World Cup round-up: Declan Rice ‘sick’, Kylian Mbappe fury, England rage and new FIFA row
Kylian Mbappe was left raging by a VAR controversy in France’s clash with Morocco and England have plenty of reason to be angry this morning too.
The Real Madrid superstar was clearly seething when the dreaded technology reared its ugly head out at the World Cup in North America. And while the incident didn’t prove fatal for Les Bleus, they aren’t the only country dealing with the ramifications of a VAR decision.
Elsewhere there is injury news both good and bad for England, with some serious concerns ahead of facing Erling Halaand’s Norway in a quarter-final on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know in our daily morning round-up of what you may have missed overnight.
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Declan Rice sickness doubt and Marc Guehi injury fear
Three Lions lynchpin Declan Rice missed a second successive day of training because of a sickness bug, which England are trying to prevent from spiralling into an outbreak in camp.
The Arsenal midfielder, 27, is already suffering from a neural issue which has affected his hamstring and lower back. The BBC claim his condition has been made worse by the illness.
Rice is central to England’s World Cup hopes alongside Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham and losing one of their three world class stars to illness at this stage of the competition would be a nightmare.
Manchester City and England defender Marc Guehi, 25, is racing against the clock to be fit for the clash with Norway after being diagnosed with a slight hamstring problem following the thrilling victory over Mexico.
His condition will be monitored before the crucial quarter-final, with managr Thomas Tuchel reluctant to gamble on an unfit player against Norway’s potent attacking threat spearheaded by his City team-mate Haaland.
While right-back Reece James is striving to demonstrate his fitness following a hamstring problem, a final call on his participation would constitute a considerable gamble. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka has given the squad a lift by announcing he is completely recovered from his Achilles issue and prepared to take on Norway.
Kylian Mbappe anger
Kylian Mbappe won a clear penalty for France when the score was still 0-0 against Morocco – but was then forced to endure a long wait for VAR to confirm the decision before he missed his penalty.
Mbappe, 27, angrily challenged the referee during a drinks break after his feeble attempt was denied by Morocco’s penalty expert goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Mbappe’s frustration was heightened by French fans’ grievances concerning the selection of an all-Argentine refereeing team for the fixture.
Fortunately for the last World Cup’s runners-up, Mbappe ended the African champions’ resistance by scoring a stunning curling effort on the hour to break the deadlock.
He then fed Paris Saint-Germain sensation Ousmane Dembele for a second goal following a surging run and the match ended 2-0 to the French.
The France skipper also sparked injury concerns for his nation when he was withdrawn late in the encounter with Morocco and spotted with an ice pack on his ankle.
Didier Deschamps swiftly dismissed any long-term worries, confirming it was merely a minor knock and that his star striker would be available for the semi-final.
ITV had been forced to leave their rooftop studio in New York during the live broadcast because of extreme weather conditions. Presenter Mark Pougatch said rigid safety protocols concerning local lightning compelled the pundits to move to an indoor facility.
Erling Haaland’s frustration
The Norway frontman took to social media to blast the prolonged video assistant referee (VAR) delay before France’s penalty against Morocco.
He expressed his irritation by declaring that forcing a player to wait over three minutes to take a spot-kick is excessive.
Roy Keane agreed in the ITV studio and fiercely backed Mbappe over his squandered penalty, contending the delay unjustly shifts the mental edge back to the goalkeeper.
The Manchester United legend said such an extended hold-up is simply not acceptable, even when world-class calibre players are involved.
Jarell Quansah ban
England boss Thomas Tuchel was left seething after FIFA slapped the defender with a two-match ban following his red card against Mexico.
Tuchel instantly urged the Football Association to file an official complaint, specifically taking aim at the VAR procedures employed by the match officials, reports the Mirror.
Arsenal winger Saka confessed that news of Quansah’s lengthened ban is enormously disappointing for the whole England squad.
It comes after the farcical situation that saw American President Donald Trump intervene and speak to FIFA to get USA striker Folarin Balogun’s ban for a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina suspended so he could play versus Belgium.
Nevertheless, Saka stressed the players can’t afford to squander time moaning and must swiftly adjust to beat Norway.
