World Cup 2022

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      Man City star Kyle Walker has surgery on groin injury leaving England defender’s World Cup 2022 in doubt

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      KYLE WALKER is now a MAJOR doubt for the World Cup after undergoing surgery following an injury. It will doubtless come as a huge blow to Gareth Southgate’s England plans in Qatar.
      Kyle Walker shared a photo after his operation
      Kyle Walker is now a doubt for the World CupCredit: Rex
      Walker went off in the first half of the Manchester derbyCredit: EPA
      Manchester City confirmed the news via a club statement.
      They said: “Kyle Walker has undergone surgery after suffering a groin injury to his left leg during the first half of our 6-3 win over Manchester United on Sunday.
      “The surgery was successful and a more detailed prognosis will be provided in due course.
      “Everyone at Manchester City wishes Kyle a speedy recovery.”
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      Walker later shared a photo of him in hospital after his operation.
      He wrote: “As players we have to appreciate injuries are part and parcel of the game we love.
      “My operation on Tuesday was a success and now I can concentrate on my rehab and getting back to full fitness.
      “I will be supporting my team mates every day in any way I can. Once again thank you for all your kind messages.”
      Prior to the surgery, Pep Guardiola admitted he was unsure whether Walker would be fit in time for the tournament in just over six weeks.
      He told reporters: “It’s something abdominal and he will be a while out.
      “I don’t know (how long). I cannot say anything else. We have to speak to the doctors. Hopefully he can get back like Kalvin (Phillips).
      “I know how important the World Cup is for the players but honestly I don’t know right now.”
      Walker was absent from City’s 5-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League, with Joao Cancelo filling in at right-back in his absence.
      Walker is one of Southgate’s key men, often being the first-choice right-back when in a back four or the right sided centre-half in a back three.
      The ex-Tottenham and Sheffield United star has 70 caps for the Three Lions and has been a mainstay in each of the last three major international tournaments.
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      For England this means Reece James is likely to be drafted into the starting XI in the position with his standing currently as the second choice to Walker.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold – who ranks under Kieran Trippier in England RB’s for Southgate – could see himself spared the disappointment of missing out if Walker fails to win his race against time.
      England’s first game will come against Iran on November 21st. More

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      Prince William discusses tactics with England footie boss Gareth Southgate and casts eyes over potential future stars

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      PRINCE William discussed tactics with England footie boss Gareth Southgate yesterday — and cast his eye over potential future stars.FA President William, 40, held a behind-closed-doors chat with Southgate during a visit to England’s training HQ.
      Wills and Gareth also discussed the ‘mental and tactical’ preparation for the World Cup in Qatar next monthCredit: Getty
      Prince William discussed tactics with England footie boss Gareth Southgate yesterday — and cast his eye over potential future starsCredit: AP
      Sources close to the prince said the England gaffer, 52, “expressed his condolence” over the Queen’s death last month.
      He also spoke of his “admiration” at how the Royal Family had conducted themselves.
      They also discussed the “mental and tactical” preparation for the World Cup in Qatar next month.
      Aston Villa fan William was at the 330-acre St George’s Park in Staffordshire to mark the training base’s 10th anniversary.
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      The new Prince of Wales spoke to schoolchildren representing clubs from across the Midlands in an indoor tournament.
      He made a beeline for ten-year-old Nesia Joao, who was wearing a Villa strip.
      The schoolgirl, of Edgbaston, Birmingham, said afterwards: “He told me Villa was his favourite team and said that he wouldn’t want us to let him down. We promised not to. 
      “At first I thought he would be strict, because he’s in the Royal Family and has to follow these guidelines. But he’s really talkative, fun and a nice guy. My dad will be really proud.”
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       He also spoke to kids from “Everton in the Community” who are representing Team England at the Street Child World Cup in Qatar. 
      Meanwhile, on the outdoor Alan Shearer pitch there were drills by the England Deaf Men’s team — managed by Scotsman Andy Smith.
      His words were translated by sign language, and William joked: “Do you add a Scottish accent?”
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      World Cup 2030 could be held in Ukraine as Spain and Portugal include war-torn nation in bid to host tournament

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      UKRAINE could host the World Cup in 2030 after Spain and Portugal included the war-ravaged nation in its bid.The Iberian countries were already planning to make an attempt to stage the tournament.
      Ukraine could be a co-host for the 2030 World Cup along with Portugal and SpainCredit: Reuters
      Fernando Gomes, Luis Rubiales and Andriy Pavelko stand together for the unified bidCredit: Reuters
      But they decided to add Ukraine as a classy gesture and act of European solidarity – and boost their chances of success.
      Ukraine is currently under illegal invasion by Russia after Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into the neighbouring nation on February 24, causing widespread death and devastation.
      It is hoped the war will be over soon and Ukraine will be able to stage World Cup matches.
      Uefa President Alexander Ceferin, determined to bring the tournament back to Europe, is understood to be fully in support of the proposals.
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      Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky is also an enthusiastic backer of the bid.
      Spanish and Portuguese FA chiefs, Luis Rubiales and Fernando Gomes, confirmed the plan at Uefa’s headquarters in Switzerland today alongside their Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Pavelko.
      Rubiales said: “Our bid is not an Iberian bid anymore, it’s a European bid.
      “I’m convinced that now our bid is much better than before.
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      “Football is universal and if it is capable of changing the life of people in so many ways it should also be used for doing good.”
      Portuguese boss Gomes insisted the details of adding Ukraine into the scheduling would be finalised in the coming months.
      An option would see one group at the 48-team event likely based in Ukraine, with two stadiums in operation.
      The other games, will, as planned, be played in Spain and Portugal, as will all the knock-out games with the final schemed for Real Madrid’s renovated Bernabeu.
      Gomes said: “We are convinced that by 2030 we will have peace in Europe and that Ukraine will be able to host the tournament in the best way possible.”
      RIVAL BIDS
      Uefa are keen to bring the World Cup back to Europe in 2030 following the controversial awarding to Qatar and then the joint-hosting by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
      However, Spain-Portugal-Ukraine bid will face competition from a three-continent proposal by Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Greece which has the backing of Fifa boss Giani Infantino.
      In addition to the Saudi-led bid, a four-nation South American bid, with games in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, is already a contender.
      If that bid wins, the final would be played in Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario, where the first World Cup Final was played in 1930.
      But Ceferin said in September he was confident the Iberian bid would come out on top – even before Ukraine’s late addition.
      He said: “I see it as a winning bid. We will do what we can to help the bid.
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      “It is time for Europe to host the World Cup. Both countries are passionate about football, you feel, you smell football in Spain and Portugal. The infrastructure is great, and we have some plans to help.
      “We have already spoken with Fernando Gomes and Luis Rubiales. I think and I am sure that the 2030 World Cup will be played in Spain and Portugal.” More

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      ‘We have to deal with it’ – England boss Southgate urges players to stand up to pressure and ‘take some ownership’

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has told his England stars to ‘own’ the pressure as they head into next month’s World Cup.The Three Lions will fly to Qatar on the back of a record run of SIX competitive matches without a win — and Nations League RELEGATION.
      England manager Gareth Southgate has ordered his players to “own” the pressureCredit: Getty
      England have suffered a miserable six-match winless streak ahead of the World CupCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      And England boss Southgate said: “Of course, the pressure is coming for us.
      “You’re going to a World Cup. You would not choose to go into a World Cup with the run of results we’ve had. But, actually, we’re stronger for that. The players have to take some ownership.”
      England finished bottom of their Nations League group, while Luke Shaw’s strike in  the 3-3 Wembley draw with Germany was a first goal from open play in 521 MINUTES.
      England’s World Cup Group B opener is against Iran on November 21.
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      Southgate added: “When it’s going well, it’s enjoyable. But it doesn’t breed that hardness  you’re going to need.
      “We can play friendlies where  we don’t learn so much about people.
      “We’ve been tested against  high-level opposition. Players had to come through more scrutiny, a bit of pressure.
      “Whether we want to delay it, make it  comfortable, in the end  that pressure is coming.
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      “We have to deal with it. We might as well have it in the lead-in, because it means the players have to step up and take some ownership.
      “As a team, we’ll be better for that challenging period.” More

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      Gareth Southgate reveals even the POSTMAN is questioning his decisions as England boss after horror run to World Cup

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      NOT long after England’s glorious semi-final run at the 2018 World Cup, Gareth Southgate bumped into Neil Warnock at a dinner.Though the Three Lions agonisingly lost in the last four to Croatia, the performances in Russia that summer had lifted the country’s spirits.
      Southgate has admitted even his postman questions his England decisionsCredit: Rex
      The Three Lions manager is under pressure heading into the World CupCredit: Rex
      England are without a win in six games heading into QatarCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Millions of fans had fallen back in love with the national team after being burned by the Roy Hodgson debacles at the previous two tournaments.
      But Southgate was soon given a not-too-subtle reminder of how big a gamble it had been by the FA to appoint him given his relative Prem inexperience.
      And trust the outspoken ex-Sheffield United and Middlesbrough boss not to sugarcoat the feeling of a sceptical public.
      Southgate recalled: “When I took the job, I know people would have feared the worst.
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      “Really? What has he done? Got Middlesbrough relegated. Done a bit with the U21s.
      “Some shrugged their shoulders. Well, he knows the young players. We’ve tried everything else, we might as well give this bloody thing a go.
      “If you want a frank opinion on things, I always find that Neil Warnock never disappoints.
      “I saw him at dinner after Russia in 2018 and he said: ‘Son, you did great. But, I’ll be honest, I thought it was going to be a disaster’.
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      “I don’t think he was alone, by the way . . . ”
      It is an anecdote that underlines Southgate’s humility.
      Whatever happens in Qatar next month — and some may have the same trepidation as four years ago given recent results — Southgate will go down in history as one of England’s greatest managers.
      And it was apparent on Monday night in London just how much Southgate values the prestigious position.
      The 52-year-old received a special Legends of Football  honour — retired Lionesses star Ellen White was also recognised — on behalf of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy.
      David Moyes, Sam Allardyce, Sean Dyche, Teddy Sheringham, David Seaman and Stuart Pearce were among those who went to the Grosvenor House hotel gathering.
      It was gone 11pm when Southgate finally took to the stage after agreeing to help out to raise funds for charity.
      He even auctioned off his Hublot watch from the last World Cup for £15,000.
      And then in an eloquent, emotional speech — in which he referenced English novelist Rudyard Kipling — he explained why managing England “is the greatest privilege”.
      Southgate spoke about “running home from school” to see Bryan Robson score after 27 seconds against France at the 1982 World Cup.
      The night he stayed up late to watch Gary Lineker’s hat-trick against Poland at Mexico 1986.
      How he jumped for joy when David Platt scored that volley against Belgium in 1990.
      Then there was the pride he felt when, aged 25, he won his first of 57 England caps as  a sub against Portugal at Wembley in December 1995.
      How humbled he was to “stand as one of 11 representatives of 55 million, belting out the national anthem”.
      My way or the high way
      Southgate — who will join Walter Winterbottom, Alf Ramsey, Bobby Robson and Sven-Goran Eriksson in managing England at more than one World Cup —  plans to do it his way, regardless of outside noise.
      He said: “To accomplish extraordinary things is difficult.
      “This is a job where every decision and selection is questioned, debated, ridiculed. That’s just my postman by the way!
      “But I’ve to be strong enough to withstand popular appeal.
      “And do what I really believe gives us the best chance to win. That doubting, that noise that surrounds us is because people care. They just want to win.
      “I understand that. If nobody cared or commented then it wouldn’t be the incredible challenge that it is.”
      Southgate explained what it is like to be England’s manager.
      He told the audience: “If the story seems a mix of emotions, successes and failures that is because it has been.
      “For every amazing night when you walk on air, there’s the gut-wrenching feeling the morning after a loss.
      “Those moments when you have pick yourself up off the canvas.”
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      Southgate then quoted Kipling’s poem If . . . 
      “If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they have gone, and so hold on when there is nothing in you, except the will which says to them ‘hold on’ . . . ”
      To donate to the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Charity, go to nordoff-robbins.org.uk
      Southgate says he needs to be strong enough not to cave to popular appealCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Southgate guided England to a World Cup semi-final in 2018Credit: AFP
      The Three Lions lost their Euro 2020 final to Italy last year at WembleyCredit: Getty More

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      Staggering price of pints, Qatar 2022 final tickets and England home shirt as World Cup numbers revealed

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      THE World Cup is less than 50 days away and excitement levels are rising by the hour.France are heading to Qatar as the defending champions following their thrilling performances in Russia.
      England are hoping to win their first World Cup since 1966Credit: Getty
      The World Cup heads to the small nation of Qatar in the Middle EastCredit: AP
      Plenty of nations, though, are desperately hoping they can go all the way and lift the iconic trophy on December 18.
      So SunSport has crunched the numbers ahead of the upcoming festival of football…
      1 
      This is the first World Cup to be staged in the Middle East and, as a result, the first winter World Cup due to the intense heat of the Qatari summer. 
      The hosts are the only nation making their debut this year, kicking off the tournament against Ecuador on November 20.
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      5
      England are fifth in the Fifa world rankings behind Brazil, Belgium, Argentina and France. 
      19 
      Fans will be able to drink alcohol for a whopping 19 HOURS per day as part of the desert festival – but pints are expected to cost at least £8 each. 
      26
      The average temperature in Qatar in November will be around 26°C, dropping to around 21°C in December. 
      The number of players allowed per squad is also increased by three to 26 – with all 15 reserves available from the bench.
      32
      This World Cup is the last with 32 teams across eight groups of four in Qatar – but next time in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026 there will be 48 nations involved. 
      The new England home shirt has divided opinion and costs a fortuneCredit: Getty
      England fans will roar on their men from home and in QatarCredit: AFP or licensors
      Pints could start from £8 for the fans who have travelledCredit: Getty
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      45
      The eight stadiums are crammed into a strip of just 45 miles down the east coast of Qatar with the Al Bayt Stadium in the north and Al Janoub in the south. 
      64
      Wales are competing at a World Cup for the second time in their history after Pele scored in their 1958 quarter-final in Sweden, a huge 64 years ago. 
      115
      The official England shirt will cost fans a staggering £115 – with a ‘stadium’ option available at £60. 
      169 
      There were 169 goals scored in 64 matches at the 2018 World Cup in Russia – an average of 2.64 per game – with Harry Kane’s six earning him the Golden Boot.
      529
      World Cup final tickets are always gold dust and the cheapest face-value ticket for this year’s was £529 – rising up to an eye-watering £1,408.
      1966
      England are aiming to win the World Cup for just the second time ever and first since Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes of 1966.
      Harry Kane won the Golden Boot in 2018 with six goalsCredit: AP:Associated Press
      A 17-year-old Pele knocked Wales out of the 1958 World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
      3,000
      With so many fans flocking to the small state in the Persian Gulf, hotel prices have sky-rocketed up to around £3,000 per night at some hotels. 
      6,175
      The 32 countries will be competing to lift the famous gold trophy, designed by Italian Silvio Gazzaniga for the 1974 World Cup, which is 36.5cm tall and weighs 6,175g.
      80,000 
      The biggest stadium of the tournament is the Lusail Iconic Stadium, 23km north of Doha and will host ten matches including the final on December 18. 
      2.45m
      A huge 2.45million tickets have been sold for the tournament as more than 1m fans flock to the country. 
      2.5m 
      Qatar has a population of just 2.5m making it the 163rd-largest country in the world with residents spread across 11,000 sq km of land.
      385m
      The total prize pool for Qatar 2022 is £385m with £36m going to the champions. 
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      5bn
      It is expected the World Cup will be watched by a projected 5billion people around the world with nearly two-thirds of the planet tuning in. 
      185bn
      Qatar have splashed out a staggering £185bn to host the tournament including £33bn on the Doha Metro and £14bn on the Hamad International Airport – but just £6bn on the stadiums.
      The World Cup trophy, held by France, weighs 6.175kg and is 36.5cm in heightCredit: Getty
      The 80,000-seater Lusail Iconic Stadium will host the finalCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi ‘on verge of agreeing incredible Barcelona transfer return with PSG ace to join next July’

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      LIONEL Messi could make a stunning return to Barcelona next summer – at 36.Rumours of a move back to Catalonia for the South American star have grown in recent weeks with Messi already in the final year of his two-season deal at PSG.
      Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi is set to rejoin BarcelonaCredit: AFP
      Lionel Messi left Barcelona last year for Paris Saint-Germain after 17 seasonsCredit: Getty
      Messi is understood to be committed until the end of this campaign, with PSG’s Qatari owners determined to keep him until after the World Cup and for the second half of the season.
      Barca coach and former team-mate Xavi fuelled the speculation as he refused to dismiss the concept, only stating: “Let’s see how it goes but this is not the time to talk about Leo.
      “We love him very much but we wouldn’t be doing him any favours to talk about it. We have to let him enjoy Paris now.”
      And now Argentine journalist Veronica Brunati, known to be close to the Messi family, has declared the superstar has decided to go back to the Nou Camp.
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      She posted on Twitter: “On July 1, 2023, Lionel Messi will be a Barcelona player.”
      It would be a spectacular move for Messi, who won four Champions Leagues and 10 LaLiga crowns at the club before his move to France after Barca announced they could no longer afford his salary.
      Messi broke down in tears but agreed to move on a salary believed to be in the order of £700,000 per week with the French side.
      The Argentina international spent 17 scintillating years at Barcelona and won seven Ballon d’Or awards.
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      The star forward amassed a staggering total of 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances.
      This season, Messi has already registered seven goals and eight assists in 12 appearances across all competitions for PSG. More

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      Stunning Danish Wags BANNED from World Cup in Qatar in blow to Man Utd’s Eriksen and Tottenham’s Hojbjerg

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      DENMARK’S World Cup stars are facing an arid time in the desert… after the Danish FA banned their Wags from Qatar.The Scandinavians traditionally bring their wives and girlfriends to the finals of major tournaments.
      Christian Eriksen pictured with wife Sabrina Kvist JensenCredit: chriseriksen8/Instagram
      Sabrina rushed onto the pitch when Eriksen collapsed at Euro 2020Credit: AFP
      Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg alongside wife Josephine
      The pair were secretly married in 2019 before tying the knot for a second time in 2021
      Katrine Friis is the stunning girlfriend of ex-Chelsea star Andreas Christensen
      Katrine is also a model and influencer on the side
      Laila Hasanovic is dating Denmark striker Jonas Wind
      Laila is also a former Miss Denmark finalist
      But the DBU, Denmark’s association, has this time refused to take the players’ partners.
      DBU spokesman Jakob Hoyer said they had taken their stance to avoid enriching Qatar’s economy.
      Manchester United playmaker Christian Eriksen and Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are among those likely to go without due to the veto.
      Other potentially affected squad members include Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen, Leicester duo Jannik Vestergaard and Daniel Iversen, plus Leeds defender Rasmus Kristiansen.
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      Brentford trio Mathias Jensen, Mikkel Damsgaard and Christian Norgaard could also be deprived of female company – as could Nice’s ex-Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
      Danish paper Ekstra Bladet headlined their report: “No kisses and sex for the World Cup boys.”
      Hoyer told the Copenhagen daily: “The DBU and the DBU’s board of directors have decided to minimise travel to Qatar in connection with the World Cup.
      “We don’t want to contribute to making a profit for Qatar.  Therefore we have slowed down our travel activities as much as possible.
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      “At previous tournaments the players’ wives and girlfriends have travelled with the board.
      “But we have cancelled those trips to this tournament.”
      By contrast, England’s Wags will accompany the Three Lions to the Middle East – staying at Qatar’s luxurious Banana Island resort.
      Denmark kick off their Group D campaign next month against Tunisia before going on to face World Cup holders France and outsiders Australia.
      Germany are also going through a Wag crisis of their own, with accommodation proving a nightmare to sort.
      Former Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is likely to be without wife Stine Gyldenbrand at World CupCredit: Reuters
      Stine was present when Leicester became unlikely Premier League championsCredit: Getty
      Josefine Louise Barsøe Nielsen is another WAG who will miss the World Cup
      Josefine’s partner Christian Norgaard currently turns out for Brentford
      Crystal Palace star Joachim Andersen is in a relationship with Cecilie PorsdalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/joachimandersen3/?hl=en
      Cecilie and Andersen are childhood sweethearts More