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      How England could line up under Pochettino at World Cup 2026 with ex-Tottenham manager in frame to replace Southgate

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO is one of several names in the frame to replace Gareth Southgate if he walks away as England manager.Southgate is weighing up whether to lead the Three Lions into a fourth tournament following their quarter-final exit at the World Cup.
      Harry Kane will be 33 but Mauricio Pochettino would surely still pick himCredit: Reuters
      Here’s how England could line up in 2026 under Mauricio Pochettino
      Both the players and FA are keen for him to stay on until Euro 2024, but the 52-year-old is taking time to reflect on what happened in Qatar.
      SunSport revealed that ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel would be interested in the role if Southgate steps down, while Pochettino recently said that he would be “open” to the job.
      The former Tottenham boss has been without a club since he was sacked by PSG in the summer.
      But what would the England team look like if he was manager at the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico?
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      If Pochettino was to replace Southgate, it would be a boost to anyone with an affiliation to Tottenham.
      Admittedly, the number of Spurs players in the squad has decreased since he left in 2019, with only Eric Dier and Harry Kane named for Qatar.
      Should the Argentine come in, he would surely stick with the 4-2-3-1 that served him so well in North London, with a 33-year-old Kane still leading the way in attack.
      England have an abundance of wide players, but the current skipper remains the only world class striker the country has to offer.
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      In goal, he might opt to give Aaron Ramsdale his chance with the Arsenal stopper four years younger than Jordan Pickford and better with his feet.
      Pochettino has always used forward-thinking full-backs and while he would be spoilt for choice on the right, he would surely look no further than Reece James.
      On the left, Ryan Sessegnon, who was brought to Tottenham by Pochettino in 2019, is likely to be in the peak of his powers and could therefore get his chance.
      At the back, Harry Maguire and John Stones might be past their best, which should pave the way for the likes of Marc Guehi and Fikayo Tomori to come into the fold.
      Moving forward, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, who are just 23 and 19 respectively, already look certain to lead England across the pond.
      In attack, Bukayo Saka looks another set to keep his place for years to come, while Phil Foden could be used in a central role.
      That leaves one position available on the left and while the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho will be hoping to get their chance, PSV ace Noni Madueke could be a shock inclusion.
      He joined Tottenham in 2014 and while he never made an appearance under him, Pochettino used to keep a close eye on the youth teams and he’s already been linked with Manchester United and a return to N17.
      Ryan Sessegnon could get his England chance under PochettinoCredit: AFP or licensors
      Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice would keep their places in midfieldCredit: Getty
      Noni Madueke has already been capped at Under-21 levelCredit: Getty More

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      Dream Team World Cup managers should not neglect Saturday’s third-place play-off

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      Hold up, there’s no strict need to transfer those Croatia assets out of your Dream Team World Cup XI.Zlatko Dalic’s side may have come unstuck against Argentina last night, conceding three unanswered goals to the formidable double act of Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez, but they won’t be flying home just yet.
      Luka Modric and company will participate in the third-place play-off against either France or Morocco, depending on the result of Wednesday night’s semi-final.
      And any points earned in Saturday’s fixture will count towards Dream Team World Cup, so don’t feel you have to ditch Dominick Livakovic, Josko Gvardiol or whomever you may have selected from the Vatreni as they have just as many fixtures left to fulfil as Argentina.
      Modric has one final World Cup game to fulfil… if selected
      The third-place play-off is viewed as an annoyance by many teams – it’s often the case that the last thing a fatigued, deflated side want to do after suffering semi-final heartbreak is to play a relatively meaningless game.
      This fixture is often used to give back-up players substantial minutes at a World Cup.
      Saying that, Croatia are one of the nations that value the third-place play-off most highly.
      They remain extremely proud of the bronze medal they achieved in 1998 when they beat fellow beaten semi-finalists Netherlands 2-1 – the crucial goal being scored by Golden Boot winner Davor Suker.
      And so Dalic may name a full-strength XI for this year’s third-place play-off in hope of replicating that effort from 24 years ago.
      Suker inspired Croatia to a third-place finish in 1998
      It’s likely Morocco would also field their strongest starting-line up if they were to meet Croatia this weekend.
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      The Atlas Lions have already made history by becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final and they would surely love to cement their impressive campaign with victory in the final game even if they don’t make the final.
      For reigning champions France, the third-place play-off is more of an inconvenience, especially if it comes in the wake of a shock defeat to Morocco, so Didier Deschamps would probably utilise the fresher players in the squad.
      However, if Les Bleus were to meet Croatia, Kylian Mbappe would likely be keen to start so that he could challenge for the Golden Boot – he’s level on five goals with Messi at the time of writing.
      The main point being: the third-place play-off maybe be something of an afterthought but it’s an active fixture in Dream Team World Cup so gaffers should at least be aware of potential returns on offer. More

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      I’m a World Cup time traveller – the final will be an absolute goal-fest but a last-minute score won’t stop the winners

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      THE World Cup final is set to be a goal-fest but a last minute effort won’t affect the final score, a self-proclaimed time traveller has said.Rather than the cagey game neutral fans dread, the final between France and Argentina set to be a thriller, claims the crazy quantum leaper in a bonkers TikTok video.
      The World Cup final will be a goal fest claims the time travellerCredit: tiktok/@fut.furk
      France celebrating their apparent World Cup winCredit: tiktok/@fut.furk
      Argentina are already through to the World Cup final thanks to some Lionel Messi magic.
      France are all set to book their spot after overcoming Morocco in tonight’s semi-final, says apparent soothsayer fut.furk.
      He says the first goal in the final will be a Griezemann penalty after 13 minutes with former Man Utd flop Angel de Maria equalising just before half time.
      Heartbreak will visit Argentina in the second half as a Kylian Mbappe double sees France stand on the verge of a third World Cup triumph.
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      Not even Sergio Aguero repeating his injury heroics that won Man City the title can save the day for Argentina though as France triumph 4-3.
      Aguero’s score would be all the more remarkable given he’s not in the Argentina squad but clearly the time traveller knows something the rest of us don’t.
      The footage ends with France celebrating and Messi looking dejected.
      But the French shouldn’t be celebrating too soon, if a rival time traveller’s predictions are to be believed.
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      In another unfeasible TikTok video fifatime_traveller shows footage from the future claiming to show what happens.
      “I’m a time traveller and Morocco beats France!!!” he says.
      Moroccan players are seen celebrating their ‘winning goal’ in front their jubilant fans as footage cuts to the despondent French team and their sobbing supporters.
      We previously told how a so-called time traveller claimed to know which two nations will battle it out in the World Cup final.
      Sharing footage which they claimed was taken two weeks in the future, the TikToker said Argentina will triumph over Brazil.
      Another ridiculously insisted that England and Portugal will face each other in the finals.
      And this TikToker alleged that Brazil and France would actually be the ones competing for the trophy. More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘talking with Croatia World Cup star Josko Gvardiol’ as Man City prepare world-record transfer fee

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      MANCHESTER CITY are readying a world-record transfer bid for Croatia star Josko Gvardiol, according to reports.The centre-back, 20, has cemented his status as one of the hottest prospects in football with some impressive performances during the World Cup.
      Pep Guardiola is reportedly preparing a world-record bid for a new defenderCredit: Getty
      Man City want Josko Gvardiol after his impressive World Cup displays for CroatiaCredit: Getty
      Unfortunately his and Croatia’s dreams ended on Tuesday night when they were beaten 3-0 by Argentina in the semi-final.
      However, exciting things could still be on the horizon for the RB Leipzig ace as a host of clubs from across Europe chase his services.
      Chelsea have been linked with him for months as have Manchester United and Real Madrid have also entered the chase for his signature.
      Now a new report in France states that Pep Guardiola is preparing to “short-circuit” the competition with a bumper offer.
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      Foot Mercato claims their bid will amount to £86.1million.
      United and Chelsea’s offers are only thought to be up to £81.8m.
      They also claim the German giants have a meeting scheduled with the player’s representatives too.
      But they claim Man City want to blast their competition out of the water by investing heavily in Gvardiol.
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      Boss Guardiola has allegedly already spoken with the defender regarding the move and to sell his project to him.
      Gvardiol remains under contract until 2027 and his employers are under no pressure to sell.
      But City are ready to try to convince them with a transfer offer that will total £94.7m and also includes a 20 per cent sell-on clause.
      That would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in world football – usurping the £85m Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire.
      And City are also prepared to try and sweeten the deal by buying him next month but allowing him to remain at Leipzig for the rest of the campaign on loan. More

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      Luka Modric ‘does a Batshuayi’ by blasting ball off rival and into his own FACE in Croatia’s World Cup semi-final loss

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      CROATIA’S dismal night was best summed up by Luka Modric hitting his own face with the ball against Argentina.The South Americans won the game comfortably, beating Croatia 3-0 to progress to the final, where they will meet France or Morocco.
      Luka Modric’s shot cannoned back into his own face after being blockedCredit: Twitter/ @sluggahjells
      The ball took him completely by surpriseCredit: Twitter/ @sluggahjells
      The incident summed up Croatia’s night as they lost to ArgentinaCredit: Twitter/ @sluggahjells
      With ten minutes left on the clock Croatia captain Modric took it upon himself to try and get his team back into the match.
      He tried an audacious shot from 30 yards but it was quickly charged down and blocked by Argentina’s Alexis Mac Allister.
      The ball then struck Modric in the face before rolling harmlessly to goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
      Fans on social media found it amusing and it reminded some of the infamous incident when Michy Batshuayi cannoned the ball off the goalpost and into his own face at the previous World Cup.
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      One fan wrote: “Batshuayi vibes.”
      Another added: “Croatia’s day summed up.”
      And a third said: “Modric has just done a Batshuayi! 🤣🤣.”
      Another commented: “The replay I was waiting for.”
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      Modric, 37, may have played his final World Cup game and he was consoled after the match by former Real Madrid team-mate Angel Di Maria.
      The midfielder has won a number of plaudits for his performances throughout the tournament but he could not help Croatia replicate their 2018 success of reaching the final.
      Michy Batshuayi kicked the ball against the post and into his own face at the 2018 World CupCredit: ITV More

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      Piers Morgan ranks Lionel Messi as FOURTH best footballer ever behind Cristiano Ronaldo in exchange with Jeff Stelling

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      PIERS MORGAN has named Lionel Messi as the FOURTH greatest footballer of all-time.Messi, 35, reached his second World Cup final in sensational style on Tuesday night as he scored and assisted in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Croatia.
      Lionel Messi was sensational for Argentina yet again in their semi-final victoryCredit: Getty
      Piers Morgan still believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all timeCredit: Splash
      Yet despite Messi’s influencial displays in Qatar, Morgan still believes Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest player of all time.
      The SunSport columnist did begin by acknowledging Messi and Argentina for reaching the final.
      Speaking on Twitter, he said: “Congratulations to Argentina & Lionel Messi on reaching the World Cup final. Never doubted them.”
      But England legend Gary Lineker, who has always maintained Messi is the best ever, then asked Morgan: “Is there still a debate? Asking for a goat.”
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      To which he replied: “There isn’t. It’s Ronaldo.”
      Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling then pressed him on his take, saying: “So where are we now @piersmorgan in the Ronaldo v Messi debate?”
      And Morgan responded by insisting Messi doesn’t even break into his top three, ranking both Diego Maradona and even Brazilian Ronaldo ahead of him too.
      He said: “I think Cristiano Ronaldo’s the best ever, Maradona 2nd, Messi 3rd (possibly 4th actually, behind R9 [Brazilian Ronaldo]).”
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      Last month, Morgan’s explosive interview with Ronaldo ultimately led to his Manchester United contract being terminated.
      Ronaldo then headed to the World Cup with Portugal as a free agent and scored in their opening 3-2 win over Ghana.
      But struggles against Uruguay and South Korea followed, before he was dropped for their 6-1 win over Switzerland in the last-16.
      And Fernando Santos’ men were then eliminated by Morocco in the quarter-finals as Ronaldo’s hopes of winning the World Cup came to an end.
      Yet his long-time rival Messi has kept his dream alive and will have the chance to solidify his claims as the greatest to have played the game in the final on Sunday.
      Cristiano Ronaldo had a frustrating World Cup with PortugalCredit: EPA More

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      Fans convinced World Cup is ‘rigged’ for Lionel Messi and Argentina after they win FOURTH penalty in six games

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      FANS have launched a wild theory that the World Cup is “rigged” after Argentina were awarded their FOURTH penalty of the tournament.Lionel Messi stepped up to dispatch their spot kick against Croatia, setting his side on the way to a 3-0 victory.
      Lionel Messi beat Dominik Livakovic from 12 yardsCredit: Reuters
      The spot kick was given after Livakovic clattered Julian AlvarezCredit: Rex
      The 35-year-old produced a brilliant performance, bamboozling Josko Gvardiol before setting up his side’s third.
      But some fans online have cried foul play, citing the number of penalties that Argentina have been awarded during the tournament.
      The Albiceleste have had four spot kicks in Qatar, three of which have been scored by Messi.
      against Saudi Arabia.
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      He netted first in the shock loss to Saudi Arabia, missed one against Poland, but was on hand to convert from 12 yards against the Netherlands on Friday and again in the semi on Tuesday.
      Of the penalty awards, the most controversial one was against Poland.
      But Tuesday’s decision also sparked debate, with ITV pundits Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright not happy with it – although former referee Peter Walton agreed with the decision.
      The penalty was given after Julian Alvarez was clattered by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
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      Taking to Twitter to vent their fury, some fans claimed that the tournament was being officiated in Argentina’s favour.
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      Argentina were controversially awarded a penalty against PolandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      One incorrectly tweeted: “This has to be the most rigged world cup ever. Argentina has got 5 penalties.”
      While a second added: “How was that a penalty. This world cup is definitely rigged.”
      Another conspiracy theorist wrote: “The whole World Cup is rigged for Messi to win it. Funny that some people still don’t believe it.”
      While a further commenter huffed: “Rigged! That’s not a penalty!!!! So sick of every referee favouring Argentina / Messi in this tournament. Joke.”
      After Messi’s incredible assist for Argentina’s third, another Twitter user mocked those crying foul play, writing: “I guess the third goal is Rigged too haha hahahha Messi is Goated.”
      Messi will take on the winner of tomorrow’s clash between Morocco and France in Sunday’s final.
      Messi, 35, bamboozled Josko Gvardiol before setting up Argentina’s thirdCredit: Getty More

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      Raheem Sterling & Kieran Trippier help TV reporter convince parents with dementia that she was covering Qatar World Cup

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      ENGLAND stars Kieran Trippier and Raheem Sterling are being praised for a heartfelt gesture to a World Cup journalist.Sports presenter Carrie Brown had been in Qatar covering the world cup, but her parents were unaware due to their dementia.
      The TV reporter’s parents both suffer from dementia and live in a care home
      They had the surprise of their life when they met two England playersCredit: Reuters
      Carrie’s parents both live full-time in a care home, and “didn’t believe” Carrie was in Qatar – but Kieran and Raheem helped Carrie surprise the couple.
      Carrie said there’s only one hour of the day where she can speak with her parents on Zoom due to her busy schedule.
      She said: “For the first seven days of rushing around I hadn’t managed it.
      “I made a mental note that after the Iran game that might be quite a good time after the flash zone was done, and I saw one of the coaching staff, John McDermott, doing the same thing with his family and everything had been done and all the players had gone.”
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      During the lull of events in Qatar, she called her parents, but even after seeing the pitch and England dugout, her mum wasn’t convinced.
      Carrie then showed her parents the interview area, and saw some of the England players in the tunnel.
      She said: “It was really dark and I was like, “You can probably see there’s some players.”
      Raheem heard the conversation, and walked over to wave to the journalist’s parents on Zoom.
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      Carrie recalled: “When he realised it was my mum and dad in a care home, he got Kieran Trippier over and they waved and they engaged.
      “My dad didn’t have words and my mum didn’t know what to think!”
      Carrie said it meant the world to her mum and dad, and the doctors and nurses at the care home.
      The selfless act will never be forgotten by Carrie, who said: “The nurses and the doctors that have got so many people through Covid, they’ll never forget the day that Raheem and Kieran spent some time with their care home.
      “And that will stay with me longer than any goal from this tournament.”
      Carrie recounted the event during a live broadcast this past week, and a video of the interview has touched hearts on Twitter.
      One user replied: “Tears here. Thank you for for sharing that Carrie. I’m in a similar position with my dad so this is so heart warming.”
      Another praised the players: “Wow this now amazing Carrie – such a lovely hear warming story and well done to the England boys for doing this.”
      It comes after England crashed out of the tournament with a 2-1 loss against France in the quarter final clash on Saturday.
      Raheem and Kieran have been praised for their selfless actCredit: Reuters
      Carrie says she won’t soon forget it, and neither will the workers at her parent’s care home
      The player’s actions have moved many Twitter users to tearsCredit: Reuters More