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      Inside Qatar’s brutal laws that could see England World Cup fans flogged & jailed just for drinking, photos or swearing

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      THOUSANDS of football fans face being thrown behind bars or flogged over minor offences as they jet out to Qatar for the World Cup.Boozing, swearing, taking photos and even having sex could all land Brits jail sentences thanks to “vague” and “confusing” laws in the Muslim Gulf State.
      Qatari police will be on hand to keep order and enforce the nation’s lawsCredit: AFP
      Laws are ruthlessly strict – with strict limits on booze and sexCredit: AFP
      Qatari mounted police take part in a paradeCredit: AFP
      Qatar still has capital punishment – and legal medieval punishments include flogging and stoning, although the latter has never been used.
      About 1.2million people are expected to travel to Qatar ahead of the tournament kicking off on November 20.
      Radha Stirling, founder and director of the Detained in Dubai legal aid group, which has launched an app to help World Cup fans facing problems, has warned Brits could end up in trouble for trivial issues.
      She told The Sun Online: “Qatar has not experienced mass tourism before this year and it is highly likely visitors will get into trouble, similar to the cases we have seen in Dubai over the past decade.  
      More on the World Cup
      “It is difficult to advise people to ‘obey the law’ when the laws are so strict that Qatar is telling police to ‘go easy on tourists’ during the cup.
      “Arbitrary enforcement of the law creates confusion and risk to visitors.  
      “Like in Dubai, people are often singled out when a complaint is made to police by a local Qatari who has been ‘offended’ by a visitor.  
      “The police are then obliged to act on the complaint.” 
      Most read in The Sun
      Visitors could find themselves nicked for public drunkenness even if they have only had a tiny tipple because of the unclear nature of alcohol laws.
      For example, if a drinker is reported to cops for “offending” someone, they would likely be charged with public drunkenness.
      Guzzling booze in public spaces is also banned and could result in a six-month prison sentence or a hefty fine.
      Lashes have also been dished out for people found drinking alcohol.
      Meanwhile, taking photos without permission, flirting, swearing and arguing could also land footie fans in jail.
      According to Detained in Dubai, the first person to report behaviour to the police will be taken the most seriously, even if it is completely unfair.
      In Qatar, same-sex conduct is punishable by up to seven years in jail as it remains an offence under the Penal Code.
      Qatar’s abysmal human rights record means that abiding by the law does not protect visitors from prosecution or wrongful detentionRadha StirlingDetained in Dubai
      According to Article 296, “leading, instigating or seducing a male in any way to commit sodomy or dissipation” and “inducing or seducing a male or a female in any way to commit illegal or immoral actions” are crimes.
      Radha said: “Sex outside marriage is illegal in Qatar so couples who book hotel rooms together are already in violation of the law, simply ‘hoping’ the law won’t be enforced.  
      “Homosexuality is unlawful and those who share a hotel room could be equally at risk.  
      “Visiting a destination and ‘hoping’ that illegal acts are not prosecuted puts visitors in a dangerous situation.  
      “Qatar’s abysmal human rights record means that abiding by the law does not protect visitors from prosecution or wrongful detention.
      “Qatar should have been required to update laws to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected this year.”
      Qatar has also been accused of curtailing freedom of expression by using harsh laws to stifle voices.
      Football fans could find themselves unwittingly on the wrong side of the lawCredit: AFP
      Protestors at the upcoming World Cup could be slapped with a five-year prison sentence and fines of up to £23,000 for “stirring up public opinion”.
      The punishments can be dished out thanks to a vague law passed in 2020, which Amnesty blasted as “an attack on freedom of expression… (that) could silence peaceful protest.”
      It reads: “Anyone who broadcasts, publishes, or republishes false or biased rumours, statements, or news, or inflammatory propaganda, domestically or abroad, with the intent to harm national interests, stir up public opinion, or infringe on the social system or the public system of the state.”
      Meanwhile, female football fans risk jail or flogging if they report being the victim of a sex attack, lawyers have warned.
      Figures show soccer stadiums become sex assault hotspots when booze-fuelled crowds flock to big games during tournaments.
      But thousands of women fans expected to travel to the Muslim Gulf State in November have been warned they face prosecution if they report offences.
      Qatar’s strict Islamic code outlaws all sexual contact between unmarried couples – making it an offence even if the woman has not consented.
      Around 100 prosecutions a year have been recorded under the strict “zina” laws banning sex and pregnancy outside of marriage.
      And even rape victims have been prosecuted after suspects claimed sex was consensual – and handed sentences ranging from seven years jail to flogging with a whip or stick.
      In 2016 a 22-year-old Dutch woman, named only as Laura, was convicted of extra-marital sex, fined £580 and given a one-year suspended sentence after reporting a brutal rape.
      She was drugged in a nightclub in Qatar before being sexually assaulted – but was arrested immediately when she reported the incident.
      Detained in Dubai has launched a new emergency help app for those travelling out for the World Cup.
      Radha said: “We have seen how Qatar overreacted when a British man was arrested for carrying an unused herb grinder or when they violated female passengers onboard a flight to Australia.  
      “Female rape victims have been jailed for sex outside marriage and local prisons are notorious for human rights violations.  
      “We have launched an app where people can use the chat function to request urgent help or to receive warning alerts and notifications to keep people out of trouble as much as possible.”
      In 2019, Conor Howard, from Scotland, was detained in Doha during a stopover flight between Australia and the UK over a brand new £10 herb grinder that authorities wrongly perceived as a “cannabis grinder”.
      Read More on The Sun
      He was allowed to return home, but months later while trying to visit his mum in Corfu was arrested by Greek authorities after they were notified of an outstanding warrant issued by Qatar over drug possession allegations.
      Conor spent around a month in a Greek prison before being released on bail, when a court dropped a case over lack of evidence.
      Conor Howard was detained after authorities mistook a herb grinder for a ‘cannabis grinder’Credit: Conor Howard More

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      World Cup 2022 LIVE: Conte BEGS for Kane protection, Carragher urges Southgate to QUIT England job – latest

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      LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher has advised Gareth Southgate to quit as England boss after the World Cup.Carragher said: “If I was Gareth Southgate, I would make the Qatar World Cup my swansong as England manager.
      “Hopefully England will produce to a strong enough level to ensure that it is Southgate’s call.
      “He is intelligent enough to have sensed a mood shift over the last few months, even if some of the negativity surrounding him during the build-up to the tournament is a joke.”
      Antonio Conte has begged Gareth Southgate for Harry Kane to be protected at the World Cup.
      And stay tuned to our blog as SunSport will reveal the rest of the squad announcements.
      How to get free bets on football – the 17 best bookies to claim rewards and bonuses
      Stay tuned with all the latest ahead of the tournament…
      BREAKING – Maddison hobbles off through injury
      James Maddison has suffered an injury scare moments after scoring for Leicester at West Ham.
      Maddison, 25, fresh from being named in Gareth Southgate’s squad, opened the scoring at the London Stadium.
      But the midfielder as replaced before the half hour mark following a hamstring injury.
      Trossard on Blues link
      He said: “Chelsea have in any case not yet reported.
      “I want to finish strong at Brighton and leave for Qatar with that good feeling.”
      “Not with Brighton and not with me. I have to wait and see.”
      Despite denying an approach from the Blues, Trossard didn’t rule out a reunion with Potter at Stamford Bridge.
      He added: “It’s very difficult to answer that. That will have to wait until [after the World Cup].
      “I’m not on it at all right now. Brighton and the World Cup are the next goals. Afterwards, we’ll see where it ends.”
      Trossard denies Chelsea link
      Brighton star Leandro Trossard has denied claims that he’s been approached by Chelsea.
      The Blues have reportedly been sniffing around since Graham Potter replaced Thomas Tuchel in the Stamford Bridge dugout last month.
      The Belgium international is out of contract at the end of the season, although Brighton do have the option to extend his deal by a year.
      Trossard has caught the eye with a string of outstanding recent displays.
      He’s already scored seven Prem goals this term, just one fewer than his tally from the whole of 2021-2022.
      Only Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ivan Toney and Miguel Almiron have found the net more.

      Ronaldo ‘major doubt’ for Fulham clash ahead of World Cup
      Cristiano Ronaldo is a major doubt for Manchester United’s away day at Fulham on Sunday with the wantaway star missing training amid illness worries.
      The 37-year-old was absent for Man Utd’s 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa during the week.
      Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag confirmed Ronaldo‘s absence was due to illness.
      And as a result, he missed training meaning he could be ruled out for United’s final Premier League game before the World Cup.
      Ten Hag’s men will travel to Craven Cottage to play league high flyers Fulham and Anthony Martial could be the man to lead the line.
      Brentford defeat City
      Huge Premier League news from the Etihad as Brentford have BEATEN Manchester City.
      A 2-1 away win means that Arsenal are still two points above their title rivals with the chance to go five clear with a win later tonight.
      Fan reaction to Toney strike against City
      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.”
      Ivan sets the Toney
      Brentford striker Ivan Toney responded to his World Cup heartbreak by scoring against Manchester City.
      Toney was snubbed by England manager Gareth Southgate for the 26-man squad.
      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 against the Premier League champions and sticking his fingers in his ears as a celebration.
      Toney’s goal at the Etihad was his tenth across all competitions.
      That’s four more than Wilson, who pipped him to a World Cup spot.

      Forget about 2018, says Trippier
      Kieran Trippier is determined to banish the ghosts of 2018 at the Qatar World Cup.
      The Newcastle star said: “We’ve got the squad to go one step further in Qatar.
      “It’s difficult to let go, I’m not going to lie, getting beat in a semi-final when you know you were so close. There is no point to prove but we could have been 3-0 up in the first 45 minutes.
      “You just need to forget about it, have your rest with your families after the tournament and try and move on as quickly as possible.
      “That’s long gone. We’ve all achieved things since then and now we want to put that right. We’ve made a final and now we want to go one step further.”
      Southgate right to snub Sancho, says Schmeichel
      Peter Schmeichel reckons Gareth Southgate was absolutely correct to leave Jadon Sancho out of his World Cup squad.
      Schemeichel said: “I don’t think he’s done enough.
      “I’m a little bit disappointed with the talent that he has, and yes it’s difficult to come to Old Trafford with that price-tag, I understand that.
      “But he’s shown that he can do whatever he did at Borussia Dortmund, he just hasn’t done it enough.”
      More on Son selection
      Son will be heading to Qatar to contest the World Cup, where South Korea will play Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal in Group H.
      Their first game will be against South Americans Uruguay on November 24.
      However, manager Bento is not sure when Son will return to training.
      He said: “We don’t have that information yet.
      “We are in contact with him, with the Tottenham medical department.
      “We need to wait, we need to analyse day by day his situation.
      “We have time to decide and the most important is he recovers as well as possible, he feels comfortable and then we will take the final decision.”
      Son named in South Korea squad despite surgery
      Tottenham ace Son Heung-min has been named in South Korea’s World Cup squad despite manager Paulo Bento not being sure when the 30-year-old can train.
      Son picked up an injury in Spurs’ Champions League clash with Marseille.
      A collision with ex-Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba left the South Korean idol with a broken orbital bone.
      As a result, Son had to have eye surgery, which was successful.
      Spiranac rates new USA shirt
      Paige Spiranac showed off the USA’s kit ahead of their World Cup showdown with England in Qatar.
      The golf beauty, 29, has traded clubs and putting greens for football.
      In a Twitter video, the social media sensation said: “Hi everyone it’s Paige and I have here the World Cup USA kit.
      “A lot of people are very disappointed because they think it’s quite boring.

      “Honestly, I have to agree.
      “They were just like ‘you know what, we are just going to mail it in’.
      “‘We’re just going to make it all white and put USA on the front’. Like, what is this?”
      USA will kick off their World Cup Group B campaign against Wales on November 21.
      Redknapp’s red hot England

      Harry Redknapp’s starting XI
      Harry Redknapp has picked his England starting line up for the World Cup.
      Redknapp told BetVictor: “I’m sure Gareth will play a completely different system and probably a very different team, but this would be my team.”
      Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Dier, Maguire, Stones, Shaw; Bellingham, Rice; Grealish, Kane, Saka
      Redknapp highlights England squad surprises
      Harry Redknapp reveals what he thinks of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Qatar World Cup.
      Redknapp told BetVictor: “Gareth’s named his squad now, so exciting couple of weeks ahead for the build-up. We’re all looking forward to this World Cup.
      “One or two not massive surprises, one or two of the lads will be disappointed not to go.
      “I think Ivan Toney will be disappointed. Ward-Prowse, I thought he might have gone.
      “But in the main, I think it pretty much picked itself, so this is the squad.”
      Ryan Air slammed for mocking Sancho
      Well-known airline Ryan Air have been slammed by Manchester United fans for mocking Jadon Sancho.
      The England winger was left out of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man side for the upcoming tournament in Qatar.
      And Ryan Air tweeted Sancho shortly after saying: “We’ll still fly you somewhere” with a kiss emoji.
      Fans thought that this was not right including Ravel Morrison who tweeted: “this ain’t cool”.
      Gallagher’s surprise call-up
      Popular journalist David Ornstein has revealed that some people at Chelsea were surprised by Conor Gallagher’s World Cup inclusion.
      Gallagher the all-important call up on Thursday afternoon to say that he’d be heading off to Qatar this winter.
      But people at Stamford Bridge were reportedly shocked as he has featured less than Ruben Loftus-Cheek for Chelsea.
      Ornstein said:
      “Conor Gallagher, no doubt he’ll be absolutely made up. You do sense some surprise across the industry, maybe even a few people I’ve spoken to at Chelsea,” said Ornstein.  
      “They are obviously delighted for him, but I’m not sure they thought he’d been in. Especially as someone like Ruben Loftus-Cheek has actually been more heavily involved for Chelsea this season than Conor Gallagher has.”
      Morrell outrage over human rights at World Cup
      Joe Morrell says Wales’ players will still speak out about human rights issues in Qatar, writes Phil Cadden.
      Fifa have told teams to focus on the World Cup rather than the host country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws or treatment of migrant workers.
      But Pompey midfielder Morrell said: “We have a very switched-on squad who are more than happy to talk about these subjects. It’s important that we do raise the issues Qatar has had.
      “There are a lot of issues that we feel Qatar need to do a bit better with.
      “As players we have got to try to find the balance between being professional and maybe try and inspire a bit of change.”
      Karren Brady: Fifa has sunk so low
      The mistake was, said ex-Fifa president Sepp Blatter with the air of the man who had just found the Mary Celeste, that Qatar was too small for a World Cup, writes Karren Brady.
      The handsome merchant brigantine — that’s the ship, not Blatter — was found drifting minus the whole crew and later sold off only to be deliberately wrecked in an insurance scam.
      Rather like the supreme committee who elected Qatar. They have also disappeared, one or two of them to prison, most others in hiding — tarnished by accusations of bribery, fraud and money-laundering.
      They left us all with the biggest sporting event after the Olympics to be held in a desert. Old man Blatter’s confession understates the country’s unsuitability with a schoolboy excuse.
      Too small? It’s also too hot, too prejudiced, too sober, too restricted, too male-orientated, too undemocratic. Readers might wish to add to this list.
      Now some chap who was once a local footballer — and incredibly said that homosexuality is ‘damage to the mind’ — asks us all to be kind to Qatar and leave it in peace to get on with hosting.
      So has Fifa chief Gianni Infantino, who by the way moved to Doha a year ago. They are entitled to their opinion, as are we all.
      Conte: Don’t Cane Harry
      Antonio Conte told England boss Gareth Southgate: Look after Harry Kane, writes Rob Maul.
      The Tottenham striker has played more minutes than any other Premier League star this term.
      England face Iran in their World Cup opener in nine days and Conte warned: “There’s a big risk. All the players have played a lot.
      “Coaches of national teams have to be very good to manage the situation.
      “When you are a player like Harry that gives everything in every game, it’s very difficult to give him rest, to put him on the bench.
      “After our game against Leeds there are eight days to prepare for the World Cup.
      “Until now, we have managed the situation and, believe me, it was really, really difficult.
      “To play 13 club games in 43 days, mentally you could be a bit tired.”
      Good morning World Cup fans
      Jamie Carragher has sensationally told Gareth Southgate to stand down as England boss after the World Cup.
      He said: “If I was Gareth Southgate, I would make the Qatar World Cup my swan song as England manager.
      “Hopefully England will produce to a strong enough level to ensure that it is Southgate’s call.
      “After his excellence in the job to this point, the least he deserves is to leave on his own terms when he feels the time is right.
      “He is intelligent enough to have sensed a mood shift over the last few months, even if some of the negativity surrounding him during the build-up to the tournament is a joke.”
      Meanwhile, Spain have left legendary defender Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper David De Gea out of their World Cup squad.
      Liverpool midfielder Thiago also misses out having last appeared for his country at the Euros in 2021.
      But Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta plus Manchester City duo Aymeric Laporte and Rodri made the cut.
      Brentford and Brighton goalies David Raya and Robert Sanchez also got picked.
      Finally, Wayne Rooney has backed Jude Bellingham to shine at the World Cup after getting a Championship bruising from him.
      Bellingham went toe-to-toe with England’s all-time top scorer back in 2020 as Rooney’s Derby beat Birmingham 3-1.
      Rooney, 37, said: “I played against Bellingham when he was at Birmingham and I was playing for Derby.
      “He marked me and was only about 16. What I really liked about him is when I passed the ball off he would leave a stud on me and I remember thinking he had something about him.”
      Van Gaal reveals ‘naked’ WC snubs
      Former Man Utd boss Louis van Gaal has hilariously revealed how some Holland players were “naked” while being told they had NOT made his World Cup squad.
      Van Gaal said: “It’s not easy dropping someone.
      “I spent 1 hour and 45 minutes Facetiming the 11 players this morning. It wasn’t easy.
      “I also took into account the time difference with the English players. I saw some naked players because they were still in bed.”
      Gallagher can be England’s new Lampard
      Conor Gallagher has already been compared to Frank Lampard at club level – but the Chelsea ace is now being tipped to replicate the legendary midfielder for England.
      Jermaine Jenas explained: “He reminds me a lot of Lampard and also he [Gareth Southgate] likes to promote from within.
      “I think he is a game-changer as well Conor Gallagher. He’s the type of player that you bring on and he has an impact on the game.
      “He presses, gets himself in the box and creates chances.”
      Schmeichel backs Southgate’s Sancho snub
      Peter Schmeichel reckons Gareth Southgate was absolutely correct to leave Jadon Sancho out of his World Cup squad.
      Schemeichel said: “I don’t think he’s done enough.
      “I’m a little bit disappointed with the talent that he has, and yes it’s difficult to come to Old Trafford with that price-tag, I understand that.
      “But he’s shown that he can do whatever he did at Borussia Dortmund, he just hasn’t done it enough.”
      Bale in Welsh dream land
      Gareth Bale admits his path to the World Cup with Wales is straight from a Hollywood script.
      The LAFC star said: “There have been a lot of missed opportunities where we could have qualified and never did.
      “To play with your mates as I do, having grown up with them in the youth system in Wales has been a fun time. No matter how life was at our clubs we really enjoy playing together.
      “It’s a Hollywood script that you wouldn’t believe. From where we are now to when we started out, if you’d offered me half of that I’d have bitten your hand off.”
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      Son named in South Korea World Cup squad despite coach not knowing when Tottenham star can train again after eye surgery

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      TOTTENHAM ace Son Heung-min has been named in South Korea’s World Cup squad despite manager Paulo Bento not being sure when he can train again.Son picked up an injury in Spurs’ Champions League clash with Marseille.
      Son has been named in South Korea’s 26-man World Cup squadCredit: AFP
      A collision with ex-Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba left the South Korean idol with a broken orbital bone.
      As a result, Son, 30, had to have eye surgery, which was successful.
      Son will be heading to Qatar to contest the World Cup, where South Korea will play Uruguay, Ghana and Portugal in Group H.
      Their first game will be against Uruguay on November 24.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      However, manager Bento is not sure when Son will return to training.
      He said: “We don’t have that information yet.
      “We are in contact with him, with the Tottenham medical department.
      “We need to wait, we need to analyse day by day his situation.
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      “We have time to decide and the most important is he recovers as well as possible, he feels comfortable and then we will take the final decision.”
      Fellow Premier League star Hwang Hee-chan has also been selected.
      The Wolves striker is another one of South Korea’s star players. More

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      Paige Spiranac strips down to bra to show off USA’s kit ahead of World Cup clash with England before scathing review

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      PAIGE SPIRANAC showed off the USA’s kit ahead of their World Cup showdown with England in Qatar – by stripping down to her bra.The golf beauty, 29, has traded clubs and putting greens for football.
      Spiranac has slammed the USA World Cup shirtCredit: Twitter
      Instead of wearing the jersey, Spiranac wore a tight sports braCredit: Twitter
      Spiranac will be supporting the USA regardless of her thoughts on the jerseyCredit: Instagram / @_paige.renee
      USA kick off their World Cup campaign against Wales on November 21Credit: Instagram / @_paige.renee
      And despite Spiranac undoubtedly supporting the USA on their World Cup journey, she’s not a big fan of the kit.
      Sports bra-wearing Spiranac slammed the mostly white jersey as “quite boring”.
      In a Twitter video, the social media sensation said: “Hi everyone it’s Paige and I have here the World Cup USA kit.
      “A lot of people are very disappointed because they think it’s quite boring.
      READ MORE ON PAIGE SPIRANAC
      “Honestly, I have to agree.
      “They were just like ‘you know what, we are just going to mail it in’.
      “‘We’re just going to make it all white and put USA on the front’. Like, what is this?”
      USA will kick off their World Cup Group B campaign against Wales on November 21.
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      A date with England, who they faced at the South Africa World Cup in 2010, will take place four days later.
      They will then close the group against Iran on November 29, hoping to secure a knockout place.
      A date with England follows Wales, which Spiranac will be keeping an eye onCredit: Instagram / @_paige.renee
      Spiranac has traded golf clubs for football this monthCredit: Instagram / @_paige.renee More

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      Kennedy Alexa displays fine form as she prepares to join England WAGS making World Cup debuts

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      WAG Kennedy Alexa displays fine form as she gets ready to join the England wives and girlfriends making their World Cup debuts.Alexa, 28, will be cheering on partner and Leicester City star James Maddison, 25, in Qatar.
      Alexa Kennedy, 28, will be cheering on partner and Leicester City star James Maddison, 25, in QatarCredit: Instagram
      Aine May Kennedy, 25, will be cheering for Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher, 22,Credit: Instagram
      Conor Coady, on loan at Everton from Wolves, is taking proud wife Amie, also 29Credit: Instagram
      The pair have a 16-month old son, Leo.
      Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher, 22, will be supported by his better half Aine May Kennedy, 25.
      And 29-year-old Conor Coady, on loan at Everton from Wolves, is taking proud wife Amie, also 29. 
      She wrote on Instagram: “So unbelievably proud of you, what an achievement!
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP 2022
      “You have worked your whole life for this moment.
      We can’t wait to watch you live your football dream!
      We will be with you every step of the way.”
      Leicester City star James Maddison is heading to the tournamentCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Chelsea star Conor GallagherCredit: Getty
      Conor Coady is currently on loan at EvertonCredit: Getty
      Most read in Football More

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      England can win World Cup 2022 to end 56 years of hurt and Kane can equal my final hat-trick record says 1966 icon Hurst

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      SIR GEOFF HURST is the only man ever to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.But the England legend told SunSport that his 1966 feat could finally be equalled in Qatar.
      Harry Kane will lead the line for England at the World CupCredit: PA
      Kane was England’s top goalscorer at the 2018 World Cup in RussiaCredit: THE TIMES
      Sir Geoff Hurst believes Kane can fire The Three Lions to glory in QatarCredit: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FOOTBALL CLUB
      And Three Lions skipper Harry Kane is the man who can do it.
      In an exclusive interview, Sir Geoff said: “Harry Kane can score a hat-trick in the World Cup final.
      “It will happen again. If anybody has a chance of doing it, it will be Harry, his goalscoring record is fantastic. I have the utmost confidence in him.”
      Many fans are downbeat about the chances of success for Gareth Southgate’s side, who have not won since March, at the first winter World Cup.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Sir Geoff, though, is excited about the tournament, which starts a week tomorrow.
      And he believes England can go one better than they did last summer, when they lost to Italy in the final at the Euros.
      The 80-year-old former West Ham striker said: “England can win the World Cup again.
      “We have had some disappointing results recently, there has been a little bit of negativity that I do not go along with.
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      “We have got the best bunch of young players.”
      Having listened to fans booing in 1966 after drawing 0-0 with Uruguay in the opening match of that World Cup on home soil — and others calling for him to be dropped for the final, Hurst knows all about proving doubters wrong.
      If England are to win the World Cup they need players with his inner strength.
      Faced with career setbacks and personal tragedies, Sir Geoff has never been the type to let anything keep him down.
      Rather than going into the 1966 group stages upset about not starting, this modest and quietly spoken man was happy to be part of a “brilliant 22”.
      Even after scoring the winner in the quarter-final and creating another in the semi-final he did not expect to play in the final at Wembley because he did not consider himself to be “technically the best” player.
      He said: “To achieve what I achieved, you can’t be the type of character who was down when they didn’t start a tournament, like I did when Jimmy Greaves and Roger Hunt started. Some players could be disillusioned.
      “I was just happy to be there among a brilliant 22. The attitude was so important, that was one of my characteristics. I remember clearly sitting on the bench in the World Cup, not picked for the first game, I was thrilled to bits.”
      In the final against West Germany he netted the “perfect hat-trick”, one with his head, one with his right foot and the other with his left, in the unforgettable 4-2 victory.
      That stoicism helped him find a way through the kind of heartache that would floor many people for good.
      Sir Geoff gets emotional about the loved ones he has lost in a Sky documentary titled Hurst: The First and Only, which airs tomorrow.
      In the past, the father-of-three found it too painful to talk about the death of his eldest daughter Claire from brain cancer in 2010 at the age of 46.
      Sir Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick in England’s World Cup triumph in 1966Credit: GETTY
      Hurst reckons Kane can replicate his feat in Qatar next monthCredit: THE SUN
      Now, though, he opens up about those dark days. He recalls his “beautiful” daughter speaking out loud the words no father wants to hear as he gave her a lift home.
      “It’s a killer, Dad,” she told him a couple of years before the end.
      Claire had kept the deadly condition at bay for over 20 years and the England legend did not want to accept it would ever be fatal.
      Sir Geoff said: “She was 23 when she initially had the problems, it was misdiagnosed for a while.
      “So almost half of her life she was having treatment, operations, dealing with that brain tumour. She coped brilliantly.
      “I don’t think you ever accept it is going to happen, you don’t think so really, right until the end, she was really brave, she was a beautiful girl.
      “Every day I’ve got pictures in the house in prominent positions, I see her every day as I walk out and walk back in.”
      He also broaches the subject of his younger brother Robert’s suicide in 1974 and the loss of so many team-mates.
      Robert was four years younger and he said: “I wasn’t aware there were issues.
      “I can’t say he acted strangely or was difficult at all. It was a complete shock.”
      The 1966 heroes Hunt, midfielder Nobby Stiles and defender Jack Charlton all died during the Covid pandemic.
      Sir Geoff is one of three surviving members of the 1966 team, with right-back George Cohen and midfielder Bobby Charlton, who it was revealed two years ago has dementia.
      Read More on The Sun
      He added: “One of the player’s wives referred to us as family and we were that close and remained so for decades.”
      Hurst: The First and Only will be shown on Sky Documentaries on Sunday. More

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      Conte warns Southgate to be careful with Harry Kane at World Cup 2022 despite starting ‘really tired’ ace in Carabao Cup

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      ANTONIO CONTE told England boss Gareth Southgate: Look after Harry Kane.The Tottenham striker has played more minutes than any other Premier League star this term.
      Harry Kane has played more minutes than any other Premier League player this seasonCredit: Rex
      Spurs chief Antonio Conte is concerned by the amount of minutes Kane has playedCredit: Rex
      The Italian has urged England boss Gareth Southgate to look after the strikerCredit: GETTY
      Boss Conte, who admitted his skipper is “really, really tired”, even started him in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
      The Italian is expected to pick Kane against Leeds on Saturday — but wants Southgate to go easy on him.
      England face Iran in their World Cup opener in nine days and Conte warned: “There’s a big risk. All the players have played a lot.
      “Coaches of national teams have to be very good to manage the situation.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      “When you are a player like Harry that gives everything in every game, it’s very difficult to give him rest, to put him on the bench.
      “After our game against Leeds there are eight days to prepare for the World Cup.
      “Until now, we have managed the situation and, believe me, it was really, really difficult.
      “To play 13 club games in 43 days, mentally you could be a bit tired.”
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      PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
      Marathon man Kane — scorer of 11 Premier League goals — has played 1,845 minutes this season in all competitions for Tottenham.
      Incredibly, that is the most playing time of ALL Prem players of all nationalities this term.
      And players’ union Fifpro warned stars are being “pushed past acceptable limits” by a “saturated” schedule to allow for the winter tournament in Qatar.
      Fifpro general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann said: “There is a lot of concern.
      “You have players who play all the time. This is the number one topic for many players that they see really impacting their careers.”
      Conte added: “Harry is working very well. We are talking about a player with great experience to manage his body.
      “Top players have to be good to manage these situations.
      “You make the difference by managing these situations in the right way.
      “When you’re a top player it’s very difficult for the manager to put them on the bench.
      “You need your top players to play.”
      Kane, 29, was subbed after 59 minutes of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat at Forest.
      But ahead of today’s Prem clash against Leeds, Conte added: “When I watch Harry, I see a player that wants to play every game.
      “This is good. This is important for me because it means he feels well. He feels a lot of energy in his body.
      “Tottenham is now at the top of his thoughts. Until Saturday.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Then for sure, he is the captain of England, the most representative player. His eyes are full of energy.
      “The fans must not be worried for him. Harry is going to play a fantastic World Cup.”
      Harry Kane played 59 minutes in Spur’s Carabao Cup defeat to Nottingham ForestCredit: Rex More

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      Qatar is too hot, too prejudiced, too sober and too restricted for a World Cup.. Fifa has sunk so low

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      THE mistake was, said ex-Fifa president Sepp Blatter with the air of the man who had just found the Mary Celeste, that Qatar was too small for a World Cup.The handsome merchant brigantine — that’s the ship not Blatter — was found drifting minus the whole crew and later sold off only to be deliberately wrecked in an insurance scam.
      Controversy has followed Qatar ever since it was awarded World Cup hosting rightsCredit: AP
      Rather like the supreme committee who elected Qatar. They have also disappeared, one or two of them to prison, most others in hiding tarnished by accusations of bribery, fraud and money laundering.
      They left us all with the biggest sporting event after the Olympics to be held in a desert. Old man Blatter’s confession understates the country’s unsuitability with a schoolboy excuse.
      Too small? It’s also too hot, too prejudiced, too sober, too restricted, too male-orientated, too undemocratic. Readers might wish to add to this list.
      Now some chap who was once a local footballer — and incredulously said that homosexuality is “damage to the mind” — asks us all to be kind to Qatar and leave it in peace to get on with hosting.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      So has Fifa chief Gianni Infantino, who by the way moved to Doha a year ago. They are entitled to their opinion, as are we all.
      Mine is simple. When Qatar launched what was to be its surprisingly successful bid (an obvious choice once the Cayman Islands wasn’t available!) it should have done so in the knowledge that there was going to be a lot of verbal stone-throwing.
      The guilty parties who voted for Russia and Qatar were not only politically blind but geographically stupid.
      The original proposal for summer football in Qatar, despite promises of air-conditioned stadiums, was preposterous.
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      When that sank in, the competition dates were changed to November and December, which capsized domestic leagues across the globe.
      At this point, Fifa should have pulled back and chosen a summer competition in countries where there are already plenty of big stadiums and football is played and watched by millions.
      My suggestion would have been the UK and the Republic or Ireland, where summers are warm rather than devastatingly hot. We have the infrastructure. Grounds would be full, the welcome generous and tolerant.
      I am told we have no chance of a successful bid for decades to come but there are a number of European countries who would have been ideal. 
      But no, promises had been made and money paid so it will be played among Doha’s towers, or in outlying deserts among the oil wells and camels.
      Gareth Southgate leads England to this unique mid-season tournament in the Middle EastCredit: PA
      Qatar is insanely rich and constantly looking for ways to spend its oil money.
      Until the 1960s the Emirates was a British protectorate, now it’s one of the UK’s greatest investors in property.
      It now owns property which spans more than 1.5 times the area of London’s Hyde Park worth £40BILLION, including The Shard, Harrods and part of the London Stock Exchange.
      But even if it repaired the Houses of Parliament and rebuilt Hadrian’s Wall, human rights protesters wouldn’t be silenced. Nor should they be.
      If the media had not reported the deaths of hundreds of stadium workers in Qatar, would anything have been done? We have to doubt it.
      I am sure the Qataris hoped that hosting the World Cup would put them on the world stage.
      It certainly has, which is why you must be careful what you wish for. More