World Cup 2022

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      Kyle Walker WILL be named in England’s provisional World Cup squad with Southgate desperate to have injured ace in Qatar

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has assured Kyle Walker he will be given every chance to make the World Cup — even if he cannot prove his fitness by playing before the squad is announced.The 32-year-old Manchester City defender is expected to step up his recovery from groin surgery next week.
      England are likely to take Man City’s Kyle Walker to the World Cup even if the versatile defender is not match-sharpCredit: Getty
      Reece James’ injury makes the Three Lions even keener for Walker to make QatarCredit: Rex
      And the England boss is keen for Walker to join his 26-man squad, even though he is unlikely to feature for City before the World Cup break.
      City’s final Premier League clash is against Brentford on November 12 and that may come too soon for Walker.
      Southgate is due to name his squad for Qatar two days before that match and if Walker is close to fitness, he is likely to make the cut, whether or not he is expected to be fit for the opener against Iran on November 21.
      Southgate took a similar gamble on Harry Maguire’s fitness before last summer’s Euros — and the move paid off.
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      With Reece James ruled out by a knee injury, Walker’s ability to play at right-back or on the right side of a defensive three is now even more vital.
      The Three Lions management team are keeping in close contact with the player’s camp for updates on his fitness.
      In an interview last week, Walker declared himself ‘confident’ of making it to Qatar.
      Kieran Trippier is set to start at right wing-back against Iran, with Trent Alexander-Arnold now likely to be in the squad along with his Liverpool team-mate Joe Gomez.
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      Walker told BBC Radio 5 Live: “My first thought now is getting back for England.
      “I’m confident. I’ve been through enough in my career to know my body. I’m well above what they thought I’d be able to do at this point.
      “I just feel I can do this. I am going to have to be patient with it. There will be bumps in the road but hopefully, come the selection, I’m included.” More

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      Lucas Paqueta suffers ‘serious’ shoulder injury and doubt for Brazil World Cup after missing West Ham clash at Liverpool

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      LUCAS PAQUETA is the latest Premier League set to miss the World Cup.West Ham boss David Moyes confirmed the Brazilian suffered a ‘serious’ shoulder injury in the weekend’s draw with Southampton.
      Lucas Paqueta is now doubtful for the World CupCredit: Rex
      Paqueta, 25, was ruled out of the Hammers’ Premier League clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.
      And he looks set for an extended spell on the sidelines, which could rule him out of November’s tournament in Qatar.
      Moyes told Amazon Prime: “He’s got an injury, and it’s quite serious at the moment.
      “I’m not sure how exactly long it’s going to keep him out but obviously he’s been a huge player for us in recent weeks.
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      “He was just beginning to come into form and give us a different type of dynamic really.
      “We’re really disappointed to lose him.”
      Paqueta had looked set to start for the five-time world champions in the Middle East this winter.
      He played his way into Brazil’s starting XI under boss Tite with a string of impressive performances for Lyon last season – which then earned him a £51million club-record move to East London.
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      The Samba Boys face Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in at the World Cup with their opener just over a month away on November 24.
      In his absence, fellow summer signing Flynn Downes has come into the team for his full Premier League debut.
      But Moyes declared the 23-year-old as “certainly ready” to come into the team.
      He said: “Well he’s certainly ready to do it.
      “It’s now down to him to go and show it on one of the biggest stages.
      “We like him a lot and we think he has a lot potential for the future as well.
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      “(He has) Good legs, good energy so hopefully he can help us tonight.”
      West Ham have endured a difficult start to the season and find themselves in the bottom half with just three wins from their first 10 league games. More

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      Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze ‘set to be named in Gareth Southgate’s initial England squad for Qatar World Cup’

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is set to name Eberechi Eze in his initial World Cup squad, according to reports. The Crystal Palace star has been pushing for a spot in the England set-up and looks set to finally be rewarded for some fine early-season form.
      Eberechi Eze is set to be included the initial World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate is said to be a huge fan of EzeCredit: Getty
      However, according to the Daily Mail, this will be due to him being one of a staggering 55 players who Southgate will name in a preliminary extended squad.
      This figure will be whittled down to 26 by the time the tournament starts.
      24-year-old Eze has two goals and two assists in the Premier League this season.
      He has netted twice goals in his last three games – including a crucial equaliser in the Eagles’ 2-1 win over Wolves on Tuesday.
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      Fellow Eagles stars Marc Guehi and Tyrick Mitchell are also set to be included in the initial squad.
      Southgate, who wants to remain in charge at the helm of the Three Lions after the World Cup despite rumours linking Thomas Tuchel to the England job, is a big fan of Eze.
      The creative midfielder was involved in Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for the European Championships before an Achilles rupture ended his England Euro’s dream.
      SunSport revealed how a number of players could be included in the provisional squad which must be submitted by Friday.
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      Another name in contention for a shock call up include Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, who has been out of the squad for two years and has endured a tough season with the Reds so far.
      Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has criticised Southgate’s Three Lions selection and claimed Chris Smalling should be involved due to his strong performances for Roma.
      England are entering the tournament in the worst way possible, having not won any of the last six games and suffering the ignominy of being relegated from the Uefa Nation’s League. More

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      Why does Cristiano Ronaldo stand sideways during Portugal’s national anthem?

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is hoping to win his first World Cup with Portugal in Qatar this winter.The 37-year-old has cemented his place as one of the best players of all time after scoring his 700th club goal earlier in the season.
      Cristiano Ronaldo standing sideways during the national anthem against Hungary at Euro 2020Credit: AFP
      With what could be his potential last appearance at a World Cup, Ronaldo will be keen to leave his mark in a group containing South Korea, Ghana and Uruguay.
      However, Portugal face competition if they are to make it to the late stages of the tournament, with Brazil and France favourites to lift the trophy.
      Why does Cristiano Ronaldo stand sideways during Portugal’s national anthem?
      Before a game kicks off at the World Cup, the national anthems of both teams are observed.
      Players join in unison to blast the lyrics to their country’s anthem, but Ronaldo has been spotted doing his own thing, standing sideways in the line-up.
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      With his hand on the shoulder of Portugal’s goalkeeper, Ronaldo stands at an angle during the anthem and the reason for this has been revealed.
      The forward does this in order to face the Portugal flag during the national anthem, a patriotic gesture from CR7.
      Whether this becomes a superstitious act remains to be seen, with the European side hoping to make it as far into the competition as they can. More

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      Who is World Cup 2022 singer Nora Fatehi?

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      BOLLYWOOD star Nora Fatehi is no stranger to being on the big stage – but she is set to step foot on the biggest one of them all next month.Nora’s powerful vocal cords and entertaining dance moves feature on the official FIFA World Cup anthem ‘Light The Sky’.
      Nora Fatehi will perform at the 2022 FIFA World CupCredit: Instagram @norafatehi
      And fans are set to see her become the first Bollywood actor to perform at the most prestigious football tournament when she sings the global track LIVE in Qatar.
      Find out more about Nora Fatehi below…
      Who is Nora Fatehi?
      Born February 6, 1992, Nora Fatehi is a Canadian actress who is best known for her work in the Indian film industry.
      However, has dipped her toe in the modeling, singing, dancing, and producing sectors too.
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      Nora belongs to a Moroccan family but she has stated in interviews that she considers herself an ‘Indian at heart.
      And she first announced herself in the acting scene in a Hindi film called Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans.
      Nora’s first big break in 2018 came when she featured in the recreated version of the song “Dilbar” which accumulated more than 20 million views on YouTube within 24 hours.
      Then only a year later, Fatehi signed a contract with record label T-Series where she appeared in the 2020 dance film, Street Dancer 3D.
      But Nora’s biggest achievement to date is becoming the first African-Arab female artist to have a song cross one BILLION views on YouTube which is “Dilbar”.
      Nora became the first African-Arab female artist to get one billion views on YouTubeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      When is the 2022 World Cup?

      Group stages for the Qatar World Cup will start on Sunday, November 20.
      This was moved a day earlier than planned in order for Qatar to play in the opening fixture.
      Second-round fixtures will be played between December 3 and 6.
      The quarter-finals take place on December 9 and 10.
      Semi-finals are set for December 13 and 14.
      The final of this year’s World Cup will be on December 18, just one week before Christmas.

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      What are the lyrics for Light The Sky?
      Norah Fatehi was chosen to feature in the 2022 FIFA World Cup song, Light The Sky with artists; Red One, Manal, Balqees and Rahma Riad.
      Here are the lyrics:
      EverybodyEverybodyLight the skyLight the skyShout if you’re with meShout if you’re with meHayya hayyaHayya hayyaEverybodyEverybodyLight the skyLight the skyShout if you’re with meShout if you’re with meHayya hayyaHayya hayya
      If you feeling like a starThen you feel like meGotta treat yourselfLike a VIPGot the east and westMeet you in-betweenYou don’t need no restYou can lean on me
      Tonight we out to play ohNo worries it’s okay ohLook up like GalileoThem lights are saying helloTonight we out to play ohNo worries it’s okay ohLook up like GalileoWe up, we up, we up, we up
      EverybodyEverybodyLight the skyLight the skyShout if you’re with meShout if you’re with meHayya hayyaHayya hayyaEverybodyEverybodyLight the skyLight the skyShout if you’re with meShout if you’re with meHayya hayyaHayya hayya
      If you feeling like a starComing and hang with meOpen up your heartLet your love run freeWanna spend some time?Then it’s all on meI can teach your thingsGet your PHD
      Tonight we out to play ohNo worries it’s okay ohLook up like GalileoThem lights are saying helloTonight we out to play ohNo worries it’s okay ohLook up like GalileoWe up, we up, we up, we up
      EverybodyEverybodyLight the skyLight the skyShout if you’re with meShout if you’re with meHayya hayyaHayya hayyaEverybodyEverybodyLight the skyLight the skyShout if you’re with meShout if you’re with meHayya hayyaHayya hayya
      Hamein karna hai joHam karenge wahinHam jaisa yahanPar koi bhi nahiChahe east or westHam milenge yahinYou don’t need no restYou can lean on me
      Trop fière ta pas idée, rah bdina men zeroN3ti rouhi w9elbi, ala bladna kanngheroUne nouvelle page une nouvelle histoire, chacun sa versionViens l’écrire avec moi, a travers les saisons
      EverybodyEverybodyLight the skyLight the skyShout if you’re with meShout if you’re with meHayya hayyaHayya hayyaEverybodyEverybodyLight the skyLight the skyShout if you’re with meShout if you’re with meHayya hayyaHayya hayya More

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      What happened last time Uruguay played Ghana in the World Cup?

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      GHANA are seeking revenge when they face Uruguay in Group H of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.The sides faced off in the quarter final back in 2010 during the World Cup in South Africa, and a rivalry was born.
      Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez celebrating against Ghana in 2010Credit: Getty – Contributor
      They will now face each other for the first time in 12 years as the sides look to battle it out to reach the knock-out stages.
      However, it will not be easy to qualify from Group H as Portugal and South Korea make up the group.
      What happened last time Uruguay played Ghana?
      To find the last time these two met, you have to go back over a decade ago when a certain Luis Suarez made headlines.
      Luis Suarez denying Ghana a last-minute winner with his handsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      No, the controversial figure did not bite anyone despite having done so three times in his career, but he did have his say on the match.
      With Sulley Muntari putting Ghana ahead, Uruguay equalised through Diego Forlan before the match was sent to extra time.
      With penalties looming as the score remained level, Ghana were putting on the pressure and came close to scoring in the final minute of the match.
      Uruguay beat Ghana on penalties after Luis Suarez’s controversial saveCredit: AFP
      However, Suarez was on the line to clear a shot away completely legally before the rebound came in. This time, the forward opted to punch the ball off the line to prevent a late goal.
      Suarez was dismissed for this and Ghana were awarded a penalty and up stepped Asamoah Gyan with his country’s semi-final dream in his hands.
      The striker blasted the ball over the bar, with Suarez on the touchline watching on before bursting into celebration as the match was to be decided by a penalty shoot-out.
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      Uruguay came out victorious, winning 4-2 on penalties and securing a place in the semi-final after Suarez’s dark arts.
      The African side will no doubt be seeking revenge in Group H as they look to make up for the 2010 heartbreak caused by Suarez, who will face off against them once more, and potentially for the last time in the 35-year-old’s career – with Gyan considering a stunning return for the showdown. More

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      How England should line up in 2022 Qatar World Cup according to Tim Sherwood with three Southgate regulars DROPPED

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      TIM SHERWOOD has picked his dream England World Cup line up… with Raheem Sterling one of three regulars AXED from the XI.The former Tottenham boss would have the 19-goal Three Lions forward on his bench.
      Tim Sherwood’s dream World Cup XI
      There is no room for Raheem Sterling in Sherwood’s teamCredit: EPA
      And ruthless Sherwood, 53, has also snubbed Jordan Pickford from his starting line up.
      Appearing on talkSPORT, Sherwood named Arsenal stopper Aaron Ramsdale in his team ahead of Pickford.
      Ramsdale has impressed between the sticks this season, helping the Gunners top the Premier League with nine wins from 10 games.
      But Pickford is still likely to be Gareth Southgate’s first choice stopper.
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      Sherwood has also surprisingly named Jack Grealish ahead of Sterling in his England team.
      That’s despite Grealish starting just three games in the Prem this campaign.
      Sterling on the other hand has been a regular for Chelsea, and is one of the most experienced Three Lions in the squad.
      Another shock omission is Arsenal starlet Bukayo Saka.
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      Sherwood doesn’t have the winger in his XI, despite the 21-year-old scoring four goals and providing four assists in just 10 Prem games this season.
      Instead the Ex-Spurs gaffer would play Phil Foden off the right hand side, to fit in Grealish on the left.
      Kieran Trippier is in at right-back, but Sherwood revealed he would pick Reece James if fit.
      He also picked Luke Shaw over Ben Chilwell at left-back, and put Manchester City pair John Stones and Kyle Walker together in the heart of defence.
      Although Walker is a World Cup doubt after having groin surgery earlier this month.
      There is no room for Harry Maguire either, although the Manchester United skipper is also currently sidelined by a thigh injury picked up on England duty last month.
      Sherwood has dropped Bukayo Saka, and would play Jack Grealish on the leftCredit: Getty
      There is no place for Harry Maguire in Sherwood’s teamCredit: Alamy More

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      How many players has Uruguay’s Luis Suarez bitten?

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      DURING his time at Ajax, Liverpool and with Uruguay, Luis Suarez had bitten off more than he could chew with several on-the-field controversies.Bursting onto the scene at the 2010 World Cup, Suarez earned a move to Anfield in 2011 before making a career-defining move to Barcelona.
      Luis Suarez currently plys his trade for Uruguayan side NacionalCredit: Reuters
      The 35-year-old is now likely to be playing at his last ever World Cup as Uruguay will be keen to send him off in style.
      Scoring 68 goals in 134 games for his country, Suarez has made memories on the pitch but there have also been moments to forget for the controversial figure.
      How many players has Luis Suarez bitten?
      During his playing career, Suarez’s footballing quality has never been called into question despite some crazy incidents.
      The striker made headlines during his time at Ajax, being labelled as a villain for the first time back in 2010.
      Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic signalling that Luis Suarez had bitten himCredit: EPA
      The forward earned a seven-game suspension after sinking his teeth into PSV Eindhoven’s Otman Bakkal, biting his shoulder as his teammates looked on in disbelief.
      You’d have thought that Suarez would learn from his mistake, losing his cool as a youngster before earning a move to Liverpool, where he would become one of the best strikers in the world.
      But, no, Suarez was at it again in 2013. In an off-the-ball incident, Suarez grabbed Chelsea full-back Branislav Ivanovic’s arm and once again opted for a bite. This time earning him a 10-game suspension.
      Giorgio Chiellini showed the referee bite marks as Luis Suarez went down holding his teeth in the 2014 World CupCredit: AFP
      Surely Suarez was done here and had learned his lesson? No. There was one final bite to follow, and this one on the biggest stage of them all.
      During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Uruguay faced Italy and Suarez was at it for a third time.
      It appeared to be third time lucky for the forward, who was not punished during the match despite biting Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder and the Italian showing bite marks to the referee.
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      This time, the bite earned Suarez a nine-match suspension from FIFA, ending his World Cup campaign and this was the last occasion we saw Suarez bite an opponent, making it three times in his career.
      The Uruguayan will be hoping for a less controversial tournament in 2022 as he looks to go out in style, leaving fans talking about his goal scoring prowess rather than controversial on-the-pitch antics. More