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      Darwin Nunez and the other most-popular Dream Team World Cup players with fewer than five points

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      AS we dive into the final round of group games, Dream Team World Cup gaffers should be taking stock of which players have over-performed and which assets have sadly disappointed.For the next couple of minutes, we’re going to highlight the latter group.
      These are the five most-popular players with fewer than five points at this stage.
      Phil Foden

      11.7% ownership
      0 points
      £5million

      Frequently found on the benchCredit: getty
      The England midfielder has been limited to just 20-odd minutes of playing time in Qatar so far.
      His ownership reflects the feelings of many supporters of the Three Lions that he should be starting for the Euro 2020 finalists having already scored eight goals and provided three assists for Man City this season.
      Gareth Southgate may well appease the masses by naming Foden in his starting line-up to face Wales this evening, which would give the 22-year-old an opportunity to get off the mark in Dream Team World Cup.
      However, chances are he will find himself back among the substitutes in the round of 16 if England progress as expected.
      Darwin Nunez
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      11.7% ownership
      0 points
      £5million

      Goose eggCredit: getty
      Mexico, Tunisia and Uruguay are the only three teams yet to score a goal at this year’s World Cup.
      The latter’s inclusion in that list is particularly surprising given the quality of their squad.
      Liverpool’s new striker had a night to forget against Portugal and like everyone else on the pitch he fell victim to the tedium that infected the second half of Uruguay vs South Korea.
      Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani are both past their best and that’s what led Dream Team World Cup gaffers to lump on Nunez prior to the tournament but he’s yet to repay his backers with a single point.
      Diego Alonso’s side take on Ghana in what will be an emotionally-charged game on Friday given the ill-feelings between the two nations stemming from the 2010 quarter-finals.
      The clash may favour Nunez as the Black Stars conceded five goals in their first two games, as well as scoring five.
      Lisandro Martinez

      13.2% ownership
      4 points
      £4million

      Just don’t mention Saudi ArabiaCredit: getty
      The Man United centre-back did his job valiantly to help Argentina keep a clean sheet against Mexico but he narrowly missed out on a 7+ rating so he had to make do with five points at the final whistle.
      Unfortunately, the minus point he incurred after coming off the bench against Saudi Arabia in that shock 2-1 defeat put his owners on the back foot.
      You would think that Martinez has shown enough to maintain his place in the starting XI when the Albiceleste take on Poland this week but Lionel Scaloni has often preferred to pair Cristian Romero with Nicolas Otamendi at the heart of defence.
      Emiliano Martinez

      19% ownership
      4 points
      £4million

      Still the most-popular keeper in the game
      Much of what applied to the Old Trafford resident is also relevant to Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper.
      Martinez was by far and away the most-popular asset in his position before the tournament got underway and he still holds that title although not to the same extent following that shocker against Saudi Arabia.
      Victory and a clean sheet against Poland would reaffirm the idea that the Aston Villa custodian is great value at £4m but if Robert Lewandowksi or one of his pals score then gaffers may have to cut their losses.
      Kevin De Bruyne

      22.2% ownership
      3 points
      £7million

      Belgium have disappointed Dream Team World Cup bossesCredit: getty
      The lowly returns of Belgium’s creator-in-chief are not only disappointing because of how popular he is but because of his price – at £7m he’s comfortably the most-expensive asset in his position.
      Roberto Martinez’s side have arguably been the most underwhelming of the big sides (they’re ranked second in the world after all) but they could yet book their place in the round of 16 with a positive result against Croatia.
      Read More on The Sun
      De Bruyne has the quality to produce a Star Man showing and double-digit haul out of nowhere but at this stage it seems likely that a lot of gaffers will be seeking a replacement before the knockout rounds get underway.
      The 31-year-old’s three points came from a 7+ rating against Canada. More

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      World Cup tiebreakers: What happens if teams are level on points, goal difference and goals scored at the World Cup?

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      QATAR host the 2022 World Cup in what promises to be an entertaining affair this winter.Brazil, France and England are the front-runners to win the whole thing, with 2018 finalists Croatia are considered an outsider.
      Wales might be in a tight race to qualify from Group B after their opening game draw with the United StatesCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate’s men smashed six past Iran and face the United States, then Wales in the group stages.
      There is a chance that teams will finish level on points in the group stages, seeing their fates decided on goal difference – but what happens if their goal difference and goals scored are identical too?
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      What happens if teams are level on points, goal difference and goals scored at the World Cup?
      If teams finish level on points at the end of the group stage, the decision on who goes through will be decided as the team who scored the most goals out of those in question would progress.
      However, there is a chance that teams will finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored during the tournament in Qatar with a tight group stage expected.
      If this happens, there is a set of criteria that will be followed, with head-to-head coming into play as well as the potential of fair play points being utilised.
      Most read in Football
      The criteria is as follows:

      Points obtained in the matches played between the teams level on point
      Goal difference in the matches played between the teams level on points
      Number of goals scored in the matches played between the teams level on points
      Fair play points in all group matches

      The fair play point deductions are as follows (only one deduction can be applied to a player in a single match):

      Yellow card: -1 point
      Indirect (second yellow) red card: -3 points
      Direct red card: -4 points
      Yellow card and later a direct red card: -5 points

      Have teams ever finished level on points, goal difference and goals scored at the World Cup?
      Teams have finished level on all three variables once in World Cup history, and it came pretty recently.
      Japan progressed ahead of Senegal despite finishing level on points and goals scored in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Senegal and Japan both finished on four points in Group H as Russia hosted the tournament in 2018 with an identical goal difference, goals scored and goals conceded against each other after the criteria was followed.
      However, Japan progressed due to amassing more fair play points than the Africa nation.
      The Japanese saw a deduction of -4 in comparison to Senegal’s -6 points, seeing them through to the knockouts.

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      Man Utd star Antony blames air-conditioning for fitness issues at World Cup 2022 after missing Brazil training

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Antony has revealed that the air-con inside Qatar’s World Cup stadiums made him feel unwell.The Brazilian winger has come off the bench in his country’s victories over Serbia and Switzerland to help them reach the knockouts with a game to spare.
      Man utd’s Brazilian star Antony was left feeling sick by the Qatar air-con machinesCredit: Getty
      However, after their opening win, he joined injured teammates Neymar and Danilo in sitting out the following training session.
      And during an interview with streamer Casimiro, he blamed the Middle East nation’s air-conditioning for making him sick.
      Antony, 22, said: “It was a bit difficult. I ended up having a bad feeling there for a few days that complicated me a bit.

      “I’m recovering well and getting 100 per cent. It was more of a sickness, throat. It was the air conditioning.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “Not only me, but other players also had a cough and a bad throat.
      “It’s very difficult for me to get sick, but I’m happy to be an important part of the team.
      “Whenever you need Antony, I’m available.”
      That comes after it was revealed that both Alvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal started Spain’s World Cup opener on the bench due to the sniffles.
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      The duo – who are regular starters for their respective clubs and country – were left out of the starting XI for last Wednesday’s romp against Costa Rica.
      Their absences raised questions as neither of them had been dealing with any injuries going into Qatar 2022.
      But it was later revealed the duo had caught colds using the air conditioners in their hotel rooms to keep cool. More

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      How England’s Qatar World Cup squad are relaxing before Wales clash – The Crown binges to team’s worst basketball player

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      TENSIONS are high ahead of the World Cup’s first home nations clash between England and Wales. The historic match, dubbed the ‘Battle of Britain’, could eliminate the Dragons from the tournament after they qualified for the first time in 64 years.
      England’s John Stones, Eric Dier and Jude Bellingham were snapped topless on a beach ahead of the Wales gameCredit: Channel 5 News
      John Stones and Bellingham battle it out during a game of water poloCredit: Twitter / England
      The Three Lions are under the cosh too after a dull 0-0 draw against the USA, but have been finding plenty of ways to unwind ahead of tonight’s showdown.
      Yesterday, team members including John Stones, Eric Dier and Jude Bellingham were snapped soaking up the sun at the beach, while others lapped up luxury in the palm-tree-laden Souq Al-Wakra Hotel.
      But it’s not the only way England’s World Cup squad have let their hair down – here we reveal what they’ve been up to… when they’re not trying to bring it home.
      Posh grub and massages
      The Three Lions are staying in an opulent five-star resort, just 10 miles south of Doha and it’s been kitted out to tailor to their needs.
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      Jack Grealish shared behind-the-scenes snaps showing off a lush swimming pool at night with illuminated palm trees, comfy recliners and a couple of floating seats in the water.
      Another showed forward Bukayo Saka tucking into a delicious-looking meal with tomato ketchup and a side.
      The Arsenal midfielder has also been snapped preparing and drinking a blended fruit smoothie, which the England team have used to keep cool in Qatar.
      After lengthy training sessions in the plus 40-degree heat, the players also had massages – one snap showed Grealish and Jude Bellingham receiving one.
      Most read in Sport
      Jack Grealish and Bellingham receiving a massage at the luxury hotelCredit: Instagram
      Bukayo Saka tucking into a lush-looking evening mealCredit: Instagram
      Grealish revealed the stunning views around their hotel pool at nightCredit: Instagram
      Harry Maguire revealed the famous inflatable unicorn was back in England’s training campCredit: Instagram
      And of course, any England campaign wouldn’t be complete without the now-famous inflatable unicorn, which has accompanied them since the 2018 Russia World Cup.
      Harry Maguire shared a snap of the rainbow-haired blow-up, which he captioned: “Nice to meet you again.”
      The unicorn was sat on a small diving board alongside an inflatable crocodile by an impressive-looking indoor pool with a water polo net.
      Darts, video games and basketball 
      Between training sessions, the England team have found fun ways to compete without kicking a ball.
      John Stones was captured in action as he tried to throw a ball over another player during a game of water polo. 
      The team also have a pool table and game consoles which were hauled in especially to their hotel. 
      Former England star turned pundit Ian Wright revealed they had also been playing darts.
      The ITV star, who joined them for a game, said it kept them “upbeat” and in good spirits.
      In one darts challenge, Declan Rice, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount all scored 66, which was some dubbed a “good omen” conjuring up memories of the 1966 World Cup win. 
      The players regularly enjoy darts tournaments and in one challenge, three England stars scored 66 points – perhaps a good omen reflecting the 1966 World Cup winCredit: Getty
      Grealish was said to be the ‘worst’ basketball player in the England squadCredit: Instagram
      Another sporting pastime has been basketball, with Kalvin Phillips claiming he was “the best in camp” and “Jack [Grealish] is definitely the worst”.
      To kill time, Phillips also revealed the team had been playing a “wolf card game” – believed to be called Werewolf, a murder strategy game.
      In his World Cup diary, he wrote: “At first, it was a small group and now there’s probably a group of 12 or 13 of them involved.
      “It’s definitely one you can watch, as it’s quite funny and even if I’m not around there, when they get somebody out, you can hear them cheering by the pool.”
      Beach dips and stray cats
      Yesterday, a handful of the England team were seen walking down to the beach ahead of their clash with Wales.
      The gang included Maguire, John Stones, Jude Bellingham, Eric Dier, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale, Conor Coady, Calum Wilson and Kalvin Phillips.
      Later, Stones, Dier and Bellingham took off their tops while strolling on the beach and edged close to the water. 
      Before England’s first game, it was revealed they had befriended a local cat, who Stones named ‘Dave’, and another that was missing an eye, nicknamed ‘Paul’.
      A number of the Three Lions squad left their lush hotel for a walk around the local areaCredit: Channel 5 News
      Kyle Walker and John Stones befriend two street cats, who they named Dave and PaulCredit: Instagram
      TV shows and yoga
      Recently, Harry Kane and Dier recently revealed the essential items they bring ahead of a major tournament.
      Among the skipper’s choices were a leather diary, fluffy slippers to soothe his achy feet and facial cleanser.
      Describing the product, which he branded his “nighttime beauty essential”, Kane said: “You’ve got to keep yourself looking young nowadays! Well, that’s what the wife says.”
      Opening up on his TV downloads, he said: “I just finished House Of The Dragon, I’m still watching Formula 1: Drive To Survive.
      England players have been unwinding and loosening their muscles with yogaCredit: Getty
      The team practised their moves at their hotelCredit: Getty
      “There’s always something that pops up before a major tournament and I’ll just dive in… like the Euros was Game Of Thrones – for me that’s a fantastic series.”
      When Dier was asked what show he was into, he sheepishly confessed: “The Crown… the new season just came out, so I’m into The Crown. I love it.”
      Away from their viewing habits, the players have been practising yoga poses to unwind.
      Personal hotel touches
      During the World Cup, the players have rarely seen their families – some of whom are 6,700 miles away back in the UK.
      However, to help the Three Lions deal with being away from their nearest and dearest, the hotels have added a few personal items. 
      James Maddison told talkSPORT: “The set-up we got to the hotel it’s been absolutely brilliant. It is all down to the finer things, like the little touches.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I checked into my room and there are little framed pictures of my little boy and my family. It is just little things like that.”
      He explained that it made him feel instantly at home in the camp, which is a 30-minute drive to capital city Doha and close to their 12,000-seater training base, the home of Al Wakrah SC. More

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      Heartbroken Nadia Nadim reveals tragic mum was rushing home to watch her on ITV when she was killed by digger

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      ITV World Cup pundit Nadia Nadim has been speaking bravely for the first time since the tragic loss of her mother.The Denmark international was forced off air last week after hearing her mum Hamida had been killed in a car accident.
      Nadia Nadim tragically lost her mother in a car crash last TuesdayCredit: ITV
      Nadim was speaking bravely about her mother on ITV this afternoon
      Nadia and her mum together, who was tragically hit by a diggerCredit: Instagram
      Nadia’s mum Hamida was 57-years-oldCredit: Instagram
      “She was a very strong woman who inspired not only me but a lot of people around her” Everybody at ITV would like to pass on their love and support to @nadia_nadim whose mother sadly passed away last week pic.twitter.com/QwTCAHpFuP— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 29, 2022

      Police in Denmark announced that Hamida was hit from behind by a digger as she was driving home from the gym to watch her daughter.
      Southeast Jutland Police claimed the accident happened near her home in the town of Uldum, west of the Danish capital Copenhagen.
      Incredibly, just seven days after her loss, Nadia returned to ITV ahead of Netherlands’ game against Qatar.
      And host Laura Woods gave her the chance to speak about it.
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      She said: “My mum unfortunately passed away last Tuesday, very unexpectedly in an accident.
      “She was a very strong women, who not only inspired me, but a lot of people around her.
      “I’m obviously sad, but she raised us to be strong and we’re showing how to be strong.
      “I want to make her proud and I know she wanted me to be here.
      Most read in Football
      “I remember when the accident happened, she had said she was going to go to the gym earlier, so she could see the show, so the reason I’m here is to make her proud.”
      Having spoken so bravely so soon after the tragedy, support flooded in on social media for the 34-year-old.
      One said: “Inspirational.”
      A second tweeted; “I didn’t think Nadia Nadim would continue to do punditry after what happened but it shows how incredibly brave she is. Her mum will be so proud.”
      Fellow pundit Alex Scott said: “Love and support to you @nadia_nadim.” More

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      Stunning OnlyFans model promises free naked pictures for every Brazil goal at World Cup 2022

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      A STUNNING OnlyFans model has promised a free nude snap for every goal her native Brazil scores in the World Cup.Daiane Tomazoni, 24, joined OnlyFans shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic and says she now earns much more than she would in any other job.
      Daiane Tomazoni has promised a nude snap every time Brazil score at the World CupCredit: Instagram – tomazonidaiane
      She works as a model on OnlyFansCredit: Instagram – tomazonidaiane
      Daiane is a fan of RicharlisonCredit: Instagram – tomazonidaiane
      She told Newsflash in an interview: “I currently work exclusively producing 18+ content. In addition to OnlyFans, I work with other platforms in the same industry.
      “Before the pandemic, at the suggestion of some friends who were already working in and were managing to earn a lot from content production, I decided to start selling too.
      “The pandemic and social isolation ended up suiting this online work. I was working in the HR department of a company and I was fired due to court issues.
      “So I decided to focus 100 per cent on content sales and it worked.”
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      On her latest, eyebrow-raising pledge, Daiane added: “I have a group on Telegram where I keep in close contact with my followers.
      “Unlike subscriber platforms, this group is for interaction and for me to send previews of my content.
      “I talk a lot, I reply to everyone, and I realised that people weren’t that excited about the games.
      “So I thought of creating a way to encourage everyone to better support the national team.
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      “As soon as I pitched the idea, many thought it was a lie and that I wasn’t going to send them.”
      Daiane continued: “Even so, the majority started backing and sharing messages of support for Brazil.
      “They asked for photos even for balls that hit the crossbar during the game. As the goals took a while and only happened in the second half, people got anxious.
      “But as soon as Richarlison scored the first, the group was thrilled! And, of course, I sent the first photo completely uncensored.
      “Of course, with the second goal, people were even happier.
      “And since it worked out, in the next games I will keep and expand my pledge. Who knows? Maybe even with videos. Anything for the Brazil’s sixth title!”
      Commenting on Brazil’s performance in the World Cup so far, Daiane said: “Our team shone on the field.
      “There was the nervousness of the opening game that’s always common, especially for those with five stars on their shirt.
      “But the team soon found themselves and secured their first victory.”
      Daiane also spoke of her love for the beautiful game and named Spurs and ex-Watford and Everton striker Richarlison a second time.
      She said: “I think it’s impossible not to be a football fanatic in Brazil. It’s very connected to our culture. I love it!
      “And even before the call-up, my fans were already very fond of Richarlison, who scored the goals in the opening game.
      “He has cool opinions off the field and he has the Brazilian joy of playing football.”
      She is not the only Brazilian fan to talk up the attacker as Mayara Lopes believes Richarlison will be a superstar.
      Daiane wants to reward Brazil’s squad the same way she rewards her followers.
      She said: “I want to send the same incentive I send to my followers to the national team players and the entire coaching staff.
      “Imagine some of them getting some intimate photos and receiving that excitement, right?”
      Read More on The Sun
      She joked: “I’ll send, you can DM me on my official Instagram!”
      Daiane ended with a message of support for Brazil and PSG superstar Neymar, saying “I want to send good luck in particular to Neymar Jr., who deserves our support, as he was injured in his first game.”
      She wished Neymar luck after his injuryCredit: Instagram – tomazonidaiane
      Daiane believes football is connected to the culture of BrazilCredit: Instagram – tomazonidaiane More

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      Qatar World Cup chief finally admits horrifying death toll of migrant workers in shock Piers Morgan Talk TV interview

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      A QATARI chief has finally admitted the horrifying death toll of workers who helped ready the country for the World Cup. World Cup boss Hassan Al-Thawadi admitted as many 500 workmen have died when he was confronted by Piers Morgan.
      Hassan Al-Thawadi confirmed the estimated death toll of workers
      Piers Morgan confronted the World Cup boss on TalkTV
      Piers was quizzing the him during a showdown on TalkTV, which is also available to watch on YouTube.
      Qatar spent nearly £200 billion preparing the country to host the tournament after winning the bid in 2010.
      Massive infrastructure projects have ranged from completely renewing a whole city to eight brand new stadiums.
      But hanging over the tournament has been fears over the treatment of Qatar’s two million migrant workers.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Some estimates said as many as 6,500 had died since the successful bid – something which Qataris had previously been branded a “myth”.
      The death toll reported by Qatar last year was just three.
      But now, Mr Al-Thawadi admitted the death toll could be as much as 167 times higher than this estimate.
      Piers quizzed him on the migrant worker deaths, during which he confessed as many as 500 people had died.
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      “The estimate is around 400 – between 400 and 500 – I don’t have the exact number, that is something that is being discussed,” Mr Al-Thawadi told TalkTV.
      Piers pushed him, saying that this amount of deaths was a “big price to pay”.
      The official however said that health and safety standards have vastly improved since they won the World Cup.
      Mr Al-Thawadi said: “One is death is a death too many, plain and simple.
      “Every year the health and safety standards on the sites are improving, at least the World Cup sites – the sites we are responsible for.
      He described the World Cup has providing a “vehicle and catalyst” for improving the condition of migrant workers.
      “These are improvements that we knew we had to do because of our own values,” he said.
      “Improvements that had to happen.”
      Construction workers helping to build Qatar’s stadiums are reported to have been paid less than £1 an hour.
      And some are said to have died as they worked in the blazing heat of Qatar.
      Human Rights Watch compiled a report which details how migrant workers are allegedly exploited using the “kafala system”.
      Workers mostly from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines find themselves in a form of “forced labour”.
      The kafala system ties workers visas to a sponsorship by their employer – who is responsible for their legal status.
      Migrants can end have to pay up to £2,200 just to secure a job.
      And this is something that can lead to them emptying their savings or selling what little assets they have, only to them find themselves trapped in low paying jobs.
      Kafala rules then mean the workers can’t even leave – with many being reported to have “absconded” by their employers, which is a criminal offense in Qatar.
      Human Rights Watch have said the kafala system as “at the heart” of all abuses of migrant workers working ahead of the World Cup.
      Mr Al-Thawadi said the Kafala since has since been “dismantled”.
      “[Our] research has shown that abusive legislation and policies, the time pressure, and attempts to contain the exorbitant costs, have resulted in abuses against migrant workers, including work in life-threatening conditions, low wages or illegal recruitment fees,” Human Rights Watch said in a submission to the European Parliament.
      “As FIFA prepares to rake in billions in revenue from sponsors and broadcasters, many migrant worker families still mourn the death of their loved ones and struggle to feed their children or pay off loans their loved ones took out to pay illegal World Cup recruitment fees.”
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      Bayern Munich chief drops huge Harry Kane transfer hint but admits club are not just looking at England World Cup star

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      BAYERN MUNICH’S CEO has dropped a huge hint that the club remain interested in Harry Kane – but admitted other players are on the radar. The German giants have long been linked to the England captain who remains one of the best strikers in the world.
      Harry Kane and Spurs and England teammate Eric Dier have their sights set on Wales for tonight’s British clashCredit: Getty
      And with Robert Lewandowski not replaced in the last transfer window, it is likely speculation will ramp up again in the summer.
      And Bayern chief Oliver Kahn did little to pour cold water on the club being linked with the Tottenham striker.
      But he insisted there were other players around who caught the side’s interest.
      He told Sky Sports Germany: “Kane is very good player, but there are also many other very good players. I’ve read that [gossip] everywhere.”
      Read More On The World Cup
      Kane’s astonishing start to the season for Spurs will have done little to put off interested parties.
      The 29-year-old has had one of his most impressive starts to any season, netting 12 goals in 15 Premier League games.
      His fantastic numbers are still dwarfed by Erling Haaland who can boast 18 goals in just 13 league games.
      The Norwegian striker was who Manchester City turned to in June after spending the previous summer trying and failing to land Kane.
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      For now, the striker will have his attentions fully on his country.
      Kane has yet to score so far despite England hitting six against Iran.
      He was then stifled by a sturdy American defence as the Three Lions drew with the USA.
      Kane will be looking to match his goalscoring feats from the last World Cup when he landed the golden boot with six goals. More