World Cup 2022

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      Inside the personalised packages given to England stars by Prince William ahead of World Cup 2022

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      PRINCE WILLIAM presented every England player with their own personalised package before the World Cup.The Prince of Wales met the squad on Monday before they flew out to Qatar today.
      Prince William presented Harry Kane with the famous number nine shirtCredit: AP
      Each package included information about the number and a message from Gareth SouthgateCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Jack Grealish shared a laugh with the Prince of WalesCredit: AP
      Harry Maguire’s number six is perhaps the most iconic in English historyCredit: Getty
      He spoke to the whole group and was seen laughing with Harry Kane, Jack Grealish and Kieran Trippier after handing out his gifts.
      Each member of the squad was presented with their shirt number and the history behind it.
      The box told the stars how many England players have worn their number before and at which World Cup.
      Manchester United captain Harry Maguire wore the famous no. 6 at the 2018 World Cup and will do so once again in Qatar.
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      He continues a formidable lineage that includes England greats Bobby Moore, Terry Butcher and John Terry.
      The boxes also contained a message from manager Gareth Southgate, which Maguire shared on social media.
      It read: “Qatar 2022 will only be the 16th time England have appeared at a World Cup.
      “As we represent over 55 million people, of all ages from every community, you will also remember everyone who has helped you reach this point.
      Jordan Pickford takes the number one jerseyCredit: Getty
      Prince William also had a one-to-one with Nick PopeCredit: Getty
      The England squad were all in smiles while listening to the President of the FACredit: PA
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      “Wear your shirt with pride and embrace the opportunity to make history.”
      Kane also shared a photo on Instagram of the moment he received his package from Prince William, which he captioned: “Pride in the shirt 🦁🦁🦁.”
      The Prince, who is the President of the FA, also shared a message with the Three Lions squad.
      He said: “What you and Gareth have built here is something special, that’s clear to see.
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      “Play for each other, support each other, enjoy it, and I’m sure you’ll go far.
      “I’m really here to point out the rest of the country is behind you, we’re all rooting for you. Enjoy it.” More

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      Former England striker Peter Crouch releases Christmas album with Paul Potts to inspire World Cup 2022 stars

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      FORMER England hero Peter Crouch has released a Christmas album with opera star Paul Potts – mashing football terrace chants with classical music.The unlikely collaboration in time for the World Cup sees the duo deliver a unique twist on popular fan songs such as ‘Enger-land, Enger-land Enger-land’ and ‘V.A.R My Lord. V.A.R’.
      Ex-Three Lions hitman Peter Crouch hopes to be on target with a unique albumCredit: Rex
      The difference in singing pedigree between Crouch and opera tenor Paul Potts is as big as the contrast in their statureCredit: Rex
      Eight-track charity album ‘Crouchy Conducts The Classics’ also features orchestral versions of ‘Who Ate All The Pies’ and ‘We Love You England’.
      Ex-Tottenham and Liverpool striker Crouch makes his conductorial debut in the concept album which has been created in partnership with bookmaker Paddy Power, who have launched a record label to support the new release.
      The Stoke legend, 41, leads a 20-piece orchestra through a canon of terrace anthems, supported by a full gospel and chamber choir and three world class operatic soloists, including Potts, who mesmerises with his stirring rendition of ‘You’re Not Singing Anymore’.
      Crouch said: “I’ve always dreamed of releasing my own album – so what better time than during a World Cup at Christmas?
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      “We’ve taken the best terrace chants and sprinkled a bit of festive magic on them.
      “The whole team put in a big shift and I’m really happy with the teamwork, dedication and the finished product.
      “With Paddy Power’s bank roll and the people’s support we hope a Christmas number one album is coming home – at the very least.” 
      All profits from the album will help fund Stonewall’s work to combat LGBTQ+ oppression in Qatar and across the world.
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      Stonewall’s Robbie de Santos said: “With LGBTQ+ people criminalised in 70 countries around the world, including Qatar, we’re so grateful for the support of Paddy Power and everyone who buys this album, which will help us campaign with our partners for LGBTQ+ human rights across the world.”
      In the 10 years since Potts won the first series of Britain’s Got Talent, the opera star has sold more than five million albums and performed more than 800 times in 44 countries.
      He said: “Our goal with the album is to inspire England fans to cheer on the team and give the country the lift they so desperately need right now.
      “It was an honour to get the World Cup call-up from an England legend like Peter. I’ve always looked up to him.”
      Also featured on the album are esteemed soprano Olivia Safe, who has recorded with the likes of Hans Zimmer, Trevor Horn and Robbie Williams, while English National Opera regular Robin Bailey leads as tenor.
      Working with acclaimed musical director and Royal Academy of Music alumni James Radford on the album, Crouch has been undergoing, high-intensity classical training ahead of his conducting debut.
      ‘ALBUM FEELS LIKE A PENALTY KICK’
      Other noteworthy tracks on the album include England favourites ’Super Jacky Grealish’ and ‘England till I Die’ as well as a World Cup take on ’12 Days of Christmas’.
      The new rendition cheers on the squad, name-checking Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
      The album of World Cup terrace anthems has been available to stream on Spotify and to buy on iTunes since Tuesday, November 15.
      A spokesperson from Paddy Power said: “Over the last few years the quality of England’s football has seen a marked improvement. It’s about time the chants got an upgrade.
      “Ever since I was knee high to Crouchy’s ankle I’ve dreamt of having a Christmas hit in the charts.
      “This album feels like a penalty kick…then again, we know how those have gone in the past.”  More

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      Sadio Mane ruled OUT of Senegal’s World Cup 2022 start as manager tells team ‘not to whine too much’

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      SADIO MANE has been ruled out of Senegal’s World Cup start due to a leg injury.The former Liverpool attacker is Senegal’s star player and will be a big miss for his side at the tournament in Qatar.
      Sadio Mane picked up his injury in Bayern Munich’s match against Werder Bremen.Credit: AP
      The rest of the squad that includes players such as Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have been bluntly told “not to whine” about the absence of their talisman.
      Senegal soccer federation board member Abdoulaye Sow said: “Senegal will have to cope without its best player for the start of the tournament and not whine too much.
      “We will have to rely on playing the first games without Sadio and win without Sadio because we have 25 players apart from Sadio.
      “No one would have wanted it, but that’s what’s happened to us.”
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      Sow didn’t specify how many games Mane is expected to miss, and there has been no official word from Senegal or his current team Bayern Munich.
      Mane was injured a week ago in a German league game between Bayern and Werder Bremen.
      He was substituted in the 20th minute of Bayern’s 6-1 win.
      Bayern said the two-time African player of the year has an injury to the head of the fibula bone in his lower right leg.
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      Most of Senegal’s squad arrived in Qatar for the World Cup on Sunday without Mane.
      The team’s first game in Qatar against the Netherlands is on Monday but Mane was still waiting for more tests by the Bayern medical team.
      Senegal, the reigning AFCON champions, play hosts Qatar four days after it faces the Netherlands on November 21.
      Its final game in Group A is against Ecuador on November 29.
      The news for Mane is that he will now likely miss out on a reunion with Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk, who was his teammate at Liverpool.
      Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann had put doubts over Mane’s fitness after his injury.
      He said: “It is obvious that Senegal would like him to play.
      “But if he’s in pain, he can’t play. The medical things are more important than the sporting ones.
      “That’s the case with us and also with everyone else.” More

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      Supercomputer simulates World Cup 2022 with England set for heartbreak in Qatar thanks to horror route

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      A WORLD CUP supercomputer has predicted heartbreak for England in Qatar.The Three Lions are expected to top Group B ahead of Iran, USA and Wales.
      England are predicted to lose to France in the quarter-final
      England could have a very tough road to the finalCredit: Getty
      Next Gareth Southgate’s side are tipped to beat Senegal in the second round, with the African champions predicted to finish second in their group behind the Netherlands.
      But the latter stages could prove very tricky with a supercomputer simulation run by Lord Ping predicting England to lose to France in the quarter-final.
      The reigning champions boast stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Raphael Varane and Karim Benzema and could prove too much for England.
      Even if England can beat Les Bleus they still face a massive effort to claim the trophy.
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      The supercomputer expects the winner of England vs France to take on Germany in the semi-final, with Brazil and Argentina also predicted to make the last four.
      Brazil would meet England in the final if the Three Lions make it that far, after beating top teams like Spain and Uruguay along the way.

      The England team flies out to Qatar today after being given a royal send-off by Prince William.
      And though the supercomputer has not tipped the side for success, Lionel Messi thinks they are the team to beat.
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      He claims there are three teams with a better chance of winning the World Cup than his Argentina side.
      Messi said: “The candidates are always the same. There are a few surprises but in general, the big teams are the candidates.
      “Above the rest? Brazil, France, England. Today, they are a little above the rest but anything can happen.” More

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      AC Milan star Brahim Diaz offered chance to play at World Cup 2022 – but he’d have to give up Spain dream

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      FORMER Manchester City prospect Brahim Diaz has reportedly been offered a chance to play at the World Cup in Qatar… but not for Spain.The midfielder has always dreamed of turning out for Spain as he played for the nation’s youth teams.
      Brahim Diaz could be offered a late chance to go the World Cup in Qatar.Credit: Getty
      However, Diaz has dual citizenship with Morocco and after an injury to Marseille’s Amine Harit, manager Walid Regragui is reportedly trying to get him on board.
      The 23-year-old plays in the same position as Harit and could be tempted into the switch and line-up for group games against Costa Rica, Germany and Japan.
      It is not the first time Morocco have tried to poach the on-loan AC Milan star, and Marca have reported that the interest in him is “not new.”
      But the Real Madrid player is still dreaming of playing for Spain and he reportedly wants to be “part of the ‘cycle’ for Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.”
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      Diaz first played professional football for Manchester City as he made five Premier League appearances for the club between 2016 and 2019.
      The Citizens had signed the winger from LaLiga side Malaga when he was only 16.
      Despite his lack of consistent minutes, he had done enough to impress Real Madrid, as the Champions League holders splashed over £15million to bring him to the Spanish capital.
      But after one season, 15 league appearances, and one goal, Diaz was shipped out on loan to Serie A, where has finally cemented himself in the AC Milan squad.
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      He has played 71 times in the Italian league and helped the club to the title last season.
      Daiz would have likely been expected to be with the Milan players that are not going to the World Cup.
      But he could yet make one of the toughest decisions of his career and jet off to Qatar. More

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      Free booze on offer for World Cup fans – here’s how to get yours delivered

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      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.
      Free pints are being delivered to some lucky England fansCredit: VoucherCodes
      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 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.
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      “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!” 
      So how can you get your hands on the free booze?
      Those interested should email their details and name of their place of work to this address. Entries close Thursday November 17.
      It is open to London workplaces only and anyone redeeming an alcoholic drink must provide proof they are 18+.
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      Anita Naik, Lifestyle Editor at VoucherCodes.co.uk, added: “After a difficult year for consumers, it’s clear from our report that the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is going to have a huge impact on how football fans celebrate the 2022 World Cup.
      “The average cost of a pint in the UK has risen 4% (15p) in the last year alone, so it makes sense that consumers are cutting back on the number of pints they’ll be buying throughout the tournament.
      “That’s why we came up with the idea to take our very special pub on the road. 
      “VoucherCodes On Tap will visit a selection of London-based workplaces during England’s first group stage game on November 21 to deliver free drinks, so fans can still enjoy a pint during the match without worrying about the cost.”
      The England team and manager Gareth Southgate were all smiles as they headed to Qatar for the World Cup.
      Large crowds gathered to say goodbye to the Three Lions as they took off from Birmingham airport.
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      Southgate and the England squad were also given a royal send-off by Prince William.
      The Prince of Wales presented each member of the team with their squad numbers at St George’s Park before sharing a message of support and telling the squad to enjoy the tournament. More

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      Who is Serbia’s Japanese assistant manager Katsuhito Kinoshi and why does he sing the national anthem?

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      SERBIA are no doubt one of the dark horses for the 2022 World Cup, with the Europeans having some tricks up their sleeves.Everyone is aware of the quality that Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic possesses, having netted 9 Premier League goals going into the World Cup.
      Katsuhito Kinoshi and Dragon Stojkovic have a strong relationshipCredit: Instagram: coach_kino

      But could the real secret weapon for Serbia be in the form of their patriotic assistant coach?
      We have all the information on Katsuhito Kinoshi, his background and why he sings the national anthem for a country that he isn’t born in.
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      Who is Katsuhito Kinoshi?
      Kinoshi is the current assistant manager for Serbia and acts as the second in command to Dragon Stojkovic.
      His coaching career began in his native country back in 2003 after being appointed as fitness coach at Omiya Ardija before climbing the ladder in Japan.
      Under a year after being appointed at Omiya Ardija, Kinoshi joined Yokohama FC where he took the role as assistant manager and fitness coach until 2008.
      Serbia are looking to shock the world in QatarCredit: Instagram: coach_kino

      However, it wasn’t until his next club where he met Stojkovic and built a bond with the head coach.
      Moving to Nagoya Grampus, Kinoshi initially joined as the fitness coach before being promoted to the role of assistant manager after six years.
      He oversaw 278 games with Stojkovic before the Serbian departed and Kinoshi became assistant manager to Akira Nishoni.
      Katsuhito Kinoshi has become a fan favourite after showing his patriotism to SerbiaCredit: Instagram: coach_kino

      However, this would not be the last time that Stojkovic and Nishoni worked together as the manager came in for his former fitness caoch when he took over at GZ R&F in China.
      Kinoshi reunited with Stojkovic and the pair enjoyed a further 141 matches together before they departed and once again started working together, this time with the Serbia national team.
      This move made the Japanese coach the first from his nation to ever be on the coaching staff of a European team.
      Why does Katsuhito Kinoshi sing the Serbian national anthem?
      Fans will notice that when the national anthems of each side are sung during the World Cup, Kinoshi is pictured on the sidelines singing the anthem.
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      Despite being from Japan, he can be seen loud and proud belting out the words to the Serbian national tune.
      And this is all down to his pride at being the first coach from Japan to be on the backroom staff of a European side.
      Showing patriotism for a country that is not his own, the coach feels at one with his players and the nation when representing them and as a mark of respect and a show of his dedication, he participates alongside the manager, players and fans in singing the anthem. More

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      Lionel Messi leaves fans fearing he’s injured during Argentina training… but PSG star is only joking around

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      ARGENTINA hero Lionel Messi left fans worrying he was injured before clearly showing he was only joking.The clip has gone viral on social media amassing nearly one million views leaving supporters with their hearts in their mouths for a split second.

      Lionel Messi pretended he was injured in Argentina trainingCredit: https://twitter.com
      Lionel Messi laughed with Rodrigo De PaulCredit: https://twitter.com
      Thankfully he is fine for the World CupCredit: EPA
      The video shows Messi limping holding his hamstring before laughing alongside Rodrigo De Paul as they shared banter about being hurt.
      It is a major relief for fans of Argentina with their first match of the World Cup against Saudi Arabia just a week away.
      Many were left concerned by Messi’s training ground antics, one commented online: “Don’t joke with that one.”
      Another said: “Loool fully trolling us.”
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      One wrote: “I nearly got a heart attack.”
      More reacted: “Don’t do this again Messi.”
      The 35-year-old is expected to lead his team out in Qatar as they hope to go one better than they did in 2014 when they lost the final to Germany.
      Argentina are some people’s tip to win the tournament after Copa America success last year and they have a favourable draw that puts them in a group with Poland, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
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      However the Paris Saint-Germain star sees England as one of the team’s more likely to lift the famous trophy in December.
      Messi said to CONMEBOL: “The candidates are always the same. There are a few surprises but in general, the big teams are the candidates.
      “Above the rest? Brazil, France, England. Today, they are a little above the rest but anything can happen.”
      Messi could play his 1,000th career match in Qatar at the quarter-final stage. More