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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

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      Argentina Wags forced to go to hospital after finding GLASS inside drinks in club with World Cup security called in

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      AN Argentinian Wag reportedly had to go to hospital after finidng glass in her drink at a club.Agustina Gandolfo was out celebrating her fella Lautaro Martinez reaching the World Cup final, where they face France on Sunday.
      Argentina Wag Agustina Gandolfo suffered a terrifying ordeal in DohaCredit: Getty
      The model is the wife of striker Lautaro Martinez and has been cheering her fella on in QatarCredit: Instagram
      Lautaro Martinez, right, was celebrating reaching the World Cup final on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      Augustina headed out to celebrate with friends but claims she found glass in her drinkCredit: Instagram
      Security were called in to the incident, which occurred on Tuesday after Argentina had defeated Croatia in the semi-final.
      Augustina went out with her sister and her sibling’s partner in a shopping mall located in Doha, according to numerous reports.
      However, while drinking, the group reportedly found pieces of glass inside the bottle.
      They instantly alerted security and decided to head to hospital to make sure they were all safe while also visiting the Argentine embassy to enquire about Qatar’s healthcare system.
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      But reports in South America state that they were told the glass had actually been planted by Gandolfo and the rest of the group – something which left the model dumbfounded.
      She took to Instagram after the incident to blast: “A disgrace, we have the complaint and witnesses at the club.”
      Earlier that night fans saw fellow Wag Antonela Roccuzzo beaming with joy as she watched Lionel Messi lead Argentina into the World Cup final.
      And as he produced a dazzling display on the pitch, his wife was looking magical in the stands as she watched on.
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      After the whistle, Antonella was spotted with a huge grin while wearing an Argentina shirt decked out with “Messi 10” as he raised two fists of joy down on the turf to celebrate.
      Antonella, 34, was also accompanied by the couple’s three boys, Thiago, 9, Mateo, 6, and Ciro, 4 at the Lusail Stadium.
      And she shared an adorable celebration snap of the four of them afterwards all celebrating with dad’s iconic jersey on.
      A host of Argentina players’ Wags enjoyed dinner together before the triumph.
      A total of 19 of them posed for snaps ahead of a meal in Doha on Tuesday evening – although Antonella was nowhere to be seen.
      Among them were the partners of Emi Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Julian Alvarez and Martinez’s other half Gandolfo.
      They will now be cheering on their partners when they take on France in Sunday’s mouthwatering final.
      Agustina Gandolfo, pictured with her husband, visited hospital after alerting securityCredit: Instagram / @agus.gandolfo More

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      Who will win World Cup Golden Boot? Latest odds as Messi, Mbappe, Giroud & Alvarez contest for top scorer

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      THE fight for the World Cup final is down to just two and the bookmakers can’t split them.But there’s another battle unfolding between Argentina and France that involves FOUR big hitters from the event, with Betfair again anticipating a tight conclusion.
      There’s a tight conclusion to the race for the Golden BootCredit: Getty
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      The nations meet in Sunday’s Qatar showpiece where millions around the world will tune in.
      It’s set to be a tight finale to the competition, with France just favourites as the bookies struggle to split them.
      The race for the Golden Boot still has four contenders, all with very live chances of lifting it, and Betfair see a tense battle between the top two unfolding here, too.
      Of course, they’d trade that personal accolade in to be sure of winning the World Cup.
      But why not win both?
      That’s the aim anyway, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe leading the charts with five goals each.
      Messi just slightly has the edge as the first tie breaker is assists, to which he has three and Mbappe two.
      That sees him going into the game as the 4/5 favourite to lift the award, ahead of PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe at 11/8.
      Most read in FootballWorld Cup Golden BootBetfair odds

      Lionel Messi: 4/5
      Kylian Mbappe: 11/8
      Olivier Giroud: 16/1
      Julian Alvarez: 16/1

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      But you can’t discount the two centre forwards from either nation.
      Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time leading goalscorer earlier in the competition, before planting a winning header to knock England out.
      Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez bagged a double in the semi final win over Croatia and joined Giroud on four goals for the competition.
      Another brace from either player in Sunday’s final and they’re firmly in with a shout of winning top scorer.
      Both players are 16/1 with Betfair.
      Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “France are the 5/6 favourites to successfully defend their World Cup crown against Argentina ahead of Sunday’s final.
      “Lionel Messi will look to lift a first World Cup with his country and they are 10/11 to do just that.
      “Meanwhile, Messi is the odds-on favourite to bag the Golden Boot at 4/5, with Kylian Mbappe, who has gone two games without a goal, 11/8.”
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      How Real Madrid could line up if Cristiano Ronaldo returns in shock transfer as he starts training with former club

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been linked with a sensational return to Real Madrid.That is after Ronaldo, 37, was spotted training at Real’s Valdebebas base following Portugal’s elimination from the 2022 World Cup in the quarter-finals to Morocco.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been training at Real Madrid after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo would still make Real Madrid’s starting line-up
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is looking for his next club after being axed by Manchester United following an explosive interview that saw him slam them from top to bottom.
      The star forward is currently training away from the Los Blancos’ first-team.
      It’s claimed the Spanish champions were more than happy to accommodate Ronaldo, with the relationship between club and player still strong.
      The United legend has never been shy in revealing his fondness for Real and would happily return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
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      But despite president Florentino Perez’s kind words throughout the years, it’s believed the club have shut the door to a potential return as they don’t want to disrupt Carlo Ancelotti’s current squad.
      But Ronaldo would still be able to make Ancelotti’s 4-3-3 formation if he completed an emotional return.
      Ex-Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois would start in goal with Dani Carvajal at right-back and Ferland Mendy on the other side, while Eder Militao and David Alaba would team up at centre-back.
      Luke Modric, Toni Kroos and Aurelien Tchouameni could then link up in midfield.
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      And Ronaldo would spearhead the attack alongside Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema.
      CR7 would cover the right flank of the front three with Vinicius on the other side. More

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      France stars on lockdown with fears flu-like sickness bug could rip through squad ahead of World Cup final

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      FRANCE are desperately trying to stem the flow of a flu-like virus which threatens to derail their World Cup final hopes.Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and centre-back Dayot Upamecano were confirmed to have caught the bug before the 2-0 win over Morocco.
      Midfielder Adrien Rabiot was forced to watch the Morocco game at the team hotelCredit: Getty
      Both players missed that game with Rabiot staying in the hotel and Upamecano remaining on the bench for the full 90 minutes.
      Winger Kingsley Coman was also said to have been feeling feverish and stayed on the bench throughout the game.
      Ahead of the World Cup final with Argentina, boss Didier Deschamps said his side were taking significant precautions.
      He commented: “In Doha, temperatures have fallen a little bit, you have air conditioning which is on all the time.
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      “We’ve had a few cases of flu-like symptoms.
      “We are trying to be careful so it doesn’t spread and players have made great efforts out on the pitch and obviously their immune systems suffer.
      “Dayot Upamecano felt sick immediately after the match [against England].
      “It happens when you make such an effort, your body is weakened and you are more prone to be infected by these viruses.
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      “We are taking all necessary precautions, we are trying to make sure it doesn’t spread but viruses are of course infectious and we have to take precautions against it.
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      “We separated him from others and Adrien as well.”
      And there were even some claims that French staff believe England were responsible for passing the virus to the Les Bleus side.
      The two sides met in the quarter-final on Saturday with the French running out 2-1 winners.
      And French media claimed that journalists in Qatar were asked to wear masks at the request of the England camp.
      There is no evidence that the bug came from the England camp.
      Dayot Upamecano (left) was on the bench against Morocco after coming down with the bugCredit: AP
      Manager Didier Deschamps says France are taking all necessary precautionsCredit: Getty More

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      Fifa could rip up World Cup 2026 group-stage changes over fears of ‘dead games’ following success of Qatar tournament

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      FIFA are reportedly re-thinking their format for the next World Cup after the group stage success of Qatar.They are due to have 48 nations competing at the showpiece in North America.
      Fifa are re-thinking their plans for the format of the 2026 World CupCredit: Rex
      The governing body came up with the plan to 16 groups of three teams at the next tournament in 2026.
      That would result in two from each moving on to the next stage.
      However, there are fears that it could be “dangerously dull” and also encourage unsporting behaviour.
      The risk of “dead” matches is also worrying. If the final group game was between two countries that had already won one apiece and were therefore already qualified there would be no motivation or point to the match.
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      Ahead of this World Cup, Fifa did admit their concern about the possibility of contrived results as teams may engineer a result that would ensure they both progress while the non-playing member of the group would be eliminated.
      Vice president Victor Montagliani admitted: “It’s an issue that has been raised.”
      48 teams are due to start the 2026 World Cup tournament, which will then be reduced to 32 following the group phase as the knockouts begin.
      But alternative formats are now on the table and Fifa’s Council will decide next year which one to go with.
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      According to Fifa’s head of global football development Arsene Wenger, they are 12 groups of four teams, with the best third-placed teams advancing alongside the first and second.
      Another is the World Cup being split into two separate halves of 24, with each having six groups of four teams. 
      That would result in the winner of each half eventually meeting in the final.
      And given the number of dramatic final group games that we witnessed in Qatar, a report from Reuters claims that is the “more viable proposition” for chiefs.
      The only issue with that would be the increase in the number of matches.
      There were 32 teams that entered Qatar which had a total of 64 games being completed in the space of 29 days.
      And, at least for now, the 2026 edition will have 80 games in 32 days.
      But it would need at least an extra week for four team groups as there would be 104 matches to be played.
      However, the extra TV revenue that would bring is also something that could tempt Fifa. More

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      Man Utd still interested in Diogo Costa transfer and target £65m Portugal World Cup star as De Gea replacement

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      MANCHESTER UNITED remain keen on signing Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to reports.United could be in the market for a new stopper with uncertainties over David de Gea’s future at Old Trafford.
      Manchester United are still interested in signing goalkeeper Diogo CostaCredit: EPA
      The 31-year-old has played every minute in the Premier League since Erik ten Hag arrived and has shown some fine form to help the Red Devils recover from a dreadful start.
      But the Dutchman was recently unable to confirm whether De Gea will sign a contract extension.
      His current deal expires at the end of the season.
      Ten Hag said: “And, as a person, I like him, I can really cooperate with him really well but first we go to the winter and then we will talk about how deal with such situations.
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      “In this moment we only think about performing, we have a lot of games to go, so I don’t want to get that interfered by talks.”
      As a result, Portuguese outlet A Bola claim United are still interested in Costa.
      The 23-year-old has kept nine clean sheets in 19 games for Porto this season and was rewarded with the No1 shirt for Portugal at the World Cup.
      Costa ended up playing every minute to help his nation reach the quarter-finals, although he was partly at fault for Youssef En-Nesyri’s goal in the defeat to Morocco.
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      Regardless, United still hold a firm interest in signing him for next season.
      The report claims that Costa, who recently signed a new long-term deal, is currently focusing on his duties at Porto though.
      Barcelona and Chelsea are also in the race, although he could cost £65million. More