World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Defiant Eric Dier backs England captain Harry Kane in wearing OneLove armband after FIFA attempt to ban pro-LGBT gesture

      by

      ERIC DIER says England are united behind skipper Harry Kane as he prepares to take on Fifa in the rainbow armband row.Fifa boss Gianni Infantino announced rival armband plans as part of an extraordinary press conference yesterday in which he accused European nations of racism and hypocrisy over their criticism of hosts Qatar.
      Dier has backed Kane’s decision to wear the OneLove armbandCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Kane is set to make a statement by wearing the armband, rightCredit: Getty
      Infantino made some astonishing comments during a press conference at the weekendCredit: Alamy
      But Kane is still set to wear the rainbow on his sleeve for Monday’s opener with Iran and Dier said: “That’s just part of our beliefs, our principles. My values are given to me by my parents. In everything I do, I think if my mum would be happy with me or not.”
      Germany skipper Manuel Neuer confirmed he would also support the LGBTQ+ community by wearing it.
      Wales captain Gareth Bale and the skippers of Holland, Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland are donning the rainbow, too.
      Backing Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions stand, Neuer said: “I will wear the OneLove armband. The power of it is good.”
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      But French leader Hugo Lloris, who also captains Kane and Dier at Spurs, decided NOT to join in.
      Dier added: “I respect what he wants to do. I respect everyone’s point of view and I’m very open to listen to what they believe is right and wrong.”
      The FA insist the rainbow armband is part of a year-long campaign by the men’s and women’s teams and not specifically aimed at Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.
      But Kane, the FA and their European allies were already risking fines — or even bans for making political statements — under international football laws.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      The group of European nations, including FA chief exec Mark Bullingham, met last night to agree the next step in a row overshadowing the start of this World Cup.
      Fifa unveiled its last-minute armband scheme — with the United Nations — to raise awareness of a variety of different issues.
      And Infantino ranted: “Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arab. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel a migrant worker. We’ve heard many moral lessons from Europe and the western world.
      “But for what we Europeans have done over the past 3,000 years, we should apologise for the next 3,000 years before giving moral lessons here.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Reform and change takes time. It took hundreds of years in Europe.Any country can host an event. If North Korea wants to host something…
      “Only engagement brings real change. We want to remain an organisation that unites the world.” More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England star Eric Dier labels Gareth Southgate criticism ‘crazy’, as he recalls Euro 2016 disaster against Iceland

      by

      ERIC DIER knows what disaster looks like for England.At Euro 2016, he felt the chill of the shambolic Iceland defeat — one of the Three Lions’ lowest moments.
      Eric Dier has hit back against criticism of England boss Gareth SouthgateCredit: PA
      Southgate has guided England to the semi-finals and finals of the World Cup and Euro’s respectivelyCredit: Getty
      Then the Spurs star got redemption as a key man in the run to the semi-finals of the last World Cup.
      But the versatile defender failed to make the squad that reached the nation’s first major final for 55 years at the Euros last summer.
      So do not tell him Gareth Southgate deserves the berating he got for a dismal Nations League campaign this year.
      Dier said: “It’s crazy talk and perceptions change so quickly.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      “You’ve got to remember what England were doing before.
      “He has taken England to a World Cup semi and the final of a Euros and we’re talking small margins that change the outcome of those results.
      “The criticism is crazy after a small run of results given how England performed at those tournaments — and he was at the forefront of that.”
      Dier is one of only seven survivors in Qatar from Roy Hodgson’s 23-man squad for Euro 2016.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      He said: “I was 21 at that time and it was a great experience for me but a very disappointing tournament for England, so I learned a lot.
      “The World Cup in Russia was a great redemption for us after Euro 2016 and since then there has been an upward trend.
      “People ask if I was upset I didn’t go to the Euros and I say it was obviously the right decision because they got to the final! You have got to keep things in perspective.”

      Dier famously broke England’s penalty shootout hoodoo with the winning kick against Colombia in the last 16 four years ago (right).
      But before an 18-month exile from the  squad ended in September, his hopes of a recall  seemed to be in the balance.
      Dier said: “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think that was a possibility. Those thoughts go through your mind.
      “When I missed out on the Euros it was one of the worst moments in my career.
      “But I always say that I must have had a pretty good career if that’s one of the worst moments. My club manager Antonio Conte said in the summer I just have to play better.
      “I don’t think he was saying I was playing badly the season before — I think he was just saying I’d have to play even better!
      “Last season — especially since he arrived — I felt like it was some of the best football I’ve played and I feel like I’ve continued that this season.
      “So I’m just grateful to be here now and very proud of myself for how I managed to fight my way back in.

      “I’m also very thankful to the people who supported me and helped me get back here, my family, the manager and all his coaching staff at the club.
      “And also my team-mates at my club, because it was special how supportive they were of me trying to get back in and how happy they were when I did.”
      One of those Tottenham team-mates — and another of the survivors from England’s 2016 low point — is captain Harry Kane.
      The Three Lions talisman not only has to carry the weight of expectation of providing goals but has also found himself acting more and more as a spokesman on issues outside football.
      Dier said: “I have played pretty much all my career with him. One of the great things about him is that he hasn’t really changed. He is still the same.
      “I mean that in the nicest possible way as he  is extremely hard working and extremely humble.
      “I think he holds great values. He has been England captain a while and has had a lot of experience in the role.
      “The last couple of years have been the toughest for him, leading up to this tournament, but he handles it well.
      “The goals speak for themselves. That is down to him as a professional and the way that he works.
      “Seeing him up close, he is just extremely consistent in his behaviour in general and I think that is what leads to his consistency on the pitch.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Until Southgate’s appointment in 2016, the only consistent thing about England for decades was underperformance.
      So it is no wonder Dier is so happy to be a part of the gang again. More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Psychic camel Camilla picks England for victory in World Cup match with Iran

      by

      IT’S cam-ing home!The Iranian footie team are bound to have the hump after Camilla the psychic camel predicted a decisive win for the Three Lions.
      Camilla’s owners Jenny and Vernon insist she’s never wrongCredit: Paul Tonge
      The Sun on Sunday tasked ‘Mystic Millie’ with predicting the winner of tomorrow’s England vs Iran match.
      She walked straight over to the St George’s Cross without hesitating – making Gareth Southgate’s team the one to beat.
      Her estate agent owners Jenny and Vernon Moore, both 52, from Melton Mowbray, Leics, insist she’s “never wrong”.
      Vernon said: “It’s the best possible omen for Gareth and the boys. Getting past the group stage is in the bag.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      “We asked her to choose between our and our opponents’ flags placed on easels a few yards in front of her and she marched straight up to the St George’s cross every time.”
      Camels hold a special status in the World Cup host city of Qatar, where they are bred for the hugely popular sport of camel racing.
      But unfortunately for the home nation, Camilla believes Ecuador will win the first match of the tournament tomorrow night.
      Jenny said: “Camilla is very strong willed and always seems to know when it’s food time so we have absolute faith in her ability to predict World Cup results.”
      Most read in The Sun More

    • 250 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup 2022 – injured players to miss tournament: Nkunku, James, Chilwell, Pogba, Benzema, Kante & Mane all RULED OUT

      by

      QATAR’s World Cup will see the most famous names in world football face off against each other over November and December.
      England will be hoping to bring home the trophy after reaching the semi-final stages in 2018 before suffering defeat to Croatia.
      France’s Paul Pogba will be sadly absent in QatarCredit: AFP
      The likes of Brazil, France, Spain and Germany will be standing in the way of Gareth Southgate’s men as the top-performing stars in football battle it out for international glory.
      However, there are set to be many noticeable absences as the tournament approaches.
      Here is a full list of absentees from Qatar, which SunSport will keep updated between now and November 20.
      Argentina
      AS Roma star Paulo Dybala suffered a freak injury against Lecce in October, with his boss Jose Mourinho, admitting: “The injury looks very bad. I’d say bad, but honestly after speaking with Paulo… I think very bad”.
      However, he has now been named in the squad for the World Cup as his dream of playing in Qatar is still alive.
      Paulo Dybala will miss the World Cup with injury

      However, former Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was not as lucky as he has to undergo surgery on a hamstring injury suffered in action for Villarreal, and will miss the tournament.
      Australia
      Kye Rowles has returned from a foot injury in time to make the squad, while Harry Souttar was doubtful but has also returned in time to play in Qatar.
      Belgium
      Alexis Saelemaekers is out for the World Cup, with the AC Milan star ruled out for the remainder of 2022 after picking up a serious knee injury.
      Brazil
      Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo has been ruled out of the tournament also, suffering a long-term muscular injury after failing to nail down a starting spot during the beginning of his spell in England.
      Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo, on loan from Juventus, will miss the World Cup
      Cameroon
      As it stands, Cameroon have a fully fit squad going into the World Cup as they look to impress at the tournament.
      Canada
      Alphonso Davies has been named in the Canada squad despite an injury scare which put doubts over his participation.
      He missed Bayern Munich’s last two matches heading into the tournament after sustaining a torn hamstring, but will hope to be ready to play for his country.
      Alphonso Davies will be going to the World Cup with CanadaCredit: AP
      Costa Rica
      The Central Americans go into the tournament also with a fully fit squad.
      Croatia
      Marcelo Brozovic has faced a spell out with injury but has returned in time to be named in the Croatia squad.
      Denmark
      Andreas Christensen was the only doubt going into the World Cup but has recovered in time to make it into the Denmark team.
      Ecuador
      Joao Rojas has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury, but Gonzalo Plata has made the squad after being doubtful.
      England
      Ben Chilwell will officially not be heading to Qatar due to sustaining a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb.
      The defender had struggled with an ACL injury in the past and was substituted in the dying minutes, appearing in some discomfort before leaving the stadium on crutches.
      Ben Chilwell was helped off by medical staff against Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Rex
      While Chelsea teammate Reece James has been told that he will not make the cut despite being optimistic, with The Sun exclusively revealing that he has been informed of this after sustaining a long-term injury.
      The England international took to Twitter to confirm his absence from the Qatar tournament, sharing his disappointment.
      Emile Smith Rowe was also unavailable for selection after surgery earlier this year but there is good news for Kalvin Phillips who managed to book his spot on the plane.
      Man City pair Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker are likely to be out of the England squad after requiring surgery
      And fellow City teammate Kyle Walker has also made it onto Gareth Southgate’s 26-man list despite in the process of shaking off a hamstring injury.

      France
      Paul Pogba will miss out for France after undergoing knee surgery which has prevented him from playing since moving to Juventus in the summer.
      While fellow midfield sensation N’Golo Kante will also not take to the biggest stage of them all, with the Chelsea star having undergone an operation on a hamstring injury.
      N’Golo Kante has suffered another injury setback for Chelsea
      Presnel Kimpembe did not make the squad after sustaining a hamstring injury which has seen him out for several weeks leading up to the tournament.
      And Christopher Nkunku has been RULED OUT following a reckless challenge by Eduardo Camavinga in training.
      But Manchester United star Raphael Varane has been named in the World Cup squad despite going off in tears against Chelsea with an injury.
      France announced their full squad but will now be without star Karim Benzema, who is out after suffering an injury in training and joins the long list of absentees for France.
      Germany
      Marco Reus is officially out of the World Cup after picking up an ankle injury which saw him miss Borussia Dortmund’s last four Champions League games.
      And he will join his German compatriot Timo Werner has been ruled out of the tournament due to sustaining the same problem in RB Leipzig’s Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
      Ghana
      Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott has been ruled out of the tournament with a finger injury, ending his World Cup dreams.
      Iran
      Allahyar Sayyadmanesh has missed out on the squad as the Hull City star looks to recover from injury.
      Iran’s hopes will be relying on the fitness of ‘the Iranian Messi’ Sardar Azmoun, who has suffered with calf injuries this season but has still been named in the squad for England’s group rivals.
      Al Wakrah midfielder Omid Ebrahimi picked up a groin injury and misses out on the squad.
      Sardar Azmoun will be hoping to fire Iran to gloryCredit: AFP
      Japan
      Former Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi has been ruled out with an ACL injury while Yuta Nakayama will miss the World Cup too.
      Damaging his Achilles tendon during Huddersfield’s match against Sunderland, he requires surgery and will not travel with his side to Qatar.
      Mexico
      Jesus Corona will be out of the tournament after Mexico confirmed an ankle injury will see him sidelined while Wolves striker Raul Jimenez will return from a long-term injury to play.
      Having only made three appearances in the Premier League this season, Jimenez was named in Mexico’s World Cup squad ahead of Javier Hernandez and will be hoping of playing his part.
      The striker has not been his usual self since fracturing his skull in 2020, but will look to put his injury woes behind him.
      Jesus Corona is another big name absentee for the World Cup
      Morocco
      Marseille midfielder Amine Harit was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a serious knee injury, seeing him stretchered off for the French side against Monaco.
      Netherlands
      Former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum will miss the World Cup with a broken leg while Matthijs de Ligt is on the plane despite a recent groin injury.
      Poland
      Brighton’s Jakub Moder will miss the tournament with an ACL injury while Pawel Dawidowicz is also out.
      Portugal
      Portugal have been hit hard as Diogo Jota is the latest confirmed absentee for the tournament.
      Diogo Jota will miss the World Cup after being stretchered off for LiverpoolCredit: PA
      Pedro Neto and Ricardo Periera are also unavailable through injury.
      Qatar
      Host nation Qatar will be without Abdullah Al-Ahrak due to a cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out of the home tournament.
      Saudi Arabia
      Saudi Arabia have a fully fit team heading into the competition.
      Senegal
      Sadio Mane has been ruled out through an ongoing leg injury which he sustained on Bayern Munich duties.
      Senegal named the winger in their squad as they were optimistic that he could recover on time.
      But a statement has since confirmed that he will definitely miss the tournament.
      read more world cup
      Serbia
      Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic has been named in Serbia’s squad despite an ankle injury, and will hope to be fit and firing for his side.
      South Korea
      Son Heung-min has confirmed that he will travel to the tournament with his country despite suffering a fracture around his eye, which required surgery just weeks before of the tournament.
      Spain
      Luis Enrique’s side are without Mikel Oyarzabal, who is recovering from injury ahead of the tournament.
      The winger’s exclusion is one of the least surprising as Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, PSG’s Sergio Ramos and Liverpool’s Thiago all miss out despite being fit.
      Ansu Fati has been named in the squad despite suffering a host of injuries over the last couple of seasons while Kepa Arrizabalaga is out of the team due to injury concerns.
      Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal will hope to return in time for Spain
      Switzerland
      The Swiss go into the competition with a fresh squad and no injury concerns.
      Tunisia
      Tunisia are optimistic, with no absentees as of now.
      United States
      Miles Robinson’s Achilles injury has put him out of the World Cup but the rest of the USMNT are fit and ready to go.
      Uruguay
      Ronald Araujo was struck by injury, with his groin issue thought to have ruled him out of action.
      However, Director of National Teams of the Uruguayan Football Association, Jorge Giordano, has provided a positive update, stating that they expect Araujo to be fit for Uruguay.
      Most read in Football
      Wales
      England’s final group stage opponents, Wales, have a fully fit side as they look to cause an upset in Qatar.
      Gareth Bale has had a few injury issues to deal with along the way, as has Aaron Ramsey, who is notoriously injury-prone.
      Who else will miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
      The likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah will not be making the trip to the Middle East, having failed to qualify with their countries, while Italy also will not feature at the tournament.
      Alongside these noticeable absentees, other big names will miss out due to no fault of their own.
      We have you covered with all the latest injury news ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, missing through injury. More

    • 125 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Who are the BBC pundits for the 2022 World Cup?

      by

      THE BBC pundits for the 2022 World Cup have been announced and there are some big names involved.Taking place in Qatar, the tournament is the first of it’s kind as top leagues across the world will break for the World Cup.
      Doha has been hit with World Cup fever for the 2022 tournamentCredit: Getty
      England will be hoping that they can compete with the likes of France and Brazil but face a tough task if they are to bring home the trophy.
      Taking over the footballing calendar over November and December, there will be heaps of live coverage for the tournament – and now the BBC have announced their punditry line-up.
      Read More World Cup
      Who are the BBC pundits?
      Gary Lineker will lead the TV team broadcasting the action, alongside Gabby Logan as presenters.
      Gary Lineker will be presenting the tournament alongside Gabby LoganCredit: Getty
      Alan Shearer will join the pair in the studio along with ex-England stars Rio Ferdinand, Micah Richards and Jermaine Jenas.
      Alex Scott will also join the team alongside the likes of Danny Gabbidon, Ashley Williams and Liverpool legend Ian Rush, who is representing Wales.
      Premier League legend Vincent Kompany, who currently manages Burnley, will also be in Qatar with the BBC alongside his former Man City teammate Pablo Zabaleta.
      Most read in Football
      Chelsea icon Didier Drogba will be part of the team also, although his Ivory Coast are not at the competition.
      Former France women’s star Laura Georges will be heading to the 2022 World Cup with the BBC also.
      The line-up is complete with the additions of Jurgen Klinsmann, former USMNT manager, Mark Schwarzer and Gilberto Silva. More

    • 288 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Ivan Toney tried to gag The Sun on Sunday from revealing he faced a betting investigation in bid to save World Cup place

      by

      PREMIER League ace Ivan Toney tried to gag The Sun on Sunday from revealing he faced a betting investigation – in a bid to save his World Cup place.The Brentford striker hired lawyers who threatened to injunct us over our exclusive story that he was being probed over alleged breaches of betting rules.
      Brentford’s Ivan Toney tried to gag The Sun on Sunday from revealing he faced a betting investigationCredit: Shutterstock
      He hired lawyers who threatened to injunct us over our exclusive story that he was being probed over alleged breaches of betting rulesCredit: Getty
      And his legal team even claimed our report would hit England’s chances of winning the World Cup.
      The letter was sent just a fortnight before Toney was charged with 232 breaches of FA betting rules.
      They argued: “The publication of the Article will not only inevitably have an unwarranted, unfair and adverse impact upon our client’s prospects of being selected for the squad, it will also cause disruption for the England manager, the national team and The Football Association at a time when all focus should be on selection of the best squad to give the England national team the best possible opportunity of winning the World Cup.”
      Toney then asked for a “written undertaking that no story of the alleged nature of the Article will be published”.
      READ MORE SUN EXCLUSIVES
      The Sun on Sunday indicated that it was prepared to fight the injunction threat and Toney’s team backed down.
      If Toney, valued at £50 million, is found guilty he faces a lengthy ban.
      Leading barrister Gavin Millar KC, praised The Sun on Sunday, saying: said: “It was a very important story indeed for The Sun on Sunday to run and resist the injunction arguments.
      “This was not just about Ivan Toney, it was about the England squad – the most important squad story you can get.
      Most read in The Sun
      “That means the public interest in the story being run in a balanced way was very, very strong indeed.
      “Public figures like this should not be threatening papers like The Sun on Sunday.
      “It’s great to see there are still editors out there with the courage of their convictions.”
      Toney was left out of England’s World Cup squad but the FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said last week they did not tell Southgate to do that. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Kane defies last-ditch bid by World Cup chiefs to stop him wearing rainbow ‘One Love’ armband

      by

      HARRY Kane today defied a last-ditch bid by World Cup chiefs to stop him wearing a rainbow “One Love” armband.His team-mate Eric Dier also became the first England player to speak out on Qatar controversies, calling stadium worker deaths “terrible”.
      Harry Kane will continue to wear the One Love armband over the alternative Fifa suggested at the last minuteCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane has worn the rainbow armband for the past two England games to ‘send a message against discrimination’Credit: Getty
      Fifa’s rattled chief Gianni Infantino had earlier launched into a bizarre defence of the World Cup, which kicks off tomorrow afternoon after a succession of cock-ups.
      Three Lions captain Kane will sport its anti-discrimination armband when England play Iran tomorrow after the FA rejected a late Fifa alternative yesterday.
      In its latest startling move, Fifa chiefs unveiled its own “approved” armbands including one emblazoned with: “NoDiscrimination.”
      But the FA hit back: “We respect the Fifa armband but are committed to the One Love armband and intend to wear it.”
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      Kane, 29, has worn the rainbow band for the past two England games “to send a message against discrimination of any kind”.
      It promotes gay rights but is not directly aimed at anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Qatar, where being gay can still be punished by death.
      A Three Lions source said last night: “Fifa will be furious but we have no intention of changing course now – particularly when the alternative is being offered so late in the day.
      “Our message is clear and will remain the same.”
      Most read in The Sun
      The One Love campaign is also being backed by the captains of Holland, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Wales.
      FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said a request had been sent for permission to wear the armband but Fifa did not respond.
      He went on: “I think there’s a possibility that we might be fined.
      “And if we are, then we’ll pay the fine. We think it’s really important to show our values.”
      Fifa’s alternative will feature a range of slogans for different rounds, including BringTheMoves and FootballUnitesTheWorld.
      Meanwhile, Spurs defender Dier, 28, criticised Qatar’s shameful record on migrant builders after more than 6,500 were reported to have died constructing stadia.
      He said: “A lot of things have happened that are disappointing … what has happened with the building of the stadiums. It is a terrible situation.”
      It came after Fifa supremo Infantino launched into a wild defence of Qatar’s already calamitous tournament.
      Fifa has been slammed for a sudden stadium beer ban, chaotic organisation plus mounting fury over Qatar’s human rights record.
      And Infantino began yesterday by rambling: “Today I have strong feelings. Today I feel Qatari, I feel Arab, I feel African, I feel gay, I feel disabled, I feel a migrant worker.”
      Swiss-Italian Infantino – who has now moved to live in Qatar – then accused the West of “hypocrisy” over human rights.
      In an extraordinary tirade which lasted for nearly an hour, Infantino, 52, said: “I am European. For what we have been doing for 3,000 years around the world, we should be apologising for the next 3,000 years before giving moral lessons.”
      The bald bigwig bizarrely cited his own discrimination experiences after being bullied as a boy for having red hair and freckles.
      He also defended Fifa’s decision in 2010 to let Qatar host the World Cup. He said: “This one-sided moral lesson is just hypocrisy. I wonder why no one recognises the progress made here since 2016.
      “It is not easy to take the critics of a decision that was made 12 years ago. Qatar is ready, it will be the best World Cup ever.”
      He was backed by pop star Robbie Williams who will perform during the World Cup.
      He said: “If we’re not condoning human rights abuses anywhere, then it would be the shortest tour the world has ever known: I wouldn’t even be able to perform in my own kitchen.”
      However Infantino was last night blasted by campaigners.
      Robbie de Santos from gay right group Stonewall said: “LGBTQ+ people in Qatar are criminalised and persecuted for simply existing and cannot compromise who they are.
      Read More on The Sun
      “These comments serve only to trivialise the very real suffering and oppression faced on a daily basis by LGBTQ+ Qataris.”
      Amnesty International said: “If Fifa is to salvage anything from this tournament, it must announce it will invest a significant part of the $6billion it will make to compensate workers and their families.”
      PM SUPPORT FOR 3 LIONSRISHI Sunak has backed Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions to go “all the way” in the World Cup.
      The PM said ahead of Monday’s opening game with Iran: “I know our boys will do us proud and I’ll be cheering them on all the way.”
      Mr Sunak also celebrated the fact Wales are appearing at the tournament for the first time since 1958.
      He said: “To have two home nation teams qualify for the tournament is a big win for the domestic game.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea scouting England World Cup 2022 star Jordan Pickford for shock transfer as Kepa and Edouard Mendy replacement

      by

      CHELSEA will watch Jordan Pickford at the World Cup as Todd Boehly looks for a new keeper.England’s No 1 has been put firmly on boss Graham Potter’s radar as an alternative to Brighton’s Spanish star Robert Sanchez.
      Chelsea are considering a swoop for England goalkeeper Jordan PickfordCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Blues are keen to bring in a first choice keeper as Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have yet to convince the new regime.
      Pickford has excelled at international level.
      That is despite the odd bad moment for Everton.
      And he will be hoping to enjoy more success for the Three Lions at the World Cup.
      READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS
      Sanchez is a Potter favourite — but Brighton will want a huge fee.
      The Toffees could sell Pickford, 28, to balance their books and lose a big wage.

      He is in contract talks at Goodison — and happy to stay.
      But a pay rise and the chance to play at the top end of the Premier League and in Europe would appeal.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Chelsea will see how he copes with the pressure in Qatar.
      Pickford is set to start England’s World Cup opener against Iran on Monday. More