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      Why is Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry coaching Belgium and does he manage a club side?

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      THIERRY HENRY would never have imagined that he would be associated with a team nicknamed ‘the Red Devils’ but thankfully for Arsenal fans, their legend is coaching Belgium rather than Manchester United. The Arsenal legend has made his desires clear as he wishes to become a head coach himself after learning under the likes of Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola during his playing career.
      Thierry Henry and Belgium boss Roberto MartinezCredit: Reuters
      However, for now, he holds the role as second assistant to Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.
      But why is the Frenchman part of the coaching team and does he manage a club side? We have all the answers.
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      Why is Thierry Henry coaching Belgium?
      Embarking on his coaching journey with Arsenal’s youth teams back in 2015, he was later offered the job of under-18’s coach but this decision was overruled by Wenger, wanting a full-time coach for the side rather than Henry, who wished to continue on a part-time basis alongside working for Sky Sports.
      This led the Frenchman to look for roles elsewhere before joining Martinez’s backroom staff at Belgium and remained part of the team for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, helping the European giants finish third.
      Thierry Henry and Graeme Souness working for Sky Sports TelevisionCredit: Getty
      Does Thierry Henry coach a club side?
      Henry’s first club role came in October 2018 after speculation surrounding the Bourdeaux job in his home country, but declined this opportunity and took the reigns at his former club Monaco instead.
      However, the manager was dismissed from his role in France while his side were 19th in Ligue 1 with a four wins, five draws and 11 defeats from 20 matches.
      Thierry Henry took charge of MonacoCredit: Reuters
      10 months later, Henry embarked on his second spell in club management after being appointed at Montreal Impact, returning to the MLS for the first time since playing for New York Red Bulls between 2010 and 2014.
      Henry’s time in Canada was more successful than his stint at Monaco, leading his Montreal Impact team to their first play-off finish in four seasons. However, he stepped down in February 2021 to be closer to his children in London, having been unable to travel to see them for the whole of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
      Two months later, Henry re-joined the coaching staff of Belgium ahead of the rescheduled Euro 2020.
      Thierry Henry’s most recent managerial role was at Montreal ImpactCredit: Reuters
      Is Thierry Henry looking to return to club management?
      The Belgium coach has recently confirmed his intentions to return to club management, stating: “Yes, I would like to think so, maybe. I turned some down because I want to see it through with Belgium and not leave them on the way to the World Cup, because, you know, it’s a weird one to leave.
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      “I just want to go back and help, especially with the youngsters. After that (Monaco) I went to Montreal. People will say that’s not very glamorous, but it’s not about that.
      “It’s about me getting better and also, the best relationships I’ve had at those teams so far is with the youngsters.”
      Therefore, it looks like we could see Henry return to management in the near future. More

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      England vs Iran: Date, TV channel, live stream and kick-off time for Three Lions’ opening World Cup 2022 clash

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      ENGLAND begin their 2022 World Cup campaign with a clash against tournament minnows Iran. The Three Lions’ last World Cup campaign ended in agony as they lost 2-1 to Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 edition in Russia.
      England were left devastated after losing the World Cup 2018 semi-final to CroatiaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      England beat Hungary 4-0 in Budapest during World Cup qualifyingCredit: Reuters
      But four years on from then, and with a Euro 2020 final appearance in the bag too, Gareth Southgate’s men are looking to finally overcome the very last hurdle.
      It’s been 56 years since England won their first and only World Cup, and expectations of the team continue to grow every four years.
      Iran will be their first test, before further group stage clashes with rivals Wales and 2010 World Cup does USA.
      This tournament could be make or break for Southgate, who may view the Qatar showpiece as his last opportunity to finally win major silverware as England boss.

      When is England vs Iran?

      England’s 2022 World Cup opener with Iran will get underway from 1pm UK time on Monday, November 21.
      The game will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital Doha.
      The stadium was opened in 1976 and can hold up to 45,000 fans.

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

      England vs Iran will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The game is FREE to watch on the BBC, so long as you have a TV licence.

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      When will England’s 26-man squad be announced?
      After a rule change by FIFA, World Cup squads will now be allowed to name 26-man squads rather than the previously permitted 23.
      Each manager has to select their 26-man squad by November 13, a week before the tournament starts. More

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      Robert Page set to sign four-year Wales deal to officially take over from Ryan Giggs after leading Dragons to World Cup

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      ROBERT PAGE is set to sign a new four-year deal with Wales.The Dragons boss led his country to their first World Cup since 1958 after a play-off final triumph over Ukraine in June.
      Robert Page is set to be handed a new deal after booking Wales’ place at the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Ryan Giggs is currently on trial facing charges of domestic violenceCredit: Splash
      Talks have been ongoing since then but SunSport can reveal Page is close to agreeing the long-term contract with the Football Association of Wales with an official announcement due soon.
      And the fresh terms will include qualification campaigns for both Euro 2024 and the World Cup in 2026.
      Page has been in charge of Wales since Ryan Giggs was arrested in November 2020 before the ex-Manchester United winger eventually stood down in June ahead of his domestic violence trial.
      The 41-cap former defender, who was Giggs’ assistant before taking on the manager’s job on an interim basis, will lead the Dragons against USA on November 21 in Qatar before also facing Iran and arch rivals England in Group B.
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      Page has been in charge for 24 matches, winning ten, drawing eight and losing just six games and, after the victory over Ukraine, had his current deal extended by the FAW until the end of the World Cup.
      But the new contract will allow the 47-year-old to plan for the future and end any uncertainty over his position.
      SunSport reported Wales stars Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey had been alarmed at the lack of progress on Page’s contract.
      Captain Bale, who plans to play at Euro 2024 and possibly even the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico should Wales qualify, had already publicly pledged his support that Page should become the nation’s long-term manager beyond this winter’s finals.
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      Bale said in June: “He is the long-term manager. I don’t think there is any question in the changing room or from the fans.
      “He’s done an incredible job coming in in difficult circumstances.
      “I guess that’s why you achieve big things when your team is happy and your manager is doing well.” More

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      Puma’s away kits for World Cup ‘leaked’ as fans brand them ‘speed dating T-shirts’ and say they’re ‘trying to go bust’

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      PUMA’S “leaked” World Cup away kits have been branded “speed dating T-shirts” in a brutal swipe at the controversial designs. And one fan reckons the sportswear giants are “trying to go out of business” with their latest shirts.
      Puma’s away kits were not well received on social media
      Fans mocked up player names on the front of the boring designsCredit: Twitter @DagnallJames
      Credit: Twitter @DagnallJames
      Images of the reported second-choice strips for countries at Qatar 2022 did the rounds on social media.
      The basic designs are mainly plain white tops featuring the Puma name and logo top and centre.
      And below that is a garish national team emblem featuring the badge and then a strange shape design, some of which incorporate the national flag.
      Countries whose kits are made by Puma for the upcoming World Cup include Ghana, Senegal, Switzerland, Serbia and Morocco.
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      However, there are also designs for Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Egypt, Israel and Ivory Coast – none of whom qualified for the tournament.
      And supporters on social media could not help but make jokes at Puma’s expense.
      James wrote: “They remind me of magnetic whiteboard labels.
      “Or they could be speed dating t-shirts.”
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      He then proceeded to write in the middle of the odd shapes the star names of players from each of the countries including “Sadio”, “Granit”, “Wilf” and “Mo” in a hilarious dig.
      Another replied: “I can’t imagine many wanting a second date.”
      They also added: “I think Puma might actively be trying to go out of business.”
      Another user said: “All the teams with Puma has their away kit with a f***ing white shirt and some random a** box in the middle.”
      A fourth commented: “These are sponsorless international shirts so Puma’s Teletubbies window is pointless and f***ing ridiculous. Can’t wait to do a World Cup kit review, Puma are getting rinsed.”
      And a final one joked: “Is there a way to suspend puma from the World Cup?”
      It is not the first time Puma have been criticised for their bizarre creations.
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      Last season, their range of third kits for clubs such as Manchester City, Marseille, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund was slammed as they replaced the club crests with names in a major blunder.
      England’s Nike kit has not officially been released yet – although a leaked version did not go down well either.
      Last season’s away kits did also not go down well with supporters More

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      Chelsea ace Lauren James and Houston Dash star Ebony Salmon called up to Lionesses squad

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      LAUREN JAMES has been named in England’s squad before the Euros winners’ World Cup qualifying duels with Austria and Luxembourg. Ebony Salmon – who has been in clinical form for US club Houston Dash – is also included in the 23-strong group.
      Lauren James has been named in Sarina Wiegman’s England squad ahead of games against Austria and LuxembourgCredit: Getty
      Ebony Salmon has been included in the Lionesses senior squad following her efforts for England’s Under-23sCredit: Getty
      James, 20, – who is the sister of Blues and Three Lions full-back Reece – received her first senior international call-up ahead of an England camp in November 2020.
      The Kingsmeadow starlet netted a classy goal during Chelsea’s pre-season clash with Lyon this month, which the French side eventually won on penalties.
      The forward made five top-flight appearances for the WSL champs last term and is yet to make her senior Lionesses debut.
      England boss Wiegman, 52, said: “We have been following her since I came in and my former colleagues too.
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      “She didn’t play that much but she did play some. We know she’s a very talented player.
      “She also had a very good prep with Chelsea, playing minutes, and we wanted to give her a chance to show what she can do with the national team.
      Salmon, 21, who skippered England’s Under-23s to a 3-0 victory against the Netherlands in April, has one senior international cap.
      The forward made her debut as a second-half sub in a 6-0 friendly defeat of Northern Ireland last year.
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      The former Bristol City and Racing Louisville striker has been on fire for Houston Dash, netting eight goals in eight top-flight appearances this year.
      Wiegman added: She had her spot in the Under-23s. She moved to Houston Dash, she did so well there.
      “She’s just a real goalscorer, that’s what she has shown over the summer.
      “We really want to see where she’s at now. She’s done so well so we really want to give her a chance and show where she’s at with our team.”
      Katie Zelem makes her return to the England squad along with Arsenal star Jordan Nobbs who is now fit following a knee injury.
      Manchester City keeper Sandy MacIver also returns with Hannah Hampton absent due to some personal issues.
      But Chloe Kelly and Fran Kirby both miss England’s September clashes with Austria and Luxembourg due to injury.
      Wiegman said: “Chloe’s (injury) is just a small thing but it’s too early to bring her in and let her play.
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      “She needs a little bit more time but it’s not too bad. Fran has a foot injury.
      “I think she’ll be alright but she hasn’t had that much training at all so she needs a little bit more time.”
      Jordan Nobbs will be part of England’s camp after battling her way back to fitnessCredit: GettyEngland Squad for World Cup qualifiers in September

      Goalkeepers:
      Mary Earps (Manchester United), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City), Sandy MacIver (Manchester City)
      Defenders:
      Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal) Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City) Demi Stokes (Manchester City).
      Midfielders:
      Ella Toone (Manchester United) Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal) Katie Zelem (Manchester United) Keira Walsh (Manchester City).
      Forwards:
      Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Beth England (Chelsea), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Ebony Salmon (Houston Dash), Lauren James (Chelsea), Nikita Parris (Manchester United). More

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      Brazil legend Romario ‘ends relationship with stunning model influencer girlfriend 25-years his junior’

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      BRAZIL legend Romario has reportedly ended his seven-month love affair with a pretty influencer 25 years his junior.The 56-year-old former footballer is said to have unfollowed 31-year-old blonde Marcelle Ceolin on Instagram and erased some of their happiest moments together from his social media.
      Romario has reportedly split from girlfriend MarcelleCredit: INSTAGRAM
      He won the World Cup with Brazil back in 1994Credit: Alamy
      Brazilian news website Extra says she has moved out of Romario’s home on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro and headed back to her native city of Bage.
      Both of them are yet to react to the claims their relationship is over.
      Brazilian media say it was retired soccer player-turned politician Romario who took the decision to end the romance.
      Marcelle fuelled rumours all was not well with her famous boyfriend with a recent Instagram post which said: “Calm seas never made a good sailor. I don’t want to be a good sailor. I want calm.”
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      Fifa confirm 2022 World Cup WILL start a day earlier to allow host nation Qatar to open tournament against Ecuador

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      FIFA have CONFIRMED the World Cup will start a day early.Hosts Qatar will kick off the tournament this winter with a Sunday evening slot to a global audience.
      The Al Bayt Stadium will host the opening game on Nov 20Credit: Getty
      Hosts Qatar will open the tournament against Ecuador
      The late switch was agreed by a Fifa committee on Thursday night.
      President Gianni Infantino and fellow leaders of the six continental governing bodies voted unanimously on the surprise change.
      Qatar will now make its World Cup debut against Ecuador on November 20 after an opening ceremony at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium.
      The competition was due to be starting with Senegal vs Holland on Monday November 21.
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      The second game belonged to England vs Iran.
      And hosts Qatar were then going to play later that day as the third game.
      But the World Cup hosts have played the opening game since 2006 and now will again in 2022.
      The winter tournament will see the Premier League take a break from November 12/13 until Boxing Day.
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      That gives players about a week to prepare for the start of the tournament.
      And they’ll have just a similar amount of time after the final to rest before the Premier league season resumes. More

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      Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against rivals Argentina set to be axed after refusing to play suspended clash next month

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      BRAZIL’S World Cup qualifier against rivals Argentina looks set to be scrapped as they are refusing to play the rearranged clash.The initial match between the two South American heavyweights last September was sensationally abandoned after just six minutes.
      Brazil and Argentina have been told to replay their World Cup qualifier next monthCredit: Alamy
      Lionel Messi and Neymar’s nations have both already qualified for Qatar 2022Credit: AFP
      Health officials stormed the pitch in Sao Paulo to remove four Argentine players accused of breaking Covid quarantine rules and falsifying documents to enter Brazil illegally.
      Even without the completed match, both countries safely qualified to secure their spots at Qatar 2022.
      However, they were fined by Fifa and have been ordered to replay it anyway this September, a year later than the original date.
      However, as reported by SI, Brazil are insisting they will not take to the field because it is too risky for them ahead of the World Cup which starts in November.
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      Fears over suspensions, injuries, an Argentina boycott and the inability to find another opponent for a second match mean the Selecao boss Tite would prefer to play two friendlies in Europe instead.
      Brazilian confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues said: “We will reach out to Fifa so this match is not played.
      “I will make every effort to answer to the request of our coaching staff.
      “Our priority is to win the World Cup in Qatar.
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      “If that match is not recommended by the coaching staff of the Selecao, we will work for it not to be played.”
      Brazil and Argentina’s federations have taken the case to the Court for Arbitration of Sport, which is expected to rule later in August.
      The five-time champions, who last lifted the trophy in 2002, are in Group G with Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon.
      Argentina, the 2014 runners-up still led by Lionel Messi, face Mexico, Poland and Saudi Arabia in Group C.
      The initial match was abandoned when health officials stormed the pitch last yearCredit: Getty
      Brazil boss Tite is worried about injuries or suspensions and would rather friendleis in EuropeCredit: AFP More