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      Ten best players never to have won the World Cup including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and George Best

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      THE World Cup is the most prestigious competition in football but for some it has always been out of reach – even for the best ever.Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are regarded by many as two of the greatest of all time yet have never got their hands on World Cup trophy.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players ever to have not won the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Lionel Messi’s Argentina are unbeaten in 35 games going into QatarCredit: AFP
      They will be fighting to change that in Qatar in what will likely be the last World Cup campaign for both players.
      But should they fail to do so they may find comfort in the fact many stars have also faltered on the big stage.
      From Messi to Eric Cantona, SunSport takes a look at the top ten best players to have never won the World Cup.
      10. Eric Cantona
      Of all the players on the list Eric Cantona undoubtedly has the worst record at international level.
      He was adored at Manchester United and helped guide the Red Devils to their first league title in 26 years in 1993.
      Cantona, 56, scored 20 goals in 45 games for Les Bleus and captained the side until his suspension from football for fly-kicking a spectator.
      He failed to get back into the squad after that and missed France’s World Cup win in 1998 – he failed to make a single World Cup appearance and the closest he came to the competition was the 2002 Beach Soccer Cup.
      Eric Cantona was left out of the squad as France won World Cup ’98Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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      9. Paolo Maldini
      The AC Milan legend competed in four World Cup campaigns yet was never successful with the Azzurri, who have won the competition three times.
      Maldini, 54, claimed third place at Italia 90 and went one better in 1994 as Italy finished runners-up to Brazil after losing on penalties.
      The defender made his last World Cup appearance in 2002 – missing out on Italy’s World Cup glory in 2006.
      Paolo Maldini featured in four different World Cups and finished as runner-up in 1994Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      8. Zico
      Like Maldini, Zico is one of the best players to play for his country without winning the World Cup.
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      He scored in three editions of the competition between 1978 and 1986 including penalty shoot-outs and scored 48 goals in 71 games for the Samba Boys.
      A king of flair, the 69-year-old encapsulated the Brazilian style and scored some outrageous World Cup goals including a scissor kick and a 30-yard free-kick against Scotland in ’82.
      Zico scored some spectacular World Cup goals but Brazil always failed to deliverCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      7. Eusebio
      One of the stars of the 1966 World Cup as he finished top scorer with nine goals, two of which came against goalkeeping greats Gordon Banks and Lev Yashin.
      Eusebio scored four against North Korea in the quarter-final before being shackled by England’s Nobby Stiles in the semis.
      Portugal lost to the Three Lions but claimed third place, and Eusebio was honoured with his own waxwork in Madame Tussauds.
      Eusebio won the Golden Boot at the 1966 World CupCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      6. Ferenc Puskas
      One of the best international goalscorers ever, Puskas played for a Hungary side that are perhaps the best team to never win the World Cup.
      Puskas scored four goals in four games at the 1954 World Cup as Hungary lost to Germany in the final, despite beating them 8-3 earlier in the competition.
      The striker scored 84 goals in 85 caps for Hungary before going on to represent Spain at the 1962 World Cup, having been naturalised in the country as a result of his spell playing for Real Madrid.
      Ferenc Puskas finished as a runner up in the 1954 World CupCredit: AFP – Getty
      5. Alfredo Di Stefano
      Another Real Madrid hitman, Di Stefano helped Los Blancos to five European Cups and scored 308 goals in 396 games for the Spanish giants.
      Born in Buenos Aires, the striker represented both Colombia and Argentina before scoring 23 goals in 31 games for Spain.
      But he never made a World Cup appearance despite being called up to the Spain squad in 1962.
      Alfredo Di Stefano won five European Cups but could not replicate that success on the international stageCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      4. Johan Cruyff
      Cruyff may not have a World Cup medal but he boasts one of the most iconic moments in the competition’s history – his Cruyff turn against Sweden in 1974.
      That was the only World Cup the Dutchman appeared in, but he scored three goals as the Netherlands made the final.
      Cruyff was key to the Dutch philosophy of Total Football and his side are regarded as one of the best to never win silverware following their 2-1 defeat to West Germany in the final.
      Johan Cruyff is one of the most influential figures in footballCredit: AFP or licensors
      3. George Best
      Best was one of the most naturally gifted players of all time and shone for United, winning the league title twice and European Cup under Sir Matt Busby.
      The winger was recognised with the Ballon d’Or in 1968 but Northern Ireland only qualified for the World Cup in 1982 – once Best was already a washed-up former great aged 35.
      George Best is perhaps the greatest player to have never featured in a World CupCredit: PA:Press Association
      2. Cristiano Ronaldo
      Ronaldo, 37, is heading to Qatar off the back of recent criticism from Portugal fans, but he is the all-time leading international goalscorer with 117 goals.
      The United striker has played in four World Cups but never got past the semi-final stage after losing 1-0 to France in the 2006 semi-final.
      Portugal are outsiders to win in Qatar but they were also underdogs heading into Euro 2016, which they won, and Ronaldo is not one to give up hope.
      Ronaldo was criticised by Portugal fans during the recent international breakCredit: Getty
      1. Lionel Messi
      Messi is one of the youngest ever World Cup scorers but at 35-years-old he likely has only one more chance to win the coveted trophy.
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      He has often been criticised for not delivering for Argentina but silenced those voices by winning the Copa America last year.
      Messi and co. finished as runners-up to Germany at the 2014 World Cup but with Argentina unbeaten in 35 games the PSG star should be feeling about his side’s chances of success in Qatar.
      Messi won the Copa America in 2021 – his only international trophy to dateCredit: AFP
      Many other football icons have also never won the World Cup including Michel Platini and Socrates More

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      James Maddison blows all England rivals out of water as stats show Leicester ace outperforming Saka, Foden and Mount

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      JAMES MADDISON is officially England’s best creative midfielder – and is STILL being ignored by Gareth Southgate.The Leicester midfielder, 25, has been in sensational form for the Foxes in recent seasons.
      James Maddison is outperforming his fellow English creative midfieldersCredit: Getty
      He tops the list for goals and assists in the Premier League since the start of last season
      And he produced another spectacular performance with two goals and an assist as his side thrashed Nottingham Forest 4-0.
      Maddison opened the scoring with a deflected effort and started the attack for Harvey Barnes’ second.
      Then the ex-Norwich ace whipped in a delicious free-kick for his fifth goal of the season and set up Patson Daka’s cheeky flick as Leicester ran riot for their first win of the season.
      And the Maddison display had his fans, manager and plenty of pundits calling for him to be included in Southgate’s World Cup squad.
      8 – Leicester City players have scored 15 direct free-kick goals in the Premier League; James Maddison has scored eight of them (53%), with the other seven all being scored by different players. Walnut. pic.twitter.com/q1bOUAPeJ4— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 4, 2022

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      The playmaker and set-piece specialist, whose only senior Three Lions cap came against Montenegro in November 2019, has now racked up a whopping 27 Premier League goal involvements since the start of last season – and 37 in all competitions.
      That 27 is made up of 17 goals and ten assists – with one every 114 minutes of action – and is second only behind England captain Harry Kane on 34.
      Of those, a staggering 14 have come in his last 11 appearances dating back to May 11, the most of any player in the division except Erling Haaland’s ridiculous 17 in eight.
      And therefore it places Maddison ahead of his fellow attacking stars currently included by Southgate in the England squad.
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      Jarrod Bowen is second behind Maddison with 13 Premier League goals and 12 assists in the last 14 months for West Ham.
      Bukayo Saka is next on the list with 23 involvements (12 goals and 11 assists) ahead of derby-day hat-trick hero Phil Foden and Mason Mount both on 21.
      Conor Gallagher and Jadon Sancho both missed out on the September Nations League fixtures.
      They come further back on 12 and eight respectively with Jack Grealish at the bottom of the table with seven – including just one goal and no assists this term.
      Maddison spoke to Monday Night Football after his King Power exploits – and hit back at suggestions he would not be a “good traveller” in the squad.
      The Foxes star said: “Yeah well I’ve never seen anything like that but that’s almost questioning my personality and professionalism which is obviously quite insulting.”
      I have got to have the mindset of forcing my way in… I think there could be a space for meJames Maddison
      Maddison added: “It is hard to answer because you want to say the right thing and not the wrong thing, but [England] is an ambition of mine, a goal of mine.
      “I am a football man, I watch international football and an opportunity at that level is something I desire and one I know I would have an impact at and one I hope will come my way at some point.
      “I will keep working hard, I have got to have the mindset of forcing my way in because those players at the big clubs are in at the minute and they are top players, but I think there could be a space for me.
      “So I will keep working hard and producing performances like that tonight and see where it leads me.”
      His boss Brendan Rodgers gave him a glowing review, gushing: “It is such a shame I think for the country and for the boy himself. You see his talent and his performance level for the last 18 months is clear.
      “James is an absolutely brilliant player and I really hope he can somehow get into the team because if you want creativity, personality, he has improved the defensive side of his game, he can play in a couple of positions and for me, he is an absolutely outstanding player.
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      “He is up there, and I love Phil Foden, Mason Mount, those boys that play there. Jack Grealish is different as he is more from the side.
      “But Madders can play in a number of positions to a high level. He showed that tonight.”
      Maddison has been in red-hot form in a struggling Leicester sideCredit: Reuters
      His solo England cap came against Montenegro in 2019Credit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Fans in Qatar face not being able to watch World Cup games on TV as several hotels refuse to pay £24k broadcast fee

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      WORLD CUP fans face being unable to watch matches on TV in Qatar – because several hotels are refusing to pay the £24,000 broadcast fee. Hundreds of thousands of supporters will spend big money to follow their country to the tournament, which kicks off on November 20.
      Bars and restaurants may decide against showing the matches on TVCredit: Ray Collins
      But even if they have tickets for matches in the stadiums, they may struggle to catch the action for other games.
      According to the Mail, any bar or restaurant wanting to show the action must stump up £24,000 to host broadcaster BeIN Sports.
      And it is unclear exactly how much it would cost hotels to make the matches available on TVs in rooms with no flat rate.
      Supporters renting villas or apartments could also be left disappointed.
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      England fans are hoping to witness the Three Lions win the World Cup for the first time since 1966 this winter.
      Some are even shelling out as much as £3,000 per night at the Hotel Villa Hotel in Doha, Qatar’s capital city.
      It means plenty of faithful followers will opt to stay outside of Qatar where prices will be lower.
      Those who do make it into host nation will be allowed to drink for up to 19 HOURS per day.
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      However, they may be put off by pints set to cost from a whopping £8.
      Gareth Southgate’s men, though, will be living it up in luxury at the prestigious five-star Tivoli Souq Al-Wakra hotel.
      The stunning Souq Al-Wakra complex is based in the fishing village of Al Wakrah, ten miles south of the capital city Doha.
      An FA delegation visited the resort in January and Southgate helped choose it – as well as the Saoud bin Abdulrahman Stadium as their training ground – for logistical reasons.
      The £62-£109-per-night luxury hotel was also deliberately selected with a private beach to replicate England’s relaxed atmosphere they had back in 2018 in Russia, where they reached the semi-finals.
      But the players’ Wags are set to be split across the £6,000-a-night Banana Island and a luxury £1billion cruise liner.
      The MSC World Europa ship includes six pools, 14 ocean-view jacuzzis, dodgem cars, salons, boutiques, restaurants, bars and the longest dry-slide at sea.
      And because it is “off shore”, it is exempt from the strict rules surrounding boozing.
      The host broadcaster BeIN Sports are charging £24,000Credit: Getty
      It is still unclear whether hotels will show matches on TVs in roomsCredit: Reuters More

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      Neville says time is right for Southgate to drop Maguire as Carragher slams fans for ‘bullying’ England defender

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      GARY Neville reckons Gareth Southgate will be “seriously” starting to consider dropping Harry Maguire at the World Cup.But fellow Monday Night Football colleague Jamie Carragher believes the abuse the Manchester United star has been getting has been over the top.
      Jamie Carragher believes that Harry Maguire has been unfairly treated by fansCredit: PA
      Gary Neville thinks that Gareth Southgate will be considering dropping MaguireCredit: PA
      Maguire’s struggled in the 3-3 draw with Germany last MondayCredit: Getty
      Despite not starting a Premier League game for more than a month, Southgate kept his faith in Maguire by picking him from the off against Italy and Germany.
      His decision didn’t pay off, though, after the 29-year-old conceded a penalty in the draw with Germany and also lost the ball which led to their second goal.
      Speaking on MNF, Carragher said: “The criticism of Gareth Southgate for playing him because he wasn’t playing for Manchester United, I thought was nonsense.
      “He’s been England’s best centre-back, just through his performances, in the two tournaments.
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      “He was in team of the tournament in the last Euros.
      “So, Gareth Southgate had to pick him, just to see where he was fitness wise.
      “So, I had no problem picking him in the games, they obviously didn’t go well and that is then a big worry, because he doesn’t normally perform like that for England.
      “What it does do, it creates a big problem for Harry Maguire and for the manager, because he wants to pick him and he wants him to be in the team.
      “But I don’t think it’s a position he can go into a World Cup with if Harry Maguire is not playing for Manchester United.”
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      Carragher is also unsure about his place in the starting XI into doubt, but completely disagrees with the way the ex-Leicester man has been treated.
      He continued: “Also Maguire’s mental state, where he is confidence wise, the criticism he gets, which I feel is over the top, I think it’s a bit bullying.
      “I think it’s got to that stage, certainly on social media, also ridiculing the lad, when you think of what he’s done, especially in an England shirt.
      “You think of some of the great centre-backs that we played with, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, probably the two best centre-backs we’ve ever see in the Premier League.
      “But they still never achieved what Harry Maguire has done in an England shirt, getting to a semi-final and a final.
      “I know it’s a team game and Harry Maguire is not as good as those players, but in an England shirt he’s achieved a lot.
      “But I think it’s makes it very difficult for him to start at the World Cup if he’s not playing for Manchester United.”
      Maguire missed United’s 6-3 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday through injury, which means he’s just played just 10 minutes across the last five league fixtures.
      With that in mind, his best chance of game-time before the tournament gets underway next month is likely to come in Europe.
      Therefore, Neville reckons that Southgate might have no choice but to look at alternative options at the heart of his defence.
      He said: “I think it’s got to the point now whereby the injury he’s got, his form, I think Gareth Southgate will be seriously thinking of leaving him out of the team now, just to protect him.
      “I think he’s making mistakes, nothing is going his way and I agree with Jamie, you can’t find your form in a World Cup, particularly this one, there’s no warm-up games, we finish on the Sunday, I think.
      “Fulham play Manchester United in the last game on the 13th November and a week later you’re expected to be in form for the World Cup and he might not have played for two or three weeks for United, on top of the few weeks that he’s not played already for United.
      Maguire missed the Manchester derby through injuryCredit: PA
      Maguire hasn’t started in the Premier League since the 4-0 defeat at BrentfordCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      “I just think now it’s getting to that point where Gareth Southgate will be thinking he will have to bring in other centre-backs.”
      Neville compared Maguire’s current situation to some of his ex-United teammates, and hopes that he can come through the other side.
      He added: “It’s interesting, though, you think about Harry Maguire at Manchester United and he’s obviously having a difficult moment there and you think about the players who have trodden that path before.
      “David Beckham post-98, where the whole country was absolutely battering him and he had to come back and face that.
      “You think of my brother in 2000 when he gave the penalty away and he was having effigies burned outside his house, you think of Wayne Rooney in 2006 when he got sent off against [Cristiano] Ronaldo, these are all Manchester United players.
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      “You think of Marcus Rashford in 2021 when he was racially abused with Jadon Sancho, another Manchester United player, and [Bukayo] Saka.
      “So, you look at Manchester United players who’ve trodden that path before Harry Maguire, he’s not alone here, he’s not the first person to feel his form has gone or he’s being vilified or he’s being picked on, and that’s how you feel at the time, it’s only you, all of the pressure is on you.” More

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      ‘Iranian Messi’ Sardar Azmoun faces World Cup squad axe after supporting protests against repression of women

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      IRAN star Sardar Azmoun has insisted he is prepared to be axed from their World Cup squad after standing up for the repression of women in his home country.The 27-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward went against instructions from the Iranian FA which forbode members of the squad from speaking out over the death of Mahsa Amini – who died in police custody.
      Azmoun has stood up for women in his home countryCredit: AFP
      Protests have taken place across the country, with two men ejected from a friendly against Uruguay last month after they held up an image of Amini.
      Then last Tuesday, protestors made their voices known with a megaphone outside the stadium during a behind-closed-doors match against Senegal.
      One arrest was made after a car was struck – with the perpetrator injuring themselves in the process.
      And Azmoun felt he could not ignore the situation, even if it cost him his place at the World Cup.
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      Speaking on Instagram he said: “Because of the national team rules we couldn’t say anything until the [World Cup training] camp was over. But I couldn’t bear it anymore.
      “At worst I’ll be dismissed from the national team. No problem. I’d sacrifice that for one hair on the heads of Iranian women.”
      He continued: “This story will not be deleted. They can do whatever they want.
      “Shame on you for killing so easily; long live Iranian women.”
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      Varzesh Media, an Iranian-based sports news agency, praised Azmoun for his stance.
      They said: “These past few days, like all of Iran, we were too heartbroken to write about sports.
      “Football? What’s all the fuss about when these people pay such a high price for their most basic rights?
      “Sardar Azmoun breaking rank was one of the bright lights of these nights.
      “He reminds us that there are those still worthy of wearing the title ‘national’. We will never forget your goal, Mr. Azmoun.”
      Two of Azmoun’s Iran team-mates, Alireza Biranvand and Majid Hosseini, also posted pictures and messages in support of the protests.
      Iran will kick off their World Cup campaign against England on November 21.
      Carlos Queiroz’s men have also been drawn in a group alongside Wales and the USA.
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      Iran’s players aligning themselves with the protests presents a problem for the country’s government.
      This is because they want to succeed in Qatar against the USA and England – two countries they consider to be an enemy of the state.
      Amini’s death in police custody has led to widespread protests in IranCredit: Rex More

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      Proud Gareth Southgate poses with wife Alison as England manager is inducted into Legends of Football hall of fame

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE posed with his wife Alison as he was inducted into the Legends of Football hall of fame. But the England boss is hoping this is not the end of his silverware in 2022.
      Gareth Southgate and Ellen White were inducted into the Legends of Football hall of fameCredit: Getty
      Southgate was joined by his wife Alison on the red carpetCredit: Getty
      Laura Woods and Geoff Shreeves hosted the awards ceremonyCredit: Getty
      Southgate, 52, has endured a tricky year as Three Lions manager after the Nations League struggles but takes his country to Qatar next month hoping to go one better than the Euros last year.
      England famously reached the Euro 2020 final, losing on penalties to Italy, and were knocked out in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
      He joins an illustrious list of football icons including Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton, Alex Ferguson, Pele and Arsene Wenger – as well as Premier League heroes Eric Cantona, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
      Southgate, who took over from Sam Allardyce six years ago, told Sky Sports News: “The England part of my journey in particular, as a player and a manager, has probably been the greatest highlight and the greatest honour for me.
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      “I am hoping this isn’t the end of it, I am hoping there are still a few more years ahead. I feel I have got a lot of improving to do.
      “I feel there is a lot in the next couple of months we want to achieve for a start and beyond that, I’m assuming life is going to continue and there’s lots of challenges ahead.”
      Southgate was inducted alongside recently-retired England striker Ellen White.
      White, 33, helped the Lionesses win their first-ever major trophy on home soil this summer and hung up her boots after becoming her nation’s top goalscorer on 52 goals.
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      The ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City forward said: “2022 has been a phenomenal year already, to achieve what we did at Wembley and to see the nation get behind us is truly unforgettable.”
      England manager coach Sarina Wiegman added: “I’m thrilled that Ellen’s contribution to football has been recognised by the Legends of Football committee.
      “Her professionalism and achievements in the game cannot be understated.
      “She’s a deserving winner of this award.”
      The Legends of Football awards ceremony raised money for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins.
      The new hall of famers were presented with their awards by Laura Woods and Geoff Shreeves at the Grosvenor House in London on Monday night.
      James Maddison, though, will be hoping the England boss caught up with the highlights from Leicester’s 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
      The one-cap midfielder scored two and grabbed an assist in another stellar performance which has many fans and pundits calling for his inclusion in the World Cup squad.
      Southgate is hoping to emulate White by winning a major tournament for England in 2022Credit: Getty
      White produced her trademark celebration on stage at Grosvenor HouseCredit: Getty
      James Bay provided musical entertainment on Monday nightCredit: Getty More

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      James Maddison’s Dream Team returns suggest England need him at the World Cup but Gareth Southgate will ignore him

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      REALISTICALLY, Gareth Southgate is not going to include James Maddison (£4.9m) in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.Leicester’s No10 has not been involved with the Three Lions since 2019 when he played 34 minutes during a 7-0 win over Montenegro in Euro 2020 qualifying.
      Given that England’s next fixture is their first group game in Qatar against Iran, it would be highly unusual for a coach who has remained loyal to a core group of players to suddenly pivot in a new direction on the eve of a major tournament.
      Whether or not Southgate is right to have discarded Maddison for so long is another matter entirely.
      Maddison put Nottingham Forest to the swordCredit: getty
      There can be no doubt over the 25-year-old’s talent and form.
      His Star Man display at home to Nottingham Forest on Monday night featured two goals and an assist, including a trademark free-kick.
      That makes it five goals and two assists in seven league outings this season, an impressive tally achieved despite the Foxes’ dismal results – a comprehensive win over their East Midlands rivals only lifts them to 19th in the table.
      And this is not a brief purple patch for Maddison as he enjoyed the best season of his career from an individual perspective last term when he scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists across five competitions.
      A compelling case can be made that the Coventry-born midfielder has been the most in-form player in his position among his compatriots for over a year now.
      This success is reflected in the Dream Team rankings where Maddison currently sits third among midfielders having moved onto 43 points – Kevin De Bruyne (£7.5m) and Phil Foden (£5.7m) are 13 and 19 points ahead respectively.
      Maddison has been in great form personally despite Leicester’s poor results
      The Foxes’ talisman is accustomed to this spot on the podium as he collected the bronze medal among midfielders at the end of 2021/22.
      His total of 228 points was the highest achieved among English midfielders last season, yet further evidence that Southgate has perhaps unfairly overlooked him.
      The Three Lions coach is not ignorant, he will be fully aware of Maddison’s impressive statistics and the frequency with which he has exhibited his best attributes in the recent months – so why the constant omissions?
      One possible answer is that there is simply no place for a player of Maddison’s profile in Southgate’s desired squad structure.
      England have frequently played with three at the back and wing-backs alongside an industrious midfield duo – usually Declan Rice (£2.4m) and Kalvin Phillips (£1.8m) or Jude Bellingham.
      It’s clear Maddison, as a genuine No10, does not fit the required mould in this formation unless he were to play in the front three but Southgate prefers quick runners such Raheem Sterling (£5m) and Bukayo Saka (£4.1m) either side of Harry Kane (£7.5m).
      It’s relevant that Foden, who is more similar to Maddison in terms of skill-set, has generally been unable to impact games in the same manner he does for Manchester City when tasked with playing out wide at international level.
      A rare sighting of Maddison in an England shirtCredit: getty
      Where Maddison could theoretically slot in is as the most advanced midfielder in the 4-3-3 formation also frequently used by Southgate, generally against weaker opposition.
      This role has been locked down by Mason Mount (£4.4m) in recent times but in terms of current form it’s chalk and cheese between Chelsea’s homegrown playmaker and Maddison – the former is yet to register a goal or assist for the Blues this season.
      In fairness, Mount produced the goods last campaign and finished as one of only three players to reach double figures for goals and assists in the Premier League.
      Plus, one of the main reasons Southgate is such a fan of Chelsea’s No19 is because of his work rate out of possession, a discipline in which he eclipses Maddison.
      However, isn’t there a case to be made that while some games require the dual purpose of Mount others may be more suited to the superior attacking flourishes of Maddison?
      World Cup spoiler: Iran will sit deep against England in that first group and so perhaps Maddison’s mound of goal involvements is a more relevant factor than Mount’s final third pressures?
      Foden could also play as the most advanced midfielder in England’s 4-3-3 but it’s notable that Pep Guardiola, who knows a thing or two, has got the best out of the youngster by deploying him predominantly in the front three.
      Decisions, decisions…Credit: getty
      Southgate will put faith in his preparations for this World Cup and probably sees Maddison’s sparkling form as annoying ammunition for his detractors rather than an opportunity to improve the squad at the last minute.
      This is the challenge presented to a coach: when should you compromise your established approach to accommodate a potentially useful asset?
      One thing is certain, if Maddison continues to stack up goals and assists from now until late November, there will be considerable frustration among fans if England find it difficult to break down Iran, USA and Wales in Qatar without him.

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      Iran ‘seizes world’s second top international scorer Ali Daei’s passport over protests’ weeks ahead of England clash

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      IRAN has seized national hero Ali Daei’s passport and banned him from leaving the country after he expressed support for the protests.Daei, 53, was the all-time men’s leading international scorer with 109 goals until Manchester United superstar and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo broke his record last year.
      Iran have seized national hero Ali Daei’s passport after he supported the protestsCredit: Getty

      Protests have erupted in Iran after the killing of Mahsa Amini while in police custodyCredit: AFP
      Iran legend Ali Daei is the second all-time top international scorerCredit: PA
      The legendary striker, who previously managed Iran for a year until 2009, has backed the national protests after the killing of Mahsa Amini, 22, while in police custody last month.
      Amini was detained by the “morality police” accused of not complying with the country’s strict hijab rules and died three days later while in custody.
      Iran’s theocratic government argues that the 22-year-old had underlying health conditions but her family and thousands of protesters insist she was killed.
      Daei has sided with the demonstrators – both male and female – protesting for women’s rights in Iran with a post on Instagram showing a girl dancing after removing her hijab.
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      According to Iran International, the Islamic Republic’s security forces have now confiscated the ex-Bayern Munich ace’s passport upon his return to Tehran from Istanbul.
      The ex-Hertha Berlin ace was also told he is now banned from leaving Iran.
      Daei posted: “My homeland Iran means: My family, my father and mother, my daughters and fellow countrymen are my brothers and sisters, I will surely stay with them forever.
      “Instead of repression, violence and arresting the Iranian people, solve their problems.
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      “Those who talk about revolution and the dreams of martyrs, do they know that these dreams are poverty, corruption, prostitution, embezzlement and…. It has not been and we cannot correct ourselves.”
      This takes place just a few weeks before England face off against Iran at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
      The Three Lions lock horns with Carlos Queiroz’s side on November 21 in Group B, which also includes Wales and USA.
      The national team followed Daei’s example as they wore black jackets while the national anthem played, concealing the nation’s colours and badge, before last month’s friendly against Senegal.
      Daei is now the second all-time scorer on the international stage with Ronaldo currently counting 117 goals in 191 caps. More