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      Why isn’t Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea playing for Spain at the 2022 World Cup?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED goalkeeper David de Gea has been on fine form for the Red Devils this season is not playing at the 2022 World Cup for Spain.The 32-year-old has made 45 appearances for his national team and was once seen as one of the best goalkeepers in football.
      David de Gea has been on fine form for Manchester United so far this seasonCredit: Reuters
      However, he is not featuring for Luis Enrique’s side at the World Cup in Qatar as they prepare to face Germany.
      And we have all the details regarding the reasoning behind De Gea not playing for his national team.
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      Why isn’t David de Gea playing for Spain?
      De Gea was seen as Spain’s clear number one for years after the retirement of icon Iker Casillas.
      However, this is not the case anymore as the Spaniard was not included in Enrique’s squad for the World Cup despite being the number one in the 2018 tournament.
      Luis Enrique did not call David de Gea up for the Spain squad ahead of the World CupCredit: AFP
      The shot stopper hasn’t featured for Spain since a 1-0 loss to Ukraine on back in 2020 but was named in the Euro 2020 squad last summer.
      However, Unai Simon was preferred ahead of him as the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper keeps his place ahead of De Gea for the World Cup.
      De Gea wasn’t even included in a 55-man shortlist ahead of the final squad announcement as he fell out of favour with Enrique, who has outlined his preference in goal.
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      Speaking to the press earlier this year, Enrique said: “A goalkeeper should start the play and generate the first superiority, they must dominate the aerial play.
      “I need a goalkeeper that transmits peace and calmness to me, that doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes, errors are part of football. What they generate I like a lot.”
      It appears that De Gea does not match what Enrique is looking for in a goalkeeper and therefore is not in the World cup squad for the Spaniards. More

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      Why was Didier Deschamps nicknamed ‘The Water-carrier’, and when did he win the World Cup as France captain?

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      DIDIER DESCHAMPS is looking to win his second World Cup as a manager as his France side take to Qatar.The former Les Bleus captain won the biggest prize in all of football in 1998 as a player before winning it all again as manager in 2018. Credit: AFP
      Deschamps joins Franz Beckenbauer and Mario Zagallo as the only people to win the World Cup as a player and manager.
      And he will be hoping to win it again in 2022 as his France side face Denmark in matchday two of the groups.
      Why was Deschamps called ‘the water-carrier’?
      The 49-year-old can have former France team-mate Eric Cantona to thank for his nickname of ‘the water-carrier’.
      He earned the label for his style to win possession from the opposition and then pass forward to the side’s more creative talents.
      While the nickname may seem like an insult, Deschamps was considered one of the greatest defensive midfielders at the time, using his positional awareness and excellent work-rate to stifle any attacks.
      His style helped him win two Champions League titles, one with Marseille and the other with Juventus in a career that saw Deschamps win almost every trophy available.
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      When did he win the World Cup as captain?
      Deschamps was the man to lead France out at their home World Cup in 1998.
      And he did so admirably, playing all-but the final group game as they beat Brazil to lift the famous trophy.
      In a team that had the attacking threats of Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Zinedine Zidane, Deschamps and the defensive unit behind him conceded just twice in the tournament.
      The French captain completed a historic double in 2000, becoming the first World Cup holders to win the following European Championships.
      Deschamps added another World Cup medal to his cabinet when France beat Croatia 4-2 in the final in Russia. More

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      Why isn’t Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante playing for France in the 2022 World Cup?

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      FRANCE kick off their World Cup campaign against Australia in Qatar yet there will be an absence in the French midfield with N’Golo Kante missing out on a seat on the plane.Didier Deschamps released his 26-man squad list for the tournament on Wednesday with the Chelsea midfielder not featuring.
      N’Golo Kante in action for FranceCredit: Getty
      Kante was an integral piece of the Les Blues 2018 World Cup winning side with the then 27-year-old playing every minute for the national side.
      Now four years on, the rise of young talents such as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni has provided Kante with heightened competition for a place in the midfield.
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      Why isn’t N’Golo Kante playing for France at the World Cup?
      The absence of the midfielder will be a huge blow for France, who face Denmark this week, as well as for Chelsea as shown by their poor defensive record as of late.
      The Blues number six has been sidelined for four months due to a hamstring injury suffered during a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in August.
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      The injury has meant Kante will miss the opportunity to help France to become only the third side to retain the World Cup.
      Providing all goes will with the 31-year-olds recovery, it looks likely we will see him return to action soon after the season proceeds. More

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      France national anthem lyrics: La Marseillaise words in French and English

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      FRANCE are attempting to retain the World Cup in Qatar as they get their campaign underway.And once again they will be singing their iconic anthem La Marseillaise when they come up against Denmark.
      But what are the lyrics and what is the history behind it?
      France begin their defence of the World Cup tonight against
      What are the France national anthem lyrics?
      Allons enfants de la Patrie,Le jour de gloire est arrivé!Contre nous de la tyrannie,L’étendard sanglant est levé, (bis)Entendez-vous dans les campagnesMugir ces féroces soldats?Ils viennent jusque dans vos brasÉgorger vos fils, vos compagnes!
      Aux armes, citoyens,Formez vos bataillons,Marchons, marchons!Qu’un sang impurAbreuve nos sillons!
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      What are the France national anthem lyrics in English?
      Arise, children of the Fatherland,The day of glory has arrived!Against us, tyranny’sBloody standard is raised, (repeat)Do you hear, in the countryside,The roar of those ferocious soldiers?They’re coming right into your armsTo cut the throats of your sons, your women!
      To arms, citizens,Form your battalions,Let’s march, let’s march!Let an impure bloodWater our furrows!
      When was Les Marseillais written?
      Les Marseillais was written in 1792 by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in Strasbourg after the declaration of war by France against Austria.
      It was originally called “Chant de guerre pour l’Armée du Rhin” (“War Song for the Rhine Army”).
      The French National Convention adopted it as the country’s national anthem in 1795. More

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      Spain vs Germany: TV channel, stream FREE and kick-off time for HUGE 2022 World Cup Group E clash

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      GRAB your popcorn football lovers as Spain are scheduled to take on Germany in the standout tie of Group E.And both European giants are on a mission to right their wrongs from what happened at the 2018 Russia World Cup.
      Spain were kicked out of the 2018 World Cup by the hosts RussiaCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Germany failed to make it out of the group stages in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
      A penalty shoot-out saw Spain go crashing out of the competition at the hands of the hosts despite being in control for most of the tie.
      However, Germany’s bags were packed even earlier as they failed to make it out of the group stages by finishing rock bottom.
      But the personnel has changed on both sides since then which includes the managers.
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      What time does Spain vs Germany kick off?

      Spain’s mouth-watering fixture against Germany takes place on Sunday, November 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 7pm UK time – 9pm local time.
      Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar is the allocated arena for this encounter and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.
      Germany got annihilated 6-0 when the European giants last met in a Nations League game back in 2020.

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      What TV channel is Spain vs Germany on and can it be live streamed?

      Spain vs Germany will be broadcasted LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer app.
      BBC iPlayer is available to download on your preferred choice of mobile phone or tablet device.

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      Can I watch Spain vs Germany for FREE?
      Good news, you can! Spain vs Germany is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

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      Croatia vs Canada: TV channel, stream FREE and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group F match

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      RUSSIA World Cup finalist Croatia will be entertaining Canada in the second round of Group F fixtures.The Croatian’s are aware of what it takes to go deep into football’s biggest cup competition as they made it to the final in 2018.
      France beat Croatia in the 2018 World Cup finalCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Canada’s convincing 4-0 win over Jamaica sealed their first World Cup spot in 36 yearsCredit: Reuters
      And head coach Zlatko Dalic will be hoping that his side can go one better this time as France outfoxed them to the trophy.
      But first, Vatreni have to navigate their way past a Canadian side who pipped North American giants Mexico to the top spot in their qualifying group.
      However, this is Les Rouges’ first World Cup campaign since 1986 where they failed to secure a single point in the group stages.
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      What time does Croatia vs Canada kick off?

      Croatia’s Group F encounter with Canada takes place on Sunday, November 27.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 4pm UK time – 6pm local time.
      Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar is the allocated arena for this fixture and it can host approximately 45,416 fans.
      History will be made as this is set to be the first ever match between these two sides.

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      What TV channel is Croatia vs Canada on and can it be live streamed?

      Croatia vs Canada will be broadcasted LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer app.
      BBC iPlayer is available to download on your preferred choice of mobile phone or tablet device.

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      Can I watch Croatia vs Canada for FREE?
      Good news, you can! Croatia vs Canada is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

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      Japan vs Costa Rica: TV channel, stream FREE and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group E match

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      GROUP E’s second round of World Cup fixtures involve a mouth-watering encounter between Japan and Costa Rica in Ar-Rayyan.The Japanese are no strangers to football’s biggest cup competition as they have qualified for the last seven consecutive tournaments.
      Japan’s celebrations were wild after securing a Qatar 2022 World Cup spotCredit: AFP
      Heung-min Son’s late free-kick forced Costa Rica to share the spoils with JapanCredit: Reuters
      But sealing their spot for Qatar may have been the most difficult yet as two last-gasp goals from substitute Kaoru Mitoma in Australia got the job done.
      And now, Hajime Moriyasu’s men face a tough task of collecting three points from Costa Rica who have experience of winning on this ground before.
      However, Los Ticos suffered heartbreak against the last East Asian opponent they came up against courtesy of a wonder strike from Tottenham Hotspur ace Son Heung-min.
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      What time does Japan vs Costa Rica kick off?

      Japan are scheduled to encounter Costa Rica on Sunday, November 27.
      It is expected to kick off at 10am UK time – 12pm local time.
      Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Ar-Rayyan, Qatar is the designated venue for this match and it can host up to 44,760 fans.
      Costa Rica have failed to beat Japan on all five occasions these two sides have met each other.

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      What TV channel is Japan vs Costa Rica on and can it be live streamed?

      Japan vs Costa Rica will be broadcasted LIVE on ITV in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the ITV website or ITV hub.
      ITV hub is available to download on your preferred mobile phone or tablet device.

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      Can I watch Japan vs Costa Rica for FREE?
      Yes. Japan’s Group E fixture against Costa Rica is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

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      France vs Denmark: Stream FREE, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group D clash

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      FRANCE can qualify for the knockout round of the World Cup with a win over Denmark in the group stages.But the reigning world champions cannot seem to stop getting players injured, with Lucas Herndandez the latest victim of their injury hex.
      Lucas Hernandez has handed Didier Deschamps another injury headache after rupturing his cruciate ligamentCredit: Getty
      The French then continued their dominance on the international stage by securing a Nations League triumph in 2021.
      But they now come up against a determined Denmark side who had a very impressive Euro 2020 despite the tragedy of Christian Eriksen collapsing on the pitch.
      And the Danes are no strangers to grinding out a win against France as it something they have already achieved within the last calendar year.
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      What time does France vs Denmark kick off?

      France’s mouth-watering clash with Denmark will take place on Saturday, November 26.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 4pm UK time – 6pm local time.
      Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar is the designated venue for this fixture and it can host approximately 40,000 supporters.
      Andreas Cornelius’ double was enough to see the Danes pull off a shock victory over France when the sides last met in June.

      What TV channel is France vs Denmark on and can it be live streamed?

      France vs Denmark will be broadcasted LIVE on ITV in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the ITV website or ITV hub.
      The ITV hub is available to download on your mobile phone or preferred tablet device.
      Radio listeners can hear the match LIVE on talkSPORT for FREE.

      Can I watch France vs Denmark for FREE?
      Yes you can! France’s huge match against Denmark is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license.
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      What are the odds?
      France win 3/4
      Draw 13/5
      Denmark 4/1
      Odds are courtesy of Betfair and correct as of November 25. More