World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Southgate holds crunch meeting with England squad at St George’s Park as boss reveals blueprint for World Cup 2022 glory

      by

      ENGLAND fly out to the World Cup today after ­Gareth Southgate showed them the path to glory.The Three Lions boss held a key team meeting at St George’s Park last night with the 26-man squad who hope to return from Qatar as heroes.
      Manager Gareth Southgate held a team meeting with the England squad.Credit: Getty
      Southgate spelled out the qualities needed to go one better than Euro 2020 when England lost to Italy in the final.
      James Maddison and Declan Rice were among the stars who reported for duty yesterday morning — and both looked keen on a hat-trick ahead of Monday’s Group B opener against Iran.
      There had been concern for Maddison after he limped off injured in Leicester’s 2-0 win at West Ham on Saturday, but the playmaker confirmed after the game he would be fit for the World Cup.
      Tottenham striker Kane will captain Southgate’s troops as they look to improve on the semi-final defeat from 2018, and the Euros final heartbreak last year.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Callum Wilson and Mason Mount shared a laugh as they were reunited just two days after Wilson’s Newcastle beat Mount’s Chelsea in the Premier League.
      England will fly to Doha tomorrow, before their first training session at the Al Wakrah sports complex on Wednesday.
      They will start their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21 at the Khalifa International Stadium.
      Games against the USA on November 25 and Wales on November 29 will follow as the Three Lions aim to finish at the top of their group.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Should England qualify top of their group they will face the runners-up from Group A.
      This could mean a round of 16 tie against one of Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal or the Netherlands. More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England to fly to World Cup on Gay Pride jet – to show red card to Qatar’s intolerance

      by

      ENGLAND’s Three Lions fly to the World Cup on a Gay Pride jet tomorrow — to show a red card to host nation Qatar’s intolerance.Boss Gareth Southgate and skipper Harry Kane will lead the 26-strong squad on board “Rain Bow”, a Virgin Atlantic A350 Airbus.
      Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane will lead the 26-strong squad on board ‘Rain Bow’Credit: Getty
      Beneath the cabin, the plane features a motif of Oscar – the airline’s LGBTQ+ Union Jack-trailing flying iconCredit: Virgin Atlantic
      Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are up for the challenge as they make their way to the World CupCredit: Getty
      It features a motif of Oscar — the airline’s LGBTQ+ Union Jack-trailing flying icon — beneath the cabin.
      The gesture was proposed by FA chiefs keen to register concern about gay rights in the strict Muslim state where homosexuality can still carry the death penalty.
      Southgate has vowed to make a stand.
      He said: “We’re very strong on inclusivity. We understand the challenges that this tournament brings . . . the human rights challenges.”
      It was “highly unlikely”, he said, that he would follow Fifa’s guidance to focus solely on football during the Cup.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      He said: “We’ve always spoken about issues we think should be talked about, particularly ones we feel we can affect.”
      Kane has already shown support for the LGBTQ+ community by wearing a rainbow armband while playing for his club, Spurs.
      The players gathered today at St George’s Park, the home of England teams in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, ahead of the seven-hour flight on Rain Bow to Doha, Qatar’s capital.
      It was chartered for the sole use of the team, backroom staff and FA officials and has 44 upper class, 56 premium and 235 economy seats.
      Most read in The Sun
      The plush jet has a social space called The Loft where players can “meet and mingle”.
      Virgin Atlantic confirmed the England party would be usign the plane — call sign G-VPRD.
      A Three Lions insider said: “It’s no coincidence this particular plane was chosen It perfectly illustrates the concerns of the England party and those of every civilised nation taking part in the tournament.
      Fifa, which awarded the World Cup to Qatar, despite its human rights record, may try to ban future “political” gestures by teams.
      Read More on The Sun
      More are expected, however, and the USA rainbow colours into their team badge at their Qatar training base.
      Tomorrow, meanwhile, the England team will arrive at Doha’s luxury Souq Al Wakra hotel.
      It’s not long now until the big kick-off
      Harry Kane is ready to make a stand at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Hat-ta boys! Star duo Kalvin Phillips and Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      The team will arrive at luxury Souq Al Wakra hotel after 7-hour flight on Rain BowCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Qatar accused of paying hundreds of ‘fake supporters’ to parade for the cameras a week before the World Cup

      by

      QATAR has been accused of paying hundreds of “fake fans” to parade for the cameras ahead of the World Cup. Footage has emerged of football “supporters” from across the globe filling the streets of the Qatari capital Doha – a week before the tournament kicks off.
      England fans filled the streets of Doha a week before the tournament startsCredit: TikTok/Qatarliving
      England fans with their drums and flags marching through the streetsCredit: TikTok/Qatarliving
      Portugal supporters were also seen parading through DohaCredit: TikTok/Qatarliving
      Hundreds of Brazilian fans gathered at Doha Corniche – the waterfront promenadeCredit: TikTok/Qatarliving
      Qatar Living – dubbed the country’s first official community platform on TikTok – has been posting videos of “fans” from different countries gathered in their hundreds with flags, painted faces, and banners.
      It’s not clear whether the fans are migrants workers who live in Qatar and have been partying early, or whether the parades have been staged by authorities.
      One clip shows a sea of supposed Brazil fans waving flags in Doha Corniche – the waterfront promenade in the city – and others show supporters from Portugal, Argentina, Ghana, Cameroon and Tunisia.
      Another post appears to show England fans chanting and playing the drums as they march through the streets holding a banner which says: “It’s coming home.”
      Read more on the world cup
      The behaviour of the supporters appears to be carefully curated and staged – and questions have been raised about the legitimacy of the fans.
      Some have accused of Qatar of orchestrating the parades using “fake” supporters – and questioned why fans have arrived in their masses more than a week before the World Cup starts.
      Others social media users claimed to have spotted the same “fans” in separate videos showing their support for different countries.
      Some also pointed out that there were no female supporters in the crowds.
      Most read in Football
      One TikTok user commented on the clip of the England fans: “Paid actors!”
      Another said: “I do wonder if they just hired random people to cheer.”
      A third wrote: “Saw them all dressed as Brazil fans yesterday.”
      A fourth commented: “I swear they’re paying the workers to be fans at this point I’ve seen them supporting like seven different countries.”
      It’s not the first time Qatar has been accused of hiring “fake” fans.
      In 2014, Qatar was accused of employing migrant workers as sports fans in an effort to make largely empty arenas appear full.
      At the time, migrants said they were attending the Qatar Open of international beach volleyball for the money – not for the sport.
      Numerous workers said they regularly make up numbers at sports events.
      French players Edouard Rowlandson and Youssef Krou were playing a match during the tournament as the workers arrived to fill seats, making the arena appear almost full.
      Rowlandson called the scene “bizarre… but we prefer that to playing in front of nobody”.
      In January of the same year, a survey of Qatar residents suggested that paid fans could be putting Qataris off sport.
      The Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics said two-thirds of Qataris cited “the spread of paid fans” as a significant factor in not watching football matches.
      Qatar is already paying England fans to “spy” on their friends and be positive about the country during the World Cup – in return for free flights and tickets.
      The group of Three Lions supporters have reportedly been handed instructions to sing certain songs when required and report any critical social media posts.
      All 40 will receive free flights and accommodation in the desert country, £60 a day in spending money loaded onto a Visa card, and complimentary tickets to World Cup matches.
      The group of fans is understood to include four members of the England band, including leader John Hemmingham.
      All are booked onto flights leaving for Doha on November 17.
      Another 40 supporters from Wales have also signed up to the so-called “Fan Leader Programme”, along with groups from the 30 other competing countries.
      Read More on The Sun
      Supporters’ groups have branded the move a “sinister, distasteful” marketing exercise that looks to whitewash the tiny kingdom’s appalling human rights record.
      But Qatar is desperate to present a positive image of itself during the flagship tournament and has paid David Beckham millions to act as an ambassador for the hosts.
      Cameroon fans parading through Doha ahead of the World CupCredit: TikTok/Qatarliving More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      England World Cup 2022 squad numbers revealed with Man Utd stars Rashford & Maguire set to START with Grealish given No7

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE has released his England World Cup squad numbers – and they suggest Marcus Rashford could play a big role.The Three Lions arrived at St George’s Park today to report for duty ahead of flying out to Qatar.
      Gareth Southgate has revealed his England World Cup squad listCredit: Kevin Quigley/EURO20 Newspapers
      Marcus Rashford has been handed the No.11 shirt for the World CupCredit: PA

      Now each of his players know exactly what shirt they will be wearing in the Middle East.
      And Manchester United stars Marcus Rashford could be set for a key role under Southgate after they were both given numbers in the opening XI.
      The forward has returned to form this term and saw him win a place in England’s World Cup squad, despite not having played for his country since the Euro final nearly 18 months ago.
      Now he will be hoping to continue his club form on the international stage after being given the No.11 jersey.
      READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS
      His United team-mate Maguire has come under huge scrutiny over recent months.
      But that has not stopped Southgate from giving him the number six.
      Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford looks set to continue as first-choice after landing the No.1 shirt, while Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw two and three.
      Midfielders Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson are at No.4 and No.8 while centre-back John Stones has the five shirt.
      Most read in Football
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

      Jack Grealish has landed the iconic No.7 shirt, with captain Harry Kane at nine.
      And Raheem Sterling takes the number ten jersey.
      Here is England’s squad list for the World Cup in full:
      1: JORDAN PICKFORD
      2: KYLE WALKER
      3: LUKE SHAW
      4: DECLAN RICE
      5: JOHN STONES
      6: HARRY MAGUIRE
      7: JACK GREALISH
      8: JORDAN HENDERSON
      9: HARRY KANE
      10: RAHEEM STERLING
      11: MARCUS RASHORD
      12: KIERAN TRIPPIER
      13: NICK POPE
      14: KALVIN PHILLIPS
      15: ERIC DIER
      16: CONOR COADY
      17: BUKAYO SAKA
      18: TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
      19: MASON MOUNT
      20: PHIL FODEN
      21: BEN WHITE
      22: JUDE BELLINGHAM
      23: AARON RAMSDALE
      24: CALLUM WILSON
      25: JAMES MADDISON
      26: CONOR GALLAGHER
      England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday, November 21 in Group B.
      Next up is a clash against Gregg Berhalter’s USA.
      And then a mouth-watering clash against neighbours Wales the final game on November 29. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi could face ENGLAND in 1,000th career match with Argentina ace set for milestone in World Cup quarter-final

      by

      LIONEL MESSI could face England in his 1,000th career match at the World Cup in Qatar.The attacking superstar will be part of the Argentina squad for the World Cup finals and could reach the milestone should his side make it to the quarter-finals.
      Lionel Messi could face England in the World Cup quarter-finals.Credit: AP
      Argentina will face Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in their group, which they are favourites to finish top.
      However, if England finishes second in their group alongside the likes of USA, Iran and Wales, then there could be a potential meeting between the two sides.
      Argentina would have to win their group and beat the second-placed side from Group D, which will be one of Denmark, France, Australia and Tunisia.
      While England would have to beat the top-placed side from Group A, which will be between the Netherlands, Senegal, Ecuador or host nation Qatar.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      The PSG star has won almost everything in his glittering career, but the World Cup is one trophy that has so far eluded him.
      After finally winning his first international honour with Argentina at the Copa America in 2021, there is new hope that he can win the biggest prize in football.
      At 35 years old, it could be Messi’s last chance to win the competition, however, his international manager Luca Scaloni hopes it will not be the case.
      He told beIN Sports: “I hope this won’t be Messi’s last World Cup.
      “He is happy on the pitch and makes a lot of people happy, not just Argentines.
      Most read in Football
      “And if we take care of him, maybe there could be more games for him because the football world demands it.
      “It may be his last World Cup, but I hope not. He’s happy on the pitch and makes a lot of people happy.
      “If we take care of him and wear him the way we should, there’s the possibility of more games because the world of football demands it.”
      Argentina is one of the favourites for the World Cup More

    • 225 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Jeremy Clarkson includes FOUR Chelsea players in his Dream Team World Cup XI – can you do better?

      by

      Jeremy Clarkson has selected the greatest Dream Team World Cup XI… in the world!Or at least that’s what would say… but can YOU do better?
      The petrolhead and farmer invites you to put your football knowledge to the test and take him on in his Celebrity League this winter.
      It’s very simple to enter. Simply pick your own team via Dream Team’s website or app and join Clarkson’s league using the PIN: WCJEZZAC – it will also be easily visible under the Leagues tab.

      CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

      Player prices will be finalised in the coming days once the official deadline for squad submissions has passed – until then you’re invited to pick a provisional team.
      You can make as many changes as you like until the tournament gets underway so there’s no need to delay.
      Let’s take a GRAND TOUR of Jeremy’s provisional team and see if you’ll have to engage TOP GEAR to beat him…
      Can you do better than Jeremy Clarkson?Credit: DREAM TEAM
      Despite Chelsea being on a downward spiral, Clarkson has shown a great deal of faith in his beloved side.
      He’s selected no fewer than FOUR players from Graham Potter’s outfit, including Brazil captain Thiago Silva.
      The legendary centre-back enters his fourth World Cup finals at the tender age of 38, and could bag his fair share of points if tournament favourites Brazil live up to the hype.
      He’s joined in a 3-4-3 formation by Chelsea college and Senegal icon Kalidou Koulibaly, who’s no stranger to goals having scored 19 in his club career.
      Alisson is chosen between the sticks, which could be a masterstroke IF manager Tite selects him ahead of Manchester City’s Ederson.
      Federico Valverde is having an outstanding season for Real MadridCredit: GETTY
      Guess what? There’s more Chelsea in midfield. Shock.
      Half of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire presenter’s engine room includes Stamford Bridge stars with Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic included.
      It could be viewed as a gamble with Kovacic a defensively-minded player and Mount not nailed-on to make Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for their opener with Iran.
      Uruguay’s Federico Valverde is certainly not a gamble.
      The 24-year-old is in blistering form having scored eight goals and provided four assists in 20 appearances under Carlo Ancelotti this season.
      Leicester’s Youri Tielemans completes the midfield four, and could well make a mockery of his price against Group F opponents Canada, Morocco and Croatia.
      Alisson Becker celebrates winning the Copa America Brazil 2019 FinalCredit: GETTY
      No Chelsea in attack, which probably reveals Clarkson’s thoughts on Romelu Lukaku…
      Instead he’s opted for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, who’s hoping to win his second successive World Cup with France.
      Mbappe, 23, has 28 goals in 59 games for France and a further 190 in 237 appearances for PSG in all competitions. A reliable source of points? Absolutely.
      He’s joined by Thomas Muller, who will have to shoulder a lot of the attacking responsibility for Germany with Timo Werner ruled out through injury.
      The Bayern Munich star was once known as a major tournament specialist, could he roll back the years in Qatar?
      The last player on the team sheet is Breel Embolo for Switzerland, who have the often devastating label of ‘dark horses’ for the competition.
      Think you can pick a better XI than Clarkson? Prove it!

      CLICK HERE TO PLAY DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP NOW – £50,000 PRIZE POT, FREE TO PLAY, BRILLIANT FUN

      Most read in Dream Team More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Messi and Neymar ask PSG boss for permission to leave pitch after being subbed in last game before World Cup

      by

      LIONEL MESSI and Neymar headed back to Paris Saint-Germain’s dressing room before the final whistle of their match yesterday… with the permission of boss Christophe Galtier.The duo were both substituted in the 75th minute with their side comfortably 3-0 up against Auxerre at Parc des Princes.
      Neymar asked for the permission of Christophe Galtier
      The Brazilian then headed to the dressing room… followed by Lionel Messi
      They initially sat in the dugout with their team-mates, before deciding they’d rather head in for an early shower.
      Rather than just get up and go, however, Neymar first sought the approval of Galtier.
      The Brazilian gestured towards his manager, only leaving after getting the thumbs up.
      He was joined by close pal Messi – with the duo both headed to the World Cup this week with Brazil and Argentina respectively.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Their team-mates weren’t exactly hindered by their absence from the bench, with Renato Sanches and Hugo Ekitike adding further goals to put extra gloss on their 5-0 win.
      The triumph sees PSG remain top of Ligue 1 going into the break – five points above second-placed Lens.
      Neymar’s first game at the 2022 World Cup will come next Thursday, when Brazil take on Serbia in Lusail.
      While Messi will kick off his campaign against Saudi Arabia at the same venue on Tuesday.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Earlier this season, Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended by Manchester United after storming off to the Old Trafford dressing room before the end of his side’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham.
      The Portuguese forward had refused to come on moments earlier – going on to exclusively reveal to The Sun’s Piers Morgan that he doesn’t respect manager Erik ten Hag.
      Ronaldo, 37, will be in Qatar with Portugal – kicking off his campaign against Ghana in Doha next Thursday.
      Cristiano Ronaldo headed down the tunnel early against TottenhamCredit: Rex More

    • 313 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup 2022: Bet £10 on the Golden Boot market and get £1 FREE BET for every goal and shot on target with Paddy Power

      by

      PADDY POWER are celebrating the World Cup in style.New and existing customers who stake £10 on the Golden Boot market will receive a free £1 bet for every goal AND shot on target they have at the World Cup in Qatar!
      Bet £10 on the Golden Boot market and get a £1 free bet for every goal and shot on target they have at the World CupCredit: GETTY
      GOLDEN BOOT WINNER OFFER – CLAIM HERE*
      How to claim..Paddy Power offer

      Visit the Paddy Power website HERE*
      If you don’t have an account, you can register HERE** to access their £20 cashback offer
      Place a £10 single on the Golden Boot Market
      This must be done before 1pm on Monday November 21st
      Only your very first bet placed on the World Cup Golden Boot market will apply

      GOLDEN BOOT WINNER OFFER – CLAIM HERE*

      What’s the offer?
      Paddy Power are offering new and existing customisers a special deal.
      Bet £10 on the Golden Boot Market and get a £1 free bet builder for every SOT and an additional £1 free bet builder for every goal your player scores throughout the tournament.
      New Paddy Power customers can register HERE** and receive money back as CASH up to £20 if their bet loses.
      How to claim?
      It’s very simple. Login to your account using this link HERE*
      Bet £10 on the Golden Boot Market. Single golden boot bets only. Selections as part of multiple bets will not qualify.
      Remember, you MUST have placed your bet before 1pm on Monday November 21st to qualify and only your very first bet placed on the World Cup Golden Boot market will apply.
      What happens next?
      Free bets will be credited within 120 mins of the game finishing and are valid for seven days.
      Example: Place a £10 bet on Harry Kane to win the golden boot. Kane scores 1 goals and has 3 shots on target vs USA – you receive £4 in free bet builders within 120 mins of the game finishing.
      GOLDEN BOOT WINNER OFFER – CLAIM HERE*
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      FOOTBALL OFFERS
      *Applies to the first bet placed on the World Cup 2022 Golden Boot market only. T&Cs apply.
      **New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any sportsbook market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using Cards or Apple Pay will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. Paddy’s Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply. 18+ Begambleaware.org

      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
      Most read in Football More