World Cup 2022

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      Bees must be buzzing for the World Cup — as research shows they can play football

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      BEES must be buzzing for the World Cup — as research shows they can play football.The insects were observed enjoying a kickabout in their stripey yellow and black kits — just like the Hornets at Watford.
      Research shows bees enjoy playing footballCredit: Getty
      Bumblebees were seen repeatedly rolling a little wooden ball
      In a series of experiments, bumblebees were seen repeatedly rolling a little wooden ball, despite having no incentive to do so.
      Much like their human footballing counterparts, younger bees were seen to be busier on the ball than their elders, with some swarming over it 117 times.
      Further tests showed they went for the ball instead of opting for a treat, reinforcing the idea that they are playing the bee-tiful game for pure pleasure.
      Researcher Samadi Galpayage, a PhD student from Queen Mary University of London, said: “It is certainly mind-blowing, at times amusing, to watch bumblebees show something like play.
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      “They approach and manipulate these ‘toys’ again and again.
      It goes to show, once more, that despite their little size and tiny brains, they are more than small robotic beings.”
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      Prince William ‘has no plans’ to travel to Qatar to watch England play in World Cup next month amid human rights row

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      PRINCE William will not travel to watch England play in the World Cup next month amid a growing row over Qatar’s human rights record.The FA President, 40, had been expected to attend games in the Middle East in November.
      Prince William, the FA president and new Prince of Wales, has ‘no plans’ to travel to QatarCredit: Getty
      The news comes amid a human rights row in the Islamic stateCredit: Reuters
      Sources close to the future king blamed a busy diary during the World Cup, with England’s first game on November 21 against Iran.
      The hosts have been dogged by protests over poor conditions for stadium workers and criminalisation of same-sex relationships.
      Friends say a trip to the final if Gareth Southgate’s team get there on December 18 is unlikely and would likely only be part of a government delegation.
      Last night LGBT rights activists hailed his decision to stay away from Qatar.
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      In 2016, William became the first royal to appear on the cover of gay magazine Attitude, where he praised the bravery of gay, lesbian and transgender youngsters who have suffered bullying. He told the mag: “No one should be bullied for their sexuality.”
      Same-sex relationships are illegal in Qatar due to its strict Islamic rulers.
      Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was accused of being “shockingly tone-deaf” this week after warning gay fans to be “respectful” in the Middle Eastern country.
      England skipper Harry Kane is among several captains planning to wear a rainbow “OneLove” armband during the tournament.
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      Amnesty International has also urged Fifa to pay compensation of at least £350million to stadium workers for “human rights abuses”.
      William and wife Kate’s diaries are laid out six months in advance but no space was found for Qatar.
      The couple are in Boston, US, for William’s televised £50million environmental Earthshot Prize on December 2.
      They also have a string of unannounced engagements during the tournament.
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      Footie-mad William visited England’s training HQ in Staffs this month, and chatted with Southgate.
      A spokesman declined to comment.
      Activists have slammed Qatar for poor treatment of stadium workers and criminalisation of same-sex relationshipsCredit: Getty
      Prince William’s diaries means he is to be in Boston in early December for environmental Earthshot PrizeCredit: Getty More

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      Sergio Ramos, 36, given hope of dream World Cup return as he ‘appears on 55-man Spain list’ after 20-month exile

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      SERGIO RAMOS’ dreams of playing at another World Cup were given a boost after he was reportedly named in Spain’s initial 55-man list.The Paris Saint-Germain defender, 36, has been in exile from the national team for the last 20 months.
      Sergio Ramos could make a return to the Spain squad for the World Cup after 20 months awayCredit: Reuters
      But according to Sport in Spain, his name will be on the long set of names submitted by Luis Enrique to Fifa on Friday.
      However, AS suggest it is still unlikely the 180-cap centre-back will make the cut into the final 26 players on the plane to Qatar 2022.
      Out-of-favour attackers Ansu Fati, Sergio Ramos, Iago Aspas and Gerard Moreno are also said to be in the 55.
      Managers must make their decisions on the final squad by November 13.
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      Ramos has a record 180 caps for Spain, making his debut way back in 2005.
      However, he was not selected for Euro 2020 after an injury-plagued season, ending a run of ten consecutive major tournament appearances which included winning Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
      And now the fiery defender finds himself behind the likes of Eric Garcia, Pau Torres and Aymeric Laporte in the pecking order.
      Ramos’ last international match was a 3-1 win over Kosovo in World Cup qualifying in March 2021.
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      Last year, he left Real Madrid after 16 years and joined PSG, but made just 12 appearances in his debut season in France.
      It has been a mixed campaign this time around – he scored a stunning backheel goal against Nantes but then picked up the 28th red card of his career, getting booked twice inside ten crazy seconds.
      Spain start their Group E campaign against Costa Rica on November 23 – then face Germany and Japan.
      The 180-cap centre-back won the World Cup in 2010 in between two Euros successesCredit: AFP More

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      France boss Didier Deschamps says he won’t take a single injured player to the World Cup in warning to Pogba and Varane

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      FRANCE manager Didier Deschamps has warned he will not take injured players to the World Cup.The holders face Denmark, Australia and Tunisia in Group D in Qatar.
      Didier Deschamps will not take any injured players to QatarCredit: AP
      Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane are both injury doubts ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
      But they could be without two star players in Paul Pogba and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.
      Varane left the pitch in tears against Chelsea on Saturday and is expected to miss the rest of United’s games before the World Cup.
      It is touch and go whether he will feature in Qatar with Deschamps firmly against including injured players in his squad.
      The France boss said: “It’s clear and clean. That I said. I’ve never embarked with an injured player for a big competition
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      “The only thing that is certain is that I will not take a player who is not able to play at the start of the competition. Then it’s on a case-by-case basis.
      “But leaving on a big competition with players who are not suitable, already it occupies too much attention, and for those who have to play, it also monopolizes the medical staff.
      “Me, I consider that we must leave with valid and capable players.”
      Deschamps also spoke specifically about Pogba and Varane and outlined what they have to do to prove their fitness.
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      He added: “For Paul (Pogba), that he has playing time before the competition, as much as possible, I say yes, because he is in deficit compared to the others.
      “For Raphaël (Varane), it is less problematic in this aspect, because it is a muscle injury.”
      France are not the only team with injury concerns – Gareth Southgate could be missing right-backs Kyle Walker and Reece James with the duo both major injury doubts.
      Les Blues will also be without N’Golo Kante who was pivotal to their 2018 success in Russia.
      Argentina’s Paulo Dybala and Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota are also set to miss out along with a host of other stars. More

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      Watch Lionel Messi ‘scare millions’ of fans ahead of World Cup as he pulls up in Maccabi Haifa game… but then ties laces

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      LIONEL MESSI scared football fans around the world when he pulled up during Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash this week.The Argentine is set to feature in his fifth and almost certainly final World Cup when he travels to Qatar next month.
      When this happened with Messi, I just paused from how shocked I was and almost dropped my phone. Literally thought it was over. Man scared millions just to tie his boot 😭😭pic.twitter.com/19ipikdWGY— Ziad is NOT in pain  (@Ziad_EJ) October 26, 2022

      Lionel Messi appeared to pull up hurt
      The Argentine seemed to signal that something was wrong
      It turned out he just needed to tie his shoelace
      But fans hoping to see Leo have one final crack at winning it had an almighty scare during PSG’s routine 7-2 victory over Maccabi Haifa this week.
      In the 72nd minute, with the score comfortable at 6-2, Messi appeared to pull up when fouled.
      He immediately sank to his haunches, signalling that something was wrong.
      In this moment, it appeared he may have suffered a catastrophically timed injury.
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      But a second later the grimace disappeared from Messi’s face… because it turned out he just needed to tie his shoelace.
      The 35-year-old remained on the field for the duration of the game, having been in devastating form.
      He became the oldest man to ever grab two goals and two assists in a Champions League game, with some reports even claiming his tally had beaten Pele’s much-debated career record for combined goals and assists.
      While Messi is in brilliant form, his millions of fans will just hope to see him healthy going into the World Cup finals… with plenty of top players having recently received the devastating news that they will miss the tournament.
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      The likes of Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante and Diogo Jota have already been ruled out of the World Cup with injuries.
      While Manchester United star Raphael Varane left the field in tears after pulling up during his side’s clash with Chelsea last week… knowing his World Cup hopes were hanging in the balance.
      Reece James faces a tight race to be fit enough for England, while Kalvin Phillips could also miss out.
      Messi, 35, is set to lead his country at one final World Cup in QatarCredit: AFP More

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      ITV announce World Cup pundits as Gary Neville, Graeme Souness and Roy Keane join Wales cult hero and Eni Aluko

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      GARY NEVILLE, Roy Keane and Graeme Souness are among the mega names confirmed as ITV pundits for next month’s World Cup in Qatar.The iconic trio have been delighted footy fans with their hot takes for years.
      Gary Neville and Roy Keane are among the ITV pundits confirmed for next month’s World CupCredit: Alamy
      Graeme Souness will also be providing footy fans with hot takesCredit: Getty
      And they are sure to provide more entertainment this winter as England look for a first World Cup win since 1966.
      At the weekend, Man Utd legends Neville and Keane had a huge bust-up over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.
      Liverpool icon Souness is no stranger to heated debates either.
      And it will be a lively occasion as the globe’s top teams compete for football’s greatest prize.
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      Joining the trio are former Arsenal striker Ian Wright and ex-Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole.
      Wales hero Hal-Robson Kanu and Man City favourite Nigel de Jong will also be taking to the studio.
      And three icons of the women’s game will be present too, with Eni Aluko and Karen Carney joined by Nadia Nadim.
      Meanwhile, there are three main presenters in Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods and Seema Jaswal.
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      The commentary team consists of Sam Matterface, Clive Tyldesley, Jon Champion, Seb Hutchinson and Joe Speight.
      And co-commentary will come from Lee Dixon, Ally McCoist, John Hartson and Andros Townsend.
      ITV will broadcast a total of 32 matches from Qatar, with the first being Senegal vs Holland on Monday November 21.
      ITV is also showing England’s second group game against the USA on Friday November 25. More

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      Australia become first World Cup team to criticise Qatar human rights record in moving collective statement

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      AUSTRALIA have become the first World Cup team to criticise Qatar’s human rights record.A group of 16 Socceroos stars, including former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Ryan, came together to release a moving statement.
      Matt Ryan was among those to take part in Australia’s messageCredit: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1585378130533183488
      Veteran Alex Wilkinson also took part in the statementCredit: https://twitter.com/Socceroos/status/1585378130533183488
      In a video posted to the Australia national team’s social media pages, stars gave their support to migrant workers, as well as those in the LGBTQI+ community.
      Ex-Celtic and Hull midfielder Jackson Irvine said: “We have learned that the decision to host the World Cup in Qatar has resulted in the suffering and harm of countless of our fellow workers.”
      While experienced defender Alex Wilkinson added: “These migrant workers who have suffered are not just numbers.
      “Like the migrants that have shaped our country and our football, they possess the same courage and determination to build a better life”
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      They added: “As players we fully support the rights of LGBTQI+ people, but in Qatar people are not free to love the person that they choose.”
      Aussie stars vowed to try and inspire a “lasting legacy in Qatar” – continuing: “This must include establishing a migrant resource centre, effective remedy for those who have been denied their rights, and the decriminalisation of all same sex relationships.
      “These are the basic rights that should be afforded to all and will ensure continued progress in Qatar.
      “This is how we can ensure a legacy that goes well beyond the final whistle of the 2022 Fifa World Cup.”
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      The Socceroos have been drawn in Group D, and will take on France, Tunisia and Denmark.
      UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly sparked uproar this week when asked by LBC about the prospect of gay football fans travelling to Qatar.
      He said: “One of the things I would say for football fans is, you know, please do be respectful of the host nation.
      “They are trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football, and I think with a little bit of flex and compromise at both ends, it can be a safe, secure and exciting World Cup.”
      England legend Gary Lineker responded to Cleverly’s comments on Twitter, writing: “Whatever you do, don’t do anything gay. Is that the message?”
      Australia will take on France, Tunisia and Denmark in QatarCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea boss Graham Potter tipped to replace Gareth Southgate as England boss by former Three Lions chief Glenn Hoddle

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      GRAHAM POTTER has the backing of Glenn Hoddle to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager.The Chelsea boss only took over at Stamford Bridge from Thomas Tuchel last month, signing a five-year, £50million contract.
      Graham Potter is earning plenty of plaudits as Chelsea managerCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate has been in charge of England for six yearsCredit: Getty
      But the former Brighton chief remains the favourite to take over from Southgate when the current Three Lions gaffer leaves his post.
      And Hoddle reckons he would be one the best candidates when the job becomes available following his unbeaten start in nine Chelsea matches.
      The former England boss, who was in charge at Wembley from 1996 to 1999, said: “I think he needs more credit.
      “Him or Eddie Howe will be England manager one day.
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      “He has got a talented squad and so much depth.
      “There are class players waiting on the bench to come on so you always know you can change it tactically.”
      Joe Cole has also been massively impressed at the way Potter has dealt with the big, talented squad at Chelsea and his measured approach.
      He added on BT Sport: “When you interview him he is very straight and doesn’t deviate from what he sees as his message.

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      “You can’t imagine him getting flustered, I never saw him flustered at Brighton. People were stupidly questioning him then.
      “Everyone in that squad will feel they have the opportunity to get back in the fold and become a big player at Chelsea.
      “Everyone is motivated. That wanes after time and he will know that.
      “After two or three months, Hakim Ziyech, I use him as an example, his motivation might start to slip and how do you deal with that?
      “I’m sure Graham Potter will address that when it comes. You are almost looking at things possibly down the line that could go wrong and how he will react.
      “He has ticked every box so far, all the players are at it, and his garden is rosy at the moment.”
      Potter’s side qualified for the Champions League knockout stages with Tuesday’s 2-1 win away at Red Bull Salzburg.

      That was his sixth victory in charge – with the three draws and 16 goals scored but just four conceded.
      Southgate will lead England at the World Cup in Qatar next month, his third major tournament.
      His contract does run until the end of 2024, covering the next Euros, but the ex-Middlesbrough man is under the most pressure in his six years in the job.
      England are winless in their last six matches and are struggling to score goals.
      And there is some speculation Southgate may decide to walk away after the World Cup, regardless of how far the team go.
      Another name linked with replacing Southgate is Steven Gerrard.
      The former national team captain enjoyed success in his first managerial job at Rangers but was sacked by Aston Villa last week.
      Mauricio Pochettino, Brendan Rodgers, Frank Lampard and Howe are among the other likely options to succeed Southgate at this stage.
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      Southgate must name his World Cup squad by November 13 as he prepares to face Iran, Wales and the United States in Group B.
      Should he lead the country all the way to glory, SunSport revealed he would pocket a whopping £4m bonus. More