ENGLAND will be missing Kyle Walker for their first World Cup game against Iran next week.
Walker is recovering from a groin injury but has declared himself fit for the second game against USA.
England are scheduled to play Iran in their opening fixture on Monday, November 21.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s friendly game with Nigeria on Thursday as he has a stomach bug.
And France have confirmed that Christopher Nkunku has been ruled out of the World Cup following Eduardo Camavinga’s reckless tackle in training.
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Stay tuned with all the latest ahead of the tournament…
Van Gaal confuses fans with squad numbers
Louis van Gaal has claimed Holland’s World Cup squad numbers have been assigned by age.
But a closer look at the squad shows a random allocation with no method to the madness.
Ajax’s 39-year-old goalkeeper Remko Pasveer is the oldest player in the squad and he takes the number one jersey.
But Jurrien Timber, 21, is number two and only one midfielder takes one of the first eleven numbers – Steven Berghuis.
Senior players such as Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind are numbered 22 and 17 respectively.
While Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong takes his favoured number 21 shirt – the number he has worn his entire career.
More from Hoddle
Glenn Hoddle also went on to praise James Maddison’s inclusion, but preached caution when it comes to Kalvin Phillips.
He said: “I’m glad to see Maddison’s in — he’s in great form and I would like to see him start.
“I think he’s that good and he hasn’t been given a chance yet with England, and he and Foden would be something special.
“The one doubt I have — not because of his ability because I quite like him and he had a really good Euros — is Kalvin Phillips.
“Shoulder injuries are very difficult ones to know whether they’re absolutely okay.”
Credit: Getty Hoddle predicts Southgate will drop Maguire
Former England boss Glenn Hoddle has predicted that Harry Maguire will be dropped for England’s opening game in Qatar.
Hoddle told the Mail: “I can understand why he’s put Maguire in [the squad].
“I don’t think Maguire will start, but he might if Southgate wants to go into a three [at the back]. I can see Southgate using him, if needs be, later in the tournament.
“Maguire would love to start the game against Iran but if he was thrown in, there’d be little doubt in the back of his mind.”
Garnacho to still make Argentina squad?
Manchester United fans have all said the same thing as Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni hinted additional changes may be made to his squad.
Alejandro Garnacho has been hailed as the Red Devils’ saviour in recent weeks.
The 18-year-old scored a stoppage-time winner in the 2-1 victory over Fulham last weekend.
And now fans of the Old Trafford club think that he should get a look in on the world stage in Qatar.
Scaloni revealed: “There’s a possibility that our 26-man list for the World Cup could change. Let’s see.
“There are players who are not 100% well. We want to be cautious. We want to see their evolution.”
Top 10 oldest players at 2022 World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo is only the seventh oldest player at this year’s World Cup.
The Manchester United man is nearly 38 years of age… but he still has some way to go to become the eldest star in Qatar this month.
Four days until the World Cup
A reminder that we are now just FOUR DAYS away from the start of the World Cup.
Hosts Qatar face Ecuador in the opening game on Sunday at 4pm BST.
That is followed by THREE matches on Monday – England vs Iran, Senegal vs Netherlands and USA vs Wales.
Williams hails Bale ahead of Wales’ meeting with England
Gareth Bale is the best Britain has to offer, according to team-mate Jonny Williams.
Wales kick off their tournament against USA on Monday before facing Gareth Southgate’s side on November 29.
And the Swindon midfielder told SunSport, via SkyBet, that they are well equipped to take on the best on the globe.
He said: “Bale’s achievements and career speak for itself. The important goals in big finals, he’s a five-time Champions League winner, and what he’s done for Wales since coming into the senior team.
“I think he’s probably the best British player of all time. I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and a person, so down to earth, a pleasure to play alongside.
“Even when I was kid coming through and he is the same now, you can’t always say that about players.
“It is a credit to him and amazing to see what he did in America, but I am not surprised. He is a winner, a big game player and he always turns up.”
England fans choose their starting XI
England’s starting XI for the World Cup has been a major talking point since the end of the Euros.
But with just a few days to go before the tournament begins, we asked you to tell us your best Three Lions XI for World Cup 2022.
There were some shock inclusions in the team as well as some no-brainers.
And now we will reveal who you want Gareth Southgate to start at the World Cup.
So first of all a quick caveat, we’re going with Southgate’s favourite 5-2-3 – or 3-4-3 depending on how you look at it…
Haaland names England among World Cup favourites
Erling Haaland has named England as favourites to win the World Cup.
But Manchester City’s latest cult hero reckons three other giants are also in the mix for footy’s top prize.
Haaland declared: “Favourites? I think the favourites should be Brazil, Argentina, France and maybe England.
“I cannot say only one because there’s so many good teams. So yeah, those four.”
Maddison late for presser due to darts competition
James Maddison was late for his first England press conference as he was busy playing darts.
The Leicester star took on a member of the media as he left other reporters waiting patiently for his arrival.
Maddison, 25, was all smiles as he tested his skills.
He appears to be an avid darts fan having performed a darts celebration after scoring against Nottingham Forest last month.
It will be interesting to see how he compares to his new England team-mates, who frequently played darts on their journey to the Euro 2020 final last year.
Toney charged with 232 breaches of betting rules
Ivan Toney has been charged with 232 breaches of FA betting rules.
The news comes just days after the Brentford striker missed out on Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England World Cup squad.
In a statement, the FA confirmed: “Ivan Toney has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breached of the FA’s betting rules.
“It is alleged that the Brentford FC forward breached FA Rule E8 232 times between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021.
“Ivan Toney has until Thursday 24 November 2022 to provide a response.”
Credit: PA Walker OUT of England’s World Cup opener
Kyle Walker has ruled himself OUT of England’s World Cup opener against Iran.
Gareth Southgate selected the Manchester City star in his 26-man squad for Qatar, despite him having not played for his club since October 2.
Walker, 32, gave his manager a boost by taking part in England training today.
The defender took part in a session at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium – where temperatures reached 32C on Wednesday.
But the opener vs Iran next Monday will come too soon for the full-back, according to Sky Sports.
Walker himself claims, however, that he will “raring to go” for their next matches.
The Three Lions take on the USA on Friday, 25 November, before a Battle of Britain tussle with Wales on Tuesday, 29 November.
Neymar names favourite two England players
Jadon Sancho has been described as “incredible” by Neymar despite not making Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
The Brazilian superstar revealed his two favourite England players and the Manchester United winger was one of them.
Hot shot Harry Kane – who captains the side bidding to win World Cup for first time in 56 years – was the other.
Yet the 30-year-old forgot about the Three Lions when discussing who he thinks will lift the trophy.
Neymar told The Telegraph: “I believe the favourites are Argentina, Germany, Spain, and France. I think those four along with Brazil are fully capable of reaching the final.
“I really forgot about England but obviously they have a chance! I really like Kane and Sancho. They’re two incredible players and I have a special love for them because I like players that have their qualities.”
Maguire achieved more than Terry and Ferdinand for England – O’Hara
Harry Maguire has “achieved MORE” for England than either John Terry or Rio Ferdinand.
That’s according to Jamie O’Hara, who is backing the Manchester United captain to make a lasting impact at the Qatar World Cup.
Speaking on TalkSport, fellow pundit Jason Cundy asked O’Hara: “When was the last time we [England] had a top, top, top class centre-half?”
O’Hara responded: “They got to the European final and the World Cup semi-final. Harry Maguire has been in the team of the tournament in the World Cup and the Euros.”
Cundy then said: “But you can’t put him in the same bracket as John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.”
O’Hara then retorted: “No you can’t at club level, but why can’t you at international level? He has achieved more than what they’ve done. Harry Maguire has achieved more than Rio Ferdinand and John Terry at international level.”
Ronaldo misses Portugal training
Cristiano Ronaldo has suffered a World Cup scare after coming down with illness.
The Portuguese star, 37, is currently with the national team in Lisbon preparing for the showpiece in Qatar.
However, he will miss their training session tonight as he is currently suffering with a stomach bug.
Portugal take on Nigeria in their capital city tomorrow in their final friendly before the tournament in the Middle East.
They begin their Group H campaign next Thursday against Ghana before then facing Uruguay and South Korea.
Alves “babysitting” Neymar at World Cup
Dani Alves was only included in Brazil’s World Cup squad to babysit Neymar, according to reports.
The right-back, 39, was a surprise inclusion given he is approaching the end of his career.
He could not cut it at the top level at Barcelona last season and was subsequently released by the Catalan club before joining Mexican side UNAM.
But Alves is going to the World Cup and he will stay play a valuable role in the squad.
According to Diario Sport, Alves will act as a kind of babysitter for Neymar.
And their close relationship means Alves is one of only two players in the squad who is able to assert authority and discipline over the forward.
Brazil captain Thiago Silva also has that privilege while PSG skipper Marquinhos also has some influence over Neymar.
Walker trains with rest of England squad
England have been handed a huge World Cup boost as Kyle Walker took part in a full training session.
The opening group game against Iran is under a week away as the Qatar tournament edges closer.
Walker was one of multiple players who came into the England squad with questions marks hanging over their fitness.
But new pics show the defender taking part in a squad training at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium – where temperatures reached 32C on Wednesday – ahead of the opening game.
The 32-year-old missed much of the first-half of the domestic season due to a groin issue.
But the encouraging training pics suggest the Manchester City ace could be ready to go from the opening match.
Free booze for World Cup
Football fans are being offered free booze during the World Cup – here’s how to get yours delivered.
Lucky punters could win free pints with the VoucherCodes On Tap ale-mergency beer delivery unit when England take on Iran at 1pm on Monday, November 21.
With many at work on the day, the company will hand out free Wolfpack pints to those in London who strike it lucky.
It comes as the total number of pints sold is expected to reach 65.3 million over the course of this year’s tournament – down 26.7 million compared to 2018.
Ex-England and Arsenal legend, Ray Parlour, who has teamed up with VoucherCodes for its On Tap service, said: “Fans love to get behind the Three Lions and enjoy a drink or two while watching the game.
“But rising costs are taking their toll, and this tournament is going to feel different to the rest, not least with our first game kicking off on a Monday lunchtime whilst many people are at work.
“So I think it’s a great idea that fans can now request for the VoucherCodes On Tap service to stop by their office with free pints – let’s beer it for the Three Lions!”
Back to business
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the training pitch for the first time since interview with Piers Morgan.
The 37-year-old missed Manchester United’s final two games before the break through illness, but it was back down to business today.
Ronaldo could win international cap 192 when Portugal play Nigeria on Thursday.
Credit: Getty Start Maddison – Hoddle
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle advised current boss Gareth Southgate to start Leicester star James Maddison.
Hoddle added: “I’m glad to see Maddison’s in — he’s in great form and I would like to see him start.
“I think he’s that good and he hasn’t been given a chance yet with England, and he and [Phil] Foden would be something special.
“The one doubt I have — not because of his ability because I quite like him and he had a really good Euros — is Kalvin Phillips.
“Shoulder injuries are very difficult ones to know whether they’re absolutely okay”
Can’t defend him
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has predicted that Harry Maguire will be dropped for the Three Lions’ opening game in Qatar.
Hoddle told the Mail: “I can understand why he’s put Maguire in [the squad].
“I don’t think Maguire will start, but he might if Southgate wants to go into a three [at the back]. I can see Southgate using him, if needs be, later in the tournament
“Maguire would love to start the game against Iran but if he was thrown in, there’d be a little doubt in the back of his mind”
Van Dijk on Mane
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has reached out to former team-mate and Bayern Munich superstar Sadio Mane ahead of the Netherlands’ clash with Senegal.
Mane seems certain to miss out on his country’s World Cup opener against Holland.
Van Dijk said: “I don’t think he will play, but Senegal have a fantastic team.
“Of course [I have spoken to him]. I was feeling sad for him, first and foremost. I’m not happy in this case and I’ve been in that situation where I missed the Euros. We as players work so hard to get to this stage and he has been such an important figure for his country.
“I know for a fact that he will put a brave face on it, but it’s tough and I feel sorry for him. I just want to tell him that whether he plays or not, it’s going to be such a tough game”
Credit: Reuters England top financial charts
England have the most valuable squad in the World Cup with a whopping combined transfer-fee value of just over £1.1 billion, figures from Online Casinos reveal.
Brazil come in second place in the most valuable stakes, with slightly over £1 billion in player-transfer value.
The Selecao are followed by defending world champions France at £950,600 and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal with more than £824,500 in net worth per collective player-transfer fees.
In fifth spot are Spain, at over £793,760, Germany are placed sixth, with more than £793,760 in total player value and Argentina are seventh, at £557,216.
The Netherlands (£516,780), Belgium (£495,616) and Uruguay (£395,736) round out the top 10.
The national team in oil-rich Qatar scores the worst in terms of player-transfer fees, at a paltry £13,112 in combined value
Mane’s Sad times
Bayern Munich star and Liverpool legend Sadio Mane looks certain to miss Senegal’s 2022 World Cup opener against the Netherlands on Monday.
Mane has been dealing with a leg tendon injury sustained on November 7 and won’t be facing former Reds’ team-mate Virgil van Dijk in Qatar.
The winger was passed fit to travel with his country for the tournament but he looks set to miss out against Louis van Gaal’s side.
However, the 30-year-old is still expected to compete in the group stages
Young on England
Former Manchester United ace Ashley Young is convinced England can win the World Cup — and has urged the country to get behind manager Gareth Southgate as well as the players.
Young told SunSport’s Charlie Wyett: “There is something special coming from this England team. The country has to get behind them. Get behind every single player. Don’t single them out. Get behind all of them to go out and win this tournament.
“From the time Gareth has taken over, he has made a difference. These players will be more than ready. With the way the Euros went, I give us every chance of going to the tournament and winning it.
“The criticism Gareth Southgate is getting is absolutely ridiculous. It is bulls**t. Because he has not taken a team into the latest final of the Nations League, people think that he should be criticised.
“Of course, going into a tournament you want to be winning games. But Gareth has totally changed what it is like to be with England.
“In previous years, under other managers when I was there, players were pulling out because they did not enjoy it. They were not injured. Gareth has managed to get the nation together”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
