Advertisement

World Cup 2022 news LIVE: Kyle Walker addresses media ahead of England’s quarter-final with France

The World Cup has reached the quarter-final stage but Cristiano Ronaldo’s name dominates the headlines despite Portugal thrashing Switzerland in the last 16.

Fernando Santos opted for Goncalo Ramos, who hit a hat-trick in the 6-1 win and the Selecao boss insists Ronaldo may now have to accept a different role in the team: “That is still something that has to be defined.”

England meanwhile look to recover and prepare for a massive quarter-final tie with France and Gareth Southgate has a number of decisions to make over how to combat the threat of the in-form Kylian Mbappe, who now leads the Golden Boot race.

Follow the build-up to England vs France and the latest from Qatar below:

World Cup latest news

‘I understand what I need to do’: Kyle Walker on World Cup battle with Kylian Mbappe

Wednesday 7 December 2022 20:00 , Michael Jones

Kyle Walker insists England will not be rolling out the red carpet for France’s great entertainers in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final clash.

Most of the talk since the tie was confirmed has surrounded Kylian Mbappe and how England can stop a man who leads the golden boot race with his five goals in Qatar.

The World Cup holders also boast the likes of Olivier Giroud – who has overtaken Thierry Henry to become Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer – and Antoine Griezmann.

But Walker is not prepared for England to become theatre-goers as he backed Gareth Southgate’s men to show what they can do.

‘I understand what I need to do’: Kyle Walker on World Cup battle with Kylian Mbappe

Jordan Pickford eager to celebrate more ‘massive’ clean sheets for England

Wednesday 7 December 2022 19:45 , Michael Jones

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is intent on celebrating more clean sheets as he prepares for his 50th cap in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final clash against France.

The Everton stopper will reach a half-century of England appearances when he stands between the posts to face Kylian Mbappe, the leading goalscorer in Qatar, and his team-mates.

Pickford has kept three clean sheets from four games at the finals so far, shipping two late goals in the 6-2 opening win over Iran.

He puts his record and impressive form for England down to a fine understanding with a regular backline, Harry Maguire having started 38 of Pickford’s 49 games, with Kyle Walker (34) and John Stones (32) not far behind.

Jordan Pickford eager to celebrate more ‘massive’ clean sheets for England

‘Disaster!’: Spanish Newspapers react to Spain’s World Cup exit on penalties

Wednesday 7 December 2022 19:30 , Michael Jones

Spain’s World Cup exit has left a bitter taste back home after Morocco stunned Luis Enrique’s side on penalties.

A campaign in Qatar that started so bright after thrashing Costa Rica, La Furia Roja gradually lost momentum as old issues returned to haunt them.

After 120 goalless minutes at Education City Stadium, a 3-0 shoot-out loss will leave Spain with nightmares, especially in the manner of the draw and then defeat with 77 percent possession, more than 1,000 passes but just one shot on target.

Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all missed their spot kicks to bow out at the last 16, with Enrique refusing to discuss his future.

‘Disaster!’: Spanish Newspapers react to Spain’s World Cup exit

Fifa president Gianni Infantino hails World Cup group stage as ‘best ever’

Wednesday 7 December 2022 19:15 , Michael Jones

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has labelled the group stage at the World Cup in Qatar as the “best ever”.

The opening phase of the tournament featured some incredible shocks, with Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina the first major upset.

Japan also beat Germany and Spain to finish top of their group, while Morocco saw off Belgium and drew with Croatia to finish top of their pool.

There was also drama in the final round of matches as qualification for the last 16 went right to the wire in some of the groups, and Infantino says there has never been a tournament to match it.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino hails World Cup group stage as ‘best ever’

Qatar World Cup: Fifa accused of being ‘complicit’ in ‘human rights travesty’

Wednesday 7 December 2022 19:00 , Michael Jones

The family of jailed World Cup whistleblower Abdullah Ibhais has accused Fifa and president Gianni Infantino of “callous indifference” and being “complicit” in a “human rights travesty”, which is “tearing apart” his young family.

“We refuse to back down,” a statement read. “We call upon the Qatari authorities for Abdullah’s immediate release, and ask all human rights organisations, journalists, activists, players and the audience of the World Cup to raise their voices and call for Freedom for Abdullah.”

Ibhais’s case was referred on Wednesday to a team of UN human rights experts, which the family hope will result in an official statement that his case constitutes an arbitrary detention.

Fifa accused of being ‘complicit’ in ‘human rights travesty’

World Cup: The best moments so far from Lionel Messi magic and shock upsets to group stage drama

Wednesday 7 December 2022 18:45 , Michael Jones

And breathe. After 17 days of non-stop football, the World Cup pauses ahead of the quarter-finals in Qatar. Amid controversy and continued human rights concerns surrounding the host country off the pitch, it’s been an exhilarating ride so far on it, with shocks galore and a number of thrilling matches to light up the tournament.

The group stages may be remembered as the most unpredictable ever seen at a World Cup, with Saudi Arabia shocking Argentina, Japan stunning Germany and then Spain, and Tunisia beating the defending champions France. Several of the groups went down to the final day, and in some cases final minutes, setting up a diverse last-16 line-up.

There have been moments of inspiration from star players, including Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, as well as sublime team goals scored by the Netherlands and Brazil. England have also impressed and are the tournament’s top scorers heading into the quarter-finals, with Gareth Southgate’s side facing France on Saturday.

World Cup: The best moments so far

New generation, same old problems: How Spain’s World Cup fell apart

Wednesday 7 December 2022 18:30 , Michael Jones

For Spain, this World Cup was supposed to be about optimism for the future, but it has only ended up recalling the pessimism of the past.

A new generation, and new idea, have only succumbed to old problems. So much of this elimination to Morocco recalled the 2018 defeat by Russia, from the fact it went to over 1,000 passes with barely a shot – let alone a goal – and that impotence continuing in a penalty shootout defeat.

Even worse, the defeatism of it recalled the fatalism of Spanish football history, as if the glory era of 2008-12 had never happened.

So much of this is interconnected, though, and why it should influence the future. It was Spain’s academy revolution that was the primary reason for that glory era, directly creating players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta. The conveyer belt has only continued, especially in their successors in Pedri and Gavi. A problem is nevertheless that the process has become so defined that Spain produces too many of this type of player at the expense of everything else.

New generation, same old problems: How Spain’s World Cup fell apart

England vs France: The key battle that could decide World Cup quarter-final

Wednesday 7 December 2022 18:15 , Michael Jones

Kyle Walker’s battle with Kylian Mbappe will be crucial as England look to bring down much-fancied France in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Matty Cash, Mbappe’s last-16 opponent with Poland, and former England full-back Gary Neville are among those tipping the pacy Manchester City full-back as the ideal man to shackle Mbappe.

That France will look to work Mbappe into space in dangerous positions is not exactly news, but his 28.7 times per 90 minutes receiving the ball between the midfield and defensive lines is far and away the highest of any player from either of these teams.

The key battle that could decide England vs France World Cup quarter-final

Declan Rice misses England training session through illness ahead of France quarter-final

Wednesday 7 December 2022 18:07 , Michael Jones

Declan Rice missed training through illness as England prepare for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against France.

The 23-year-old midfielder has started all four games for Gareth Southgate’s side in Qatar but was absent from the session at Al Wakrah Sports Complex.

Striker Callum Wilson also sat out as he recovers from a minor muscle strain.

There were 22 players involved in the session.

Declan Rice misses England training through illness ahead of France quarter-final

Eden Hazard announces Belgium retirement after group stage exit at World Cup

Wednesday 7 December 2022 18:00 , Michael Jones

Eden Hazard has announced his international retirement for Belgium after a group stage exit at the Qatar World Cup.

The Real Madrid forward follows coach Roberto Martinez in walking away from the Red Devils.

A desperately disappointing campaign saw Belgium lose to Morocco and draw with Croatia in the final game to finish third in Group F.

And now the former Chelsea star has confirmed he will walk away from international football after 14-year career with 126 caps and 33 goals.

Eden Hazard announces Belgium retirement after group stage exit at World Cup

England squad hoping ‘Dave the cat’ will be their lucky World Cup mascot

Wednesday 7 December 2022 17:53 , Michael Jones

England may be known for wearing three lions on their shirts – but a cat could be their lucky charm if they go all the way to World Cup glory in Qatar.

A number of the squad have taken a shine to a stray who has made himself at home at their Al Wakrah-based hotel.

Given the name ‘Dave’, the feline has appeared in plenty of social media posts since the team arrived in Qatar.

England squad hoping ‘Dave the cat’ will be their lucky World Cup mascot

World Cup’s glass ceiling cuts off chasing pack from promised land of quarter-finals

Wednesday 7 December 2022 17:45 , Michael Jones

In Mexico, they call it “la maldicion del quinto Partido”. The curse of the fifth game. The curse being, in fact, that there isn’t a fifth game for El Tri, the side with the unwanted record of going out of the World Cup in the last 16 on the most consecutive occasions. This year, it was the curse of the fourth game: for the first time since 1990, Mexico were not found in the knockout stages.

But others can testify to the curse. Since they were quarter-finalists in 2002, the United States have gone out in the first knockout round three times. Japan can beat that, falling at the same hurdle in 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022. South Korea were semi-finalists on home soil 20 years ago; abroad, however, they cannot reach the last eight. Switzerland, too, could progress further in front of their own crowds but, since hosting the tournament in 1954, they have five last-16 exits, including the last three in a row.

“We had great plans, we wanted to make history,” said Switzerland manager Murat Yakin. In one respect, his side did: they lost 6-1 to Portugal. Yet perhaps the outcome of half of the first eight knockout matches was inevitable: a quartet of sides go out when they always do.

World Cup’s glass ceiling cuts off chasing pack from promised land of quarter-finals

France are not dependent on Kylian Mbappe for World Cup success, Adrien Rabiot claims

Wednesday 7 December 2022 17:37 , Michael Jones

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot insists France are not dependent on Kylian Mbappe for success at the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps’ defending champions face England in the quarter-finals on Saturday and in Mbappe they have the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals in four matches.

However, they also have the joint second-highest scorer in Olivier Giroud, with three, and Rabiot stressed they are not a one-man team.

France are not dependent on Kylian Mbappe for World Cup success, Adrien Rabiot claims

All the passing, all the penalties, none of the precision: Spain haunted by familiar World Cup exit

Wednesday 7 December 2022 17:30 , Michael Jones

“I couldn’t care less about the result,” Luis Enrique had said in the build-up to Spain’s latest bid to get past the World Cup’s first knockout round. He will care about this one, a magnificent Morocco instead earning the best in their history and a first-ever quarter-final place with it.

It came in a penalty shootout, just as it did against Russia four years ago at the same stage, Enrique’s homework assignment to “take 1,000 penalties” before this tournament a year ago evidently not undertaken.

Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all erred from 12 yards this time before Achraf Hakimi impudently showed them how it was supposed to be done. They should’ve taken 1,001.

Spain haunted by lack of finishing touch in familiar World Cup exit

This is some World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo is having and it’s not over yet

Wednesday 7 December 2022 17:15 , Michael Jones

This is some World Cup that Cristiano Ronaldo is having. Forget for a moment the self-immolation of that Piers Morgan interview, which torched his legacy at Manchester United and appears to have ended his career at the elite level of European football too. Instead focus only what has taken place just since the start of this tournament. There’s still plenty to go at.

Since winning and converting a highly questionable penalty in Portugal‘s opening game, he has claimed to score a goal he did not touch, set up another for the opposition by cowering at a set-piece, flounced off the pitch in a barrage, and, as a result of that outburst, he has now been dropped from the starting line-up - a decision that heralded a statement 6-1 victory and arguably the best team performance seen in Qatar.

An exile at club level, a substitute internationally: the world’s most popular, famous and marketable person to be currently between jobs is arguably at the lowest point of his career - a career that all but one of his peers could only dream of, that has redefined what it means to be a success in this sport, that has remodelled the sport itself along the way. What now for a player who has almost had it all? What next for the man that appears about to lose it all? Well, a World Cup quarter-final, perhaps.

This is some World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo is having and it’s not over yet

England have planned for France clash for two years, says Steve Holland ahead of World Cup quarter-final

Wednesday 7 December 2022 17:00 , Michael Jones

England have been planning for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final with France for two years, and have been giving consideration to tackling Kylian Mbappe by pinning him back with England’s own attacking strengths. Gareth Southgate had a 9am presentation on the world champions the morning after the late win over Senegal, with FA head of coaching Tim Dittmer detailing a number of key points like the thinking of Didier Deschamps and tactical choices depending on opponent.

The England staff have been working on that resolutely since, with assistant Steve Holland believing this is a genuine “50-50” game. Southgate’s second-in-command also described Jude Bellingham as “unique” and possessing every ingredient, with his introduction to midfield amplifying how other young attackers have gone up a level since Euro 2020.

It is naturally the question of how to deal with Mbappe that has framed most of Southgate’s thinking over this week. Holland compared the task to trying to stop Lionel Messi with Chelsea ahead of the 2011/12 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

England have planned for France clash for two years, says Steve Holland

World Cup Golden Boot: Messi, Rashford, Mbappe and Gakpo vie for top goalscorer at Qatar 2022

Wednesday 7 December 2022 16:50 , Michael Jones

The Golden Boot is the award given to the player who scores the most goals at a World Cup, and the race is on for the prestigious prize at Qatar 2022.

Previous winners include France legend Just Fontaine, who scored 13 in 1954, a record tally at a single World Cup which still stands; Portugal’s Eusebio, who scored nine goals in 1966; England’s Gary Lineker, who scored eight goals in 1986; Ronaldo, who scored eight as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup; and the current England captain Harry Kane who scored six goals last time out in Russia.

Fifa hands out a gold, silver and bronze prize for goalscorers. Previously players with the same number of goals would share awards, but nowadays they are split by tie-breakers: first, who scored the fewest penalties; then who collected the most Fifa-approved assists; then who has played the fewest minutes.

World Cup Golden Boot: Who is the top goalscorer at Qatar 2022?

Jude Bellingham ready to tear into France at World Cup: ‘You have to have that dog in you’

Wednesday 7 December 2022 16:44 , Michael Jones

Jude Bellingham is ready to be England’s dog of war when they face France in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night.

The Borussia Dortmund man has been the shining light in an England team that boasted the best group-stage record in Qatar and saw off Senegal 3-0 in the last 16 to set up a clash with reigning champions France at Al Bayt Stadium.

At just 19, Bellingham has drawn plaudits from all quarters, with England team-mates Jack Grealish and Phil Foden tipping him to become the world’s best midfielder in the coming years.

Jude Bellingham ready to tear into France: ‘You have to have that dog in you’

‘I knew he would shine’: Jack Grealish hails ‘brilliant’ Jude Bellingham

Wednesday 7 December 2022 16:30 , Michael Jones

Jack Grealish insists he knew England teammate Jude Bellingham would be a star of the World Cup.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham has been crucial to Gareth Southgate’s plans in Qatar and his performance in Sunday’s 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal belied his age and experience.

The 19-year-old laid on the first goal for Jordan Henderson before driving forward to lead the counter-attack which saw Harry Kane double the advantage on the stroke of half time.

‘I knew he would shine’: Jack Grealish hails ‘brilliant’ Jude Bellingham

Bukayo Saka ready to take penalty for England despite Euro 2020 heartbreak

Wednesday 7 December 2022 16:20 , Michael Jones

Bukayo Saka is ready to step up to the penalty spot for England again as he said his hot streak at the World Cup has “lifted” him following his Euro 2020 heartbreak.

The Arsenal forward missed the decisive penalty as England lost the final to Italy in a shoot-out last summer and went on to suffer horrific online racist abuse in the aftermath.

Since then, Saka has been crowned Arsenal’s player of the season, England’s player of the year and ended the last campaign as the Gunners’ top goalscorer.

Bukayo Saka ready to take penalty for England despite Euro 2020 heartbreak

Japan and Croatia provide reminder of the risk and the reluctance of knockout World Cup football

Wednesday 7 December 2022 16:10 , Michael Jones

Half the World Cup 2022 round of 16 was over and done with before we knew it, little of it truly throwing up any possibility of a shock result or, indeed, much doubt over who would progress.

Sure, Australia came within a big Emi Martinez arm of forcing an equaliser, but it was wildly against the run of the game and after one massively deflected goal, and sure, both England and France were frustrated for a bit.

It didn’t last, and once the first goal went in, all uncertainty disappeared.

For all intents and purposes, each of the first four round of 16 clashes were over and done by at half-time, given none gave up their initial lead, and three were absolutely wrapped up by the hour mark.

Japan and Croatia provide reminder of risk and reluctance of knockout football

The data behind England’s race for World Cup glory

Wednesday 7 December 2022 16:00 , Michael Jones

England’s World Cup 2022 players are running more than three kilometres more during games than their 1966 equivalents, and running more than twice as long at top speed, according to a study by STATSports that emphasises just how athletic the modern game has become.

The sports performance data company have been supplying the national team with technology including GPS training vests for over a decade, with Gareth Southgate leaning on them heavily for selection decisions.

STATSports undertook a study where their technology extensively analysed video footage of England’s 4-2 extra-time win over West Germany in the 1966 final.

The data behind England’s race for World Cup glory

England will not roll out red carpet for Kylian Mbappe and France

Wednesday 7 December 2022 15:50 , Michael Jones

Kyle Walker insists England will not be rolling out the red carpet for France’s great entertainers in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final clash.

Most of the talk since the tie was confirmed has surrounded Kylian Mbappe and how England can stop a man who leads the golden boot race with his five goals in Qatar.

The World Cup holders also boast the likes of Olivier Giroud – who has overtaken Thierry Henry to become Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer – and Antoine Griezmann.

Kyle Walker: England will not roll out red carpet for Kylian Mbappe and France

Gary Neville and Roy Keane explain how England can stop Kylian Mbappe

Wednesday 7 December 2022 15:40 , Michael Jones

Kyle Walker has been backed to nullify the threat of Kylian Mbappe when England play France in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

The 23-year-old forward, who scored four times en route to Les Bleus winning the 2018 tournament in Russia, leads the race for the Golden Boot in Qatar with five goals after a brace in the 3-1 last-16 victory over Poland.

Mbappe headed into the World Cup looking as lethal an attacking force as ever, having netted 19 times for Paris Saint-Germain in 20 Ligue 1 and Champions League appearances this season to take his goal tally for the club since joining in 2017 close to 200.

Gary Neville and Roy Keane explain how England can stop Kylian Mbappe

How Croatia became the never-say-die zombie side of the World Cup

Wednesday 7 December 2022 15:30 , Michael Jones

One of the great cliches of international football requires updating. Never write off the Germans? It transpires there are times you can. But, long after they went out in the group stage in successive World Cups, a lesson of the 2018 and 2022 is to never write off the Croatians. They feel the hardest team to kill off. Denmark, Russia and England all led against Croatia in the knockout stages of the 2018 World Cup. They all ended up defeated. Japan followed suit in Qatar.

Croatia still have not won a World Cup knockout tie in 90 minutes since 1998. They nevertheless reached the final four years ago and are in the quarter-final now. They have a staying power that extends beyond Luka Modric’s extraordinary haul of 159 caps or his 16-year international career. If football is a 90-minute game, Croatia have the capacity to survive 120, the blend of skill and nerve to prevail on penalties after that.

Modric is the defining talent, his country’s greatest player. And yet their match-winners use their gloves, not their feet. Zlatko Dalic reflected on Dominik Livakovic’s hat-trick of penalty saves and cast his mind back to the last man to do likewise in a World Cup shootout. It is a curiosity of Croatian football that otherwise unexceptional goalkeepers can be specialists from 12 yards on the global stage.

How Croatia became the never-say-die zombie side of the World Cup

Luke Shaw warns England of being ‘very naive’ against Kylian Mbappe’s France

Wednesday 7 December 2022 15:20 , Michael Jones

Luke Shaw believes it would be “naive” of England to focus solely on the threat of Kylian Mbappe in their World Cup quarter-final clash against France.

England beat Senegal 3-0 in their last-16 meeting on Sunday to set up a date with the reigning world champions at Al Bayt Stadium.

Keeping Mbappe quiet would go some way to helping Gareth Southgate’s men to victory on Saturday night, the Paris St Germain forward having already hit five goals in Qatar – including two in their 3-1 win over Poland which saw them advance to the last eight.

Luke Shaw warns England of being ‘very naive’ against Kylian Mbappe’s France

Morocco seek to ‘give the dream’ to all of Africa that future World Cup success remains in sight

Wednesday 7 December 2022 15:10 , Michael Jones

And then there was one. Morocco are the last African side standing but at the first Arab World Cup, they are more than that. They are carrying a continent’s hopes, but they are representing the Middle East as well as Africa. They are the underdogs against Spain, but they believe they will have the support of two vast regions.

“Before it was just the Moroccans who supported us,” said their bullish head coach Walid Regragui. “Now it is the Africans and Arabs. We will come in with a winner’s attitude. We will come in swinging. We want to hoist our Moroccan flag well up high. The great nations are still here and it is up to us to give them a run for their money.”

Certainly there is no inferiority complex from Regragui. He accepts that Spain are widely expected to win. He respects their past. But he believes the future could lie in Morocco, if not elsewhere in Africa.

Morocco seek to ‘give dream’ to all Africa of future World Cup success

Enjoying the Qatar World Cup? Here is the reality hiding in plain sight

Wednesday 7 December 2022 15:00 , Michael Jones

It is a description that was almost overlooked at the time, but that Qatar was highly attuned to, and warrants mention every day of this World Cup.

“Consultations and reports in Qatar reveal that racial and ethnic stereotypes operate in both the public and private spheres, according to which, for example, sub-Saharan African men are presumed to be unsanitary, sub-Saharan African women are presumed to be sexually available, and certain South Asian nationalities are presumed unintelligent. The Special Rapporteur received credible reports that, on the other hand, North Americans, Europeans and Australians are presumed superior, and whites in general are presumed to be inherently competent in various contexts, such as hiring and promotion decisions.”

This all comes from the report written by Professor Tendayi Achiume, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, who is about as respected an authority as you can find on this area.

Enjoying the Qatar World Cup? Here is the reality hiding in plain sight

Qatar official admits for first time hundreds of migrant workers died building World Cup 2022

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:53 , Michael Jones

A leading Qatari official has admitted for the first time that hundreds of migrant workers died building the 2022 World Cup.

Qatar has vehemently denied accusations of thousands of unexplained deaths among its large migrant worker community, who were brought to the Gulf state mostly from impoverished parts of south Asia over the past 12 years to build lavish stadiums and infrastructure for the four-week tournament.

The previous line insisted by Qatar officials was that 40 workers had died building the World Cup, 37 of which were “non-work incidents” meaning only three supposedly occurred as a result of poor working conditions.

Qatar official admits for first time hundreds of workers died building World Cup

Gareth Southgate believes ahead of true test of how far England have come

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:45 , Michael Jones

England’s last meeting with France came in Saint-Denis five years ago, in what was only Gareth Southgate’s eighth game in charge. The world champions in waiting went down to 10 men that night - Raphael Varane seeing red at the start of the second half, when the score was still level at 2-2 - and a formative, character-building win briefly appeared on the cards. Yet even then, Didier Deschamps’ side deservedly came out on top through an Ousmane Dembélé winner.

It was an entertaining end-of-season friendly with little riding on the result but the defeat and failure to make the most of the man advantage demonstrated how far England had to go before they could be considered among the very best in the international game. “There is no magic wand,” their manager warned. And yet just a year later, had a few things gone differently, their next meeting might have come in a World Cup final.

The pace of progression under Southgate since that evening in the Parisian banlieues has been rapid. If that much was not already clear from England’s results, it is reinforced by a glance at the team sheet from the 3-2 defeat. Tom Heaton started in goal. Aaron Cresswell was a second-half substitute, replacing Phil Jones. Kieran Trippier, now considered a part of the furniture and international veteran, was making his first appearance.

Gareth Southgate believes ahead of true test of how far England have come

The best moments of World Cup 2022 so far from Lionel Messi magic and shock upsets to group stage drama

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:35 , Michael Jones

And breathe. After 17 days of non-stop football, the World Cup pauses ahead of the quarter-finals in Qatar. Amid controversy and continued human rights concerns surrounding the host country off the pitch, it’s been an exhilarating ride so far on it, with shocks galore and a number of thrilling matches to light up the tournament.

The group stages may be remembered as the most unpredictable ever seen at a World Cup, with Saudi Arabia shocking Argentina, Japan stunning Germany and then Spain, and Tunisia beating the defending champions France. Several of the groups went down to the final day, and in some cases final minutes, setting up a diverse last-16 line-up.

There have been moments of inspiration from star players, including Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, as well as sublime team goals scored by the Netherlands and Brazil. England have also impressed and are the tournament’s top scorers heading into the quarter-finals, with Gareth Southgate’s side facing France on Saturday.

World Cup: The best moments so far

England’s route to the World Cup final: Who do Three Lions play if they beat France?

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:27 , Michael Jones

Gareth Southgate’s England squad will be hoping to make it back-to-back finals in major international competitions - and this time go one step better and lift the trophy.

Four years ago the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup as the upturn in international fortunes began under Southgate, before they went the distance to the final at Euro 2020. Now in Qatar the objective will remain the same, to end the long wait since 1966 for success on the biggest stage.

Three matches in the group phase were safely negotiated as they topped Group B and now three further knock-out fixtures must be navigated before the trophy is up for grabs on 18 December at the 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium.

Who do England play next if they beat France?

Kyle Walker backed to ‘do a job’ on Kylian Mbappe for England against France

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:19 , Michael Jones

James Maddison has backed Kyle Walker to “do a job” on France star Kylian Mbappe in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.

The reward for Sunday’s comfortable 3-0 last-16 win against Senegal is a mouth-watering clash against the reigning champions back at Al Bayt Stadium.

Gareth Southgate’s men will have to keep Mbappe quiet if England are to have any chance of progressing to another semi-final.

Kyle Walker backed to ‘do a job’ on Kylian Mbappe for England against France

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:16 , Michael Jones

And that is that from the unembargoed section of the news conference. Kyle Walker seemed confident about England’s chances on Saturday and about his job in dealing with Kylian Mbappe.

All good signs for England fans.

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:14 , Michael Jones

Finally, in what was possible the most important question of the presser Walker gave an update on England’s adopted mascot Dave the cat.

"He’s fine. He had a bit of a scrap over food with the other cat the other night. He’s doing well. Hopefully he will come home if we win the World Cup.

"Hopefully he is a good luck charm."

 (AP)
(AP)

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:12 , Michael Jones

Will England take the handbrake off against France?

"This is a great opportunity to show we can beat a big team. To beat France would give us confidence.

"The manager makes the right call to play a four or a five in defence. It is harsh to judge him on what he’s done previously. Let’s just go off the last game, which I thought we won impressively."

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:11 , Michael Jones

One of the final questions in the first part of Walker’s press conference addressed a tornado that appeared 10 minutes away from Saturday’s venue and the forecast that it might rain during the game.

Walker was upbeat saying: “I’ never thought I’d say it but I can’t wait to see some rain. Living in Manchester we see it everyday.

“It’ll be something France will have to deal with too. I don’t think a little bit of rain will make that much difference to who wins.”

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:06 , Michael Jones

As the press conference goes on Walker spoke about the new generation of talent coming through the ranks for England and touched on the impact Jude Bellingham has had on the team saying:

"It is great for the English game. As you mentioned, Jude [Bellingham] being one who has the courage to play for England that others didn’t have when they were younger. They have no fear and they go in and express themselves.

"We have to pay a big compliment to the manager. He has allowed the youngsters that chance but they want to be the best they can be as a footballer."

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:04 , Michael Jones

Are England the underdogs against France?

“We’re playing the world champions, but we are two good teams that will go toe to toe. You’ve seen what can happen in 90 plus minutes.

"There have been shocks and for us this is just another game. We take our hat off to them as world champions but each and eveyr one of us will not be rolling that red carpet out for them to treat it as a theatre.

"We have great talent - talk about the goals we have scored and the clean sheets that we’ve kept. In my eyes, neither team is the underdogs or the favourites."

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:02 , Michael Jones

What has changed since England reached the semi-finals at Russia 2018?

“I feel the standard of players has gone up another level in this tournament.” replied Walker, “As a team in Russia, we were a little inexperienced in big matches. We got to the semi-final, we scored early and we didnt know how to handle that.

“We’re more equipped now.

“Morocco went and got the result they wanted and there have been other surprises so that shows the standard of players have gone up since Russia.”

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 14:00 , Michael Jones

Do England have a chance at winning the World Cup?

“We have to back ourselves and we have to be confident in the players that we’ve got.” said Walker, “Players that have been nurtured over the last four years after reaching the semi-final of a World Cup and the final of the Euros.

“We are in the quarter-final now, we’ve not reached or gone past what we achieved in the World Cup or Euros but we’re moving in the right direction.

“The squad that we have, the confidence is high, we’re scoring goals and we aren’t conceding too many.

“Saturday is going to be a very tough game against a very good team. They’re the reigning world champions, we’ve got to be up to speed and make sure we are singing from the same hymn sheet to win this game.”

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:58 , Michael Jones

Does Harry Kane have an edge over Hugo Lloris due to their club connection with Tottenham?

“If I told you any secrets, then it wouldn’t be a secret, Harry, me and Eric Dier have played with him. Harry will know what to do in the position but Hugo will too. So it’s like cat and mouse.

“We desperately want to win, for us and the nation - we’ve worked so hard.”

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:56 , Michael Jones

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:53 , Michael Jones

The 32-year-old Walker also touched on the future of his international career saying: “I’m a guy that takes a game at a time. I don’t really look towards the future. I will go as long as possible, for myself, my family, my nation.

“I feel really fit, energetic and I want to achieve more. The hunger is still there so it’s not going to happen anytime soon but it will come to an end eventually.

“In 2024, I’ll be 34. As long as I’m performing well and the manager picks me then we will see.”

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:50 , Michael Jones

One of the French journalists reminds Walker that Mbappe once told the media that the England right-back was one of the only players to make his ‘suffer’ during a match which he took as a compliment saying:

“That’s nice to hear because he had a tough game against me. I know he’s a top player but we’re not playing tennis. It’s not a solo sport, it’s a team game.

“Anything can happen in 90 minutes. They need to worry about us, not just us worrying about them.”

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:47 , Michael Jones

Walker says that England are not only thinking about how to handle Kylian Mbappe but also how to deal with the other threats that France hold such as Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann.

“When we’ve played Paris St-Germain in the Champions League, we’re not just thinking of Mbappe and it’s the same on Saturday.” said Walker, “Yes he’s a tool in their armoury - and a very good one - but you can’t underestimate their other players.

“We know he’s a great player and that’s why he’s the focus of all questions. But let’s not forget Olivier Giroud who has scored lots of goals, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann.

“For me all the questions shouldn’t be about him [Mbappe]. Yes I appreciate he’s a great footballer but there are others too.”

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:42 , Michael Jones

More from Walker who addressed the importance of his potential battle with Mbappe. He said:

“Of course I understand the focus and I understand what I need to do to stop him. It’s easier said than done but I don’t underestimate myself.

“I’ve come up against some of the best players in the world but I have to treat it just as another game. You have to give him respect but not too much.

“Yes it will be a tough game but a team cannot just be about one person. I’m not going to roll out a carpet for him and tell him to score. It’s a World Cup, it’s do or die.

“I’m not going home so I’m not going to let him ruin that for my family.”

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:40 , Michael Jones

Walker was asked about how he would adapt his game based on whether England line-up with a back four or a more conservative back three.

“It’s about reading the game, reading the opponent and reading the formation that the manager wants you to play in and adapting to that.” he said, “It’s a team game not a solo game so I do whatever the manager ask and whatever is going to benefit the team.”

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:37 , Michael Jones

Kyle Walker’s press conference has just started and the opening question is how the England right-back plans to defend against France winger Kylian Mbappe.

Walker replied: “I’ve played against him a number of times now with Manchester City against PSG. He’s a fantastic player in great form so it’s not going to be an easy task but it’s one that as a professional footballer you want to play against the best and I think he is one of, if not the best, in the world at the minute.”

England vs France: The key battle that could decide World Cup quarter-final

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:33 , Michael Jones

Kyle Walker’s battle with Kylian Mbappe will be crucial as England look to bring down much-fancied France in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Matty Cash, Mbappe’s last-16 opponent with Poland, and former England full-back Gary Neville are among those tipping the pacy Manchester City full-back as the ideal man to shackle Mbappe.

That France will look to work Mbappe into space in dangerous positions is not exactly news, but his 28.7 times per 90 minutes receiving the ball between the midfield and defensive lines is far and away the highest of any player from either of these teams.

The key battle that could decide England vs France World Cup quarter-final

England press conference

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:28 , Michael Jones

Coming up shortly is a press conference from the England camp with defender Kyle Walker giving his thoughts about the upcoming quarter-final against France and how he plans to cope with Kylian Mbappe.

Some news already known is that Callum Wilson is continuing to recover from a minor knock and Declan Rice missed training today due to an illness.

Walker will be speaking to the press from 1.30pm onwards.

England vs France: Five memorable meetings between World Cup quarter-final foes

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:23 , Michael Jones

England are set to face France in a blockbuster World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, continuing a long footballing rivalry between the near neighbours.

Here we look at some memorable prior encounters:

Five memorable meetings between England and France ahead of World Cup quarter-final

Fifa president Gianni Infantino hails World Cup group stage as ‘best ever’

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:17 , Michael Jones

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has labelled the group stage at the World Cup in Qatar as the “best ever”.

The opening phase of the tournament featured some incredible shocks, with Saudi Arabia’s win over Argentina the first major upset.

Japan also beat Germany and Spain to finish top of their group, while Morocco saw off Belgium and drew with Croatia to finish top of their pool.

There was also drama in the final round of matches as qualification for the last 16 went right to the wire in some of the groups, and Infantino says there has never been a tournament to match it.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino hails World Cup group stage as ‘best ever’

Morocco take over a World Cup that should always have been theirs

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:10 , Michael Jones

Morocco at last have their World Cup. The country that has spent so long trying to host the competition have probably gone one better and made themselves the story of this one.

It was a quite beautiful thing at Education City, that bore witness to a nation-making moment. That was what was most of all symbolised by the victorious Moroccan players bowing in front of their exuberant supporters, a moment of communion.

“When you have a heart, energy and love, you win matches,” mastermind head coach Walid Regragui said.

And yet there is a complicated truth to the pure joy of Morocco’s moment.

Morocco take over a World Cup that should always have been theirs

World Cup’s glass ceiling cuts off chasing pack from promised land of quarter-finals

Wednesday 7 December 2022 13:00 , Michael Jones

In Mexico, they call it “la maldicion del quinto Partido”. The curse of the fifth game. The curse being, in fact, that there isn’t a fifth game for El Tri, the side with the unwanted record of going out of the World Cup in the last 16 on the most consecutive occasions. This year, it was the curse of the fourth game: for the first time since 1990, Mexico were not found in the knockout stages.

But others can testify to the curse. Since they were quarter-finalists in 2002, the United States have gone out in the first knockout round three times. Japan can beat that, falling at the same hurdle in 2002, 2010, 2018 and 2022. South Korea were semi-finalists on home soil 20 years ago; abroad, however, they cannot reach the last eight. Switzerland, too, could progress further in front of their own crowds but, since hosting the tournament in 1954, they have five last-16 exits, including the last three in a row.

“We had great plans, we wanted to make history,” said Switzerland manager Murat Yakin. In one respect, his side did: they lost 6-1 to Portugal. Yet perhaps the outcome of half of the first eight knockout matches was inevitable: a quartet of sides go out when they always do.

World Cup’s glass ceiling cuts off chasing pack from promised land of quarter-finals

Eden Hazard announces Belgium retirement after group stage exit at World Cup

Wednesday 7 December 2022 12:50 , Michael Jones

Eden Hazard has announced his international retirement for Belgium after a group stage exit at the Qatar World Cup.

The Real Madrid forward follows coach Roberto Martinez in walking away from the Red Devils.

A desperately disappointing campaign saw Belgium lose to Morocco and draw with Croatia in the final game to finish third in Group F.

And now the former Chelsea star has confirmed he will walk away from international football after 14-year career with 126 caps and 33 goals.

The 31-year-old said: “A page turns today, thank you for your live. Thank you for your unparalleled support.

Eden Hazard announces Belgium retirement after group stage exit at World Cup

Raheem Sterling: Two arrested after break-in at England winger’s home

Wednesday 7 December 2022 12:45 , Michael Jones

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary following reports of a break-in at the home of England winger Raheem Sterling.

Surrey Police said the arrests were made last night and two men are currently in custody. Officers are investigating whether there is any connection between the arrest and the break-in at Mr Sterling’s Oxshott home.

In a statement, the force said: “Following reports of suspicious activity around 6.40pm, a number of resources were deployed, including the dog unit and the police helicopter. Our colleagues from British Transport Police also provided assistance.

“Enquiries remain ongoing to establish whether there are any links between these arrests and the break-in reported to us over the weekend.”

Raheem Sterling: Two arrested after break-in at England winger’s home

Xherdan Shaqiri apologises to Switzerland fans after World Cup thrashing by Portugal

Wednesday 7 December 2022 12:40 , Michael Jones

Xherdan Shaqiri apologised to Switzerland fans after they were dumped out of the World Cup in humiliating fashion.

Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick, with Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro and Rafael Leao also on the scoresheet as Portugal put Switzerland to the sword to storm into a first World Cup quarter-final since 2006.

Fernando Santos benched Cristiano Ronaldo and was rewarded with a far slicker and more artful display from his team than anything they had shown in the group stages as Switzerland were outplayed in every part of the pitch.

“Today we have to apologise to all Switzerland fans in the name of the team. That was not our true face tonight,” Shaqiri said.

Xherdan Shaqiri apologises to Switzerland fans after World Cup thrashing by Portugal

The next World Cup will jump to 48 teams. Is bigger better?

Wednesday 7 December 2022 12:20 , Michael Jones

The next World Cup will be the biggest ever after world soccer body FIFA took the leap from a 32-team field to 48 teams in 2026.

It means more of soccer’s so-called “little teams” that didn’t make it to Qatar will be given a chance of a lifetime when the tournament is hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

That could be great news for everyone who was entertained by Saudi Arabia’s stirring upset of Lionel Messi’s Argentina at this World Cup, Japan‘s two wins over former champions Germany and Spain or Morocco‘s humbling of star-studded Belgium and Spain on its way to an unexpected quarterfinal run. More surprises surely await in four years.

Still, it’s not clear to everyone that bigger is better.

The next World Cup will jump to 48 teams. Is bigger better?

Callum Wilson absent from England training due to minor muscle strain

Wednesday 7 December 2022 12:10 , Michael Jones

Callum Wilson did not join England’s other non-starters at training on Monday due to a minor muscle strain.

The Newcastle striker has made two substitute appears in Qatar and was an unused substitute in Sunday’s 3-0 World Cup last-16 win against Senegal.

England’s starters worked inside the following day at their Al Wakrah Sports Complex base, where the rest of the group worked outside with Gareth Southgate and his coaches.

Wilson was the only absentee from the session for non-starters, with a slight niggle meaning the striker sat out as a precaution.

Callum Wilson absent from England training due to minor muscle strain

Enjoying the Qatar World Cup? Here is the reality hiding in plain sight

Wednesday 7 December 2022 12:00 , Michael Jones

It is a description that was almost overlooked at the time, but that Qatar was highly attuned to, and warrants mention every day of this World Cup.

“Consultations and reports in Qatar reveal that racial and ethnic stereotypes operate in both the public and private spheres, according to which, for example, sub-Saharan African men are presumed to be unsanitary, sub-Saharan African women are presumed to be sexually available, and certain South Asian nationalities are presumed unintelligent. The Special Rapporteur received credible reports that, on the other hand, North Americans, Europeans and Australians are presumed superior, and whites in general are presumed to be inherently competent in various contexts, such as hiring and promotion decisions.”

This all comes from the report written by Professor Tendayi Achiume, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism, who is about as respected an authority as you can find on this area.

Enjoying the Qatar World Cup? Here is the reality hiding in plain sight

New generation, same old problems: How Spain’s World Cup fell apart

Wednesday 7 December 2022 11:50 , Michael Jones

For Spain, this World Cup was supposed to be about optimism for the future, but it has only ended up recalling the pessimism of the past.

A new generation, and new idea, have only succumbed to old problems. So much of this elimination to Morocco recalled the 2018 defeat by Russia, from the fact it went to over 1,000 passes with barely a shot – let alone a goal – and that impotence continuing in a penalty shootout defeat.

Even worse, the defeatism of it recalled the fatalism of Spanish football history, as if the glory era of 2008-12 had never happened.

So much of this is interconnected, though, and why it should influence the future. It was Spain’s academy revolution that was the primary reason for that glory era, directly creating players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta. The conveyer belt has only continued, especially in their successors in Pedri and Gavi. A problem is nevertheless that the process has become so defined that Spain produces too many of this type of player at the expense of everything else.

New generation, same old problems: How Spain’s World Cup fell apart

England vs France: The key battle that could decide World Cup quarter-final

Wednesday 7 December 2022 11:40 , Michael Jones

Kyle Walker’s battle with Kylian Mbappe will be crucial as England look to bring down much-fancied France in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Matty Cash, Mbappe’s last-16 opponent with Poland, and former England full-back Gary Neville are among those tipping the pacy Manchester City full-back as the ideal man to shackle Mbappe.

That France will look to work Mbappe into space in dangerous positions is not exactly news, but his 28.7 times per 90 minutes receiving the ball between the midfield and defensive lines is far and away the highest of any player from either of these teams.

Kingsley Coman, who deputised as France’s go-to wing forward in their dead rubber against Tunisia, is next at 21.7 with England’s Phil Foden at 21.2.

The key battle that could decide England vs France World Cup quarter-final

World Cup highlights from Day 17

Wednesday 7 December 2022 11:30 , Michael Jones

Here are the photo highlights from Day 17 of the World Cup in Qatar which saw Morocco record a famous and historic victory over Spain and Portugal demolish Switzerland in the final last-16 fixture.

AP PHOTOS: World Cup highlights from Day 17

Moroccans celebrate historic World Cup win against Spain

Wednesday 7 December 2022 11:20 , Michael Jones

Exuberant Moroccans poured into the streets of their capital and in cities across Europe on Tuesday, waving flags and honking horns to celebrate their national soccer team’s historic victory over Spain at the World Cup.

Morocco defeated Spain in a penalty shootout, making the Atlas Lions the only team from outside Europe or South America to make it to the quarterfinals Qatar — and the first Arab team in World Cup history to make it to the last eight.

“We are so proud of our Lions, who fought hard to get us into the quarterfinals,” said Niama Meddoun, a Rabat resident. “We are delighted to be Moroccans today, since we are the first Arab country that has reached the quarterfinals.”

Moroccans celebrate historic World Cup win against Spain

England stars meet Beckham

Wednesday 7 December 2022 11:10 , Michael Jones

Yesterday former England captain David Beckham was invited to the Al Wakrah training camp to chat to England’s current crop of talent as well as receive a legacy shirt from manager Gareth Southgate.

 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
 (The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)

Samuel Eto’o admits to ‘violent altercation’ with World Cup fan after video emerges

Wednesday 7 December 2022 11:00 , Jack Rathborn

Former Cameroon and Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o has apologised after admitting he had a “violent altercation” with a football supporter at the World Cup in Qatar.

Video footage emerged of Eto’o, who is now the president of Cameroon’s Football Federation, appearing to attack a man after Brazil’s 4-1 victory over South Korea on Monday night. In the footage, Eto’o appears to knee the supporter in the face after he was approached when leaving the Stadium 974 in Doha.

In his statement, Eto’o said the fan was “probably an Algerian” and claimed Cameroon fans have been “harassed and pestered by Algerians” since the two African nations met in a controversial World Cup play-off in March.

Samuel Eto’o admits to ‘violent altercation’ with World Cup fan after video emerges

Cristiano Ronaldo role at World Cup ‘to be defined’, Portugal coach reveals

Wednesday 7 December 2022 10:50 , Michael Jones

Cristiano Ronaldo’s role for the remainder of the World Cup is something that has to be “defined”, Portugal boss Fernando Santos said after dropping his captain for their emphatic last-16 win over Switzerland.

The 37-year-old was only named on the bench as Benfica forward Goncalo Ramos – who hit a hat-trick on his full debut to secure a comfortable 6-1 victory and set up a quarter-final clash with Morocco.

Ronaldo’s name was chanted around Lusail Stadium before he was introduced in the closing stages, having been left out of a starting line-up at a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2008.

Asked about Ronaldo, who left Manchester United under a cloud during the finals, Santos said: “That is still something that has to be defined.

Cristiano Ronaldo role at World Cup ‘to be defined’, Portugal coach reveals

All the passing, all the penalties, none of the precision: Spain haunted by familiar World Cup exit

Wednesday 7 December 2022 10:40 , Michael Jones

“I couldn’t care less about the result,” Luis Enrique had said in the build-up to Spain’s latest bid to get past the World Cup’s first knockout round. He will care about this one, a magnificent Morocco instead earning the best in their history and a first-ever quarter-final place with it.

It came in a penalty shootout, just as it did against Russia four years ago at the same stage, Enrique’s homework assignment to “take 1,000 penalties” before this tournament a year ago evidently not undertaken.

Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all erred from 12 yards this time before Achraf Hakimi impudently showed them how it was supposed to be done. They should’ve taken 1,001.

David Villa was the hero the last time Spain won a last-16 game at a World Cup. El Guaje, now 41, isn’t a kid anymore. How the team he once called his own needed him here.

Spain haunted by lack of finishing touch in familiar World Cup exit

Eden Hazard announces Belgium retirement after group stage exit at World Cup

Wednesday 7 December 2022 10:30 , Jack Rathborn

Eden Hazard has announced his international retirement for Belgium after a group stage exit at the Qatar World Cup.

The Real Madrid forward follows coach Roberto Martinez in walking away from the Red Devils.

A desperately disappointing campaign saw Belgium lose to Morocco and draw with Croatia in the final game to finish third in Group F.

And now the former Chelsea star has confirmed he will walk away from international football after 14-year career with 126 caps and 33 goals.

Eden Hazard announces Belgium retirement after group stage exit at World Cup

Gareth Southgate believes ahead of true test of how far England have come

Wednesday 7 December 2022 10:20 , Michael Jones

England’s last meeting with France came in Saint-Denis five years ago, in what was only Gareth Southgate’s eighth game in charge.

The world champions in waiting went down to 10 men that night - Raphael Varane seeing red at the start of the second half, when the score was still level at 2-2 - and a formative, character-building win briefly appeared on the cards. Yet even then, Didier Deschamps’ side deservedly came out on top through an Ousmane Dembélé winner.

It was an entertaining end-of-season friendly with little riding on the result but the defeat and failure to make the most of the man advantage demonstrated how far England had to go before they could be considered among the very best in the international game. “There is no magic wand,” their manager warned. And yet just a year later, had a few things gone differently, their next meeting might have come in a World Cup final.

Gareth Southgate believes ahead of true test of how far England have come

The data behind England’s race for World Cup glory

Wednesday 7 December 2022 10:10 , Michael Jones

England’s World Cup 2022 players are running more than three kilometres more during games than their 1966 equivalents, and running more than twice as long at top speed, according to a study by STATSports that emphasises just how athletic the modern game has become.

The sports performance data company have been supplying the national team with technology including GPS training vests for over a decade, with Gareth Southgate leaning on them heavily for selection decisions.

STATSports undertook a study where their technology extensively analysed video footage of England’s 4-2 extra-time win over West Germany in the 1966 final.

It was found that Alan Ball had the highest total distance of any England player over the 120 minutes, with 8,550m covered. Phil Foden, one of his equivalents in the current team, by contrast covers an average of 10,620m per 90 minutes. The player who has the highest average total distance is Harry Kane, on 10,999m. Declan Rice however beat that by over a kilometre against Senegal, hitting 12,061m.

The data behind England’s race for World Cup glory

This is the side of the World Cup that Qatar would prefer you ignore

Wednesday 7 December 2022 10:00 , Michael Jones

t is one of the regular moments of harsh reality that takes you out of the illusion that is this World Cup. As the taxi driver drops the group off, there is a sudden plea. It is not for a five-star rating.

“Can you give me a tip please?”, he asks. “I have no money to eat.”

The driver, of south Asian descent, sends almost everything he earns back to his family. This is supposed to be the long-awaited period when such workers can generate income due to the number of visitors to Qatar but here is another who is just starving.

Anyone who has been in Doha for the first week of this World Cup would have had many similar stories pass in front of their eyes. The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre said on Sunday that there had been six cases of migrant worker abuse reported in that time alone.

This is the side of the World Cup that Qatar would prefer you ignore, but that is unavoidable, given they are utterly essential to the running of this tournament.

This is the side of the World Cup that Qatar would prefer you ignore

Everything wrong with the Qatar World Cup

Wednesday 7 December 2022 09:50 , Michael Jones

Out of the many facts and figures circulated about Qatar’s problems, there is one realisation that should stand above everything. It is a disgrace that, in 2022, a country can host a World Cup where it has lured millions of people from the poorest countries on earth - often under false pretences - and then forced them into what many call “modern slavery”.

And yet this has just been accepted. The World Cup carries on, an end product of a structure that is at once Orwellian and Kafkaesque. A huge underclass of people work in an autocratic surveillance state, amid an interconnected network of issues that make it almost impossible to escape. “It’s all so embedded,” says Michael Page of Human Rights Watch.

Many will point to similar problems in the west but this isn’t the failure of a system. It is the system, global inequality taken to an extreme. “The bottom line is that these human rights abuses are not normal for a World Cup host,” says Minky Worden, also of Human Rights Watch.

Everything wrong with the Qatar World Cup

‘I knew he would shine’: Jack Grealish hails ‘brilliant’ Jude Bellingham

Wednesday 7 December 2022 09:40 , Michael Jones

Jack Grealish insists he knew England teammate Jude Bellingham would be a star of the World Cup.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham has been crucial to Gareth Southgate’s plans in Qatar and his performance in Sunday’s 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal belied his age and experience.

The 19-year-old laid on the first goal for Jordan Henderson before driving forward to lead the counter-attack which saw Harry Kane double the advantage on the stroke of half time.

‘I knew he would shine’: Jack Grealish hails ‘brilliant’ Jude Bellingham

Jordan Pickford eager to celebrate more ‘massive’ clean sheets for England

Wednesday 7 December 2022 09:30 , Jack Rathborn

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is intent on celebrating more clean sheets as he prepares for his 50th cap in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final clash against France.

The Everton stopper will reach a half-century of England appearances when he stands between the posts to face Kylian Mbappe, the leading goalscorer in Qatar, and his team-mates.

Pickford has kept three clean sheets from four games at the finals so far, shipping two late goals in the 6-2 opening win over Iran.

He puts his record and impressive form for England down to a fine understanding with a regular backline, Harry Maguire having started 38 of Pickford’s 49 games, with Kyle Walker (34) and John Stones (32) not far behind.

Jordan Pickford eager to celebrate more ‘massive’ clean sheets for England

Luis Enrique refuses to discuss Spain future after World Cup exit

Wednesday 7 December 2022 09:20 , Jack Rathborn

Luis Enrique has refused to confirm that he will stay on as Spain head coach after his team were dumped out of the World Cup by Morocco.

Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all missed from 12 yards before Achraf Hakimi struck the winning spot-kick in a 3-0 penalty shootout victory.

The result means Spain’s wait for a knockout win at this tournament extends to 12 years, their last coming when they won the trophy back in 2010.

Luis Enrique has led his national team since 2018, though stepping down for four months in 2019 following the death of his daughter.

Luis Enrique refuses to discuss Spain future after World Cup exit

England have planned for France clash for two years, says Steve Holland ahead of World Cup quarter-final

Wednesday 7 December 2022 09:10 , Jack Rathborn

England have been planning for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final with France for two years, and have been giving consideration to tackling Kylian Mbappe by pinning him back with England’s own attacking strengths. Gareth Southgate had a 9am presentation on the world champions the morning after the late win over Senegal, with FA head of coaching Tim Dittmer detailing a number of key points like the thinking of Didier Deschamps and tactical choices depending on opponent.

The England staff have been working on that resolutely since, with assistant Steve Holland believing this is a genuine “50-50” game. Southgate’s second-in-command also described Jude Bellingham as “unique” and possessing every ingredient, with his introduction to midfield amplifying how other young attackers have gone up a level since Euro 2020.

England have planned for France clash for two years, says Steve Holland

Gabriel Jesus: Arsenal forward has surgery on right knee injury

Wednesday 7 December 2022 09:00 , Jack Rathborn

Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has undergone successful surgery on a knee injury, his club have confirmed.

Jesus was forced to withdraw from Brazil’s World Cup squad after picking up the injury in the 1-0 defeat to Cameroon on Friday.

Arsenal said the striker will now undergo a rehabilitation programme but the Premier League leaders did not put a timescale on his return.

Arsenal have a five-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League table and will return to action on Boxing Day against West Ham.

Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus has surgery on right knee injury

Spain’s success inspired a generation of creativity without a clinical edge

Wednesday 7 December 2022 08:50 , Jack Rathborn

There is a huge amount to be said for organisation and defensive solidity. It can keep teams up, keep them in a title hunt, level the playing field across 90 minutes when the general gulf in class between teams is enormous.

Positional play, resilience, aggression and minimising spaces between both lines and playing partners have always been hallmarks of what makes for good defensive work.

Somewhere along the way though, it began to change. Attack as the best form of defence became a mantra for some - most notably those who didn’t have the aforementioned traditional traits - and then, with Spain in particular leading the charge, possession as a means of preventing the opposition being able to attack became a prevalent sight.

Spain’s success inspired a generation of creativity without a clinical edge

This is some World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo is having and it’s not over yet

Wednesday 7 December 2022 08:40 , Jack Rathborn

This is some World Cup that Cristiano Ronaldo is having. Forget for a moment the self-immolation of that Piers Morgan interview, which torched his legacy at Manchester United and appears to have ended his career at the elite level of European football too. Instead focus only what has taken place just since the start of this tournament. There’s still plenty to go at.

Since winning and converting a highly questionable penalty in Portugal‘s opening game, he has claimed to score a goal he did not touch, set up another for the opposition by cowering at a set-piece, flounced off the pitch in a barrage, and, as a result of that outburst, he has now been dropped from the starting line-up - a decision that heralded a statement 6-1 victory and arguably the best team performance seen in Qatar.

This is some World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo is having and it’s not over yet

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal future in doubt after bench role for Switzerland win

Wednesday 7 December 2022 08:36 , Jack Rathborn

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal future is in doubt after being handed a bench role for the Selecao’s big win over Switzerland to reach the last eight.

Head coach Fernando Santos insists there are no issues with the 37-year-old, although he was especially vague when asked about his future role in the squad.

“That is still something that has to be defined,” he said. “I have a very close relationship with him, I’ve known him since he was 19 at Sporting. Ronaldo and I never misinterpret the human and personal aspect with that of manager and player. I will always consider that he is a very important player to have in the team.

“[The matter] is something that is finished and solved. It is also important to look at this player’s history, he is one of the best players in the world and therefore all we have to do is come in collectively.”