More stories

  • in

    Ex-England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson urges Gareth Southgate to QUIT if he wins World Cup 2022

    SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has urged manager Gareth Southgate to quit if he guides England to World Cup glory.The England manager has led his side to a World Cup semi-final and Euros final in his two tournaments and optimism is high for the tournament in Qatar.
    Sven Goran Eriksson thinks Gareth Southgate should step down as England manager if he wins the World CupCredit: Getty
    Southgate has led England to a World Cup semi-final and Euros finalCredit: Rex
    Eriksson managed England between 2001 and 2006, but never managed to get the side past a quarter-final at international tournaments.
    He believes that should Southgate take the Three Lions all the way to the trophy that he should step down as boss as he can’t do any better.
    He told The Telegraph: “The people expect a lot [now]. Southgate is spoiling them! If he doesn’t reach a quarter-final, I think it will be a problem.
    “If you are a dreamer, as an England fan, you want the trophy in your lifetime.
    READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
    “If England win it, my advice to Gareth Southgate is to go. It can’t get any better than that.
    “It is unfair to criticise him for being too defensive because he’s done one final and one semi-final.
    “It is very difficult to do much better than that.”
    Eriksson has previously backed England to win the World Cup as the players from England are used to playing in the winter months, rather than having a break like many European countries.
    Most read in Football
    PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
    He told SunSport: “This World Cup is not after a long, hard, tough Premier League season. It’s at the beginning of the season.
    “I don’t think these English players are more tired than anyone else, whether that’s players from Germany, France, or wherever.
    “It’s strange that the World Cup is in winter time and it is being played without any preparation, like friendly games.
    “But maybe it’s good for England because they are not half-dead from the Premier League season.”
    England kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21. More

  • in

    Qatar vs Ecuador: Opening ceremony and kick-off time, TV channel, stream FREE, team news for first 2022 World Cup match

    WORLD CUP hosts Qatar face their first opponents Ecuador in the tournament’s curtain-raiser on Sunday. The Middle Eastern side take on the South Americans as they look to gain an early foothold in a group also containing Senegal and the Netherlands.
    Almoez Ali (right) will be key to any potential Qatar successCredit: Getty
    2021 Europa League winner Pervis Estupinan (left) will be looking to star for Ecuador
    The Qataris have never qualified for a World Cup before, but are the current Asian champions so will expect to put up a good fight in front of their own fans.
    Opponents Ecuador have qualified for three previous World Cups, with their best previous finish coming in 2006 when they reached the last 16 before being beaten by a David Beckham free kick against England.
    And they impressed in qualifying for this tournament, making it to Qatar with a game to spare as they picked up a fourth placed finish.
    However, they were made to sweat on their place at the tournament after a complaint was filed about them fielding an ineligible player, but ultimately rebuffed by Fifa.
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £20 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    What time does Qatar vs Ecuador kick off?

    Qatar take on Ecuador on Sunday, November 20.
    The match kicks off at 7pm UK time.
    It will be held at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor.
    The sides last met in 2018, when Qatar won 4-3 in a friendly in Doha.

    PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k

    What TV channel is Qatar vs Ecuador on and can I live stream it?

    Qatar vs Ecuador is live on BBC.
    To stream the game live, head to the BBC iPlayer.

    Can I watch Qatar vs Ecuador for free?
    Yes. BBC is free for all UK viewers with a TV licence.
    When is the opening ceremony?
    The World Cup opening ceremony will get underway from 3pm GMT, an hour before the match kicks off.
    Most read in Football

    World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup More

  • in

    Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale reveals he watched England at 2018 World Cup from Linekers Bar in Ayia Napa as he eyes No1 spot

    ARSENAL and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale revealed he watched England’s World Cup 2018 knockout clash with Colombia from Linekers bar in Ayia Napa.The shot-stopper, 24, is in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for Qatar.
    Ramsdale is in Qatar with England for the World CupCredit: PA
    However, for the Russia 2018 edition of the tournament, Ramsdale watched England from Linekers in Ayia NapaCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    He’s experiencing a World Cup first hand, but over four years ago he was in a different setting: Party destination Ayia Napa.
    And Ramsdale has revealed he remembered watching England’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia from Linekers bar, which is owned by Three Lions legend Gary Linker’s brother Wayne.
    He said in a press conference: “Oh God! I was watching the first game in Ayia Napa… that was an eventful night.
    “The Colombia game was the night before pre-season.
    READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
    “There was a lot of cheering in the front room and I still get goosebumps. A real special night.”
    England will contest Group B alongside Wales, USA and Iran, with all three inside Fifa’s top 20.
    Southgate’s men are heading into the tournament in a shocking run of form.
    England haven’t won since the 3-0 win over Ivory Coast in March.
    Most read in Football
    PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
    However, Ramsdale says England’s woes are being used as motivation.
    He said: “No confidence has been affected. If anything, it’s given us more motivation.
    “We’ve got added motivation to turn our form around and put those results behind us.
    “We’re going in full of confidence knowing what we can do.”
    Ramsdale is now an established England squad member but wants to stake a claim to the No1 shirt, which currently belongs to Jordan Pickford.
    He said: “Squad numbers are squad numbers. Jordan’s done extremely well for England and he’s playing well for Everton. 
    “You need all three of us to train properly to get the No1 to his best.
    “It will be difficult for two of us to flick the switch, although Nick and I have done it before.
    “Whoever gets that first game will get the full support of the group.”
    England scored just four goals in six Nations League fixtures in June and September.
    All four goals came against Germany and the Three Lions registered no wins, resulting in relegation from the competition’s top group.
    Ramsdale says others need to chip in with goals and not rely on near-record goal-scorer and captain Harry Kane.
    The keeper added: “Of course we need Harry (Kane) to be scoring but we need others to chip in too.
    “Marcus Rashford has come in and been a breath of fresh air, so training is intense.”
    Read More on The Sun
    England’s first group game is on Monday 21 against Iran and a date with USA follows on the Friday.
    A group finale against Wales will then take place on November 29. More

  • in

    USA vs Wales: TV channel, stream FREE, team news and kick off time for World Cup 2022 Group B clash

    WALES face USA in their first World Cup group stage clash on Monday. The Dragons already have an enticing affair with rivals England to contend with in Qatar.
    Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey have been integral parts of this Wales sideCredit: Reuters
    Christian Pulisic was brilliant for the USA during World Cup qualifiersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    But a match-up with the United States – who host the next World Cup – should also get fans buzzing with excitement.
    Rob Page’s men will be desperate to repeat their Euro 2016 performance when Chris Coleman’s side reached the semi-finals.
    And Welsh fans will be buzzing at the thought of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau being sang at a World Cup for the first time since 1958.
    USA missed out on the 2018 World Cup four years ago and Gregg Berhalter – a former Crystal Palace defender – is keen to leave his mark on a major tournament.
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET £20 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
    Read more in Football

    When is USA vs Wales?

    Wales’ clash with USA will get underway from 7pm UK time on November 21, which will be 2pm on the East Coast.
    The clash will take place at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.
    The stadium was built in 2003 and can hold up to 50,000 fans.

    PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k

    What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?

    USA vs Wales will be shown live on ITV1 in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the ITV Hub, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The game is FREE to watch so long as you have a TV licence.
    The match is also going to be shown on S4C in Wales.

    Most read in Football
    Who is in Wales’ 26-man squad?
    Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester), Adam Davies (Sheffield United)
    Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham), Ben Cabango (Swansea), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Joe Rodon (Rennes), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Connor Roberts (Burnley)
    Midfielders: Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield), Joe Allen (Swansea), Matt Smith (MK Dons), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Jonny Williams (Swindon), Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff)
    Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Mark Harris (Cardiff), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Dan James (Fulham) More

  • in

    Belgium vs Egypt LIVE: Stream, score, team news as Mohamed puts Pharoahs ahead in World Cup friendly – latest updates

    BELGIUM finish their preparations for the 2022 World Cup when they face Egypt today. The Red Devils will be hoping that they can make it to the latter stages of the tournament as their golden generation are yet to lift an international trophy.

    Start time: 3pm GMT
    Live stream/TV: Not televised in UK

    Follow all the action with our live blog below…
    Lukaku
    Belgium are definitely missing their star forward today.
    Here he is is sitting alongside the Belgium substitutes in Kuwait today.
    A muscular injury has kept his name off the team sheet in this game.

    Belgium’s struggles
    I imagine that Roberto Martinez had this game down as an opportunity to give his team a confidence boost ahead of their first game at the World Cup against Canada on Wednesday.
    But this game seems to be having the total opposite effect.
    There could be the opportunity for a few Belgium players to stake a claim for a starting place against Canada in the second half here.
    Half-Time: Belgium 0 – 1 Egypt
    45, And that’s half time.
    Egypt are ahead at the break thanks to Mohamed’s 33rd minute goal.
    Belgium 0 – 1 Egypt
    45, We’re going to have two minutes of time added on at the end of the first half.
    Can Belgium find a goal before the interval?
    Belgium 0 – 1 Egypt
    42, Belgium lose the ball cheaply in their own half again.
    This time it doesn’t end in a chance for Egypt but the Red Devils have been so lackadaisical in their play so far today.
    Belgium 0 – 1 Egypt
    40, Carrasco almost equalises straight away.
    El Shenawy punches De Bruyne’s corner out to the edge of the area and the Atletico Madrid man volleys teh ball back towards goal.
    The Egypt goalkeeper is equal to it though, and he drops to his right to make a smart save.
    GOAL! Belgium 0 – 1 Egypt
    33, Mohamed has scored for Egypt!
    I have definitely just jinxed De Bruyne!
    The Belgium midfielder loses the ball on the edge of his own penalty area and Mostafa Mohamed fires the ball into the bottom corner to put the Pharaohs ahead!
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    30, De Bruyne looks a class above here.
    He dribbles past three Egypt defenders before finally being tackled on the edge of of the penalty area.
    You feel he will have to show his best form at the World Cup if the Red Devils are to reach the latter stages of the competition.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    30, The scores are still level as we pass the half hour mark.
    Belgium have struggled to break down the compact Egypt defence and the Pharaohs have probably had the better share of the chances so far.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    27, Courtois is called into action again as Trezeguet makes another run in behind Alderweireld.
    The former Spurs man never relied on his pace but he really doesn’t seem happy when forced to chase back towards his own goal.
    Courtois does well to come off his line to beat Trezeguet to the ball.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    25, Theate curls an effort narrowly over the crossbar.
    The ball sat up nicely for him on the edge of the penalty area but he just couldn’t keep his shot down.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    23, Egypt’s game plan is clear for all to see here.
    They’re getting everyone behind the ball when Belgium have possession and look to spring forward as quickly as possible when they win the ball.
    It seems to be working for them so far.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    21, Trezeguet has another shot saved!
    Elneny’s perfectly weighted through ball sends Trezeguet in behind the Belgium defence but the winger can’t direct the ball beyond the onrushing Courtois.
    Egypt are showing a real threat when they do get forward.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    19, Belgium are racking up the corner count already here.
    De Bruyne sends in his fourth of the afternoon already, but again it is well defended by Egypt who head clear.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    17, Tamfik does well to intercept a through ball that would have sent Carrasco through one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    15, We’ve just been shown a replay of when Batshuayi hit the crossbar and he was indeed half a mile offside.
    There is pressure on the former Chelsea man to provide the goals for Belgium in Lukaku’s absence.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    11, Trezuguet forces Courtois into a smart save.
    Trezeguet’s forward run was picked out by Salah’s inch-perfect pass but the former Villa winger couldn’t beat Courtois at his near post.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    10, Batshuayi rattles a shot off the crossbar!
    The forward looked a mile offside when he was played in behind by Castagne’s through ball.
    The assistant on the far side kept his flag down but that surely would have been ruled out had it gone in.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    8, The Red Devils are beginning to dominate possession here.
    Egypt are doing their best to press high but the Belgium players are easily combining to work the ball past them.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    6, No penalty!
    The referee sticks with his on-field decision.
    Correct decision, I think.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    5, The referee is advised to have a look at his monitor to take another look at the incident involving Batshuayi.
    The VAR official has spotted what he thinks is a handball by the Egypt defender.
    Would be very harsh if its given as his hand was down by his side.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    4, Alderweireld finds Ede Hazard with one of his trademark crossfield passes.
    Hazard takes the ball down and passes to Batshuayi who has found space in Egypot’s penalty area.
    The Begium forward, though, is quickly crowded out.
    Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    2, Belgium get forward early as Carrasco advances down the left wing, but his pass into the box is behind all of his teammates and Egypt clear.
    Expect to see Carrasco take up some very attacking positions from his position at left wing back.
    Kick-off: Belgium 0 – 0 Egypt
    1, Peep! Referee Ibrahim Nour El-Din blows his whistle and gets us underway.
    Who are you backing for this one?
    Here come the teams
    Both sets of players are making their way out of the tunnel at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.
    Kick off is coming up next!
    Load more entries… More

  • in

    Which Dream Team World Cup players are likely to bank HUGE points during the first round of fixtures?

    THE last thing Dream Team World Cup managers want is to stumble out of the blocks when the football is underway in Qatar.You’ll make life so much easier for yourself if you can get ahead of your mini-league rivals early doors and force them to get funky with their team selections.
    With that in mind, let’s consider which players are most likely to produce plentiful points during the first round of fixtures.

    TIME IS RUNNING OUT! CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT

    A ‘defender’ is the loosest possible senseCredit: getty
    Denzel Dumfries (£4.5m) is confident he’ll be fit enough to start for Netherlands against Senegal and that match-up now looks to be a favourable one for him after Sadio Mane was forced to withdraw from the World Cup through injury.
    The African Cup of Nations champions are not a one-man team by any means but there’s no doubt the Bayern Munich forward was their primary goal threat and so the chance of Louis van Gaal’s side keeping a clean sheet in their opening game have increased.
    The Oranje’s flying wing-back is also a serious threat going forward, he scored two goals and provided an assist in four outings at Euro 2020.
    Argentina vs Saudi Arabia certainly looks like a fixture to target.
    The Copa America holders haven’t lost a game in well over three years and are the pre-tournament second-favourites with most bookmakers.
    All 26 members of the Saudi squad play their club football in their homeland so they’re something of an unknown entity to western audiences but they will have to produce something very special to deny Lionel Messi (£7.5m) and Lautaro Martinez (£5.5m).
    Messi isn’t the only Argentina forward to considerCredit: getty/dream team
    Nothing really needs to said about the former but it may be worth doubling up Argentina attacking assets ahead of Tuesday morning’s fixture – the Inter forward has scored ten goals in his last 15 international appearances.
    Emi Martinez (£4.5m) looks a good shout for a clean sheet too – he’s currently the most-popular goalkeeper in the game by a huge margin.
    France have been disrupted by injuries but still they should overwhelm Australia on Tuesday night.
    Let’s be honest, if Kylian Mbappe (£7.5m) is in the mood there’s not much Graham Arnold’s side can do to stop him – the 23-year-old has scored 19 goals in 20 games for PSG this season.
    And before you make some sarcastic remark about the quality of Ligue 1, just consider how many Aussie defenders would get into the starting line-ups of the French sides Mbappe has put to the sword in recent weeks.
    Looking ahead to Wednesday, Germany and Spain take on Japan and Costa Rice respectively and both European giants will be looking to send a message to the other.
    There are serious question marks about Die Mannschaft at the back but Dream Team World Cup bosses should be tempted by at least one of their midfielders.
    Musiala will win plenty more admirers this winterCredit: getty
    Leroy Sane (£6m) and Serge Gnabry (£5m) are expensive options so perhaps Jamal Musiala (£3.5m) fits the bill better?
    The 19-year-old has arguably been the Bundesliga’s best player this season and there are increasing calls for Hansi Flick to build the national team around him.
    As for Spain, everyone knows Alvaro Morata (£5m) is not the most clinical finisher in the world but he’s a proper No9 who is serviced by a host of technically-gifted playmakers.
    The ex-Chelsea striker may not be one for the latter stages but against Costa Rica he could well be worth a whirl.
    Finally, it may sound obvious but Kevin De Bruyne (£7m) versus Canada looks ripe for a double-digit haul.
    The north Americans have some exciting players in attack, Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David most notably, but their defenders won’t have faced players anywhere near the quality of Man City’s midfield maestro during qualification for this winter’s tournament.

    TIME IS RUNNING OUT! CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT

    Most read in Dream Team More

  • in

    World Cup 2022 – Group A fixtures, results, tables and UK TV channels for Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal and Netherlands

    THE World Cup gets underway in a matter of days and SunSport have been taking a look at what we can expect from each group.Group A kicks off the competition as hosts Qatar take part in their first ever World Cup match.
    This will be Qatar’s first ever appearance at a World CupCredit: Reuters
    Netherlands lost the 2010 World Cup final 1-0 in extra timeCredit: Getty
    Ecuador are Qatar’s first opponents, who will be hoping to use their previous tournament experience to progress through the group stages for only the second time in their history.
    This year’s Africa Cup of Nations winners Senegal, will be keen to continue their form in Qatar, but face a tough task against 2010 World Cup finalists Netherlands.
    Louis van Gaal’s men are looking to make up for lost time having not qualified for the 2018 tournament, and are overwhelming favourites to top the group.
    Read More on World Cup
    Group A teams

    Qatar
    Ecuador
    Senegal
    Netherlands

    Group A fixtures
    Sunday November 20

    Qatar vs Ecuador (4pm)

    Monday November 21

    Senegal vs Netherlands (4pm)

    Friday November 25

    Qatar vs Senegal (1pm)
    Netherlands vs Ecuador (4pm)

    Tuesday November 29

    Ecuador vs Senegal (3pm)
    Netherlands vs Qatar (3pm)

    Most read in Football
    What TV channel are they on?

    Qatar vs Ecuador – BBC One
    Senegal vs Netherlands – ITV
    Qatar vs Senegal – BBC One
    Netherlands vs Ecuador – ITV
    Ecuador vs Senegal – ITV
    Netherlands vs Qatar – ITV

    World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup More

  • in

    Who is Eric Dier’s fiancee Anna Modler and when are they going to get married?

    TOTTENHAM Hotspur defender Eric Dier is enduring a pretty chaotic season under Antonio Conte.However, things are a lot more settled in his private life, with the England defender ready to tie the knot with fiancee Anna Modler.
    Anna Modler shared this post on Instagram, confirming their engagementCredit: @annamodler
    The news comes just two months after the pair were reported to be datingCredit: @annamodler
    Anna previously dated former Arsenal star Alexis SanchezCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    From topping their Champions League group to losing to relegation threatened Nottingham Forest, it’s not been a smooth start to the season for Spurs.
    The World Cup looks to have come at the right time for Dier, and fiancee Anna Modler will no doubt be cheering him on from the stands.
    Read More on Wags
    Who is Eric Dier’s fiancee Anna Modler?
    Anna Modler, who turned 24 this year, is of South African and Namibian heritage.
    The model, who boasts 110,000 followers on Instagram, previously dated former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, with the pair spending lockdown together in 2020.
    However, things didn’t work out between the two in Italy, and Modler subsequently found love with Dier.
    When are they getting married?
    The 28-year-old popped the question just two months after their relationship was made official.
    Modler confirmed the news on Instagram, posting a picture of her wearing the engagement ring.
    Most read in Football
    Back in September, a friend told The Sun that “Eric and Anna are blissfully happy. They have been seeing a lot of each other.
    “Eric has told pals it has been a great few weeks – getting back into the England squad and landing a stunning girl who was previously on the arm of an Arsenal star.
    “He can’t stop scoring on the pitch, and has netted a cracker off of it.
    “Anna is smitten and has told friends Eric could be ‘the one’. They are getting serious, so watch this space.”
    It’s got a lot more serious now, with the pair committing to each other once and for all.
    However, a date is yet to be set for the wedding, with Dier currently playing for England in Qatar.
    Eric and Anna are said to be blissfully happyCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk More