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      Inside France’s wild dressing room and hotel celebrations after reaching World Cup final – as Giroud strips and slides

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      FRANCE were pictured wildly celebrating in their dressing room after reaching the World Cup final.Les Bleus were 2-0 winners over Morocco thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.
      Olivier Giroud was quick to take off his shirt after the victoryCredit: FFF
      Aurelian Tchouameni looked ecstatic to reach his first World Cup finalCredit: FFF
      Antoine Griezmann ran around the dressing room with a speakerCredit: FFF
      Man of the Match Griezmann then went for a slide across the table himselfCredit: FFF
      Giroud seemed to be the life of the partyCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      𝟮𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗲 𝗱𝘂 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲́𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 🤩On poursuit la fête au camp de base 🔥🔥#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/hXo8FMZ2gX— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) December 15, 2022

      That result means they have the chance to become the first back-to-back world champions since Brazil in 1962.
      And after the match, Olivier Giroud and Aurelien Tchouameni led the celebrations as they danced on the table.
      Man of the Match Antoine Griezmann also went for a slide across the table following the victory.
      In addition, a number of old friends were invited to join the team such as 2018 World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi.
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      The party didn’t stop there however, as the team continued their celebrations when they returned to the hotel.
      There, adoring fans and hotel staff greeted them following the victory.
      In the final, they take on Argentina as they look to deny Lionel Messi the World Cup he has been craving.
      But Barcelona’s Jules Kounde and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate missed out on the festivities after being called for anti-doping samples.
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      As he filmed his team-mates, Konate was heard saying: “We can’t even celebrate.”
      Kounde then replied: “It sucks.”
      But midfielder Tchouameni believes his side can rise to the challenge.
      The Real Madrid star said: “We will have to defend well. We will have to show all our qualities.
      “It’s a World Cup final, there’s Messi but there’s also a lot of quality on the side.”
      The celebrations would continue inside the team hotelCredit: FFF More

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      As Antoine Griezmann drives France’s charge to World Cup final here are five other strikers who switched to midfield

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      KYLIAN MBAPPE has once again been the star for France at the World Cup – but Antoine Griezmann has been an unsung hero for the holders.The Atletico Madrid star has endured a testing couple of years with the goals drying up in Spain.
      Antoine Griezmann has been in outstanding form for France at the World CupCredit: Getty
      But the 31-year-old has thrived in a new-found midfield role in Qatar, helping Les Bleus reach their second consecutive final.
      Griezmann is yet to score at this World Cup, but he’s bringing plenty to the side and has still chipped in with three assists – BOTH against England.
      Whether or not he ends up becoming a midfielder on a regular basis remains to be seen, but his performances in the tournament have been admirable.
      And here SunSport looks at five other forwards who have previously dropped back to midfield.
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      Wayne Rooney became a midfielder during his latter days at UnitedCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney
      One of the finest footballers to grace the English game, Rooney is most remembered for banging in the goals for England and United.
      After all, he’s United’s record scorer and is just about hanging on to his place at the top of the England charts after Harry Kane’s penalty miss against France kept the Spurs ace level with 53 goals.
      But in Rooney’s final years at United, he dropped into a deeper role, which explains why his worst goal returns all came in his final three seasons.
      He did make a brief return to a No.9 role at Everton and DC United, before ending his career in midfield with Derby.
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      Alan Smith started off up front before quickly moving into a deeper roleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Alan Smith
      Smith never boasted the most prolific goal record throughout his career, so it was no wonder he ended up further back.
      In more than 600 games for club and country, he scored less than 75 goals and only ever hit double figures twice in a single campaign.
      He still ended up winning the Premier League and was a regular in Europe for Manchester United, but he was often down the pecking order due to the calibre of strikers the Red Devils possessed.
      Once he left United he became an out and out midfielder and while he never reached his full potential, he ended up playing until he was 38, so he didn’t do too badly.
      Joelinton has thrived in a midfield role for NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Joelinton
      Joelinton’s rise in recent months has been one of the most incredible in recent years.
      The Brazilian has quickly gone from a FLOP to one of the most popular players with the Newcastle faithful.
      He arrived on Tyneside for a club-record £40m back in 2019 but fans quickly lost their patience following a dreadful first season front of goal.
      In fact, Joelinton scored just THREE goals in his first 61 Prem games.
      But after Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce, he started playing in a deeper role and has become one of the most consistent box-to-box midfield men.
      As a result, he’s started pretty much every league game since and has formed a fine partnership with fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes to help the Mapgies emerge as top four contenders.
      Mousa Dembele became a top midfielder during his time at TottenhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mousa Dembele
      With 10 goals in almost 250 appearances for Tottenham, it’s hard to believe the Belgian played anywhere close to the top end of the pitch.
      His exact position remains unclear, with Dembele chopping and changing between a number 10, a supportive striker and the odd appearance on the wing.
      But prior to arriving in England, he regularly hit double figures, notably firing AZ Alkmaar to the Dutch title in 2008-09 with 12 goals in all comps.
      That was the third time he scored ten goals or more in four years.
      Those numbers soon became a distant memory though, and he finally discovered his full potential thanks to Mauricio Pochettino.
      The Argentine made him one of the best central midfielders in the land and his lack of goals were hardly even mentioned.
      Eidur Gudjohnsen enjoyed a successful career with Bolton, Chelsea and BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Eidur Gudjohnson
      The fact the Iceland international played at a Euros at the grand age of 37 tells you everything you need to know.
      He played in a variety of attacking positions during his career, mainly at Chelsea – including as a No10, second striker and a centre forward.

      But once his legs went, notably during his time at Barcelona, he started to apply himself in deeper areas of the pitch.
      In fact, there were many occasions during his time at the Nou Camp when he lined up alongside legends Xavi and Andreas Iniesta. More

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      Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni is on the cusp of World Cup glory… but he once cost West Ham the FA Cup final

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      ARGENTINA manager Lionel Scaloni is on the cusp of winning the World Cup… but his experience in finals isn’t positive having once cost West Ham FA Cup glory.Scaloni has guided Argentina to the World Cup final where they will face France on Sunday afternoon.
      Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni will be hoping he can get his hands on the World CupCredit: Getty
      In his playing days, Lionel Scaloni made a costly error West Ham fans will never forgetCredit: Getty
      His mistake allowed Steven Gerrard to equalise in the 2006 FA Cup finalCredit: PA
      The 44-year-old can write his name into the history books but Hammers fans will always remember his costly mistake against Liverpool when they were on the verge of winning the FA Cup in 2006.
      West Ham were leading 3-2 in stoppage time when Djibril Cisse went down injured and Scaloni put the ball out of play for a throw-in near his own goal.
      Liverpool, in sporting spirit, resumed the game by giving possession back to the Argentine but the right-back panicked and launched the ball into the middle of the pitch for Gerrard to pick it up.
      Liverpool managed to work a cross and the clearance was volleyed into the net by Reds captain Gerrard from 35-yards to send it to extra-time, followed by penalties.
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      West Ham lost the penalty shoot-out 3-1 and the match was dubbed the ‘Gerrard final’ after his heroics that saw him score a brace in the match as Liverpool fought back from behind twice.
      The East London side were managed by Alan Pardew at the time who has spoken to The Telegraph about his memories of the day at the Millennium Stadium.
      Pardew recalled Scaloni’s mistake jokingly saying: “He cost me a Cup final winners’ medal and I can never forgive him.”
      But to this day Pardew still speaks in despair saying: “It’s a moment of madness because there was a minute left and all we had to do is run the clock down.
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      “You don’t want the ball to end up centrally in the pitch at that time.
      “It was at complete odds with a player who was ordinarily one of the most savvy in the team – he’d have been bottom of my list to do that.
      “With some I’d have gone, ‘Well, what do you expect, you know?’ but here’s our most intelligent, sensible player.
      “So many West Ham fans have come up to me over the years and said, ‘Oh my god, that throw in. What was he thinking?’
      “All this time later and they still bring it up. If only he’d just done something different.”
      Pardew, who is now managing Greek side Aris Thessaloniki, admitted he has not spoken about the moment with Scaloni since the day it happened.
      But the ex-Newcastle boss does believe that he must tell his players about what he did to teach them a lesson on how not to defend a lead in a final.
      Pardew went on to say that Scaloni was a likeable and calming influence in the West Ham dressing room who was always looking to absorb everything and learn.

      Scaloni was on loan at the Irons for half a season after arriving in January 2006 and he played just 17 games before returning to Deportivo La Coruna, where he spent eight years of his career.
      Argentina will be hoping Lionel Messi can inspire them to glory at the weekend and no defender makes an error like their manager once did 16 years ago.
      Alan Pardew was minutes away from winning the FA Cup with West HamCredit: PA More

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      Where Argentina’s 2014 World Cup team are now with Messi only survivor, from ex-Man Utd pair to player-turned-BBC pundit

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      ARGENTINA will return to the World Cup final on Sunday – eight years after their devastating defeat to Germany.Incredibly, Lionel Messi is the only survivor from the side that lost in the Maracana.
      Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final to GermanyCredit: Corbis – Getty
      Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta suffered heartbreakCredit: Getty
      The former Barcelona superstar started in attack that evening.
      But he came out on the losing side as Mario Gotze grabbed the dramatic extra-time winner.
      Now the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has the chance to get his hands on the iconic trophy – in what will be his final World Cup match.
      But what happened to the Argentina team that took to the field in the 2014 final?
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      Sergio Romero
      The goalkeeper was a constant between the sticks for Argentina, racking up 96 caps between 2009 and 2018.
      He moved to Manchester United as David De Gea’s back up a year after the heartbreak in Brazil and is now back in his homeland with Boca Juniors.
      Pablo Zabaleta
      The right-back enjoyed another three seasons with Manchester City but only added a League Cup before joining West Ham in 2017.
      After 80 appearances over three years he hung up his boots before stepping into punditry.
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      Zabaleta is working with the BBC at the World CupCredit: BBC
      Zabaleta worked for the BBC at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar – and also does analysis for ESPN and LaLiga.
      Martin Demichelis
      Another former Manchester City defender, Demichelis left the Etihad for Espanyol in 2016 and then finished his career back at Malaga.
      He wasted no time stepping into coaching, becoming Malaga assistant before taking charge of Bayern Munich’s Under-19s and reserves.
      He obtained his Uefa Pro licence in October and a month later agreed a deal to take over as River Plate’s new head coach.
      Ezequiel Garay
      The former Real Madrid, Benfica and Zenit defender had a four-year spell with Valencia between 2016 and 2020.
      However, after struggling with a long-term injury and without a club for a year, he retired aged just 34.
      It is reported he has now started his own real estate development in Valencia.
      Marcos Rojo
      Another former Manchester United man, and like Romero, he is back in Argentina playing for Boca Juniors.
      Rojo joined United immediately after the World Cup run to the final and won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League but failed to really cement himself as a first-team regular.
      Javier Mascherano
      Midway through his eight years at Barcelona when he reached the World Cup final, the defensive-midfielder-turned-centre-back went on to reach a grand total of 19 trophies at the Nou Camp.
      Only a few of the starting XI are still active footballersCredit: AFP
      Javier Mascherano retired before taking over as Argentina Under-20s bossCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The four-time Copa America runner-up had two seasons in China with Hebei China Fortune and turned out 11 times for Estudiantes to finish his playing career back home.
      The ex-Liverpool man took over as Argentina U20s manager in January 2022.
      Lucas Biglia
      The holding midfielder, who made 58 appearances for his country, left Lazio for AC Milan in 2017 before moving to Turkey in 2020.
      He spent two seasons with Fatih Karagumruk but left in the summer to join Super Lig rivals Istanbul Basaksehir.
      Enzo Perez
      Perez left Benfica six months after the World Cup in Brazil to join Valencia for £21million – making him the tenth most-expensive Argentina footballer ever.
      He spent two years in Spain before signing for his current club River Plate in June 2017, even playing a full 90 minutes in goal when the team suffered a major Covid outbreak before a Copa Libertadores clash.
      Incredibly, River Plate won 2-1 – with Perez named man of the match for producing a string of fine saves.
      Ezequiel Lavezzi
      An icon for FIFA game players for many years, Lavezzi shone at PSG for four years after bursting on to the scene with Napoli.
      Like Mascherano, the attacker headed to the Far East to play for Hebei China Fortune.
      He spent three years there until 2019 when he announced his early retirement.
      Lionel Messi
      The only man still in the Argentina squad – and still operating at the peak of his incredible powers.
      Still the captain eight years on, Messi led his team to Copa America glory in 2021 and now has his shot at World Cup glory – in what would be La Albiceleste’s first triumph since 1986.
      At club level, he has broken countless records and added FOUR Ballon D’ors.
      But he shocked the world when he left Barcelona in 2021 – joining PSG as a free agent – but his future beyond this season remains unclear.
      Lionel Messi is missing the World Cup from his trophy cabinetCredit: AFP
      Gonzalo Higuain retired this year after three seasons with Inter MiamiCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Gonzalo Higuain
      The centre-forward in the 2014 final had joined Napoli from Real Madrid a year earlier.
      He was on the Juventus books for four years – with loans to AC Milan and Chelsea – before finishing his career at Inter Miami, retiring at the end of the MLS season.
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      Fernando Gago came off the bench and is now managing Racing Club in his homeland.
      Rodrigo Palacio retired from football in September 2022 and the 5ft 9ins ace immediately stepped into playing basketball as a point guard for Polisportiva Garegnano.
      Sergio Aguero was the other substitute for Alejandro Sabella and went on to become City’s record goalscorer with 260 strikes before a brief stint at Barcelona was cut short due to a heart condition that forced early retirement.

      Angel Di Maria was in the 2014 World Cup squad but did not make the matchday after tearing his hamstring in the quarter-final.
      He joins Messi as the only other player to be in the 2014 and 2022 squads.
      Angel Di Maria could get his chance to play in the World Cup finalCredit: Splash
      Sergio Aguero is in Qatar supporting his friendsCredit: Reuters More

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      Fans convinced Steve McClaren lookalike was in the crowd as a FRANCE fan for 2018 World Cup win vs Croatia

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      FANS are convinced that the Steve McClaren lookalike spotted supporting England actually cheered on FRANCE in the 2018 World Cup final.The Three Lions suffered heartbreak as they were eliminated from this year’s tournament after losing 2-1 to the defending world champions at the Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday.
      The Steve McClaren lookalike has been spotted cheering on FRANCECredit: Rex
      Fans are convinced this was him cheering for Les Bleus at the 2018 World Cup finalCredit: Twitter
      However, England fans still found a reason to lift their spirits as they spotted former Three Lions manager McClaren’s lookalike for the second time.
      That came after he initially shot to social media fame in the last-16 clash with Senegal.
      The fan was pictured going wild with the rest of the crowd while Gareth Southgate’s men pushed for a second goal that would have sent the game to extra-time.
      And he held the same World Cup trophy replica he had during the 3-0 victory over Senegal.
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      However, a new retro snap which is believed to be the same individual has now emerged.
      A fan travelling home from Qatar says they re-watched France’s win over Croatia on the plane’s television – and it did not take long for him to spot a familiar face.
      Sharing screengrabs of the fan cheering as Les Bleus claimed the victory, he captioned them with: “Watched back the 2018 WC Final on the flight to Qatar. Is that… It is, isn’t it?”
      “No way,” replied one of his followers as another said: “He’s everywhere!”
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      While another replied: “I’m convinced were in a simulation now.”
      And another commented: “He’s literally cheering for France.”
      Meanwhile, it appears that it is not only England and France that the individual likes to support.
      His is also allegedly a follower of Manchester United, and there is video footage to prove it.
      Unless it is another McClaren doppelganger, a clip the Red Devils shared after their 2016 FA Cup Final win shows him wildly celebrating their triumph.
      After the video resurfaced online, one Twitter user wrote: “He’s everywhere!”
      As another added: “Everywhere I look he’s there!” More

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      What strategy should Dream Team World Cup gaffers adopt ahead of Sunday’s final?

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      AND so it will be Argentina vs France in the 2022 World Cup final.Will Les Bleus become the first team to retain the crown since Brazil in 1962 or will Lionel Messi finally win the big one?
      It’ll be a nerve-racking few days for fans of the finalists and more than a few Dream Team World Cup gaffers may have butterflies in their stomach too, especially those in contention to claim a chunk of the £50,000 prize pot!
      Those fighting for mini-league glory will also need to get their teams in order ahead of the final game – but which strategy is best?
      Don’t neglect the third-place play-off
      The first thing to note is that the third-place play-off is an eligible fixture (why wouldn’t it be) and so there could be points on offer.
      Plenty of nations would see Saturday’s game as an annoyance but both Croatia and Morocco would take great pride in earning the bronze medal.
      Both sides are lacking a finisher or two in the final third so there could be more clean sheet points for the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Dominik Livakovic and Dejan Lovren.
      Hakim Ziyech (18 points) and Youssef En-Nesyri (21 points) are probably your best bets going forward but it wouldn’t be wholly surprising if this encounter finished goalless.
      As for the final, your strategy will depend on your current standing.
      If you’ve got a decent cushion at the top of your mini-league then an even mix of France and Argentina assets would be no bad thing – hedge your bets to avoid a disaster and clinch victory.
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      However, if you’re aiming to leapfrog a rival (or several of them) then you should pick a side and back them to the hilt.
      Hernandez bagged 18 points against Morocco
      Combining Hugo Lloris, Theo Hernandez, Jules Kounde, Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate would pay huge dividends if France are able to keep Argentina at bay.
      The alternative batch being: Emi Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi and (probably) Nicolas Tagliafico.
      If you’re going to mix defensive assets then you should back those who are most likely to contribute a goal or assist – Hernandez and Molina have scored decisive goals for their respective nations in the knockout stage.
      In midfield, Ousmane Dembele is the standout option as a genuine winger who is primarily tasked with attacking.
      In terms of points, Adrien Rabiot and Enzo Fernandez are the leading performers in their position among the finalists with 16 points each, although the former missed the semi-final against Morocco with illness.
      You’re spoiled for choice up front with no fewer than FIVE premium options.
      Lionel Messi (65 points) and Kylian Mbappe (51 points) are the two runaway leaders in Dream Team World Cup and both feature in the majority of teams, which makes sense given the two superstars are in direct competition for the Golden Boot with five goals each.
      Dream Team World Cup’s top starCredit: getty
      If you back both of the No10s (which seems reasonable) then you’ll only have one spot remaining in your forward line if you opt for a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 formation.
      There’s not much between Olivier Giroud and Julian Alvarez, who are level on four goals each heading into the final, and Antoine Griezmann also deserves consideration.
      The 31-year-old has played as a midfielder in Qatar and he barely shoots at all anymore but he’s been one of the best creators on display at this World Cup.
      In fact, Griezmann (30) has two more points than Alvarez (28) at this stage.
      Finally, you should avoid conflicts of interest where possible.
      For example, if you do decide to back an all-France defence then you should also pick Giroud or Griezmann over Alvarez as a goal for the latter would wipe out your clean sheet points and therefore be a net negative.
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      But of course it’s equally likely that both teams will score and in that eventuality, a mix of attacking assets may be most profitable.
      Good luck! More

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      How England could line up under Eddie Howe with Newcastle boss targeted to replace Gareth Southgate if he quits

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      NEWCASTLE manager Eddie Howe is reportedly one of the names being considered to take over as England boss if Gareth Southgate quits.Southgate is undecided about whether he will carry on in the role after the Three Lions’ quarter-final defeat to France in the World Cup.
      Eddie Howe could replace Gareth Southgate as England managerCredit: Getty
      Here is how England could line up under Eddie Howe
      The FA want him to stay on as manager but he is reflecting on his position and replacements are being drawn up in case he does step down.
      Howe is one of the names on the list along with former Chelsea gaffer Thomas Tuchel, ex-Tottenham man Mauricio Pochettino and current assistant coach Steve Holland.
      Howe is doing an outstanding job at Newcastle, guiding the team to an incredible 3rd place in the Premier League after 15 games.
      He took over half way through last season and has brought a feel-good factor back to St James’ Park with an attacking brand of football and smart recruitment in the transfer window.
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      If Howe does take over it could be good news for a number of the players at Newcastle.
      Nick Pope was signed by him over the summer and he has helped sure up the Magpies. They have conceded the joint lowest amount of goals in the division so far, with just 11.
      The 30-year-old certainly has the trust of Howe and this could present a chance for him to become England’s No1 ahead of Jordan Pickford.
      Kieran Trippier played three times in Qatar and is an experienced international with 40 caps.
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      He is another of Howe’s signings and the boss has even made him captain for a large number of games.
      The ex-Bournemouth manager is a huge fan of Trippier’s ability to deliver quality crosses and set-pieces just as Southgate is.
      Much of Newcastle’s creativity comes from the right-back, who has had a hand in five Toon goals this season.
      It’s likely that the 32-year-old continues to receive call-ups to the England squad if Howe is appointed.
      The likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham will surely remain in the midfield for years to come and the Borussia Dortmund man could thrive in Howe’s high pressing system.
      His 4-3-3 has seen Newcastle play energetic football trying to win the ball back high and have at least one of his midfield three break into the box.
      This could hand James Maddison more opportunities in an England shirt.
      Newcastle have been heavily linked with the Leicester star and reportedly had multiple bids for him turned down in the summer.

      Howe is clearly a big fan of Maddison and with him in electric goalscoring form he could finally get the nod for the national team if Southgate, who didn’t play him at all in the World Cup, resigns.
      Callum Wilson is one of Howe’s favourites having worked with him at Bournemouth and Newcastle, and surely he will continue to be back-up to skipper Harry Kane if the 45-year-old takes over in the dugout.
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      Another worth mentioning is Dan Burn, he’s a Howe signing thriving at St James’ Park and the left-back was even mentioned as an outside shout for a place on the plane to Qatar after Ben Chilwell got injured.
      Additionally, Aaron Ramsdale worked with Howe at Bournemouth and he should not be ruled out if he can keep up his top form at Arsenal and lead them to the title.
      Eddie Howe could hand more chances to Callum Wilson
      If Eddie Howe is appointed England boss it could be good news for James Maddison and Callum WilsonCredit: Dan Charity More

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      How Argentina and France could line up during World Cup final… but will either change formations for huge clash?

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      ARGENTINA face France in Sunday’s World Cup final with both nations looking to lift the famous trophy for a third time.The footballing giants meet at the Lusail Stadium at 3pm, their first clash since the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals.
      Lionel Messi will be the first name on Argentina’s team sheetCredit: Getty
      For France that will be Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
      Lionel Messi is just 90 minutes away from winning the World Cup for the first time in what will be his final EVER game in football’s greatest show.
      Meanwhile, 23-year-old superstar Kylian Mbappe is hoping to join an elite club by winning it on multiple occasions.
      The duo are leading the race for the Golden Boot on five goals each, while they’re also the favourites to be named MVP.
      But how will Lionel Scaloni and Didier Deschamps line up their teams for the clash in Doha?
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      ARGENTINA
      Starting with Argentina, Emiliano Martinez will start after keeping his third clean sheet in six games in the semi-finals.
      Having reverted to a back four against Croatia, La Albiceleste could stick with the formation.

      That means Lisandro Martinez will be on the bench – with Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi and Nicolas Tagliafico all starting.
      In midfield, Scaloni might opt to start with Leandro Parades and Enzo Fernandez again, with Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo de Paul out wide.
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      Up front, Julian Alvarez, who’s scored four goals in four starts, will partner Messi.
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      FRANCE
      As for France, they have some doubts ahead of the final.
      Hugo Lloris will start between the sticks, while the performance of the back four against Morocco could see them unchanged.

      Despite the African side threatening throughout the game, France kept their first clean sheet of the tournament.
      Therefore, Jules Kounde could keep his place at right-back, with Ibrahima Konate partnering Raphael Varane and Theo Hernandez on the left.
      But Deschamps’s main dilemma will is in midfield.
      That’s because Adrien Rabiot missed the semi-final through illness and the French boss will have to decide whether to recall him or stick with Youssouf Fofana to partner Aurelien Tchouameni.
      Moving forward, it’s more simple with Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe all likely to support Olivier Giroud up front. More