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    England players and Gareth Southgate are in a tough position with Qatar and the answer is not so simple as ‘don’t play’

    WE live in a world where everyone wants black and white but the beauty in the conversation is the grey area.There are those who will argue that, as a player, if you are coming out and talking about Qatar’s human rights records and how disgusted you are, then do something about it and boycott the tournament — or shut up.
    Gareth Southgate voiced his concerns about Qatar earlier this weekCredit: AFP
    But you can voice an opinion, or not choice to voice it, on Qatar and still go and play in a World Cup.
    I respect the likes of Jordan Henderson massively for speaking openly and facing the tough questions on such a complex subject.
    Yet people want someone like him to only be one way or the other and say, ‘I’m not going to Qatar’ — but real life isn’t always like that.
    You sometimes have to compromise, putting your point of view across but in a way where you keep alive your chances of playing in the biggest competition in the world.
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    You have to understand that, despite what is going on in Qatar, these players have careers, dreams and families and have been working towards this their whole lives.
    Everyone is so nervous not to say the wrong thing but we need to have conversations that are open and fluid.
    “Why do you think like that? What should we do? What are the arguments?”
    That is how you understand and learn off people.
    The bottom line is, the England squad or management didn’t choose the location.
    You ask any England fan what they would give to go to Qatar and play in a World Cup for their country and not many would turn that down.You have to put yourself in the shoes of the players.

    For many of them, this will be their last chance to play at a tournament like this.
    They will have to accept they are going to upset some people back home and that, unfortunately, is the life of an athlete.
    At the same time, if players are educated enough and are comfortable doing so, then they definitely have a duty and responsibility to at least try and talk about these sorts of issues in the right environment and in the correct manner.
    Answering questions like this is part of being a footballer nowadays.
    They are used to being in the firing line on a daily basis and should know what they are doing.
    Yet we shouldn’t criticise those who decide to give stock answers or lean on their media representatives for help at times like this.
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    Gareth Southgate does not get enough credit in these instances.
    I have noticed in a few press conferences where if it is a tricky question, he will take the lead.
    You can only really speak out when you are educated on the subject, or know what you are talking about. You need to do what feels right for you. To have an uneducated stab in the dark is dangerous.
    Someone like Henderson doesn’t say something without researching it.
    He is not silly. He knows what he is doing.
    He knows how far he can push it but also knows he will go to Qatar as one of the more senior players in the squad.
    He will have a responsibility to maintain a level of professionalism right the way through the competition because, PR wise, it may come across better.
    And let’s be honest, once they’re there, it is all business.
    Questions about human rights issues, I imagine, will not be the main topic of conversation.
    People will want to hear that England are doing well and competing to win the World Cup. More

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    Harry Kane buzzing for opening day World Cup clash as Three Lions skipper breaks silence on draw

    HARRY KANE couldn’t hide his excitement after finding out who England would face in the group stages of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.Gareth Southgate’s side were drawn in Group B and will play Iran on November 21, USA on November 25 and either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine on November 29.
    Kane is pleased with how the draw went for England
    Harry Kane will lead England out in November in QatarCredit: Rex

    It means England will get a team from Qatar’s group in the last 16 if they go through, with a game on Saturday, December 3 or Sunday, December 4.
    Alongside the hosts in that group are Ecuador, Senegal and Holland. 
    Three Lions captain was a happy chappy as he tweeted following the draw in Doha, Qatar.
    The 28-year-old Tottenham striker retweeted England sharing the final Group B, writing: “Always exciting to see who we get in the group!
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}YANKS A LOT! .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}All the reaction as England get dream draw for World Cup group stage
    “Playing on the opening day will be incredible as well.”
    Raheem Sterling also retweeted the same graphic, writing: “Let’s go.”
    Wales have already reached the qualification final and will take on the winner of Scotland versus Ukraine, to be played in June.
    It means England are forced to wait over two months to find out their final group-stage opponent.

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    The USA were drawn out of Pot 2, as the Three Lions avoided the likes of Germany, Holland and Uruguay.
    England were also paired with Iran from Pot 3.
    The Three Lions have NEVER played Iran but will kick-off their campaign against the nation on November 21 – the opening day of the tournament.
    The last time England played on the first day of a World Cup was 1966 – a good omen for Southgate and Co.
    The USA follow on November 25 before they conclude their group campaign against the European play-offs winner on November 29.
    It will also be the first time England will have played Wales, Scotland or Ukraine at a World Cup.
    The USA are an interesting one. They’ve got some very good playersEngland boss Gareth Southgate
    When speaking to BBC Sport, England boss Southgate said: “USA and Iran are teams we’ve not played for a while and the third is an unknown but throws up a possible British derby.
    “We’ve got to get out of the group. Out first objective is to get out of the group and then we build from there.
    “In this situation all of our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, so when that tie is played out is irrelevant really.
    “When you’re seeded you get the advantage of missing out on those big six or seven teams.
    “Most of the first seeds would be pleased with the group they get. There are some highly ranked teams in pot two.
    “The USA are an interesting one. They’ve got some very good players and we know what they could be capable of, so that one in particular is an intriguing one.” More

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    World Cup 2022: Fixtures LATEST, UK kick-off times, group stage, knockout and final dates for Qatar tournament

    ENGLAND will be playing Iran on the opening day of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar.This will be the first time in the tournament’s history that it will be contested for during the winter months, with the big event starting on November 21.

    And it is set to be a condensed schedule with FOUR matches played on the opening match-day of the showpiece event.
    However, fans of the competition will not have to miss a single minute of the action with all the details of the encounters detailed below.
    What are the most important dates for the World Cup?

    The group stages will open its curtains on November 21.
    Round of 16 will be on December 3 – December 6.
    Quarter-final stages begin on December 9 – December 10.
    Semi-finals are taking place on December 13 – December 14.
    The World Cup final will be participated on December 18.

    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}ROAD TO GLORY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}World Cup group stage draw simulated as England pitted against rivals Germany
    World Cup full fixture dates
    The fixture list has been revealed for the World Cup 2022, following the big draw.
    The kick-off times for each game will be released on the day of Saturday, April 2.
    Monday, November 21
    Group A: Qatar vs Ecuador (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)
    Group A: Senegal vs Netherlands
    Group B: England vs Iran
    Group B: United States vs Wales or Scotland / Ukraine
    Tuesday, November 22
    Group C: Argentina vs Saudi Arabia
    Group C: Mexico vs Poland
    Group D: France vs Peru or Australia / United Arab Emirates
    Group D: Denmark vs Tunisia
    Tuesday, November 22
    Group E: Spain vs Costa Rica or New Zealand
    Group E: Germany vs Japan
    Group F: Belgium vs Canada
    Group F: Morocco vs Croatia
    Wednesday, November 24
    Group G: Brazil vs Serbia
    Group G: Switzerland vs Cameroon
    Group H: Portugal vs Ghana
    Group H: Uruguay vs South Korea
    Friday, November 25
    Group A: Qatar vs Senegal
    Group A: Netherlands vs Ecuador
    Group B: England vs United States
    Group B: Wales or Scotland / Ukraine vs Iran
    Saturday, November 26
    Group C: Argentina vs Mexico
    Group C: Poland vs Saudi Arabia
    Group D: France vs Denmark
    Group D: Tunisia vs Peru or Australia / United Arab Emirates
    Sunday, November 27
    Group E: Spain vs Germany
    Group E: Japan vs Costa Rica or New Zealand
    Group F: Belgium vs Morocco
    Group F: Croatia vs Canada
    Monday, November 28
    Group G: Brazil vs Switzerland
    Group G: Cameroon vs Serbia
    Group H: Portugal vs Uruguay
    Group H: South Korea vs Ghana
    Tuesday, November 29
    Group A: Netherlands vs Qatar
    Group A: Ecuador vs Senegal
    Group B: Wales or Scotland / Ukraine vs England
    Group B: Iran vs United States
    Wednesday, November 30
    Group C: Poland vs Argentina
    Group C: Saudi Arabia vs Mexico
    Group D: Tunisia vs France
    Group D: Peru or Australia / United Arab Emirates vs Denmark
    Thursday, December 1
    Group E: Japan vs Spain
    Group E: Costa Rica or New Zealand vs Germany
    Group F: Croatia vs Belgium
    Group F: Canada vs Morocco
    Friday, December 2
    Group G: Cameroon vs Brazil
    Group G: Serbia vs Switzerland
    Group H: South Korea vs PortugalGroup H: Ghana vs Uruguay
    What are the kick-off times for the World Cup?
    The Qatar time zone is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time which means that games will be played earlier in the UK than locally.
    FIFA have stated that the first two rounds of games will kick-off at 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pm local time – 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm UK time.
    However, the kick-off timings in the final round of group fixtures and knock-out ties will be at 6pm and 10pm local time – 3pm and 7pm UK time.
    Leaving the final to be scheduled at 6pm local time – 3pm UK time.
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    Gareth Southgate will be secretly thrilled with England’s World Cup draw despite refusing to admit is, says Shearer

    ALAN SHEARER has revealed Gareth Southgate will be secretly thrilled with England’s draw for the 2022 World Cup – even if he won’t admit it.The Three Lions will face USA, Iran and one of Wales, Scotland or Ukraine in Group B at this winter’s tournament.

    Alan Shearer reckons England have been dealt a favourable drawCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    Gareth Southgate refused to admit England had been dealt a favourable drawCredit: AP
    And ex-England striker Shearer has revealed Southgate will be happy with the draw – despite what he said out loud.
    Shearer told BBC Sport: “Gareth will look at that and think it could have been a lot more difficult.
    “I am sure he and his players will be happy with that.
    “Southgate would have taken that – deep down, without a doubt.
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    “He just can’t come out and say it just in case. He’s too professional to say it.
    “But he’ll be more than happy with it.”
    Southgate had earlier said: “USA and Iran are teams we’ve not played for a while and the third is an unknown but throws up a possible British derby.
    “We’ve got to get out of the group. Out first objective is to get out of the group and then we build from there.
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    “In this situation all of our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, so when that tie is played out is irrelevant really.
    “When you’re seeded you get the advantage of missing out on those big six or seven teams.
    “Most of the first seeds would be pleased with the group they get. There are some highly ranked teams in pot two.
    “The USA are an interesting one. They’ve got some very good players and we know what they could be capable of, so that one in particular is an intriguing one.”

    Shearer also revealed he was thrilled to see England paired with one of Scotland, Wales or Ukraine – with the European play-off ties due to be played in June.
    Wales have already reached the final and will face the winner of Scotland vs Ukraine for a spot in England, USA and Iran’s group.
    Shearer added: “This is the one thing in not having that ‘group of death’. It is pretty much open.
    “I have to say that I am pleased Scotland, Wales or Ukraine got put in England’s group.
    “It adds that little bit more excitement.
    “If it is Wales or Scotland it makes it a bit tougher.” More

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    England’s likely path to World Cup glory involves horror ties against France, Argentina and Brazil after easy start

    ENGLAND’S likely path to win a first World Cup since 1966 involves potential nightmare matches against France, Argentina and Brazil.Gareth Southgate’s side have been handed a favourable Group Stage draw where they will face USA, Iran and one of Wales, Scotland and Ukraine in Group B.

    The Three Lions kick off their tournament with a clash against Iran on Monday, November 21.
    England will then play USA on November 25, before potentially pitting their wits against one of their British rivals in the last group game on November 29.
    Wales have already reached the play-off final and will take on the winner of Scotland vs Ukraine, which will be played in June.
    It will be the first time England will have played Wales, Scotland or Ukraine at a World Cup.
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    Providing England top Group B, Southgate’s men will face the country that finishes in second spot in Group A.
    That group consists of tournament hosts Qatar, Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador.
    A potential last-16 clash could see England face the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions in Senegal.
    The Lions of Teranga secured their place in the World Cup after beating Egypt on penalties in their qualifier.

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    Should England emerge victorious against Senegal, they could then battle World Cup holders France in the quarter-final.
    France will play against Denmark, Tunisia and one of Peru, Australia and the United Arab Emirates in Group D.
    They will then face the runners-up of Group C with Argentina, Poland, Saudi Arabia and Mexico battling it out for top spot.
    If England then advance through to the semi-final, they will compete against the remaining country from the top half of the draw.
    And this could see England face Argentina in what has the potential to be another World Cup classic after their famous encounters in 1986, 1998 and 2002.
    It doesn’t then get any easier with England to possibly showcase their talent against another South American giant.
    Brazil, who last won the global competition in 2002, could be the last opponents for England.
    Despite England fans being delighted by their group stage opponents, Southgate has refused to label it as an easy group.

    He told BBC Sport: “USA and Iran are teams we’ve not played for a while and the third is an unknown but throws up a possible British derby.
    “We’ve got to get out of the group. Our first objective is to get out of the group and then we build from there.
    “In this situation all of our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, so when that tie is played out is irrelevant really.
    “When you’re seeded you get the advantage of missing out on those big six or seven teams.
    “Most of the first seeds would be pleased with the group they get. There are some highly ranked teams in pot two.
    “The USA are an interesting one. They’ve got some very good players and we know what they could be capable of, so that one in particular is an intriguing one.” More

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    England’s World Cup 2022 dates revealed with Gareth Southgate’s men taking on Iran on first day of Qatar tournament

    ENGLAND will start their Qatar World Cup campaign on the opening day of the tournament.Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions will face Iran on Monday, November 21.

    England might feel pretty pleased with how their group panned outCredit: AFP

    England will then play USA on November 25, before what could be a tasty final game of Group B on November 29.
    The 1966 World Cup winners will face either Wales, Scotland or Ukraine.
    Wales have already reached the final and will take on the winner of Scotland vs Ukraine – to be played in June, with England forced to wait over two months to find out their final group-stage opponent.
    Iran were drawn into Group A – but were not allowed to play in the same group as Qatar, so fell into England’s.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}YANKS A LOT! .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}All the reaction as England get dream draw for World Cup group stage
    It means England will get a team from Qatar’s group in the last 16 if they go through, with a game on Saturday, December 3 or Sunday, December 4.
    Alongside the hosts in that group are Ecuador, Senegal and Holland. 
    Hosts Qatar will kick-off the eagerly-anticipated tournament against Ecuador.
    England qualified with flying colours and are one of the top seeds heading into the group stages.

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    But European champions Italy will NOT be in Qatar, having surprisingly lost 1-0 in their qualifier against North Macedonia.
    Southgate and Co are looking to finally end 56 years of hurt having failed to win a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
    There have been signs of life in recent years, with Southgate guiding his side to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, losing to Croatia after extra-time.
    The Three Lions went a step further at Euro 2020 just last summer, reaching the final – only to lose on penalties to Italy, who have failed to qualify for this winter’s tournament.
    England fans might be happy with how the draw panned out – but they were less-than impressed with the BBC coverage of it.
    Many were left FUMING after the 2022 World Cup Draw switched channels on BBC mid-way through.
    Although viewers watching on BBC One were warned it would switch to BBC Two, it left people baffled as to why they would do it during the draw.
    The coverage switched at 6pm, so BBC One could broadcast the news.
    But not before the channel looked ahead to this weekend’s sport – including the Cambridge vs Oxford boat race.
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    Footie fan Darren Walsh couldn’t believe what he was seeing, writing on Twitter: “A hour long programme for #FIFAWorldCup where they started the main business 50 minutes into it, and now BBC have to change the schedule to fit it 🙄.”
    Phillip Whitehurst couldn’t believe they were switching “just as it got interesting”.

    England boss Gareth Southgate now knows who to prepare for in NovemberCredit: Getty More

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    World Cup 2022 ultimate draw round-up: Team-by-team and group guide for first-ever winter tournament in Qatar

    THE 2022 World Cup draw is complete – with England joining the USA, Iran and one of Scotland, Wales and Ukraine in Group B.So what the Three Lions’ chance of finally ending 56 years of hurt this winter in Qatar?

    And, for that matter, what about the other 31 nations?
    SunSport takes a look at every team set to take part in the 2022 World Cup – the first-ever to be held in winter.
    From each nation’s manager and star men to their best-ever performance and chances for this summer, we take a look.
    From Group A to Group H, check out our comprehensive guide, below…
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    GROUP A

    Qatar
    Coach: Felix Sanchez
    Star man: Akram Afif
    World Cup best: Never previously qualified 
    The hosts proved their mettle by winning the 2019 Asian Cup and Barcelona-raised Sanchez has melded together a genuinely integrated  unit.
    But the World Cup is another challenge altogether and expectations on a team which went eight games without a win last year are not entirely sky-high.
    Offer them a last 16 spot and everyone would be delighted.
    Ecuador
    Coach: Gustavo Alfaro
    Star man: Enner Valencia
    World Cup best: Last 16 2006
    South America’s surprise qualifiers made it to Qatar after a roller-coaster ride that saw seven wins and six defeats by the time their berth was confirmed – despite losing to eliminated Paraguay.
    Argentine coach Alfaro took the job after leaving Boca Juniors in 2020.
    West Ham and Everton fans will not recall skipper Valencia too fondly but he has a goal every other game for his nation.
    Senegal
    Coach: Aliou Cisse
    Star man: Sadio Mane
    World Cup best: Quarter-finals 2002
    Repeated their African Cup of Nations shoot-out triumph over Egypt to earn a third finals appearance and fittingly it was Liverpool ace Mane who slotted the decisive spot kick.
    Plenty of Prem stars including Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy give them plenty of top tier experience.
    Birmingham and Portsmouth fans will remember Cisse as a defensive midfielder.
    Holland
    Coach: Louis Van Gaal
    Star man: Virgil van Dijk
    World Cup best: Runners-up 1974, 1978, 2010
    Van Gaal’s third spell at the helm threatened to be cut short but having scrambled through to clinch an automatic slot, the Dutch will travel with less pressure than on previous occasions – which might let them relax and play.
    Memphis Depay’s goals will be crucial to a deep run while Van Gaal will ignore the brickbats and play his own way. Hard to see them getting beyond the last 16, though.
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    GROUP B

    England
    Coach: Gareth Southgate
    Star man: Harry Kane
    World Cup best: Winners 1966
    Successive semi-final appearances have made Three Lions fans dream and this was the tournament former FA chairman Greg Dyke targeted for glory.
    Southgate, though, knows he has to deliver on the biggest stage, against opponents who play keep-ball.
    A fit Kane is a guarantee of goals and Southgate has arguably more attacking options than any of his predecessors.
    This is, surely, England’s greatest opportunity in more than half a century – especially after their favourable group-stage draw.
    Iran
    Coach: Dragan Skocic
    Star man: Mehdi Taremi
    World Cup best: Group stage 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018
    Asia’s strongest nation have yet to prove it on the biggest stage of all – just two wins in 15 matches – but maybe it is time for them to reach the knock-out rounds for the first time.
    Qualification for Qatar was never in doubt and now two-thirds of Team Melli, including Porto striker Taremi, Leverkusen’s Sardar Azmoun and skipper and former Brighton midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh, are playing in major European leagues. 
    USA
    Coach: Gregg Berhalter
    Star man: Christian Pulisic
    World Cup best: Semi-finals 1930
    After missing out in 2018, Berhalter and his team at least cleared the first obstacle this time round, although their berth was not confirmed until the final game of the “Octagonal” qualifying round.
    In Chelsea’s Pulisic, Dortmund’s Gio Reyna and Leipzig’s Tyler Adams, the US have some serious young talent.
    This is probably about bedding a team down for their main hosting role in 2026.
    Wales vs Scotland or Ukraine
    GROUP C

    Argentina
    Coach: Lionel Scaloni
    Star man: Lionel Messi
    World Cup best: Winners 1978, 1986
    This, surely, will be Messi’s last chance to crown his glittering career with the biggest prize of all and Scaloni’s side eased through what has frequently been a white knuckle qualifying process.
    Plenty of familiar faces to Prem fans but the loss of Sergio Aguero and failure, so far, of Paulo Dybala to shine, means arguably too much on the shoulders of the little genius.
    Saudi Arabia
    Coach: Herve Renard
    Star man: Fahad Al-Muwallad
    World Cup best: Last 16 1994
    The Green Falcons were never under any qualification threat despite being in the same group as Japan and Australia, although it is hard to see them making much more impression than in their tame exit in 2018.
    One-time Cambridge United boss Renard won the African Nations with both Zambia and Ivory Coast and was in charge of the Morocco side denied a famous win over Spain in 2018 in stoppage time.
    Al-Muwallad is reputedly the fastest player in Asia.
    Mexico
    Coach: Gerardo “Tata” Martino
    Star man: Hirving Lozano
    World Cup best: Quarter-finals 1970, 1986
    El Tri always light up a tournament off the field and their win over Germany in Moscow four years ago saw an explosion of delight.
    Despite all that passion, though, Mexico have only reached the last eight in tournaments played at home and have gone out at the last 16 stage for seven World Cups in a row.
    Argentine former Barcelona coach Martino took Paraguay to the quarter-finals in 2010 but many feel their desert hopes are a mirage.
    Poland
    Coach: Czeslaw Michniewicz
    Star man: Robert Lewandowski
    World Cup best: Third 1974, 1982
    The runners up to England made it through via the play-offs, although aided by Russia’s disqualification.
    Lewandowski’s goal sense remains undimmed by time while Aston Villa’s Matty Cash will certainly think he made the right choice if he is named in their Qatar squad.
    Michniewicz picked up the pieces after Paulo Sousa’s end of year desertion although the win over Sweden was his first competitive match.
    GROUP D

    France
    Coach: Didier Deschamps
    Star man: Kylian Mbappe
    World Cup best: Winners 1998, 2018
    Les Bleus turned a limited game-plan into maximum reward in Russia, defending with resolve, showing poise in the middle and then attacking with pace and conviction.
    They are a better side with Karim Benzema to augment Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, though all of France wonders what version of Paul Pogba will show up.
    Euro flop will burn deep, too.
    Denmark
    Coach: Kasper Hjulmand
    Star man: Mikkel Damsgaard
    World Cup best: Quarter-finals 1998
    Denmark’s rebound from the depths of genuine personal despair after Christian Eriksen’s near-fatal collapse against Iceland was one of the feel-good stories of Euro 2020.
    And even the surprise defeat at the hands of Scotland in their final match could not dampen joy at a superb qualification campaign.
    Will back themselves to match that last eight run of 24 years ago, even more so if Eriksen’s return story ends in delight.
    Tunisia
    Coach: Jalel Kadri
    Star man: Wahbi Khazri
    World Cup best: Group stage 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018
    The Carthage Eagles put up a hell of a fight before Harry Kane’s knock-out blow in Volgograd in 2018 but since then faith in the team has taken a knock.
    Qualifying in the play-off with Mali, due to a disastrous back pass own goal, came after managing just two shots on target in 180 minutes, summed up their limitations.
    Skipper Khazri is far from a regular for St Etienne in France. 
    Australia or UAE or Peru
    TBD.
    GROUP E

    Spain
    Coach: Luis Enrique
    Star man: Pedri
    World Cup best: Winners 2010
    Spain underwhelmed with their last 16 exit in Russia, after a group phase debacle in Brazil.
    But reaching the Euro 2020 semis suggested Luis Enrique and his young team can think of returning to former glories.
    La Furia Roja, though, still lack the natural finisher that many of their rivals boast and that could be their downfall once again.
    Costa Rica or New Zealand
    TBD.
    Germany
    Coach: Hansi Flick
    Star man: Leon Goretzka
    World Cup best: Winners 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
    In hindsight, Joachim Low should have quit after Die Mannschaft’s group stage exit in Russia rather than after the Euro 2020 Wembley loss to England.
    But Flick’s return to the international set-up brought a sea-change in mood music and confidence.
    Germany look short of the standards they set in 2014 but nobody does tournament mentality better.
    You wouldn’t be surprised to see them in the semis again.
    Japan
    Coach: Hakimi Moriyasu
    Star man: Takumi Minamino
    World Cup best: Last 16 2002, 2010, 2018
    Victory in Sydney to consign Australia to the play-offs and confirm their passage was the perfect end to another solid campaign for the Samurai Blue, with former midfielder Moriyasu stepping up from an assistant role in 2018 to continue his country’s record of achievements.
    Arsenal full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu and Liverpool’s Minamino are among a solid core of players with significant European club experience.
    GROUP F

    Belgium
    Coach: Roberto Martinez
    Star man: Kevin de Bruyne
    World Cup best: Third 2018
    The Red Devils’ near four-year reign at the top of the world rankings ended this week but Martinez’s side have nothing to show for it except a series of near-misses.
    This feels like the last hurrah for Belgium’s Golden Generation and maybe a tournament too far for the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.
    Still a class act and if Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku can get back to their best they will travel in hope, if not expectation.
    Canada
    Coach: John Herdman
    Star man: Alphonso Davies
    World Cup best: 1986 group stage
    Consett-born former Sunderland youth team coach Herdman has made a name for himself in New Zealand and now Canada and qualifying before the US and Mexico was a genuine feat.
    Bayern Munich left-back Davies and Lille striker Jonathan David are among more than half the likely squad plying their trade in Europe.
    Outsiders, of course, but making to Qatar was a massive success.
    Morocco
    Coach: Vahid Halilhodzic
    Star man: Youssef En-Nesyri
    World Cup best: Last 16 1986
    Crushed DR Congo to earn their place but the biggest thing veteran Bosnian coach Halilhodzic could do between now and November is beg Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech to reverse his international retirement.
    Hard to see the Atlas Lions making much of a roar without their most talented player although Sevilla striker En-Nesyri is proven at the top level.
    Croatia
    Coach: Zlatko Dalic
    Star man: Luka Modric
    World Cup best: Runners-up 2018
    So nearly the ultimate triumph in Moscow but Dalic and his men looked off the pace and struggling to keep up in Euro 2020.
    Still good enough, just, to see off Russia and claim their automatic place in the desert.
    Much depends on Modric, Chelsea’s Mateo Kovavic and Inter’s Ivan Perisic but the international retirement of Ivan Rakitic has made a negative impact.
    GROUP G

    Brazil
    Coach: Tite
    Star man: Neymar
    World Cup best: Winners 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
    Expectations on the “Selecao” are always mountainous but the past four World Cups have been a huge disappointment.
    Neymar’s reputation hinges on him making a real impact on the game’s biggest stage.
    Tite has built a functional side, rather than one in the grand Brazilian traditions.
    But Qatar will be neutral territory and his side will be the local “favourites” once the Arabic nations are eliminated. That could prove a factor.
    Serbia
    Coach: Dragan Stojkovic
    Star man: Aleksandar Mitrovic
    World Cup best: Fourth (as Yugoslavia) 1930, 1962; group stage (as Serbia) 2010, 2018
    “Piksi” Stojkovic – nicknamed after a cartoon character – had 18 years as the key attacking schemer of the former Yugoslavia team.
    Now, following the Balkan fracturing, he is in charge of his homeland alone.
    And ousting Portugal from top spot in their qualifying group was a significant feat, especially after missing out on Euro 2020 in that shoot-out defeat to Scotland. 
    Switzerland
    Coach: Murat Yakin
    Star man: Xherdan Shakiri
    World Cup best: Quarter-finals 1934, 1938, 1954
    After ousting France and also taking Spain to a penalty shoot-out in the Euros, the Swiss took a further step forward by edging Italy into the play-offs after an unbeaten qualifying campaign.
    Still a sum greater than their individual parts and likely to be one of the oldest squads in Qatar.
    Would expect to make the last 16 but going further might be a stretch.
    Cameroon
    Coach: Rigobert Song
    Star man: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
    World Cup best: Quarter-finals 1990
    England fans of a certain vintage will never forget the Indomitable Lions but that 1990 run to the last eight is the only time they have escaped the group phase.
    Former Liverpool and West Ham defender Song over-achieved by steering a modest group past favourites Algeria with a 124th minute winner after Bayern’s former Stoke striker Choupo-Moting scored the opener. 
    GROUP H

    Portugal
    Coach: Fernado Santos
    Star man: Cristiano Ronaldo
    World Cup best: Third 1966
    Portugal could have done without the stress of the play-offs, although Italy’s debacle against North Macedonia did them a favour.
    Ronaldo remains untouchable, even if, perhaps, the team can actually look more cohesive when they do not have to feed his demands.
    Familiar faces abound in Diogo Jota, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Moutinho but they were ordinary in last summer’s Euros and might be past their best.
    Ghana
    Coach: Otto Addo (interim)
    Star man: Thomas Partey
    World Cup best: Quarter-finals 2010
    The Black Stars are back on the biggest stage after missing out in 2018, with Arsenal midfielder Partey’s strike squeezing them past bitter foes Nigeria on away goals.
    Whether Addo’s interim status will be made permanent for November is less clear and he seems likely to be replaced by a European.
    Ayew brothers Jordan and Andre have played for plenty of Prem clubs between them. 
    Uruguay
    Coach: Diego Alonso
    Star man: Edinson Cavani
    World Cup best: Winners 1930, 1950
    The decision to dismiss long-serving Oscar Tabarez after 15 years in November, with Uruguay winless in five qualifiers and down in seventh, was a gamble.
    As was replacing him with former national team striker Alonso.
    But the turnaround was spectacular, three successive wins earning a Qatar spot with a game to spare.
    Cavani and Luis Suarez are no longer spring chickens, though. And they will be six months older by November.
    South Korea
    Coach: Paulo Bento
    Star man: Son Heung-min
    World Cup best: 4th 2002
    Tottenham star Son is one of the most recognisable and popular players in world football and the Koreans eliminated Germany in Russia four years ago.
    Now back for a 10th straight World Cup – a run only bettered by Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain – after easing through alongside Iran.
    Former Portugal midfielder and 2014 World Cup boss Bento knows he is expected to aim for the last eight, although that might be a stretch. More

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    England land dream World Cup 2022 group stage draw with USA, Iran and either Wales, Scotland OR Ukraine

    ENGLAND will face the USA, Iran and one of Scotland, Wales or Ukraine in the group-stage of the 2022 World Cup after a dream draw in Doha.The Three Lions – among the top seeds for the Qatar tournament – were drawn in Group B.

    England were drawn into Group B and will play USA, Iran and one of Scotland, Wales or UkraineCredit: Reuters

    And Gareth Southgate’s biggest challenge early in the competition will arguably come from POT 4 – the winner of the European play-offs final.
    Wales have already reached the final and will take on the winner of Scotland vs Ukraine, to be played in June – with England. forced to wait over two months to find out their final group-stage opponent.
    The USA were drawn out of Pot 2, as the Three Lions avoided the likes of Germany, Holland and Uruguay.
    England were also paired with Iran from Pot 3.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}YANKS A LOT! .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}All the reaction as England get dream draw for World Cup group stage
    The Three Lions have NEVER played Iran but will kick-off their campaign against the nation on November 21 – the opening day of the tournament.
    The last time England played on the first day of a World Cup was 1966 – a good omen for Southgate and Co.
    The USA follow on November 25 before they conclude their group campaign against the European play-offs winner on November 29.
    It will also be the first time England will have played Wales, Scotland or Ukraine at a World Cup.
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    Southgate’s men beat Ukraine 4-0 in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 and drew with Scotland in the group stage – and last faced Wales at a major tournament in their thrilling 2-1 group stage win at Euro 2016.
    The draw does mean the Three Lions could come up against France or Argentina as early as the quarter-finals, but cannot face Brazil or Portugal until the final.
    Should England top the group, they will play the second-placed team from Group A in the last 16 – one of Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal or Holland.
    Then, the Three Lions are most-likely to face reigning champions France in the quarter-finals.
    England would then likely face Argentina in the semis, with Brazil in the final – should they win all of their matches.
    On the draw, Southgate refused to call it an “easy” group, with a diplomatic answer.

    The boss told BBC Sport: “USA and Iran are teams we’ve not played for a while and the third is an unknown but throws up a possible British derby.
    “We’ve got to get out of the group. Our first objective is to get out of the group and then we build from there.
    “In this situation all of our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, so when that tie is played out is irrelevant really.
    “When you’re seeded you get the advantage of missing out on those big six or seven teams.
    “Most of the first seeds would be pleased with the group they get. There are some highly ranked teams in pot two.
    “The USA are an interesting one. They’ve got some very good players and we know what they could be capable of, so that one in particular is an intriguing one.”
    Gareth Southgate had every reason to smile as England drew a favourable groupCredit: Getty
    But ex-Three Lions star Alan Shearer claimed: “Gareth will look at that and think it could have been a lot more difficult.
    “I am sure he and his players will be happy with that.
    “Southgate would have taken that – deep down, without a doubt.
    “He just can’t come out and say it just in case. He’s too professional to say it. He’ll be more than happy with it.”
    England captain Harry Kane tweeted his excitement at the draw, writing: “Always exciting to see who we get in the group! Playing on the opening day will be incredible as well.”
    Elsewhere, Group E appears to be the “group of death” with Spain and Germany drawn together, alongside Japan and the winner of Costa Rica or New Zealand.
    Other tasty ties include Ghana vs Uruguay in Group H – along with Portugal and South Korea – after Luis Suarez’s outrageous handball to KO the African nation at the 2010 World Cup.
    Southgate and Co are looking to finally end 56 years of hurt having failed to win a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
    There have been signs of life in recent years, with Southgate guiding his side to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, losing to Croatia after extra-time.
    The Three Lions went a step further at Euro 2020 just last summer, reaching the final – only to lose on penalties to Italy, who have failed to qualify for this winter’s tournament. More