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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘absent from Portugal training’ after World Cup win over Switzerland as subs given special session

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO was reportedly absent from Portugal’s latest World Cup training session.The Portugal legend was dropped from Fernando Santos’ side that beat Switzerland 6-1 to progress through the quarter-finals.
      Portugal manager Fernando Santos embraces with Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped against SwitzerlandCredit: Reuters
      Santos then had his substitutes out the day after to do a light session, but according to Marca, Ronaldo was not involved.
      It is the latest twist in the forward’s dramatic World Cup campaign, which started by leaving Manchester United.
      Ronaldo mutually walked out following his explosive interview with The Sun’s Piers Morgan, in which he criticised the club and Erik ten Hag.
      The ex-Real Madrid and Juventus man then found himself on the end of Santos’ wrath for his reaction to being subbed against South Korea.
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      And he was subsequently dropped against Switzerland with his replacement Goncalo Ramos going on to score a hat-trick.
      It leaves Ronaldo’s place in Portugal’s quarter-final side that faces Morocco on Saturday in doubt.
      Manager Santos said: “That is still something that has to be defined.
      “I have a very close relationship with him – I always have, I have known him since he was 19 years old.
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      “This relationship only develops, Ronaldo and I never interpret the human aspect of that of manager and player (in relation to) what we have to do during the match.
      “I will always consider in my role that he is an important player to have in the team.”
      Asked directly if Ronaldo would play against Morocco, Santos replied: “Ronaldo will definitely (be involved), all the players on the bench can be used, if they are not in the starting line-up they can play later.
      “It is important to look at the example of this player’s history, he is one of the best players in the world at playing professionally, being captain – all we have to do is think about this team collectively.” More

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      Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd in Joao Felix transfer battle as Atletico Madrid demand £120m for out-of-favour star

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      ARSENAL, Chelsea and Manchester United are in a battle to sign Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix, according to reports.The Portugal ace is enjoying a fine World Cup and has three of English football’s top clubs on his radar.
      Joax Felix is likely to leave Atletico Madrid this summer according to the club’s ownerCredit: Getty
      This comes after reports that Felix has fallen out with manager Diego Simeone, with their relationship said to be beyond repair.
      As a result, the club’s owner Gil Marin has admitted the 23-year-old is up for sale.
      He said: “The relationship between the coach and him is not good, nor is his motivation.
      “The most reasonable thing is to think about his departure, although I would love him to stay. But it is not his will.”
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      Therefore, Relevo claim that Prem giants Arsenal, United and Chelsea are all in the running.
      But the forward, who’s scored once and assisted twice in four games at the World Cup, will cost around £120m.
      Felix, who became the fourth-most expensive player EVER when he arrived from Benfica for £113m in 2019, still has more than four years left on his deal.
      United desperately need a forward following Ronaldo’s departure, while Arsenal are hoping to sign one in January with Gabriel Jesus facing around three months on the sidelines.
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      Meanwhile, Chelsea have been short of goals with Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring just four times between them in the league.
      But the Prem trio face competition from both Bayern Munich and PSG, who are also sniffing around. More

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      Nineteen World Cup stars on verge of one-match ban in quarter-finals – so who needs to be careful in England vs France?

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      THE World Cup has now well and truly hit the business stage of the tournament with it all to play for. But some players have to be more cautious than others, or risk watching from the sidelines.

      That’s because two yellow cards in the competition is enough to earn a one-game ban.
      The numbers are reset in the last four, meaning only a red card can see a player miss the final.
      But that means NINETEEN World Cup stars one rash challenge away from missing the semis.
      Remarkably NONE of them are English, with the Three Lions not having received a single booking so far.
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      The nation with the most are Portugal, who qualified to the last eight by hammering Switzerland 6-1.
      Bruno Fernandes, Danilo Pereira, Ruben Neves, Joao Felix, Ruben Dias are all a booking away from a ban.
      Their next opponents Morocco, who stunned Spain on penalties, have three in Sofyan Amrabat, Abdelhamid Sabiri, and Romain Saiss.

      While England have nobody at risk, the French on the other hand have Aurelien Tchouameni and Jules Kounde to be cautious of.
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      Croatia, beaten in the final by France four years ago, will be wary of ex-Premier League pair Luka Modric and Dejan Lovren on bookings.
      Their opponents, the in-form Brazil, have trio Fred, Eder Militao, and Bruno Guimaraes carrying cards.
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      In a battle of the big boys, Argentina play Netherlands on Friday, with both risking a pair of suspensions.
      Lionel Messi’s Argentina have Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna a booking away from a ban.
      And Netherlands take Nathan Ake, Matthijs de Ligt into the game a caution away from suspension.
      Bruno Fernandes is a booking away from suspensionCredit: Getty
      Aurelien Tchouameni is a yellow card away from being bannedCredit: Getty More

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      Belgium stars jet off on holiday after World Cup flop with Courtois whisking Wag to Maldives and De Bruyne in Lapland

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      BELGIUM stars have jetted off on holiday after suffering the heartache of an early exit from the World Cup.The 2018 semi-finalists flopped in Qatar, appearing to be on their last legs as they fell at the first hurdle.
      Thibaut Courtois has jetted off with fiancee Mishel GerzigCredit: Instagram / @thibautcourtois
      Stunning Mishel poses on the beachCredit: Instagram / @mishelgerzig
      The happy couple are in the Maldives togetherCredit: Instagram / @mishelgerzig
      An unconvincing 1-0 victory over Canada was followed by a 2-0 defeat to surprise package Morocco.
      Roberto Martinez’s side performed better against Croatia in their final group match, but a series of inexplicable misses by Romelu Lukaku saw them fail to secure the win they needed to advance.
      Lukaku, 29, is required back at Inter Milan training on Saturday, but a number of other Belgian stars have whisked themselves away on holiday.
      Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has gone to the Maldives with his stunning fiancee Mishel Gerzig.
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      The happy couple looked thrilled as they cuddled up for a romantic picture, which Courtois later posted to Instagram.
      Real Madrid’s No1 won’t be back in action until December 30, when the Spanish champions resume their campaign with a trip to Valladolid.
      Kevin De Bruyne, meanwhile, has taken his family to Lapland.
      While Courtois is enjoying the sunshine of the Maldives, De Bruyne has been huddled around a camp fire in minus four degrees alongside wife Michele Lacroix and children Mason, six, Rome, four, and Suri, two.
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      Courtois is enjoying his luxurious surroundingsCredit: Instagram / @thibautcourtois
      Kevin De Bruyne has taken his family to LaplandCredit: Instagram / @lacroixmichele
      Exciting youngster Jeremy Doku hasn’t gone far – taking a one hour flight from Doha to Dubai to enjoy some more sun.
      Aston Villa ace Leander Dendoncker, meanwhile, has gone further east to Japan with girlfriend Anna Steegen.
      These Belgian stars will have another chance to right the wrongs of their Qatar 2022 experience.
      But one man that won’t have another crack is Eden Hazard.
      The Real Madrid ace has retired from international duty aged 31 after earning 126 caps for his country.
      Taking to Instagram to confirm his decision, he wrote: “A page turns today… Thank you for your love.
      “Thank you for your unparalleled support. Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008.
      “I have decided to put an end to my international career. The succession is ready. I will miss you…”
      Jeremy Doku has shared his location on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @jeremydoku
      Leander Dendoncker has shared snaps from plenty of previous tripsCredit: INSTAGRAM / @l.dendoncker More

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      England set for huge weather boost for France clash in World Cup quarter-final with RAIN and 19C temperatures forecast

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      ENGLAND have been handed a surprise weather forecast for Saturday – as it is set to RAIN.A shower in Doha is forecast at midday on the day of the quarter-final against France but the conditions will be bone-dry when the match kick-offs at 10pm local time (7pm GMT).
      England training ahead of their World Cup quarter-finals against FranceCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      It is also rained today but in the north of Qatar, 100 miles north of Doha, yet it was cloudy and 29C when England’s 22 players trained.
      Doha gets about 1.2cm of rain each December – rising to – 2cm in both February and March.
      Unsurprisingly, it does not rain at all in June, July, August and September.
      Initially, England trained in temperatures of 30C-plus at around midday, to prepare them for the tournament.
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      But since they started the group stages, Gareth Southgate switched to sessions to around 3pm when it has been slightly cooler although today it is humid.
      The air-conditioned stadiums initially had a temperature of 22C but according to many of the players, it has felt slightly cooler due to the massive fans pitchside.
      Now, as the evenings are slightly cooler, the air conditioning has been switched off.
      Midfielder Declan Rice MISSED England’s latest training session ahead of their crunch clash against the 2018 world champions.
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      The West Ham star sat out due to illness while Newcastle striker Callum Wilson was also absent due to a minor knock.
      France’s strike sensation Kylian Mbappe also missed training, days out from the last eight match after complaining of a niggling ankle injury.
      And though Didier Deschamps’ coaching staff insisted he was simply doing recovery work in the gym, his absence has sparked fears in the French camp that he could miss Saturday’s game against England.
      Kylian Mbappe missed France training in what could be another boostCredit: Getty More

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      Why did Ben White leave the World Cup?

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      BEN WHITE has left the England World Cup camp early – and he didn’t get to play for a single second at the tournament.The FA revealed that White missed training during the tournament due to illness.
      Ben White has left England’s World Cup squad earlyCredit: Getty
      But now, the Arsenal star has been permitted to fly home and he is not expected to return to Qatar to rejoin his Three Lions teammates.
      Find out more on Ben White’s early England exit below…
      Why has Ben White left England’s World Cup squad?
      White, 25 left the England camp ahead of their last-16 clash with Senegal for “personal reasons”.
      An FA statement confirmed: “Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons.
      Read more on England
      “The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to the squad for the remainder of the tournament.
      “We ask that the player’s privacy is respected at this moment in time.”
      Ben White’s club side Arsenal also tweeted: “We’re all with you, Ben.”

      What happened in England’s last-16 clash against Senegal?

      England’s World Cup last-16 clash with Senegal took place on Sunday, December 4.
      The Three Lions came out on top, beating the African side 3-0.
      Goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka saw Gareth Southgate’s side advance to the quarter-finals, where they face France.

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      Five clubs Jude Bellingham could transfer to next summer as Liverpool and Co fight it out for England’s World Cup star

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is the name on everyone’s lips at the World Cup – with Europe’s top clubs already on red alert.The 19-year-old has been England’s top performer in Qatar and has become one of the most in-demand players in the world.
      Jude Bellingham has been strongly linked with a move away from Dortmund in 2023Credit: Getty
      Bellingham only signed new long-term contract at Signal Iduna Park back in 2021.
      But his form on the global stage is proving impossible to ignore.
      Back in October, the teenager was quizzed on his future, but declined to comment.
      He said: “You [the media] will be angry with me as you won’t get a headline, but I’m just focused on the next games with Borussia Dortmund.”
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      Regardless, SunSport takes a look at the five clubs who could sign Bellingham.
      Liverpool
      The Reds are the clear favourites to win the race for Bellingham’s signature.
      Not only do they desperately need to freshen up their options in the middle, but Jurgen Klopp has a great relationship with the German outfit, which immediately puts Liverpool at the front of the queue.
      Add to that Bellingham’s flourishing relationship with Anfield skipper Jordan Henderson during the World Cup and the Reds appear to hold the aces.
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      Manchester United
      United signed Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in the summer, but are still lacking a box-to-box midfielder, with Fred and Scott McTominay not at the level.
      Sky Germany recently claimed the midfielder will NOT be completing a move to Old Trafford, but expect the Red Devils to be in the conversation.
      Manchester City
      The reigning Premier League champions signed Kalvin Phillips last summer and already have the likes of Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan in the centre.
      But it’s impossible to ever rule City out of any big-money deal and if they badly want Bellingham, they surely have every chance of getting him.
      Chelsea
      SunSport revealed last month that Blues owner Todd Boehly is “obsessed” with the idea of signing the teenager.
      Chelsea have more pressing areas to focus on, but they also have doubts over the futures of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, who are out of contract in 2023, so someone like Bellingham could be badly needed.
      Real Madrid
      The European champions have also been linked with Bellingham and were said to be ‘confident’ of competing a deal back in October.
      The sheer competition they face could make life difficult, but a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu is an attractive proposition for any player.  More

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      Premier League’s biggest winners and losers of World Cup as Arsenal suffer nightmare and Man Utd’s success may backfire

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      PREM clubs are beginning to emerge from their enforced winter hibernation.Qatar 2022 brought an unprecedented pre-conceived six week shutdown half-way through the campaign.
      Top flight bosses are preparing for the return of the Premier League this monthCredit: AFP
      Gabriel Jesus is set to be sidelined for three months after surgeryCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      But with bosses now starting to gear up through a series of friendlies for the Boxing Day return to Prem arms, the big question is how the World Cup will impact the domestic agenda.
      SunSport looks at the 20 Prem teams to work out the likely winners and losers from a situation none of them will want to see repeated…
      ARSENAL
      Still in: Ramsdale, Saka, Martinelli, Saliba.
      Out: White (returned for family reasons), Xhaka, Jesus (injured), Tomiyasu, Turner, Partey.
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      MIKEL ARTETA crossed his fingers when he waved goodbye to 10 players but it could hardly have gone worse.
      Jesus is facing a three-month absence after knee surgery, White went home without kicking a ball and Saliba hasn’t left the bench.
      At least Saka has shone and Partey went back safe.
      Verdict: Biggest losers of the lot. Potentially crippling blow.
      Most read in Football
      Emi Martinez is hoping to go all the way with ArgentinaCredit: Getty

      ASTON VILLA
      Still in: Martinez.
      Out: Dendoncker, Bednarek, Cash.
      UNAI EMERY will be pleased to have got all his outfield players back with three weeks to go before the Prem returns – and a chance to work with them properly.
      Martinez will be buzzing after his displays for Argentina.
      Verdict: Fairly neutral.
      Chris Mepham and Kieffer Moore were both dumped out with WalesCredit: Getty
      BOURNEMOUTH
      Still in: None.
      Out: Mepham, Moore.
      KIEFFER MOORE was one of the few Welsh players to return with their reputation enhanced and newly-confirmed Gary O’Neill will be hopeful he can continue to beat up centre-halves.
      Verdict: Slight winners.
      Bryan Mbeumo’s first Cameroon call-up saw him play World Cup footballCredit: Getty
      BRENTFORD
      Still in: None.
      Out: Damsgaard, Jensen, Norgaard, Mbeumo, Raya, Ghoddos.
      THOMAS FRANK’S biggest problem came before a ball was kicked with that major betting ban hanging over the head of Ivan Toney.
      But the Bees boss will also have to cope with six disappointed players from under-achieving sides.
      Verdict: A serious downer but nothing wrong physically.
      Alexis Mac Alliser has become a key figure in Argentina’s sideCredit: Alamy
      BRIGHTON
      Still in: Mac Allister.
      Out: Mitoma, Trossard, Sanchez, Lamptey, Estupinan, Caicedo, Sarmiento.
      MAC ALLISTER’S rise to a fulcrum of the Argentina team will have surprised many, including himself.
      Mitoma will have returned full of beans but the rest may need some morale boosting by the Amex squad.
      Verdict: Slightly the wrong side of neutral.
      Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly were both knocked out with SenegalCredit: Getty
      CHELSEA
      Still in: Mount, Gallagher, Sterling (although he may not return to Qatar), Kovacic, Thiago Silva, Ziyech.
      Out: Zakaria, Pulisic, Havertz, Mendy, Koulibaly, Azpilicueta.
      WORLD CUP came at a good time for Graham Potter to re-set the season but it has been a decidedly mixed bunch for him.
      Sterling lost his England place, Gallagher is a water-carrier and Mount is no longer starting, while Havertz will carry the burden of Germany’s failure.
      Verdict: No injuries but battered pride for some. So many going deep will be a concern.
      Jordan Ayew saw Ghana’s hopes of progressing end against UruguayCredit: Reuters
      CRYSTAL PALACE
      Still in: None.
      Out: Andersen, Ayew.
      PATRICK VIEIRA will be pleased it was Ayew’s brother Andre who missed THAT penalty against Uruguay and Denmark’s flop was not placed on Andersen’s shoulders.
      Verdict: No real impact either way.
      Jordan Pickford is delivering the goods between the sticks for EnglandCredit: AP
      EVERTON
      Still in: Pickford, Coady.
      Out: Onana, Gueye.
      FORM of goalie Pickford will have been a big boost for Frank Lampard and justified his continued faith.
      Coady appears to accept his unofficial “cheerleader” role and he is among the most popular members of Southgate’s squad.
      Senegal missed suspended Gueye badly against England.
      Verdict: England bubble unlikely to burst adversely for Toffees.
      Joao Palhinha has been a fringe player with PortugalCredit: Getty
      FULHAM
      Still in: Palhinha.
      Out: Wilson, James, Ream, Robinson, Mitrovic.
      ONLY real concern for Marco Silva will be whether Mitrovic pushed his weary body too hard in order to play for Serbia, although his goals will have masked much of the pain.
      Welsh duo might be happy to get back into a team with some legs in it.
      Verdict: Not obviously bad although toll of games may be an issue next month.
      Tyler Adams helped the USA reach the last 16Credit: Getty
      LEEDS
      Still in: None.
      Out: Kristensen, Aaronson, Adams.
      IF Greg Berhalter shared Jesse Marsch’s faith in Aaronson, the US might have gone a little bit further but Adams enhanced his reputation with a series of measured performances.
      Verdict: Should not be a problem.
      James Maddison is yet to play for England in QatarCredit: Getty
      LEICESTER
      Still in: Maddison.
      Out: Ward, Faes, Castagne, Tielemans, Mendy, Amartey.
      BELGIUM’S debacle could be a real problem for Brendan Rodgers to deal with even if his trio were not loaded with the biggest burdens of responsibility.
      Ward may have been beaten five times but he has played at a World Cup.
      Verdict: Will be a test of Brendan’s man-management.
      Virgil van Dijk will lead Holland’s charge against ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      LIVERPOOL
      Still in: Henderson, Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Fabinho, Konate, Van Dijk.
      Out: Nunez.
      KLOPP may privately be hoping to see a few of his players left disappointed this weekend but it looks like many of them will go deep – and that could force some tough selection calls over Christmas.
      Alexander-Arnold may need the old arm round the shoulder.
      Verdict: Big players at big teams could mean big problems but Klopp will be confident in getting things right.
      Phil Foden will be hoping to keep his spot against FranceCredit: Getty
      MANCHESTER CITY
      Still in: Ederson, Stones, Walker, Phillips, Foden, Grealish, Cancelo, Dias, Silva, Ake, Alvarez.
      Out: Akanji, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Laporte, Rodri.
      THE Prem’s biggest contingent at the start remains the joint biggest now, with plenty of Pep’s men having key roles.
      But it is the early return of De Bruyne, coupled with the fact that Haaland has had his size 10s well rested for a month, that could prove pivotal.
      Verdict: Pep will have to manage the workload of his late returners but a fresh and firing Haaland may be the season’s decisive factor.
      Bruno Fernandes has been superb for PortugalCredit: Getty
      MANCHESTER UNITED
      Still in:  Antony, Casemiro, Fred, Varane, Maguire, Shaw, Rashford, Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Malacia, Martinez.
      Out: Eriksen, Pellestri.
      TEN HAG lost one squad member before the tournament began with Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, but having 11 players still involved could be bad news given he is still trying to mould his team.
      Verdict: Impact may become significant over coming few weeks.
      Bruno Guimaraes is enjoying his time with Brazil’s squadCredit: Getty
      NEWCASTLE
      Still in: Bruno Guimaraes, Pope, Trippier, Wilson.
      Out: Schar.
      OTHER managers had more to fear than Eddie Howe and the Toon boss’s biggest concern will be getting his surviving quartet back safe and well for the second part of the campaign.
      Verdict: England players will be full of beans, Bruno may have the biggest prize. Shouldn’t be a worry.
      Remo Freuler saw his Swiss side spanked by PortugalCredit: AP
      NOTTINGHAM FOREST
      Still in: None.
      Out: Freuler, Hennessey, Williams, Johnson, Kouyate.
      WELSH trio have already been home for a week and will be able to join in when Steve Cooper gears up the training countdown.
      Verdict: Relegation or survival will be determined by quality and performances, not the World Cup.
      Mohammed Salisu was part of Ghana’s side in QatarCredit: Getty
      SOUTHAMPTON
      Still in: None.
      Out: Bella-Kotchap, Salisu.
      ONLY the two involved and both back after the group stage, so should not be a major worry for new Saints chief Nathan Jones.
      Bella-Kotchap may return frustrated at lack of involvement with Germany.
      Verdict: Bigger concerns for new manager than World Cup exertions.
      Harry Kane hopes to captain England to gloryCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      TOTTENHAM
      Still in: Perisic, Richarlison, Lloris, Dier, Kane, Romero.
      Out: Hojbjerg, Davies, Bentancur, Sarr, Son.
      BENTANCUR injury will be a concern for Conte but form of Kane, Richarlison and Son will have made the Italian smile.
      Suspicion that Perisic might need some time off and fans will still harbour doubts about Romero’s commitment to Tottenham cause.
      Verdict: Conte will use the World Cup to demand three more players in January, but he’d have done that anyway.
      Spurs boss tapered training and approach to come on strong after resumption.
      Declan Rice is England’s key man between defence and midfieldCredit: Getty
      WEST HAM 
      Still in: Paqueta, Areola, Aguerd, Rice.
      Out: Kehrer.
      ANOTHER Aguerd injury against Spain will have brought a grimace to David Moyes’ face – although that’s hardly unusual.
      Bigger long-term blow was Rice’s public admissions of his ambitions.
      Verdict: Rice comments might cause fan backlash but otherwise no real obvious effect.
      Ruben Neves is hoping to regain his place in Portugal’s XI against MoroccoCredit: Getty
      WOLVES
      Still in: Nunes, Neves, Sa.
      Out: Hwang, Jimenez.
      NEW chief Julen Lopetegui would probably have anticipated his Portuguese trio would be involved at the deep end although none of them started against Switzerland.
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      A fit Jimenez could be crucial for him.
      Verdict: Will hope that the Mexican striker is now ready to show his pre-fractured skull form but otherwise few concerns. More