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      Southgate confirms Walker and Maddison OUT of World Cup 2022 opener and hints Maguire and Sterling start vs Iran

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has confirmed Kyle Walker and James Maddison will miss England’s World Cup opener against Iran on Monday.But the Three Lions’ boss hinted Harry Maguire and Raheem Sterling will start, despite their troubled club seasons.
      England midfielder James Maddison is recovering from a knee injury sustained on the eve of the tournament and misses Monday’s clash vs IranCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Kyle Walker has joined in training but won’t play MondayCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Manchester City right-back Walker is not yet ready after a groin operation and Leicester playmaker Maddison has not trained in Qatar due to a knee injury.
      Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Kyle Walker is a little bit short for this game but is progressing really well.
      “We are ahead of where we thought he might be at this point.
      “James [Maddison] hasn’t been able to train since we arrived so he will not be able to make the game tomorrow.”
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      Southgate also suggested the big-game know-how of Manchester United centre-back Maguire and Chelsea attacker Sterling remain important.
      Maguire has rarely played in the Premier League since Erik ten Hag took over as Old Trafford chief in the summer.
      And Sterling’s summer switch from champions Man City has been far from smooth, including a spell at wing-back.
      But Southgate said: “We have to consider so many things when you are selecting a team.
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      “There’s the balance of the group. There’s definitely experience in these moments that’s key because not every player knows what it feels like to carry the England team.
      “Sometimes you don’t know how people are going to respond to that until they are in there and some don’t cope.
      “The likes of Raheem and Harry have thrived in that spotlight and they are used to being relied upon for their clubs as well.” More

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      England fans all say same thing as Man Utd star Harry Maguire shows off outrageous Maradona skill in World Cup training

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      ENGLAND fans have been left in shock after Harry Maguire was seen showing off his attacking skill in training. In the video that has been viewed four million times online, the Manchester United star danced around the Three Lions defence before unleashing a shot.
      Harry Maguire turned Phil Foden with easeCredit: England, FA
      Harry Maguire thenn sent Conor Coady before shootingCredit: England, FA
      Harry Maguire could be in line for a start versus IranCredit: Reuters
      The 29-year-old beat Bukayo Saka to the ball carried it forward before tunring Phil Foden with a Diego Maradona-esque spin and fooled Conor Coady with a change of direction.
      Maguire then had a shot but it was saved by a diving Nick Pope.

      The centre-back has been criticsed by England and United fans within the last year due to some poor performances but supporters loved his training ground skill.
      One wrote on Twitter: “Harry Maguire has turned into Ronaldinho. This is not a drill.”
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      Another said: “His talent is being wasted as a centre-back.”
      A United fan was hopeful that it may be sign Maguire is back to his best: “Bro my jaw fully dropped looks like he’s entering his 2018 Leicester form again.”
      More reacted: “Harry Maguire has turned into prime Lionel Messi just in time for the World Cup.”
      Maguire has struggled at United this season and even lost his place in the starting lineup despite being captian.
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      However he still got a place in the England squad going to Qatar with manager Gareth Southgate trusting the players that performed well in the last World Cup and in the Euros.
      The likes of Maguire and Raheem Sterling, who is yet to hit top form at Chelsea, could start for England versus Iran.
      Southgate has a nearly fully fit squad to choose from for the opening game with just James Maddison not training on the eve of the match, Kyle Walker is also out. More

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      Qatar brushes off World Cup controversy with spectacular opening ceremony – as tournament finally kicks off

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      THE most controversial World Cup ever kicked off tonight in spectacular style with a stunning opening ceremony in Qatar.The light-filled show took place at the Al Bayt Stadium before hosts Qatar take on Ecuador at 4pm in the tournament’s first game.
      The Qatar World Cup has opened in spectacular styleCredit: Getty
      The country ignored the controversy surrounding the event for a stunning opening ceremonyCredit: EPA
      Morgan Freeman appeared in person to narrate the openingCredit: Reuters
      He spoke with FIFA World Cup ambassador Ghanim al-MuftahCredit: EPA
      Fireworks lit up as the stadium as the country attempted to brush off the scandals it has been dogged by in the first-ever winter World Cup.
      The impressive pyrotechnics turned the sky pink and orange as jubilant fans partied in the stands of the brand-new arena.
      Actor Morgan Freeman made a surprise appearance – telling the 60,000 gathered fans that the tournament is open to the whole world.
      But there was confusion as the BBC failed to broadcast the stunning show – meaning Brits missed out on seeing the stunning display.
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      Jung Kook of K-Pop sensations BTS performed to a packed Al Bayt Stadium in a shimmering sequin blazer.
      A sea of flags representing all 32 teams were waved across the arena punctuated by fan chants from around the world.
      There were also bouncing, former mascots being puppeteered from stage hands below – including a giant lion for England.
      They were joined by the Qatar World Cup mascot La’eeb, which comes from the Arabic word meaning super-skilled player.
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      After the formalities, all eyes will turn to the 2022 World Cup curtain-raiser between the hosts and the South Americans.
      The Qataris had never qualified for a World Cup before, but are the current Asian champions so will expect to put up a good fight in front of their own fans.
      Elite leagues around the world have paused to allow the best players to head out to the Middle East to do battle for the most prestigious trophy of the lot.
      Meanwhile, England will get their World Cup campaign underway tomorrow when they take on Iran.
      The Three Lions will face Iran, USA and Wales in Group B as they look to make it to their first World Cup final since 1966.
      Qatar has a population of less than three million but is expecting an influx of 1.2million football fans.
      The tournament is planned to last just 29 days – making it the shortest World Cup since Argentina in 1978.
      It has been marred by controversy – from allegations of corruption to outrage over the country’s human rights practices.
      Thousands of migrant workers have reportedly died in the Qatari construction industry since the World Cup was awarded to them in 2010.
      Some football players have also raised concerns over the rights of fans travelling to the event – especially LGBT+ individuals and women, who rights groups say Qatari laws discriminate against.
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      In Qatar, being gay is illegal and is punishable under the country’s penal code with up to seven years in prison or even the death penalty for Muslims under sharia law.
      A tournament ambassador for Qatar was recently slammed after describing homosexuality as “damage in the mind” less than two weeks before the contest kicks off.
      All eyes were on Qatar for the opening ceremonyCredit: EPA
      Fireworks filled the air around the stadiumCredit: PA
      Jung Kook performs at the opening ceremony
      A giant lion in a Union Jack shirt floats above the stageCredit: Reuters
      The stadium is lit up by the firework displayCredit: Getty
      A shirtless drummer was among the performersCredit: Getty
      The Qatar World Cup mascot La’eeb makes an appearance
      The World Cup has been tipped as the most controversial ever
      The show featured a stunning light showCredit: Reuters
      The tournament has already been plagued by scandalsCredit: AFP
      The country was given the rights to the World Cup back in 2010Credit: PA
      The tournament is planned to last just 29 days
      A giant England top is paraded through the stadium
      The stadium was lit up by an impressive set of fireworksCredit: AP
      Ecuador fans gear up for the opening gameCredit: PA
      Fans during the Qatar Fan Festival at Al Bidda ParkCredit: Getty More

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      World Cup fans rage as BBC SNUB entire Qatar opening ceremony

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      FOOTIE fans were left stunned by the BBC’s decision NOT to broadcast the opening ceremony of the World Cup.Qatar 2022 officially got underway on Sunday afternoon with a glitzy ceremony at the Al Bayt Stadium in Doha.
      The BBC missed the opening the historic opening ceremony in QatarCredit: REUTERS
      The national broadcaster eventually cut to their coverage of the opening match but didn’t show the ceremony as it went on in the backgroundCredit: BBC
      The ceremony included immaculately dressed and co-ordinated dancersCredit: GETTY
      Hollywood superstar Morgan Freeman was also part of the spectacular showCredit: EPA
      Freeman sat down on the floor with Qatari YouTuber Ghanim al-Muftah during the ceremonyCredit: REUTERS
      But unlike tournaments of yesteryear, the BBC didn’t cover a single moment of the ceremony.
      And footy fans up and down the UK were baffled as to why the national broadcaster didn’t air the historic event.
      One tweeted: “Why are no British channels showing this outrageous opening ceremony?”
      Another asked: “Why isn’t the BBC showing the opening ceremony?? I’m so confused.”
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      And another asked: “No why the hell isn’t BBC showing the opening ceremony.”
      One chimed in: “Why aren’t BBC/ITV playing the opening ceremony?? So disappointing.”
      Another remarked: “How is BBC 1 not showing the opening ceremony??”
      The Beeb were late in broadcasting live from the Al Bayt Stadium ceremony as they were airing the Women’s Super League match between Chelsea and Tottenham – which the Blues won 3-0.
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      But the proceedings, which included an array of immaculately dressed dancers and bright mascots, were not aired once they switched to their team in Doha.
      That further enraged fans, one of whom tweeted: “I have never known the BBC to not show an opening ceremony before.”
      Another said: “This is an absolute joke.
      “Qatar have a whole opening ceremony going on right now in aid of the biggest football tournament in the world.”
      And another said: “The fact the BBC haven’t shown the World Cup Opening Ceremony on their terrestrial channels is so disrespectful.”
      One furious footy fan said: “Poor for BBC not to broadcast the world cup opening ceremony.”
      Fans also complained about the sound quality as the BBC played numerous pre-packed montages.
      The World Cup mascot La’eeb made an appearance via a stunning hologramCredit: GETTY
      The ceremony proved to be quite the colourful affairCredit: GETTY
      Several caricatures and mascots were also on displayCredit: AP
      The Al Bayt Stadium provided a stunning back drop for the opening ceremonyCredit: Getty
      One said: “Why does it sound like somebody is washing the dishes in the background of the BBC World Cup coverage?
      “The audio is horrendous.”
      And another said: “Why does it sound like someone is playing with spoons next to a microphone on the BBC??”
      Hollywood superstar Morgan Freeman was one of the main attractions during the glitzy ceremony.
      As was 20-year-old Qatari social media star Ghanim al Muftah.
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      Al Muftah – who was born with a rare disorder called Caudal Regression Syndrome and has no lower body – took centre stage with Freeman amid an array of flashing lights.
      Hosts Qatar will light the tournament’s blue touch paper at 4:00pm with their Group A opener against Ecuador. More

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      Fans hilariously sharing tips on how to smuggle beer into World Cup 2022 games after Qatar booze ban in new viral trend

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      ENGLAND fans have come up with hilarious ideas to smuggle booze into World Cup games.Qatar U-turned earlier this week and banned alcohol from being sold at all World Cup stadia.
      Fans suggested bringing in beer hidden by a Coca-Cola sleeve
      Another idea is filling a hydration pack with booze
      One fan jokingly suggested this idea
      Punters will only be able to buy a £12 Budweiser at the official Fan Festival
      And it means that the ONLY official World Cup site where fans can have a drink will be the Doha city centre official Fan Festival – selling just Budweiser at almost £12 for less then a pint.
      Alcohol is not illegal in Qatar, but being drunk in public is a crime – and there is a zero tolerance policy in place for drinking on the streets.
      England fans reacted with fury to the U-turn, with some vowing to still “get p***ed” before games.
      Now supporters have jokingly been brainstorming ideas about how to secretly carry booze into stadiums.
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      One fan suggested bringing in a can of beer covered with a Coca-Cola sleeve – allowing spectators to deceive security checking for booze.
      Others suggested bringing in a hydration pack containing alcohol – to allow fans to drink right under the noses of stewards.
      Another fan even proposed filling up a watermelon with spirits.
      World Cup supporters will be able to drink alcohol outside stadium areas – but cans of Budweiser at fan festivals will cost £12.
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      Fifa president Gianni Infantino dismissed concerns, even though it could cost his organisation £40million.
      He said: “Honestly, if this is the biggest issue we have for the World Cup, I will sign immediately, go to the beach and relax until the 18th of December.
      “Every decision we take at this World Cup is a joint decision between Qatar and FIFA.
      “I think personally if for three hours a day, you cannot drink a beer, you will survive.” More

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      Anthony Martial World Cup 2022 blow as France boss confirms he WON’T call up Man Utd star to replace injured Benzema

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      ANTHONY MARTIAL’S World Cup bid is in ruins after Didier Deschamps confirmed he would not call up the striker. The Frenchman has struggled with injury this season but has enjoyed a productive time in the minutes he has been on the pitch.
      Anthony Martial will not join the France squad in QatarCredit: Getty
      Martial has often come off the bench this seasonCredit: AFP
      In just 292 minutes of action Martial has returned with four goals and two assists.
      And following a thigh injury to Karim Benzema which has ruled him out of the tournament, the sequitur to this would have been to call up a forward as a replacement.
      However, France boss Deschamps has confirmed he will not be calling up a replacement for the Real Madrid star.
      When asked by reporters whether a replacement would be drafted in, Deschamps simply responded: “No.”
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      On Benzema’s absence he added: “I am extremely sad for Karim Benzema who made this World Cup a major goal. 
      “Despite this new blow for the French team, I have full confidence in my group. We will do everything to meet the huge challenge that awaits us.”

      Benzema has enjoyed a fantastic year with his club side, seeing him pick up the Ballon d’Or.
      He would have hoped to bolster the French chances of retaining the World Cup after victory in 2018.

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      But now Benzema is joining a long list of names on the sidelines.
      Christopher Nkunku, Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Presnel Kimpembe and Mike Maignan were already ruled out, while Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde remain in a battle to get match fit in time. More

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      Senegal vs Holland – World Cup Group A: Teams news, how they got there and prediction for bumper clash

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      SENEGAL and Holland promises to be a firecracker when they collide to kicks-off their respective World Cup campaigns on Monday.The Dutch go into the Group A game as heavy favourites – despite missing out on the last tournament four years ago in Russia.

      However, the reigning African champions still pack a punch elsewhere and will be looking to make history themselves in the Middle East.
      Following their AFCON success, they are aiming to become the first African nation ever to lift the World Cup.
      It’s a first-ever meeting between the two nations.
      Here, SunSport previews the clash that will undoubtedly have the eyes of the world on it:
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      How did they get there?
      Senegal: Senegal booked their place in Qatar by eliminating Egypt in the African play-off on penalties.
      That was after they finished top of Group H to go into the play-off.
      Holland: They finished top of Group G, two points ahead of Turkey, to qualify automatically.

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      What’s the form?
      Senegal: They come into the tournament on the back of a three-match unbeaten run and are still riding high from their AFCON triumph in February.
      Holland: You have to go back 15 matches to find Holland’s last defeat.
      That was against Czech Republic in the last-16 at last summer’s Euros.
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      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

      Who are the managers?
      Senegal: Aliou Cisse will be well-known to the fans of Portsmouth and Birmingham following his spell as a player in the Premier League.
      The former midfielder, who was capped 35 times during his midfield playing days, took charge of his country in 2015.
      He led them to the last World Cup and then the AFCON title earlier this year.
      Holland: Louis van Gaal is currently in his third stint as national boss.
      He led his country to a third place finish at the 2014 tournament and will be hoping to guide them all the way to the prize that has so far evaded them this time around.
      The 71-year-old is stepping down from the role following to tournament to be replaced by Ronald Koeman after a battle with prostate cancer.
      Louis van Gaal is in his third stint in charge of the DutchCredit: Reuters
      Who are the star players?
      Senegal: They suffered a nightmare when star man Sadio Mane was ruled out of the tournament.
      He suffered an injury to his right fibula in Bayern Munich’s penultimate game before the break and the 30-year-old will not recover in time to play in Qatar.
      Now their focus could switch from attack to defence, with Chelsea centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly and Blues goalie Edouard Mendy certain starters.
      This is how Senegal could line-up against the Dutch
      Holland: Van Gaal has a star-studded squad to choose from – but it will be Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk that will be tasked with keeping out the opposition.
      The 31-year-old centre-back is finally getting the opportunity to showcase his talents on the biggest stage of all.
      Throw in Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt into the mix, and it will take some team to stop the Dutch.
      How Louis van Gaal could start against Senegal
      What’s the head to head?
      It’s a first meeting between the two countries.
      What TV channel will show the game?
      The match is on ITV in the UK and can be streamed on the ITV hub for all those with a TV licence.
      It kicks-off at 4pm on Monday.
      What are the odds?
      Betfair: Senegal 11/2, Draw 29/10, Holland 4/7
      SunSport prediction
      Senegal could prove to be a wildcard at the tournament.
      However, without Mane, they may not be able to lay a glove on the Dutch.
      2-0 Holland
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      England vs Iran – World Cup Group B: How they got there, current form and prediction as Three Lions chase perfect start

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      ENGLAND’S quest for a first World Cup triumph since 1966 starts with a clash against Iran.Gareth Southgate’s side go into the tournament having reached the semi-finals in Russia four years ago.
      How England shape up ahead of the tournament
      Meanwhile opponents Iran arrived in Qatar after leaving violent anti-government protests in their homeland.
      The Khalifa International Stadium in Doha is the venue for the first of the action in Group B.
      It’s No5 vs No20 in the world, in what could be a banana-skin opener for the Three Lions with Iran expected to be difficult to break down.
      Here, SunSport previews the clash that will likely set the tone for England for the rest of the tournament.
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      How did they get there?
      England: The Three Lions eased to the top of their qualifying group without losing a game.
      Southgate’s side won eight and drew two out of 10 to qualify first ahead of Poland.
      Iran: Carlos Quieroz’s and Co were the first nation from Asia to qualify for the tournament, topping their group ahead of South Korea after losing just once in 10 games.
      A look at Iran’s stats ahead of the World Cup
      What’s the form?
      England: The Three Lions head into the tournament on the back of a SIX game winless run.
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      The Three Lions drew 3-3 with Germany last time out, but have not tasted victory since a 3-0 friendly win against Ivory Coast in March.
      Iran: On the other hand Iran go into the game unbeaten in their last three, including an impressive win over Uruguay in September.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup

      Who are the managers?
      England: Southgate is leading England into a World Cup for a second time, but has admitted he faces the sack if the Three Lions flop in Qatar.
      The 52-year-old has held the post since 2016 after an impressive spell in charge of the U21s.
      He also made 57 appearances for the Three Lions as a player, and played in the 1998 and 2002 tournaments.

      Iran: Portuguese gaffer Quieroz is currently in his second spell coaching Iran, having previously held the post from 2011-2019.
      He returned earlier this year after spells with Colombia and Egypt.
      Quieroz had two spells as assistant manager to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, winning two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
      Gareth Southgate has been England manager since 2016Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Carlos Quieroz is in his second spell as Iran boss, and is a former assistant manager at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
      Who are the star players?
      England: PHIL FODEN will be looking to carry on his superb club form with Manchester City onto the international stage.
      The 22-year-old goes into his first World Cup having scored seven goals and provided three assists in just 14 Prem games this season.
      He was named PFA Young Player of the Year in both 2020-21 and 2021-22.
      Foden has already been capped 18 times by the Three Lions, despite his tender age.
      Phil Foden has been in stunning form for Manchester City this seasonCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      How England could line up for the opener
      Iran: MEHDI TAREMI has attracted interest from Arsenal after impressing for Portuguese outfit Porto.
      And the 30-year-old could add millions to his price tag with a strong campaign.
      The striker has scored 13 goals in 19 games this season, including an impressive five goals in five Champions League outings.
      Mehdi Taremi is expected to start for IranCredit: Getty
      How Iran could line up against the Three Lions
      What’s the head to head?
      This will be the first official meeting between the two nations.
      What TV channel will show the game?
      England vs Iran will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
      It will also be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
      What are the odds?
      England: 1/3
      Iran: 59/5
      Draw: 7/2
      All odds provided by Betfair
      SunSport prediction
      Iran are 20th in Fifa’s world rankings, but England should prove to be too much Carlos Queiroz.
      Three Lions skipper Harry Kane will be desperate to get off to a flying start in the hope of winning another World Cup golden boot, and could get among the goals early door.
      3-0 England More