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      World Cup 2022 – injured players to miss tournament: James, Chilwell, Pogba & Kante OUT but Son, Mane and Dybala WILL go

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      QATAR’s World Cup will see the most famous names in world football face off against each other over November and December.
      England will be hoping to bring home the trophy after reaching the semi-final stages in 2018 before suffering defeat to Croatia.
      France’s Paul Pogba will be sadly absent in QatarCredit: AFP
      The likes of Brazil, France, Spain and Germany will be standing in the way of Gareth Southgate’s men as the top-performing stars in football battle it out for international glory.
      However, there are set to be many noticeable absences as the tournament approaches.
      Here is a full list of absentees from Qatar, which SunSport will keep updated between now and November 20.
      Argentina
      AS Roma star Paulo Dybala suffered a freak injury against Lecce in October, with his boss Jose Mourinho, admitting: “The injury looks very bad. I’d say bad, but honestly after speaking with Paulo… I think very bad”.
      However, he has now been named in the squad for the World Cup as his dream of playing in Qatar is still alive.
      Paulo Dybala will miss the World Cup with injury

      However, former Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was not as lucky as he has to undergo surgery on a hamstring injury suffered in action for Villarreal, and will miss the tournament.
      Australia
      Kye Rowles has returned from a foot injury in time to make the squad, while Harry Souttar was doubtful but has also returned in time to play in Qatar.
      Belgium
      Alexis Saelemaekers is out for the World Cup, with the AC Milan star ruled out for the remainder of 2022 after picking up a serious knee injury.
      Brazil
      Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo has been ruled out of the tournament also, suffering a long-term muscular injury after failing to nail down a starting spot during the beginning of his spell in England.
      Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo, on loan from Juventus, will miss the World Cup
      Cameroon
      As it stands, Cameroon have a fully fit squad going into the World Cup as they look to impress at the tournament.
      Canada
      Alphonso Davies has been named in the Canada squad despite an injury scare which put doubts over his participation.
      He missed Bayern Munich’s last two matches heading into the tournament after sustaining a torn hamstring, but will hope to be ready to play for his country.
      Alphonso Davies will be going to the World Cup with CanadaCredit: AP
      Costa Rica
      The Central Americans go into the tournament also with a fully fit squad.
      Croatia
      Marcelo Brozovic has faced a spell out with injury but has returned in time to be named in the Croatia squad.
      Denmark
      Andreas Christensen was the only doubt going into the World Cup but has recovered in time to make it into the Denmark team.
      Ecuador
      Joao Rojas has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury, but Gonzalo Plata has made the squad after being doubtful.
      England
      Ben Chilwell will officially not be heading to Qatar due to sustaining a hamstring injury in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Dinamo Zagreb.
      The defender had struggled with an ACL injury in the past and was substituted in the dying minutes, appearing in some discomfort before leaving the stadium on crutches.
      Ben Chilwell was helped off by medical staff against Dinamo ZagrebCredit: Rex
      While Chelsea teammate Reece James has been told that he will not make the cut despite being optimistic, with The Sun exclusively revealing that he has been informed of this after sustaining a long-term injury.
      The England international took to Twitter to confirm his absence from the Qatar tournament, sharing his disappointment.
      Emile Smith Rowe was also unavailable for selection after surgery earlier this year but there is good news for Kalvin Phillips who managed to book his spot on the plane.
      Man City pair Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker are likely to be out of the England squad after requiring surgery
      And fellow City teammate Kyle Walker has also made it onto Gareth Southgate’s 26-man list despite in the process of shaking off a hamstring injury.

      France
      Paul Pogba will miss out for France after undergoing knee surgery which has prevented him from playing since moving to Juventus in the summer.
      While fellow midfield sensation N’Golo Kante will also not take to the biggest stage of them all, with the Chelsea star having undergone an operation on a hamstring injury.
      N’Golo Kante has suffered another injury setback for Chelsea
      Presnel Kimpembe did not make the squad after sustaining a hamstring injury which has seen him out for several weeks leading up to the tournament.
      But Manchester United star Raphael Varane has been named in the World Cup squad despite going off in tears against Chelsea with an injury.
      France announced their full squad as the injury-hit nation look to defend their World Cup crown in Qatar.
      Germany
      Marco Reus is officially out of the World Cup after picking up an ankle injury which saw him miss Borussia Dortmund’s last four Champions League games.
      And he will join his German compatriot Timo Werner has been ruled out of the tournament due to sustaining the same problem in RB Leipzig’s Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
      Ghana
      Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott has been ruled out of the tournament with a finger injury, ending his World Cup dreams.
      Iran
      Allahyar Sayyadmanesh has missed out on the squad as the Hull City star looks to recover from injury.
      Iran’s hopes will be relying on the fitness of ‘the Iranian Messi’ Sardar Azmoun, who has suffered with calf injuries this season but has still been named in the squad for England’s group rivals.
      Al Wakrah midfielder Omid Ebrahimi picked up a groin injury and misses out on the squad.
      Sardar Azmoun will be hoping to fire Iran to gloryCredit: AFP
      Japan
      Former Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi has been ruled out with an ACL injury while Yuta Nakayama will miss the World Cup too.
      Damaging his Achilles tendon during Huddersfield’s match against Sunderland, he requires surgery and will not travel with his side to Qatar.
      Mexico
      Jesus Corona will be out of the tournament after Mexico confirmed an ankle injury will see him sidelined while Wolves striker Raul Jimenez will return from a long-term injury to play.
      Having only made three appearances in the Premier League this season, Jimenez was named in Mexico’s World Cup squad ahead of Javier Hernandez and will be hoping of playing his part.
      The striker has not been his usual self since fracturing his skull in 2020, but will look to put his injury woes behind him.
      Jesus Corona is another big name absentee for the World Cup
      Morocco
      Marseille midfielder Amine Harit was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a serious knee injury, seeing him stretchered off for the French side against Monaco.
      Netherlands
      Former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum will miss the World Cup with a broken leg while Matthijs de Ligt is on the plane despite a recent groin injury.
      Poland
      Brighton’s Jakub Moder will miss the tournament with an ACL injury while Pawel Dawidowicz is also out.
      Portugal
      Portugal have been hit hard as Diogo Jota is the latest confirmed absentee for the tournament.
      Diogo Jota will miss the World Cup after being stretchered off for LiverpoolCredit: PA
      Pedro Neto and Ricardo Periera are also unavailable through injury.
      Qatar
      Host nation Qatar will be without Abdullah Al-Ahrak due to a cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out of the home tournament.
      Saudi Arabia
      Saudi Arabia have a fully fit team heading into the competition.
      Senegal
      Sadio Mane was been ruled out through injury by Bayern Munich doctors.
      However, the national side have opted to take the former Liverpool forward, with it remaining to be seen as to whether he will be fit to play in the tournament.
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      Serbia
      Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic has been named in Serbia’s squad despite an ankle injury, and will hope to be fit and firing for his side.
      South Korea
      Son Heung-min has confirmed that he will travel to the tournament with his country despite suffering a fracture around his eye, which required surgery just weeks before of the tournament.
      Spain
      Luis Enrique’s side are without Mikel Oyarzabal, who is recovering from injury ahead of the tournament.
      The winger’s exclusion is one of the least surprising as Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, PSG’s Sergio Ramos and Liverpool’s Thiago all miss out despite being fit.
      Ansu Fati has been named in the squad despite suffering a host of injuries over the last couple of seasons while Kepa Arrizabalaga is out of the team due to injury concerns.
      Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal will hope to return in time for Spain
      Switzerland
      The Swiss go into the competition with a fresh squad and no injury concerns.
      Tunisia
      Tunisia are optimistic, with no absentees as of now.
      United States
      Miles Robinson’s Achilles injury has put him out of the World Cup but the rest of the USMNT are fit and ready to go.
      Uruguay
      Ronald Araujo was struck by injury, with his groin issue thought to have ruled him out of action.
      However, Director of National Teams of the Uruguayan Football Association, Jorge Giordano, has provided a positive update, stating that they expect Araujo to be fit for Uruguay.
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      Wales
      England’s final group stage opponents, Wales, have a fully fit side as they look to cause an upset in Qatar.
      Gareth Bale has had a few injury issues to deal with along the way, as has Aaron Ramsey, who is notoriously injury-prone.
      Who else will miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
      The likes of Erling Haaland and Mo Salah will not be making the trip to the Middle East, having failed to qualify with their countries, while Italy also will not feature at the tournament.
      Alongside these noticeable absentees, other big names will miss out due to no fault of their own.
      We have you covered with all the latest injury news ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, missing through injury. More

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      Highest and lowest paid World Cup 2022 managers revealed with Gareth Southgate raking in more than France boss

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      ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate is NOT the highest-paid manager at the World Cup.That’s despite the Three Lions gaffer raking in a reported annual salary just shy of £5million.
      The highest-paid managers at the World Cup
      The five lowest-paid managers out of the 32 bosses heading to the World Cup
      His wage is over £1.5m more than Didier Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, and a staggering £4.6m MORE than Wales boss Robert Page.
      Page, who signed a deal to officially take over from Ryan Giggs in September, is reported to be on £328,000-a-year.
      Although that may have increased after he officially penned terms to take over from the ex-Manchester United star.
      Research by Footy Accumulators claims Page is the fifth lowest-paid manager at the World Cup.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS

      On the other hand, Germany boss Hansi Flick comes in top spot, one ahead of Southgate.
      Flick reportedly bags close to £5.6m-a-year in his role as national team gaffer.
      France chief Deschamps comes in third, behind the England boss, earning just under £3.3m-a-year.
      Brazil manager Tite and Netherlands gaffer Louis van Gaal round off the top five, raking in just over £3m and £2.5m, respectively.
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      That is millions more than the lowest earners heading to Qatar.
      While Page is the fifth lowest-paid boss at the tournament, which gets underway on Sunday, Tunisia gaffer Jalel Kadri is the lowest of them all.
      He earns just £112,000-a-year, less than half of second lowest earner Aliou Cisse.
      The Senegal gaffer is claimed to be on £267,000-a-year, with the Africa Cup of Nations winners tipped to go well in this year’s World Cup.
      Read More on The Sun
      Costa Rica gaffer Luis Fernando Suarez and Cameroon boss Rigobert Song are also both in the bottom five earners.
      Their annual earnings are £301,000 and £293,000, respectively. More

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      Eric Dier admits he needs good SLEEP before World Cup 2022 as shattered England stars recover from ‘crazy’ Prem schedule

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      ERIC DIER says he needs a good SLEEP before going to the Qatar World Cup – because a “crazy” Premier League schedule has left him shattered.Players have been pushed to the edge due to Fifa’s unprecedented decision to cram the biggest tournament on the planet midway through a domestic season rather than in the summer.
      Eric Dier has said that Premier League stars need a good sleep after their hectic schedule.Credit: Getty
      Already there have been 15 rounds of the Premier League, the Champions League group stages are all completed and the EFL Cup is into its fourth round.
      Following his appearance in the 3-3 draw with Leeds, the Tottenham defender has played more than 1,900 minutes in all competitions this campaign.
      Only Spurs team-mate Harry Kane has spent more time on the pitch out of all the Premier League stars.
      While he is overjoyed that he is back in the Three Lions fold for a major tournament, Dier admits that he has been running on empty over recent weeks.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Dier said: “It’s a strange situation. Like a week or so, nine days and it all starts.
      “I can’t believe it is starting. I just want to go home and go to sleep!
      “It’s been a really tough period, I don’t even know how long it’s been. It feels like a year but it’s been about six weeks.
      “It’s been really tough for everyone, at every club, players, staff and medical departments, coaching staff.
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      “It’s been a tough period and I’m just really happy to get through it with no injuries. We have done well to get through it in the way that we have.
      “Disappointed with a few results towards the end, but everyone has experienced that – you look at Man City as they lost. It’s been a tough period for everyone.
      “Of course, the schedule is crazy, I have never experienced anything like it in my life. Playing every three days for I don’t know how long it has been – it’s unheard of.
      “So, obviously it has been tough for everyone. But that’s been the situation.”
      With a winter World Cup so alarmingly close, England captain Harry Kane’s movement and fitness was under the microscope in North London on Saturday.
      Every time the Tottenham talisman was tackled or challenged, there seemed to be a collective intake of breath to ensure he would not get injured.
      There was one heart-in-the-mouth moment when Kane was bundled over near the corner flag in stoppage-time by Leeds sub Sam Greenwood but thankfully he got up without any issues.
      Kane, 29, will next week become the seventh person to captain England at two or more World Cups.
      When he takes to the pitch against Iran next Monday, he might be wearing a left arm sleeve to protect an elbow cut sustained against Marseille in the Champions League.
      Not too dissimilar to the arm cast that Gary Lineker wore during the 1986 Finals in Mexico.
      According Dejan Kulusevski – who is on loan from Juventus – Kane will easily shoulder the responsibility of leading his country in action at the highest level of football.
      Sweden defender Kulusevski, 22, said: “Harry is a big player, a fantastic human, I wish him all the best for the World Cup.
      “He’s a finisher. You know that when you give him the ball, nine times out of 10 he will score. He’s a true role model.”
      Having come through unscathed from Prem combat, Ben Davies will travel to the Middle East as part of the Wales squad.
      The Welsh Dragons face the United States a week today before playing Iran and then the Battle of Britain against England.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Spurs defender said: “This is the situation we have been put into, this is what we are dealing with, and luckily everyone has come through it alright in our team. I’m looking forward to the first game.
      “It won’t be hard to switch on to the World Cup. We are professional footballers. We are buzzing for it. We can’t wait.” More

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      I went inside £1bn ‘HMS Wag’ where England’s girlfriends will stay at World Cup – it’s more bonkers than you’d imagine

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      WITH £400 bottles of bubbly, Swarovski crystal staircases and sub-zero snow rooms, this is a booze cruise like no other.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 £1billion, 1,093 ft floating hotel MSC World Europa — dubbed HMS WagCredit: Getty
      Eric Dier’s fiancee Anna Modler
      Jack Grealish’s girlfriend Sasha AttwoodCredit: Instagram @sasha__rebecca
      I went aboard for an exclusive look and to check out its dazzling array of facilities which include seven pools, luxury watch shops, an exclusive range of £6,000 “royal” suites — and an 11-deck drop slide.
      England wives and girlfriends thought to be spending the tournament on the 22-deck ship include models Sasha Attwood, 26, girlfriend of Manchester City ace Jack Grealish, and Anna Modler, 24, engaged to Spurs man Eric Dier, as well as Harry Maguire’s wife Fern, 27.
      Captain Harry Kane’s wife, Katie, 29, is also tipped to be staying on MSC’s largest ever ship, where the alcohol will flow despite Qatar’s strict rules on land.
      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.
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      As I was led into the ship’s exclusive Yacht Club, it’s clear the Wags won’t have to worry about privacy.
      This intimate zone at the very top of the ship comes with its own exclusive restaurant and lounge bar — linked by a stunning staircase stacked with more than 8,000 octagon and pear-cut Swarovski crystals.
      By day, our Wags will be able to relax on two vast private sun decks with a large pool and two Jacuzzis, surrounded by plush loungers and beach club-style cabanas.
      There’s a bar and grill for cocktails and lazy lunches.
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      MSC’s Yacht Club director Cristian Comirla said: “The needs of every Yacht Club guest are anticipated 24 hours a day by our elite team of highly-trained butlers. They will greet everyone by name and provide a totally personalised service.”
      All-inclusive suites in the Yacht Club will set the Wags back up to £6,000 each, with the grandest Owners and Royal suites the ones to covet.
      They come with hot tubs, walk-in wardrobes and Italian designer superking beds.
      Duplex suites feature double-height ceilings and two stories of luxury with Nespresso machines and free minibars stashing bottles of premium spirits and mixers.
      Christian added: “Every day the chef will prepare special treats to deliver to each suite, from delicious sweets to savoury specialities based on where the ship is docked.”
      But it would be a mistake for the Wags not to explore the rest of this vast pleasure palace.
      There are 13 restaurants plus 20 bars and lounges waiting for the 6,762 passengers to enjoy, spread out over 22 decks of unrivalled luxury.
      Qatar’s strict laws on booze include a zero-tolerance policy for drinking or appearing drunk in public.
      But with the ship docked off-shore, guests will be free to make the most of its extensive drinks menu.
      The Wags will feel right at home in the Fizz Champagne Bar where the most expensive bottle of bubbly – Armand de Brignac – will set them back a whopping £400.
      I settled down with a slightly more down-to-earth but equally delicious glass of rose champagne that cost just £13.
      And all the Brits will feel right at home in the Masters of the Sea pub, where a microbrewery will serve up Oceanic beers created using sea water.
      The Sun’s Lisa Minot sampling the good life on MSC World EuropaCredit: MSC Cruises
      Lisa braves the ship’s snow roomCredit: MSC Cruises
      All matches will be screened live here throughout the tournament, which kicks off on November 20.
      The pub is linked by spiral stair-case to the Gin Project, with expert bartenders serving up classic cock-tails from more than 70 craft gins.
      Cooling down in the fierce Qatari sunshine will be a breeze in one of the seven swimming pools – including the infinity-edge Zen – while 13 bubbling hot tubs will soothe away the stress of England’s World Cup journey.
      Wags wanting to indulge in a bit of retail therapy are in luck.
      Shops and restaurants line the World Galleria, where thousands of LED lights in the domed ceiling create stunning cinematic displays, switching from shifting desert sands to whales swimming in deep oceans.
      The heart of the ship features bars, lounges, restaurants and shops including Fine Jewellery where I got to try on the most expensive gem — a £22,000 1.02- carat yellow diamond ring. Unlike the Wags, though, I had to give it back.
      The Galleria leads to the stunning out-door Prom-enade with yet more shops, bars and restaurants.
      Wags wanting to reward their men for a job well done could splash out on a £53,000 solid gold Hublot timepiece in one of the two watch emporiums.
      The promenade is THE place to be at sunset where you can sip a cocktail or two while looking out over the Doha skyline and admire views of the 974 World Cup stadium, named after the exact number of shipping containers used to create the unique venue.
      I joined the adrenaline-addicts to tackle the ‘Venom Drop’ – the longest dry slide­ at sea that corkscrews down 11 decks to the promenade and pops out by the Malt bar where we indulged in a restorative tot of whisky.
      To calm my nerves, it was a far more Wag-tastic activity next – the peaceful Balinese-style Aurea Spa.
      Donning a huge fluffy bathrobe I soothed away aches and pains with a journey through the thermal area, dipping into the bubbling pools and experiencing the steam rooms, saunas overlooking the sea and even the sub-zero snow room with frozen ice floors and walls.
      Lisa relaxes at the spa on HMS WagCredit: MSC Cruises
      The Wags will feel right at home in the Fizz Champagne BarCredit: SUPPLIED
      The ladies can pamper themselves with £150 massages, facials and body wraps or indulge in a manicure, blow dry and even lash extensions.
      It’s not the only thing on board to amuse the Wags – by night there are West End-style shows and nightclubs featuring Ibiza-style raves as well as DJ parties on deck by the pool.
      But the most exclusive venue on the ship is an invite-only intimate speakeasy, hidden in plain sight and reserved for only the most VIP of guests.
      I got special access to this top-secret joint and can guarantee it will give the girls the chance to let their hair down and relax away from prying eyes.
      More than 14,000 England and Welsh fans have also booked rooms on the luxury liner.
      But England’s football stars may unfortunately not be able to join their other halves onboard.
      Last week, Qatar reported 307 new Covid cases and Gareth Southgate could be forced to keep his team in a strict bubble.
      The Three Lions boss and his squad will stay at the Souq Al Wakra hotel near Doha ahead of their first match against Iran on November 21.
      Read More on The Sun
      Other partners are expected to stay in five-star hotels in Dubai and commute in for matches.
      It remains to be seen if football’s coming home, but after a couple of weeks on HMS Wag its lucky guests definitely won’t want to.
      The Wags will be able to relax on two vast private sun decks with a large pool and two Jacuzzis, surrounded by plush loungers and beach club-style cabanasCredit: SUPPLIED
      Adrenaline-addicts can tackle the ‘Venom Drop’ – the longest dry slide­ at sea that corkscrews down 11 decksCredit: SUPPLIED
      The stunning staircase is stacked with more than 8,000 octagon and pear-cut Swarovski crystalsCredit: SUPPLIED More

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      England are going to Qatar to win the World Cup 2022 and we’re NOT afraid to admit it, roars captain Harry Kane

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      HARRY KANE last night roared: We’re not afraid to say we can win the World Cup.The Three Lions fly to Qatar as one of the tournament favourites after reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final.
      Tottenham superstar Harry Kane is set to lead England in the 2022 World CupCredit: Reuters
      But skipper Kane feels England can go one step further after claiming: “We have to believe we can win it.
      “I look back at England 10 or 15 years ago and it was almost like we were scared to say we wanted to win it.
      “One of the big shifts we have made over the last four or five years with Gareth [Southgate] is not being afraid to say ‘we are going to this tournament to win it’ because we believe we can.
      “It’d be wrong to think otherwise. What’s the point of going to a World Cup and believing you can bring the trophy home?
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      “It is going to be tough and we are going to have to work extremely hard and have a bit of luck and have things go our way but it is important not to be afraid to say that is what we are going there to do.”
      Kane will lead the Three Lions out for their first game against Iran on November 21 after a winless run of six games in the build up to the tournament.
      But the Tottenham forward believes their poor run of form has eased pressure on Southgate’s squad.
      He added: “It has not been a great period for England for a long time, probably since Gareth took charge we have not had a spell like we have had.
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      “In a way before a major tournament that can be a good thing because it allows you to not get carried away.
      “If we won every game in the lead up to this tournament it would have been ‘we are guaranteed to win it’ and that comes with a different pressure.
      “Being judged on major tournaments is the main thing and the last two we have had have been good and we have a great confidence in ourselves we can go and have a good tournament in Qatar.”
      Spurs team-mate Eric Dier heads to his second World Cup despite thinking his England career was over.
      England captain Harry Kane believes the Three Lions can win the 2022 World CupCredit: Reuters
      Dier, 28, made six appearances for Southgate during the 2018 World Cup in Russia but was then omitted from the Euro 2020 squad.
      The Tottenham defender thought he would never play international football again until he was recalled for two Nations Leagues ties against Italy and Germany in September.
      Dier, who has 47 England caps, said: “I’m extremely proud to play at my second World Cup.
      Read More on The Sun
      “There was a time when I thought I wasn’t going to be in anyway involved with England anymore. I have had to work very hard, fight a lot to get back in.
      “I can’t wait. It is going to be an incredible experience. I’m really looking forward to being a part of it.” More

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      Wales believe Gareth Bale will NOT retire from international duty after World Cup as they plan to have him for Euro 2024

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      WALES do not expect the World Cup to be a last hurrah for Gareth Bale.Dragons captain and record goal scorer Bale, 33, will play in the first global finals of his career against USA, Iran and England.
      Gareth Bale is not expected to retire from international duty after the World Cup in Qatar.Credit: Getty
      And Wales boss Robert Page is planning for the Los Angeles FC star to still be in his squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers next year.
      When asked if 108-cap and 40-goal Bale will retire after Qatar, 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’.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      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.”
      After moving Stateside after leaving Real Madrid in the summer, Bale stated the LA move could help him reach Euro 2024.
      Bale started his World Cup preparations in the Welsh capital last week before the ex-Spurs ace was joined by his team-mates at their Vale of Glamorgan HQ yesterday.
      Page’s squad fly to Doha on Tuesday but Bale met legends Cliff Jones and Terry Medwin – survivors from the nation’s last finals appearance in 1958 – before the trip to the Middle East.
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      Bale told Jones and Medwin in footage released by the Football Association of Wales on Sunday morning: “I’ve been doing extra training because I had a free week.
      “I wanted to come back earlier so I can adjust and do some training. If you go a week without training then you start to feel it when you join the others.
      “At least I have been training in warm weather in LA so I’ll be used to it in Qatar. It should be good. I’m feeling good. I just want to qualify out of the group. That’s all I care about.
      “We have a good chance of getting through. We will give it everything.”  More

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      Alejandro Garnacho gives Erik ten Hag one less problem to solve during World Cup but Man Utd boss still has plenty to do

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      ERIK TEN HAG will spend the World Cup break thanking his lucky stars that Alejandro Garnacho was not included in the Argentina squad.The teenager was left out by Lionel Scaloni despite putting himself into contention for a call-up this month.
      Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to score a dramatic winnerCredit: Getty
      The Red Devils were guilty of missing a number of glorious chancesCredit: Reuters
      A last-gasp winner at Fulham after he came off the bench means Garnacho now has two goals and two assists in his last four games.
      And while it’s too late for a World Cup berth, Ten Hag can now look forward to six weeks working with the youngster.
      Because Garnacho simply has to start for the Red Devils going forward.
      The teenager came off the bench to show his killer instinct and do what his fellow team-mates couldn’t.
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      United squandered chance after chance at Craven Cottage, with Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Anthony Elanga and Scott McTominay all guilty of wasting glorious opportunities.
      While Fulham have been superb under Marco Silva this season, and should have got a point today, United would likely have been made to pay if they had been facing a Big Six opponent.
      Poor finishing is something Ten Hag needs to address, and fortunately for him he’s got six weeks of training to work on it.
      Especially after wasted opportunities has felt like a running theme for Ten Hag so far this campaign.
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      So, despite Garnacho’s exploits, the gaffer will be keen to bolster his forward ranks in January.
      Add in the uncertainty regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future and Martial’s proneness to injury, the need for reinforcements up top is clear.
      The World Cup is the perfect opportunity for Ten Hag to go window shopping.
      But, despite their erratic finishing, Ten Hag’s side still find themselves three points off the top four going into the break, with a game in hand.
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      United return with games against three out of the bottom seven in Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Bournemouth, followed by daunting clashes against Manchester City and Arsenal.
      By then Garnacho could be an even scarier prospect, but in a perfect world Ten Hag will also have some extra firepower to line up alongside the Argentinian prodigy. More

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      Erling Haaland to MISS Man City’s warm-weather training in Abu Dhabi and take three-week holiday during World Cup 2022

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      ERLING HAALAND will not take part in a warm-weather training camp with the rest of the Manchester City squad. The club have arranged for all those not going to the World Cup to head to Abu Dhabi to maintain fitness levels.
      Erling Haaland will not go to Man City’s training camp during the World Cup despite not being in the tournamentCredit: Getty
      However the 23-year-old will not be joining up with his team-mates after being called-up by Norway for friendly matches against Ireland and Finland, report the Daily Mail.
      Haaland will then be given three weeks off to rest with manager Pep Guardiola reportedly encouraging his players to go on holiday.
      The manager himself is set to spend some time away from Manchester visiting family in Barcelona.
      But he is then expected to head to the warm-weather camp with a few senior players and youngsters not going to Qatar, such as Riyad Mahrez.
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      While at the training centre abroad Guardiola is set to meet with owner Sheikh Mansour alongside chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak to discuss his future at the club.
      The Spaniard’s contract expires at the end of this season but he remains relaxed about what’s next.
      He recently said: “Everything is under control, it’s perfect, the decision will be made together with the club the moment it has to be made.”
      Guardiola also hinted at not planning for after the World Cup because players could come back tired or injured.
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      But he won’t have to worry about that with Haaland as Norway did not qualify, therefore he should be fresh to continue his run of scoring that has seen him net 23 goals this season.
      He looks set to play a key role after the World Cup hiatus as City look to chase down league leaders Arsenal.
      After the Premier League champions lost to Brentford and Arsenal beat Wolves it extended the Gunners’ lead to five points at the top of the table. More