Football shorts More World Cup wonders

Gareth revival

The name Gareth could surge in popularity thanks to England’s World Cup success. It fell from 117th in 1996, the year of Southgate’s infamous penalty miss, to 1,903rd in 2016.

Flying squad

The 1966 World Cup winners will be flown to Russia in the event of an England final. The FA made the gesture in response to legendary keeper Gordon Banks, who told the Telegraph yesterday that the surviving players had felt neglected.

Dual purpose

Natalia Vodianova, a Russian supermodel who will carry the World Cup trophy on to the pitch on Sunday to be presented to the winners, has revealed that she has Russianbritish dual citizenship and would love the cup to be presented to England. “I wanted a France and England final and would love to see Harry Kane score the winning goal,” she said.

Mark my words

Chief Constable Mark Roberts says he is thankful Croatia does not produce cars as an England loss to Germany in the Euro 96 semi-final led to fans vandalising Volkswagens and Mercedes motors.

One good tern

The rare sooty tern seabird has “come home” for the first time since 1966 – in an omen that every England fan will cling to. It was spotted on the remote Farne Islands, two miles off the North East coast.

Early doors

A Federationof Small Businesses bulletin advises letting staff off early today or risk “a sickie” . Aldi and Lidl will close at 3pm on Sunday if we win.