ARGENTINA have gone into panic mode as footballing hero Lionel Messi misses training just four days before their opener.The Argentine head coach Lionel Scaloni revealed that a number of his men are struggling.
Scaloni said: “There are some players who are physically troubled. The truth is that we are not sure that these 26 players are all in the squad, luckily, we have days to decide if we have to make any modifications.
Meanwhile, Qatar has confirmed that alcohol will NOT be served in or around stadiums at the World Cup in a shock U-turn by organisers.
Beer was supposed to be available in the concourses of grounds in Qatar but the powers that be have reversed that decision.
And James Maddison has been training on his own away from the rest of the England squad as he continues his quest for fitness.
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Stay tuned with all the latest ahead of the tournament…
Shaw thing for Luke
Luke Shaw has made the bizarre revelation that he has a tattoo of the Coco Pops monkey on his left arm.
The England and Manchester United left-back is in Qatar preparing for the World Cup as the national team looks to end 56 years of hurt.
Shaw, 25, says the image of the popular cereal-selling primate is a tribute to his two-year-old son Reign.
The goalscorer in the Euro 2020 Final told the Lions Den YouTube channel about the unique ink.
He said: “My son is obsessed with Coco Pops, he has a lot of them in the morning, I thought it would be quite cool because he is interested in my tattoos.”
Southgate’s spot-kick practice
Keeper Aaron Ramsdale, 24, revealed: “It can become detrimental if they are taking them against goalkeepers because we then start to know where they are going.
“If I know where you are going seven times out of ten and I start cheating and going early and start saving them, you might start worrying about it.
“We have something which is called a skills net where the corners are open.
“At the moment the lads are just working on technique.
“Everybody can take penalties, it is just those fine pressure-margins which we can’t recreate out there unfortunately.”
Southgate’s attention to detail helped the Three Lions beat their spot-kick hoodoo in the last-16 win over Colombia at the last World Cup.
It was their first penalty shootout triumph in a World Cup — at their fourth attempt.
Ramsdale reveals England penalty prep
England are practicing penalties WITHOUT goalkeepers in a bid to avoid more shootout heartache, reveals Aaron Ramsdale.
Gareth Southgate does not want his stars’ confidence plummeting because his keepers are saving too many in training.
So the Three Lions, who agonisingly lost the Euro2020 final on penalties to Italy, are training for spot-kicks using a skill net that forces players to hit corners.
Maddison could be the game-changer for England, says Cole
Joe Cole believes James Maddison has the “personality” to be a World Cup game-changer for England.
The former Three Lions star said: “The big one for me was James Maddison. Form-wise and quality-wise he should be playing, but also because of his personality – he’s an England player.
“He won’t shirk the responsibilities; he’ll get on the ball.
“There will be times later in the tournament when the game might be in the balance and you need to be brave and accept the ball as a midfield player and he will do that.
“You can play number 10s deeper now and we need to set the tempo of our games. I’m so happy he’s in.”
Three Lions open with Iran
England boss Gareth Southgate will be hoping for nothing but a good result in the Three Lions’ World Cup opener.
But he goes into the game without Kyle Walker for Monday’s World Cup starter against Iran.
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also unlikely to be ready for a starting role.
Both players could be in contention for the Three Lions’ second game with the USA on Friday November 25.
And the duo will certainly be anxious to be at peak fitness in time for the group finale with Wales the following Tuesday.
Ronaldo puts aside United qualms for Portugal
In the second part of the incredible interview released yesterday, Ronaldo shockingly revealed he wants bitter rivals Arsenal to clinch the title if United can’t.
That was after stating that he believes his side are three years away from challenging themselves.
But for at least the next fortnight the superstar is focused on trying to land the one crown that has so far evaded him.
Portugal kick-off their World Cup campaign next Thursday against Ghana.
They then face Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
ICYMI – Qatari authorities stamp booze ban on World Cup games
World Cup fans will be hit with a stadium booze ban today as FIFA buckles under pressure from the Qatari authorities, writes SunSport’s Martin Lipton and Nick Parker.
Despite months of promises that beer and other alcoholic drinks will be available at the eight World Cup venues, SunSport can confirm that NO booze will be sold at all in any of them.
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.
Even as late as yesterday, FIFA had promised that fans could buy drinks inside stadiums on match days but not between kick-off and the final whistle.
But that policy was scrapped after Qatar’s Supreme Committee put the squeeze on FIFA – although it will cost the world governing body millions of pounds in compensation to official beer sponsor Budweiser and parent company InBev
More on Ronaldo touching down in Qatar
CR7 and his international colleagues were suited and booted as they landed at Hamad International Airport on Friday.
Ronaldo, 37, missed last night’s 4-0 friendly victory over Nigeria due to a stomach bug.
However, he showed no ill-effects as he looked a picture of concentration in front of the camera upon arrival in the Middle East.
Ronaldo ARRIVES in Qatar
Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived in Qatar with his Portugal national teammates.
The 37-year-old icon has more or less severed ties with “disrespectful” Manchester United.
But his focus is now on World Cup preparations.
Son reportedly fit for South Korea
Son Heung-Min WILL be fit for Korea’s World Cup opener against Uruguay – according to one of his closest pals in football.
The Spurs has been training in a specially adapted face mask after suffering a fractured eye socket in a Champions League clash with Marseille a couple of weeks ago.
He was only able to rejoin his team-mates for anything approaching a full session earlier this week and it is still far from certain that he will be risked in Thursday’s Group H opener against the South Americans.
Yet Korean legend Koo Ja-Cheol, who is working in Qatar as a TV pundit for his homeland, insists it is unthinkable that his big buddy will not be in the line-up.
Ja-Cheol, who won 76 caps before his international retirement in 2019, said: “He plays with such passion that I don’t think anyone would be able to stop him.
“He never wants to miss out and although he’s not been able to do any heading yet, he will push himself very hard. I expect him to start.
“With the mask it’s uncomfortable of course, it wouldn’t be 100 per cent condition. But from what I know of him that’s the way it will be.
“Look, we need to score – I think we will need two to win and who can score for Korea? Everyone says Sonny.”
Southgate to reveal team on Saturday night
Foden, 22, is reported to be in line to start after scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 14 Premier League games this season.
The Manchester City ace has already ruled the world with England at U17 level.
And he has the same winning feeling as he prepares for his first World Cup with the senior side.
Although Southgate won’t reportedly confirm his starting side until Saturday night.
Foden set to start opener vs Iran
Phil Foden is reportedly set to be given the nod for England’s World Cup opener against Iran.
The Three Lions boast plenty of options in attack and Gareth Southgate has a selection headache ahead of the game.
But Foden has impressed the boss and assistant coach Steve Holland with his recent form, according to the Daily Mail.
Although Bukayo Saka and Mason Mount are also pushing for starting berths in attacking positions.
Southgate is believed to have told his players that a 3-4-3 system remains his preferred formation for the tournament.
With Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling both likely to be in from the off, there is only set to be one more place up for grabs.
More on England’s hot training session
Harry Kane led the team out followed by goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale and went through drills ran by former Manchester City and Wales ‘keeper Martyn Margetson.
But Kyle Walker, who will be absent for the Iran clash, again trained despite his groin injury.
Once again several stars including Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson wore sleeveless shirts and shorts in an attempt to keep cool under the watchful eye of assistant boss Steve Holland.
Kane and his team-mates took on board plenty of fluids shortly after training began, with the players also making use of “The Heat Shack”.
That is what the squad call the tent cover at the side of the training pitch, which includes a misting fan that players can use to cool down.
Incredible Messi ad released
Adidas have revealed an incredible new advert to celebrate Lionel Messi’s final World Cup that features him playing against FOUR versions of himself.
The German sporting giants, who sponsor both the 35-year-old and the Argentina national team, released the stunning clip today.
Titled “The Impossible Rondo”, they describe it as a celebration of Messi’s World Cup career over the years.
And it features shots of him from each of his outings at past tournaments and his modern-day self enjoying a kickabout – which would make a pretty much unbeatable five-a-side team.
Spain call up for Balde
Spain have called up Barcelona rookie Alejandro Balde as a late replacement for injured defender Jose Gaya.
Valencia skipper Gaya, 27, picked up an ankle problem on Wednesday and was sent home two days later.
Boss Luis Enrique has now turned to 19-year-old Balde, who has not represented his country at senior level before.
The left-back has only become a regular for Barca this season, playing just 23 times in total.
A statement from Spain’s national team read: “Luis Enrique has taken into account his brilliant start to the season to replace Gaya.”
Credit: AP
Fans prefer Prem title over World Cup win
A YouGov survey of football supporters on behalf of Betfair has revealed that a significantly larger proportion of fans would prefer their team win the Premier League rather than England lifting the World Cup.
A large 65 per cent of the 1,116 supporters surveyed would rather their team win the Premier League, with just 29 per cent saying they would sooner see Gareth Southgate’s side triumph in Qatar.
Three out of five Manchester United supporters (60 per cent) would rather their side add a 21st Premier League title, while a third (32 per cent) would prefer England win the World Cup.
Ramsdale on top
Aaron Ramsdale keeps being trolled by his England team-mates over Arsenal topping the Premier League table.
The Gunners goalkeeper is with the Three Lions squad as they prepare for the World Cup in Qatar.
Ramsdale has revealed that players are winding him up about him going on about Arsenal being top.
The 24-year-old said: “Most of the banter is coming from Conor Coady and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“They keep walking around pretending that I’ve said, ‘Five points clear’, every day.”
Maddison sweating over fitness
James Maddison is facing a race to be 100 per cent fit for England’s opener with Iran on Monday.
The Leicester midfielder missed training for a second day on Friday with a knee problem sustained against West Ham on Saturday.
Maddison trained with the 26-man squad on Wednesday but complained of soreness so was told by medics to manage the issue.
He was out on the pitch on Friday – although without boots – for a pep talk from assistant boss Steve Holland but then returned down the tunnel.
The Three Lions are acclimatising to the 33-degree weather and appeared to be feeling the sun.
Fortunately, temperatures will drop to around 26C by 4pm – the local time for kick-off for the Iran clash.
EXCLUSIVE: Williams on Bale
The Swindon midfielder told SunSport, via SkyBet, that they are well equipped to take on the best on the globe.
He said: “Bale’s achievements and career speak for itself. The important goals in big finals, he’s a five-time Champions League winner, and what he’s done for Wales since coming into the senior team.
“I think he’s probably the best British player of all time.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and a person, so down to earth, a pleasure to play alongside.
“Even when I was kid coming through and he is the same now, you can’t always say that about players.
“It is a credit to him and amazing to see what he did in America, but I am not surprised. He is a winner, a big game player and he always turns up.”
EXCLUSIVE: Bale is Britain’s best, says Williams
Gareth Bale is the best Britain has to offer, according to international team-mate Jonny Williams.
The winger also warned England that superstar Bale’s title success in America was the perfect warm-up for the World Cup.
Williams, 29, and the rest of the Wales squad flew out to Qatar on Tuesday to begin preparations.
They kick off their tournament against USA on Monday before facing Gareth Southgate’s side on November 29.
Lucozade pulls branding from World Cup
England sponsors Lucozade has pulled all its branding from the World Cup in a snub to Qatar.
The drinks maker says its bottles will not be seen at matches, in training or at press conferences following rows over the Gulf state’s brutal laws.
Harry Kane and his teammates will still be given drinks but they will carry no branding or logos.
The firm said today: “Lucozade is a proud long-term sponsor of the England team but we are not an official Fifa World Cup partner.
“We continue to support all England teams, who celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion.
“While the England team have access to our drinks for hydration purposes we will not have a brand presence at press conferences, training session or on pitches.”
Angry fan reactions to booze ban
Not every fan had such a sunny outlook on the booze ban.
One supporter said: “To be honest I am very annoyed.
“The whole time they have been telling us that you can buy booze in the stadium, which we were all very excited about.
“Now the day before the World Cup starts we have been told we can’t buy booze there.
“Everyone knows that English people love a drink”.
England fans vow to still “get p****d” in Qatar despite ban
Defiant England fans have vowed to still “get p****d” before games in the wake of Qatar’s sudden stadium booze ban.
The announcement comes despite supporters previously being promised they could drink beer in stadiums throughout the tournament.
The stunning booze ban comes just two days before the tournament kicks off.
But while Fifa buckled under pressure from the Qatari authorities, it appears Three Lions fans won’t let it get in their way.
One supporter told The Sun: “It won’t dampen my experience too much because I will just get p****d before the games.
“That’s the way the cookie crumbles.”
FIFA booze backlash
FIFA President Gianni Infantino will face the global pushback against the World cup booze ban on Saturday, writes SunSport’s Martin Lipton.
But Infantino was in full kit w***** mode as he wore the Qatar 2022 maroon referee’s tracksuit as he hailed “Team One” of the tournament.
He said: “The 129 officials do an incredibly difficult job and I have so much esteem for them.
“They have to take instant decisions that change the lives of entire countries, under immense pressure”
Phillips on the naughty list
Kalvin Phillips has followed Peter Crouch into Fifa’s bad books – before kicking a ball at Qatar 2022, writes SunSport’s Martin Lipton from Qatar.
Ahead of the 2006 tournament in Germany, videos of Crouch’s aerial approach was used as an example of what should be penalised by referees, making the striker a marked man.
And now Phillips’ block to create the space for Harry Magurie’s opener in the qualifying win over Albania last November was the example of play that officials should clamp down on in the World Cup.
Phillips moved back from an offside position to clear the way for Maguire to power home.
Refs’ chief Pierluigi Collina said: “That would be disallowed here. It would be interfering with an opponent from an offside position”
Credit: Getty
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