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      England stars Wilson, Rice and Henderson look ripped and ready for World Cup 2022 as they hit Qatar gym for first time

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      CALLUM WILSON, Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson looked pumped up for the World Cup as England’s star hit the gym.Gareth Southgate’s side’s opening group game against Iran is lees than a week away and the Three Lions took part in their first full session since arriving in Qatar last night.
      Gareth Southgate and his England squad are settling into their Qatar World Cup campCredit: Getty
      Callum Wilson was hard at it in the gym ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      Midfielder Declan Rice also looked ripped and readyCredit: Getty
      Experienced ace Jordan Henderson was having a go on the weightsCredit: Getty
      Pictures showed the England boss putting the players through their paces at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium – where temperatures reached 32C on Wednesday – ahead of Monday’s opening game.
      But it is not only out on the pitch that his squad are getting ready to try to bring football home.
      Striker Wilson plus midfielders Rice and Henderson all looked ripped and ready for action in the team gym.
      Newcastle United’s Wilson was all-smiles as he enjoyed a set on the kettle bells.
      The 30-year-old has not represented the Three Lions since 2019.
      But just last week the Toon ace revealed that his drive and hunger – which stemmed from his childhood – kept him pushing for a seat on the plane to the Middle East.
      Rice, who has taken an EMPTY suitcase to Qatar to bring home the World Cup, was also hard at it as he took part in a stretching and lifting exercise.
      The confident England and West Ham ace revealed his extra bag when he joined up with Gareth Southgate’s squad at St George’s Park on Monday.
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      And experienced veteran Henderson, 32, also appeared to be in tip-top shape.
      The Liverpool captain was decked out in shorts and vest as he lifted weights.
      All three will be desperate to show Southgate that they deserve a chance to shine in Qatar as the big kick-off edges closer.
      But one man who will not be ready to take on Iran is Kyle Walker after the full-back confirmed he will MISS the Three Lions’ opening game.
      Southgate had already hinted the 32-year-old wouldn’t be available until later in the group stage after not featuring since October 2 due to a groin issue.
      Striker Wilson will be chomping at the bit the get amongst the goalsCredit: Getty
      But encouraging scenes at training suggest the Manchester City ace could be ready for the business end of the tournament.
      He was seen jogging alongside his team-mates as the Three Lions trained in the Middle East climate.
      England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday in Group B.
      Next up is a clash against Gregg Berhalter’s USA.
      And then a mouthwatering clash against neighbours Wales in the final game on November 29. More

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      Brendan Rodgers called me in for a chat to prepare for England World Cup snub, my dad was in tears I was called up

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      JUST one week ago, James Maddison was preparing for heartbreak and planning a family holiday during the World Cup.Last Thursday, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers invited English football’s latest folk hero into his office for a heart-to-heart, to plan how he would deal with rejection from Gareth Southgate.
      James Maddison shared this throwback snap of him as a kid after his World Cup call-upCredit: Instagram
      The Leicester City star had prepared himself for the worst before getting the call from Gareth SouthgateCredit: AFP
      Yet here Maddison is, in Qatar, as a wide-eyed tournament rookie, admitting he still feels like a little kid, his face painted in the flag of St George, infected with World Cup fever.
      England chief Southgate bowed to public pressure and selected the attacking-midfield form horse with seven goals and four assists in the Premier League this term.
      Maddison, 25, still has to compete with Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount, Phil Foden and last year’s people’s champion Jack Grealish for one place in Southgate’s starting line-up — provided the England manager sticks with his favoured back five.
      But there is a feeling that Maddison is the kind of self-confident fantasy footballer capable of conjuring a game-changing moment here.
      READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS
      And that is a far brighter prospect than Maddison was facing up to at Leicester’s training ground on the day Southgate announced his 26-man squad.
      Maddison, who has played just half an hour of senior international football, said: “I was in Brendan’s office having a chat and he asked me if I had heard anything [from Southgate], and I hadn’t at that point.
      “He was just being a good man-manager and putting his arm around me, if I didn’t get the call, and how it would look and how to stay motivated for Saturday’s game [at West Ham] and then enjoy the break.
      “But I went back down to the changing room afterwards and had a missed call from Gareth Southgate . . . so the heart starts beating.
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      “I still had Gareth’s number saved. I called him back, he gave me the good news and it was all a blur.
      “I was braced for both — hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. I hadn’t been in a squad for three years and I’m not naive. But I also had that hope, that I was in good goalscoring form.
      “I was going to go on holiday. The hope was obviously to be at the World Cup but, if not, it would have been a mid-season break and a chance for me to go on holiday and recharge the batteries for the second half of the season.
      “I would have gone and put my feet up on holiday with my son and family.
      “But after Gareth told me I was in, it was a head-against-the-wall moment, big deep breath, and I called my parents.
      “My dad actually cried — and I don’t think I have seen him cry for years!
      “They were happy tears, of course. Your family . . .  they are on this journey with you.
      “When, in previous years, I have been left out of squads after thinking I might have had a chance and had that disappointment, it is spread across the family. Now it’s the opposite.
      “On the day of the announcement, I wanted to go back and see my parents in Coventry and give my mum a big hug.
      “I had dinner at home with my mum and dad, my little boy and my partner. That’s a moment I will cherish forever.”
      Brendan Rodgers had spoken to his star to prepare him for World Cup miseryCredit: Reuters

      On the day of his selection, Maddison posted a social-media image of himself as a young England fan in face paint, with a David Beckham-style shaven head.
      And Maddison who, unlike most elite footballers, is an obsessive and knowledgeable watcher of the game, says he feels like an overgrown kid in Qatar.
      Maddison said: “I’m not sure I had the Beckham hair shave.
      “The barbers were quite expensive and mum and dad probably couldn’t afford it.
      “How many times have we watched that Beckham free-kick [against Greece in 2001] that sent us to a major tournament? They are moments you literally dream of. Big moments that get replayed for years, so to get one would be absolutely unbelievable. That would be the real pinnacle.
      “But every moment right now is like a ‘pinch me, I’m dreaming’ moment.
      “My house is football-mad. My girlfriend goes crazy because I watch so much. During lockdown, when there were four games a day on, I had them all on.
      “In my head I’m still that little boy kicking the ball around the garden or with face paint on.”
      A World Cup call felt unlikely when Maddison was embroiled in controversy in October 2019.

      The Leicester man had withdrawn from Southgate’s squad through illness, only to be photographed in a casino while England were being beaten by the Czech Republic in a Euros qualifier.
      Maddison did, though, earn his only cap as a sub in a 7-0 drubbing of Montenegro the following month.
      He said: “I thought that might get brought up and I’m actually glad you asked.
      “People forget that I was actually capped by Gareth Southgate and called up after the casino incident and it wasn’t a big deal for Gareth. It got blown out of proportion and some of it was ridiculous.
      “I think people are just making up an excuse, as to why I haven’t been in the squad. We had already spoken about it and put it to bed.
      “At no point did I think it was a closed door and the opportunity had gone. It was just about staying hungry and using the rejection of not getting called up in previous camps as motivation to force my way back in.
      “There was no bitterness. Gareth is the England manager and he’s got a lot of talent at his disposal. It was just keeping that mindset of staying hungry, scoring, assisting, affecting games and showing I can be an asset for him.
      “There were definitely times where you question, ‘What am I doing that’s not getting me in the England squad?’
      “When you feel like you’re playing well, and you might be deserving a call and you don’t get it, you’ve got to tell yourself, ‘How can I do better to get in?’ Instead of having the arrogance of, ‘I should be in’.”

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      TV presenter Diletta Leotta stuns in bikini on cycling trip as boyfriend Karius’ season put on hold by World Cup

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      DILETTA LEOTTA and Loris Karius are taking a sizzling hot winter holiday in Miami.Newcastle keeper Karius, 29, has taken advantage of the club break for the World Cup to go away with Leotta.
      Leotta wowed fans with footage of her bike ride
      The pair have been pictured relaxing on a Miami beachCredit: Splash
      The TV star shares holiday updates on her InstagramCredit: Diletta_Leotta_-_Instagram_@dilettaleotta_3.
      Newcastle’s Karius has taken advantage of the World Cup winter break to take the tripCredit: Getty
      And the DAZN reporter stunned fans when she cycled along the beachfront.
      Leotta shared a sweltering video with Will Smith’s ‘Welcome to Miami’ soundtrack in the background.
      The 30-year-old posted the footage on her Instagram as she rode in the sunshine in an orange bikini.
      It left her 8.6 million followers in awe.
      READ MORE ON DILETTA LEOTTA
      SunSport revealed last month that Newcastle’s reserve keeper Karius recently struck up a relationship with the Italian presenter.
      Leotta has been a football personality over in Italy for a decade.
      She previously presented Sky Sports’ coverage of Serie B in Italy but has since moved to broadcaster DAZN and now presents Serie A fixtures.
      She recently ended a relationship with Italian male model Giacomo Cavalli.
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      The DAZN Presenter covers the Italian Serie ACredit: Getty
      Leotta studied Law at the Luiss University in RomeCredit: Diletta_Leotta_-_Instagram_@dilettaleotta_3
      The TV star studied Law at the Luiss University in Rome and graduated in 2015.
      And Diletta reportedly began an intensive English course earlier this year to help further her friendship with Karius.
      The ex-Liverpool goalie was recently seen visiting the presenter in Milan.
      The German goalkeeper is best known in England for his nightmare performance in the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid.
      Karius has proved over the years that he is in fact quite a catch.
      But while it’s clearly going well off the pitch, it hasn’t quite gone as well on it.
      That’s because Karius hasn’t touched a ball in a competitive game for nearly two years.
      The German might have signed a short-term deal with Newcastle in September, but he hasn’t played competitively since February 2021 for Union Berlin. More

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      Declan Rice admits he’s taking EMPTY suitcase to Qatar with England star determined to bring World Cup home

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      DECLAN RICE has taken an EMPTY suitcase to Qatar — to bring home the World Cup.The confident England and West Ham ace revealed his extra bag when he joined up with Gareth Southgate’s squad at St George’s Park on Monday.
      Declan Rice is confident that England can achieve World Cup gloryCredit: Getty
      Declan Rice with his extra luggage as he prepares to head off to Qatar earlier this weekCredit: Getty
      Rice grinned as he patted the second suitcase and said to his driver: “There’s nothing in that one. That’s a spare.
      “Hopefully I’ll bring home the trophy in this one.”
      Rice, 23, will be in Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up and is in line to add to his 34 caps in the Qatar opener against Iran on Monday.
      He told England’s YouTube channel: “It’s unbelievable, it’s crazy man, crazy.
      READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS
      “Special. It feels different. World Cup baby!”
      Rice’s mood reflected the upbeat, confident mood of the Three Lions as they settled in at their five-star Souq Al Wakra Hotel base.
      They took part in their first full training session yesterday at the nearby Al Wakrah stadium with the temperature at almost 30C.
      Kyle Walker joined training in a boost to his fitness hopes after a groin injury.
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      But the defender later admitted he would not be ready to play in the opener.
      Walker, 32, may return to action when England take on the USA on Friday, 25 November.
      The Three Lions will then round off their group stage campaign with a Battle of Britain clash with Wales on November 30. More

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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Kyle Walker OUT of first England game, Ronaldo misses training with stomach bug, Nkunku RULED OUT

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      ENGLAND will be missing Kyle Walker for their first World Cup game against Iran next week. Walker is recovering from a groin injury but has declared himself fit for the second game against USA.
      England are scheduled to play Iran in their opening fixture on Monday, November 21.
      Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s friendly game with Nigeria on Thursday as he has a stomach bug.
      And France have confirmed that Christopher Nkunku has been ruled out of the World Cup following Eduardo Camavinga’s reckless tackle in training.
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      Stay tuned with all the latest ahead of the tournament…
      Van Gaal confuses fans with squad numbers
      Louis van Gaal has claimed Holland’s World Cup squad numbers have been assigned by age.
      But a closer look at the squad shows a random allocation with no method to the madness.
      Ajax’s 39-year-old goalkeeper Remko Pasveer is the oldest player in the squad and he takes the number one jersey.
      But Jurrien Timber, 21, is number two and only one midfielder takes one of the first eleven numbers – Steven Berghuis.
      Senior players such as Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind are numbered 22 and 17 respectively.
      While Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong takes his favoured number 21 shirt – the number he has worn his entire career.
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      Glenn Hoddle also went on to praise James Maddison’s inclusion, but preached caution when it comes to Kalvin Phillips.
      He said: “I’m glad to see Maddison’s in — he’s in great form and I would like to see him start.
      “I think he’s that good and he hasn’t been given a chance yet with England, and he and Foden would be something special.
      “The one doubt I have — not because of his ability because I quite like him and he had a really good Euros — is Kalvin Phillips.
      “Shoulder injuries are very difficult ones to know whether they’re absolutely okay.”
      Credit: Getty
      Hoddle predicts Southgate will drop Maguire
      Former England boss Glenn Hoddle has predicted that Harry Maguire will be dropped for England’s opening game in Qatar.
      Hoddle told the Mail: “I can understand why he’s put Maguire in [the squad].
      “I don’t think Maguire will start, but he might if Southgate wants to go into a three [at the back]. I can see Southgate using him, if needs be, later in the tournament.
      “Maguire would love to start the game against Iran but if he was thrown in, there’d be little doubt in the back of his mind.”
      Garnacho to still make Argentina squad?
      Manchester United fans have all said the same thing as Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni hinted additional changes may be made to his squad.
      Alejandro Garnacho has been hailed as the Red Devils’ saviour in recent weeks.
      The 18-year-old scored a stoppage-time winner in the 2-1 victory over Fulham last weekend.
      And now fans of the Old Trafford club think that he should get a look in on the world stage in Qatar.
      Scaloni revealed: “There’s a possibility that our 26-man list for the World Cup could change. Let’s see.
      “There are players who are not 100% well. We want to be cautious. We want to see their evolution.”
      Top 10 oldest players at 2022 World Cup
      Cristiano Ronaldo is only the seventh oldest player at this year’s World Cup.
      The Manchester United man is nearly 38 years of age… but he still has some way to go to become the eldest star in Qatar this month.

      Four days until the World Cup
      A reminder that we are now just FOUR DAYS away from the start of the World Cup.
      Hosts Qatar face Ecuador in the opening game on Sunday at 4pm BST.
      That is followed by THREE matches on Monday – England vs Iran, Senegal vs Netherlands and USA vs Wales.
      Williams hails Bale ahead of Wales’ meeting with England
      Gareth Bale is the best Britain has to offer, according to team-mate Jonny Williams.
      Wales kick off their tournament against USA on Monday before facing Gareth Southgate’s side on November 29.
      And the Swindon midfielder told SunSport, via SkyBet, that they are well equipped to take on the best on the globe.
      He said: “Bale’s achievements and career speak for itself. The important goals in big finals, he’s a five-time Champions League winner, and what he’s done for Wales since coming into the senior team.
      “I think he’s probably the best British player of all time. I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and a person, so down to earth, a pleasure to play alongside.
      “Even when I was kid coming through and he is the same now, you can’t always say that about players.
      “It is a credit to him and amazing to see what he did in America, but I am not surprised. He is a winner, a big game player and he always turns up.”
      England fans choose their starting XI
      England’s starting XI for the World Cup has been a major talking point since the end of the Euros.
      But with just a few days to go before the tournament begins, we asked you to tell us your best Three Lions XI for World Cup 2022.
      There were some shock inclusions in the team as well as some no-brainers.
      And now we will reveal who you want Gareth Southgate to start at the World Cup.
      So first of all a quick caveat, we’re going with Southgate’s favourite 5-2-3 – or 3-4-3 depending on how you look at it…

      Haaland names England among World Cup favourites
      Erling Haaland has named England as favourites to win the World Cup.
      But Manchester City’s latest cult hero reckons three other giants are also in the mix for footy’s top prize.
      Haaland declared: “Favourites? I think the favourites should be Brazil, Argentina, France and maybe England.
      “I cannot say only one because there’s so many good teams. So yeah, those four.”
      Maddison late for presser due to darts competition
      James Maddison was late for his first England press conference as he was busy playing darts.
      The Leicester star took on a member of the media as he left other reporters waiting patiently for his arrival.
      Maddison, 25, was all smiles as he tested his skills.
      He appears to be an avid darts fan having performed a darts celebration after scoring against Nottingham Forest last month.
      It will be interesting to see how he compares to his new England team-mates, who frequently played darts on their journey to the Euro 2020 final last year.
      Toney charged with 232 breaches of betting rules
      Ivan Toney has been charged with 232 breaches of FA betting rules.
      The news comes just days after the Brentford striker missed out on Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England World Cup squad.
      In a statement, the FA confirmed: “Ivan Toney has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breached of the FA’s betting rules.
      “It is alleged that the Brentford FC forward breached FA Rule E8 232 times between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021.
      “Ivan Toney has until Thursday 24 November 2022 to provide a response.”
      Credit: PA
      Walker OUT of England’s World Cup opener
      Kyle Walker has ruled himself OUT of England’s World Cup opener against Iran.
      Gareth Southgate selected the Manchester City star in his 26-man squad for Qatar, despite him having not played for his club since October 2.
      Walker, 32, gave his manager a boost by taking part in England training today.
      The defender took part in a session at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium – where temperatures reached 32C on Wednesday.
      But the opener vs Iran next Monday will come too soon for the full-back, according to Sky Sports.
      Walker himself claims, however, that he will “raring to go” for their next matches.
      The Three Lions take on the USA on Friday, 25 November, before a Battle of Britain tussle with Wales on Tuesday, 29 November.

      Neymar names favourite two England players
      Jadon Sancho has been described as “incredible” by Neymar despite not making Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
      The Brazilian superstar revealed his two favourite England players and the Manchester United winger was one of them.
      Hot shot Harry Kane – who captains the side bidding to win World Cup for first time in 56 years – was the other.
      Yet the 30-year-old forgot about the Three Lions when discussing who he thinks will lift the trophy.
      Neymar told The Telegraph: “I believe the favourites are Argentina, Germany, Spain, and France. I think those four along with Brazil are fully capable of reaching the final.
      “I really forgot about England but obviously they have a chance! I really like Kane and Sancho. They’re two incredible players and I have a special love for them because I like players that have their qualities.”
      Maguire achieved more than Terry and Ferdinand for England – O’Hara
      Harry Maguire has “achieved MORE” for England than either John Terry or Rio Ferdinand.
      That’s according to Jamie O’Hara, who is backing the Manchester United captain to make a lasting impact at the Qatar World Cup.
      Speaking on TalkSport, fellow pundit Jason Cundy asked O’Hara: “When was the last time we [England] had a top, top, top class centre-half?”
      O’Hara responded: “They got to the European final and the World Cup semi-final. Harry Maguire has been in the team of the tournament in the World Cup and the Euros.”
      Cundy then said: “But you can’t put him in the same bracket as John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.”
      O’Hara then retorted: “No you can’t at club level, but why can’t you at international level? He has achieved more than what they’ve done. Harry Maguire has achieved more than Rio Ferdinand and John Terry at international level.”
      Ronaldo misses Portugal training
      Cristiano Ronaldo has suffered a World Cup scare after coming down with illness.
      The Portuguese star, 37, is currently with the national team in Lisbon preparing for the showpiece in Qatar.
      However, he will miss their training session tonight as he is currently suffering with a stomach bug.
      Portugal take on Nigeria in their capital city tomorrow in their final friendly before the tournament in the Middle East.
      They begin their Group H campaign next Thursday against Ghana before then facing Uruguay and South Korea.
      Alves “babysitting” Neymar at World Cup
      Dani Alves was only included in Brazil’s World Cup squad to babysit Neymar, according to reports.
      The right-back, 39, was a surprise inclusion given he is approaching the end of his career.
      He could not cut it at the top level at Barcelona last season and was subsequently released by the Catalan club before joining Mexican side UNAM.
      But Alves is going to the World Cup and he will stay play a valuable role in the squad.
      According to Diario Sport, Alves will act as a kind of babysitter for Neymar.
      And their close relationship means Alves is one of only two players in the squad who is able to assert authority and discipline over the forward.
      Brazil captain Thiago Silva also has that privilege while PSG skipper Marquinhos also has some influence over Neymar.
      Walker trains with rest of England squad
      England have been handed a huge World Cup boost as Kyle Walker took part in a full training session.
      The opening group game against Iran is under a week away as the Qatar tournament edges closer.
      Walker was one of multiple players who came into the England squad with questions marks hanging over their fitness.
      But new pics show the defender taking part in a squad training at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium – where temperatures reached 32C on Wednesday – ahead of the opening game.
      The 32-year-old missed much of the first-half of the domestic season due to a groin issue.
      But the encouraging training pics suggest the Manchester City ace could be ready to go from the opening match.

      Free booze for World Cup
      Football fans are being offered free booze during the World Cup – here’s how to get yours delivered.
      Lucky punters could win free pints with the VoucherCodes On Tap ale-mergency beer delivery unit when England take on Iran at 1pm on Monday, November 21.
      With many at work on the day, the company will hand out free Wolfpack pints to those in London who strike it lucky.
      It comes as the total number of pints sold is expected to reach 65.3 million over the course of this year’s tournament – down 26.7 million compared to 2018.
      Ex-England and Arsenal legend, Ray Parlour, who has teamed up with VoucherCodes for its On Tap service, said: “Fans love to get behind the Three Lions and enjoy a drink or two while watching the game.
      “But rising costs are taking their toll, and this tournament is going to feel different to the rest, not least with our first game kicking off on a Monday lunchtime whilst many people are at work.
      “So I think it’s a great idea that fans can now request for the VoucherCodes On Tap service to stop by their office with free pints – let’s beer it for the Three Lions!”
      Back to business
      Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the training pitch for the first time since interview with Piers Morgan.
      The 37-year-old missed Manchester United’s final two games before the break through illness, but it was back down to business today.
      Ronaldo could win international cap 192 when Portugal play Nigeria on Thursday.
      Credit: Getty
      Start Maddison – Hoddle
      Former England manager Glenn Hoddle advised current boss Gareth Southgate to start Leicester star James Maddison.
      Hoddle added: “I’m glad to see Maddison’s in — he’s in great form and I would like to see him start.
      “I think he’s that good and he hasn’t been given a chance yet with England, and he and [Phil] Foden would be something special.
      “The one doubt I have — not because of his ability because I quite like him and he had a really good Euros — is Kalvin Phillips.
      “Shoulder injuries are very difficult ones to know whether they’re absolutely okay”
      Can’t defend him
      Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has predicted that Harry Maguire will be dropped for the Three Lions’ opening game in Qatar.
      Hoddle told the Mail: “I can understand why he’s put Maguire in [the squad].
      “I don’t think Maguire will start, but he might if Southgate wants to go into a three [at the back]. I can see Southgate using him, if needs be, later in the tournament
      “Maguire would love to start the game against Iran but if he was thrown in, there’d be a little doubt in the back of his mind”
      Van Dijk on Mane
      Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has reached out to former team-mate and Bayern Munich superstar Sadio Mane ahead of the Netherlands’ clash with Senegal.
      Mane seems certain to miss out on his country’s World Cup opener against Holland.
      Van Dijk said: “I don’t think he will play, but Senegal have a fantastic team.
      “Of course [I have spoken to him]. I was feeling sad for him, first and foremost. I’m not happy in this case and I’ve been in that situation where I missed the Euros. We as players work so hard to get to this stage and he has been such an important figure for his country.
      “I know for a fact that he will put a brave face on it, but it’s tough and I feel sorry for him. I just want to tell him that whether he plays or not, it’s going to be such a tough game”
      Credit: Reuters
      England top financial charts
      England have the most valuable squad in the World Cup with a whopping combined transfer-fee value of just over £1.1 billion, figures from Online Casinos reveal.
      Brazil come in second place in the most valuable stakes, with slightly over £1 billion in player-transfer value.
      The Selecao are followed by defending world champions France at £950,600 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal with more than £824,500 in net worth per collective player-transfer fees.
      In fifth spot are Spain, at over £793,760, Germany are placed sixth, with more than £793,760 in total player value and Argentina are seventh, at £557,216.
      The Netherlands (£516,780), Belgium (£495,616) and Uruguay (£395,736) round out the top 10.
      The national team in oil-rich Qatar scores the worst in terms of player-transfer fees, at a paltry £13,112 in combined value
      Mane’s Sad times
      Bayern Munich star and Liverpool legend Sadio Mane looks certain to miss Senegal’s 2022 World Cup opener against the Netherlands on Monday.
      Mane has been dealing with a leg tendon injury sustained on November 7 and won’t be facing former Reds’ team-mate Virgil van Dijk in Qatar.
      The winger was passed fit to travel with his country for the tournament but he looks set to miss out against Louis van Gaal’s side.
      However, the 30-year-old is still expected to compete in the group stages
      Young on England
      Former Manchester United ace Ashley Young is convinced England can win the World Cup — and has urged the country to get behind manager Gareth Southgate as well as the players.
      Young told SunSport’s Charlie Wyett: “There is something special coming from this England team. The country has to get behind them. Get behind every single player. Don’t single them out. Get behind all of them to go out and win this tournament.
      “From the time Gareth has taken over, he has made a difference. These players will be more than ready. With the way the Euros went, I give us every chance of going to the tournament and winning it.
      “The criticism Gareth Southgate is getting is absolutely ridiculous. It is bulls**t. Because he has not taken a team into the latest final of the Nations League, people think that he should be criticised.
      “Of course, going into a tournament you want to be winning games. But Gareth has totally changed what it is like to be with England.
      “In previous years, under other managers when I was there, players were pulling out because they did not enjoy it. They were not injured. Gareth has managed to get the nation together”
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      Underworld crooks who stole the 1966 World Cup finally unmasked – but did Britain’s most powerful men let them off?

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      THE two villains suspected of masterminding the theft of the World Cup in 1966 have remained under the radar for 56 years.But as Gareth Southgate and his England squad prepare to bring it home again, The Sun unmasks the crooks who attempted one of the past century’s most notorious thefts.
      England captain Bobby Moore holds the Jules Rimet World Cup trophy as he sits on his teammate’s shouldersCredit: Popperfoto – Getty
      Thief Edward Betchley was the only man convincted over the break-inCredit: Supplied
      Underworld fence Bernard ‘The Pole’ MakowskiCredit: Supplied
      We can reveal how crooked Hatton Garden diamond dealer Gerald Sattin and underworld fence Bernard “The Pole” Makowski were strongly suspected of being architects of the plot to steal the Jules Rimet trophy.
      Our investigations also expose how the pair — both now dead — escaped scot free after an apparent Downing Street deal to retrieve the cup.
      Historic confidential police intelligence documents list both men as associates of Edward Betchley, the only one of the three to be convicted of the theft of the cup from a display case at an exhibition in London.
      The files reveal a witness saw Sattin, then 34, at the exhibition at Westminster’s Methodist Central Hall.
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      The witness, a solicitor who asked for anonymity, urged police “to make as full an investigation into this line of inquiry as I believe this to be more than a coincidence”.
      Professional thief Betchley, also now dead, was arrested four days after the theft following a ransom attempt — but the cup remained missing.
      Betchley told police he was acting on behalf of a man he knew only by the nickname The Pole.
      A Scotland Yard index of nicknames turned up Warsaw-born Makowski, then 40.
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      The World Cup remained missing for a week until it was found in a South London hedge by a dog called Pickles — and England went on to win it in July that year.
      We can now reveal that before Pickles became an unlikely hero, a deal was hatched for the trophy’s return, backed by Downing Street.
      It led to charges being reduced against Betchley and no action being taken against Sattin and Makowski.
      A previously undisclosed document in Betchley’s police file reveals how Michael Halls, Principal Private Secretary to PM Harold Wilson, contacted the Director of Public Prosecutions over the case.
      Former Scotland Yard Flying Squad commander John O’Connor said last night: “There was clearly a deal with the DPP, police and Betchley to get the cup back.
      “But this document strongly suggests for the first time that it was done at the behest of Harold Wilson.
      “He wouldn’t get his hands dirty, but he would let his secretary do exactly that. It was skulduggery but it was also in the public interest to get the cup back.
      “It was even more important for Wilson, as it was days away from the General Election. Finding the cup could well have affected the outcome of the election.”
      ‘It was skulduggery’
      The 14in, gold-plated Jules Rimet trophy of the winged goddess Nike had arrived in London under tight security on January 5, 1966.
      The following day it was on display at the live TV screening of the tournament draw in West London.
      Two officials from previous winners Brazil handed the cup to Fifa president Sir Stanley Rous, who quipped: “Whether they leave it here permanently or just temporarily will be seen in July.”
      His words came back to haunt him when it was stolen on March 20.
      The FA had loaned it to stamp company Stanley Gibbons for an exhibition.
      The show was closed on the Sunday of the theft but the building was open for Methodist services.
      Gerald Sattin and girlfriend Maureen Flanagan in Las Vegas in the early 1970sCredit: Supplied
      Thames boatman David Corbett with Pickles, the collie who found the newspaper-wrapped cup under a bush in his owner’s front garden in South LondonCredit: PA:Press Association
      Two thieves broke into the first-floor hall, where the cup was on display, and the theft was discovered just after noon.
      With 11 days until the General Election, Harold Wilson, who believed a successful World Cup tournament could rescue the ailing Pound, told Home Secretary Roy Jenkins to call in the Yard’s top brass.
      Files reveal Jenkins spoke to then Met commissioner Sir Joseph Simpson and Commander Ernie Millen, who put his best thief-taker on the case, Tommy Butler, Scourge of the Great Train Robbers.
      There were two witnesses. Churchgoing Margaret Coombes spotted Betchley on the first floor at 11am and picked him out at an identity parade following his arrest.
      One of the guards, Frank Hudson, spotted a second man loitering near where the World Cup was on display.
      The suspect was never traced, though his description bore a striking resemblance to Makowski.
      The next day, the solicitor witness, who The Sun is not naming, came forward to say he had spoken to Sattin at the exhibition.
      Files show married father-of-three Sattin was questioned by police and admitted being at the exhibition.
      Sattin had a taste for high living, glamorous women, luxury cars and crime.
      Five years after the World Cup theft he began an 18-month affair with former Sun Page 3 model Maureen Flanagan.
      Now 81, Maureen said: “I knew nothing about him being involved with stealing the World Cup. He wasn’t even a football fan.
      “After we split up he was jailed for fraud and he had been to prison before he met me but it was not something he ever spoke about. All I’d say is that if you met him you’d trust him with the world — if not the World Cup.”
      As police questioned Sattin they were already moving in on Betchley, a known associate of his, who had anonymously called FA chief Joe Mears the day after the theft.
      He promised to send a parcel that would “be of interest”.
      England manager Sir Alf Ramsay, captain Bobby Moore and teammates at a lunch the day after they won the trophyCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Two days later the lid of the World Cup was delivered with a typed ransom demand for £15,000 — around £300,000 now — for its return.
      Mears rang the police and Detective Inspector Jack Buggy posed as his assistant and spoke twice to the crook by phone.
      Investigators traced the second call to a phone box near Betchley’s South London home.
      DI Buggy met the crook — Betchley — at Battersea Park and showed him “bundles of cash” in a briefcase — though it was mostly scraps of paper.
      Former soldier and dock labourer Betchley, 47, got in DI Buggy’s car and told him to drive, but in Camberwell he got spooked and ran. He was quickly captured by Buggy.
      A search for the cup at his home proved fruitless and raids on the nearby Camberwell homes of two associates, brothers Sidney and Reginald Cugullere, drew a blank.
      Relatives later said the brothers had hidden the cup in a coal shed.
      Betchley denied two charges of theft and also demanding money with menaces.
      He told police he had been offered £500 to act as an intermediary by “The Pole”, calling the nameless figure “one of his customers”.
      Two days after his arrest, magistrates bailed Betchley on a surety of £5,000, worth £100k today.
      The next day Pickles found the World Cup wrapped in newspaper in the front garden of a house in Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, South London.
      His owner, Thames barge worker David Corbett, lived in a flat at the address.
      He went on to claim £6,000 in insurance rewards — six times the amount England’s players each received for winning the cup.
      A memo marked “confidential” and obtained by The Sun casts a further cloud of mystery around the case.
      The empty display where the cup had been keptCredit: PA:Press Association
      Thieves removed eight screws from a door to get into the exhibition hallCredit: PA
      It stated that Harold Wilson’s PPS Michael Halls asked that an unspecified matter “be given immediate consideration . . . ” and added that it was being copied to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
      Then on April 12, just over a fortnight after the cup was found, the more serious offences of theft were dropped against Betchley, despite a wealth of evidence against him.
      He later admitted two counts of demanding money with menaces and was jailed for two years.
      Police took no further action in the case.
      Ex-Flying Squad chief Mr O’Connor said: “This new information strongly suggests Sattin, Makowski, Betchley the thief and other associates were all in it together.
      “Sattin planned it and used Betchley as a professional thief, probably by going through Makowski. It was a murky old world in those days and it doesn’t get much murkier than this.
      “There was clearly a deal with Betchley and the police agreed by the DPP and which went through Harold Wilson’s private secretary.
      “We were being embarrassed by these criminals in front of the world and they would have done anything to get the cup back. It would have soured the whole World Cup tournament if the trophy had not been found.”
      The trophy went back to Brazil in 1970 when they won the World Cup in Mexico.
      As three-times winners, they got to keep it permanently — though it was stolen again in 1983 and has never been found. Its replacement, the Fifa World Cup Trophy, has been awarded ever since.
      After it was pinched in London, a replica was commissioned from London silversmith George Bird, who was sworn to secrecy.
      The copy was sold at Sotheby’s to a mystery bidder in 1997 for £240,500 — almost 25 times its estimated value.
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      It later emerged the bidder was a representative of the FA acting on behalf of Fifa, whose secretary Sepp Blatter authorised the purchase at any price.
      The copy was later given to the National Football Museum in Manchester, where it remains on display.
      Harold Wilson believed a successful World Cup tournament could rescue the ailing PoundCredit: Rex
      The 14in, gold-plated Jules Rimet trophy of the winged goddess Nike arrived in London under tight security on January 5, 1966Credit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      I’ve spent thousands on my epic football shirt collection… I’ve got 500 kits & wore one every day in time for World Cup

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      A FOOTBALL fanatic who has spent thousands on his epic shirt collection has worn a different one every day for a YEAR in the run up to the World Cup.Antonio Massari, 36, has scoured the world to bag kits from the biggest clubs to obscure local ones, totting up a tidy 500 tops.
      Footie-mad Antonio Massari has accumulated more than 500 shirts from around the worldCredit: SWNS
      The 36-year-old challenged himself to wear a different kit each day before the 2022 World CupCredit: SWNS
      He even donned a 2009 Wales jersey on Christmas Day to fulfill his promiseCredit: SWNS
      The superfan has splashed out over £10,000 on his ever-expanding wardrobe to ensure he can sport a footie shirt every day.
      He has dedicated his life and his fashion sense to the beautiful game, but decided to take it up a notch ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
      The dedicated fan even wore one a shirt on Christmas Day — a 2009 Wales jersey – to fulfill his football kit fantasy.
      Antonio challenged himself to don a different shirt each day for one whole year and completed his barmy quest in October.
      READ MORE ON FOOTIE FANS
      It left the Portsmouth and Inter Milan fan with plenty of time to relax ahead of the kick-off in Qatar on November 20.
      The 36-year-old has vowed to keep himself glued to his TV at his home in Portsmouth, Hampshire, for the entirety of the tournament.
      But the Italian admitted he is already missing wearing his beloved shirts after switching back to his ordinary attire.
      Antonio explained: “When I first started my challenge I didn’t consider it would finish near the World Cup.
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      “But I realised it fits really well. I will definitely be following and watching every single game.
      “The tournaments are the best thing – you get to watch lots of different teams and discover new players.
      “Now I’ve finished that challenge I’m back to wearing normal t-shirts and it feels weird to not wear a football shirt.
      “I’m already thinking of what challenge to set myself next – after the World Cup, of course.”
      To celebrate completing his challenge, which he documented on his Instagram account @365footballshirts, he marked the final day by wearing a particularly special shirt.
      He proudly donned an AC Milan Women’s shirt which was given to him by a close pal after she wore it in her final match before she retired from the sport.
      Antonio gushed: “It’s important to recognise women’s teams are good too.
      “I love football shirts because I think they are beautiful, colourful – sometimes even elegant.
      They all have stories – it’s not just a piece of clothing.Antonio Massari
      “They represent a country, or a city, or a category of people – they all have different meanings.
      “They all have stories – it’s not just a piece of clothing.”
      Antonio first began collecting football shirts as a kid after receiving them as gifts for birthdays and Christmas.
      It kickstarted his obsession for stockpiling kits from all over the world which has now snowballed into adulthood.
      He hunts down unique or discontinued jerseys in numerous different ways – such as trawling through charity shops and collectors stores – in over 100 different countries.
      Antonio continued: “I love football but I like football shirts even more than the game itself.
      “A lot of people collect shirts but what they don’t do is wear them – I want to change that.
      “Now I have so many, it’s difficult to find a shirt for a team I don’t already have.”
      As he gears up to watch the first game this Sunday, when host nation Qatar take on Ecuador, Antonio’s love for the game remains as strong as ever.
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      He added: “I’ll watch every single game wherever I can. Football is just the best thing.
      “Even matches where I don’t support either team – I love that I can watch it with an unbiased mentality and still enjoy it.”
      The 36-year-old started collecting football shirts as a childCredit: SWNS
      Antonio sporting his beloved Portsmouth shirt which he bought after the south coast side won the FA Cup in the 2007/08 seasonCredit: SWNS
      The Italian intends to watch every single game during the World CupCredit: SWNS More

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      Man Utd fans all say the same thing as Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni says World Cup squad ‘could still change’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are all saying the same thing after Lionel Scaloni hinted that additional changes may still be made to the Argentina squad.Alejandro Garnacho has been hailed as the Red Devils’ saviour in recent weeks.
      Scaloni reckons his Argentina World Cup squad could still changeCredit: EPA
      Garnacho has been on red-hot form for Man Utd and fans think there’s a possibility he could be called upCredit: Rex
      The 18-year-old scored a stoppage-time winner in the 2-1 victory over Fulham last weekend.
      And now fans of the Old Trafford club think that he should get a look in on the World stage in Qatar – despite never winning a full cap.
      Scaloni revealed: “There’s a possibility that our 26-man list for the World Cup could change. Let’s see.
      “There are players who are not 100 per cent well. We want to be cautious. We want to see their evolution”.
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      And this got supporters of the youngster very excited.
      Social media was awash with comments on who the Argentines could call up.
      A user exclaimed: “Bring on GARNACHO!”
      One United fan wrote: “Time to bring my starboy on board. Gonna cook this WC.”
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      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Another agreed: “Tell me you want to add Garnacho without saying it directly.”
      Hundreds of photos and gifs of the winger followed the comments.
      Fans are also ordering the club to tie Garnacho to a new long-term contract after his late winner against Fulham.
      They are asking the Glazer ownership to splash out on a lucrative new deal for the in-form kid.
      He now has two goals and two assists in his last five matches across all competitions.
      Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated on Twitter that United are already working on a new and improved contract with Garnacho.
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      Romano claims that the Red Devils are trying to get the Argentina Under-20 international to put pen to paper “as soon as possible”.
      Garnacho’s current deal runs out in June, which means the Manchester giants will have to act fast. More