World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Raheem Sterling OUT of Chelsea squad to face Newcastle just days before meeting up with England for World Cup

      by

      RAHEEM STERLING is not in Chelsea’s squad for today’s crunch Premier League clash at Newcastle after suffering from migraines.The England forward has come under fire in recent weeks after a number of below-par performances.
      Raheem Sterling is out of Chelsea’s clash with Newcastle with illnessCredit: Getty
      And just two days after being named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Qatar World Cup, Sterling is not involved at St James’ Park with the Blues due to illness.
      Graham Potter said: “Raheem missed training yesterday with a bit of sickness. It’s nothing serious for Raheem, some migraines and he was unable to travel.”
      The forward, 27, joined Chelsea from rivals Manchester City for £47.5million.
      But he has just five goals in 19 games after being used in a variety of positions by Graham Potter.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      And Chelsea’s recent poor results led to calls from fans for Sterling to be dropped.
      The attacker now finds himself watching the Blues take on Newcastle from the sideline.
      However, that’s not a tactics-based decision from Potter, as Sterling is in fact too ill to feature.
      His absence has opened the door for Armando Broja to start this evening, with fellow Cobham graduates Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher also in attack.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Trevoh Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also playing.
      And there is even a league debut for Lewis Hall after his impressive showing in the midweek Carabao Cup defeat at Man City.
      Speaking before the game at Newcastle, Chelsea boss Potter insisted Sterling was not being affected by criticism of his recent form.
      Potter said: “It’s part of being a top player.
      “It’s part of being where we are, in terms of there’s always something to prove, especially if things don’t go as well as you’d like in terms of performances and results.
      “You know you’re open to scrutiny and criticism. If you don’t accept that or can’t deal with that then you probably shouldn’t be here.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Raheem is a big boy so he understands that and things can change very quickly. So he’s had enough of a career so far to deal with that.
      “It’s a new opportunity, a new situation, and I’m sure he’ll do really well.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate to watch ALL England World Cup 2022 stars from HOME this weekend as he sweats on last-gasp injuries

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE will be watching his England stars from his sofa this weekend.Southgate confirmed his 26-man squad for the World Cup on Friday.
      Gareth Southgate picked his 26-man World Cup squad on FridayCredit: Reuters
      James Maddison injured his hamstring just two days after his call-upCredit: Rex
      But with the final round of Premier League fixtures currently taking place, the Three Lions boss would have been praying for no injuries.
      According to the Daily Mail, instead of watching one game on Saturday, he’ll be able to watch all eight.
      That’s because the report claims a special analysis system will provide him with visual access to every Prem match.
      Southgate has already lost Ben Chilwell and Reece James through injury, while Kyle Walker only recently recovered from a groin problem.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      So he would have been watching anxiously when James Maddison, fresh from his first call-up for three years, came off with a hamstring injury.
      The Leicester midfielder had given his side the lead at West Ham with an excellent finish.
      But he came off after just 25 minutes, potentially putting his World Cup dream in doubt.
      With Newcastle playing Chelsea later, another six of Southgate’s squad could be in action, including Callum Wilson.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      England have been drawn in a group alongside Iran, USA and Wales
      Arsenal then travel to Wolves tonight, with trio Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White and Bukayo Saka all expected to play.
      And Southgate will be hoping for no more bad luck in those two games and then Manchester United’s trip to Fulham on Sunday. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I had to grow up fast bringing up my five siblings, the World Cup won’t be a problem, reveals England star

      by

      NEWCASTLE striker Callum Wilson has opened up about his difficult upbringing and how it gave him the determination to succeed both in the Premier League and on the international stage.Wilson, 30, was named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for the upcoming Qatar World Cup on Thursday.
      Wilson was named in England’s World Cup squad earlier this weekCredit: PA
      The striker last represented the Three Lions in 2019Credit: Getty
      Although he has not represented the Three Lions since 2019, the Newcastle star has revealed that his drive and hunger – which stemmed from his childhood – kept him pushing for a place on the plane.
      In an interview with The Telegraph, he said: “I’d say quite a lot of my mental strength is to do with my upbringing.
      “Being not very fortunate in life, not having a lot to live on as a kid, having to work for everything you get. 
      “I appreciate that nothing good comes without hard work, so I will be the hardest worker in the room and make sure I do everything I can to give myself the best opportunity to succeed.
      Read More in Football
      “Did my parents make sacrifices for me? It’s difficult to talk about that, my childhood… look my past, it’s hard to speak about.
      “My dad wasn’t around. My mum had a difficult task of raising six kids on her own. Yeah, she made sacrifices, but I also had to fend for myself you know, bring myself up… I was the eldest sibling of the six. I was the responsible one.
      “I was the one looking after my brothers and sisters when my mum went out. It’s always been like that. I’ve always been like that.
      “I was the elder brother and I had to help out, I had to look after the family as well, you know… It was a responsibility at a very young age but I’ve always tried to keep myself with that young spirit.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k

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

      “It was a weird set up, I’m not going to lie, I had to grow up fast but it’s brought me where I am today.”
      Wilson has been on top form so far this season having scored six goals in 10 games for Newcastle.
      He has also accumulated a better minutes-per-goal record than Tammy Abraham, Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin since the start of the campaign.
      But, his professional pathway has not always been straightforward.
      He kicked off his career with Coventry City, where he made his first-team debut in 2009 after graduating from the club’s academy.
      Two years later, he was loaned out on two consecutive occasions to Conference Premier clubs Kettering Town and Tamworth respectively.
      But, after impressing upon his return to Coventry he signed for Bournemouth – where he suffered two serious knee injuries within a short space of time.
      After recovering from the devastating setback, he found form once again and caught the attention of Newcastle, who signed him in September 2020.
      He has since scored 26 goals in 56 appearances for the Magpies. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Roberto Firmino sends message to Brazil after World Cup squad axe with early goal for Liverpool against Southampton

      by

      ROBERTO FIRMINO sent a message to Brazil boss Tite after being dropped for the World Cup.That’s by firing Liverpool to an early lead in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Southampton.
      Roberto Firmino put his World Cup heartache behind with a goal for Liverpool against SouthamptonCredit: EPA
      Firmino, 31, was one of several shock exclusions from Brazil’s 26-man squad for Qatar 2022.
      The Premier League and Champions League winner had been a regular for the Samba boys since his debut in 2014, going on to win 55 caps.
      But Tite brutally axed Firmino from his side in favour of Arsenal starlet Gabriel Martinelli.
      The decision prompted a backlash from several major voices in Brazilian football.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Yet Firmino appeared to take Tite’s decision in his stride by hitting the target with a sleek finish today.
      The versatile striker needed just six minutes to hit the target against Saints at Anfield.
      And it took his league tally to seven for the season.
      Liverpool were then pegged back by Southampton just moments later when Che Adams equalised.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      But the hosts ended up going into the break 3-1 up thanks to a double from Darwin Nunez.
      Firmino also has a decision to make next summer, with his Liverpool deal expiring.
      The Reds are yet to make him a new offer, and Atletico Madrid are thought to be interested.
      As for Firmino’s World Cup snub, boss Jurgen Klopp admits it was difficult for his player to take.
      The German tactician said: “A blow, definitely. It’s clear. You couldn’t see it in training but it’s clear.
      “It was one for me, I’m in between, I’m happy we have Bobby for more time but he deserved it.
      Read More on The Sun
      “I think he deserves everything in the world. It just shows how incredibly good and talented this Brazil squad is if you can leave a player like him out. Madness.
      “We will talk, we did already and maybe do it again. He’s fine but is very disappointed about the fact.” More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England No1 Jordan Pickford has NIGHTMARE for Everton after clanger gifts goal against Bournemouth days before World Cup

      by

      ENGLAND No1 Jordan Pickford had a HOWLER on the eve of the World Cup after gifting Bournemouth two goals.The Everton goalkeeper spilled the ball allowing Marcus Tavernier to tap home for the first goal.

      Pickford gifted Bournemouth their first goal and flapped at the secondCredit: PA
      The first clanger garnered chants of “you’re just a s**t Aaron Ramsdale” on the eve of the winter tournament.
      Pickford then made a mess of Bournemouth’s second.
      He wanted play stopped for James Tarkowski, who was down with a head injury.
      However, Bournemouth played on and he was caught out by Kieffer Moore.

      The 28-year-old is expected to be England’s No1 in Qatar but his form will be a new cause for concern for Gareth Southgate.
      One fan said on Twitter: “Pickford has had an absolute shocker. It’s such an easy catch. We’re a complete mess.”
      Another said: “Jordan Pickford getting his customary mistake before the World Cup out of the way there is he?”
      A third tweeted: “That’s shocking from Pickford. Absolutely shocking.”
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Three Lions boss Southgate will also be sweating over any new injury concerns.
      One could be James Maddison, who limped off for Leicester against West Ham shortly after scoring the opener.
      Maddison went down holding what appeared to be his right hamstring.
      He was consoled by Hammers captain Declan Rice, who he will train and play alongside later this month if the injury doesn’t rule him out. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City defender Aymeric Laporte sparks World Cup injury fears after Spain star suffers horror head gash vs Brentford

      by

      AYMERIC LAPORTE suffered a World Cup scare after picking up a horror head injury in his last game before the tournament.The Manchester City defender was left with blood pouring down his face following a clash with Brentford ace Ethan Pinnock.
      Aymeric Laporte was left bloodied after taking a whack to the faceCredit: Reuters
      Play was halted for around 10 minutes so medics could tend to LaporteCredit: Getty
      Laporte played on after being heavily bandaged upCredit: EPA
      A stray elbow from Pinnock at a corner caught Laporte flush in the forehead.
      The 28-year-old was sent sprawling to the ground where he lay motionless, immediately sparking concern among the players.
      Play was quickly stopped to allow City medics to rush on.
      The game was halted for around 10 minutes as they tended to the stricken defender.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      And the way Laporte stayed down on the floor inevitably led to concerns about his World Cup involvement.
      The defender has been called up to Spain’s squad for the tournament, which gets underway a week tomorrow.
      Fortunately for him, and Spain gaffer Luis Enrique, Laporte managed to continue.
      The 2010 champions kick off their campaign against Costa Rica, before a mouthwatering game against Germany.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Enrique and Co then finish the group stages with a clash against Japan.
      And Laporte is likely to be one of Spain’s starting centre-backs, after Sergio Ramos was a shock omission from the squad.
      That’s provided he didn’t pick up any lasting damage in the clash with Pinnock.
      At the Etihad Bees striker Ivan Toney opened the scoring after being snubbed by Gareth Southgate for England’s squad.
      Phil Foden then levelled on the stroke of half-time with a stunning half volley.
      But Brentford talisman Toney netted a 98th minute winner on the break to give the visitors an incredible victory at the Etihad.
      Ivan Toney scored twice to give Brentford a stunning 2-1 victoryCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Ain’t cool’ – Man Utd cult hero Ravel Morrison slams Ryanair after ‘heartless’ tweet to Jadon Sancho over World Cup axe

      by

      FORMER Manchester United starlet Ravel Morrison has joined fans in defending Jadon Sancho after he was teased by Ryanair for missing out on a place in England’s World Cup squad.Sancho, 22, has endured a difficult start to the 2022-23 campaign.
      Sancho has been left out of the England squadCredit: Getty
      He has scored just three goals in 14 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
      So it came as little surprise to fans when it was announced that he had been left out of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for the upcoming Qatar World Cup.
      Once the full squad had been unveiled on Thursday afternoon, Ryanair were quick to respond to Sancho’s absence with a cheeky tweet.
      It read: “@Sanchooo10 we’ll still fly you somewhere” with a kiss emoji at the end.
      Read More on Football
      Many fans immediately jumped to the defence of Sancho and slammed Ryanair for the “heartless” comment.
      One person said: “So we’re setting a precedent that it’s ok for major global businesses to mock young athletes? Embarrassing tweet.”
      Another added: “How a global brand like this gets away with blatant bullying on a global stage, during a month dedicated to mental health for men, is completely disgusting.”
      While a third said: “I don’t really like this tweet, I know it’s meant light heartedly, but he’s a player clearly low on confidence already and missing out on a World Cup isn’t a nice moment.
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      “Feel like these kind of jokes are better for smaller circumstances.”
      Former United star Morrison, who now plays for Wayne Rooney’s DC United, also took aim at the company, tweeting: “This ain’t cool!!”
      Ten Hag has played down Sancho’s omission from the England squad and blamed it on his recent illness.
      He said: “It’s been up and down.
      “He had some really good performances and I think he was heading in a good direction.
      “But the last weeks he struggled with illness and then it’s normal that you don’t get selected because every manager will only take fit players to the World Cup.”
      Sancho could return to United’s starting line-up on Sunday when the Red Devils take on Fulham. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Ivan Toney appear to send Gareth Southgate message as he celebrates Brentford goal v Man City after World Cup snub

      by

      BRENTFORD striker Ivan Toney responded to his World Cup heartbreak by scoring a BRACE against Manchester City.Toney was snubbed by England manager Gareth Southgate for the 26-man squad.

      Toney celebrated by pointing to his earsCredit: Getty
      Southgate snubbed Toney despite his fine formCredit: Reuters
      Southgate instead opted for Newcastle striker Callum Wilson to deputise star man Harry Kane in Qatar.
      And Toney appears to have sent a message to the Three Lions gaffer by scoring a brace against the Premier League champions and sticking his fingers in his ears as a celebration.
      Toney’s goals at the Etihad was his eleventh across all competitions.
      That’s five more than Wilson, who pipped him to a World Cup spot.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      One fan said on Twitter: “England have made a mistake not selecting Ivan Toney for the World Cup.”
      Another said: “Some unflattering chants and time-honoured gestures of disapproval for England manager Gareth Southgate from Brentford’s fans, very obviously because of his decision to leave Ivan Toney out of England’s World Cup squad.”
      A third tweeted: “No World Cup, no problem for Ivan Toney.”
      Most read in Football
      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Southgate cited form as to why Tammy Abraham, in particular, was snubbed.
      But that wouldn’t apply to Toney – whose celebration may simply have been to Man City fans – who has nine Prem strikes in 14 games.
      Southgate said on the day of his Three Lions World Cup squad announcement: “Tammy has had a poor run of scoring form at the wrong time.
      “It is not a case where we are three or four weeks away from the first match, we are now 10 days, so form could be more important.
      “We are watching their club form but we don’t know where they are until we see them face to face.
      “You still don’t get the full picture until you work with them and see how they train with each other.” More