World Cup 2022

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      Fuming FA forced to release statement slamming leak of England’s World Cup kit

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      FOOTBALL bosses were left angry after images of England’s World Cup kit were leaked.The home and away kits were due to be unveiled by Nike on Thursday but due to the death of The Queen, the Football Association asked for them to be released next Wednesday.
      England’s home and away kits have both been criticised online
      Jack Grealish modelled the away kit along with his Manchester City team-mate Phil Foden
      An FA Spokesman: “We are disappointed that images of the new England World Cup kits have been published online before the official launch date.
      “With the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Nike has delayed the UK launch of the new kits until Wednesday 21 September. We will not publish further details about these kits until then.”

      Nike send images of kits to some retailers weeks before launch days.
      But the manufacturer forgot to tell Pro Direct about the delayed release and the images briefly ended up on the internet before being taken down.
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      Other World Cup kits from various nations were released on Thursday, but none have caused a stir like the Three Lions’ strip.
      The new home kit has annoyed some due to it featuring blue on a white shirt – contrary to England’s traditional red and white look.
      Some supporters even compared it to a Sports Direct knock-off.
      The same colours also feature on the shorts and socks of the full kit, but fans were far from pleased with them.
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      The announcement post also revealed 13 new kits from the various nations Nike manufacture kits for, including France, Netherlands, and Portugal.
      Portugal’s kit was also leaked online earlier this week and has been decried as a “pyjama top”.
      Meanwhile, Adidas have also released their kits for the likes of Argentina, Spain and Germany. More

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      England fans face pre-travel tests and vaccine passports to enter SHOPS as Qatar introduces tough Covid rules

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      ENGLAND fans face pre-travel tests and need vaccine passports just to enter SHOPS at the World Cup after Qatar introduced new Covid rules.Supporters from around the globe will descend on the Middle East in November to watch their respective nations in action at the showpiece.
      England fans face more Covid protocol hassle to get to the World CupCredit: Getty
      Qatar have introduced a number of new Covid rulesCredit: AFP
      However, a new report from The Telegraph has detailed the full guidelines of what people need to do amid the rule change to enter the country for the World Cup.
      Regardless of vaccination status, all travellers to Qatar must now take a lab-certified Covid test before arriving.
      There are also a number of other pre-boarding requirements to complete.
      The report states that not only must you upload your NHS vaccine certificate and complete a passenger locator form, but it is compulsory to install Qatar’s Covid app, Ehteraz.
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      And there are even more rules to follow once you actually set foot in the country.
      Everyone must show their Ehteraz app before entering a shop or restaurant.
      Despite it being reportedly similar to the NHS version, another issue is getting internet access to use it.
      Doha allegedly has poor Wi-Fi networks, which need you to register beforehand and receive a security code to use, which means you may have to end up paying a “hefty” roaming charge.
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      Fortunately, Qatar has recently relaxed the strict mask-wearing rules regarding shopping and hospitality venues, although they are still needed on public transport.
      But all of the above still means more hassle on top of a pricey trip to Qatar for the showcase.
      England take on Italy and Germany later this month in Nations League clashes in their final matches before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar.
      The Three Lions will begin their campaign against Iran on November 21, with further group matches against the USA on November 25 and a clash with Wales four days later. More

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      ‘At least he’s not tired!’ – France boss calls up Griezmann and makes hilarious dig about Atletico star’s bench role

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      FRANCE manager Didier Deschamps has joked about Antoine Griezmann’s bizarre position as an Atletico Madrid substitute by joking “at least he’s not tired”.The 31-year-old forward, who has come off the bench just after the 60th minute in all seven of Atletico’s matches so far this season, has still been called up to the French national team for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Austria and Denmark.
      Griezmann has come on after the 60th minute in all seven Atletico matches this seasonCredit: Getty
      His frequent substitute appearances are the result of Diego Simeone’s men trying to avoid a clause in Griezmann’s contract which would see them forced to pay £34million to Barcelona.
      Atletico will have to hand over the money and buy him permanently if he plays more than half of their matches this season.
      This obligation is only reached if he plays a full 45 minutes of football in half the games.
      As a result, Atletico are restricting his game time.
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      And while Deschamps has not let this impact his place in the national team set-up, he is wary of his lack of fitness.
      He said: “At least he’s not tired, you have to see the positive things.
      “Despite playing time, he is still an important and decisive player. Of course he aspires to more, to have a better athletic condition.
      “Today he plays 30 minutes, he hasn’t completed 90 for a long time.”
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      Griezmann has scored three times in seven appearances for Atletico this season.
      He boasts an excellent goalscoring record for France having netted 42 times in 108 games.

      And he will be hoping to emulate his performances from the 2018 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
      The ex-Barca man scored four times in Russia as Deschamps men lifted the trophy for the second time in their history. More

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      England’s new World Cup kit accidentally leaked by Nike without FA knowing… but fans aren’t keen on ‘horrible’ design

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      ENGLAND fans have been left fuming after Nike leaked England’s new kit for the World Cup, without the FA’s knowledge. Ahead of Gareth Southagte’s England squad announcement, Nike unveiled the new England home and away kits online, with the FA in the dark as to this happening up until the moment they went online.
      England’s new home kit, as donned by Harry Kane, left fans less than impressedCredit: Twitter
      England’s new away kit recieved far more praise than its counterpartCredit: Twitter
      The new home kit pays homage to the 1996 jersey, combining The Three Lions traditional white with a sky blue and navy shoulder pattern.
      These colours are also repeated on the shorts and socks of the full kit, though fans were far from pleased with them.
      One fan wrote on Twitter: “If that’s England’s new home kit… Nike football need 2 hold there heads in shame!! It’s woeful.”
      A second user added: “New England home kit looking like a sports direct special.”
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      Another user commented: “Shocking, never been a fan of England using blue – our kit should only be using red & white (our flag).”
      The announcement post revealed 13 new kits from the various nations Nike manufacture kits for, including World Cup holders France, Netherlands, and Portugal.

      However, these kits were also met with dismay, with one user lambstaing the designs and commenting: “I think every national team deserves an apology.”
      Despite the fierce criticism the other kits – particularly England’s home kit – received, the all red away kit has earned praise.
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      One user said: “How can you create an awful home shirt and yet one of the most beautiful away ones at the same time?
      “This red 1990s inspired kit is a belter of a shirt for England in the next World Cup in Qatar.”
      While another, clearly with their hopes up, added: “When Kane lifts the trophy it better be in the red kit not that other monstrosity.”
      Earlier today, Southgate announced his final squad before the World Cup finals in November.
      Read More on The Sun
      There were surprise inclusions for two Manchester United stars, while a number of other players may feel aggrieved to not make the squad despite their good form for their respective clubs.
      Ivan Toney was also given his first international call-up and will be hoping to impress the England boss under closer inspection.
      Gareth Southgate has caused controversy once again with his England squad selectionCredit: Getty
      Brentford forward Ivan Toney has been handed a first England call upCredit: PA More

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      Ivan Toney handed first England call-up by Gareth Southgate for pre-World Cup matches with Dier back and Maguire in

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      IVAN TONEY has been given his first England call-up while Eric Dier is returning to international football.The FA have announced the squad for the forthcoming Uefa Nations League matches against Italy and Germany and, as exclusively revealed by SunSport, Brentford striker Toney is included.
      Brentford star Ivan Toney has been named in the England squadCredit: Reuters
      Eric Dier is back in the squad for the first time in two yearsCredit: Reuters
      Harry Maguire is in the England squad for this month’s gamesCredit: Getty
      But there are no places for Manchester United duo Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, along with Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings.
      Southgate has given Toney, 26, his big chances after his terrific form for Brentford.
      He scored 14 times last term and has already struck five times this season.
      The former Newcastle forward, who joined from Peterborough in an initial deal worth £5m in 2020, comes into the squad as Southgate is short of in-form strikers other than Harry Kane.
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      On the decision to call-up Toney, Southgate said: “With Ivan Toney, we have been tracking him for a long time. I had a good chat with Thomas Frank about him last season.
      “His form and his qualities – not only his goalscoring but his technical ability, build-up play and aerial prowess – gives us a different threat to some of the other players we could pick.”
      England face Italy in Milan on September 23 and entertain Germany and Wembley three days later.
      Tottenham defender Dier, one of the heroes of the 2018 World Cup campaign for England, has been rewarded for his club form.
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      He has not featured in an England squad since facing Iceland in November 2020 but he now looks set to win his 46th cap. 
      Speaking on the decision to include Dier, Southgate said: “With Eric Dier, he has been playing well for a period of time.
      “We think it is a really close call across our centre-backs and he has deserved to be picked back in the group.
      “We know what a good character he is. He fits in with the culture and has great international experience and leadership qualities.”
      Full England Squad
      Goalkeepers
      Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale
      Defenders
      Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
      Midfielders
      Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
      Forwards
      Tammy Abraham, Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Ivan Toney

      Mings, who has played 17 times for England, has again been left out and his hopes of reaching the World Cup now look extremely uncertain.
      Rashford was hoping to get a call-up having not played for England since missing a penalty at the Euro 2020 final.
      But he has been struggling with a muscle injury and has not travelled with United to Moldova for the Europa League clash.
      But Sancho is another player who now faces a tough task to make the plane for Qatar.
      His form for England has generally been poor.
      Nottingham Forest keeper Dean Henderson returns as Jordan Pickford is crocked with a thigh problem.
      There is also no place for Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson as he, too, has a thigh injury.
      Arsenal’s Ben White is missing but he has an injury.
      Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has scraped into the squad despite his poor form but both Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw are carrying injuries so could be forced to pull out.
      England’s first game at the World Cup is against Iran on November 21.
      While Rashford is not in this squad, Southgate insisted he is still “under consideration” for his World Cup squad.
      Southgate said: “This is a bigger than normal squad and part of the rationale is that we are very close to a World Cup and we feel, although our results were disappointing in the summer, we have picked on the basis of form and capability over a long period.
      “There were certain players we wanted to keep involved this time, but that said it doesn’t mean that this is the end for some of the others who aren’t involved.
      “Marcus Rashford, for example, has shown some encouraging signs recently.
      “He is a player we know well so if he can perform at a high level in the next few weeks, he of course will be under consideration.”
      The likes of Maguire, Shaw, Ben Chilwell and Kalvin Phillips are also included, despite not featuring regularly for their clubs.
      Southgate said: “Clearly, we have a number of players including Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips who are not playing a lot of minutes with their club.
      “It is not ideal, but we feel they have been, and can be, important players for us.
      “It is not a perfect situation but there is still a lot of football to be played before Qatar.”
      Southgate chose not to hold a press conference to announce his squad, with the country still in mourning following the passing of The Queen.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “We recognise the country is still in a period of mourning and my thoughts remain with the Royal Family.
      “While it is important to explain some of our decisions around selection, we didn’t feel it appropriate to hold a full press conference, when it might divert attention from where people’s minds should be at this time.”
      Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho are not in Southgate’s squadCredit: Reuters
      Trent Alexander-Arnold is in the England squad despite a difficult start to the campaignCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘They stand and fall with him’ – England’s chances at winning World Cup rest with Harry Kane, says Jamie Carragher

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      ENGLAND’s World Cup hopes lie on the shoulders of captain Harry Kane.That’s according to the 39-cap former Three Lion Jamie Carragher.
      England ‘stand or fall’ with captain Kane, reckons CarragherCredit: Reuters
      The former Liverpool ace says England can win the World Cup if the striker is at his bestCredit: Getty
      The ex-Liverpool defender claims Gareth Southgate doesn’t have “anyone to replace” Kane.
      The 29-year-old is closing in on Wayne Rooney’s all-time goal scoring record for his nation.
      The Spurs striker’s 50 notches is tied with legendary Bobby Charlton and just three behind leading Rooney.
      In just 73 caps, the England No9’s total proves he is already a certified great.
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      And Carragher reckons the country needs him to be firing on all cylinders this winter.
      He said: “It stands up or falls down around Harry Kane, the captain of the country. I don’t think we have anyone to replace him at all.
      “He is a world-class player. He wasn’t at his best in the last tournament and he still got four goals in.
      “If England get Harry Kane anywhere near his best it gives us a great opportunity of going far in the competition.”
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      Carragher – now a popular Sky Sports pundit – thinks things won’t be straightforward, even if Kane is scoring.
      When asked if he though Southgate’s men could go all the way, Carragher admitted it will be tough but he expects England to be in the chasing pack.
      He added: “It will be difficult. There are probably four or five teams that could just edge England in a one-off game, but because it is a World Cup and because it is a cup competition, those teams could meet, they could be off form, they could be missing a great player in a certain game.
      “England need to keep their best players on the pitch and fit and at their best to give them an opportunity, but I would expect England to be really competitive.”
      Meanwhile, Ivan Toney is set to be announced in the squad for the first time.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Brentford ace has been called up for the Three Lions’ Nations League matches against Italy and Germany to try different options for Kane.
      This international break will be Southgate’s final opportunity to run the rule over his players before picking a squad for Qatar in November. More

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      Trent Alexander-Arnold facing World Cup AXE by England boss Gareth Southgate, predicts Liverpool hero Danny Murphy

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will NOT go to the World Cup, Danny Murphy has claimed. Despite his significant talent, Alexander-Arnold has seen his performances dip in quality this season and as a result, both he and Liverpool are suffering.
      Gareth Southgate is set to announce his final England squad before the World Cup later todayCredit: PA
      Trent Alexander-Arnold’s World Cup spot is under threatCredit: Getty
      Kyle Walker and Reece James are both predicted to go to the World CupCredit: Getty
      The defender had a torrid time against Napoli in The Reds’ 4-1 loss in their opening Champions League game, and was at fault for Ajax’s goal in Tuesday’s 2-1 win.
      And with him not supplying the assists he has become known for either, his place in the World Cup squad looks to be under serious threat.
      Liverpool hero Murphy goes as far as saying his fate is already sealed.
      He told talkSPORT: “I don’t think he goes. I don’t think that Gareth (Southgate) will pick him. Would I pick him? Yes.
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      “In terms of the right-backs that we’ve got people will have different choices because we are blessed with them.
      “The thing that Trent gives you that none of the others do is that even if you don’t start him, he can do things from an attacking point of view that the others can’t.
      “He sees passes that others don’t see and he can cross the ball better than any of them.”
      Co-host Jim White elaborated on this and analysed the 23-year-old’s lack of defensive solidity, with Murphy echoing these thoughts.
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      “It’s why he won’t go,” Murphy added. “I don’t think he’ll go. I’d have him, but I don’t think that Gareth will choose him.
      “If (Kieran) Trippier’s fit and the way that he’s been playing, he’s been outstanding. Absolutely outstanding.
      “Reece James and Kyle Walker? I think he’s going to struggle. I don’t think Trent will go.”
      Despite playing the most minutes out of any of the four aforementioned defenders, the 23-year-old is not leading the goal contribution charts between them.
      In fact he is level with both James and Tripper, who both have two.
      Walker is yet to register a goal or assist this season, but he remains a favourite at Manchester City and bar any injuries will remain a favourite to go and start for England at the World Cup.
      The Alexander-Arnold doubts were also echoed by Rio Ferdinand.
      Southgate has never appeared to be a huge fan of the Liverpool ace.
      He included him in his 26 man squad for Euro 2020, however the Kop idol had to pull out due to injury.
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      He was also included in the 2018 World Cup squad, but only played in a dead-rubber group game against Belgium.
      Since then, he’s been left out of numerous squads. More

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      Brentford star Ivan Toney included in England squad for first time by Gareth Southgate for pre-World Cup fixtures

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      IVAN TONEY will be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad when it is announced later today.The Brentford ace has been called up for the Three Lions’ Nations League matches against Italy and Germany.
      Ivan Toney has received his first England call upCredit: Getty
      This international break will be Southgate’s final opportunity to run the rule over his players before picking a squad for Qatar in November.
      Toney, 26, earned a spot with his exceptional form for Brentford this season.
      He has bagged five goals in six Premier League outings thus far, while laying on two assists.
      The forward scored 12 league goals last term, having fired the Bees to promotion with 31 efforts the season before.
      Read More England News
      SunSport reported on Wednesday night that a number of Three Lions stars are sweating on their places.
      Toney’s first call-up could be bad news for fellow forward Tammy Abraham.
      Tyrone Mings, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford are all hoping for recalls after being snubbed from previous squads.
      Tottenham star Eric Dier IS set for an England return after two years out of the set-up.
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      Dier’s fellow defender Harry Maguire is set to keep his place despite his underwhelming start to the season.
      Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford and Jordan Henderson will miss out through injury.
      And Luke Shaw has been nursing a foot problem.

      England travel to Italy for their clash next Friday before hosting Germany at Wembley the following Monday.
      Stars will then have until November 9 or 10 to impress Southgate, when he announces his 26-man World Cup squad.
      The Three Lions’ opener will take place against Iran on November 21.
      England stars have two more matches to impress Gareth SouthgateCredit: PA More