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      Football fans face paying £80 per pint at World Cup 2022 in Qatar as eye-watering drinks prices are revealed

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      EYE-WATERING World Cup drinks prices have been revealed with football fans paying up to £80 a pint.Between 3,000 and 4,000 England fans are expected to travel to Qatar for the World Cup group stages.
      Between 3,000 and 4,000 England fans are expected to travel to Qatar for the group stagesCredit: Louis Wood
      Football fans face paying £80 a pint in QatarCredit: instagram/@hitmfe
      The World Cup starts on November 20 and alcohol can only be sold and consumed in set locationsCredit: instagram/@mrapp2018
      And more are set to follow if Gareth Southgate’s side reach the knockout stages.
      Unlike relatively-relaxed Dubai some 200 miles away, Qatar has tougher restrictions on who can buy alcohol and where – limiting most purchases to restaurants and high-end hotels.
      But some sports bars have been accused of exploiting visitors by charging fans up to £240 each to watch the World Cup semi-finals and finals.
      The stunning price includes a three-drink voucher for bottles of Budweiser or Corona or a glass of house wine – working out at £80 a drink.
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      Drinks giant Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide – which owns many of the world’s most popular beer brands including Becks, Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois – are even training up to 6,000 workers in Qatar to be able to pour a pint properly.
      Public drunkenness is technically illegal and those found guilty face up to six months’ jail time and a fine of 3,000 riyals, or around £700.
      However, in reality, Qatari officials often turn a blind eye to expats getting drunk, as long as they stay within the restaurants and hotels.
      And spaces will be created to “sober up” drunk supporters.
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      Qatar’s World Cup chief executive, Nasser Al Khater said: “There are plans in place for people to sober up if they’ve been drinking excessively.
      “It’s a place to make sure that they keep themselves safe, they’re not harmful to anybody else.”
      Fans also can’t bring any booze into the country, and authorities will confiscate any alcohol in travellers’ luggage and there are also strict laws on drugs.
      Any fans caught smuggling cocaine into the country could face the death penalty.
      Cheaper alternative locations for drinking have been identified by SunSport.
      Public House, Mulberry Tavern, The Irish Harp and Champions Sports bar are all good options.
      The tournament kicks off on November 20 as host nation Qatar take on Ecuador.
      Cheap locations for pints in Qatar More

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      Maddison grins in Leicester training as it’s revealed he MISSED Southgate’s England World Cup 2022 squad phone call

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      BRENDAN RODGERS revealed James Maddison was “full of the joys of the world” when he finally discovered he was going to the world cup with England …. at the second attempt.The red-hot Leicester City midfielder gate-crashed Southgate’s squad at the 11th hour, three years after his one and only Three Lions’ cap as a sub in a 7-0 drubbing of Montenegro.
      James Maddison was on top of the world at Leicester training after being called up for the England squadCredit: GETTY
      Manager Brendan Rodgers has said that he is ‘really happy’ for Maddison
      Maddison last played for England three years against MontenegroCredit: PA
      Yet incredibly, Rodgers revealed Maddison initially missed the most important call of his career as he failed to pick up Southgate’s call, telling him he was on the plane for Qatar.
      Rodgers revealed: “He had a missed call from Gareth just before we were ready to go training, 
      “I told him to go into my office so that he could talk privately – and he came out full of the joys of the world. 
      “I was really happy for him. 
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      “It’s private what was said but the feeling was just happiness and relief as well.
      “I’m sure all sorts of things were going through his mind.
      “The way it was being painted was there was more going against him than for him in terms of making the squad.
      “In fairness to Gareth he’s looked at it with logic and seen a player who can help the squad.
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      “The stories overnight looked as if he would not be making it,
      “So it’s really good management by Gareth the way he has included him.”
      But it was all smiles on the training ground as Maddison was snapped in a buoyant mood after receiving his call from Southgate.
      The playmaker was seen laughing with manager Rodgers as he took to the field ahead of the Foxes’ weekend Premier League clash with West Ham.
      The midfielder was Southgate’s most dramatic wild card pick despite his outstanding form this season.
      Although Southgate handed Maddison his England debut in November 2019, when he sent him on for the final half hour of against Montenegro, he hasn’t used him since.
      However Rodgers reckons Southgate’s loss will become a huge gain for him in Qatar as a new, more mature Maddison, is capable of taking the World Cup in the desert by storm. 

      Rodgers says he’s delighted Southgate has such a talent available to him, adding: “Firstly it’s wonderful news for James, his family and everyone at Leicester. 
      “I’m delighted for Gareth to have such a wonderful talent available for this tournament. 
      “James’ work ethic and the incredible talent he has shown for the last few years has swung it for him.
      “Everyone knows he  is a fantastic talent, one of the very best in the Premier League but I’m also sure James would be the first to accept he is also due thanks to the team-mates who have helped him.
      “The most important thing for James, who has only had one cap before, was about getting there,
      “But you never know what will happen at a World Cup.
      “The great thing is he has the opportunity to be involved in the training sessions, so the opportunities are there for him now he’s in the mix.
      “He adds personality, honesty, enthusiasm, passion and great ability.
      “But all round, he’s just a good man who will add to the squad and he is capable of making an impact if he comes on, or has the good luck to start a game.
      “This is a man who has shown great resilience and passion to keep working hard and now he is in the squad he won’t stop.
      “The England team is full of talent in all areas. But what James has developed is the ability to create goals and score them.
      “People talk about his best position but he has played all across the front line and he plays for me wide on the right yet still creates goals and chances. 
      “He can play like a right winger, yet he still finds space on the left side too because he has the intelligence to create space for himself.
      “He can play as a No 10 and the great talent he has is his ability to see a forward pass for the front players. He is absolutely key to playing  forward quickly.
      “Plenty of players can keep the ball. But few are prepared to take risks and at a World Cup you need someone who can see the forward pass and play it.
      “England have other players with talent but James has a special talent which can unlock tight defences and he can also score goals.” More

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      The amazing stats that earned James Maddison England call-up for World Cup 2022 and prove he is best playmaker in squad

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      JAMES MADDISON is heading to the Qatar World Cup as part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad having statistically proven to be the Three Lions’ best playmaker. The Leicester midfielder, 25, hasn’t played for his country since his debut in the 7-0 win over Montenegro in 2019.
      Maddison is England’s best playmaker heading to Qatar
      Maddison only has one England cap to his nameCredit: PA
      He missed out at Euro 2020 and was snubbed in the last two international breaks.
      But the all important phone call from Southgate to tell Maddison he’ll be on the plane to Qatar came after he played a part in 27 goals in 2022.
      Ten of those goal contributions have come in the 2022-23 season, proving to be England’s best playmaker.
      When compared to Three Lions team-mates Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish, Maddison has the best goals and assists stats per 90.
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      The Foxes ace registers 0.81 goals + assists per 90 with his nearest rival this term being Manchester City’s Foden on 0.79.
      Maddison also creates the most chances in a game, including assists.
      He creates 2.77 chances every 90 mins, 0.26 ahead of Grealish.
      Natural wingers Sterling, Saka and Rashford dominate in the dribbling department.
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      But Maddison pegs his England team-mates back by registering 3.34 shots per 90.
      Maddison has also played 6.6 passes into the opposition box-a-game, the highest out of England effective forward-thinking players.
      Leicester will be hoping Maddison’s big news will see the midfielder put West Ham to the sword on Saturday.
      The Foxes have seen an uptake in form recently, picking up 13 points since the start of October.
      Maddison missed Southgate’s initial call before Leicester training.
      Boss Brendan Rodgers sent his player into his office to take in the news and shortly after Maddison returned to the pitch beaming.
      Rodgers said: “He had a missed call from Gareth just before training.
      “I said to him to pop into my office and make the call. He spoke to him and then came out full of joy of the world. It was a great moment.”
      Rodgers added: “It’s wonderful news for James and his family. I’m delighted for Gareth to have that talent available.
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      “His level and consistency and his work ethic, and what he has proven over this last year, he’s shown he’s one of the best players in the Premier League.
      “Credit to him and his team-mates, he wouldn’t be able to get there without them.”
      Maddison forced his way into Southgate’s plansCredit: PA More

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      James Maddison’s stunning girlfriend gushing with pride after Leicester star is named in England World Cup 2022 squad

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      JAMES MADDISON’s girlfriend was proud as punch after her beau was confirmed in England World’s Cup squad.The Leicester ace was one of six midfielders named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Qatar 2022.
      Leicester City ace James Maddison has been named in England’s World Cup squadCredit: PA
      The midfielder’s stunning girlfriend Kenndey Alexa was overcome with joy at squad inclusionCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      Kennedy posted a gushing message for her other half on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      Maddison’s other half is a model who boasts over 57,000 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      The couple are believed to have begun dating in 2020Credit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      The pair share a child together – 15-month-old LeoCredit: INSTAGRAM@KENNEDYALEXA
      Maddison has yet to publicly react to the news, but his girlfriend Kennedy Alexa beamed with joy on her Instagram page.
      The 28-year-old reshared the official squad announcement to her Instagram story with a beaming message of support for her other half.
      Model Kennedy wrote underneath the post: “I could not be more proud.
      “You deserve it my love. Crying happy tears.”
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      Maddison’s stunning partner is expected to make the trip to Qatar along with the rest of the Wags of England to cheer them on to glory in the Middle East.
      Maddison and Kennedy are believed to have begun dating one another sometime in 2020.
      The pair, who are no strangers to displays of public affection, share a child together – 15-month-old Leo.
      Maddison, 25, played his way onto the plane to Qatar with a stellar 2022 for Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes.
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      The former Norwich man has scored 17 goals in provided ten assists this year.
      Rodgers said of his inclusion in Southgate’s squad: “He was delighted.
      “He had a missed call from Gareth just before we went out to training. I said to him to go into my office to make the call privately.
      “He obviously spoke to Gareth and came out with all the joy of the world so it was great for him.
      “It’s wonderful news for James and his family and everyone here in Leicester.
      “I’m delighted for Gareth from a coaching perspective to have that talent available at a great tournament.
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      “His level of consistency work ethic and talent over these last few years has swung that decision.
      “He’s a fantastic player, one of the best in the Premier League. I’m really really delighted for him.” More

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      Gareth Southgate explains tactical reason he selected Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher in England World Cup 2022 squad

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has explained that Conor Gallagher’s “goal threat” and “pressing” is why he has been called-up for the World Cup.The Chelsea midfielder was called-up ahead of James Ward-Prowse who had been a regular in the England squad with Southgate at the helm.
      Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has been selected for England’s World Cup squad.Credit: Conor Molloy/News Images
      Gallagher excelled last season on loan at Crystal Palace but this season he has not been at the same level for Chelsea.
      However, since the arrival of manager Graham Potter, his playing time has improved and he has now racked up a fair amount of minutes on the pitch this campaign.
      The 22-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder and is capable of scoring goals and defending from the front, which is one of the reasons Southgate decided to reward him with a spot in Qatar.
      The England boss said: “He is fantastic at pressing the ball and there will be moments when we need certain attributes.
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      “We feel he can be that sort of player, not as experienced but he has an impact and a goal threat.
      “When you talk about the midfield you look to score and create and does a bit of all of that.
      “We were really pleased with his reaction to being left out when he went with the U21s.
      “His mentality was excellent. It is a great example that there is always a route back with us.”
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      Gallagher is not the only Chelsea player to make it into the England squad as his team-mates Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling both receiving calls from Southgate.
      However, his Trevor Chabolah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek miss out.
      Whereas Blues defenders Ben Chilwell and Reece James were both ruled out of the tournament with fitness and injury concerns.
      Gallagher will be competing with Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, and Mount for a spot in Southgate’s team. More

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      World Cup 2022 – England vs Iran: Date, stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, squad CONFIRMED for Qatar showpiece

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign begins later this month against Iran – and Gareth Southgate has confirmed his squad. The Three Lions’ last World Cup campaign ended in agony as they lost 2-1 to Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 edition in Russia.
      England play Iran in their opening World Cup game in QatarCredit: Getty
      But four years on from then, and with a Euro 2020 final appearance in the bag too, Southgate’s men are looking to finally overcome the very last hurdle.
      It’s been 56 years since England won their first and only World Cup, and expectations of the team continue to grow every four years.
      Iran will be their first test, before further group stage clashes with rivals Wales and 2010 World Cup group rivals USA.
      This tournament could be make or break for Southgate, who may view the Qatar showpiece as his last opportunity to finally win major silverware as England boss.
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      When is England vs Iran?

      England’s 2022 World Cup opener with Iran will get underway from 1pm UK time on Monday, November 21.
      The game will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital Doha.
      The stadium was opened in 1976 and can hold up to 45,000 fans.

      What TV channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      England vs Iran will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The game is FREE to watch on the BBC, so long as you have a TV licence.

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      Who is in England’s 26-man squad?
      Gareth Southgate has finally announced his 26-man squad for England ahead of the World Cup.
      Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Newcastle)
      Defenders: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Benjamin White (Arsenal), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Conor Coady (Everton, on loan from Wolves), Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
      Midfielders: Declan Rice (West Ham), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Man City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Mason Mount (Chelsea)
      Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), James Maddison (Leicester City) More

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      Three ways England could line up at World Cup 2022 after Gareth Southgate names his 26-man squad for Qatar

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE’S long-awaited England squad has finally been unveiled.The Three Lions boss revealed the 26 players he is taking to Qatar on Thursday afternoon.
      Southgate announced his England squad on ThursdayCredit: EPA
      England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup
      And it is a special moment for the likes of Callum Wilson, James Maddison and Conor Gallagher who were all included.
      But it was heartbreak for the likes of Ivan Toney, Tammy Abraham and James Ward-Prowse who all missed out.
      Now attention turns towards the starting line-up and how Southgate will organise the team for the tournament – which begins for England against Iran on November 21.
      Here are three starting XIs that could be fielded during the World Cup.
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      3-4-3 with Maguire, Sterling and Foden but NO Mount or Saka
      How England could line up at the World Cup
      This is arguably the most likely line-up for England should they come up against a bigger side in the latter stages of the tournament.
      Southgate is expected to resort to a back three when faced with more difficult opposition – and that would almost certainly mean Harry Maguire on the left of a back three.
      John Stones and Kyle Walker would likely line up alongside him – although Walker is a doubt for the start of the tournament.
      Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice seem the obvious choices in central midfield, flanked by Kieran Trippier and Luke Shaw.
      And then up front Southgate has frequently put trust in Raheem Sterling to play off Harry Kane – with the Chelsea man repaying that faith with three goals at the Euros.
      The other spot is up for debate – with Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden expected to be battling it out.
      Right now, though, Man City man Foden may just have the edge.
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      4-3-3 with Mount and Maddison but NO Trippier or Sterling
      Another way England could shape up in Qatar
      Many believe that for the group stage games Southgate should let the chains off a little and go with a back four.
      Fixtures against Iran, USA and Wales will likely present England with the task of trying to break those sides down.
      That could mean Walker switches to right-back and Trippier drops out.
      Maguire and Stones would likely keep their places – although Eric Dier, Conor Coady and Ben White will be pushing Maguire all the way.
      Shaw remains the obvious choice at left-back, with Bellingham and Rice in midfield.
      But a three in the middle of the park could see Mason Mount enter the fold – another of Southgate’s most-trusted players.
      And then up front the manager could decide to switch things around a bit with Foden swapping to the left and possibly James Maddison coming off the right.
      3-4-3 with White, Phillips, Alexander-Arnold and Grealish but NO Maguire, Shaw, Bellingham or Foden
      A third way England could line up at the tournament
      The final line-up is another 3-4-3 but with a number of changes to the personnel.
      Jordan Pickford, Stones, Rice and Kane are the only four who make it into each of SunSport’s three line-ups.
      And for this last one we have dropped Maguire – who is coming under fire for his form and lack of minutes at Manchester United.
      Dier and White are two of the best-placed defenders to replace the Red Devils captain thanks to their form so far this season.
      Trippier is the only other recognisable left wingback option in the squad behind Shaw – and he played there at the Euros.
      The cry for Trent Alexander-Arnold to feature is something which will not go away. Southgate may test it out at some point.
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      Bellingham would seem the natural partner to Rice in midfield, but a returning Kalvin Phillips has thrived in an England shirt and could yet resume his relationship with the West Ham man in front of the defence.
      Then in attack, Jack Grealish is another forward player Southgate could turn to if he is looking to unlock a defence, with Saka also very adept at doing the same thing. More

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      ‘Sheer brilliance’ – Gary Lineker hails James Maddison for ‘forcing’ his way into England World Cup 2022 squad

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      GARY LINEKER has praised James Maddison for “forcing” his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup.The Leicester City talisman will be on the plane to Qatar as he looks to win his first cap since making his sole international appearance in 2019.
      James Maddison has been included in England’s 26-man squad for the World CupCredit: PA

      Maddison was revealed to be in the squad in today’s announcement, much to the relief of many fans who had been urging the England boss to select him.
      The Foxes midfielder’s brilliant form in the league this season has seen him score six goals and assisted four more in only 12 appearances.
      Leicester fan and former Foxes star Lineker was one to take to social media to praise the example set by Maddison.
      In a response to a tweet showing Maddison’s superb stats, he tweeted: “Absolutely. @Madders10 is the best example of forcing yourself into a squad at the very least, by the sheer brilliance of your performances.”
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      Lineker scored 48 goals for England and is now fourth behind Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Bobby Charlton in the all-time list.
      Maddison will have from now until England’s World Cup opener against Iran on November 21 to try to displace Southgate’s trusted players.
      The England boss has relied on his favourite players when he finished third in the 2018 World Cup and runners up at last year’s Euros.
      Maddison will be competing with players such as Mason Mount, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden for a spot in the starting line-up.
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      For many players that get called up to international tournaments, they never get off the bench.
      In the last Euros, five players never played and only 16 played more than 100 minutes for England under Southgate.
      After England’s opener against Iran, they have group games against USA on November 25 and Wales on November 29 as they try to get to the knockout stages. More