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      Who is Yunus Musah and could he have played for England at The World Cup?

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      THE World Cup is upon us, and Gareth Southgate has a large pool of talented players to choose from, but could teenage superstar Yunus Musah have been one of them?Each country is allowed to bring 26 players on the plane to Qatar with the England manager yet to announce his final selection as he looks to whittle down a 55-man preliminary squad.
      Yunus Musah playing for Valencia CFCredit: Alamy
      Players in contention will be hoping to impress in their final club matches before the tournament gets underway on November 21.
      Some players, such as Yunus Musah, had the option to play for more than one country at Qatar.
      Who is Yunus Musah?
      Yunus Musah is a 19-year-old USA midfielder who plays for La Liga side Valencia.
      Musah started his career at Arsenal but was moved on in 2019 after seven years at the academy.

      The wonder-kid has since made over 80 appearances for ‘Los Che’ and become the youngest non-Spanish player to score for the club.
      The Gunners may regret letting the creative midfielder leave North London, as might England.
      Yunus Musah was at Arsenal for seven years before moving to SpainCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Could he have played for England?
      Musah was born in New York, where his mum was on holiday at the time.
      He then moved to Italy with his Ghanaian parents until the age of nine, before residing in London.
      Musah represented England at several U21 levelsCredit: Getty

      Musah represented England at under 15, U16, U17 and U18 level, captaining the Young Lions along the way.
      But in 2020, the USA snapped him up for the national side. Musah now looks set to play against England in the group stages.
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      Loads of Dream Team World Cup bosses have misread Brazil’s centre-forward situation

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      BRAZIL are the pre-tournament favourites to win the World Cup this winter.Historical giants of the international game with five victories on the greatest stage, the Selecao’s only defeat in the last three years came in the final of the most recent Copa America, where they lost to rivals Argentina.
      Tite’s side head to Qatar having won their last seven games, scoring 26 goals and conceding just twice in that time.
      It’s no wonder Dream Team World Cup gaffers have been keen to include Brazil assets when constructing their provisional teams – their attacking talent is specially tempting.

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      Brazil pack a punch going forwardCredit: getty
      Neymar has played as a No10 in recent times, allowing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior his preferred place on the left flank.
      Raphinha will probably get the nod to play from the right, despite blowing hot and cold for Barcelona this term – the ex-Leeds winger has scored five goals and provided four assists in 11 appearances for Brazil.
      The big debate right now concerns the centre-forward position, contested chiefly between Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison.
      Premier League fans may see this as a no-contest in favour of the former given he’s been a key contributor to Arsenal’s flying start, scoring scoring five goals and providing five assists to help the Gunners top the table at the break.
      In contrast, Richarlison is yet to score a league goal for Tottenham this term, although he’s played about a third of the minutes – and of course Harry Kane leads the line for Antonio Conte’s side.
      This disparity is reflected in the pair’s Dream Team World Cup popularity.
      With an ownership of 13.5%, Jesus is currently the sixth-most selected forward in the game whereas Richarlison features in just 2.1% of teams.
      All is not as it seems…
      But here’s the thing, the Spurs forward has scored seven goals in his last 303 minutes of international football – that’s one every 43.3 minutes since he returned to the squad in March.
      In contrast, Gabriel Jesus has scored one goal in his last 21 appearances for Brazil and was left out of the squad by Tite as recently as September.
      His impressive form under Mikel Arteta has earned him a spot on the plane to Qatar but whether he will immediately start at centre-forward is another matter entirely, especially given Richarlison’s prolific form for his country this year.
      Dream Team World Cup bosses should concentrate on likely starters and so in that sense it seems 13.5% of them are making a mistake backing Jesus right now.
      And in the same breath, far too many are overlooking Richarlison.
      Richarlison has shone for Brazil in 2022Credit: getty
      However, this is only educated guesswork, perhaps Tite has noted the pair’s respective club form in recent weeks and taken that into account when plotting his starting line-up for Brazil’s opening group game against Serbia.
      But doesn’t it seem more likely that he will continue to show faith in the man who has scored seven goals in his last six international outings?
      Just something to mull over, gaffers…

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      Watch Jude Bellingham feature alongside Lionel Messi and Stormzy in star-studded adidas World Cup 2022 advert

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      TEENAGER Jude Bellingham proved his status as a global icon already by starring alongside Lionel Messi and Stormzy for adidas’ World Cup advert. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is expected to play a key cog in England’s starting XI in Qatar.
      adidas pulled together a group of superstars for their World Cup advertCredit: Adidas
      Jude Bellingham features in a yellow retro tracksuitCredit: Adidas
      Lionel Messi plays table football against himselfCredit: Adidas
      Stormzy narrates the brilliant 30-second clipCredit: Adidas
      And ahead of the tournament, sportswear giants adidas have released their promo as the Three Lions ace brushed up on his acting skills.
      Bellingham kicks off the 30-second video as he races down the stairs in a retro yellow tracksuit to collect his suitcase and tells Spain ace Pedri to stop looking for food in the fridge and hurry up – because narrator and rapper Stormzy is about to arrive in his bus to pick them up.
      Barcelona’s Pedri throws a boot bag to Real Madrid goal machine Karim Benzema, who will represent France in the Middle East and looks relaxed as he munches on a cereal bowl of footballs for breakfast in his pyjamas.
      Messi – for years the face of adidas – joins in as he plays table football against the 2006 version of himself, wearing the Argentina shirts from the first and last of his FIVE World Cups.
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      The camera then cuts to a smiling Son Heung-min – at risk of missing the tournament after surgery on a fractured eye socket.
      Stormzy says: “With Sonny, everything’s brighter,” before rapid Achraf Hakimi completes a jigsaw in lightning-quick speed.
      Fashion icon and Germany winger Serge Gnabry kits himself out in adidas drip and takes his pick of Originals trainers and white socks to go with his home Die Mannschaft jersey.
      The seven superstars congregate at a bus stop in the wilderness with the official World Cup ball and climb on board when driver Stormzy pulls up.
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      The award-winning grime artist and Manchester United fan, himself rocking an adidas tracksuit, finishes the commercial: “You can’t forget about your boy Stormz.
      “When football is everything, impossible is nothing,” quoting the German brand’s famous tagline as he drives the footballers through the desert to Qatar 2022.
      The superstars wait for Stormzy to pick them up in his busCredit: Adidas
      Karim Benzema ‘eats goals for breakfast’Credit: Adidas
      Son Heung-min is all smilesCredit: Adidas
      Bellingham is heading to his first World Cup tournamentCredit: Adidas
      Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is desperate to get his hands on the World Cup trophyCredit: Adidas More

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      France squad link up for World Cup 2022 as Barcelona star Jules Kounde rocks up with dinosaur bag attached to jeans

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      JULES KOUNDE rocked up with a dinosaur bag clipped to his jeans as he reported for France duty ahead of the World Cup.Les Bleus stars arrived at their national team’s training base at Clairefontaine this morning to begin preparations for the tournament in Qatar.
      Jules Kounde reported for international duty earlier todayCredit: AP
      The defender rocked colourful distressed jeans and a T-Rex bagCredit: AFP
      The Barca ace appeared excited to be thereCredit: AFP
      France will set off for the Middle East on Wednesday, and they’ll probably do so in style if today was anything to go by.
      Kounde, 24, donned shades and a smart black jacket as he arrived at Clairefontaine.
      He also wore colourful distressed jeans, with what appeared to be a bag in the shape of a T-Rex attached to them.
      Fans loved his fashion sense, with one writing: “What a legend.”
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      Another added: “King s***.”
      Kounde is set for his first World Cup experience, having made his international debut only last year.
      He has earned 12 caps for Les Bleus thus far, including one appearance out of position at right-back during Euro 2020.
      Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe donned a beige Nike button-up jacket with an orange jumper as he too pulled up for international duty.
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      Captain Hugo Lloris went for a casual black hoodie, while Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema flashed a peace sign as he arrived in a blue and cream jacket.
      Arsenal star William Saliba could almost have still been on club duty, wearing a red hoodie reminiscent of his Gunners’ colours.
      The French get their tournament underway next Tuesday evening, when they take on Group D rivals Australia in Al-Wakrah.
      Kylian Mbappe is ready to help France defend their trophyCredit: AP
      Captain Hugo Lloris arrived in a subtle black hoodieCredit: Reuters
      Karim Benzema is set to earn his 100 cap in QatarCredit: AFP
      William Saliba rocked up in Arsenal coloursCredit: AFP More

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      Why does Wales have a red dragon on the flag?

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      THE Welsh flag has become a symbol of national pride for the country, with it’s dragon appearing all over Wales.Rob Page’s side have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in over 60 years, with supporters desperate to see the likes of Gareth Bale in action in Qatar.
      Rob Page has led Wales to their first World Cup since 1958Credit: Getty
      Wales captain Gareth Bale scored two goals in the play-off semi-final against AustriaCredit: Reuters
      They are up against fierce rivals England in group B, with the big showdown scheduled for November 29.
      The players will wear a red dragon on their shirt and the reason behind it is very interesting.
      Where does the Welsh dragon originate from?
      The red dragon originates from an ancient Welsh legend involving a Celtic king named Vortigern.
      After finding a place to build his castle on the hills of Dinas Emrys, Vortigen was warned that his plans for the castle were directly above an underground lake, where two dragons were sleeping.

      Upon starting the building, Vortigen came across two dragons, one red, and one white.
      After a fierce battle, the red dragon won and has gone on to represent a symbol of Welsh pride and independence.
      A later excavation in 1945 found castle ruins and evidence of a lake dating back to Vortigen’s time. Perhaps, dragons aren’t just a myth after all.
      Why does Wales have a red dragon on the flag?
      The red dragon was depicted in various battles by British soldiers on their way to Rome in the fourth century.
      Welsh kings later adopted the emblem to show their authority and power.
      Ivor Allchurch wears the red dragon on his chest in 1957Credit: Hulton Archive – Getty
      Wales last played at the World Cup in 1958 where Pele’s goal for Brazil knocked them outCredit: AFP – Getty

      The country’s first official use of the flag is thought to be during the thirteenth century, during the Battle of Bosworth Field in England.
      Today, the dragon is a symbol of national pride and fearlessness, with the Welsh football team hoping to match it’s meaning at this year’s Qatar World Cup.
      Whereas the Welsh rugby team use the Prince of Wales’ feathers as their logo, the football team have adopted the red dragon for the last century and happily make it their monkier.
      Wales’ national anthem is also one of the most famous in the world and will be belted out at the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
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      World Cup 2022: Bet £10 on Golden Boot winner and get £2 FREE BET each time they score or assist

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      BETFAIR are celebrating the World Cup in style by offering new and existing customers an incredible bonus deal.Simply stake £10 on who YOU think will be crowned the Golden Boot winner in Qatar and you’ll receive a £2 FREE BET each time they score or assist!
      Bet £10 on Golden Boot winner and get £2 FREE BET each time they score or assistCredit: GETTY
      GOLDEN BOOT WINNER OFFER – CLAIM HERE*
      How to claim..Betfair offer

      Visit the Betfair website HERE*
      If you don’t have an account, you can register HERE** to access £30 in free bets
      Place a £10 single bet on a World Cup FIFA Golden Boot winner
      Bet placed must be £10 or more – can be a £10 win or £5 each way
      Applies to the first bet placed on the World Cup FIFA Golden Boot market only
      You can qualify for this offer at any point until 3.59pm Sunday November 20th
      Free bets will be credited within 120 mins of the game finishing

      GOLDEN BOOT WINNER OFFER – CLAIM HERE*

      What’s the offer?
      Betfair are offering customers who place £10 on the Golden Boot winner a £2 free bet any time they score or assist at the World Cup.
      New Betfair customers can register HERE** and receive a whopping £30 in free bets to spend on football.
      This offer is available to new AND existing customers.
      How to claim?
      It’s very simple. Login to your account using this link HERE*
      Place a £10 single bet on a World Cup FIFA Golden Boot winner. Remember, only your very first bet placed will qualify for this offer.
      Bets MUST be placed before 4pm on Sunday November 20th.
      What happens next?
      Free bets will be credited within 120 mins of the game finishing. Cashed out or partially cashed out bets on the original selection, will not qualify for the offer.
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      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      FOOTBALL OFFERS
      *Applies to the first bet placed on the World Cup FIFA Golden Boot market only. Applies to bets placed from 9am Thursday November 10th until 3.59pm Sunday November 20th. Max free £2 bet per goal or assist your selection has throughout the tournament. T&Cs apply.
      **Place a min £10 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of min 1/2 (1.5), get £30 in Free Bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly 18+ begambleaware.org

      Remember to gamble responsibly
      A responsible gambler is someone who:

      Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
      Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
      Never chase their losses
      Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
      Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
      Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

      For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
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      Ex-Man Utd star Javier Hernandez SNUBBED from Mexico’s World Cup 2022 squad but injured Raul Jimenez included

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      EX-MANCHESTER UNITED star Javier Hernandez has been left out of Mexico’s World Cup squad.The striker 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.
      Javier Hernandez is a surprise exclusion from Mexico’s World Cup squadCredit: Getty

      But Gerardo Martino has left the frontman out of his squad – and even opted for Wolves’ Raul Jimenez, who has been out for much of the club season due to injury.
      Mexico’s 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.
      But Hernandez, who burst onto the scene in the 2010 World Cup, will not be among the stars.
      Martino’s frontline is instead made up by the likes of the injured Jimenez, Napoli hotshot Hirving Lozano and Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez.
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      Hernandez’s exclusion is all the more surprising given his form in the MLS, where he scored 18 goals for LA Galaxy and helped them finish fourth in the Western Conference.
      His new girlfriend Nicole McPherson will now miss the chance to cheer on the star, with the pair having to settle instead for watching the TV coverage from the sofa.
      Hernandez would have been one of the few faces from the Mexico squad instantly recognisable to Premier League fans, with Chicharito spending five years at Man United before two years at West Ham.
      Mexico’s tournament begins on Tuesday November 2022 when they face Poland.
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      Four days later they have a difficult tussle with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
      And then they finish their group stage with a game against Saudi Arabia. More

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      Inside budget ‘Floating Palace’ cruise ship that England fans can hire for £160 a night during Qatar World Cup

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      ENGLAND fans are being offered the chance to stay on a luxury cruise ship with a £160-a-night price tag for a private cabin while they watch the Three Lions in Qatar.With around 1.2million people set to descend on the tiny oil-rich country, finding an affordable and decent place to stay has been challenge.
      The MSC Poesia can accommodate 3,000 fans on boardCredit: Reuters
      One of the rooms England supporters can rent outCredit: MSC Poesia
      The ship boasts several swimming pools
      The luxury interior of the the huge shipCredit: MSC Poesia
      The ship has several restaurants and bars on boardCredit: MSC Poesia
      At one end there’s £23,000-a-night luxury hotel suites while less fussy fans on tighter budgets can pay a bargain £75 to bunk in shared rooms.
      Sailing to the rescue of fans who want somewhere they can stay without breaking the bank is the MSC Poesia, a floating luxury hotel with 1,265 cabins.
      The huge vessel comes with seven swimming pools, 13 whirlpools and a luxurious yacht club.
      As well as somewhere to stay, the ship is also a way to dodge Qatar’s strict laws on booze which include a zero-tolerance policy for drinking or appearing drunk in public.
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      There are seven bars on board to cater for thirsty fans celebrating England’s wins and a nightclub to kick on for after-hours fun.
      The five restaurants include French and Italian eateries as well as a Sushi.
      In total around 3,000 fans will be able to stay on the 92,600-ton ship in a variety of cabins.
      Reports say the cheapest cabins can cost as little as £160 a night, while others put price of the the most budget-friendly private rooms at £290.
      These range from traditional cabins overlooking the sea to rooms with balconies and luxury suites.
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      All cabins have one double bed convertible to two single beds.
      Along with MSC World Europa, the MSC Poesia is one of two cruise liners that will be hosting fans during the global showpiece event.
      Around 40,000 supporters are expected to be staying on ships after Qatar chartered the two boats from MSC Cruises.
      For fans with deeper pockets, one third-party site is listing hotel rooms for a whopping £4,000-a-night, according to moneycontrol.
      Or, if money is just an object, a third-party is flogging a “head of state” suite for a mind-boggling £23,000 a-night – with a 30-night minimum stay.
      Others have been hiring £20,000 a night superyachts complete with helipads and Michelin-star chefs for the World Cup.
      The England team’s manager Gareth Southgate picked the five-star Souq Al-Wakra hotel as their base for the tournament.
      England’s top Wags will want for nothing on the incredible £1billion MSC World Europa, where a glamorous fleet will stay to cheer on our Three Lions during the Qatar World Cup.
      The 1,093 ft floating hotel — dubbed HMS Wag — was christened in a glittering ceremony in Qatar over the weekend as it prepared to welcome its VIP guests at capital city Doha.
      Official fan villages that have been set up for the tournament, with some more appealing than others.
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      One option costs almost £200-a-night, but the “cabins” are more like glorified shipping containers.
      Billed as an official fan village, the tiny cabins can fit up to two guests inside at a time, and are close to Lusail Stadium, where the final will be held.
      Fans can opt to sleep in style in luxury hotelsCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      Fan villages have been put up out in the desertCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
      One fan village is made up of rows and rows of white tentsCredit: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 More