ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate has received a massive boost as Raheem Sterling will rejoin his Three Lions teammates TODAY.
Sterling, 27, pulled out of the squad ahead of the 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal following a burglary at his home in Surrey.
But reports suggest that he will return to Qatar today – on time for England's huge quarter-final clash against France.
Meanwhile, Spain have SACKED Luis Enrique following their shock World Cup last-16 exit to Morocco.
And Portugal have been forced to deny claims that Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the World Cup squad after Switzerland snub.
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Netherlands star Cody Gakpo says he would consider joining Manchester United in January.
That is after United snubbed a summer deal for PSV Eindhoven ace Gakpo after opting to buy Antony for £85.5million instead.
The winger said about his failed move to Old Trafford: “That was a tough period. I learned from that. I’m going to do it differently. What comes, that comes.
“I thought about Manchester United, but when that didn’t happen, I couldn’t remember. And I started to doubt. Leeds United did come. Should I go there?
“Now I wait for everything. I haven’t heard from Manchester United yet. When they come, I’ll think about it. I also seek the help of God in these decisions”
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has backed ex-Red Devils team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo after he was dropped by Portugal manager Fernando Santos.
Fernandes said: “Do you think anyone likes to be on the bench? I don’t think Cristiano would be happy.
“If the manager put me on the bench in the next game, I would be angry.
“Cristiano is doing his job, he’s doing his part, he’s happy with the result because the goal for everyone is to go as far as possible”
France defender Dayot Upamecano claims England will be having sleepless nights at the prospect of facing Kylian Mbappe on Saturday, writes SunSport's Mark Irwin.
Upamecano said: “Kylian is completely different to every other forward. He is a world class player and you have to go to bed early if you’re going to defend against him.”
The Bayern Munich ace's France team-mate Youssouf Fofana says that the whole country is backing Mbappe in his quarter-final duel with Kyle Walker.
Asked whether the England full-back is getting ahead of himself, midfielder Fofana said: “No, hats off to him. If he thinks he can stop Kylian Mbappe, good luck to him.
“But there are 19 other teams in the French League who are looking for that answer.
“The truth will emerge on the pitch and let’s see what happens on Saturday. But as Frenchmen, we all believe in Kylian”
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly threatened to quit Portugal’s 2022 World Cup squad after finding out he would be benched in the Last-16 clash against Switzerland.
That is according to Record, but the Portuguese FA have categorically denied that shocking report.
Ronaldo, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester United following his explosive interview, has delivered a statement of his own.
Sharing a snap of the squad, including himself as a sub, celebrating a goal from Tuesday, he wrote: “A group too close to be broken by outside forces. A nation too brave to let itself be frightened by any adversary.
“A team in the truest sense of the word, which will fight for the dream until the end! Believe with us! Strength, Portugal!”
Dave the cat will be hoping that England knock France miaouw-t of the World Cup on Saturday, writes SunSport's Dan King.
A number of feline friends hang around the tables at meal times at the Three Lions’ hotel and a few of the players have adopted a particular animal and given it a name..
Kalvin Phillips said: “He’s our little mascot now. He’s been walking around with an England shirt on the last couple of days.
“We kind of took him under our wing. We were sat in the corner and he walked over and started miaowing at us, so we started feeding him. He’s still getting fed. He’s still doing well.”
But Dave may not even have scraps to feed off if England lose to France and the Three Lions have to leave their tranquil seaside base for good
Kalvin Phillips claims Raheem Sterling's burglary hell has made his England team-mates worried for their own families, as per SunSport's Dan King.
Phillips said: “I think once one player goes through it there is always that thought in the back of your mind that it might happen to you or it could happen to somebody else.
“It’s not a really nice feeling when you are so far from home and you have family at home. “There’s not really much we can do about it.
“Raheem feels good enough to join back up with us and we’re very happy that his family are OK. It will be a massive lift.
“Raheem’s an amazing player and obviously had to fly home with what’s gone on and we’re just happy that everything’s alright and he can rejoin us, and play a big part in the next game which we’re looking forward to”
Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister believes a spot of family down-time will prove Argentina’s secret World Cup weapon, writes SunSport's Martin Lipton in Doha.
Mac Allister said: "“Those moments with our families are important to unwind and enjoy the World Cup.
“We really needed that time off, to rest and recover.
“The match against Australia came pretty close after the final group game but we’ve now had the chance to rest, see our families and unwind.
“Those couple of days were excellent for us. We’re feeling great. We enjoy it and we are very much united.
“But the squad knows we are facing an important game and that this is the crucial part for everyone”
Spain have announced Under-21 boss Luis de la Fuente as their new manager – just hours after Luis Enrique's departure.
The board of directors will rubber stamp De la Fuente's appointment in a meeting on Monday.
The 61-year-old's first two matches in charge will come against Norway and Scotland in March as the Furia Roja bid to qualify for Euro 2024.
The Spanish tactician has been in the national set-up since 2013 and led both Spain’s Under-19s and Uner-21s to Euros glory
Luis Enrique has departed from his position as Spain manager after the shock 2022 World Cup exit to Morocco.
The Furia Roja were stunned by the Atlas Lions in a penalty shootout defeat this week.
It means the Spaniards have failed to make it past the Last-16 stage since winning the World Cup in 2010.
And the hunt is on for a new manager to lead Spain's Euro 2024 charge after Enrique quit his post today
It was announced today that Chelsea star Raheem Sterling will return to England's World Cup base in Qatar on Thursday.
Sterling is expected to rejoin the squad ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against France.
The forward flew back to the UK after a burglary at his home in Surrey.
But the 28-year-old will now link back up with Gareth Southgate's squad for this weekend's crunch clash.
However, it is unlikely the ex-Manchester City star will play against the reigning world champions
Cristiano Ronaldo faces a nervy wait to discover if he's back in Portugal's plans for their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.
Replacement Goncalo Guedes scored a hat-trick when he led the line in the 6-1 win over Switzerland.
Here's how the two strikers compare with a place in the semis at stake…
Marcus Rashford is the latest England star to take on the gauntlet that is Bukayo Saka's "spelling school."
A host of other Three Lions stars including Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Declan Rice have all tried and failed to pass Saka's tricky spelling tests.
And Manchester United ace Rashford became the latest cornered England star.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
England have a host of options on the table when they play France this weekend.
Gareth Southgate is likely to stick with the 4-3-3 system that's served him so well in Qatar.
But he could yet opt for a back five to deal with the threat of Kylian Mbappe.
WAYS ENGLAND COULD LINE UP
Declan Rice has returned to England training just 48 hours before their huge World Cup quarter-final against France.
The West Ham skipper, 23, did not train with the rest of Gareth Southgate's squad on Wednesday due to illness.
But teammate Kalvin Phillips confirmed Rice’s return today, saying: "I believe Dec is fit, he's back in training and he's fine.
"If something goes wrong, then I'll be there and I'll do my best to be fit for 90 minutes.
England face a daunting World Cup quarter-final clash against France on Saturday night.
But ahead of their meeting with the reigning champions, the mood inside the Three Lions' camp appears relaxed.
From a WEREWOLF game to spelling bees and a surprise Robbie Williams gig, there’s been plenty going on behind the scenes.
SEE INSIDE ENGLAND’S TRAINING CAMP
England have reached the World Cup quarter-final and they will play in-form France THIS SATURDAY – and it's not to be missed!
MORE ENGLAND VS FRANCE INFO
Jude Bellingham has vowed to send a supporter a signed shirt after the individual gave away one he had previously to charity.
Gary Williams had tweeted: “I know this sounds cheeky but does anybody know how I could get one of Judes signed shirts.
“I actually had one a couple of years ago but gave it to my Marie Curie charity for a auction it would finish off my collection now. Can't believe the stuff I've given away over the years.”
Bellingham spotted his plea and responded: “Got you mate! Have a look at your messages. KRO.”
Portugal will have their hands full when they face high-flying Morocco in the quarter-finals of the World Cup THIS SATURDAY.
MORE MOROCCO VS PORTUGAL INFO
Spain have announced Under-21 coach Luis de la Fuente as their new manager – just hours after Luis Enrique's departure.
The board of directors will rubber stamp his appointment in a meeting on Monday.
De La Fuente’s first two matches in charge will come against Norway and Scotland in March as Spain bid to qualify for Euro 2024.
He has been in the national set-up since 2013 and led both Spain’s U19s and U21s to Euros glory.
Holland and Argentina are set to go at it for a World Cup semi-final spot in Qatar – and fans can expect fireworks tomorrow…
MORE HOLLAND VS ARGENTINA INFO
Brighton's Joel Veltman is delighted to see the man who gave him his Netherlands debut thriving once again.
Speaking about Louis van Gaal, Veltman told SunSport: "That [his cancer] is terrible, we are lucky that he has been through it and so far so good.
"That he can still do stuff like this is amazing. In Holland we say people will go through fire for him.
"He can give you a hug or kill you on the pitch, constantly telling you that you can do better."
Brazil will continue their pursuit of a record-extending sixth World Cup when they take on Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday…
MORE CROATIA VS BRAZIL INFO
Luis Enrique is no longer Spain boss after their shock World Cup exit to Morocco.
Pedri and Co were stunned by their opponents in a penalty shootout defeat this week.
It means Spain have failed to make it past the last-16 stage since winning the World Cup in 2010.
And the hunt is on for a new boss to lead Spain's Euro 2024 charge after Enrique quit his post today.
Jack Grealish is preparing for England's clash against France in a big way.
That's by getting a brand new haircut for the quarter-final battle.
The Man City star employed the help of A-Star Barbers for a fresh trim.
Will it be enough to guide England to the World Cup semis?
Fans have been left in shock after much-loved ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley announced he was on his way home from the World Cup.
Tyldesley was part of the ITV team throughout the group stages and last-16 at the World Cup in Qatar.
However, after providing the commentary during Portugal’s 6-1 thrashing of Switzerland, he took to Twitter to reveal he was heading back to England.
Posting a snap of a glass of red wine alongside his passport and plane ticket, he wrote: “My 8th World Cup in the job of my dreams and the first time I’m going to be home before England! Thank you for your company x.”
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