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      Kieran Trippier paid dad’s fine after killjoy council fined him for flying England flag in garden during 2018 World Cup

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      KIERAN TRIPPIER revealed he paid his dad’s fine after killjoy council chiefs fined him in 2018 for flying a giant England flag in the garden.But the Three Lions star hopes Bury council will leave his proud old man alone when in Qatar.
      Kieran Trippier’s dad flew the St George’s flag in 2018Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Trippier has been named in the squad for QatarCredit: Focus Images
      Trippier’s proud dad Chris with his flagCredit: Zenpix
      All of Trippier’s extended family piled into his dad Chris’ back garden when England reached the World Cup semis in Russia four years ago.
      Asked if it will be too cold for them to do the same again, the full-back, 32, laughed: “No, but the council are probably still knocking.
      “They were knocking last time saying ‘flag down’ but he (dad) didn’t so we had to pay the fine. So be it.
      “It was on a big massive pole, about 25ft high.
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      “The council came round – nobody complained, I don’t know how they found out!
      “I’m sure they won’t come round this time.”
      On whether he dipped into his pocket to pay up, Trippier smiled: “Of course I did.”
      Chris put the flag back up for last year’s Euros, telling The Sun: “The council will get short shrift if they try again.”
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      And he looks set to dust it down again as Southgate’s side gun for glory in Qatar.
      The Newcastle star added: “My wife, children, mum, brothers and loads of friends are coming.
      “But my dad gets too nervous so he’ll probably be watching it in the garden.” More

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      Football fans face paying £80 per pint at World Cup 2022 in Qatar as eye-watering drinks prices are revealed

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      EYE-WATERING World Cup drinks prices have been revealed with football fans paying up to £80 a pint.Between 3,000 and 4,000 England fans are expected to travel to Qatar for the World Cup group stages.
      Between 3,000 and 4,000 England fans are expected to travel to Qatar for the group stagesCredit: Louis Wood
      Football fans face paying £80 a pint in QatarCredit: instagram/@hitmfe
      The World Cup starts on November 20 and alcohol can only be sold and consumed in set locationsCredit: instagram/@mrapp2018
      And more are set to follow if Gareth Southgate’s side reach the knockout stages.
      Unlike relatively-relaxed Dubai some 200 miles away, Qatar has tougher restrictions on who can buy alcohol and where – limiting most purchases to restaurants and high-end hotels.
      But some sports bars have been accused of exploiting visitors by charging fans up to £240 each to watch the World Cup semi-finals and finals.
      The stunning price includes a three-drink voucher for bottles of Budweiser or Corona or a glass of house wine – working out at £80 a drink.
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      Drinks giant Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide – which owns many of the world’s most popular beer brands including Becks, Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois – are even training up to 6,000 workers in Qatar to be able to pour a pint properly.
      Public drunkenness is technically illegal and those found guilty face up to six months’ jail time and a fine of 3,000 riyals, or around £700.
      However, in reality, Qatari officials often turn a blind eye to expats getting drunk, as long as they stay within the restaurants and hotels.
      And spaces will be created to “sober up” drunk supporters.
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      Qatar’s World Cup chief executive, Nasser Al Khater said: “There are plans in place for people to sober up if they’ve been drinking excessively.
      “It’s a place to make sure that they keep themselves safe, they’re not harmful to anybody else.”
      Fans also can’t bring any booze into the country, and authorities will confiscate any alcohol in travellers’ luggage and there are also strict laws on drugs.
      Any fans caught smuggling cocaine into the country could face the death penalty.
      Cheaper alternative locations for drinking have been identified by SunSport.
      Public House, Mulberry Tavern, The Irish Harp and Champions Sports bar are all good options.
      The tournament kicks off on November 20 as host nation Qatar take on Ecuador.
      Cheap locations for pints in Qatar More

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      Emotional Mason Mount opens up on England World Cup 2022 squad call-up and shares amazing throwback pic

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      GOING to a World Cup is a dream for any young footballer – and Mason Mount will realise his in Qatar.Despite an inconsistent start to the season, the Chelsea star was named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad on Thursday.
      Mason Mount is heading to his first World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Mount, with his face painted, said on Instagram that it’s a dream to be going to the World Cup
      Mount has already won 32 caps for his country, five of which came in his first major tournament at Euro 2020 last summer.
      But the World Cup is on another level.
      And the 23-year-old, who’s been picked alongside best pal Declan Rice, expressed his delight on Instagram soon after the announcement.
      Mount has clearly been waiting his entire life for this moment and uploaded a throwback photo of his younger self followed by a heartfelt message.
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      He said: “Looking back at 7 year old me, sat on the stairs on holiday with my oversized England kit and St George’s face paint… watching the 2006 World Cup, I could only ever dream of one day having the honour to play even a small part in one.
      “Now that day has come and what an incredible feeling this is.
      “I think back to the hours of sacrifice my family, friends and coaches all put in for me, and how I wouldn’t be here without them.
      “We want to make our country proud and bring it home. Come on England!!”
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      Mount came off the bench to help rescue a draw against Germany in September and will be hoping to get the nod from Southgate after being on the bench for the last three games.
      England get their campaign underway against Iran on 21 November before facing USA and Wales later in the group. More

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      Maddison grins in Leicester training as it’s revealed he MISSED Southgate’s England World Cup 2022 squad phone call

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      BRENDAN RODGERS revealed James Maddison was “full of the joys of the world” when he finally discovered he was going to the world cup with England …. at the second attempt.The red-hot Leicester City midfielder gate-crashed Southgate’s squad at the 11th hour, three years after his one and only Three Lions’ cap as a sub in a 7-0 drubbing of Montenegro.
      James Maddison was on top of the world at Leicester training after being called up for the England squadCredit: GETTY
      Manager Brendan Rodgers has said that he is ‘really happy’ for Maddison
      Maddison last played for England three years against MontenegroCredit: PA
      Yet incredibly, Rodgers revealed Maddison initially missed the most important call of his career as he failed to pick up Southgate’s call, telling him he was on the plane for Qatar.
      Rodgers revealed: “He had a missed call from Gareth just before we were ready to go training, 
      “I told him to go into my office so that he could talk privately – and he came out full of the joys of the world. 
      “I was really happy for him. 
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      “It’s private what was said but the feeling was just happiness and relief as well.
      “I’m sure all sorts of things were going through his mind.
      “The way it was being painted was there was more going against him than for him in terms of making the squad.
      “In fairness to Gareth he’s looked at it with logic and seen a player who can help the squad.
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      “The stories overnight looked as if he would not be making it,
      “So it’s really good management by Gareth the way he has included him.”
      But it was all smiles on the training ground as Maddison was snapped in a buoyant mood after receiving his call from Southgate.
      The playmaker was seen laughing with manager Rodgers as he took to the field ahead of the Foxes’ weekend Premier League clash with West Ham.
      The midfielder was Southgate’s most dramatic wild card pick despite his outstanding form this season.
      Although Southgate handed Maddison his England debut in November 2019, when he sent him on for the final half hour of against Montenegro, he hasn’t used him since.
      However Rodgers reckons Southgate’s loss will become a huge gain for him in Qatar as a new, more mature Maddison, is capable of taking the World Cup in the desert by storm. 

      Rodgers says he’s delighted Southgate has such a talent available to him, adding: “Firstly it’s wonderful news for James, his family and everyone at Leicester. 
      “I’m delighted for Gareth to have such a wonderful talent available for this tournament. 
      “James’ work ethic and the incredible talent he has shown for the last few years has swung it for him.
      “Everyone knows he  is a fantastic talent, one of the very best in the Premier League but I’m also sure James would be the first to accept he is also due thanks to the team-mates who have helped him.
      “The most important thing for James, who has only had one cap before, was about getting there,
      “But you never know what will happen at a World Cup.
      “The great thing is he has the opportunity to be involved in the training sessions, so the opportunities are there for him now he’s in the mix.
      “He adds personality, honesty, enthusiasm, passion and great ability.
      “But all round, he’s just a good man who will add to the squad and he is capable of making an impact if he comes on, or has the good luck to start a game.
      “This is a man who has shown great resilience and passion to keep working hard and now he is in the squad he won’t stop.
      “The England team is full of talent in all areas. But what James has developed is the ability to create goals and score them.
      “People talk about his best position but he has played all across the front line and he plays for me wide on the right yet still creates goals and chances. 
      “He can play like a right winger, yet he still finds space on the left side too because he has the intelligence to create space for himself.
      “He can play as a No 10 and the great talent he has is his ability to see a forward pass for the front players. He is absolutely key to playing  forward quickly.
      “Plenty of players can keep the ball. But few are prepared to take risks and at a World Cup you need someone who can see the forward pass and play it.
      “England have other players with talent but James has a special talent which can unlock tight defences and he can also score goals.” More

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      The amazing stats that earned James Maddison England call-up for World Cup 2022 and prove he is best playmaker in squad

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      JAMES MADDISON is heading to the Qatar World Cup as part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad having statistically proven to be the Three Lions’ best playmaker. The Leicester midfielder, 25, hasn’t played for his country since his debut in the 7-0 win over Montenegro in 2019.
      Maddison is England’s best playmaker heading to Qatar
      Maddison only has one England cap to his nameCredit: PA
      He missed out at Euro 2020 and was snubbed in the last two international breaks.
      But the all important phone call from Southgate to tell Maddison he’ll be on the plane to Qatar came after he played a part in 27 goals in 2022.
      Ten of those goal contributions have come in the 2022-23 season, proving to be England’s best playmaker.
      When compared to Three Lions team-mates Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, Maddison has the best goals and assists stats per 90.
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      The Foxes ace registers 0.81 goals + assists per 90 with his nearest rival this term being Manchester City’s Foden on 0.79.
      Maddison also creates the most chances in a game, including assists.
      He creates 2.77 chances every 90 mins, 0.26 ahead of Grealish.
      Natural wingers Sterling, Saka and Rashford dominate in the dribbling department.
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      But Maddison pegs his England team-mates back by registering 3.34 shots per 90.
      Maddison has also played 6.6 passes into the opposition box-a-game, the highest out of England effective forward-thinking players.
      Leicester will be hoping Maddison’s big news will see the midfielder put West Ham to the sword on Saturday.
      The Foxes have seen an uptake in form recently, picking up 13 points since the start of October.
      Maddison missed Southgate’s initial call before Leicester training.
      Boss Brendan Rodgers sent his player into his office to take in the news and shortly after Maddison returned to the pitch beaming.
      Rodgers said: “He had a missed call from Gareth just before training.
      “I said to him to pop into my office and make the call. He spoke to him and then came out full of joy of the world. It was a great moment.”
      Rodgers added: “It’s wonderful news for James and his family. I’m delighted for Gareth to have that talent available.
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      “His level and consistency and his work ethic, and what he has proven over this last year, he’s shown he’s one of the best players in the Premier League.
      “Credit to him and his team-mates, he wouldn’t be able to get there without them.”
      Maddison forced his way into Southgate’s plansCredit: PA More

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      James Maddison’s stunning girlfriend gushing with pride after Leicester star is named in England World Cup 2022 squad

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      JAMES MADDISON’s girlfriend was proud as punch after her beau was confirmed in England World’s Cup squad.The Leicester ace was one of six midfielders named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Qatar 2022.
      Leicester City ace James Maddison has been named in England’s World Cup squadCredit: PA
      The midfielder’s stunning girlfriend Kenndey Alexa was overcome with joy at squad inclusionCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      Kennedy posted a gushing message for her other half on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      Maddison’s other half is a model who boasts over 57,000 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      The couple are believed to have begun dating in 2020Credit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      The pair share a child together – 15-month-old LeoCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      Maddison has yet to publicly react to the news, but his girlfriend Kennedy Alexa beamed with joy on her Instagram page.
      The 28-year-old reshared the official squad announcement to her Instagram story with a beaming message of support for her other half.
      Model Kennedy wrote underneath the post: “I could not be more proud.
      “You deserve it my love. Crying happy tears.”
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      Maddison’s stunning partner is expected to make the trip to Qatar along with the rest of the Wags of England to cheer them on to glory in the Middle East.
      Maddison and Kennedy are believed to have begun dating one another sometime in 2020.
      The pair, who are no strangers to displays of public affection, share a child together – 15-month-old Leo.
      Maddison, 25, played his way onto the plane to Qatar with a stellar 2022 for Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes.
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      The former Norwich man has scored 17 goals in provided ten assists this year.
      Rodgers said of his inclusion in Southgate’s squad: “He was delighted.
      “He had a missed call from Gareth just before we went out to training. I said to him to go into my office to make the call privately.
      “He obviously spoke to Gareth and came out with all the joy of the world so it was great for him.
      “It’s wonderful news for James and his family and everyone here in Leicester.
      “I’m delighted for Gareth from a coaching perspective to have that talent available at a great tournament.
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      “His level of consistency work ethic and talent over these last few years has swung that decision.
      “He’s a fantastic player, one of the best in the Premier League. I’m really really delighted for him.” More

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      Gareth Southgate explains tactical reason he selected Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher in England World Cup 2022 squad

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has explained that Conor Gallagher’s “goal threat” and “pressing” is why he has been called-up for the World Cup.The Chelsea midfielder was called-up ahead of James Ward-Prowse who had been a regular in the England squad with Southgate at the helm.
      Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has been selected for England’s World Cup squad.Credit: Conor Molloy/News Images
      Gallagher excelled last season on loan at Crystal Palace but this season he has not been at the same level for Chelsea.
      However, since the arrival of manager Graham Potter, his playing time has improved and he has now racked up a fair amount of minutes on the pitch this campaign.
      The 22-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder and is capable of scoring goals and defending from the front, which is one of the reasons Southgate decided to reward him with a spot in Qatar.
      The England boss said: “He is fantastic at pressing the ball and there will be moments when we need certain attributes.
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      “We feel he can be that sort of player, not as experienced but he has an impact and a goal threat.
      “When you talk about the midfield you look to score and create and does a bit of all of that.
      “We were really pleased with his reaction to being left out when he went with the U21s.
      “His mentality was excellent. It is a great example that there is always a route back with us.”
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      Gallagher is not the only Chelsea player to make it into the England squad as his team-mates Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling both receiving calls from Southgate.
      However, his Trevor Chabolah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek miss out.
      Whereas Blues defenders Ben Chilwell and Reece James were both ruled out of the tournament with fitness and injury concerns.
      Gallagher will be competing with Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, and Mount for a spot in Southgate’s team. More

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      Gareth Southgate reveals he picked James Maddison for England’s World Cup squad WEEKS ago… but refused to tell him

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE decided to pick James Maddison in his World Cup squad WEEKS ago – but refused to tell him.The Leicester City midfielder returned to the Three Lions squad for the first time since 2019 when he was picked in the 26-man party on Thursday.
      James Maddison has been named in the England squad for the World CupCredit: PA
      Maddison has been in sensational form for Leicester CityCredit: Getty
      Maddison’s one and only cap came in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro almost three years ago.
      But his form of late has been impossible to ignore, with the 25-year-old performing right at the peak of his powers, registering six goals and four assists in 12 games this season.
      As a result, Maddison convinced Southgate some time ago, but the England boss didn’t fancy telling him.
      He said: “A lot of people were suggesting he wouldn’t be with us but we decided a couple of weeks ago that he would, but we wouldn’t tell him that then.
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      “He is playing really well and he is a good player, we have always said that.
      “He has earned the right and we think he can give us something slightly different than others we have.
      “At various stages there have been considerations and debates about James.
      “Ahead of the Euros I don’t think he was in contention and then probably a fair debate about including him in September.
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      England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday 21 November
      “But he is playing well as any attacking player in the country.
      “He has always been up against good players, he is playing exceptionally well.
      “Not enough players play forward these days. He can score goals from distance.”
      Southgate was asked how the Leicester star reacted to the call and he said: “He was delighted.
      “I had some very difficult calls emotionally at the other end of the spectrum, so it was nice to give myself a bit of an enjoyable end to that.” More