World Cup 2022

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      Why isn’t Juventus’ Paul Pogba playing for France at the World Cup?

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      FORMER MANCHESTER UNITED and France national team midfielder Paul Pogba is not at the World Cup this year.Didier Deschamps’ men will have to do it without their World Cup winning midfielder as they look to retain their title in Qatar.
      Paul Pogba was key for France in their 2018 World Cup winCredit: Reuters
      This comes as a blow as N’Golo Kante is also absent from the squad and Chrisotpher Nkunku was sent home after withdrawing through injury.
      We have all the details on why Pogba is not part of the French squad in Qatar for the World Cup.
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      Why isn’t Paul Pogba playing for France at the World Cup?
      Pogba is yet to make an appearance for Juventus since his return to Turin in the summer.
      Therefore, a World Cup call-up was always unlikely for the French star despite his best wishes.
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      He returned to Juventus training in November after having surgery on his knee following injury and may have been optimistic ahead of the tournament.
      However, Pogba carried out tests in Italy and the USA before it was confirmed that he would not be fit for the World Cup.
      A Juventus spokesman confirmed: “We won’t see him until 2023, and his entourage have confirmed that also he will be out of the World Cup.”
      Therefore, France will have to do it without him if they are to once again lift the World Cup. More

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      Peter Crouch reveals he had ‘proudest moment of my life taken away’ after Man Utd abuse leaving mum in tears

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      PREMIER LEAGUE and England legend Peter Crouch revealed the proudest moment of his life was “taken away” after abuse at Old Trafford left his mum in tears.Crouch, 41, had a long and successful playing career, turning out for top clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham.
      Crouch was booed at Old Trafford during the 2005 game against PolandCredit: PA:Press Association
      The unique 6ft 7in striker also made 42 appearances for his country, scoring 22 times.
      However, Crouch didn’t have an easy time as a player, often feeling the odd man out due to his size.
      And during a dry spell in front of goal for Liverpool, which stretched 18 games, he was booed by England fans at Old Trafford in a 2005 fixture against Poland.
      Crouch was only two games into his England career at that point in time and was brought on as a second half substitute for Shaun Wright-Phillips in the 2-1 win.
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      But he was booed by England fans with his family and friends in the crowd, which reduced his mum to tears.
      He told The Diary Of A CEO podcast: “There might have been an element of the fact I’m a Liverpool player, I’m at Old Trafford, obviously a lot of Man Utd fans.
      “But it was during the course of when I wasn’t scoring for Liverpool, and I was having a real tough time anyway.
      “I had 18 games where I didn’t score for Liverpool.
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      “I felt like with England I had to be super human – it goes back to the thing where I look different a bit I wasn’t seen as what an England striker should look like.
      “And I think that was genuinely a thing.
      “I’m so proud to represent my country but I’ve got my sister, my mum and my dad, friends in the crowd, and everyone’s excited, they’re all talking to me before the game about me potentially coming on and making an appearance, get the cap, and then you come on and get booed by 70,000.
      “So what I’m saying is; don’t EVER feel sorry for footballers, don’t.
      “But my family, like my mum, was in bits.
      “The proudest moment of my life was sort of taken away a bit because of that.
      “We put ourselves in that position, I’m not going to sit here and cry about it, it’s just disappointing for my family more than anything.”
      Crouch recognised that he has put himself in the firing line for criticism – but his mum hasn’t.
      The 108 Premier League goal striker says the abused hurt his mum, who didn’t “need to hear it”.
      Crouch continued: “That’s difficult. Dealing with the family side of it. I know what I’ve done, I’ve put myself in a position to be shot at.
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      “I’m sure you feel the same, you know, doing this podcast, whatever you do, you’ve put yourself in a position to be shot at but your mum hasn’t.
      “She doesn’t need to hear that. It killed her a bit.”
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      England World Cup 2022 boost with temperatures set to DROP by 7C for Iran opener after gruelling 33C training sessions

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      ENGLAND are set for a major World Cup boost with temperatures expected to DROP by 7C for their opener against Iran.The Three Lions were feeling the heat on Thursday lunchtime as they trained in blistering 33C conditions just south of Doha.
      England trained in 33C temperatures on ThursdayCredit: Rex
      The Doha heat is a far cry from Stockport in November for Phil FodenCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The mercury will drop to around 26C for the Iran clash on MondayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      But the weather forecast for 4pm on Monday – when they kick-off their campaign against Carlos Quieroz’s side – is down at a more manageable 26C.
      And with sunset scheduled just as the half-time whistle blows at the Khalifa International Stadium, the mercury may drop a tad during the second half too.
      Even though the World Cup stadiums do have air conditioning, the Middle Eastern heat is no doubt going to take its toll on the England players – who left wet, windy and cold St George’s Park on Tuesday morning.
      But Gareth Southgate will welcome the cooler conditions on Monday afternoon, with 26C the average for Qatar in November.
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      And the 45,000 supporters in the stands – unable to get a £12 beer at the fan zone until 7pm – may also be glad by the drop in temperature after the weekend.
      As things stand, the 10pm kick-offs against USA next Friday and Wales on November 29 should be a degree or two cooler than the Iran clash.
      England had their second training session in Qatar on Thursday and are continuing to adapt to the hot weather.
      Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher were among those sweating buckets during the early afternoon.
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      Ben White seemed to be enjoying soaking up the rays while Kalvin Phillips and Conor Coady wiped away the sweat in the sunshine.
      But James Maddison barely had a chance to get too hot as he headed back inside and missed some of the drills to manage the workload on his knee.
      Asked about the sweltering heat in Qatar, Coady said: “It was hard this morning. It was a long session and it was something we needed to get a feel for it and understand it.
      “It is tough, of course it is tough. I am not going to sit here and say it is not tough but we are professional players.
      “Training this morning was fantastic. It’s a different environment. We want to enjoy it – it’s a World Cup.
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      “We are here in 30C heat but we must not think about the heat or worry about it.
      “Let’s enjoy playing in the sun – we do not get it too much at home so we must enjoy it.”
      Kalvin Phillips did his best to keep himself coolCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Coady refused to moan about the sunny weatherCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Ben White topped up his tan in trainingCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Why is Mo Salah not playing at World Cup 2022?

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      THE World Cup is here, but some notable stars are missing from the glitzy tournament.One player missing out on the action is Liverpool’s star-man Mohamed Salah.
      Mo Salah was on the losing side in the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2021Credit: Reuters
      Salah has managed six Premier League goals so far this season and Liverpool currently sit outside the top four.
      The 30-year-old has an impressive record for his national side with 47 goals and 25 assists in just 84 games, but won’t be able to add to his tally at the World Cup.
      Why is Mo Salah not playing at the World Cup?
      Salah won’t be at the World Cup because Egypt did not qualify for the tournament.
      The African side fell at the last hurdle of qualification after losing on penalties to Senegal.

      It was a penalty from Salah’s former Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane that ultimately knocked Egypt out of the running.
      Salah missed his penalty during the shootout, but was faced with lasers being shone into his eyes whilst he was trying to take it.
      The controversial ending to Egypt’s World Cup hopes mean that the Egypt captain will have to watch all the action from home this year.
      It wasn’t the first heartbreak Mane had caused his old strike partner with the Senegalese forward scoring the winning penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Egypt less than two months prior.
      Has Mo Salah played at a World Cup before?
      Salah was part of Egypt’s squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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      He played in two of his nation’s games at the tournament and managed to score in both despite Egypt losing on both occasions.
      The forward wasn’t fit to play in The Pharaohs first game of the tournament after getting injured in the Champions League final following a tangle with Sergio Ramos.
      Egypt bowed out of the 2018 World Cup in the group stages after losing all three of their games.

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      England stars Wilson, Rice and Henderson look ripped and ready for World Cup 2022 as they hit Qatar gym for first time

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      CALLUM WILSON, Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson looked pumped up for the World Cup as England’s star hit the gym.Gareth Southgate’s side’s opening group game against Iran is lees than a week away and the Three Lions took part in their first full session since arriving in Qatar last night.
      Gareth Southgate and his England squad are settling into their Qatar World Cup campCredit: Getty
      Callum Wilson was hard at it in the gym ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      Midfielder Declan Rice also looked ripped and readyCredit: Getty
      Experienced ace Jordan Henderson was having a go on the weightsCredit: Getty
      Pictures showed the England boss putting the players through their paces at the Al Wakrah SC Stadium – where temperatures reached 32C on Wednesday – ahead of Monday’s opening game.
      But it is not only out on the pitch that his squad are getting ready to try to bring football home.
      Striker Wilson plus midfielders Rice and Henderson all looked ripped and ready for action in the team gym.
      Newcastle United’s Wilson was all-smiles as he enjoyed a set on the kettle bells.
      The 30-year-old has not represented the Three Lions since 2019.
      But just last week the Toon ace revealed that his drive and hunger – which stemmed from his childhood – kept him pushing for a seat on the plane to the Middle East.
      Rice, who has taken an EMPTY suitcase to Qatar to bring home the World Cup, was also hard at it as he took part in a stretching and lifting exercise.
      The confident England and West Ham ace revealed his extra bag when he joined up with Gareth Southgate’s squad at St George’s Park on Monday.
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      And experienced veteran Henderson, 32, also appeared to be in tip-top shape.
      The Liverpool captain was decked out in shorts and vest as he lifted weights.
      All three will be desperate to show Southgate that they deserve a chance to shine in Qatar as the big kick-off edges closer.
      But one man who will not be ready to take on Iran is Kyle Walker after the full-back confirmed he will MISS the Three Lions’ opening game.
      Southgate had already hinted the 32-year-old wouldn’t be available until later in the group stage after not featuring since October 2 due to a groin issue.
      Striker Wilson will be chomping at the bit the get amongst the goalsCredit: Getty
      But encouraging scenes at training suggest the Manchester City ace could be ready for the business end of the tournament.
      He was seen jogging alongside his team-mates as the Three Lions trained in the Middle East climate.
      England start their World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday in Group B.
      Next up is a clash against Gregg Berhalter’s USA.
      And then a mouthwatering clash against neighbours Wales in the final game on November 29. More

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      Brendan Rodgers called me in for a chat to prepare for England World Cup snub, my dad was in tears I was called up

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      JUST one week ago, James Maddison was preparing for heartbreak and planning a family holiday during the World Cup.Last Thursday, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers invited English football’s latest folk hero into his office for a heart-to-heart, to plan how he would deal with rejection from Gareth Southgate.
      James Maddison shared this throwback snap of him as a kid after his World Cup call-upCredit: Instagram
      The Leicester City star had prepared himself for the worst before getting the call from Gareth SouthgateCredit: AFP
      Yet here Maddison is, in Qatar, as a wide-eyed tournament rookie, admitting he still feels like a little kid, his face painted in the flag of St George, infected with World Cup fever.
      England chief Southgate bowed to public pressure and selected the attacking-midfield form horse with seven goals and four assists in the Premier League this term.
      Maddison, 25, still has to compete with Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount, Phil Foden and last year’s people’s champion Jack Grealish for one place in Southgate’s starting line-up — provided the England manager sticks with his favoured back five.
      But there is a feeling that Maddison is the kind of self-confident fantasy footballer capable of conjuring a game-changing moment here.
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      And that is a far brighter prospect than Maddison was facing up to at Leicester’s training ground on the day Southgate announced his 26-man squad.
      Maddison, who has played just half an hour of senior international football, said: “I was in Brendan’s office having a chat and he asked me if I had heard anything [from Southgate], and I hadn’t at that point.
      “He was just being a good man-manager and putting his arm around me, if I didn’t get the call, and how it would look and how to stay motivated for Saturday’s game [at West Ham] and then enjoy the break.
      “But I went back down to the changing room afterwards and had a missed call from Gareth Southgate . . . so the heart starts beating.
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      “I still had Gareth’s number saved. I called him back, he gave me the good news and it was all a blur.
      “I was braced for both — hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. I hadn’t been in a squad for three years and I’m not naive. But I also had that hope, that I was in good goalscoring form.
      “I was going to go on holiday. The hope was obviously to be at the World Cup but, if not, it would have been a mid-season break and a chance for me to go on holiday and recharge the batteries for the second half of the season.
      “I would have gone and put my feet up on holiday with my son and family.
      “But after Gareth told me I was in, it was a head-against-the-wall moment, big deep breath, and I called my parents.
      “My dad actually cried — and I don’t think I have seen him cry for years!
      “They were happy tears, of course. Your family . . .  they are on this journey with you.
      “When, in previous years, I have been left out of squads after thinking I might have had a chance and had that disappointment, it is spread across the family. Now it’s the opposite.
      “On the day of the announcement, I wanted to go back and see my parents in Coventry and give my mum a big hug.
      “I had dinner at home with my mum and dad, my little boy and my partner. That’s a moment I will cherish forever.”
      Brendan Rodgers had spoken to his star to prepare him for World Cup miseryCredit: Reuters

      On the day of his selection, Maddison posted a social-media image of himself as a young England fan in face paint, with a David Beckham-style shaven head.
      And Maddison who, unlike most elite footballers, is an obsessive and knowledgeable watcher of the game, says he feels like an overgrown kid in Qatar.
      Maddison said: “I’m not sure I had the Beckham hair shave.
      “The barbers were quite expensive and mum and dad probably couldn’t afford it.
      “How many times have we watched that Beckham free-kick [against Greece in 2001] that sent us to a major tournament? They are moments you literally dream of. Big moments that get replayed for years, so to get one would be absolutely unbelievable. That would be the real pinnacle.
      “But every moment right now is like a ‘pinch me, I’m dreaming’ moment.
      “My house is football-mad. My girlfriend goes crazy because I watch so much. During lockdown, when there were four games a day on, I had them all on.
      “In my head I’m still that little boy kicking the ball around the garden or with face paint on.”
      A World Cup call felt unlikely when Maddison was embroiled in controversy in October 2019.

      The Leicester man had withdrawn from Southgate’s squad through illness, only to be photographed in a casino while England were being beaten by the Czech Republic in a Euros qualifier.
      Maddison did, though, earn his only cap as a sub in a 7-0 drubbing of Montenegro the following month.
      He said: “I thought that might get brought up and I’m actually glad you asked.
      “People forget that I was actually capped by Gareth Southgate and called up after the casino incident and it wasn’t a big deal for Gareth. It got blown out of proportion and some of it was ridiculous.
      “I think people are just making up an excuse, as to why I haven’t been in the squad. We had already spoken about it and put it to bed.
      “At no point did I think it was a closed door and the opportunity had gone. It was just about staying hungry and using the rejection of not getting called up in previous camps as motivation to force my way back in.
      “There was no bitterness. Gareth is the England manager and he’s got a lot of talent at his disposal. It was just keeping that mindset of staying hungry, scoring, assisting, affecting games and showing I can be an asset for him.
      “There were definitely times where you question, ‘What am I doing that’s not getting me in the England squad?’
      “When you feel like you’re playing well, and you might be deserving a call and you don’t get it, you’ve got to tell yourself, ‘How can I do better to get in?’ Instead of having the arrogance of, ‘I should be in’.”

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      Declan Rice admits he’s taking EMPTY suitcase to Qatar with England star determined to bring World Cup home

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      DECLAN RICE has taken an EMPTY suitcase to Qatar — to bring home the World Cup.The confident England and West Ham ace revealed his extra bag when he joined up with Gareth Southgate’s squad at St George’s Park on Monday.
      Declan Rice is confident that England can achieve World Cup gloryCredit: Getty
      Declan Rice with his extra luggage as he prepares to head off to Qatar earlier this weekCredit: Getty
      Rice grinned as he patted the second suitcase and said to his driver: “There’s nothing in that one. That’s a spare.
      “Hopefully I’ll bring home the trophy in this one.”
      Rice, 23, will be in Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up and is in line to add to his 34 caps in the Qatar opener against Iran on Monday.
      He told England’s YouTube channel: “It’s unbelievable, it’s crazy man, crazy.
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      “Special. It feels different. World Cup baby!”
      Rice’s mood reflected the upbeat, confident mood of the Three Lions as they settled in at their five-star Souq Al Wakra Hotel base.
      They took part in their first full training session yesterday at the nearby Al Wakrah stadium with the temperature at almost 30C.
      Kyle Walker joined training in a boost to his fitness hopes after a groin injury.
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      But the defender later admitted he would not be ready to play in the opener.
      Walker, 32, may return to action when England take on the USA on Friday, 25 November.
      The Three Lions will then round off their group stage campaign with a Battle of Britain clash with Wales on November 30. More

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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Kyle Walker OUT of first England game, Ronaldo misses training with stomach bug, Nkunku RULED OUT

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      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.
       Bet £10 on Golden Boot winner and get £2 FREE BET each time they score or assist
      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.
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      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”
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