-cap former striker, 44, added in partnership with Paddy Power: “England have been in a semi-final and final in the last two major tournaments, so the next step is winning it, but we all know how tough that is.
“England do have a good chance of lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament and that is down to the camaraderie and the togetherness of everyone.
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“Bringing everyone together is proven by their recent performances in the last two tournaments, but now there is a lot of pressure on the team to make that next step.
“For me, I’d love England to get to the semi-final as a minimum, and then we see where we can go from there.
“France are missing a few players to injury but have a brilliant squad, maybe it is Lionel Messi’s World Cup, and a lot of people are saying Brazil.
“I wouldn’t put it past us to win the World Cup, but it will be tough.”
There have been reports of struggles in previous camps but Gareth Southgate has changed the ethosCredit: Action Images – Reuters
Heskey in action against Brazil at the 2002 tournamentCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

ENGLAND’S glamorous Wags celebrated in the stands as the Three Lions ripped Iran to shreds with a 6-2 win in their World Cup opener after giving fans a sneak peak inside their £1BILLION “floating palace”.On Sunday, wives, girlfriends and family of our home heroes boarded a flight from Manchester to London, before making the seven-hour journey to the Middle East.
Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison celebrated during England’s first-half goal spreeCredit: Dan Charity / Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd
Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood was spotted beaming in the standsCredit: Dan Charity / Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd
Bukayo Saka’s partner Tolami Benson was spotted in the stands ahead of England’s clash with IranCredit: Getty
James Maddison’s partner Kennedy Alexa was spotted in the ground having earlier shared a snap of their son on board the Wags’ yachtCredit: Dan Charity / Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd
Kyle Walker’s partner Annie Kilner wore shades inside the Qatar stadium ahead of England vs IranCredit: Dan Charity / Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd
Many of England’s Wags are staying aboard the stunning MSC World Europa – the cruise liner so luxurious it’s been dubbed the “floating palace”.
Photos of their stay at sea have already started to surface on social media as the Three Lions’ better halves wasted no time in settling in – heading straight to the ground for Monday’s big kick-off.
And they were able to celebrate a superb 6-2 win as England trounced Iran.
Jack Grealish’s partner Sasha Attwood, 26, was among those spotted in the stands before the game, along with Harry Kane’s wife Katie Goodland.
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Jordan Pickford’s wife, Megan Davison, 26, was also in attendance at the stadium, along with Kyle Walker’s partner Annie Kilner.
Harry Maguire – given the nod against Iran despite his shaky Manchester United form – has his family out with him again, too.
Sister Daisy, 22, uploaded a series of snaps on Instagram, including a view from their balcony aboard the luxury liner, a shot of the inside and another of her arriving at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Defender Conor Coady’s wife Amie shared pictures of herself and their three sons – Henri, Freddie, and Louie – all in “Coady 16” jerseys outside the ground.
Harry Kane’s wife Katie Goodland was among the England Wags inside the groundCredit: Dan Charity / Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd
Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan Davison was spotted in the stands for the matchCredit: Dan Charity / Newsgroup Newspapers Ltd
Conor Coady’s wife Amie and three sons all wore England kits for the big gameCredit: Instagram
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Bukayo Saka edged Phil Foden for a starting spot in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for Monday’s opener against Iran.
And the Arsenal star’s girlfriend Tolami Benson, 22, celebrated by proudly sharing a snap of herself wearing an England jersey before being spotted in the stands ahead of kick-off.
James Maddison – a surprise yet welcome call-up to Southgate’s 26-man group – is unavailable for the Iran game due to injury.
But that didn’t stop partner Kennedy Alexa from sharing her World Cup fever.
Kennedy, 28, shared a sweet snap of their one-year-old son Leo Cruz wearing a “Maddison 25” jersey as he toddled around the cruise liner.
She captioned the adorable post “game day” before later being snapped inside the stadium.
Raheem Sterling, starting vs Iran despite his patchy club form for Chelsea thanks to his exceptional record for England, has also seen his loved ones arrive in Qatar.
Partner Paige Milian, 27, shared a heart-warming video of their kids – wearing “Sterling 10” jerseys – walking outside the enormous ship, jokingly dubbed “HMS Wag”.
The huge vessel comes kitted out with seven swimming pools, 13 whirlpools and a luxurious yacht club.
Tolami Benson had earlier shared a snap of herself on board the Wags’ £1bn cruise liner wearing an England shirtCredit: Instagram @tolami_benson
James Maddison’s son toddled around the cruise liner ahead of the gameCredit: Instagram
Raheem Sterling’s family touched down in Qatar on Sunday nightCredit: Instagram @paigemilian
Daisy Maguire shared a glimpse inside the ‘HMS Wag’ cruise linerCredit: Instagram
The £1bn luxury cruise liner on which the England Wags are staying, as shared by Sterling’s partner Paige MilianCredit: Instagram @paigemiian
The MSC World Europa cost £1bn and is the home to England’s Wags for the World CupCredit: AP
However, the England Wags will also be joined by avid Three Lions followers in Qatar.
At one end of the “floating palace” there’s £23,000-a-night luxury hotel suites while less fussy fans on tighter budgets can pay a bargain £75 to bunk in shared rooms.
As well as somewhere to stay, the ship is also a way to dodge Qatar’s strict laws on booze which include a zero-tolerance policy for drinking or appearing drunk in public.
There are 30 bars and cafes on board to cater for thirsty fans, as well as a nightclub to kick on for after-hours fun.
The five restaurants on-board include French and Italian eateries as well as a sushi bar.
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The “Sportplex” zone offers basketball, bumper cars and even a roller disco rink, while there is even a shopping mall on board.
In total, around 3,000 fans will be able to stay on the 92,600-ton ship. More