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      World Cup winner is now a jiu-jitsu champion and spends his days surfing 24 years after stunning triumph

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      ONE World Cup winner now leads a very adventurous lifestyle.The former defender, now 52, helped France to a World Cup win on home soil in 1998.
      The World Cup winner is a keen surfer
      The ex-defender also became a European champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2009
      He is a fourth-degree black belt in BJJ
      The Euro 2000 winner travels the world surfing
      The 97-cap star also went scuba diving on a visit to French Polynesia
      He played for the likes of Bayern Munich and Marseille before hanging up his boots in 2006.
      Nowadays the 97-cap star explores the world, often by bike or by surfboard, and enjoyed a trip to Iceland last month.
      He shared photos on Instagram showing himself suitably kitted out for the freezing Scandanavian conditions.
      The ex-Bordeaux player described himself as a “surfer seal” as he wore a black wetsuit that covered his body from head to toe.
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      Although a keen surfer, the World Cup winner is also a dab hand at hydrofoiling – another water sport that requires balancing on a board.
      He also spends a lot of time in the ocean scuba diving and enjoyed a beautiful encounter with a sting ray and a pod of dolphins in French Polynesia last year.
      When he’s on dry land, the Euro 2000 winner often spends his time in the gym working out.
      He frequently shares photos of himself in Brazilian jiu-jitsu action too and is a fourth-degree black belt in the sport.
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      The man in question is Bixente Lizarazu, who even became BJJ European champion in the Blue Belt Senior 1 Light Division in 2009.
      And in typical French style, Lizarazu is also an avid cyclist.
      He often enjoys rides around the Basque Country where he was born – he also represented the Basque Country once in 1993.
      In the winter Lizarazu often swaps his bike for skis and visited the Valley of Isere earlier this year.
      Bixente Lizarazu won the 1998 World Cup with FranceCredit: Getty
      The Basque-born former defender is also an avid cyclist More

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      Lionel Messi names five World Cup 2022 favourites including England but predicts two teams to be front-runners

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      LIONEL MESSI has named England among the runners and riders to win the World Cup this winter.The Argentina legend will bid to lead his nation to World Cup glory in Qatar in December in what will likely be his final international tournament.
      Lionel Messi has had his say on the contenders to win the World CupCredit: AFP
      Messi reckons Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions are in contention to win the tournamentCredit: REX
      PSG hitman Messi sees Brazil as one of the top contenders to win the World CupCredit: REX
      Messi also sees France as a serious threat to Argentina’s Wold Cup bidCredit: GETTY
      And the Paris Saint-Germain ace believes the Three Lions – along with Brazil, France, Germany and Spain – will pose the biggest threat to La Albileceste’s bid to get their hands on the Jules Rimet Trophy.
      He told RMC Sport: “As for the favourites, there are big teams like Brazil, Germany, France, England and Spain.
      “And I’m sure I’m forgetting some.
      “But if I have to keep one or two, today I think Brazil and France are the two big candidates for this World Cup.”
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      Messi, 35, came agonisingly close to winning the World Cup in the summer of 2014.
      Argentina locked horns with Germany in the 2014 final in Brazil but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Die Mannschaft thanks to an extra-time winner from Mario Gotze.
      Messi is currently sweating on his fitness ahead of the tournament after missing PSG’s last two matches with a calf strain.
      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “Injuries are a worry.
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      “This is a different World Cup which is played at a different time of the year to previous tournaments and it is so imminent any little thing that happens to you can force you out.
      “With what happened to Dybala and Di Maria, the truth is that personally you worry and you’re more afraid when you see those sort of things.”
      He continued: “It’s something you think about but I feel going out to play with that in your head can be contradictory as well.
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      “The best thing you can do is perform as normal and play your game as you always do.
      “I hope [Angel] Di Maria and [Paulo] Dybala recover in time. They have enough time to do so and reach the tournament in good shape.”
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      England’s Wags issued with strict list of do’s and don’ts to avoid World Cup crisis in Qatar

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      ENGLAND’S Wags have been issued a list of do’s and don’ts to avoid a World Cup crisis in Qatar.Three Lions chiefs are taking no chances in the strict Gulf state and warned the glamourous group: “You are not above the law.”
      Three Lions chiefs warned England’s Wags of the strict laws in Qatar at a secret presentationCredit: Reuters
      Jack Grealish’s glamorous girlfriend Sasha Attwood is expected to be at the meeting
      They delivered the rules at a secret presentation.
      Wags expected to be there, such as Jack ­Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha Attwood, 26, are told to “dress modestly” in public and at stadiums and warned public displays of affection will “not be tolerated”.
      They must not drink alcohol or swear in public, play loud music, sing, shout or act “inappropriately” during the call to prayer.
      Littering, illegal in Qatar and punishable by a fine of up to £6,000 and a year in jail, is also forbidden.
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      And they were warned taking selfies outside government buildings would likely lead to police action.
      At the meeting before England’s 3-3 draw with Germany last month, FA chiefs urged: “It is important to understand that you and your husband/partner are not above the law here.
      “Every order is in place to protect both yourselves and your partner/husband in any case of indiscretion. Fines and prosecution are commonplace.”
      England, led by skipper Harry Kane, play their opener at the Khalifa International Stadium in the capital Doha against Iran on November 21.
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      And the FA is determined to drill the local laws and customs into the Wags.
      A source said: “The FA left little room for doubt.
      “They have been very clear about the rules and have a responsibility to the players and their families to make sure they are aware of the local laws and customs.
      “They cannot — and will not — tolerate any controversy or incident that could and should have been avoided with good planning.
      Pickford’s missus Megan Davison is expected to be briefed on Qatar rules
      And the rules won’t be any different for Harry Kane’s wife Kate
      FA is determined to avoid a repeat of the snap of Wags organised by Becky Vardy in 2018
      “It is important the Wags understand Qatar is not England and will treat everyone even handedly, irrespective of who they are.”
      It is illegal to drink alcohol in Qatar. Swearing or rude gestures can also land the culprit behind bars.
      Women must cover their shoulders and avoid wearing short skirts, according to Foreign Office advice.
      Sex outside of marriage is outlawed too.
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      The source added the FA was determined to avoid a repeat of the “World Cup line-up” snap of Wags in Russia in 2018.
      Secretly organised by Becky Vardy and her agent Caroline Watt, it came after the FA was assured the women would be anonymous.
      Red card for rule-breakers
      BOOZE – Alcohol will not be drunk anywhere in public.
      OUTFITS – Wags will be made to dress modestly, no short skirts.
      PDAs – Public displays of affection like kissing will not be tolerated.
      SELFIES – Phone pics outside official buildings is strictly off-limits.
      SINGING – No loud music or belting out tunes during call to prayer. More

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      Chelsea star Reece James will wear knee brace for a MONTH with England World Cup dreams all but over

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      REECE JAMES will spend the next month wearing a knee brace — wrecking his World Cup dream.But Chelsea boss Graham Potter defended the decision to let the England star take an extended break before starting treatment on the injury which has effectively ended his hopes of playing in Qatar.
      Reece James suffered an injury in the 2-0 win over AC MilanCredit: Getty
      James is now set to spend eight weeks on the sidelinesCredit: Getty
      The right-back was allowed to stay on in Milan last Wednesday following a 2-0 Champions League victory on Tuesday — and he then flew home on a budget airline instead of Chelsea’s private jet.
      Potter said: “Nothing has got worse because of how we acted in those times.
      “Now we have to support him and get him strong.
      “In terms of his involvement in the World Cup, I don’t know — it will depend on how he recovers.
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      “He will give everything, I’m sure he will. But he is in a brace for four weeks and that slows everything down.
      “The boys had a couple of days free and — especially with the international players — it’s important to give them a break when you can.
      “Reece then felt a bit of discomfort the following day, came home, and we got it assessed as quickly as we could.
      “He’s naturally disappointed, upset because he’s injured.”
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      England manager Gareth Southgate watched Chelsea beat Aston Villa 2-0 in James’ absence but will be frustrated that one of his best players is out of the tournament.
      England’s first World Cup game is against Iran on November 21 — barely a week after James is due to have his knee brace removed.
      It was initially suspected he had jarred his leg when he was subbed off against AC Milan — but it was diagnosed as knee-ligament damage.
      James, 22, remains bullish and refuses to give up on playing at the World Cup and Potter has vowed to support his stricken star.
      Potter said: “It wouldn’t be my place to predict what’s going to happen. He will be in a brace for four weeks.
      “That’s all I know, that has implications in terms of what he needs to do to get fit.”
      England are short of right-backs now, with Manchester City’s Kyle Walker recovering from surgery and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold going through a poor patch of form. More

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      Diogo Jota stretchered off and huge doubt for World Cup in worrying scenes at end of Liverpool clash with Man City

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      DIOGO JOTA was stretchered off at the end of Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Manchester City and is now a doubt for the World Cup.The Portuguese international, 25, seemed to overstretch when flicking the ball on during stoppage-time at Anfield.
      Jota was carried off the pitch on a stretcherCredit: Getty
      A lengthy delay ensued before the forward was eventually taken from the pitch on a stretcher.
      And with just one month until the World Cup, Portugal will now be biting their fingernails over his availability for the tournament.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will also be concerned after it was revealed earlier this month that Luis Diaz is expected to be out until December.
      It leaves the Reds with Darwin Nunez, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Fabio Carvalho as their forward options.
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      Harvey Elliott can also float between midfield and the attacking positions.
      Jota is yet to score in eight appearances for Liverpool so far this season.
      But he has been capped 29 times by the Portuguese national team, netting 10 times for his country.
      Meanwhile, Liverpool produced their best performance of the season so far to beat Manchester City.
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      Salah’s second half strike handed Klopp’s men all three points as they ended Man City’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
      The result takes Liverpool up to eighth place in the Premier League table, six points off the top four.
      Next up they face West Ham at home on Wednesday, before travelling to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. More

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      Raheem Sterling’s failed experiment at wing back was a PLUS for Chelsea and England and shows Potter isn’t too proud

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      RAHEEM STERLING is not a wingback.Many would have known that before now, but Chelsea boss Graham Potter has confirmed it to everyone.
      Sterling played almost all of the first half as a right wingbackCredit: Getty
      Potter moved Sterling into a more attacking position shortly before the breakCredit: Reuters
      The England international, 27, lined up on the right side of the Blues’ five-man back line for the start of their 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
      And it was evident from the off that he simply does not have the defensive capabilities to successfully play the role.
      John McGinn found acres of space in behind, with Sterling often unsure whether to press or drop.
      Not only was he being misused as a wide defender, his pace and quality was being missed at the other end of the pitch.
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      Despite taking the lead through Mason Mount, Chelsea were struggling to stretch Villa, something Sterling is renowned for.
      The plus side? Potter noticed it. And he changed it quickly.
      The ex-Brighton boss has gained a reputation for being a superb coach, moulding individuals around his system of playing.
      But he is clearly also willing to accept when he is wrong.
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      After 40 minutes, Potter switched Ruben Loftus-Cheek to right wingback and pushed Sterling to the left side of the front three.
      And it almost paid dividends straight away.
      The ex-Liverpool and Manchester City star was immediately on the end of a flowing Chelsea move which resulted in him curling an effort against the crossbar.
      After the break, Potter brought Cesar Azpilicueta on as he reverted to a more orthodox right wingback.
      It shows the former Ostersunds boss is not afraid to admit his mistakes and own them.
      And it is also a major boost for England.
      Gareth Southgate will not want one of his most trusted attacking talents learning the traits of a wingback just one month out from the World Cup.
      Alongside skipper Harry Kane, Sterling has been one of the Three Lions’ most trusted attacking options over the past few years – and he was arguably their best player at the Euros.
      He missed a couple of chances towards the end of the Villa match as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure saw him lead the line for the final 30 minutes.
      While his killer touch in front of goal has never been his calling card, it is an underrated trait of his as three 20-goal seasons with Manchester City will testify to.
      The pace, energy and creativity he offers going forward makes him a handful for any defence in the world.
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      Potter and Southgate both know that – which is why he is one of the first names on the team sheet for club and country.
      And now that this failed wingback experiment seems to be a thing of the past, England fans can look forward to the Chelsea man wreaking havoc in Qatar. More

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      FA angry at Chelsea over Reece James injury as crocked England ace was not flown straight home from Milan for treatment

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      FA CHIEFS are furious with Chelsea for their handling of Reece James’ knee injury last week, according to reports.England bosses have been rocked by the news that James, 22, is set to be out for up to eight weeks after picking up a serious injury during last week’s 2-0 win over AC Milan.
      Reece James sustained a knee injury against AC MilanCredit: AP
      The full-back received treatment on the pitchCredit: Rex
      After meeting with medical staff after the match, James was allowed to stay in the Italian city for a scheduled day off.
      According to the Mail, the decision to let the full-back stay in Milan, rather than rushing him home for immediate treatment, has left FA bosses dumbfounded.
      They add that James’ injury worsened overnight, and he eventually flew home on an easyJet flight on Wednesday evening.
      Scans on Thursday morning showed that James had sustained serious knee ligament damage.
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      Despite the nature of his injury, the defender is refusing to give up on his World Cup dream.
      Chelsea wrote in an official statement: “Following the knee injury sustained in our away match against AC Milan, Reece has received treatment from the Chelsea medical department and visited a specialist this weekend.
      “After consultation between all parties, Reece will now undergo a rehabilitation programme and is expected to be out for eight weeks.”
      James then tweeted: “The race against time is on… but we won’t give up.”
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      England’s World Cup opener against Iran kicks off in five weeks’ time.
      While the final will take place in Lusail on December 18.
      England are facing a potential selection headache at right-back, with Kyle Walker also facing a race to be fit.
      While the out-of-form Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to be sidelined by injury for the rest of October.
      James will miss key Prem fixtures while out of the Chelsea team, including clashes with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City. More

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      Gareth Southgate in line for £4million bonus if he achieves World Cup glory with Three Lions

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      ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate is in line for a £4million bonus if he can lead the Three Lions to World Cup glory.It is almost three times as much as the £1.5million he was offered to win the 2018 World Cup.
      England manager Gareth Southgate is in line for a £4million bonus if he can lead the Three Lions to World Cup gloryCredit: AFP or licensors
      England’s first Group B game will be against Iran on November 21Credit: PA
      Southgate, 52, has already banked £500,000 for qualifying for the tournament, which kicks off five weeks today.
      England’s first Group B game will be against Iran on November 21.
      A source said: “Gareth has been offered bonuses for each stage of the World Cup and stands to pocket a fortune if he brings home the trophy.
      “It’s entirely normal that footballers and the management are incentivised.
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      “That said, Gareth is already on record as having described managing England as the highlight of his career.
      “He is a proud Englishman and would love nothing more than to win a major trophy for the nation.
      “His motivation is to ensure he and his team do their best for the country. Any money he earns along the way is incidental to that.
      “He’s not financially driven and is very conscious of the cost of living crisis.”
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      During Covid, Southgate took a voluntary 30 per cent pay cut and did not take a rise in his basic salary when he was awarded a new three-year contract by the FA in November last year.
      His current deal is worth £6million a year and runs until 2024.
      Southgate and the FA declined to comment. More