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      Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher disagree on England starting XI and formation for World Cup 2022 opener vs Iran

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      GARY NEVILLE and Jamie Carragher disagree over the best England starting line up to kick off the World Cup against Iran. Gareth Southgate’s side begin their campaign in Qatar on Monday.

      There are question marks on what starting XI and formation Southgate will opt to deploy.
      Former Manchester United captain and ex-England international Gary Neville chose a back three, with four in midfield and three up front.
      Jordan Pickford got the nod in goal with Ben White, Erik Dier and John Stones making up the three-man central trio.
      With Reece James injured, Trent Alexander-Arnold took up the right wing-back role with Luke Shaw on the other side.
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      Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are paired in midfield with Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane making up the front line.
      Neville told Sky Sports: “One of the best ways to beat a team like Iran, USA and Wales is to stop counter-attacks and defend well.
      “In international football, if you get counter-attacked, you’re going to be in big trouble.”
      Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher chose a 4-3-3, keeping Pickford in goal, and also choosing Stones and Shaw in defence.

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      But he replaced Alexander-Arnold at right-back with Kieran Trippier and also brought in under-fire centre-back Harry Maguire.
      Mason Mount would come in at midfield alongside Rice and Bellingham.
      And Carragher gave in-form Bukayo Saka the nod over Sterling with Foden and Kane alongside him.
      Carragher said: “I love Raheem Sterling and he was England’s best player in the Euros, he was out of this world.
      “This season, his form has not been great and lately in an England shirt. Saka has been playing that well in that position.
      “I prefer Raheem on the left, so it wasn’t a case of Saka versus Sterling.
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      “It was always going to be Saka on that side and then it’s Sterling versus Foden.
      “I just think the actual ability of Foden, the way he’s playing since the European Championships, I’d go with him.” More

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      Switzerland vs Cameroon: TV channel, live stream FREE and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group G clash

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      SWITZERLAND open up their 2022 Qatar World Cup campaign against African giants Cameroon.The Swiss scraped through the 2018 group stages finishing runners up to five-time champions Brazil.
      Granit Xhaka was unable to guide the Swiss through the last 16 in the 2018 World CupCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Cameroon’s last World Cup game was a 3-1 defeat to Brazil in 2014Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Only to be sent home by Swedish attacker Emil Forsberg’s 66th minute deflected effort in the round of 16.
      But Granit Xhaka and co will be determined to not let lightning doesn’t strike twice despite them being paired in the same group with Brazil once again.
      However, their first encounter against serial AFCON winners Cameroon could be a tough one as they’ll be hungry to make up for not being involved in the Russian World Cup edition.
      What time does Switzerland vs Cameroon kick off?

      Switzerland’s opening clash with Cameroon will take place on Thursday, November 24.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 10am UK time – 12pm local time.
      Al Wakrah Sports Complex in Al Wakrah, Qatar is the allocated arena for this fixture and it can host around 40,000 spectators.
      This will be the first time these two countries encounter each other competitively.

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      What TV channel is Switzerland vs Cameroon on and can it be live streamed?

      Switzerland vs Cameroon will be broadcasted LIVE on ITV in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the ITV website or ITV hub.
      The ITV hub is available to download onto your mobile or proffered tablet device.

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      Can I watch Switzerland vs Cameroon for FREE?
      Yes! Switzerland’s first 2022 World Cup clash against Cameroon is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

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      Euro 2020 best defenders still great options for Dream Team World Cup bosses this winter

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      DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP gaffers would be wise to lean in to feelings of deja vu this winter.One of the most notable trends from Euro 2020 was the success of several ambitious full-backs and wing-backs, who not only propelled their teams forward but produced shed-loads of Dream Team Euros points.
      With the tournament in Qatar set to get underway this weekend, many of the same names seem well placed to thrive once again.
      Sadly, Leonardo Spinazzola won’t be present after Italy’s failure to qualify but let’s take a closer look at three defenders hoping to shine on a big international stage just as they did last year.

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      Luke Shaw
      A Shaw thing!Credit: getty/Dream Team
      The Manchester United left-back may not have been Gareth Southgate’s first-choice selection had Ben Chilwell not been ruled out with injury but as it is he’s a guaranteed starter as the only specialist left-back in the squad.
      And the Three Lions boss won’t have too many complaints as Shaw was one of the best players on display at Euro 2020.
      The 27-year-old provided three assists and scored in the final as England fell just short in the summer of 2021.
      And he scored in his most recent international outing too, during the entertaining 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley back in September.
      Group B could be a cagey one as England have generally preferred control and solidity under Southgate while USA, Iran and Wales are all evenly matched.
      If the group favourites are able to keep two clean sheets out of their first three fixtures then Shaw should have plenty of points to show for his efforts.
      Remember, England defenders absolutely dominated Dream Team Euros, with Shaw topping the rankings.
      Denzel Dumfries
      A ‘defender’ in the loosest possible senseCredit: getty
      The Inter Milan wing-back gave his compatriots a little scare at the weekend when he was prematurely substituted having seemingly gone down with injury but he has since declared himself ‘fit’ and believes he is ‘ready to start’ Netherlands’ first World Cup game against Senegal.
      Keep your eyes and ears open for further updates but we’re happy to take him on his word at this stage.
      Dumfries is categorised as a defender in Dream Team World Cup but he’s arguably the most attacked-minded asset in his position.
      The 26-year-old has scored three goals and provided two assists in his last ten appearances for the Oranje.
      Those who kept track of Euro 2020 would have noted how often the wing-back took up positions in the opposition’s penalty area – he registered two goals and one assist at the tournament in just four outings.
      Louis van Gaal’s side were dealt a favourable group alongside Ecuador, Senegal and hosts Qatar so Dumfries could deliver clean sheets and attacking returns just as he did at the last major tournament.
      Joakim Maehle
      A smart option for Dream Team World Cup managers
      Feel free to slap Denmark with the ‘dark horses’ tag this winter.
      Kasper Hjulmand’s side beat France home and away earlier this year and wouldn’t you know it, they’re due to play Les Bleus again in Qatar – that Group D fixture may well play a huge part in determining the round of 16 match-ups.
      Not only that, they were the joint-top performers in European qualifying.
      Like Dumfries, Maehle is a wing-back who is most effective in the final third, though he operates from the left.
      The 25-year-old’s stats at international level read like that of a winger – he’s scored nine goals and provided six assists in 31 caps!
      Three of those goal involvements came at Euro 2020 as he helped Denmark reach the semi-finals.

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      Uruguay vs South Korea: TV channel, live stream FREE and kick-off time for 2022 World Cup Group H clash

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      URUGUAY begin their 2022 Qatar World Cup journey with a tough test against Asian giants South Korea.La Celeste were unfortunate to come up against the eventual winners France at the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals stage.
      Luis Suarez failed to guide Uruguay past 2018 World Cup winners FranceCredit: EPA
      Son Heung-min’s 2018 strike against Germany wasn’t enough to send South Korea throughCredit: AFP or licensors
      Goals from Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann was enough to send the Urguyan’s home early following a hard fought campaign.
      However, Diego Alonso will be hoping that the French defeat can give his side that fire in their belly this time round – especially all-time top goal scorer Luis Suarez whose club future is up in the air.
      But first, Uruguay have to navigate Son Heung-min and co who are determined to make it out of the group stages for the first time since 2010.
      What time does Uruguay vs South Korea kick off?

      Uruguay are all set to take go up against South Korea on Thursday, November 24.
      It is scheduled to kick off at 1pm UK time – 3pm local time.
      Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar is the designated arena for this encounter and it can host around 45,350 fans.
      South Korea scraped a 2-1 win when the sides last met in an 2018 friendly but haven’t won any of the other seven games before that.

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      What TV channel is Uruguay vs South Korea on and can it be live streamed?

      Uruguay vs South Korea will be broadcasted LIVE on BBC One in the UK.
      Viewers also have the option to stream the entire action live via the BBC Sport website or BBC iPlayer app.
      The BBC iPlayer app is available to download onto your mobile or preferred tablet device.

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      Can I watch Uruguay vs South Korea for FREE?
      Yes! Uruguay’s opening World Cup clash with South Korea is available to watch for FREE in the UK so long as you have a valid TV license. More

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      Fans all say same thing as James Maddison hilariously ‘does an Ashley Cole’ in England squad photo for World Cup 2022

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      JAMES MADDISON has England fans in hysterics after “doing an Ashley Cole” in the squad photo for the World Cup in Qatar.The Leicester City star has been pictured along with the rest of the Three Lions squad but was awkwardly leaning into the picture from the side.
      James Maddison reported for duty alongside the rest of the England squad.Credit: Getty
      In the squad photo Maddison cut a slighlty awkward figure.
      Fans have said the picture has the same “vibes” as Ashley Cole’s appearance in Roma’s 2014 team photo.
      Fans have reacted to the picture on social media as they have spotted the similar pose to that of Ashley Cole.
      The former Chelsea and Arsenal defender had a similar stance in his squad photo when he was at Roma in 2014.
      One said: “James Maddison giving Ashley Cole vibes.”
      Another tweeted: “James Maddison doing his best Ashley Cole impression?”
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      A third added: “James Maddison with a wonderful homage to Ashley Cole.”
      A fourth commented: “Shades of Ashley Cole’s Roma team pic with James Maddison there.”
      A fifth joked: “Funniest team photo I’ve ever seen, Maddison doing his best Ashley Cole impression.”
      The midfielder had an injury scare in his final Premier League game before the break for the World Cup.
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      Having scored the opener with a thumping finish, Maddison was forced off early against West Ham at the London Stadium.
      However he eased fans concerns after the game as he revealed the knock was not a serious one.
      He said: “Injury isn’t too bad! A small problem that was causing a bit of soreness.” More

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      James Cleverly says he will attend World Cup in Qatar after telling gay fans to be ‘respectful’

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      FOREIGN Secretary James Cleverly has confirmed he will attend the World Cup in Qatar – as he defended telling gay fans to be “respectful”.The top Tory said it was his job to keep travelling Brits “safe” after criticism over his advice for homosexuals going to the tournament.
      James Cleverly has confirmed he will attend the World Cup in QatarCredit: PA:Press Association/PA Images
      Same-sex activity is punishable by up to seven years in the Middle East Nation, prompting many supporters to boycott the competition.
      Labour MP Chris Bryant accused Mr Cleverly of giving gay fans a “slap in the face”.
      The Foreign Secretary shot back: “I’ve visited Qatar in the lead-up to the World Cup and when I go to the World Cup I will be speaking to the security authorities to ensure that English and Welsh and whatever other British fans who are going to the World Cup remain safe.”
      But asked if he would encourage gay fans to protest in the country, he said: “No I wouldn’t.
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      “When British nationals travel overseas they should respect the laws of their host country.”
      He doubled down on his comments urging fans to be “respectful of the host nation”, adding: “I want them to be safe.
      “Genuinely my question is, for those gay fans who want to go watch the football, what advice realistically should I give other than the advice I believe will keep them safe.”
      He added: “We’re very proud that we champion gay rights around the world”.
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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: England squad numbers ANNOUNCED, USA’s new logo, Kimpembe out for France – latest

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      ENGLAND’s squad numbers have been ANNOUNCED for the World Cup – with Marcus Rashford taking the No 11.While James Maddison has played down a minor injury scare to gather together with the squad.
      England are gearing up to face Iran while Wales face USA in their first game.
      Argentina have touched down in Qatar ahead of the tournament with Lionel Messi arriving to try and cement his place in sporting folklore by winning the sport’s biggest prize.
       Bet £10 on Golden Boot winner and get £2 FREE BET each time they score or assist
      Stay tuned with all the latest ahead of the tournament…
      World Cup squad numbers
      21: BEN WHITE
      22: JUDE BELLINGHAM
      23: AARON RAMSDALE
      24: CALLUM WILSON
      25: JAMES MADDISON
      26: CONOR GALLAGHER
      World Cup squad numbers
      11: MARCUS RASHORD
      12: KIERAN TRIPPIER
      13: NICK POPE
      14: KALVIN PHILLIPS
      15: ERIC DIER
      16: CONOR COADY
      17: BUKAYO SAKA
      18: TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
      19: MASON MOUNT
      20: PHIL FODEN
      World Cup squad numbers
      England manager Gareth Southgate has released his World Cup squad numbers – and they suggest Marcus Rashford could play a big role.
      Here is England’s squad list for the World Cup in full:
      1: JORDAN PICKFORD
      2: KYLE WALKER
      3: LUKE SHAW
      4: DECLAN RICE
      5: JOHN STONES
      6: HARRY MAGUIRE
      7: JACK GREALISH
      8: JORDAN HENDERSON
      9: HARRY KANE
      10: RAHEEM STERLING

      Lahm slams FIFA’s Qatar decision
      World Cup winner and Germany legend Phillipp Lahm has slammed FIFA for allowing Qatar to host the World Cup.
      He said: “FIFA has damaged football and it’s credibility as a western organisation.
      “Football isn’t a popular sport in Qatar and there is practically no opportunity for girls to play”
      Ronaldo blasts Glazers
      Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has slammed controversial US owners the Glazer family — saying: “They don’t care about the club”.
      Ronaldo revealed he has never exchanged a single word with any of the family since his return to the club, despite being one of the world’s biggest football stars.
      The star forward accused them of being more interested in United being a “marketing club” rather than a football club so they can pocket more cash.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner told Piers Morgan he believes the Glazers “don’t care” about the club and only see it as a cash cow.
      Ronaldo said: “The owners of the club they, listen they don’t . . .”
      He added: “The Glazers, they don’t — they don’t care about, about the club. I mean, professional sport.
      “As you know this, Manchester is a marketing club. They will get its money from the marketing, the sport, it’s . . . they don’t really care, in my opinion.”
      Asked: “Do you ever talk to them, the Glazers?”, Ronaldo replied “Never. No. They give all the power to the president, sport director”

      Ronaldo slams Neville
      Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has accused former team-mate Gary Neville of criticising him to get more fame — and declared the TV pundit is no friend of his.
      Neville recently said after the Tottenham game that saw Ronaldo refusing to come on as a substitute: “We know him, we love him but he can’t accept not being the star man. He’s going to have to leave, that’s it.”
      Ronaldo said: “To listen as ex-colleagues or team-mates criticise you, when they only see one point of view. It’s easy.
      “It’s easy to criticise, I don’t know if you have a job in television that they must criticise to be more famous. I really don’t understand it.
      “It’s hard when you see people who was in the dressing room with you criticising that way.”
      When asked if Neville had used his name to get attention, Ronaldo responded: “I think they take advantage of that because they are not stupid.
      “I’m the number one followed guy in the world. It’s not by coincidence”
      Jesus’ Spurs snub
      Arsenal star and Brazil international Gabriel Jesus didn’t mention rivals Tottenham among his team’s Premier League title threats this season.
      Jesus said: “We cannot look to others.
      “We know Man City , obviously I know them more than most of the people. But we have to do our job. We know the Premier League is not easy, it is the toughest league in the world.
      “It is not only Man City – it is Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea. What can we do? Just focus on ourselves that is all”
      More from Ronaldo
      Manchester United superstar and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo claims the club’s hierarchy didn’t believe his newborn daughter was ill and that’s why he didn’t attend pre-season.
      Ronaldo told piers Morgan: Uncensored: “The executives at Manchester United didn’t seem to 100% believe my newborn daughter was ill.
      “It’s painful because they didn’t take my word for it.
      “That’s why I didn’t attend the pre-season preparation camp. I had to be there for my family”
      Ronaldo speaks out
      Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence following his explosive interview.
      Ronaldo hit out at United for “betraying” him and making him feel like a “black sheep”, blamed for everything going wrong at Old Trafford.
      The star forward has fled the drama by linking up with Portugal ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
      And the five-time Ballon d’Or winner shared a photo of himself alongside several of his international team-mates.
      Ronaldo issued the following caption: “Total and absolute focus on the work of the National Team. A united group, towards a single objective: to fulfill the dream of all Portuguese people!”

      Not done yet
      Wales do not expect the 2022 World Cup to be a last hurrah for Los Angeles FC star Gareth Bale.
      Manager Rob Page said: “He will carry on. I expect him to be there. I do.
      “I will tell you why, irrespective of what is going on in his career, he is always there for Wales. Whether he is playing or not at club level he just loves playing for Wales.
      “If we have two games back-to-back, I’ll say to him, ‘You’re not starting the second game, I’ll see how it goes and might need you late on’.
      “But he will be the one going to me on the bench, ‘Get me on. I want minutes. I can affect the game.’ I am having to pull the reins on him. He just loves playing for Wales, especially in Cardiff”
      Tears and jeers
      Arsenal ace Gabriel Martinelli revealed how he sobbed at being called up for Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad.
      Martinelli said: “I’m very happy, it’s one of the most important moments in my life and in my family’s life as well – I’m buzzing. I’m so excited to go there and be part of this team.
      “I cried a lot, I couldn’t even talk and I was with my family and on the phone but I needed to turn the phone off and call them later because I couldn’t even talk.
      “I think it will be good for my career and to play in the World Cup will be amazing. I’m so excited to go there and I’m prepared for the challenge and and I hope we will win it”
      Lionel’s Mess-tiny against England
      Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi could face England in his 1,000th career match at the 2022 World Cup.
      Messi will captain Argentina in Qatar and could reach the milestone should his side make it to the quarter-finals.
      The Albiceleste will face Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in their group, which they are favourites to finish top.
      However, if the Three Lions finish second in their group alongside the likes of USA, Iran and Wales, then there could be a potential meeting between the two sides.
      The Copa America winners would have to win their group and beat the second-placed side from Group D, which will be one of Denmark, France, Australia and Tunisia.
      While England would have to beat the top-placed side from Group A, which will be between the Netherlands, Senegal, Ecuador or Qatar

      Ron for us
      SunSport columnist Piers Morgan wants Arsenal to sign Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo after his explosive interview on Piers Morgan: Uncensored.
      Morgan believes Ronaldo would lead the Gunners to the Premier League championship alongside Gabriel Jesus.
      Asked on Twitter if he hoped the North Londoners would sign the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, the journalist responded: “Yes, actually.
      “He’s exactly what we need. Ronaldo and Gabriel Jesus would take us to the title”
      Benzema’s Ronaldo statement
      Real Madrid star Karim Benzema has revealed that he has not received a message from former team-mate and Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo after winning the Ballon d’Or.
      Benzema was asked if Ronaldo had contacted him after he won the award, and he said: “No, not yet.”
      The Portugal captain has won the Ballon d’Or five times but was not in the running for it last year even though he was United’s top scorer last season.
      France star Benzema is now looking forward to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and is hopeful of helping his country lift the trophy, especially as the day after the final is his 35th birthday
      Sporting favourites for Ronaldo
      Sporting Lisbon are favourites to sign Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo after his bombshell interview.
      According to Betfair, Sporting are 3/1 favourites to bring Ronaldo back.
      More below:
      Sporting Lisbon: 3/1
      Chelsea: 4/1
      Any MLS Club: 6/1
      PSG, Napoli: 12/1
      Roma, Man City: 16/1
      Atletico Madrid, Newcastle, Arsenal: 25/1
      Real Madrid: 50/1
      Eriksson’s Ronaldo advice
      Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has advised Manchester United to offload Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo after his explosive interview.
      Eriksson told Saxo: “The manager will try to put out the best eleven and make changes during the game in order to win as many games as possible for the club as big as Manchester United.
      “If you don’t play well, if United lose too many games, who will get the blame? Ten Hag. You have to play the best players you think will win the game for you even if it means dropping a big name player like Ronaldo.
      “We are talking about one of the best players in the world for many, many, years, scoring goals for fun. I think personally, it’s very important that you sell Ronaldo because he cannot stay.
      “I don’t think he should stay at Manchester United if he doesn’t play. He’s too big of a name and it will always create these discussions”

      Ronaldo bombshell interview recap
      Manchester United superstar and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels betrayed at Old Trafford in an exclusive interview with The Sun columnist Piers Morgan.
      Ronaldo made several explosive claims as his career at United looks all but over.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels blamed for everything that has gone wrong at the club, and believes he is now being actively forced out.
      The star forward delivered a damning verdict on by claiming the club hasn’t moved on since the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
      The ex-Real madrid star added that he doesn’t respect manager Erik ten Hag because he fells the Dutch tactician doesn’t respect him either
      Not Jav-ing that
      Former Manchester United star Javier Hernandez has been left out of Mexico’s World Cup squad.
      LA Galaxy star Hernandez is going strong at 34-years-old, currently playing in America, and is still one of the more high-profile names among the country’s footballers.
      But Mexico manager Gerardo Martino has left the striker out of his squad – and even opted for Wolves’ Raul Jimenez, who has been out for much of the season due to injury.
      The Mexicans’ tournament in Qatar kicks off in a little over a week as they look to get through a tricky group containing the likes of Poland and Argentina
      Messi and Argentina arrive
      Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi and the rest of the Argentina squad have landed in Abu Dhabi ahead of the World Cup.
      Messi and his team-mates arrived in the United Arab Emirates and will lead his side out for their first game in eight days.
      The Albiceleste will play Saudi Arabia followed by Mexico and Poland in Qatar soon after.
      The Copa America winners are among the favourites to win the competition
      Kimpembe OUT of World Cup
      Paris Saint-Germain and France star Presnel Kimpembe has been ruled out of the 2022 World Cup due to injury.
      Kimpembe has played less than 90 minutes of football since mid September and has since withdrawn from the squad due to a lack of match fitness after consulting with the national team’s doctor.
      The centre-back will be replaced by Monaco ace Axel Disasi ahead of the Qatar tournament.
      The Frenchman was part of the squad that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia

      Maddison issues injury boost
      Leicester star James Maddison has confirmed his injury sustained at West Ham is just a “small problem” after making England’s World Cup squad.
      Maddison gave the nation some good news when he took to Twitter after the game.
      The midfielder confirmed that his injury is not “too bad” and is set to jet off for Qatar with the rest of Gareth Southgate’s players.
      Maddison said: “Another win & another goal. Perfect way to finish before the break.
      “Injury isn’t too bad! A small problem that was causing a bit of soreness. Can’t wait to meet up with the lads Monday”
      Serbia boss makes hilarious Mitrovic claim
      Fulham were without main man Alexander Mitrovic at the weekend as he missed out due to injury.
      He is expected to lead the line for Serbia in Qatar but his injury has led to many Serbians worried about his fitness.
      But manager Dragan Stojkovic has confirmed that Mitrovic is going to the tournament.
      He comically said: “Mitrovic will go to the World Cup without a leg, we can also cut his head off – he will still go.”
      USA show solidarity
      USA’s badge at their training ground in Qatar has been redesigned with rainbow colours to show support for the LGBT community.
      Homosexuality is illegal in Doha.
      The Americans face Wales first before playing Iran and England.

      Mexico release World Cup squad
      Mexico have announced their squad for the World Cup.
      They are in a group with Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia.
      Former Man Utd and West Ham striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez has not made the cut.
      He scored 18 goals in the MLS season as LA Galaxy finished fourth in the Western Conference but it is not enough for the 34-year-old who burst onto the scene at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
      Raul Jimenez has been included despite struggling with injuries.

      England stars meet before heading to Qatar
      England’s World Cup hopefuls have joined up with each other before jetting out to Qatar.
      Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions met up St George’s Park today.
      The squad will fly to Doha tomorrow, before their first training session at the Al Wakrah sports complex on Wednesday.

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      ‘Insulted’ John Stones slams critics of England’s defence and insists Harry Maguire & Co NOT weak link at World Cup 2022

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      JOHN STONES is ‘insulted’ at the way England’s defenders have been made scapegoats for recent poor form.The Manchester City centre-back will likely partner Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire at the heart of the defence against Iran in Monday’s opener in Qatar.
      John Stones is insulted at the way England’s defenders have been criticised recently.Credit: Getty
      Maguire has been at the end of a lot of criticism due to his form with Manchester United.Credit: Getty
      England’s defence has been painted as the weak link as the Three Lions hunt for their first major trophy since 1966.
      But Stones hit back, saying: “I am a bit insulted, to be fair. Maybe in the respect that some of the players aren’t playing so regularly or have had injuries perhaps.
      “Sometimes we forget about what players have done in the past — and what they have done in big-game scenarios — and we focus on the negative.
      “You don’t lose quality or class and big-game players turn up, which as an England squad we have done over the past five years especially in the last World Cup and Euros.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Maguire drew stick from his own fans, club and country, over his form. He was an unused sub in United’s 2-1 win at Fulham on Sunday but has shown signs of recovering confidence lately.
      Former England stars Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand pinpointed the defence as the team’s problem area.
      England reached the final of last year’s Covid-delayed Euro 2020 on the back of a solid defence before the agonising shootout defeat by Italy.
      Stones consoled himself after that heartbreak by turning to his personal achievements — only two goals conceded in open play against some of the best teams in the world is a remarkable statistic.
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      All the more surprising given that barely 16 months later, his partnership with Maguire and England’s full-backs is being questioned.
      From a team built on dependable defenders to the Achilles heel of a country’s hopes of winning the World Cup. No wonder the Manchester City centre-back feels aggrieved.
      Since that ultimately disappointing night in July last year, Stones has won his fourth Premier League title — with his side conceding just 26 goals along the way.
      Now focus turns to his international dreams where the pressure is even greater than at one of the richest clubs in the world.
      No wins in six games for England leads to understandable scrutiny on a back line which was so mean last summer but which has leaked eight goals in the last three games.
      Stones is not blind to the issues and the numbers and admits England’s defenders need to recapture the spirit of last summer.
      With 59 caps, he is also experienced enough to know that the eve of the biggest tournament in football is not the time to panic.
      Stones, 28, said: “We don’t focus on the outside noise, we focus on what we can do and improve and focus on our strengths.
      “We have to be so positive going into this and try to find that spark which we have had in recent tournaments.
      “Euro 2020 was an incredible tournament from that aspect, of not conceding goals.
      “And you will have heard it for years but the top teams who are successful keep clean sheets in tournaments — that is the basic platform for your team.
      “We definitely have got to find that, whoever is playing in the defence.
      “We had something you can’t teach, or train. We were just on the same page with our mentality. I am excited and positive for us to do that again.
      “We’re on the same page as Bobby Moore for the most clean sheets in a tournament.
      “I was extremely proud when I heard that and it is something that will stick with me until it gets broken — hopefully this tournament.
      “It was just something I am highlighting that we created such a platform in such a big tournament in England last year and with everything that came with it.”
      It seems everyone has an opinion about England’s defence — few complimentary.
      Maguire’s approval rating from fans of his club and country is probably at its lowest, yet he was named by Uefa in their team of the tournament at Euro 2020.
      It appears on paper the back three, four, or whatever England boss Gareth Southgate plumps for, is an accident waiting to happen.
      Stones said: “They have that opinion from recent games and results, which is rightly so and everyone is entitled to their opinion.
      “Now is our time to step up and recreate some of those great memories we have made over the past few years in big games especially — and make them change their opinion.”
      *JOHN STONES was speaking at the launch of the first ever winter wave of McDonald’s Fun Football sessions, with over 10,000 hours of free football coaching for 5-11-year-olds across the UK in the next two months — for more information go to mcdonalds.co.uk/football More